Review: SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation -- This SEALs Gone AWOL

Quick Summary

Pros:

* Updated SOCOM 2 Maps (only 3)

* Sharp Graphics

* Impressive Day/Night Lighting

* Clan Ladder System (Patch 1.5)

Cons:

* Weapon Balance Flaws

* Lag Issues

* Sound Issues

* Lack of Maps

About SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation

Available Platforms: PlayStation 3

Genre: 3rd Person (Online-Only) Shooter

ESRB Rating: M for Mature

Release Date: October 14, 2008

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developer: Slant Six Games

Gameplay: 4/10

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation is the franchise's first venture onto the PS3. Since the game is Online-Only, one would think that the gameplay would make up for the lack of storyline. Guess again. The great multiplayer component, that SOCOM has prided itself on for years, is lacking in the newest installment. Baffling is the departure from many common functions of SOCOM gameplay including: Round Count, Tie Breaker Rounds, and Point System. It's obvious that Slant Six Games should have stuck to a formula that has worked in the past, but they decided to switch to an 8 Round Game System with no Tie Breaker Round in which teams switch sides half way.

There are serious weapon balance issues as well. Numerous patches have been released to update certain power and accuracy of weapons, yet with each new patch, there are new inconsistencies that skew the gameplay. Weapon balancing is not the only element the updates have skewed though. These updates have also created lag issues and rank problems among many others. Overall, the game is broken and Slant Six seems to be drowning in quick sand with their endless patching.

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Graphics: 7/10

The graphics in Confrontation are actually impressive. The expansive maps look great for the day and night. (The night maps have such realistic lighting that makes it difficult to see at times.) The maps are all set to appear Middle Eastern, which is both good and bad. Despite how they perfectly nailed the natural beauty found in the Middle Eastern desert landscape and architecture, the setting can get quickly repetitive. The most enjoyable part of the game is to see the three classic SOCOM 2 maps (Frostfire, Crossroads, and Desert Glory) recreated for the Playstation 3.

Sound: 7/10

Realistic sound effects are some of the more impressive additions to the SOCOM franchise. The most recent patch updated the noise volumes. Every noise you make can be heard by nearby enemies from footsteps to climbing ladders. Even the shell casings from gunfire remain on the ground to be kicked around, which I found to be a pretty cool effect. All of these sound effects can be lost, however, if your sound encounters a glitch, becomes screechy (high pitched) all of a sudden, or even completely cuts out. These were common occurrences for me in the year I have played SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation.

Challenge/Replay Value: 5/10

Some SOCOM die-hards have stuck with this game for about a year, but for the reasons explained in this review, many others have not. The recent addition of Clan Ladders and Tournaments has brought some players back, but due to new problems being introduced, their return may not last long. The frustrations and issues found in the basic gameplay that arise from time to time are enough to make the first playthrough the last for some players. For those who decide to stick with it longer than that, there are only 7 maps and 7 game modes, which gets repetitive and bland. SOCOM fanatics, who enjoy seeing the 3 classic maps, will quickly find that without the diversity seen in previous SOCOMs, even these timeless classics get old. All and all, there are many better multiplayer shooters out there to play and I recommend you find one of them and pass on this one.

Overall Score: 5 / 10

Review: SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation -- This SEALs Gone AWOL

By: gamepodunk

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