The Stetchkov Syndicate delivers what was outstanding with the original SWAT 4 and improves it even more.
SWAT 4: The Stetchkov Syndicate is no different than it's predecessor. Once again, you are thrown into another batch of situations, but this time, you are en route to take out the Stetchkov crime family. They may seem like a daunting bunch, but if you know your tactical skills and pertinently use them, it should be a simple task to handle the Stetchkov's and everything that surrounds them.
If you have played the original SWAT 4, you should have no problem mastering the controls once more. On top of that, you are greeted to more weapons that you can use to your advantage. Some of those weapons include the Fabrique Nationale P90 (otherwise known as the FN P90), M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (known as M249 SAW), and a simple, yet powerful grenade launcher. Other nifty tools that you have are night vision goggles and an option to disable your armor, which in turn allows for faster movement than you would by having it on. One of the more useful and new additions is the ability to punch someone. While this might sound amusing, it is rather significant in the case that someone disobeys your order that you arrest them. It's a non-lethal way to get the job done, and a great addition, too.
The single player campaign offers seven brand new missions at hand, but the campaign itself is relatively short. The campaign will roughly take 7 to 10 hours to complete. The single player campaign does not supply much upon completion, except the satisfaction of defeating the game. However, the game does supply different levels of difficulty, possibly allowing for a challenge of your tactical skills.
As stated earlier, SWAT 4: The Stetchkov Syndicate is basically the same as the original version when it comes to handling and administering the missions. Like in real life, the SWAT does not fire upon suspects unless it's absolutely necessary. In the game, it's no different. Each mission starts with an overview and briefing of the particular mission, as well as sighting details about the hostages and/or suspects. Typically, the mission's objectives are to arrest the suspects unless they fire back, then in which you are pretty much forced to kill them, and rescue the hostages within the facility.
If you arrest all available suspects, rescue the hostages, and do other objectives the way you are supposed to, you will receive a perfect score. On higher difficulties, this proves to be a challenge, because you must complete the objectives under very strict rules, which is then shifted into points. Each difficulty has a set amount of points you must surpass to complete the mission. Points are deducted if you injure a hostage , and the mission automatically ends if you kill a hostage. Again, if you like a challenge, SWAT 4 provides that for you.
The A.I. of the enemies and your teammates have been enhanced, and somewhat more noticeable if you've played the original SWAT 4. Some enemies try to resist arrest, and that makes your stun gun a bit more valuable than before. Also, enemies tend to flee to different rooms to avoid being captured or sometimes to try to ambush you. Your teammates follow your commands well enough for their intelligence to be decent. The A.I. is just as smart and parlous as you have to be when playing the game.
SWAT 4: The Stetchkov Syndicate has a much more realistic atmosphere than it's predecessor. Gas from the CS gas grenade is beautifully well-done, and other effects like being a victim of a flashbang have their strengths as well. Gun models are well-crafted and look as realistic as their real life counter-parts. On the negative side, the load times are horrendous. The load times in between each mission are annoying because of their length. Most load times will take over 30 seconds, no matter how powerful your machine is. Clipping issues are abundant, but the only time you would acknowledge this problem would be gun clippings through the door or a thick wall. Other than that, it's about as realistic as you can get.
The music and sound for The Stetchkov Syndicate is about as crystal clear as they come. Original SWAT 4 players will be disappointed that there is no 911 call recordings in this game, which I thought brought the original game a more realistic feel than it already had. Voicing during mission briefings is well done, but at rare times I have noticed a couple of skips. No problem with weapon sounds, as they sound just like they sounded in the original game. Also, on the topic of sound, is the new and very useful feature of VOIP (Voice Over IP). You can use VOIP in online multiplayer by using a microphone. All you have to do is press the button you assigned the feature with to enable, and then say whatever you please. With that said, there are no problems with the VIOP capabilities.
Despite the short single-player campaign mode, SWAT 4: The Stetchkov Syndicate immediately makes up for it with it's dazzling multiplayer. Smash and Grab is one of the newer multiplayer modes, which involves the SWAT protecting a suitcase while the suspects try everything they can to take it. Barricaded Suspects is similar to deathmatch in most other games, where you receive points by either arresting or killing the opposing team. Rapid Deployment requires the SWAT to disable several bombs placed on the map within the time limit, while the suspects try to defend these spots. All of the multiplayer modes available offer plenty of hours of fun, especially when you're playing with people around your experience level.
What's even more fun is co-op mode. Up to ten players can join in on the fun, which thereafter they are broken down into two teams of five. The A.I. in The Stretchkov Syndicate is real good, but even the A.I. cannot match against real human players. Personally, you can just breeze through multiplayer co-op with experienced players, but for some odd reason, it's quite fun.
With an enhanced single-player, captivating multiplayer, and a muckle amount of content, SWAT 4: The Stetchkov Syndicate delivers what was outstanding with the original SWAT 4 and improves it even more. Some trouble spots with The Stetchkov Syndicate include a truncated single-player and lengthy load times. However, that is quickly thrown out the window when you become introduced to it's multiplayer. The Stetchkov Syndicate's multiplayer will pull you in and won't let go for some time. If you enjoyed the original SWAT 4, you are coerced to buy the expansion pack - and that's a good thing. If you want to experience the world of SWAT, there is no other choice but to pick up SWAT 4 and SWAT 4: The Stetchkov Syndicate.