Games - SWAT 4

Game platform: PC
Game genre: First Person Shooter
Rating (Aust): MA15+ - Mature accompanied
Rate the game: 8.5

SWAT 4 is an awesome Tactical Shooter with a difference. You get to control not just yourself, but a whole squad of the guys from Special Weapons And Tactics. You have to navigate quite a number of difficult situations using state-of-the-art equipment. Mirroring doors, radio controlling and up-to-the-minute sniper reports. The AI is fantastic; the best I've seen in any game made before this one. The troops look and act real. The only things that detract from the game are its very loooooooong load times for each level, and the lack of much variety. All of the missions involve walking into a buliding, and subduing all resistance. You get extra points for doing this without just blindly shooting. You can only 100% the game using non-lethal methods, and killing civillians is a sure-fire fail. That said, the game does involve lots of shooting and swearing, and some of the situations the player finds themselves in are, perhaps, themed maturely. If you're not into realistic insanity or psychos who hide bodies in their apartments, this possibly won't suit. It's fairly grity. Still, if you like some tactics with your shoot-em-ups, this is that game for you. Two expansion packs are also avalible.

---- reviewed by Rowan

Games - S.T.A.L.K.E.R

Game Platform: PC
Rating (Aust): MA 15+ (Strong Violence)
Rate the game: 10

This game is a masterpeice. The graphics are brilliant and the story is also well thought out. As a survivor of a massive global neuclear fallout, you must use everything you can to survive. the interaction with the other (computer) characters is brilliant; conversations actually seem natural, and there is decent lip-synching for once. Possibly the greatest First Person Shooter ever. Genre is Survival/Action with elements of horror. Be warned though, it is a 15+ Restricted game, and has the 18+ Rating in the USA. Enjoy!

---- reviewed by Rowan