SWAT3Æs messaging menu provides the player the means by which to communicate with teammates, the Command Post, civilians, hostages and suspects. The messaging menu is built on a three level, branching tree structure with messages accessed by number keys. Beyond the root directory level, message options change according to the tactical mode of play: stealth or dynamic.
The root directory allows the player to begin a command message, report mission status, alert team members of a compromise and issue compliance.
Command messages can be directed at the entire team [ELEMENT], or at the individual two-man teams [RED & BLUE]. Press the corresponding number [1-3], located to the left of the team name, to designate the command recipient. Designating a command recipient expands the message menu by one level.
SWAT is a life saving organization. The ultimate goal of every mission is to defuse any given situation with the least amount of force and evacuate all persons to safety. As an element leader the player is responsible for the coordination of this process. Reporting officer, civilian, hostage and suspect status to the Command Post keeps the Brass abreast of your tactical situation and allows them to provide evacuation support. Pressing the number [4] key from the root directory begins a report message and expands the message menu by one level. The expanded menu allows the player to report the status of an individual character or report that the mission is complete. To access the various character status options the game cursor must be pointed at that individual. When the game cursor is pointed at a in-game character the extended menu options highlight. Choosing the corresponding number to a status option results in the player to reporting a character's status, or requesting evacuation [1 - 4]. Reporting that the mission is complete does not require special placement of the game cursor. Once the corresponding number [5] for "mission complete" is pressed the Command Post verifies the message and calls the team back to the Command Post.
1: Down - Reports highlighted individual as wounded .
2: Evacuate - Requests evacuation of individual highlighted by cursor.
3: Neutralized - Reports highlighted individual as dead.
4: Contact - Reports contact has been made with individual highlighted by cursor.
5: Mission Complete
Pressing the [5] key from the root directory results in the
player notifying his teammates that an area is clear of threat. The player can
follow-up this announcement by dropping a lightstick at the entrance to the
cleared area. Once an area is
pronounced clear of threat the playerÆs team will behave as though the area is
a safe zone. Consequently, it is imperative that the area be cleared of threat,
otherwise the player is jeopardizing his teamÆs safety.
Pressing the [6] key from the root directory results in the player notifying his teammates that their situation has been compromised. If the game was in stealth mode this notification causes the game to switch to dynamic mode. A compromised situation is one in where a suspect is unexpectedly encountered.
Compliance is the use of verbal commands to subdue non-threatening individuals, and are issued in non life-threatening situations. Non life-threatening situations are defined as those in which officers, or other innocents, are not in immediate danger of dying. A non life-threatening situation refers to encounters with unarmed civilians and hostages, or armed suspects who are not pointing their weapon at an innocent. General compliance commands are issued when the game cursor is not pointing at a specific individual and the player presses the [7] key from the root directory. To issue compliance to a specific individual point the game cursor at the individual and press the [7] key from the root directory.