To use an old cliché, video games are a lot like buses. In this instance, you wait for ages for an involving FPS with voice-activated commands to come along, then two arrive at once. And while the release of Rainbow Six 3 was accompanied by a flashbang of hype and anticipation, SWAT used stealthy tactics to slip relatively unnoticed into our office.

TAC3 (Commander Kincaid, sharpshooter Lt Lee and Tech expert Lt Jackson) are an elite unit of the LA SWAT division, and are leased out to resolve global terrorist situations. Take in various locations around the world, such as Russian Power Facilities, LA banks and London Tube stations as you strive to thwart the exploits of the Dragon and Omega gangs - an international drug cartel and all-round bad guys to boot.

There's no 'I' in 'team' - you'll need to use each member effectively to accomplish tasks throughout all 21 missions. Issue a wide range of orders via the D-pad or, impressively, the Voice Communicator, including "Breach door", "Secure area", "Diffuse bomb" and "Use control panel".

While not quite pot-smoking hippies, these peace-loving guys prefer to use non-lethal force to neutralise enemy threats. Missions are graded on several performance criteria, including melee attacks, peaceful restraints and hostages rescued. The better the rating, the more upgrade points you'll earn, enabling you to customise your weapons, resulting in some ferocious firepower. And so begins a novel spin on an otherwise run of the mill shoot-'em-up, where rather than blasting through the entire level, it's in your best interest to take your time and subdue opponents rather than kill them. Wounded enemies can be cuffed and restrained, while others will surrender when they feel threatened, or are ordered to.

Rules of engagement state that you may only fire when fired upon, and any use of unnecessary force will significantly harm your performance rating. This greatly increases replay value, as you'll want to get every medal in every mission.

Add a Time Attack mode, two-player co-op and four-player Deathmatch modes, and SWAT proves a reasonably well-rounded shooter. Reasonably, because the inclusion of Xbox Live play would have taken this title from good to great. Downloadable maps and uploadable scores are offered, and are some consolation. It's a pity that players can't jump between squad members during levels, and can only use them at certain points predetermined by the game.

There are always going to be comparisons between this title and Rainbow Six 3, and unfortunately for the former, the Rainbow boys swat this clean out of the air.

Power
Smooth animation and real-time lighting make this a real looker. Long loading times, though.

Style
Realistic graphics mixed with arcade action. Pity about the terrible voice-overs.

Immersion
The first missions ease you in gently, but you'll want to collect every accolade.

Lifespan
Twenty-one missions, all with a good deal of replayability, will keep you going for a while.

Overall An accomplished FPS, but the tough competition this month weakens the impact and innovation.

1. Tactical element mixed with FPS
2. Issue orders with a Live communicator
3. Looks great!

1. Can't choose which team member to play
2. No Xbox Live play