SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

In short, SOCOM II has addressed nearly every complaint I had about the first game, and added a bunch of new features on top of that. If you like the first game at all, run - don't walk, run - to get this game. [Dec 2003, p.160]

Into Liquid Sky

The best part of this game, of course, are its online features. You’ll simply be addicted to this game like a drug addict is to PCP. [Grade = A+]

Play Magazine

What a great, overachieving sequel this is. [Dec 2003, p.84]

Yahoo! Games

The single-player game represents as solid a shooter as has graced the PS2, while the online game captures the gaming spirit that so many PC enthusiasts claimed would never reach a console. Updated graphics make use of more detailed character models and environmental effects, completing a package that can't be rivaled on PS2.

GameNow

When you venture online, newbie ensigns should have better survival rates, thanks to a crackdown on cheating and the new ranking system. [Dec 2003, p.60]

PSM Magazine

Even if you focus strictly on the single player game and ignore the massive improvements to their multiplayer world, there are so many details in the game that it almost comes to life... A near-perfect game. [Dec 2003, p.84]

Da Gameboyz

"The" best game I have ever played on the PS2.

GameBiz

Singleplayer, SOCOM 2 offers about 15 – 20 hours of gameplay – however the hours online are endless.

Armchair Empire

Completely overshadows its predecessor in every single way.

Gamezilla!

If you’re looking for something to suck the greater part of your life away this is the game for you.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

The final, and best reason to play SOCOM II: it's incredibly addictive online multiplayer game... The new maps rock like nobody's business, and deeper setup options (sniper rifles only, no explosives, that sort of thing), add even more variety. [Dec 2003, p.206]

Gamers' Temple

Does a good job of providing a realistic, squad-based shooter without letting that realism get in the way of the gameplay.

GameSpot AU

While the solo campaign is suitably lengthy and will keep most gamers on their toes for a reasonable period of time, it's multiplayer where SOCOM II really shines.

Cincinnati Enquirer

An exceptional follow-up to the original.

PSX Nation

And when you factor in downloadable content with the upcoming release of the PS2 HDD, SOCOM’s reign as the PS2’s top online game doesn't look to be ending anytime soon.

GamingWorld X

SOCOM 2 rocks; it’s just not the mammoth leap forward we were hoping for.

GameZone

And speaking of landscapes, the game's graphics are breathtaking, thicker foliage, clean sight lines and better camouflage for the characters. A beautiful looking game.

GamePro

It’s easier to communicate between teammates on and off the battlefield using the headset. There isn’t as much breakup or static when you talk, plus you can now identify who’s actually talking.

BonusStage

With up to 16 player games on 22 playable maps in 5 different mission types, SOCOM 2 puts even the heftiest of other multi-players to shame.

GMR Magazine

Old annoyances have been addressed: You can use voice chat in the lobbies and put your buddies on a friends list to find them and send them messages (even when they are in a game). Also, cheating should be cut way down by other added measures. [Dec 2003, p.94]

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

Immersive, dramatic, exciting, detailed, never dull, challenging, extremely good looking and worth hooking up to broadband for. [PSM2]

GameSpy

It's a huge improvement over the first title in nearly every area. In fact, it nearly makes the first game obsolete.

TotalPlayStation

Technically more of the same without any major advances to the series, something that keeps it from being a marked advance in what the first game started...If any one area of the game got the most subtle tweaks that made the biggest difference, it’s in the graphical overhaul.

Game Informer

The original SOCOM was a milestone game which influenced the action genre immensely. It's a little sad to see its sequel display so little innovation, but as they say: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. [Dec 2003, p.123]

Next Level Gaming

A worthy sequel to an already solid game. New missions, and fantastic new online modes makes SOCOM II one of the better online titles on the PS2.

IGN

A great online expansion pack, but a weaker single-player game.

Firing Squad

The designers have responded to fan input, by making the game more difficult, making your team members and the competition smarter, a richer graphical environment, and overall a better gaming experience.

TotalGames.net

If you don't have your PlayStation2 online you're going to be missing out on a large slice of the gaming fun to be had with SOCOM II.

GameSpot

On top of its great gameplay and long list of options, SOCOM II is a great-looking game. The player models and environments look really fantastic, and the addition of foliage provides more cover while also making the levels look more realistic.

Game Over Online

The multiplayer is easily the best facet of the game, and is much better than it ever was. However, some of the problems with the still-weak single player missions limit this game from truly being great.

GamingTrend

A good game, don’t get me wrong. Theres just isn’t a whole lot new here. Maybe in the next installment we’ll see something a bit different.

Game Revolution

Improves many of the niggling flaws of the original while updating the maps and graphics along the way, leading to a genuinely fun and at times, addictive game. Unfortunately, the disconnect ranking issue still need some ironing.

Gaming Age

The game suffers from some obvious bugs here and there, but the enthralling single-player missions and addictive online multi-player modes offset the problems to an extent. The game absolutely has to be experienced with the USB headset for full effect.

3DAvenue

The graphics of SOCOM II: US Navy Seals is a mixed bag

G4 TV

Taken together, the new touches are nice, but the graphics are one area where SOCOM II can't yet compete with its PC cousins.

NTSC-uk

The best tactical shooter you can buy for the PS2 by far.

Cheat Code Central

Realistic is the effect that the designers are going for and they have certainly come closer with this version. Compared to the original all the graphics and animations have been improved greatly.

Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK

Move in for the commander-in-chief of online tactical shooters. [Jan 2007, p.106]

GameCritics

There's no denying the game creates one of the most intense and interesting war game experiences out there on a console. I'm personally more a "run and gun" guy than a "sneak around in the shadows" player, and I still found SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs to be an engaging and engrossing gaming experience that immersed me in a world I'd not experience otherwise.

GamerArchive

Problems do arise however, mainly down to the computer AI. At times they can act obscenely professional, and at others fairly dumb.

Edge Magazine

It's entertaining, but if SOCOM II is the pinnacle of Sony's online achievement - and it is - then Microsoft has convincingly won the online battle. At least for this round. [Mar 2004, p.100]

games(TM)

We can't help feel this game deserves better; that Sony should have better prepared its overachieving child for its second run at online domination. Sadly, it's still the average game that SOCOM was, and without any novelties to paper over the mundane gameplay it's hard to see this repeating the success of its predecessor. [Apr 2004, p.96]