SOCOM 2: Combined Assault (PS2)

Reviewer Christa Puccio

Title: SOCOM: U.S. NAVY SEALs Combined Assault
System: PlayStation 2
Price: $17.99 USED
Rating: T for Teens
Developer: Zipper Interactive, Inc.
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios

Age Range: 12+

Summary: Lead a squad of four Navy soldiers into battle, using weapons and strategy to complete various missions.

Total hours of play: This game has unlimited game play due to the online gaming capability. Through story mode, the game has over 50 hours of play.

Learning Curve: Training is available in the main menu. Each action is described in the training and after each description the player must pass the training course to continue to the next action to learn. After the training is completed, the player is able to learn the techniques and strategy as they go along in regular game play.

Family Factor: Becuase the player is apart of the US Military as a Navy Seal fighting for their country, the game is filled with violence and weapons of destruction. However, it focuses a lot more on strategy and action rather than violence and gore. It is not too gory but is based on the idea of killing and assassinating, while also capturing and saving innocent civilians. There is not much blood present when killing an opposing player, however, when your character or a team member is shot, they stay lying on the ground and blood is visible on their face, but then the game cuts out to say that the mission was failed.

Buy it? Yes! This tactically challenging game contains hours upon hours of fun. This game engages the player with the diversity of the types of missions and the various difficulty levels available. If the missions ever become dull, the option of playing friends online is available. (requires Internet connection)

Review:
As commander of squad of four Navy soldiers, SOCOM is action packed with missions and battles for hours of game play. A quick briefing is given before each mission explaining the goals and any restrictions to abide by. There are hidden assignments throughout the storyline that can be picked up on while in battle as well. During game play, the only noises are sound effects including shooting, talking, footsteps, explosions and other battle field. Music is only played as an indicator of success or failure. After a goal is accomplished, the game plays rewarding orchestra music as an indicator appears at the top of the screen revealing what assignment was completed. As soon as a mission is completed or failed, music cuts in as well with either cheerful or depressing music accordingly. Besides those exceptions, the game is based on the sounds are according to the battle field.
Each mission varies in what weapons must be used, how they are used and what form of travel is necessary. Navy Seals are capable of battle in all types of conditions, as mission sites vary in climate, weather and/or location. Depending on the mission, the player will travel by foot, boat, or military truck. Both vehicles are equipped with built in weapons to use. Commanding the troops and looking out for the team is essential to the team’s success. The game is online compatible, through broadband only, allowing you to work live with others and not just with computerized characters. Combined Assault demands strategy, stealth and technique to conquer each mission.
The game does take some time getting used to with not only looking out for yourself, but having to take command of an entire team. It is challenging, but consequently addicting. The online side of the game is very exciting to be able to work with live others to compete. It has tons of hours of play and different levels of difficulty to push the player to their utmost limit. The requirement of stealth requires the player to get into character and tests their ability to strategize and problem solve. Some of the computerized characters do sometimes get stuck during game play in various glitches, which does become frustrating if the gamer is required to reset the game or restart the mission because a computerized teammate is stuck and cannot function properly. This rarely happens, but definitely is a noticeable issue.
SOCOM is unique in that it allows for the player to quickly switch views from third party perspective, to over the shoulder, to first person perspective by simply using the up and back buttons. Medal of Honor does not have this capability, only allowing the player to view the game through the first person perspective. SOCOM also allows the player to stand, crouch, and lay down by using the triangle button. While mobile, the player can sprint, jog, or skulk with the analog stick. These different capabilities enhance the player’s accuracy, battle field vision and allow the player to become more agile during game play.

Related games: Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction, Call of Duty 3, Medal of Honor.