SWAT 4

Posted 07/08/2005 at 7:53am | by

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Though the first three SWAT games were squad-based and heavily strategic, a la Rainbow 6, this fourth installment is more Hollywood action movie than sim. Despite the change in tack, the game remains focused on learning and applying authentic SWAT tactics while participating in hair-raising real-world SWAT scenarios.

The game’s 14 independent missions require you to lead your squad through dripping-with-sweat situations ranging from hostage crisises to diamond heists to underground casino busts. With every enemy confrontation, you have to report your progress via radio and neutralize all hostiles and civilians you encounter, per SWAT protocol. Points are awarded based on how well you follow procedure; as you accumulate points, you progress through the game.

Your AI-powered teammates can be both excellent and frustrating. They’re very efficient and follow orders to breach doors and clear rooms with speed and surety. Pathfinding isn’t their bag, though; they bump into each other frequently. Nobody likes being jostled by a co-worker, especially when holding a primed grenade. Inconsistent dialog ruins the experience, too. One moment you’ll hear a teammate say, “Now the fun begins,” before throwing a sting grenade into a room, and then 15 seconds later he’ll be bitching about his chosen profession.

The difficulty level of the missions ratchets up as you progress in the campaign. Early on, you’ll just be busting down doors in narrow hallways. Eventually you’ll graduate to missions in wide-open spaces and increasingly complex buildings. Late in the game, effective use of radio control over your other squads and snipers becomes crucial.
Random enemy placement and robust multiplayer modes add lots of replay value to SWAT 4. Co-op kicks ass, but the bomb defusal mode is our personal favorite. Coordinating rushes with an online buddy or three requires teamwork and patience. Intense gameplay and sophisticated design make this game a worthy choice for FPS and tactical fanatics alike.
—Norman Chan

LL COOL J: Intense action, addictive multiplayer modes, and tasers.

COLIN FARRELL: Some buggy AI, and visuals haven't improved much since SWAT 3.

Month Reviewed: August 2005
Verdict: 9
URL: www.swat4.com ESRB RATING: M