L.A. SWAT

Reviewed by Paul Rixon

 

Issue 31

Jan/Feb 88

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Mastertronic

Cassette £1.99

1 player

1 joystick

A terrorist gang has taken over the West side of Los Angeles and it's up to you, as Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team leader, to defeat the baddies and rescue the hostages.

First of all it's a vertically scrolling trek (Gunlaw style) through downtown L.A. where you may just notice the odd yobbo hurling a grenade in your direction. Sidestep these, but watch out for snipers taking pot-shots as you pass, and don't get too near to a terrorist – a close encounter can be an extremely painful experience! Your machine gun is going to get a lot of use on this mission, but you must be careful not to blow away any innocent civilians.

Eventually you'll make it to a crossroads where a quick reaction time will prove to be a useful asset, as the baddies mount a final desperate attack. After a while a captor will appear clutching the hostage, and you've got to blast him away from the scene without harming the victim. Then it's on to the next level where the gang have now recruited new members, ensuring plenty more action to keep you occupied. The blurb mentions something about appearing on Network Television, but whether this is an actual feature of the game remains to be seen.

L. A. SWAT may not be in the best possible taste but it's a reasonable, uncomplicated commando shoot 'em up with moderate graphics, adequate sound and a mild addictive quality. It's bound to do well at the price.

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