Joystiq [PlayStation]

The gameplay is absolutely engrossing -- maybe too much so (we've missed a couple of subway stops thanks to this game). There's a significant learning curve, but the built-in tutorial does a fantastic job of teaching players the basics in an intuitive way. Players control two squads of two soldiers, and must use their tactical knowledge to complete their objectives. Players never take direct control of the soldiers: don't expect this to play like previous SOCOM games. In fact, each soldier has its own AI and will try to take care of themselves -- you merely provide the directives and suggestions that they must try to follow. Careful positioning and timing is vital to success, as it only takes a second or two to see the results of your actions. Smart players will remain stealthy, killing enemies as quietly as possible. When gunfire needs to be used, players will know how to set up Alpha and Bravo fireteams to fire from opposing angles, to take enemies by surprise. Enemies will die in a few bullets ... but so will your soldiers.

The incredible realism of the game makes it so utterly compelling. Don't expect to run and gun your way through levels. Enemies will intelligently respond to the changing environment and will do an incredible job of trying to flank you and hide behind cover. They will call for reinforcements, be cautious when someone is mysteriously killed, and will even use snipers to try and get rid of you. This is a brutally difficult game, where no man can be "left behind." To tackle such overwhelming odds, you will find that you will start thinking in totally new ways ... and the game will always try to counter your tactics. It's a brilliant game of chess, but faster and far deadlier.

We won't go into specifics about the game's incredible story and presentation -- that's something we're going to save for our final review. Unless something drastic changes in the game's latter half, we're confident that this will be the single best game in the PSP library for a long time to come.