I doubt this is how they wish to tell the story, they just didn't implement the campaign yet and simply allow the player to select whatever maps they have on offer.
They really need to do something with asset harmonization. This was an issue from the start, but it is persistent in new maps and redesigned old ones. Scaling is all over the place and clutter needs to be toned down. I appreciate the enthusiasm of the map designers, but they really should be reeled in a bit and told to design maps that feel realistic, instead of these labyrinthine messes.
I have mixed feelings about the new AI. Fortunately, suspects seem less likely to head shot you through the wall. They actually give you a fighting chance and combat against them feels much better as a result. Their reluctance to surrender still bothers me to no end, they are way too aggressive and seem to have a death wish. Don't get me, wrong I do not want the game to be easy, but I believe it would make sense for them to retreat to a room where they take up cover, or attempt to hide. Rushing heavily armed SWAT officers just makes little sense. Even when I go out of my way to arrest them, they always give me a hard time, cause they crave the sweet release of death. I boxed the head of the pedo talent agency into his office, using wedges. I threw tear gas in there and a flashbang, he surrendered. I was about to arrest him, but one of his bodyguards strafed into the room from behind. When he was dealt with the head pedo was dead. I have no idea if he pulled a pen knife and got shot by one of my mates, or simply got caught in the crossfire. Comically frustrating.
SWAT AI is abysmal now. I do not know if they were always like this, just worked better in a cleaner environment and against shittier suspect AI, or they fucked them up somehow. They have very hard time following me, they often cannot breach doors, because they are unable to get to them. Even if they do manage, they often get stuck and fail to enter the room. They bunch up, fail to cover their sectors and often corner me in smaller areas, so I have to wiggle myself out. The devs said they are working on SWAT next, so maybe by next summer we can expect some improvements.
