SOCOM: Combined Assault marks a shift in the evolution of the SOCOM franchise. Although the game has always had a healthy single-player component, multiplayer has usually taken center stage for both players and for the developers. Combined Assault takes a different direction and leaves the game’s multiplayer component untouched, instead focusing on the single-player experience.

Combined Assault looks as good as SOCOM 3, though the engine is starting to show its age. Environments are diverse, though they also fit together as one whole. Characters look great and feature as much detail as the PS2 can offer, though the animation is stiff and feels off. However, this could simply be a by-product of playing 360 games for the last year.

Sound is good and varied. Every weapon you come across as its own unique report. It isn’t so clear that you can instantly tell what someone is packing without seeing them, but there is a noticeable difference between guns. There is plenty of communication, especially between your squad.

SOCOM: Combined Assault’s single-player campaign takes place in the fictional country of Adjikistan. Missions include both primary and secondary objectives that range from eliminating a specific target to intelligence gathering. For the seasoned SOCOM player the layout is familiar, though how you go about completing the missions has changed.

For one, missions are no longer confined by the storyline; instead you can choose your progress, allowing a little more flexibility. This not only helps to open the game up a bit, but offers a little more breathing room. If you’re having trouble on a mission, you can usually try another and perhaps pick up some experience that will help you on the other mission. However, some objectives require that you complete other missions before unlocking. In addition, your progress in SOCOM: Fire Team Bravo 2 (for the PSP) can also have an impact on missions if you link the two using the Cross Talk feature.

Even with the open-ended mission structure, mission objectives are still rather linear. As with other games in the series, you can usually complete one or two out of order, but for the most part objectives are laid out and give you a hemmed-in feel.

A new addition to the campaign is the option of playing the game cooperatively with three other people. You can play through the entire game with friends or play specific missions. Co-op runs smoothly, though it does give you a noticeable advantage over the A.I.

Combined Assault includes all of the same multiplayer game types found in the previous installment. Over the years, SOCOM has managed to garner a strong following and there’s no reason that Combined Assault shouldn’t follow. Multiplayer features 22 maps and supports up to 32 players with full clan support, friends lists and leaderboards.

SOCOM: Combined Assault is just as challenging as previous iterations. The game sticks to the long-distance attack and sneaking around model. There are a few situations where you will have to get up-close to your targets, but it is usually better to remain unseen and take things out from a safe distance.

If you do choose to run in, expect an early death. It doesn’t take too many hits to die and enemies are pretty good at getting a bead on you. Making a tactical mistake isn’t an instant loss since you are given one medkit. Once it is gone, it is gone – so use it wisely.

Play smart, and you’ll do fine.

SOCOM: Combined Assault doesn’t alter the series’ core mechanics much. Missions begin with a short briefing and a load out screen where you equip your team members. Seasoned SOCOM players will tell you that this ends up being one of the game’s more crucial aspects. Choosing the wrong equipment can, and will, cost you missions.

Once in game, you are responsible not only for your actions, but those of your squad. Generally the A.I. does a good job of doing the right thing, though you will often times have to issue direct orders through the in-game command system. There are commands for just about any situation you may encounter and all are easily accessed by way of an in-game menu. Commands can be issued with the touch of a button. Just aim at the target, press L2 and the A.I. goes to work. This is usually enough to get you through the entire game, unless you really want to pull off a specific tactic. As always, you can also use the USB headset to issue commands.

Getting back to A.I., it is generally competent – especially when compared to previous versions (I still have nightmares of Boomer from the first game). It does hit a few snags from time to time. Sometimes the A.I. would run at an enemy or make itself an easy target. Other times, it would get lost or stay too close, restricting movement. The same goes for enemy A.I., which isn’t completely incompetent, but certainly shows signs of stupidity.

Although interest in SOCOM has waned slightly with the past few releases, SOCOM: Combined Assault is a solid entry in the series. The single-player campaign doesn’t alter itself too much, but the changes are enough that it is more interesting. As for multiplayer, you won’t find anything better on the PS2.