SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 storms PSP

So listen up. Since announcing last week that this SOCOM sequel had its scope set on an autumn release, our security clearance level has increased, meaning we've been privy to a little more intelligence.

The basics: playing as the SEAL commander, you benefit from the support of a computer-controlled teammate, and engage in strategy- and stealth-based SOCOM combat through the game's 14 single-player missions.

These missions feature a variety of objectives, and their non-linear progression should ensure some tactical freedom when it comes to choosing your next sortie.

Interestingly, once you complete a mission map, the game's dynamic mission generation feature re-activates that map with new objectives and enemies, effectively creating a new experience when you embark on another tour of duty there.

Another attractive addition is Command Equity – points earned by performing the core and bonus aspects of a mission. You can use these points to purchase military assets such as weapons, satellite intelligence and air strikes.

Related to this is Local Influence, a rating which reflects how well the SEALs interact with local populations during the campaign. The nicer you are to them (and we've found in other versions that rescuing them tends to earn plenty of Brownie points), the greater the chance they'll volunteer free intelligence and access to black market equipment.

In terms of specific improvements over the previous PSP SOCOM, the developer has consulted with the US Naval Special Warfare Command to create a more realistic experience. As such, enemy tactics and behaviour is said to now be more authentic, and the technical side of things has undergone significant upgrading too, resulting in more believable settings.

The most realistically intense Fireteam Bravo 2 moments are likely to come during multiplayer sessions, however.

Up to 16 players can team up and play against each other, in both adhoc and infrastructure modes, and three new multiplayer modes are offered – Tug-of-War Control Points, Capture the Flag and Target. The SOCOM PSP online community support features have been expanded to include tournaments, clan challenges and ladders, as well as enhanced friends list and instant messaging features.

Finally, PS2 interaction has been improved, with the developer claiming that linking Fireteam Bravo 2 with the PS2's SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault will dramatically affect your progression in both titles, as well as unlocking special features.

And that's all for now. Make sure you don't miss out on any further 'Eyes Only' reports by clicking 'Track It!' above.