SOCOM 3: US Navy SEALs
PS2
Zipper Interactive/SCEE


'SOCOM' was one of the first games that revolutionised online gaming for the PS2. For me the 'Ghost Recon' and 'Medal Of Honor' games are more fun from a single player perspective but for an online adventure 'SOCOM' is the benchmark. If you aren't going to use this game as an online shooter then I would seriously recommend that you go for another game in the genre. The single player of 'SOCOM 3: US Navy SEALs' is a typical 'fight the terrorists' bonanza as you force your way through several hackneyed and tired scenarios. Typically the storyline of the levels is infantile and offers no real incentive to continue playing. What the single player campaign really does well is introduce you to new environments and the vehicle interface that's been added to the third installment. The jeeps and humvees are a lot of fun and even the assault boats are decent and each comes with several gun mounts which you can choose between.

Where this game earns its money and its status as the best selling shooter in the market is in the multiplayer features. 'SOCOM 3' has tweaked an already successful formula by allowing up to 32 players in an environment and phenomenally increasing map sizes in comparison with 'SOCOM' and 'SOCOM 2'. The size of the levels lends itself to greater utilisation of the added vehicles with the online game of 'Convoy' offering the greatest potential. In this scenario a group of terrorists try to get a shipment past a squad of Navy SEALs. Personally I don't have a headset yet so I can't issue orders verbally but from what I hear it is a must for complete online immersion.

Where this game has problems is in the execution of the single player mode. The animation is good in parts but at other times is simply terrible and not up to console standards. The music is also irritating with none of the awesome soundtrack that helps a game like 'Medal Of Honor' grab your attention. If you are going to play this game online then it's easily worth it. For a single player first-person shooter, don't go anywhere near 'SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs.'

Anthony Paxton