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Review
Few games nowadays stand the test of time. We may see some half hearted attempts at sequels but rarely do they better the original. This is particularly the case when it comes to Shoot-Em-Ups. So many have come and gone. We have yet to find a new Goldeneye and if there's a game better than the original Time Crisis, we have yet to play it. So when you see a series in the genre releasing its fifth instalment, not only is it a rare thing, but it also triggers a worrying thought. Is it possible to breathe new life into such a long-running series? This is the case with SOCOM: US Navy Seals. With their latest title, Confrontation they have released a game built purely for online gaming. There is one of two conclusions to make of it due to this. It is either going to be pure genius, or an average game stuck in the depths of mediocrity. Let's hope for the former.
It is best to start with the main headline to this game straight away. This game can ONLY be played online. Now, the upside to this is that the online gaming works very well (after a few technical glitches were sorted out.) When you begin the game you must join a group, either the Mercenaries or the Commandos. When you enter into an online match, you and other online gamers form a group and together you must achieve objectives against the other team to be victorious. We will go through the different game modes later on in this review. With it being online, it sets a certain mood due to the fact that you generally have to play it with other players that you don't know, rather than with your mates.
The downside however, is that if you are new to the series you are thrown straight in at the deep end. There are no opportunities for you to practice on your own or any tutorials. You literally have to learn by making mistakes in a proper game. The fact that it is online is a unique touch for experienced SOCOM gamers though. Achieving objectives with your team is extremely satisfying if you know what you are doing.
This game comes bundled with the Official Sony Bluetooth Headset (though standalone versions are available too). The headset isn't an essential piece of kit for enjoying the game, but it does adds to the general feel. With it you can communicate with other members of your team, discussing attack plans and warning of enemy presence. But let's face it, it's much more fun to use it to trash talk under-performing members of your squad! As you can have up to a whopping 32 players in any one online game, you'd better have your best insults at the ready!.
