The original SOCOM was one of last year's biggest hits - and it's easy to see why. Putting the player in charge of an elite team of Navy SEALs, tackling dangerous missions against the shadowy terrorist foe, SOCOM isn't just topical - it's damn good fun. What's more, the game spearheaded the PlayStation 2's first steps into the online arena, single-handedly establishing a fervent community that battles away to this day.

Now the SEALs are back, and look set to consolidate their position as gaming's most ass-kickingest fellows. Once again, a slick single player campaign lines up alongside an alarmingly addictive online multiplayer mode, and of course, the whole SOCOM stocking is stuffed full of improvements and new additions.