Though VIP escort modes are nothing new to the world of multiplayer shooters, SWAT 4's approach actually has several features that should make the mode less frustrating (at least for non-VIPs), as well as open the mode up to swings in momentum between the teams. For instance, though the VIP is chosen at random from the SWAT team, players chosen as the VIP can actually equip guns and defend themselves so they won't go down without a fight. In addition, the VIP cannot be allowed to get killed by a stray bullet. As a result, ham-fisted SWAT members who accidentally kill off the VIP automatically tender victory to the suspects. Likewise, if trigger-happy members of the suspect team prematurely kill off the VIP, they'll lose the game for failure to make good on their hostage demands.

SWAT 4's pacing at this time is very much in line with what you might expect. Compared to run-and-gun shooters, your foot speed is extremely slow by default, and it's not much faster when you're running. Moreover, your foot speed is even that much slower when you're crouching, which is about how you'd expect gun-toting cops and crooks to move in a crowded urban landscape or within a cramped office building where the only other people are also armed to the teeth. The game's interface continues to offer two choices: the "classic" SWAT 3-style interface, which is far more complex but offers more control options, and SWAT 4's more streamlined, context-sensitive interface, which offers clear visual cues when pointing your sights at objects in the world (such as closed doors that will automatically give you the cue to open, breach, or pick the lock).