The Bureau: XCOM Declassified vs SWAT 4
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Set in an alternate 1960s, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified puts you in command of an elite team fighting a covert alien threat. Blend of third‑person shooting and strategic squad management delivers a tense, cinematic experience.
SWAT 4 puts you in command of a highly trained police unit, demanding careful planning and precise execution. Every mission challenges you to balance force with restraint, using a variety of tools and tactics to neutralize threats. The game blends first‑person shooting with strategic decision‑making, offering both intense single‑player scenarios and cooperative multiplayer modes that reward teamwork and communication.
- Deep tactical squad control
- Atmospheric 1960s setting
- Varied alien enemy designs
- Solid single‑player narrative
- Deep tactical command system
- Highly realistic police equipment and procedures
- Strong cooperative multiplayer experience
- Extensive mod and mission‑creation tools
- Occasional AI glitches
- Limited multiplayer options
- Uneven difficulty spikes
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited to PC platform only
- Steep learning curve for new players
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSWAT 4 is the safer default choice, offering a higher critic score (85 vs 69) at half the price of The Bureau. The main trade-off is SWAT 4's PC-exclusive, realistic police tactics versus The Bureau's multi-platform, 1960s sci-fi alien setting.
Key differences
- •SWAT 4 costs $29.99 while The Bureau costs $59.99.
- •SWAT 4 supports up to 8 players in co-op multiplayer, whereas The Bureau's multiplayer options are limited and its specifications list only single player.
- •SWAT 4 is exclusive to PC, while The Bureau is available on PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
- •SWAT 4 features a crime scene investigation mode and non-lethal weapons, whereas The Bureau focuses on a 1960s retro-futuristic alien invasion campaign with a tech tree.
Gameplay & fun factor
SWAT 4 scores an 85/100 and offers deep tactical commands and crime scene investigation, beating The Bureau's 69/100 score.
Platform availability
The Bureau plays on PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, whereas SWAT 4 is limited to the PC platform only.
Price & value
SWAT 4 is priced at $29.99, which is half the cost of The Bureau's $59.99 MSRP.
Multiplayer / co-op
SWAT 4 includes co-operative multiplayer supporting up to 8 players with specific roles, while The Bureau has limited multiplayer options.
Content & replayability
SWAT 4 features a robust mission editor allowing players to design custom scenarios and share them online.
Difficulty & accessibility
SWAT 4 has a steep learning curve for new players, whereas The Bureau features a balanced difficulty curve that rewards tactical planning.
Graphics & performance
SWAT 4 graphics are noted as dated by modern standards, while The Bureau released in 2013 with 1960s retro-futuristic designs.
Choose The Bureau: XCOM Declassified if…
Gamers wanting a 1960s sci-fi alien campaign across console or PC with a balanced difficulty curve.
Choose SWAT 4 if…
Tactical shooter fans wanting realistic police procedures, a robust mission editor, and 8-player co-op on PC.
Common questions
Which game is less expensive?
SWAT 4 is less expensive with an MSRP of $29.99, compared to The Bureau's $59.99.
Can I play multiplayer with friends?
Yes, SWAT 4 supports up to 8 players in co-op multiplayer. The Bureau has limited multiplayer options and is listed with single player.
What platforms are available for each game?
SWAT 4 is limited to PC only. The Bureau is available on PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.