Supposed to be tactics involved
While doing a recent cleanup this exclusive found it's way to my PSP. Was easy decision since got really fond memories of SWAT 3 and of course Sierra who was the publisher.
SWAT is a tactical shooter. A genre which sadly is absent from today's shooters. Of course one can use tactics on any today's Halo or COD but not in same depth as in the early Rainbow Six or SWAT games. This PSP game is from 2006 and sadly the last game in the series. What makes this information even worse is the fact this is not really so tactical game.
Story follows a Kurt Wolfe who is seasoned SWAT officer leading a 3 man team. Plot starts lightly on resolving a conflict between two Korean gangs. This soon escalates to a internal terrorist thriller. Could be from Mr. Clancy's book even. Between levels the incidents are report on a fake news broadcast. This and the short cut-scenes in game look good mostly look good. Strangely in the cut-scenes between mission there are face animations. Guys are talking but their mouths are not moving.
Biggest problem with the game is no doubt the camera controls. Or lack of. This totally kills the "strategic" approach the games in SWAT franchise are known for. Camera is fixed to a isometric view and even though it pans the action when entering corners and so on. There might be even multiple enemies in the same room which you would not see. A map will display the room layouts but sadly no radar to point the bad dudes exist. Only tactical occurrence can be chosen is the weapon selection and the approach chosen for entering rooms. There is a cover mechanism as well but this hardly any of use since lack of camera control.
This is really shame because the game looks good and the story is not too bad. Locations are relatively large and the environment looks good. Buildings and the rooms have good level of detail. Got a slight The Sims vibe from all the unique furniture and items lying about. Can not comment too much on the audio. Music was awful and got turned off straight away. Voice acting was decent.
Enjoyable and nicely presented game. Not really a tactic title but still pretty decent arcade shooter.