SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 2

Platform: PSP.
Verdict: A workable shooter with online strength
Rating: 3½/5
Eternally cursed by PS2 ports in dire need of a second analogue stick, it’s unfair that the PSP hasn’t had a decent run of games that work to its strengths. The original, lengthily titled SOCOM for the PSP was successful due to its online capabilities (an area the PSP is surprisingly weak in) and its reasonable attempt to make up for the loss of a stick.
Bravo 2 takes the baton and runs a similar course with an enhanced single player campaign, tweaked controls and extra online features to warrant its existence – if it aint broke, don’t fix it. As a stripped down version of its bigger brother on the PS2, Bravo 2 continues the tradition of covert Navy SEALs infiltrating risky places to rescue civilians, gain intel on naughty goings-on (as they’re officially known) and generally stop the bad guys from being bad by persuading them with your gun.
Fighting in a squad of two, each mission challenges you and your gun toting AI chum with a wide variety of tasks and allows you to issue orders to him in a satisfying and accessible manner. Levels are sprawling yet linear and populated with willing cannon fodder for your auto-aim to make short, unsatisfying work of.
Online is where it naturally excels, providing a unique and solid experience on the PSP, making up for the distinct lack of other games doing the same. Programmed AI never compares to that of an obsessive American teen either so staying alive is a much greater and interesting challenge.
Naturally, the down side to all that’s good about SOCOM is the control scheme – without that 2nd stick, sacrifices have been made. The use of a lock-on button removes the satisfaction of aiming yourself (unless in sniper mode) and having to manually switch into free view mode to look around means navigation can be clumsy and movement stilted. Thankfully it doesn’t ruin the game but it certainly impacts on what would have been a far greater experience with that extra stick.
Headset support is also provided for online play but only use it if you can stand high-pitched smack talk.