Hooyah! The SEALs Are Back For More On PSP

Back for another round, gamers can now enjoy another set of missions taking down ruthless enemies and drug traffickers.

"SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2," developed by Zipper Interactive, is the sequel to last year's smash hit. Here, the format is essentially the same as the last but with some welcomed additions.

You have to command your way past 14 missions in the same fictional country, Adjikistan, which is in the latest PS2 version, called "Combined Assault."

The compatibility between the PS2 and PSP is much greater in "Fireteam Bravo 2." Using the crosstalk feature in the options menu you can sync your data to the PS2 "Combined Assault" game. Since both formats follow the same Area of Operation, what you do in one version can effect the other. For example if you eliminate enemies around a helicopter, they won't be there in the PS2 version.

Just like its PS2 counterpart, "Fireteam Bravo 2" has over 40 military grade weapons to choose from. Unlike the PS2 series of "SOCOM" games, where you can carry only two accessory weapons, and one is usually locked for certain mission, "Fireteam Bravo 2" allows you to have three, in addition to the main weapon and a sidearm. Medical kits are also available and you can use them during a campaign.

The controls are the same as the previous title where you can lock on to a target using the L button and X fires you weapon. Again, if you're very familiar with the PS2 series, jumping on to the PSP might seem a little confusing but in the end you should be able to manage.

Some new added features make "Fireteam Bravo 2" much more awesome. The ability to call in air strikes anytime, anywhere on enemy positions is now possible. On any mission you can select the number of air support calls you can make based upon the amount of command equity points you have.

Command equity is a points system, which is absent in "Combined Assault," that rewards you for completing non-primary objectives in each mission. Using command equity you can also call in supply drops to replenish your weapons stock. Local influence (also a new feature) is a somewhat similar concept. If you rescue civilians throughout a mission, they'll give you access to some cool black market weapons.

Also added to the mix is the ability to switch your second teammate during the weapons select screen. The disappointing part of "Fireteam Bravo 2" is the lack of the saved checkpoint process, which is available in the PS2 version of "Combined Assault."

Basically, if you die during a mission you have to start all over again, which is very frustrating if you're near the end of a mission. It's challenging but can give some gamers gray hairs in the process.

As with the most PSP games, "Fireteam Bravo 2" supports both ad hoc and online play for up to 16 players, featuring 12 different maps. Three new game modes were added to the mix (tug-of-war control points, capture the flag, and target). I did see some lag in online play but nothing too frustrating.

I found "Fireteam Bravo 2" very enjoyable, and even more fun syncing data with "SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Combined Assault" on the PS2. There is no game on the market that can top "SOCOM." If you are looking for a great military shooter, look no further than "Fireteam Bravo 2."

SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 is rated "T" for Teen (Content suitable for ages 13 or older) and is available exclusively for the PlayStation Portable gaming system.