Back when SOCOM first debuted at E3 2001, the game was met with very little praise, and for good reason. It was ugly, slow and clearly looked like it had a long way to go. Skipping ahead to E3 2002 though, most of the reactions turned a complete 180. The game was pretty, moved lightening quick and was a blast among attendees. Since then, the game built up a considerable amount of hype, and took the lead in Sonys online launch lineup. I never knew what to expect of SOCOM, and I was a bit hesitant at first. But after some considerable playtime, I must say I am completely blown away. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how good SOCOM really is.

While not its strong suit, SOCOMs visuals are quite impressive in their own right. The environments are huge and full of places to hide and creep along in. The texturing, while not mind-boggling, is very sufficient and in some areas quite spectacular. The game is fully anti-aliased proving, once again, that with a quality developer it can be done on the PS2. Yet the most striking visual aspect is the animation on the SEALs. Wonderfully articulate, flowing and well captured, never has a game conveyed such a convincing replication of actual human movements (well since MGS 2 anyways). The quality of the SEAL models is also top-notch, with detailing such as belt buckles and spare ammo clips clearly visible. The SEAL counterparts, the terrorists, sadly didnt receive as much attention, though the difference is pretty negligible. One quirk I must mention is the awful muzzle flash, while when viewed from behind is quite good, from any other angle one can clearly see the four separate sprites. Its a minor point, but I found it annoying, especially in the online multi-play.

Despite SOCOM being developed primarily for an online experience, the games single-play option is surprisingly well executed and polished. Unexpectedly, the single-player missions are good enough themselves to warrant a purchase of the game. The mission variety is the highlight, as every mission has you doing something completely different than the last. From disarming suitcase nukes to breaking into a Congolese prison, the missions in SOCOM share no similarities except you being grossly outnumbered in each. Yet therein lies one of the most enjoyable aspects of the gameplay, because despite the enemy to SEAL ratio being about 20:1, you always have a good chance at victory. Why? Because youre a frickin SEAL, thats why! Your aim is better than the enemies, your camouflage gear makes you near invisible and well youre a hardcore, kick-ass SEAL. And you feel like a SEAL, which of course feels damn peachy. To further strengthen the games immersion, there is the near-flawless voice recognition, which allows you to order around your troops as easily as ordering a Big Mac combo at your local Macdonalds. Not to mention how well it works online, as strategizing with your teammates is simple, fast and very effective. Yet truth be told, if SOCOM only consisted of its single-play feature, it wouldnt be getting a 9.5. The spotty A.I, and occasional brain-dead enemies and allies hurt the experience at times. Aiming takes getting used to as well, and though the controls are superbly done, at first they can feel daunting and a bit complex. Thankfully however, single-play isnt SOCOMs only option, as it can be played online, 8-on-8, with full voice communication, albeit broadband-only. And hot damn, does online play kick! The realism factor (one bullet can kill you, especially to the head) lends itself very well to SOCOM, and makes for some damn intense firefights. The ability (nay, necessity) to strategize with teammates on-the-fly only serves to juice up the fun factor. The fact that SOCOM runs lag-free almost all the time is a big plus, and certainly adds to the addictiveness. Which of course will happen. You will get addicted to the online play! The online maps are the main culprits for this, as they are brilliantly crafted and laid out. Each map is available only online and designed specifically for one of the three types of online modes: Suppression (kill the other team), Demolition (plant a bomb in the other teams base) and Extraction (SEALs rescue three hostages, terrorists dont let em). With the single and online play combining to make SOCOM actually two games in one, and the headset communication (both offline and on) making it the most immersing game ever created, its clear SOCOM stands as one of the best games on the PS2 to date.

The musical score, sound effects and voice acting in SOCOM are ridiculously impressive, and are easily the highlight to the entire game. The orchestral score flows so poetically with each mission, youll feel as if youre recreating your favorite action flicks all over again. Depending on the situation, the music will appropriately change intensities, adding to your immersion throughout. The voice acting from both your HQ and your SEAL teammates is spot-on, and the fact that it comes through the headset earpiece, as apposed to the television speakers, makes it all the more enjoyable. Yet despite their qualities, the sound effects steal the aural spotlight, and are some of the best Ive heard ever. From the sound of guns blazing in the distance, to the muted thwapping of bullets from a silencer directly behind you, you can truly feel the war in your ears. What clearly stands above the rest though is the most realistic sounding bullet-ricochet Ive ever heard in any game ever! Easily on par in every aspect with movies like Saving Private Ryan and other games such as Medal of Honor: Frontline, SOCOM really is an acoustic delight.

The best aspect of online play in any game is always its near limitless replay value, and SOCOM is a perfect example of this. Not only will the single-player missions (with 7, count em, 7 difficulty levels) last you a good 10-12 hours, the online will have you playing through into next year. Its addictive, fun and the variety and quality of the maps will keep you, and countless others across the country, coming back for more. Even with the slightly larger price tag (due to the included headset), SOCOM provides more than enough play to justify it, and is actually probably the best value for the dollar this year.

Its very difficult to convey how great this game really is without actually playing it. I must say again I was completely and utterly blown away by the quality of this game. Never did I expect it to be this unique and original. It really is something thats never been done before on consoles, and its been done with an enormous amount of care. Sony couldnt have picked a better lead for its online assault, because if SOCOM doesnt make you want to go online (and subsequently, get broadband access), nothing will. This is hands down, one of the best games not only this year, but ever for the PS2. A fantastic, high quality achievement. Im speechless. Buy. NOW!