SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs

"The Navy SEALs are ready to be deployed"

SOCOM 3, the latest installment of the widely popular series, has experienced many different changes from SOCOM II, and I have to say, Zipper Interactive has done a great job with the gameplay aspect of the game. However, the game seems unpolished in many different areas with silly bugs/glitches and the graphics seem outdated.

Gameplay: 10/10
This is where SOCOM 3 surpasses the previous installment by leaps and bounds. However, be warned, this gameplay may not be suited for everyone. The game has made a change from 'run-n-gun' style of play to a more strategic style of play. Now, you have to work with your teammates to achieve a goal. With the maps being much larger, running on foot by yourself just won't cut it in this installment.

The guns seem much more even now between SEALs and Terrorists. A lot of this has to do with the new feature where you can customize your gun completely to the way you like it. In addition, now when you come up behind someone and shoot them in the back, they won't be able to turn around and manage to still kill you in most instances like in SOCOM II. However, the hit detection still isn't great, but it is a lot more consistent than SOCOM II. When your in a vehicle, sometimes the truck will go straight through the player without even knocking them down.

Graphics: 6/10
This is the biggest downfall for me in the game. I'm using a standard 27" TV because I don't have the money to go out and buy an HDTV. Besides the point, the PS2's age can fully be seen in SOCOM 3. In many instances, I have extreme slowdown to about 20 frames per second, and some maps online look horrible. Some of the textures in the game looks worse than textures on the PS1. The character models look unpolished compared to SOCOM II's models.

However, if I could say one good thing about the graphics, it would be the nice explosion effects. Plus, some of the maps look beautiful. I'm not sure if some of the maps had to be rushed in the end, but it seems that way.

Sound: 8/10
The sound is pretty good, but there is one annoying bug with the sound. When you shoot one bullet, sometimes it sounds like you shot two or three yet it only shows that you shot one. Some of the guns sound exactly alike which is a little annoying. However, vehicles and explosions sound great.

Presentation: 9/10
The online interface is sleek and easy to navigate. Considering the far greater amounts of content that can be accessed online in the game, Zipper did a great job organizing everything. This is still the easiest game to navigate online on the PS2. Also, you can check stats while your sitting in the game room lobby and can join the game that your friends/clan mates are in without having to navigate the different servers.

Replayability: 10/10
SOCOM II was the longest I've ever played a game consistently with nearly two years of playing time. SOCOM 3, so far, is no different and, in my opinion, more fun that SOCOM II. The game keeps you coming back for more, and time flys by when I play this game.

Closing Comments
SOCOM 3 is the best online shooter on the PS2 hands-down gameplay wise. With over 50,000 people online on Wednesday evening, I must not be the only person who thinks this. If this was on the PS3, this game would of easily gotten an 10/10.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/14/05