• ID = PS0591
• STYLE = Squad-Based Shooter
• DEV. = Zipper Interactive
• PUB. = Sony CEA, Inc.
• R-DATE = Nov-03-2003
• ESRB = M / For Mature
• PLAYERS = 1 player
• LIST PRICE = $49.99
  

The world's terrorists have targeted America and her allies. As an elite SEAL commander, your team's orders are simple--strike targets of importance within 12 intense international missions quietly and successfully--and protect freedom across the globe. Utilizing the best weaponry, technology and training available, accept no outcome but victory.

• Play as an elite SEAL commander and strike targets of importanse within 12 intense international missions.
• Confront deadly enemies with the most skilled Special Ops force ever assembled.
• Battle the world's terrorists in 12 intense missions.
• Command and strategize with SEALs and other special operations forces with a SOCOM headset.
• For 1 to 16 players over the Internet.

Description 2:
In SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALS you'll battle through 12 of the most intense inetrnational missions you've ever seen. Take your place among the nation's elite warriors and fight to protect America and her allies!

• Incredible graphics and real-time firefights will give you the feel of actual combat, as you travel to Algeria, Albania, Brazil and Russia.
• Partner up with other elite soldiers from around the world, from British SAS to Russian Spetznaz units, to ensure victory is the final outcome.
• Utilize thebest weaponry available, such as the Light Armored Weapon, RPGs, machine gun turrets, shotguns and other tools of war.
• Go online for 16-person gameplay -- 8 warriors per team. New mission types like Escort and Breach for extra combat action.
• Use the SOCOM-compatible headset for better online communication and offensive/defensive strategy.

Not that SOCOM II is radically different from its prequel: far from it; it's still a squad-based combat simulator very much in the style of Rainbow Six and the legion of other Tom Clancy-inspired tactical shooters. Here though the emphasis is on user-friendly controls and teamwork with real human players. The game features proper support for clans (groups of players that regularly play together) and is much better at keeping out cheaters. There are also 12 new maps to play on, in addition to the 10 from the original game, and two new multiplayer modes that have clearly been influenced by Counter-Strike .

Sensibly, though, the developers have paid just as much attention to the single-player mode, with a complete overhaul of the graphics and increased voice support that allows you to bark commands at your computer-controlled team mates (as long as you've got a USB headset) instead of mucking about with the ( still very good) menu system. All of this makes SCOCOM II the perfect way to get into online gaming. -- David Jenkins