Video Game Reviews
Title: SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALS
Review rating: ***1/2
Platform/console: Playstation2
Release date: August 2002
Genre: Shooter / military / action
Players allowed: 1 to 16 with on-line capabilities
ESRB rating: M (blood, violence)
Production company: Sony Computer Entertainment America
It’s odd being commander when you feel so inexperienced
in the beginning stages of this incredibly authentic military-themed
game. For example if you give the wrong order, you will get
some interesting feedback, such as “Not today”
from your subordinate soldiers. At least some responses have
a sir at the end so you don’t feel totally embarrassed.
After the medium lengthened learning curve, you should be
able to adapt and enjoy these amazing interactions and realistic
firefights (watch out for that friendly fire!).
Players can choose from the classic controls (a.k.a. sure
shot) or the precision shooter controls that utilize both
analog sticks on the PS2. The choices are numerous and may
overwhelm you at times, especially if you’re not familiar
with military terms. As you’re completing you mission,
detailed tactics such as acquiring equipment and moving bodies
will put your brain into overdrive providing varied resolutions
and confrontations in the various environments. The A.I. in
single mode can be problematic at times so you may want to
utilize your command options especially when you’re
close to completing a mission because your accompanying soldiers
might ruin it for you.
The detailed statistics grade you on gameplay elements such
as team work, accuracy, stealth and completion of primary
and secondary objectives. The statistics provide an interesting
new element by providing you with the type of satisfaction
and added accomplishment that you would get in most sports
games. It would be even better if exceptional statistics counted
towards some bonuses, but the designers didn’t take
that angle. It’s easy to advance to the on-line game
play which boosts the replay value to a very high level. The
sound and voice talent add a lot to this quality game that
designers spent enormous amounts of time on. Their efforts
definitely show!
Review by Michael Siebenaler
© Sony Entertainment
®
