SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals: Combined Assault

"Not the Perfect SOCOM Game, but it is Better than Last Years"

Having just bought SOCOM: Combined Assault soon after it came out, I figured it was best to post a review up quickly for anyone else who had doubts about this game. First a quick bit of history. SOCOM I was what attracted so many fans to this series, and SOCOM II continued that tradition. SOCOM 3 abolished it in most people's eyes. The game was buggy, rushed and ugly. Now Zipper Interactive released SOCOM: Combined Assault (SCA) in hopes of correcting that.

After a few technical problems (why is it that my newest controller breaks first?), I finally got SCA up and running. First thing I noticed was the menu. It had the same look, but with more blue tones rather than the greenish SOCOM 3 tones. But the background image; no more annoying, pixel-like, moving background. Instead, like SOCOM II, there was a still image of a SEAL. It's easier on the eyes.

I quickly went through some training missions, skimmed through the badge system - new addition, badges are objectives you must complete throughout your single player career (or Co-op, yes online co-op with up to four players). As the badges add up you unlock more extras. The extras are the same as always: weapons and music (which is as good as ever) among other things.

After that I started my own campaign. There are only three difficulties from what I could see: Ensign, Commander and Admiral. I picked Admiral being the crazy guy I am. The game starts - what's all this? Trees, bushes? There were very few of those in SOCOM 3. So take this; the levels are much more detailed which in turn makes the graphics look better (Yay! But don't expect any miracles in that department).

But what you can expect miracles in is the AI. They didn't lie when they said it was difficult. It's much harder than SOCOM 3. Although the AI fired quick, somewhat accurate and act according to their weapon they do occasionally seem to be on sedatives. Every so often you'll get a bad apple that'll just sit there, but not too often to be disappointing. Your team is a bit on the slow side though, they're not much better than in SOCOM 3, for some reason. They just as inaccurate (well, maybe a bit better) and they do get stuck a fair amount of time on objects. This can be disappointing. And if you don't like starting over beware; less checkpoints and your health & ammo no longer regenerates.

As far as the level layout; much better Zipper! Interesting, nice layout and they're actually places to hide. I should also mention two more nice additions: Stealth Bar, the darker it is the better you're hidden. And then you can select a weapon that's in your inventory without having it on Quick Select. Just press X. (If you've played SOCOM 3 you'll know what I'm talking about - I think)

I played online for a little while. The first level was a stadium with an encampment in the middle. You could also go in the streets around it. Dirty urban combat. The streets were filled up, but the halls inside were strangely empty with no tables, chair or stands. Nothing. The second level was Siphon. What appeared to be an office building and industrial site in the middle of a blizzard. The offices were filled up but everything else seemed again, empty. Although it wasn't a big emptiness. Close Quarter Combat and medium shots were common.

New things; no new modes, a few (couple) new weapons and 10 new maps. A few new attachments and equipment as well. Have fun with those. Also, you have to share the server with SOCOM 3 players. Only difference is they cannot play the new SCA maps.

Perfect? No. Is it worth buying; more so than SOCOM 3 was. Is it worth renting? Without a doubt.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/09/06