SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 is so jam packed with features that even the title can’t be displayed as one line across the PSP’s widescreen.
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 is the sequel to (don’t make me type that name out again…) the same aforementioned name without the ׀”. It’s a true sequel in that it retains a lot of what made the original version great but it also has some new features such as an entirely new single-player campaign, some new online modes and some general upgrades. When it comes to tactical shooters, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2, is at the top of the list – and because of the lengthy title it will probably take up the second and third spot as well.
From this point on, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2, will simply be referred to as “this game.” Too bad I wasn’t getting paid by the word…There are many similarities to the PS2 version, Combined Assault. So much so in fact that connectivity with the elder sibling machine is featured. The story is revealed as you progress, so you learn as you go. When completing the various missions on the PSP you will see how the efforts of the two squads affect the overall storyline as it expands and evolves on both systems. It’s a nice touch if you have both systems and can find a copy of both games but you’re not missing a lot otherwise.
In the single-player campaign you play as the squad leader, Sandman, but unlike the quad squads of the PS2 version you only have one other teammate. It’s just a lot easier to exert command and control that way not to mention that onscreen real estate is at a premium on the handheld. In the fictional country of Adjikistan your missions are many and varied. The government and military of this backward country is involved in a series of illegal activities and human right abuses. In an effort to stabilize the country and protect its citizens as well as American interests, you will undertake 14 lengthy missions, complete with side missions that include search and destroy, rescue, intelligence gathering, killing and the capture of key military officials.
Very structured and linear, the levels are not open-ended. On the plus side it’s almost impossible to get lost thanks to the in-game maps and compass that always let you know where you’re going. Side missions are offered and here you will have some freedom in determining which ones to undertake. I suggest taking as many as possible as they are a good source of supplies and information. And you’re going to need since these things since there are no checkpoints, and if you or your teammate gets killed, you have to start the mission over right from the beginning. Not a great feature for a portable gaming system.