SWAT 4

"The SWAT series is gathering momentum"

Introduction:
The SWAT series has always taken a pretty realistic approach of strategy in development and the product has always been a game that took careful, precise decisions that seperated the tactical from the careless. This strategical type of gameplay turned some away while others were intrigued by it. When SWAT 4 was released, it mixed a perfect blend of strategy and action. In my opinion, the best game out of the SWAT series so far that rivals other tactical shooters such as Rainbow 6 and America's Army.

Gameplay:
The game is a first person shooter but you issue commands to your fellow officers. The missions begin with a briefing with a crap load of information about everything. Most of which is unimportant to the actual mission but its a game afterall and there is a story behind it all so you might as well read it... or listen to it because it is read to you. Pick your weapons, armor, and anything else you might need. That includes door chargers (you can blow the door open.. very awesome) and gas masks just to name a few. Then check out the map and know what you are up against because it might cost you your life. As you enter the mission be careful because the game is realistic. A single shot can take you down and you never know what your suspects might be up to. Yes, I said suspects because you are the cops, remember? However, don't go in shooting like Rambo. The weapons are realistic and you must slowly pace yourself somewhat gracefully through the level. Steady aim is important and your aim is greatly effected by the way you move. You are a cop so you must act like one. You must first warn the suspect to drop the gun. Sometimes they comply and then you can cuff him. Sometimes they don't and thats when you get to take him out. Killing isn't always the best thing to do too. Sometimes nonlethal methods of taking down the enemy can be taken. Flashbangs, tasers, tear gas, shotguns with nonlethal bullets, etc. Remember, you CAN kill them, but you are suppose to save as many lives as possible. You have an arsenal of actual weapons that you can choose from. Every mission is random and the methods you take to complete them are up to you. As long as you do your duty as a cop and save the good guys and take down the bad guys, you did a job well done. Be careful though, the missions are somewhat unpredictable and you must be very careful.

Story:
The story is somewhat twisted and shocking. Not what you expect out of a game that is called SWAT. The missions are very dark and sometimes creepy. They keep you on the edge of your seat and wonder if there is really crazy people like this out there.

Sound:
The sounds are really good. The music is cued very nicely and can really put you on the edge. The sounds are realistic and there is constant chatter of commands such as "Suspect spotted.. put the gun down.. oh no its the cops... put the gun down.. talk, suspect neutralized.. room cleared." The weapons sound realistic and same with the gernades and flashbangs. I have never been flashbanged in my life, but I'm sure that this game captures the essense of a flashbang quite nicely (Yes, I flashbanged myself.. who hasn't?). The voices, sound effects, and music come together quite nicely. I was very impressed by the quality.

Graphics:
The graphics look very good. Everything looks real nice from the environment, to your weapon, to your fellow officers, to the bad guys. Ambient effects such as lighting and weather look good as well. The realistic graphics make the realistic gameplay so much more involving. You can feel the tension between you and a guy with a gun. You have your crosshairs over his torso (not a headshot.. two shots in the chest and one in the head) just in case he tries something tricky. Will he drop it or will he try to shoot. Sometimes they run too. Whatever it is, you feel completely absorbed into the situation thanks to the graphics.

Flaws:
I didn't notice too many flaws with the game. If I had to name one it would be the insanely difficult missions where the enemies are extremely hostile. This would be no problem if you could just go in and blow them all away... but you can't. You are a cop so you must yell and try to get them to comply to your orders. In some missions they will shoot on site so lethal force must be taken. Of course, you will be penaltalized for your actions, but honestly I see no other way around it.

Replayability:
The multiplayer is fun as well as the single player. However, once you flawlessly play through the campaign I doubt you will choose to go through again. Unless you decide to blow through the campaign on easy, you might try again with a higher difficulty. Multiplayer is neat and cooperative mode is a blast with your friends.

Conclusion:
If you are a fan of realistic shooters this game is definitely for you. Rainbow 6 lovers will especially love this game because it is very similar but instead of being a militaristic force you are a cop that needs to be more just. This game was a lot of fun and I'm sure you will enjoy it as well.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/10/05, Updated 05/10/05