Game News

Chinese Theater Mission Now Available to CQB Owners
October 13, 2000
VIP Detail at Chang's Chinese Theater, one of the new missions included in SWAT 3: Elite Edition, is now available from Gamespot. This is the first of five SWAT 3: Elite Edition missions to be released free via the Internet. Additional missions will be released the week of October 16th.

To play the mission, all owners of SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle must first download the Multiplayer Upgrade for SWAT 3: CQB. This mission is indentical to the version included on the SWAT 3: Elite Edition CD-ROM.

Rod Fung Gives Exclusive Interview
October 3, 2000
The Lead Producer and Developer of Swat 3: Elite Edition gives an exclusive interview to "Stomped" about the upcoming final product.

Elite Edition Weapons Revealed
September 25, 2000
Tactical Games has released 34 screenshots that reveal the new weapons unique to Elite Edition.

SWAT 3 Utility Released
September 25, 2000
The SWAT 3 Mod Manager 1.0 was released yesterday by Jey Kottalam, better known to regular readers of the SWAT 3 forum as Nutz4Linux.

Previews from the Beta Press Builds have been released!
September 25, 2000
After an intense evaluation by Gamespy and SimHq, Swat3 EE has passed with flying colors!

Elite Edition Previewed
September 19, 2000
10-David.com, IGN, and Daily Radar have recently posted in-depth previews of SWAT 3: Elite Edition.

SWAT 3 Elite Edition on MSNBC
September 19, 2000
SWAT 3: Elite Edition will be featured on the MSNBC show "MSNBC Investigates" Tuesday, September 19th at 5 AM, 8 PM and 11 PM ET. The show is a comprehensive, hour-long look at SWAT teams. SWAT 3: Elite Edition has a 4-5 minute segment during the show featuring footage shot on location at Sierra's Washington headquarters.

New Screens on SimHQ
September 14, 2000
SimHQ has posted a heavy helping of screenshots from SWAT 3: EE, including glimpses of the new interface screens.

Beta Screens on Gamespy.com
September 12, 2000
Gamespy offers glimpses of the airfield and chinese theater missions.

Elite Edition Makes TV Debut
September 5, 2000
SWAT 3: Elite Edition will be featured on an upcoming episode of Power Play, a syndicated television program dedicated to the latest video and computer games. The ten minute SWAT 3 segment includes an interview with producer Rod Fung and footage from SWAT 3: Elite Edition. The program will air in North America this month. Please check our broadcast schedule for local times and channels.

Gamecenter Offers Elite Edition Details
August 30, 2000
Jason Ocampo offers an eyewitness account of the new missions and features included in the upcoming SWAT 3 add-on.

SWAT 3: Elite Edition Preview
August 30, 2000
Visit Gamespot for a brief preview and 21 screenshots from Elite Edition.

Voodoo Extreme
August 29, 2000
Chris O'Brien has added six new screenshots taken from an upcoming Elite Edition mission. Award yourself ten points if you can spot the black velvet painting.

SWAT 3: EE Interview on TacSim.com
August 28, 2000
Rod Fung talks to Lee Shu about multiplayer strategy and mod making in SWAT 3: Elite Edition.

New Elite Edition Screens
August 23, 2000
Voodoo Extreme posts 4 screenshots from the upcoming SWAT 3: Elite Edition.

New SWAT 3 Moderator Named
August 17, 2000
Pie4Foo has joined ThomasB as a co-moderator for the official SWAT 3 forum. Some of you may already know Pie4Foo from his SWAT 3 website, 10-David and his frequent forum posts over the past months. Welcome aboard, Foo!

New SWAT 3: EE Screens
August 16, 2000
Gamer's Alliance Strategy has posted new SWAT 3 screenshots and an interview with SWAT 3 producer Rod Fung.

SWAT 3: Elite Edition Screenshots Added
July 28, 2000
Get a glimpse of the LA Metro and City of Angels Hospital, two new missions under construction for the upcoming SWAT 3: Elite Edition.

The Add-on Formerly Known as SWAT 3: Battle Plan
July 19, 2000
A rumor began on the Internet yesterday that Sierra had given up on our SWAT 3 add-on pack. Let it be known, we haven't cancelled the SWAT 3: Battle Plan project! It has simply been renamed SWAT 3: Elite Edition.

SWAT 3 Texture Editor
July 13, 2000
The editors at SWAT 3 Retreat have announced a SWAT 3 texture editor that allows users to change the appearance of SWAT officers in the game. It's a straightforward utility, but lingering bugs remain.

Tactical Games Interviews Rod Fung
June 30, 2000
SWAT 3 Producer Rod Fung talks about multiplayer and the new levels included in the upcoming game expansion.

SWAT 3 in SWAT Documentary
June 29, 2000
A television production crew spent the day with members of the SWAT 3 development team earlier this month as part of a documentary-style SWAT program set to air on MSNBC later this summer. Expect to see video from the game's motion capture shoots, interviews with the development team, and gameplay footage from several new SWAT 3 levels. The program will also contain interviews with real-life tactical team members, including the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team and LAPD SWAT.

TacSim Posts New Shots
June 28, 2000
TacSim has posted four screenshots with glimpses of two new SWAT missions.

Sierra Launches New SWAT 3 Forum
June 14, 2000
Checkout our new SWAT 3 forum, redesigned with new images and folders for in-depth discussions.

SWAT 3 Online Launches Windows Theme
June 14, 2000
Download this user-created theme featuring images and sounds from SWAT 3.

Sierra's SWAT on Usenet
June 14, 2000
Participate in SWAT game discussion via Usenet on the newly created alt.games.sierra.swat newsgroup.

Unofficial Walkthrough Posted
June 8, 2000
The editors at SWAT3.net have posted homegrown walkthroughs for each of SWAT 3's missions.

Viva Police Quest
June 8, 2000
Police Quest Revival, a website dedicated to Sierra's Police Quest series of adventure games, has been redesigned.

Fansite Finds "Doubleshoot" Easter Egg
May 18, 2000
New Easter Egg doubles size of muzzle flash.

New "Unofficial" FAQ
May 15, 2000
Thomas B, moderator of Sierra's SWAT 3 forum, has collected answers to the most popular questions -- including how to install game and camoflage mods for SWAT 3.

SWAT 3 on Gamer's Alliance Strategy
May 4, 2000
Gamer's Alliance posts screenshots and an interview with Rod Fung.

SWAT Battle Plan Levels Revealed on GA Strategy
April 17, 2000
Check out the full story here!

SWAT 3 Multiplayer in PC Accelerator
April 13, 2000
PC Accelerator profiles the upcoming Battle Plan and free multiplayer update in the May 2000 cover story, "The Future of Teamplay."

Der Kommissar
April 13, 2000
German Rapper Tristan to appear in an upcoming SWAT mission?

SWAT 3 Strategy Guide in PC GAMER
April 13, 2000
Pick up the May 2000 for a five-page illustrated SWAT 3 walk-through.

SWAT 3 on PC Fan
April 5, 2000
"Boasting ever so sweet graphics and the best AI I've ever seen, SWAT 3 offers plenty of Scenarios and level settings to keep you happy."
Rating: 9.5/10

Download the proSWAT Mod for SWAT 3
March 30, 2000
This mod features modified AI and weapons, new graphics, new sounds, and customizable uniforms.

The SWAT 3 Team is Hiring
March 30, 2000
We're looking for talented artists, programmers, and others to join our team.

SWAT 3 in Texas Techology
March 29, 2000
"This is the only game I've played in which projectile ballistics are realistic and easily visible."

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Plays SWAT 3
March 13, 2000
Rarely have I played a game with such realistic animation, game play and sound as "SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle"

SWAT 3 Developers Postmortem
March 7, 2000
Lead Programmer Jim Napier looks back on the making of SWAT 3 on Gamasutra

SWAT 3 Strategy Guide on Old Man Murray
March 6, 2000
The old man offers up an equal ratio of hints and bad jokes.

SWAT 3 Update 1.2 Now Available

The SWAT 3 Team is Hiring
February 29, 2000
We're looking for talented artists, programmers, and others to join our team.

New SWAT 3: Battle Plan Screenshots on the Adrenaline Vault
February 28, 2000

SWAT 3: Special Edition on Gamespot
February 28, 2000
"The new missions offer more of the original excitement by the strong team that developed SWAT 3: CQB."

SWAT 3 on Well Rounded Entertainment
February 22, 2000
"The game offers incredibly fluid animation, solid use of colors, rich environments and staggering attention to detail."

SWAT 3 on PC Gamer UK
February 22, 2000
"As action strategy cross-overs go, this is undoubtedly one of the best."
Rating: 91%

SWAT 3 on War Central
February 22, 2000
"SWAT 3 will knock you over senseless with it's amazingly designed 3D models, and then finish you off with superb gameplay."
Rating: 92%

SWAT 3 Battle Plan: News and Screenshots on CNET Gamecenter
February 18, 2000
An exclusive peek at the upcoming SWAT 3 add-on and free multiplayer upgrade.

Jason Ocampo Interviews Rod Fung on Gamecenter
February 18, 2000
SWAT 3 Producer Rod Fung lets the lid off SWAT 3: Battle Plan.

Clan Nexus
February 16, 2000
"The bottom line is that this game looks very real. Combine that with the nerve-racking situations that your team is in and I guarantee an adrenaline rush."
Rating: 84.5/100

Bloodshot.org
February 11, 2000
"Visually SWAT 3 is absolutely stunning with incredible detail given to every aspect."
Rating: 9/10

Digital Web 3D -- Andy Sun
February 10, 2000
"SWAT 3 gave you an atmosphere as real as it can get"

Wargamer -- Chris Abele
February 4, 2000
Award of Excellence

Game Revolution
February 4, 2000

SWAT 3 on Gamelinks
February 3, 2000
"...SWAT 3 is definitely an intense, nerve wracking, finger nail biting game."
Rating: 83%

SWAT 3 on EscMag.com
January 27, 2000
"SWAT 3 is a true tactical masterpiece..."
9 out of 10 ESC Keys

Homeworld Chosen in PCXL Awards
January 26, 2000
Homeworld went home with PC Accelerator magazine's Best Design Award this month, one of several honors given to Sierra Studios titles in the magazine's annual awards competition.

"The most innovative game this year used its 3D perspective to make old 2D style RTS games look a little tired," says PCXL. "Balanced units, endless strategies, and cool graphics made Homeworld a welcome addition to an oft-duplicated genre."
Also honored:

Alex Garden (Homeworld)
All Star Game Conceptualist

Tammy Dargan (SWAT 3)
All-Star Level Designer

Charity James as Grace Nakimura (Gabriel Knight 3)
Best Actress

"Otis" the Security Guard (Half-Life: Opposing Force)
Best Supporting Actor

SWAT 3, "PC GAMER'S EDITOR'S CHOICE"
Jan 20, 2000
SWAT 3 has snagged another thumbs-up review, this time from PC Gamer magazine, who declared the title a "PC Gamer Editor's Choice" in the February 2000 issue."Thanks to some utterly convincing 3D modeled graphics, SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle wiil grab you by your body armor and drag you into the action from your very first assignment."

Prima Strategy Guide on WON.NET
Jan 20, 2000
The SWAT 3 Prima Strategy Guide is now online at WON.net. The online version of this official guide contains hints, tactics, and detailed tactical walkthroughs for each mission.

PC Action Game of the Year Nomination
January 12, 2000
Sierra Studios is pleased to announce that SWAT 3 has been nominated as PC Action Game of the Year by the Editors of Computer Gaming World. While the winner will be decided by a panel of judges, you're free to stop by and state your pick for top game on CGW's Top 40 Poll.

Rod Fung on SWAT 3 Retreat
January 5, 2000
Rod answers questions about multiplayer, tactics, and explains once again why glass doesn't break when you shoot it. Kids, don't test this at home!

SWAT 3 Cheats on Hot Games
January 4, 2000
A few cheat codes to help you through the "tough parts."

Interview on SWAT 3 Retreat
January 6, 2000
Rod Fung talks about gameplay, weapons, and the future add-ons.

SWAT 3 Cheats on Hot Games
January 4, 2000
A few cheat codes to help you through the "tough parts."

Game Guru Review
January 6, 2000
The Guru gives SWAT 3 a 4/5 rating

SWAT 3 Video Interview on All Games Network
January 3, 2000
Video interview with producer Rod Fung

SWAT 3 for WONSwap
January 3, 2000
Download and create custom reticles for SWAT 3

SWAT 3 on Gib World
January 3, 2000
"SWAT 3 is a tense action game with considerably more depth than other games in the tactical genre." 86% Rating

SWAT 3 on Gamer's Alliance Strategy
January 3, 2000
"I was astounded by the graphics and the AI and I believe that Sierra hasmade the best tactical shooter to date." 94% Rating

SWAT 3 on Gone Gold
January 3, 2000
"SWAT 3 delivers."

SWAT 3 on Games First (UGO)
January 3, 2000
"SWAT 3 is a must have for any action/shooter fan." Four Stars

SWAT 3 on Game Forces
December 22, 1999
"SWAT 3 is a great 3D action title." Four of Five Diamonds

Eon Magazine
December 17, 1999
Rating: A "...this game made my year."

SWAT 3 Review on Gamespot
December 15, 1999
"Proving that there's room for innovation even in a crowded genre, SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle enters the squad-level combat arena armed to the teeth with unique features and killer gameplay."

SWAT 3 on CNET Gamecenter
December 14, 1999
"SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle is revolutionary. Although it follows in the footsteps of squad-based tactical games such as Rainbow Six, SWAT 3 has several new twists that make it unlike anything else you've ever played."

SWAT 3 on PC Tech Reports
December 6, 1999
"All in all, this is a very nice game... one of the best Police Quest series."

SWAT 3 on IGN Gaming Age
December 6, 1999
"Different guns shoot different bullets with many different effects. Using these enviromental consistancies are very important in minimizing casualties on all sides."

Adrenaline Vault Names SWAT 3 "Reviewer's Choice"
December 6, 1999
"After playing SWAT 3 you'll never look at computer AI the same again"

SWAT 3 Review on Games Domain
December 2, 1999
"SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle breaks new ground by arguably being the first tactical first-person shooter where teamwork is the prime focus of a single player game and where emphasis is put squarely on real-life situations ahead of movie-style gunplay."

Sierra proves that being the good guys doesn't have to be boring.
November 30, 1999
"From now on, this will be the game by which all other realistic shooters are judged when it comes to ballistics. "

SWAT 3 on Extreme 3D
November 29, 1999
"One thing I noticed that was pretty impressive is that the characters blink; just another small addition to their impressive gameplay."

SWAT 3 Week at Tactical Planet
November 29, 1999
Gamespy's Tactical Planet turned their attention to SWAT 3 Thanksgiving week, adding SWAT 3 screenshots, a contest, and exclusive interviews to their site. The contest ended this Monday, but the interviews with SWAT 3 producer Rod Fung and the his crack programmers remain front-and-center.

SWAT 3 on Daily Radar
November 24, 1999
"A simulation of police tactics that includes everything but the donuts. SWAT 3 shows a lot of pretenders just what squad-level realism shooters are capable of."

This is SWAT 3
November 22, 1999
CNN.com's review of SWAT 3 praises the game's graphics, sound, and focus on the preservation of life. "This unique emphasis not only makes "SWAT 3" a model for exciting gaming, but shows that you don't need rampant destruction or gore-on-tap in order to make a quality first-person title."

SWAT 3 in Europe
November 22, 1999
Local-language versions of SWAT 3 will begin arriving in Europe beginning next week. Availability dates are subject to change and will vary slightly by region:

German - December 6
French - November 29
Italian - December 7
Spanish - November 29

8 New Screenshots Added!
November 19, 1999

SWAT 3 Ships
November 17, 1999
SWAT 3 went gold Wednesday, November 10th with a rush of late-night cheers from the development team. The gold-master CD-ROMs, containing the entirety of the finished game's data, were immediately sent out via courier to Sierra's Southern California replication facility.

Gamers in North America can expect to see copies of the game on the shelf as early as Friday, November 19th. Worldwide distribution will follow shortly. Please contact your local software retailer for availability or secure your copy online at the Sierra Store.

8 More New Screens
November 4, 1999

Exclusive Screenshots at Adrenaline Vault
November 4, 1999
Adrenaline Vault posted 8 new screenshots at 1024x768 resolution this week to complement their August SWAT 3 preview.

SWAT 3 on IGN PC
November 2, 1999
Interview with Producer Rod Fung and some exclusive screens.