SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs [PS2]

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs gave PlayStation 2 owners a reason to buy a network adapter, and SOCOM 2 was a glorified expansion pack with some new online maps and a new campaign but no changes to the basic gameplay. All of which didn't stop the SOCOM series from being hugely successful and creating a huge influx of online players. Now, the U.S. Navy is back on Sony's home turf, and they've finally brought some new toys with them.

In SOCOM 3 you have a chance to give your soldiers' sore feet a rest. You finally get to jump behind the wheels of some impressive -- and not so impressive -- machinery. A variety of land and sea vehicles, everything from dumpy transport trucks to a military HMMWV transport with a TOW anti-tank missile launcher, comprise the fleet and give you plenty of new ways to attack your enemy.

Vehicles not only help you get between waypoints quickly, but they can also deal a massive amount of damage, especially with the tricked-out boat featuring dual side-mounted chain guns and a rear-mounted grenade launcher. However, while these vehicles are thoroughly effective, the physics that have been applied to them are simple at best, and they haven't been accompanied by stellar sound effects, either. This makes piloting them a little less fun than it could be.

The game's other main advances come in the online realm, where the SOCOM series has always held its strongest pull. The game now supports up to 32 players per game and the maps have been scaled up to match. Should you turn up with fewer players, however, many of the maps will scale down by restricting access to certain areas, ensuring that you're never left looking for someone to shoot.

In theory that sounds great and in the matches we've played everything stayed smooth with a full balance of soldiers. However, this isn't a series that's been known for lag-free gameplay, and so it remains to be seen what will happen once the servers start bumping after release. But, with a suite of more streamlined clan and buddy features, finding and keeping track of lag-free competitors should be easier.

Vehicles are, of course, present in the multiplayer modes as well as the campaign, and a new gameplay mode has been created specifically to utilize them. Called "convoy," players are split into two teams, with one team responsible for getting a group of vehicles from point A to B, and the other team trying to stop them. The control mode calls on players to capture points with smoke grenades and hold them to win the game. Both gameplay modes are fun but don't quite live up to the old standbys of demolition and, of course, team deathmatch.

Online or off, you'll have more options in selecting a weapons loadout than in previous versions. There is a massive suite of weapons to select from, and while all but a few are locked until you beat the first campaign, the returns are well worth it. Once unlocked, you'll also be able to customize your weapons with grenade launchers, silencers, a variety of scopes and even bipods. Each add-on has a specific benefit, but they all have a weight penalty, too. Load down your soldier with too much junk and you'll pay a movement penalty. That is, of course, not ideal online.

In addition to the gameplay tweaks, the graphics have been upgraded as well, but it's plain to see that the PS2 just doesn't have much more to give at this point. Player and enemy animations are generally good, and while the character models are detailed enough, character textures are murky and lacking in detail. Terrain textures, too, are heavily pixilated. While the levels are large and offer great gameplay opportunities, they're not very nice to look at.

On the other hand, the upgraded visual effects actually look pleasing. Explosions are large and the lighting effects, particularly seen in night missions, look great. The night vision and thermal effects, along with some subtle distortions that have been added to the edges of the rifle scopes, also provide great visuals. The sound effects found in the last two games carry over and have been mated with a top-notch orchestral soundtrack. Cellos and violins may not be the first thing you think of when pondering the life of a Navy SEAL, but be assured that the dramatic sweeps employed here to accompany the on-screen action do wonders to create a tension-filled gameplay experience.

The core aspects of SOCOM 3 remain the same, so those who tired of the earlier games won't find much to win them back for a third round. On the other hand, fans have reason to invest in this newest upgrade. SOCOM 3 is a solid package, with a lengthy set of single-player missions, a few new online modes, and a bevy of unlockables and vehicles.