π’ FBI! OPEN UP! π’
Wait! Wrong meme. π
Today we are going back to the roots of this series to explore a niche title most of you probably know nothing about. π I love highlighting gems that I have played in the past, and this one is such a gem that I feel like I have to download today and revisit those very pleasant memories.
I have always been a fan of tactical shooters, and only recently did I realize that that love for the said genre has only come about because of my experience with SWAT 4 as a youngin. So let's explore what made this title stand out in my memory like a glint in the rubble. // I'm a writer btw
ThereforeβοΈ In this edition of Through the Lens π, we'll be taking a look at Irrational Games's tactical shooter masterpiece from 2005: SWAT 4 Roll it! π½
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π· UP TOP πΆ
As always, I implore you to check out the soundtrack while reading. This time around, it's your typical military/black-ops type of feel. With sounds you are bound to recognize if you've played any game with a gun in the past twenty years. π
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywyRAJPlm0s&list=PLAD9E5C6064334973
I played SWAT 4 when it was released. And as a young 12, 13 year old it blew my underdeveloped mind straight to the moon. It was the first time I played a tactical shooter, and at the time I thought I knew what a tactical shooter was because I played Counter-Strike 1.6. Booooyyyyy, was I wrong. π
Let's explore what made this game so special and why it has remained in the hearts and minds of the gamers that tried it back in the day. Lord knows we aren't getting a second iteration, like, ever. π°
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π· TACTICAL πΆ
First of all the mechanics of this title is what sets it apart from other shooters. The shooting itself is nothing to write home about, it's pretty dated for one thing. For another, there are no iron sights, which for a tactical shooter is crazy!
In SWAT 4 you are a part of a S.W.A.T unit designated to storm buildings in order to save hostages. The main goal of the game is for you to finish your missions with as few casualties as humanly possible. Wait, as few casualties? I thought this was a shooter. It was, and that's where the tactical aspect comes in.
The game is methodical and intentional. You have to be careful with every shot and every step you take. The tension in this title is palpable. I can't remember how many times I shot an NPC/hostage by mistake. It was a lot. And the fact that SWAT 4 can create such tension in their players is why it is such a success.
For one thing, you have the lean function. At the time this was something I'd never experienced. And being able to view around corners was super cool to me. Come to find out that leaning is a staple in any tactical shooter. So yes, this game has leaning, we good. π
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π· CLUNKINESS πΆ
There are a bunch of elements that make the game show its years, but not even that, rushed development has been in games forever regardless of release year. So yes, this game is a bit rough around the edges, but nothing that's game-breaking or deal-breaking. π
For instance, sometimes the AI has a mind of its own (I know that's the point of artificial intelligence, but not when they don't follow the scriptures of the game!) especially when it kills itself for instance. You have no idea how frustrating it is to try and save this millionaire only for them to run into enemy gunfire for no reason whatsoever. Good times...yes... heheh.........
This occurrence wasn't so common that it would destroy your experienced. But it still happened often enough to mention it. It is expected, and it is understandable. AI is not easy to code, especially when you have as many edge cases as this game has. π―
Another clunky aspect of the game was the animations and ragdoll bugs that would take you out of the experience from time to time. Again, nothing major, but it still ruined my immersion! And you know how we feel about immersion over here. π This game is a lot about being in the moment and being sneaky and tactical. It's not a big deal, but sometimes when an NPC is flying your way with arms whaling you just can't help but chuckle.
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π· LEGACY πΆ
SWAT 4 had to walk so games like Rainbow Six: Sige can run.
Without SWAT the modern tactical shooters wouldn't be where they are in the slightest. And for many, this is still the best tactical shooter ever made. And I understand why. They played it when they were still developing their taste, and it was a fundamental block in creating said taste.
I am the same, I def look at this game through rose-tinted glasses, but sow what? It's with good reason we look at things in our past fondly. They must've done something right. And doing the little research I did for this article I saw that the love this game has online is well deserved. πππ
And yes, if you haven't played SWAT 4, then it is a good experience even today. And I can't say that for many twenty-year-old games.
Thank you for reading, you rock! (and maybe roll) πππ
Shout-out to the πPIZZAπ gang, π€ gang. π€
This one was so fun to write! I always love going back on memory lane, and this tile just brought up so many loving memories. I hope you give it a try. You can find it on GOG for cheap, and it is good for several days of tension-filled, anxiety-inducing, fun. The best type of fun!
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Have everyone is having a great week so far! π
Return from SWAT 4 π½ Through the Lens to ΠΠΎΡΠΊΠΎ's Web3 Blog
