SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle - Elite Edition

The Good
The in game interface is simple yet highly effective, the first 7 number keys each correspond to a separate command which often have numerous sub menus, all of which can be instantly exited to the 'main' menu by pressing tab. Mission set up is fairly simple; the mission background is fairly in depth while you are given a (comparatively simple) choice of entry position (if available) and choice of stealth or dynamic (opposite of stealth) entry, element selection and weapon selection. All the missions have some random factors to them, suspects are often randomly placed and can behave differently each time the mission is replayed. Depending on material, walls and doors can be shot through meaning no more risking an officer to take out that last guy you know is behind that door.

The Bad
The AI of team mates is hopeless, a simple 'breach, bang and clear" usually results in at least two blinded officers and/or one down officer, instead of standing to the side of a door the officer will stand dead in front of it, even once it is open, making them a prime target for anyone on the other side. The officer with the Flashbang will then wander around the door as if checking to see if anyone is inside before throwing the device (which usually bounces off either the first officer or the top of the door frame), instead of bursting into the room the second after the device explodes the officers will usually wait long enough to lose any advantage. You will often get stuck between an officer and a wall, there is no 'get out of my way' button and the 'fall in' button sometimes doesn't gather a physical response. The voice messages can get cluttered up and slow, there will be a long delay between sending a message/command and it actually being voiced, the challenge command, usually along the lines of 'hands up, drop your weapon' have no urgency in them at all, they sound like the SWAT officer has just gotten home and is telling his son to let his little sister watch the tv. One major flaw in the mission setup is the lack of nominating the ammunition loaded(FMJ or JHP) into the firearm at mission start for either your self or your team mates, this leaves you to change once the mission starts.The damage models are a bit strange, shooting a suspect in the hand does not cause them to drop their weapon, shooting them in the leg or knee doesn't make them any more likely to surrender.

The Bottom Line
SWAT 3 is most like Ghost Recon placed indoors, that is Rainbow 6 with relaxed realism. Great fun despite the annoying AI and also highly informative in the 'SWAT History' section. A good stepping stone for Quakers looking to get into tactical shooters or hardcore realists looking for some relaxed fun.