PSP World

SOCOM: US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo

After the release of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (PSPworld Rating: A), we had serious doubts as to whether or not another game would come along before x-mas to take its semi-permanent residence in our main PSP away. Well, not only did SOCOM: US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo take it away, but in fact it is SOCOM that has now taken up residence in our PSP — to find out why, read the review.

First of all, the value of the online multiplayer cannot be overlooked. This game would almost be worth the price of entry just to get an online game in which you can communicate with teammates, talk trash, and generally just feel as if you are playing a next-gen game all from the comfort of your couch, yard, or generally anywhere with wi-fi. If you have an Xbox and still play Halo 2, you know what we’re saying.

That said, there is a lot more to the game than multiplayer. SOCOM features possibly the most intricate and well-thought-out storyline of any PSP game to date. The story really makes you want to achieve your objectives and continue through the game. As for the gameplay and controls, they are top notch. We had a couple of problems finding objectives, and our AI buddy went in and mowed down some people we were trying to take alive, but other than those minor gripes it’s a very well polished and manageable game.

The graphics on the game are superb, and really give the game the same feel as its console brethren. The sound is also excellent — so good, in fact, that while listening on our newly received Shure E4gs we felt as if we had actual surround sound as opposed to simple stereo. This game truly sets a standard for best-in-class portable gaming audio. Unfortunately the effect isn’t quite as enveloping when wearing the Sony PSP headset that was released to go along with the online multiplayer for this game — but it is still there.

Overall, SOCOM: US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo is a great game — perhaps even the best we’ve seen for the PSP thus far. The mix of action, excellent production values, challenging gameplay, and endless fun playing online multiplayer missions make it a complete package, and one that will take a lot to best.

Review Round-Up

IGN: 8.3
“SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo is easily one of, if not the, most full-featured titles for the PSP yet.”

GameSpot: 8.7
“Fireteam Bravo effectively captures the spirit of previous SOCOM games on the PlayStation 2, making it easily the best shooter yet for the PSP.”

GameSpy: 8.0
“The SOCOM series has always set the bar for the PS2 in terms of online play. Now, with Fireteam Bravo, the series is set to do the same for Sony’s handheld system. The multiplayer experience is amazing, and the crosstalk feature adds a unique element to fans of the series. The game is one of the best releases to date for the PSP and a must-have title for any PSP owner.”

GameZone: 9.0
“There’s no doubt about it, SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo for the PSP is the real Must Have game of the year for anyone who owns a PSP.”

Aggregate Rating: 8.7