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Platform Vitals

SonyPlaystation 2
Playstation 2
Developed by Sony and released on 24 November 2001, the Playstation 2 has sold around 70 million units so far and currently retails at around £104.99.
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SOCOM: US Navy Seals (27/04/2004)
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The first frontier to online gaming, it acclaimed, but did it reach its goal?

Graphics

The graphics aren't groundbreaking, not in the least. But the realistic factor adds to the intensity of the battles, as well as the stealth. Well-set plants give cover, yet too much movement makes it move and can set you out from everything else. The sleek shadows and cover work well into the engine of the game, and just adds to the massive amount of techniques and strategies available for one to use. But, lets admit that there are some definite improvements that could be made, for example, the way you can suddenly stand up while laying down because you looked too close to the ground. Anybody want a free giveaway? But, the tremendous level design can help save you from this small hiccup in the game, as the levels are sometimes enormous and are nicely set-up for covert ops as well as ambushing.

The guns have a decent amount of detail, but nothing special here. Some of the lush environments seem a bit boring with a few details here and there, but there could have definitely been more added. The variation in bombs have their specs, but yet again, nothing is special here, although the flash bang itself has its feature where if you stand too close, then you are in for a bright light; A realistic feature that adds to the sensation of the gameplay graphically and realistically.

Sound

The game really comes through with its sound. It is one of the most viable parts of the game, and really makes you want to crank up your surround sound. The world becomes alive, as you can stealthly take out enemies just based on their footsteps, or moving the brush in the jungle. Gun shots ring out, and their volume is based on how close they are to you, as well as the sound of the bullets flying, even with a silencer on you can hear them whiz by and shoot up dust. And, again, the flash bang affects your hearing for a certain amount of time and this just adds to that realistic feel to the game. The music keeps you into the action, letting you know when things heat up or if you have been noticed. It all comes together with the communication as well. Sound is the way you communicate with your teammates as well as sending them instruction on what to do for you. It's not crucial to have the microphone to play, but it makes this game that much more in depth and realistic.

Gameplay

SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals was one of the most acclaimed games of 2003, but did it meet its enthusiasm from fans? With totals maxing out the online servers, it indeed met expectations, and beyond. The game released in mid-June of '03 and instantly, the servers were overwhelmed with gamers and newfound fanatics alike. They redid the servers in order to host more people at one time because of the massive response. The set-up of the online play is beyond exceptional, and the best quality of the game is definitely the online play. It holds voice-communication, which adds to the extensive amount of strategy that is possible. But you still get the people who want to play like it's Unreal Tournament 2003, and simply run around like mad, which if that is fun, then go for it, but it neglects the true meaning of the games engine.


Although the online play is a strong point in the game, it also has single player, which can keep you occupied for some time. Your team, consisting of you and three other SEALs, is set out on missions located all over the world and puts you in command to take down the terrorist threat. But, at the command, you have your basic partner, Boomer, who doesn't know his right from his left, nor how to obey orders. You also have, besides your Able element, your Bravo element. This team consists of Spectre and Jester, who are at your disposal, which makes tons of possibilities of the gameplay.

Story

The story is the weakest point of the game, as it has a story, but the focus isn't within the detail of what is going on. To be honest, you don't need to know anything about the story to play the game. The real detail of the story that comes through is the extensive objectives needed to be complete in the campaign, and that is where the single player itself really shines.

Summary

The gameplay keeps you working for new options on single player, and the addictive multiplayer makes you come back for more and gives you reasons to play over and over again, even with a weaker storyline. Graphics are cunning, but have their sections that could use some work and the sensational sound keeps you on your toes when it needs to. It provides a full view of what a strategy shooter should be, and resembles a good idea of what a SEAL could be dealing with out on the field. If you have anything near a slight want for this game, then it's a definite thing to look into, if not a buy. Sony has, yet again, nabbed a huge title. SL

Essential Information
Publisher: Sony
Developer: Zipper Interactive
UK Release: 11/06/03

Pros
Online gaming, and simply the multiplayer itself.
The sound quality and enhancement it promotes to gameplay.
Cons
Boomer is a complete tosser.
The original headset is sometimes too quiet.
(Scoring Breakdown)

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