NetStorm: Islands At War vs Police Quest: SWAT
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
NetStorm: Islands At War drops players onto a series of floating islands where they must harness the power of wind, fire, water, and earth to dominate opponents. The game blends classic real‑time strategy mechanics with a unique elemental resource system, delivering intense tactical battles both solo and online. Developed by Titanic Entertainment and published by Activision, this 1997 title offers single‑player missions and robust multiplayer modes, all rated ESRB E for everyone. Its timeless design still appeals to fans of strategic action and fantasy warfare.
Police Quest: SWAT puts you in the shoes of a tactical police unit, demanding careful planning and precise execution. The game blends strategy, simulation, and action as you coordinate squads, manage equipment, and respond to high‑risk incidents. Released in 1995 for PC and Mac, the title offers a gritty, methodical experience that challenges players to think like real‑world law enforcement while navigating the limitations of 1990s graphics and interface design.
- Innovative elemental resource system
- Strong multiplayer support
- Rich variety of unit types
- Engaging single‑player missions
- Deep tactical planning
- Authentic police procedures
- Challenging single‑player experience
- Historical retro appeal
- Dated graphics by modern standards
- Limited AI sophistication
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Outdated graphics and UI
- Steep learning curve
- Limited replay variety
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataPolice Quest: SWAT is the cheaper, single‑player tactical police sim, while NetStorm offers richer multiplayer and map‑editor content at a higher price.
Key differences
- •Price: $19.99 vs $49.99
- •Multiplayer: SWAT is single‑player only; NetStorm supports split‑screen, LAN and internet multiplayer
- •Content depth: NetStorm includes a map editor and varied elemental units; SWAT has limited replay variety
- •Genre focus: SWAT is a realistic police tactical simulator; NetStorm is a fantasy RTS with elemental forces
- •Replay value: NetStorm’s editor and multiplayer boost replayability; SWAT relies mainly on single missions
Pricing & value
SWAT costs $19.99, less than half of NetStorm’s $49.99 price.
Multiplayer / co‑op
NetStorm offers both split‑screen and LAN/Internet multiplayer; SWAT is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
NetStorm includes a map editor, varied unit types, and multiplayer maps; SWAT has limited replay variety.
Graphics & performance
Both games are described as having dated graphics by modern standards.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both titles note a steep learning curve for new players.
Gameplay & fun factor
NetStorm’s dynamic weather, elemental mechanics, and multiplayer add more varied fun than SWAT’s single‑player focus.
Choose NetStorm: Islands At War if…
Buy NetStorm if you value multiplayer, map editing, and richer RTS variety and are willing to pay more.
Choose Police Quest: SWAT if…
Buy SWAT if you want an inexpensive, single‑player police tactical experience and can tolerate retro graphics.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Police Quest: SWAT costs $19.99; NetStorm costs $49.99.
Do either games support multiplayer?
Only NetStorm includes multiplayer (split‑screen, LAN, internet); SWAT is single‑player only.
What extra content does NetStorm offer?
NetStorm provides a built‑in map editor, elemental unit upgrades, and a dynamic weather system, enhancing replayability.