GameShark: Give us some more intricate details on the various multiplayer modes that will be in the game and how they are different from other tactical action games that are out there now?

Paul: The three modes are Barricaded Suspects, which is your basic Team Deathmatch. What makes SWAT different from other games is that you can arrest opposing players without killing them using the non-lethal weapons. Arrests are tough to pull off, but are worth 5 points instead of the 1 that you get for killing the enemy. Often you need to be working as a fireteam with someone to be successful arresting.

The second mode is called Rapid Deployment. In this mode bombs are spawned around the map. The suspects are trying to prevent SWAT from disabling the bombs. This is an assault style game and SWAT needs to work together in order to dig the suspects out of a tough defensive position.

The last mode is the one in the recent Beta. Its called VIP Escort. In VIP escort the SWAT team is trying to escort the VIP, who is a live player on their team, to the escape point. The suspects must first capture the VIP and then hold him hostage for two minutes. SWAT can rescue the VIP and they can continue to the exit. This mode is really interesting because the tactics shift as the game situation changes. At firs the suspects are assaulting, but they can't kill the VIP so they have to be careful with their fire and use non-lethal means. Once they capture the VIP they shift to a defend strategy, while SWAT becomes the assaulter. At Irrational we really feel that VIP is fresh due to the arresting we have introduced in SWAT4. A great VIP match is truly a joy to play.