SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 on PSP Hands-On Impressions.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 looks set to continue that trend with solid co-operative gameplay and interesting mission set-ups. We recently got our hands on one of Fireteam Bravo 3's single player campaign missions ahead of the game's November launch and these are our impressions.

The mission, "Snowblind", starts out just after the capture of an important character Toro. Our demo didn't exactly go way to explain the reasons for his capture, but our objective was clear - find him. Playing as team heavy Wraith, we embarked onto the snow covered plains of the Soviet Union. The first thing you'll notice about Fireteam Bravo 3 is the solid graphical scope. The draw distance is good and your main character model fills up a chunky bulk of the screen. Movement is mapped to the analogue nub, affecting camera position at the same time. This can feel a bit stiff, the lack of any camera control a bit jarring at first, but it rarely affects the gameplay.

Aiming is complemented by a lock on mode when holding the R-button. However, if you are using a scoped weapon, you can zoom in and fire independently by hitting Up on the D-Pad. Commands can be issued with the Circle button, giving you a real sense of team control without complicating the game's interface.

What Fireteam Bravo 3 does best is give you a real sense of command. Navigating the environments and using the excellent team AI to take out enemies is empowering. You feel like a lone team on a suicide mission, but with all the tools to get a job done.

As you navigate the snowy plains you are given three major buildings to explore in order to recover Toro. He is in none of them, leaving you to explore a well guarded underground chalet.

We won't reveal the location of Toro, but we will say there's a lot of blood spilled before he's discovered. Having said that, SOCOM never feels run and gun. The pacing is slow and cautious, and that is enhanced by a tense atmosphere and clever AI.

We're certainly looking forward to checking out more of the game closer to release.