SWAT: Global Strike Team - PS2

Also known as: Kleaners', 'SWAT Global Strike Team

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Also for: Xbox
Viewed: 3D First-person Genre:
Shoot 'Em Up
Media: CD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Argonaut Soft. Co.: Argonaut
Publishers: Sierra Entertainment (GB)
Vivendi (GB)
Released: 5 Dec 2003 (GB)
Unknown (GB)
Ratings: PEGI 16+, ESRB Mature 17+ (M)
Features: Vibration Function Compatible, Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only
Accessories: Memory Card

Summary

In the early days of the FPS genre, gameplay was largely a single-player experience that featured lone gamers venturing through 3D environments, shooting projectiles at endless streams of monsters. But the genre is quickly evolving in favour of the quad-based adventure in which players usually command a team of law-enforcing good guys with the ability to employ stealth tactics, disarm bombs and even negotiate. And Vivendi’s SWAT: Global Strike Team for PlayStation 2 is one such title.

A long-awaited sequel to the long running SWAT series, Global Strike Team - as you would expect - is a team-based action game in which players assume the role of an elite anti-bad guy team. Set well into the 21st century, SWAT pits players in a broad range of tactical missions that actually discourage all-out shooting in favour of law-enforcement tactics.

Missions entail you and your team-mates completing a variety of tasks that range from arresting terrorists to disarming bombs. But the idea here is to avoid bloodshed as best you can. Sneaking up on unwitting terrorists is always satisfying, but the trick lies in your ability to coerce them into surrendering. With the help of Sony’s headset, players can shout commands at the enemy in the hope of completing a mission peacefully. But there are those who are unwilling to co-operate. Should peaceful tactics fail and your enemy raises his weapon, feel free to put a bullet in his chest. However, most missions come with a set of rules. Shoot your foes without good reason and you’ll be penalised hard.

And that’s just the single-player experience. Armed with a second controller, players can engage in several multi-player games. Your options cover both competitive and co-operative types of play, and although nothing really stands out as original or innovative, it’s simply a classic multi-player gaming experience, and makes SWAT much more appealing.

Global Strike Team compares favourably with most other team-based FPS outings, and will be enjoyed my many - particularly fans of the previous games.