SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs

"SOCOM is back... and better than ever."

After a successful debut last year Sony have returned with a follow up to SOCOM US Navy SEALs. And why wouldn't they? With over two million units sold a sequel is just what the accountants up in Sony HQ need to put a smile on their face and a healthy bottom line on the balance sheet. Even though minimal upgrades and changes would have sufficed to meet sales targets the game is substantially improved on the original. Too Sony's credit the whole online package is engaging, enjoyable and satisfying to play and they haven't forgotten how important the single player is either with twelve new one player missions.

Developed by Zipper Interactive SOCOM II is a third person tactical squad shooter. In each mission the player will be point man in a squad of four elite US Navy SEALs and have to complete various objectives as the story progresses. Be prepared to confront the threat of terror is twelve missions from various hot spots including Russia, Albania and North Africa. Even though you are a Navy SEAL you will still rendezvous with the British SAS and the Russian Spetznaz as your hunt for terrorists continues throughout the game.

One of the more enjoyable aspects of SOCOM II is the balance between stealth and all out action. For each objective players can take either approach in most cases. Choosing the stealth ideal will force you to take the lesser use route through bush, scrub and shadows avoiding the eye of the enemy at all costs. If you choose to go in all guns blazing there is plenty of room for this and sharpshooters will be pleased to know that gifted aim, strafing and good body position are all rewarded in this title.

Players have full control over there squad. You can tell them to hold there fire, interact with objects (bombs, doors and so on), in fact you can pretty much get them to anything but pull a hand stand whilst singing Mary had a little lamb. This total control is handy because your three teammates are as thick as two wooden planks. If you don't explicitly tell them exactly what you want them to do they wont do it and they'll wander off, engage with enemies you don't want them too or blow your cover by stick there foot out round a corner. They can be controlled with a simple push button menu or with a USB headset (with mic) using the in-game voice recognition.

And if you think your team is stupid just wait until you get a load of the 'elite terrorists'. Most of the time they'll run scripted paths, securing areas and patrolling critical routes in and out of buildings, rooms and halls. If you are seen by an enemy one of two things will happen – you'll be fired upon or backup will be called. The later is again, heavily scripted and will likely result in a cut scene letting you know you've screwed up and there are another squad of bad guys on the way. Don't fear though they won't seek cover, they won't use their large numbers to their advantage and they certainly won't use standard military tactics.

Even with the dodgy AI the game is still reasonably difficult. Even on the lowest difficulty of 'ensign' the enemy is still accurate and just because they are stupid doesn't mean they won't run at you all guns blazing in insane kamikaze style attacks. And your reliance on three inept teammates doesn't help. You'll spend a lot of time organising them, making sure they are hitting their way points and not heading off task. In many cases it's like controlling kids in a candy store, no matter now many times you tell them not to shoot the idle terrorist in the head they just can't help themselves. The game has limited save points too and you'll find yourself going over the same parts of missions over and over again.

Although the single player is lasting the multiplayer is where some may find the true heart of this title. Players can go online across the Playstation Network with twenty-two different levels to enjoy. There are a variety of mission types too; extraction, demolition, suppression, breach and escort are all available for play. And because you are playing with humans the poor AI that hindered the single player is all but gone as you go head-to-head with real people. Using the voice communicator you can chat in real time working on tactics and planning or just catch up on the days events.

Whilst the online component is fun it is certainly not cheap. You'll need at least a 256Kbps connection, a PS2 network adapter and of course a copy of SOCOM II: US Navy SEALs. Throw in the fact that the game is no where near as enjoyable without a headset and you'll have soon shelled out a hefty mount of cash for the privilege to enjoy SOCOM II online. Is it worth it? Well yes and no. It's certainly fun and for the most part its accessible to a variety of gamers. On the other hand it can get very dull very fast with only a limited number of maps and modes that kill off any long term enjoyment unless you get involved with the community which is largely American.

Visually the SOCOM II is a definite improvement on the original but it definitely lacks the polish of other games in the genre like Rainbow Six 3. Everything in the package bleeds inconsistency. Some levels look wonderful whilst others look like an awful mish-mash of textures. The frame-rate goes up and down like a yo-yo and it can often inflict some serious damage to the quality of firefights for the player. In some of the large outdoor levels there is fog, pop-up and some very bad transition work between 'areas' of the environment. The game is still playable through all this and there are some moments of awe but generally speaking SOCOM II is nothing to write home about.

SOCOM II: US Navy SEALs is a solid tactical shooter. Nothing more, nothing less. There is nothing too special going on here apart from the satisfying online mode that is hindered by the small New Zealand online PS2 community. Sure that community is only just getting underway with the release of the PS2 Network hub in this country only coming a few weeks back but it's still a long way from being anywhere near that of Australia's. It passes with a B grade in most areas, has some occasional brilliance but is let down by poor AI and a lasting single player experience. If you like your tactical shooters then this is definitely a look in and if you are online with your PS2 you simply can't go past this game for a quick thrill - just don't expect too much from it.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 04/20/04