Despite some flaws, this game is fun.

After two very successful outings in the popular SOCOM series, one might wonder where the games designers will go next can. Sure they can always add new missions, maps, and weapons, but how do you keep the series fresh yet maintain all of the elements that made it a success in the first place? The answer is, amongst others, by adding vehicles to the solo and multiplay portions of the game. This is a good thing as the game designers at Zipper have unleashed maps that are so large; they bring comparisons to the maps in Far Cry for size.

Thankfully there are boats, helicopters, and the old faithful Hummer ready to whisk you and your team in and out of danger through several mission hotspots. This is great when playing with a friend as they can man the guns leaving you free to steer.

SOCOM 3 also offers a wealth of options on the load out screen from laser sights to various styles of grenades and weapons, players will be able to select the weapons and accessories that best fit their style and the mission. For those doing a stealth mission, they would likely want to pack light, unless you are a bring them on type who does not mind shooting everything in site. I would suggest picking up a headset if you do not already have one, as the ability to give orders vocally to squad mates is a huge help and helps immerse yourself into the action.

SOCOM 3 is all about action as the campaigns take place in locales ranging from Poland to Africa and will have you and your team doing everything from hostage extraction to the ever popular search and destroy. Yes, A.I. teammates still get in your way and do not always follow orders but you will be glad to have them in some of the games more intense segments. Players can now swim in the game and this is a huge help for navigating certain areas of the map to get a drop on the bad guys.

The real strength of the game is the multiplay which will now allow up to 32 people to play in a single game. The basic Deathmatch style game is here as well as some popular variations on the old standards such as convoy style missions. With 12 maps, the action is fast and furious and offers something for gamers of all abilities.
Graphically the game has some nice spots but future titles in the series would likely benefit from the hardware boost that will be available on the coming PS 3 system.


The audio portion of the game is strong as the layered sounds really give players a sense of being in the action.

Despite a few flaws, SOCOM 3 is a solid shooter and will delight fans of the series as well as fans of the action genre.

4 stars out of 5.
Gareth Von Kallenbach
Skewed and Reviewed.