The Top PlayStation 2 Games of E3 2003

There were so many good games on the PlayStation 2 this year, we had a hard time deciding on the winners. Rest assured that there are a whole lot more than five PS2 games coming up soon that will demand your attention. From Metal Gear to Gran Turismo to Final Fantasy and a whole lot in between, it'll be a very strong year for the PlayStation 2.

5. SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs
Developed by: Zipper Interactive
Published by: SCEA
Release Date: November 2003

	What's Ahead: While SOCOM II already appears to be in pretty good shape, only a handful of missions were being shown at E3. We assume that means the rest of the game's missions are still undergoing tweaks and other changes. Hopefully the old maps will retain their basic flavor, and while we're at it, hopefully the new maps and locations will fit in with the existing content. Also, we simply can't stress the importance of good cheat protection enough. Hopefully the new game will be completely cheat-proof by the time it is finished and shipped out this November.

SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs is the follow-up to last year's best online game for the PlayStation 2. The game will feature many of the same single-player and multiplayer mechanics as the original game, but in classic sequel fashion, SOCOM II will have more weapons, more missions, and more modes to choose from.

The single-player campaign will feature 12 missions that take you through different hot spots to combat various forms of terrorism. The game's expanded cinematics should serve to better fill in some of the back story for each mission, helping you understand who, exactly, you're up against.

The meat of the game is still its 16-player broadband-only multiplayer, and the expansions here are why we're choosing it as one of the most impressive games shown at E3 2003. The game will feature new weapons, including two new weapon classes: rocket launchers and shotguns. Some control improvements have been made, making it more difficult to accidentally switch yourself into single-shot mode. The final game will contain all the multiplayer maps from the original SOCOM, as well as 12 new maps. Some of those maps will be for the game's two new multiplayer modes: breach and VIP escort.

The original SOCOM is currently plagued by cheaters online, and it sounds like both Zipper and Sony are serious about correcting this problem, not only in the sequel, but also in the original game. Some stiff cheat protection should be all the game needs to enjoy the longevity it deserves.