12/19/05 >> SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo (Sony PSP)

Genre: Third-person Shooter / Combat

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is my first time playing a SOCOM game, so I can’t give much of a history, but from what I can tell it is a fantastic series, with SOCOM 3 for ps2 coming out earlier this year, displaying the amazing capabilities of the team who made them. While the system for SOCOM Fireteam Bravo does differ from the whole of the series with its lock-on targeting, it is still a great game. I played Coded Arms for PSP and the control system was lacking, and SOCOM improves from that. Once you get past the concept of the cheapness of lock-on targeting, you can really begin to enjoy this game.

 

 

The lock-on targeting system is an interesting choice, with most players being deferred away by the thought of it. While the lock-on is different, it still works and the sniping in the game is excellent. The controls for the sniper rifles flow and while it is initially very shaky it makes easy to snipe and is easily the high point of the shooting. With lock-on, if you are against human players, it will be quick draw to see who can get off the shots the fastest. The ad hoc mode is just like any console LAN multiplayer, you set it up people join and you fight. Or if no one around you has a PSP, you can play on infrastructure mode. All you have to do is find someone online and you can fight to your heart’s content.

 

 

There is not much to the story besides your typical anti-terrorist missions, disarm a bomb, destroy enemy supplies, so on and so forth. The sections are mission oriented meaning that you do an objective then do another one until they are all finished up. There are additional things you can do when you link up with SOCOM 3 for ps2. You will unlock special weapons and characters for Instant Action and multiplayer. When you grow tired of campaign mode, you can play Instant Action on all of the levels that you beat. It also has 5 different modes to play on as well.

 

The graphics are quite good, while they aren’t perfect, of course, but they do not get in the way of the gameplay at all. They are actually quite good for a handheld as well. The sound is also very nice, it helps keep you enthralled and almost soaked into the game, keeping your focus on it. The sound effects are also very good as well.

 

 

With the three different difficulty levels, you can go back and play it again, but hone your skills in preparation for what most people will care about, online mode. Getting up in rankings will really bring you back over and over again. Unfortunately, if you do not have a wireless connection or cannot get one, you may want to check the market for another FPS first. I really recommend this game otherwise though; its fun and the possibilities really are unlimited with a broadband connection.

 

 

 

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Game Score: 8.7

 

Reviewed By: Contributed