 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs
- PlayStation 3
- Price: $59.99
- Genre: Third-person shooter
Common Sense Media says
Violent, bloody shooter glamorizes elite soldier's job.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs is a third-person shooter that depicts war zone violence in semi-realistic fashion. Players spend their time using a large arsenal of weapons to kill countless enemy soldiers, who writhe, bleed, and cry out in pain when struck. The player’s squad is clearly on the side of good, but everything they do in the game centers around violence. Parents should note that this game glamorizes war and that the instruction manual includes recruitment contact information for the U.S. Navy SEALs. The focus of the game is online play, where open voice communication is both supported and encouraged, which could lead to inappropriate language and topics of conversation.
What's it about?
SOCOM 4: U.S. NAVY SEALS is a realistic tactical third-person shooter with a simple single player campaign and extensive online multiplayer functionality. The story mode puts players in control of a small squad of NATO soldiers fighting in rural and urban locations in a distressed Asian country. Player focus is generally split between engaging enemy combatants directly and managing teammate's actions by tapping the directional buttons to issue orders. Custom missions that allow players to choose objectives and set enemy numbers are available as well. However, most players will spend the majority of their time engaged in online multiplayer matches, where up to 32 human combatants can square off against each other in a wide variety of customizable game types.
Is it any good?
The campaign portion of SOCOM 4 is as average as can be, delivering familiar cover-based combat scenarios populated with forgettable characters and objectives. Squad-focused tactics help distinguish the experience a little, but are marred by A.I. teammates often in need of babysitting. Infrequent stealth missions act as a nice change of pace. Too bad they’re so hard.
Luckily, the multiplayer element proves more satisfying. Upgradeable weapons and a well-designed character growth system will keep avid players busy for weeks or months, and matches without re-spawning -- a staple of the franchise -- are as tense as they’ve ever been. Like previous SOCOMs, the online play will likely be best enjoyed by hardcore as opposed to casual players; the people we encountered online while testing were often overly enthusiastic in their taunting. SOCOM 4 won’t win many new converts, but franchise fans shouldn’t be disappointed.
Online interaction: Up to 32 players can play together in online play. Squad-based multiplayer supports and encourages open voice communication between players, which means players could encounter inappropriate language and topics of conversation. Opportunity exists for players to share personal information.
What families can talk about
Families can talk violence in games. How do you feel about viewing realistic military combat in a video game? How does animated violence differ from violence in live action films?
Families can also discuss online safety. What precautions do you take when playing games online? What do you do if you encounter someone you think might be dangerous?
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AGE
ITs not like if kids will use guns in real life if you contol your child everything will be ok.
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AGE
Anyone
It's a great game. You can get yours free at *rewards1*/1889208.
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Kid, 9 years old
May 21, 2012
AGE
Not worth buying.
This game is worst game I have ever played. The game has violent themes that are for adults only. If you get shot once you die right away. It's the worst thirty bucks I have ever spent. Don't bother to buy this game. Hoped this review helped.
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AGE
Awesome game.
I TOTALLY LOVE THIS GAME.I play it everyday and can't put it down even for a toilet break.Although its very violent but take this and Call Of Duty or Battlefield and you will get the most awesome game ever produced!!
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| Platforms: | PlayStation 3 |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Third-person shooter |
| Developer: | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Release date: | April 19, 2011 |
| Price: | $59.99 |
| ESRB rating: | M for Blood, Strong Language, Violence |
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