SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals

On August 27th, Sony will launch its long-awaited online gaming network.  More than a dozen games will be available for the network before Christmas, but the most anticipated online game just happens to be one of the first.  First unveiled at E3 2001, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs is an online multiplayer game that relies heavily on stealth and teamwork.  There are single-player missions as well, but the main attraction to the game is the extensive multiplayer mode.  The demo I played did not include any of the multiplayer options (Sony's network is not ready to go yet), but the single-player mission is excellent.  From what I can tell, it's only a small taste of things to come...

The first thing I noticed about the game is how amazingly intuitive the controls are.  SOCOM's basic movements aren't very different from other console shooters, but they feel so much more natural.  Both analog sticks are used to control your character's movement: press the left stick to move forward, backward and strafe; and press the right stick to aim in any direction.  This simple combination is effective because of the programming, which is some of the best I have ever experienced in a video game.  Remember the first time you played Gran Turismo?  Remember how amazed you were by the way each vehicle handled?  That's what it was like for me the first time I played SOCOM.

Up to 16 players can play online simultaneously.  The final version will come with a special headset that allows you to communicate with all of your teammates in real time.  Plan strategies, make fun of the enemy or, if you want, you can just talk about the weather.

When playing offline, SOCOM maintains its multiplayer feel by giving you lots of teammates.  Dozens of different commands can be issued to them (similar to a war version of Munch's Oddysee, only much more complex).  Your teammates will automatically try to follow you and attack any enemy that they see.  But if you want to go on your own, you can tell them to stay put.  If you're all alone and need back-up, you can tell them to come save you.  If you want to go to a specific area, but fear you'll be killed, you can have them escort you.  The number of options is unprecedented in a console game.

SOCOM is the perfect blend of realism and entertainment.  The gameplay is very deep, and very realistic.  You can't get shot an infinite amount of times, find health items, and continue your mission.  In fact, I couldn't find any health items in the demo!  There are supposed to be some in the final version, but even so, that won't make the game any easier.

Everything that can be done to you can be done to your opponents as well.  They too can (and will) die immediately after being shot in the head.  Their health meter is not unrealistically long, and they can't outrun your constant stream of bullets forever.  If shot in the chest too many times, they'll die, plain and simple as that.  Of course, if you shoot them in the arm, they may fall down and eventually get back up.  That's why it's best to carefully line up your shots and take out your enemies from afar whenever possible.  Trust me -- it won't always be possible.  There are tons of places for your enemies to hide.  Searching a cabin in the woods can be a deadly mistake if done carelessly.  Some of the buildings are not lit very well...and terrorists just love to hide in the shadows.

Dead bodies can be picked up and carried around.  Because of the increased weight of the body, you won't be able to run when carrying it.  I'm not exactly sure how this will affect the gameplay in the final version, but I would assume that it'll help you in the same way that it helped Solid Snake in MGS2.  By removing a dead body from a terrorist-filled area, you're less likely to get caught than if you had left the body lying around.

All of this realism complements SOCOM's awesome play mechanics.  It enhances the gameplay to a level that has never been reached before.  Metal Gear Solid fans will love it.  Medal of Honor fans will love it.  Actually, I think everyone will love it.  Hopefully everyone will be able to play it.  If you didn't think you had a reason to get broadband Internet access before, you definitely do now.  I didn't know what to expect from SOCOM, but now that I've finally gotten to experience the masterpiece that Sony and Zipper Interactive have been working on for the past couple of years, I am certain that online gaming will be more than just a fad.  If you can afford DSL or a cable modem service, subscribe now and reserve your Network Adapter IMMEDIATELY.  Even if SOCOM is sold out, you can still rent it, but you can't rent a Network Adapter.  Trust me gamers -- this is going to be one of the fastest-selling peripherals of the year.  Don't let it -- or SOCOM -- slip between your fingers.