SWAT 3 was really different and creative it its day as it had a few design elements that were really nice extensions of SWAT 2 (such as stealth and dynamic entry modes) which were translated well into a new medium (FPS). The fact that AI could interpret this was and act accordingly was also pretty impressive (especially at that time). Add to the mix different level and map randomization and events would turn out different. Overall i liked it, and it was lightyears beyond Rainbow Six titles at the time, but I can only imagine how hard that one would be to play for most people. Many of it's chief strengths were technical innovations that will not have aged well and a lot of the gameplay, while managable is a bit cumbersome for a shooter, and not that 'smooth.'

I haven't played anything like it or seen things like it. ArmA and larger scale games doet look like or have the same kind of approach or feel. R6 Vegas and most popular stuff in clancy is heavily streamlined now. Majority clearly like a fast paced game than something that is slow and almost feels like a dungeon crawl clearing. :) The only thing that had bits of it was Flashpoint 2 Dragon Rising, which doesnt quite capture what SWAT 3 did. (an air of mystery and unexpected events and suprise in levels, and CQB)