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Platform: PSP

Genre: Action

Number of Players: 1, 1 - 16 via AdHoc & Infrastructure
 

Sony and Zipper have made SOCOM into one of the hottest franchises on the PlayStation 2, and the fan and critic reaction has been just as incredible when it comes to the PSP version of the game. The portable version of SOCOM known also as Fireteam Bravo, is back once again, and conveniently enough coincides with the release of the latest PlayStation 2 entry, Combined Assault.

Like with Combined Assault, the action is set in the fictional country of Adjikistan, a newly formed country that has branched off from Russia. However, this new country seems to be filled with corruption and the Navy SEAL’s have been called in to put a stop to some of the underworld activity. Fireteam Bravo and Specter’s SEAL team from Combined Assault are working in conjunction with one another to gather more intel and secure freedom for not only Adjikistan, but the world as a whole.

Specter and his team may do a good job in the console version of SOCOM defending freedom against terrorist factions, but Sandman only needs Wraith (or Lonestar or Bronco, you do have a choice of three.) The two man team can do just as much as their fellow Navy SEAL’s can, but they certainly don’t need the added manpower in order to make their mission a success. The difference in the total number of characters doesn’t bring the game down however, and in many ways, only having one other member to contend with can make missions run a little smoother.

Many of the same options exist between the two variations of SOCOM, though Fireteam Bravo does have other abilities available that you won’t find in the console versions of the game. Instead of having to rely on the pressure sensitive method of sneaking you can use the R button to go into stealth mode. This is also used to lock onto targets (a very good option) or cycle through available enemies on the screen. Sandman also has the option to call in a supply drop or an air strike. By using your binoculars which also have the ability to take photos, you can have command drop in necessary supplies to the team or call in the cavalry to eliminate a huge group of enemies or heavy artillery that is impeding your mission.

The command feature is a bit more simplified in Fireteam Bravo, but it certainly doesn’t hinder the game in the least. In fact, the basic command options can make the game easier to play, and you’ll often see these pop onto the screen, giving you the option to quickly tap the O button in order to have your teammate carry them out. You can perform these as well of course, but you will gain points by working as a team, not going at this as a solo mission. You might be good, but you’re certainly no Jack Bauer, and even he needs some assistance from time to time. Other control features in the game remain unchanged between the two games, so for further explanation on these if you’re unfamiliar with the series, checking out the review of the original SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo is recommended.

Upon completion of each mission, you will be graded on your performance and earn Command Equity (or CE) which can be used in the armory. This will allow you to unlock other weapons and accessories that can be equipped, though there are times when the “stock” weapons, those supplied before going into the armory, really seem to be just the right thing to get the job done. If not, you always have the option to grab an enemies weapon once you’ve killed him, or restrained, it’s all up to how you want to play.

Last year, the console and portable versions of the game introduced something a bit more unique, and that would be the crosstalk option. With this, you can link the PSP and the PS2 versions of SOCOM together and have them trade data back and forth, more specifically, the objectives that you’ve completed in the games. What this does is unlocks new features such as skins for multiplayer and weapons, that can be used. Linking the two systems together is quite easy, and crosstalk is going to prompt players to go through the missions in hopes of finding new bonus objectives to meet and increase the extra features that are available.

Just like with the console versions of SOCOM, Fireteam Bravo also offers players an online mode, though unlike Combined Assault, there is no option to play the missions in co-op mode. The modes found online include a free-for-all which is a deathmatch of course, a SEAL and mercenary battle (no longer terrorist in order to be “politically correct) and this mode is the one that normally most SOCOM fans are involved in as it is a team against team battle. The demolition and extraction mode are still included as well as Tug of War, something that is a bit like capture the flag though your team is trying to capture five different control points in order to win. There is also an intel grab mode as well as Target, much like the free-for-all, though in this game you have a point that you need to capture and defend, and killing off opposing players will earn you points. The online version of Fireteam Bravo also will allow you to start clans, keep a friends list, and virtually everything else that the console version of SOCOM will.

The PSP really is quite an impressive system when it comes down to it, and while you may think that usually a portable game is going to suffer just a little when it comes to the graphics, that just isn’t the case here. Fireteam Bravo 2 looks just as good as the other versions of SOCOM do, and it actually looks even better than the first Fireteam title did. The level designs perfectly mirror what is seen in Combined Assault, and there are occasions when you will be playing through similar areas. Even some of the cut scenes are taken from the latest SOCOM and it works as a good way to truly tie everything together. The only compliant that I have is that there are times when it’s extremely difficult to see enemies at a long distance, but that’s where the ability to zoom in and get a better look at your environment can come into play. Outside of this however, Fireteam Bravo 2 is an excellent example of what can be done with a PSP title, in looks and entertainment.

Having one new SOCOM title to play is good, but having two is even better, and one that you can take out on the road with you really is one of the best things of all. The crosstalk option alone really gives both games a high replay value, but the fact is that when it comes to SOCOM, the series has nearly been perfected and Sony and Zipper Interactive have outdone themselves with Fireteam Bravo 2.
 

-mike-