Second Place Is First Place Loser It’s no wonder Sony touts SOCOM as the most played PlayStation 2 online game. Fast, frenetic firefights between friends and strangers from all walks of life haven’t been matched since SOCOM’s release two years ago, and it has now become a worldwide phenomenon. Number two (or II) offers a vast improvement and even more online appeal over the original. For starters, it’s easier to communicate between teammates on and off the battlefield using the headset. There isn’t as much breakup or static when you talk, plus you can now identify who’s actually talking. The addition of new multiplayer maps only strengthens online gameplay. Areas such as a dense forest and a desert stronghold are finely detailed with outstanding lighting and background effects like fluid waterfalls and roaming helicopters. The sequel includes all 10 maps from the original game (albeit with a few visual touchups), while the other environments are gigantic and great for the new mission types: Breach and Escort. I Feel Special While SOCOM II’s improved online component is a sure-fire tactic, its single-player game has noticeably advanced to a better place as well. As in the first setup, you must direct your four-man team with either simple button taps or voice commands via the headset through missions that rely on stealth, sharpshooting, and lots of adrenaline. Missions are much more diverse and offer a greater balance between rural and urban battles. You must fulfill objectives ranging from saving embassy workers to destroying a drug lab in 12 brand-new missions spanning Albania, Algeria, Brazil, and Russia. You can also lay waste to enemies with new weaponry like tank busters, call in airstrikes, or take control of gun turrets. Upon each successfully completed mission, you’re graded on how well you used stealth, performed teamwork, and fulfilled objectives. This grading system actually improves your game skills and forces you to act more like a real Navy SEAL—clandestinely and accurately. Team Building Though SOCOM II clearly receives a rank promotion, several bad habits remain. Your computer-controlled teammates still haven’t learned the basic fire-and-move maneuvers. They’ll constantly creep in front of you while shooting or won’t keep still even if they’re ordered to stay put and cover a certain area. There’s still lag in online sessions, too, which makes it difficult to effectively aim at opponents. Still, with a healthy following of maritime special operators on the job already, taking to SOCOM II won’t be difficult. The game offers plenty of upgrades that will make the veteran modern-day warrior smile. Even the new recruits fresh out of BUD/s training will enjoy this military action game, on- or offline.
