SWAT: Target Liberty

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. 

Player is control of a 3 person SWAT team that is sent to solve dangerous conflicts. Game is viewed from isometric perspective. Locations are contained in a invisible path through buildings and parks. Main objective consist usually couple of different tasks, such as restoring order by subduing a certain number of villains as well as main objective which varies from securing a item/vip/data or a take-down. Game has also multiple side objects such as reporting all the encounters and securing all civilians. Unlockable items can be found as well. The team gains experience from missions and gain new perks. These are applied on  automatically. Weapon and gear can be selected in the beginning of the mission. As well as the two members of the team who have different advantages. Such better sight and gunning skills.

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.