When Sony’s mystery game alluded to back in March was announced as SOCOM 4, much moaning materialised in many comment sections across the gaming industry. TSA’s commentariat were no different, for once, joining in to some degree with the universal chorus of “mehs” and “do not wants”.
We assumed this apathetic declaration of disinterest was the product of many people still smarting from their exposure to SOCOM: Confrontation; an experience many felt was tantamount to gaming penance. That said, Confrontation does have its fans, regardless of how deluded you think they must be.
The point is moot, however, as SOCOM 4 is not being developed by Confrontation’s maltreaters, Slant Six. SOCOM 4 is going home, back into the loving embrace of its original creators, Zipper Interactive.
The reality is, SOCOM is a massive franchise for Sony. The series has sold over twelve million units, putting it up there in the very respectable and lofty company of Monster Hunter and Gears of War. Sure, younger gamers may not have ever played a SOCOM title or have been warned off its PS3 outing, Confrontation, due to that version’s renowned issues, but for the rest of us, SOCOM is something of a sacred cow. On the PS2 SOCOM was a dependable companion, a rewarding squad-based tactical shooter that gave back as much as you put in.
In SOCOM 4, players take on the role of the Ops Commander, utilising a squad of five specialists in a sprawling campaign across South East Asia over the span of six days. A combination of full-on shoot-everything-that-moves action and more stealthy infiltration missions, SOCOM promises to serve up a third-person perspective tale of bullets and betrayal, with a heavy dose of its signature strategic soldier deployment slant thrown in along the way.
With MAG Zipper have proven that they can produce and support an experience that goes beyond the standard remit of what most moribund shooters deliver. Throw in Move support and the series returning to those who know it best, and SOCOM 4 is looking like a solid action title for 2011.
webby_15-0
i played on this at the eurogamer expo and wasnt too keen. it was with the dualshock so maybe its better with move. weird thing is – i like MAG. i dont even know what I didnt like about it, i just didnt like it.
bigwhiteyeti
I played it with the move at comic-con, and it felt great. Like when playing Metroid Prime 3 on the wii, but it always does exactly what you want, with no hiccups.
gazzagb
“With MAG Zipper have proven that they can produce and support an experience that goes beyond the standard remit of what most moribund shooters deliver” What? Yes, they’ve gone beyond the “standard remit” with 256 players, but as an actual game, it’s pretty buggy and broken.
That’s the exact reason I’m put off from Socom 4, after MAG, I’ve lost faith in Zipper.
Jim H [Teabags]
What I played at Eurogamer was solid, though the game seems to lack any sort of character. Hopefully the multiplayer will convince me into getting this, or the Move support.
GranTurismo-Disciple
MAG may be buggy at times but remember the maps are huge! There is a lot happening all over the maps its hectic. I still have MAG and its still really enjoyable. I have socom confrontation too and i don’t have a single trophy for it :( but its still good game. I hope SOCOM4 is like the oldies then it will be awesome can’t wait.
Colinbarr66
Played this at Eurogamer and it was really good. Didn’t get a shot with Move but it looked alright with that too.
Spotter5
My dad loves SOCOM games, he is really excited for this.
I remember in one of them a funny bug, you was in a flooded town and a enemy patrol boat goes by you, the guy in the boat shouts” THEY ARE OVER THERE!” while looking at you but then carries on as normal. Was funny :P
ElGuason
im actually looking forward to this game the previous games were alright but graphics weren’t that great this one is looking good though.
online4ntagonist
If it’s back to Socom 1, I’m totally for number 4.
I once emptied a pistol clip, just to reload to a fresh one, only the bullet hit on of my mates right in the head. At wich all the other teammates opened fire and killed me. No checkpoints, tough luck :)