SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs

"SOCOM Still Makes A Good Multiplayer Game, But Nothing More, Really."

So you’re interested in SOCOM: US Navy Seals even after the release of SOCOM II. Thus, I’ll try to make this review as nonbiased as possible, judging only on the gaming content of the original SOCOM.

The place where SOCOM: US Navy Seals really stands out is in its multiplayer; make sure that you have broadband connection and a net-work adaptor because you will need them to get connected to the internet games. As a single-player game, SOCOM tends to lack the qualities that make a really good third-person shooter. The game relies a lot on teamwork and cooperation, and stealth as well. If you consider yourself one of those impatient types who love to rush in games, you probably want to forget about this game, because you’re just going to die a lot and eventually decide to give up. All in all, though, even after the release of SOCOM 2, I still seem to find this game enjoyable on internet play (but the single player mode is too short and easy, but somewhat fun still).

The headset that originally came with the game was very innovative for use in console gaming (although it could have been designed just a little better). I think that the game is being sold without the headset now in stores for $20, but the headset is really useful and I really wouldn’t recommend playing SOCOM without it. The headset works in both single player and multiplayer modes for communication with your teammates. Will wonders (or technology) never cease? SOCOM has preprogrammed communication functions, and recognizes certain pre-programmed phrases. You can use your headset to semi-communicate (you can’t just tell them random things to do) with your AI teammates. Although you might feel a little silly for talking into/with the computer, the function is very convenient, and serves its purpose well. With the pushing and holding down of a button, you can input commands to your team-mates with your voice. Your team will then acknowledge you and give you a confirmation message. This gives the game a really interesting and provides a realistic experience. During multiplayer mode, your headset becomes a vital and essential asset to your inventory, with just as much value as the weapon held in your hands. You must coordinate with the other members of your team to ensure victory. You should be serious about winning. The team-work involved with multiplayer SOCOM really helps the game shine. It truly makes the game experience really worth it.

The multiplayer mode of SOCOM allows (hypothetically) infinite game-play, because no single multiplayer game will ever be the same. There are many different game types/modes with different goals. Logging onto different SOCOM servers allows you to meet different people from around the world. Connecting to a game is (basically) simple enough, and you can pretty much get connected in a matter of minutes after some minor configurations in the network settings. (You should know what you’re doing or have someone who knows some minor things about your internet connections) As long as the people on the servers are playing decently, (more on cheating later) then you will have plenty of fun games ahead of you. You can play a couple of matches and get recognized if you play a lot. You can even go ahead and join a clan (SOCOM even promotes clans), but you have to make sure that you are dedicated enough to keep up with practice and meetings. However, even if you just casually play online, SOCOM multiplayer is usually fun enough to play, and is probably the only reason to purchase the game in general.

SOCOM has some various flaws that sometimes appear more often than they should. In single player mode, the AI isn’t really too bright. Sometimes you can run straight up to an enemy (or a group of enemies) when he is looking directly at you and he won’t fire at you. From there, you can proceed to smack him with your gun, and smack anybody else around as well. Usually, the enemies will cry out loud when they detect your team, but they are easily incapacitated and eliminated. The AI will sometimes throw grenades at your team, but you can easily move out of the way and run up to them to smack them (smacking was my primary attack during the single player mode basically) while they’re doing this. On the plus side, you can usually use your grenades to flush any enemies out of an area. They will run straight out into the open (and your line of sight) and your team will take them out, usually very easily. The single player should just be completed once, because it doesn’t take too long.

As with all online multiplayer games, there will always be cheaters. This is a well-known fact, and although most cheaters won’t last long in a server, it is up to the team with the cheater to vote him off. If the team doesn’t vote the player off, then the cheater can remain in the game indefinitely. The opposing team probably wouldn’t take too kindly, and there’s an entire game ruined. (I have had quite a few run-ins with cheaters; dying seconds into the round isn’t exactly my idea of fun). Another multiplayer problem is that sometimes there is lag. Usually it isn’t a factor, but it may affect people with extremely fluctuating pings, and may affect game-play, but I haven’t had too many problems in this sense. In general, there shouldn’t be too many multiplayer problems to keep you from playing the game.

SOCOM: US Navy Seals is still a good game, even though it might be a little old. The multiplayer keeps the fun factor ticking, and continues to entertain most owners of SOCOM. But I suggest renting the game first, because some people really don’t seem to like SOCOM for some reason, but it’s all a matter of personal opinion. My opinion is that SOCOM deserves a chance, so go ahead and rent it and give it a try. You can always buy it if you like it.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/29/03