SWAT 4: Gold Edition

Swat 4 would get a 3 star from me for the amount of bugs and AI problems compared to its predecessor, swat 3. However, the Elite Force mod fixing much of this, and activates a lot of deleted content that didn't make it into the final game, as well as a lot of polish. For that reason, it gets 5 stars as long as you install the SWAT: Elite Force Mod! (compatible with gog version of S4)

Long story short: Graphics- not the top of the line but still hold up to its purpose in the present day. Sound:-Top notch, just perfect. Controls- There´s still rough edges but does the job perfectly when you get used to them. A.I- Sometimes perfect, sometimes anoying. Multiplayer- Lots of fun, they're still around but unforgiving for newcomers, so get your dex up to speed. Replayability- The same levels can make diferent runs and theres multiplayer. Dificulty- Elite brings the challenge. Overall- Are you still reading this?? Buy this game and go have a blast alone or/and multiplayer. Could use some official and serious patching but once you start playing you'll overlook its flaws because its qualities surpass. Best tactical shooter since it came out and it seems it will be king of this hill for a long time.

It's a little like R6: Seige meets Door Kickers, with hints of Vegas 1/2, and a splash of the original Rainbow Six (PC - 1998). It's also one of the first games that I enjoyed for 100's of hours trying my best throughout the entire campaign not killing the suspects! Sad to say that R6: Seige (and similar games), although decent, just don't seem to fill the same hole as SWAT4, and the gaming industry has had 15 years to provide an equal and still nothing!

Most of the other reviews have covered all the upsides so I'll just get to the point. Now to the things that have plagued me; this could just be a result of my computer (far exceeds minimum requirements) but just something to keep an eye out. However, my friend says he never has these issues and I've watched other videos of the game working just fine. For the record, I am running a quad core I7 with 8gb of RAM on a 960M on Windows 10. I've a hunch it's windows 10, but compatibility mode doesn't help. First off, my game "freezes" for a split second when loading enemy dialogue or when they detect me or spawn. If my game freezes as I approach the corner to a door and I get a hitchup, I know there's usually an enemy or at least a civilian. Telling them to stand down does it as well against enemies. Shooting is no better. You know that red flash of damage on your screen when you get hit? Yeah, I never get that. When I'm exchanging fire with an enemy, the very moment I click to fire, I freeze up. If the enemy is looking at me and firing at the same time, I'll more often than not be dead after that half a second freeze. It is one of the most infuriating things I have ever experienced. One time, I was shooting an enemy from behind and I was quite literally lagging down to 15FPS as I was shooting him. It was god-awful. Second, there is no lag compensation when playing with friends in multiplayer. If your ping is over 50, you have an objective disadvantage as enemies tend to react faster. They prioritize enemy doing damage to you over their animations, so'll have whatever your ping value detracted from the time you have to react to their telegraphing. The game is still excellent. I have not yet found a solution, nor a cause to this. I noted that when starting up the expansion for the first time (compared to the base game), the game ran as smooth as butter. The more I played, the same issues started coming up until they were like the base.

Firstly, this game is a great experience. It really thrusts you into the SWAT atmosphere, embarking on dangerous missions to rescue civilians and pacify threats to the populace. Levels feature randomised AI spawns and behaviours, so if you fail a mission and restart, it'll still be a different experience. There is a lot of replay value because of this. In certain missions you're able to review the map in advance and choose a point of entry, further adding to replay value, as you're able to experience the same scenario from another angle. Graphically, the game still stands up, with good texture usage and modelling. Audibly, the use of 911 calls and SWAT radio chatter in briefings adds an air of authenticity. Gun sounds aren't anything to write home about but portray the weapons used decently enough. Where single-player becomes infuriating is in regards to squad AI. If you play on Hard difficulty you need a score of 75+, Elite, 95+. Prep a squad as much as you want, you are likely to lose a squad member in 90% of your encounters. Why? Well, you're often given two squads, Red and Blue, and can order both grouped as Gold. Having four AI team members results in door blocking, some squad members preventing others from completing their action until they all shift around, and what should be opening a door to flash, gas or sting an enemy, results in said team member poking half their body out and getting shot. There goes your attempt at beating the level. They also get stuck running into each other, if you order them to investigate a door, then move to the next location, and take around 10 seconds to shake out of it. 10 seconds where they can be shot. You'll find it's much more reliable to use your cronies to scout with mirrors under doors, then to Fall In and stay the hell out of the way to protect your score, because they're only competent at being a threatening presence when you bust through doors yourself. Grab that pepper spray, grenades, and lead it.