Sierra brings a tactical-based shooter to the PlayStation Portable in the form of S.W.A.T. Target Liberty, a new game in the S.W.A.T. franchise developed by 3G Studios. The story, penned by script writer Scott Rosenbaum (The Shield), centers around a Special Weapons and Tactics team charged with stopping an escalating number of international terrorist organizations in New York City from detonating a nuclear bomb. To make sure gameplay was authentic, the developers had a S.W.A.T. consultant on hand to make sure the scenarios were as accurate and realistic as possible.

Your team consists of four types of members: intimidation, interrogation, accuracy and our favorite, less-than-lethal. Issuing commands to individuals suited for each task results in better execution. For example, sending an interrogator to talk to an apprehended suspect might yield better results than say, sending in the trigger-happy sniper.

There are also consequences for killing suspects that have already surrendered. Not only do you risk losing information critical to solving the mystery of the nuclear bomb, but the game also docks points for unnecessary use of force. The attempt at realism made us think harder about strategy in the game, even though it'll put a cramp on those who just like to button-mash their way through shooters.

The developers showed a mission where players can infiltrate a hideout and apprehended a few suspects. Roughly half of the level involved shoot-outs between our team and the suspected terrorists; the other half consisted of either interrogating them after the area has been secured, or exploring the building to find more suspects.

Navigating around the complex was straightforward, but commanding team members to do what is wanted (shoot someone or secure them) took while to figure out since the controls are seemingly mapped to different PSP buttons depending on the context.

Graphically, Target Liberty looks unremarkable, aside from the higher-quality cut scenes. In addition, audio clips add to the game's realism.

The multiplayer mode wasn't seen in action; but were told that it features randomly generated maps and AI (artificial intelligence) placement, which gives the game a somewhat higher replay value. The game mixes enemy locations in the single player campaign, though it's not sure if players would want to give the game a second or third go considering a lot of emphasis lies in solving the mystery as part of the game's plot.

S.W.A.T. Target Liberty hits shelves this October. Look for more coverage on this third person tactical shooter in the coming months.

Related Links

S.W.A.T. Target Liberty Game Guide