socom
Latest
PSN Thursday: Ain't no Booty here, but there's SOCOM
Now that the unscheduled PSN maintenance is done with, we can get on with Booty business. Oops, it appears the Age of Booty won't be starting on PSN today. Despite Capcom's previous announcement, checking the publisher's press site reveals the game now has a November release, along with PC. However, there is SOCOM: Confrontation and the demo for Motorstorm: Pacific Rift available this week. Check out the full North Amercan update after the break.The European PSN update for the week can be found over at SackBoy central PS3 Fanboy.
No Trophies for SOCOM at launch, to be patched later
"The trophies will become available via patch in the coming weeks," SCEA's Jennifer Clark told us when we inquired about the game's strange lack of Trophies. Yes, if you buy SOCOM Confrontation, you'll find that it's absent of the collectible Trophies everyone's been raving about. It's strange that Slant Six wasn't able to include Trophies into the final version of the game, but this may explain why we had so much trouble finding out the Trophy list so soon before the game's release. We're hoping that the Trophies that are enabled will take advantage of a retroactive rewards system. Undoubtedly, hardcore SOCOM fans are ready to spend hours in the online world of Confrontation. Of course, let Burnout Paradise teach a lesson: perhaps it's best not to expect retroactive Trophies to um ... y'know, work.
Deal of the Day: SOCOM Tactical Strike for $20
We feel sorry for the oft-misunderstood SOCOM: Tactical Strike. Fans who bought the game were surprised to see it wasn't a shooter -- instead, it was a methodically paced strategy game which required patience, intelligence and nerves of steel. PSP Fanboy reader Jason commented earlier: "I guess if you bought it without checking out any previews and thought it was an action shooter, then yeah, it could be a let down. If you play the first mission with the tutorial it shows you everything you need to know and it does it in a real game situation."For those of you ready to take the plunge into the full game, check out this week's Best Buy circulars. You'll see that Tactical Strike is on sale this week for a measly $20. Go to your local Best Buy, or simply buy online. You can also check out the downloadable demo here.[Via CAG]
SOCOM confronts Japanese players in new trailer
Are Japanese players even interested in the very-Western SOCOM franchise? We're not entirely too sure, but this new trailer released for the Japanese market will try to attract players to the 32-player online fragfest. Thankfully, video footage of the game can be understood in any language. Chances are, though, if you're one of the many that are eagerly anticipating the game -- you're already in the beta.
SOCOM: Confrontation Public Beta Manual is a bit late
It has been 10 days since the start of the SOCOM: Confrontation beta, but Slant Six has finally provided a manual for us. We are not sure why this wasn't provided on or before the day the public beta was released, but better late than never, we suppose. Check out the manual here.Those of you who are looking forward to another patch for the beta shouldn't have to wait much longer -- another patch is in the works and the focus of it will be to resolve the following issues: Abnormally long network synchronization issues when some users in a game have a poor network connection. This issue causes 4-7 minute (or longer) load times when late joining a game. An issue where respawn game late joiners were sometimes stuck in spectator mode and could not respawn into the game. Remove the latency detection network test which is causing some users with poor network connections to receive the network latency icon (red X). We'll provide you with an exact release date as soon as the information is available.[Via SOCOM.com]
SOCOM download codes are coming today for those who bought Qore
Do you remember, way back in the mists of time (well, three months ago ...) when you were given a choice? To buy Qore or not to buy Qore. For those of you who did, today is the day that it pays off, particularly if you're a SOCOM fan. There's a chance you're already in the beta but, if not, you should be receiving and email today with download instructions for the game client. Check out the PlayStation Blog to get a sneak peek at those instructions before they drop at around 5pm PST.The beta won't be available for download within Qore ep 1, so if you've been keeping it on your HDD for that reason you can feel free to delete it now. Only with the download code, redeemable through the Account Management menu of the XMB, will you be able to access the game. Remember, this is a beta, not a demo. We don't want to hear any whingeing about how bits and pieces are broken or buggy. Tell the appropriate people on the beta forum and they'll do their best to fix them before the full game releases.
SOCOM: Confrontation beta patched, actually playable
It was a rough weekend for the SOCOM faithful as server and network code issues made the game nigh-unplayable for many. Sony was well aware of the problem, promising a fix before the end of this week. Surprise: the fix arrived early this morning, and we – along with, oh, everyone who waited for the beta – were eager to see what exactly was fixed.Turns out the answer is (at least in our experience) quite a bit. We were irked to find that our character customization data was wiped by the 1.10 patch, but them's the breaks in betaville. Rebuilding our characters wouldn't be worth it if we couldn't get into a match, though. Happily, we have found that almost all front-end network issues (login errors, general slowness, etc.) have been nipped, we can finally join games, and, when we do, gameplay seems less laggy. It still takes quite a while to load into a match, but knowing that you'll actually be able to play once you do makes the waiting much more bearable. For those who are in the beta, let us know what your experience with 1.10 has been like in comments. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
SOCOM beta keys from Eurogamer today at 4PM (UK only)
Eurogamer will be giving out their SOCOM: Confrontation beta keys starting at 4PM UK time, which is half an hour from now. You must be in the United Kingdom, and you have to first register here with Eurogamer. Make sure you are signed in, and keep checking their page for more information. They will be given out on a first-come, first served basis. Finally, unlike the US beta keys, these UK beta keys will only work on one PS3. Good luck! [Thanks John R.!]
Sony's SOCOM PS3 Bluetooth headset priced, detailed for North America
We know, we know -- you already know most everything there is to know about Sony's SOCOM PS3 Bluetooth headset, but up until now, the most important tidbit has remained a mystery. The device will be launching this fall as part of the SOCOM: Confrontation bundle for $59.99, or if you just loathe the whole SOCOM series, you can pick it up all by its lonesome for $49.99. Tough call, huh?
Eurogamer to give away 6,000 SOCOM: Confrontation beta keys (for UK only)
Those of you on the other side of the Atlantic might have not heard much about those SOCOM: Confrontation beta keys since they were mentioned last month, but now we have a little bit of news for you guys in the UK. Apparently, Eurogamer will be have 6,000 of them to give out to UK gamers whenever the beta begins. No other information was available, but details should be announced in "the next few days."Furthermore, late last week we learned that the US beta was delayed until September 5th. We knew that Europe was suppose to get the beta on the same day as the US, but as of now Eurogamer claims that "Sony has yet to confirm exact details for Europe," which hints at a delay. We'll keep you updated as soon as more information is released.[Via Three Speech]
SOCOM beta confronted by delay
Over at the official PlayStation Blog, SOCOM: Confrontation producer Seth Luisi has confirmed a massive or slight delay (depending on your level of SOCOM infatuation) for the game's public beta. Originally slated to begin yesterday, the virtual doors will instead open this Friday, September 5. (QORE subscribers will be let in the following Friday, September 12.)Luisi says the delay was prompted by the team "working so hard to ensure the final product is fantastic," which we believe is Ye Olde Spinne for "we found a bug." Thankfully (and thoughtfully) the beta's run won't be cut short by the delay; it will last a full month, from 9/5 to 10/5. (Make that three weeks for QORE readers viewers.)
Official PS3 headset priced at 5000 yen in Japan
The official PS3 headset, which will be bundled with SOCOM Confrontation, really may be as high as $50 when it releases as a standalone product later this year. This would make the $60 SOCOM bundle an obvious deal, as it would give players both the headset and access to the online shooter for only $10 more than the headset alone.The headset, which will debut on October 30th in Japan, will cost 5000 yen (~$45.93). It is supposedly of a much higher quality than the headset included with Warhawk last year.%Gallery-26269%
Sony's SOCOM PS3 Bluetooth headset gets official
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan just got official with its PlayStation-branded SOCOM Bluetooth headset (model CEJH-15002) we've seen bouncing around since June. Set for a ¥5,000 (about $46 tax inclusive) release on October 30th in Japan along side SOCOM:CONFRONTATION, the Bluetooth 2.1+EDR headset with noise cancellation will automatically pair with your PS3, making it ready for games supporting on-line chat like SOCOM and Resistance 2 coming November 13th. The bundled USB cradle will charge the headset for up to 8-hours of voice. As a bonus, when used with the PS3 you'll be treated to on-screen indicators showing your connection status, battery charge and speaker levels and microphone mute status all at the push of a button. And for those of you wondering, yes, it should pair just fine with your cellphone since it supports both the HSP and HFP Bluetooth profiles.%Gallery-30989%[Via I4U]
SOCOM public beta slightly delayed
While many (including ourselves) were excited for the launch of the public beta come September 1st, news on the official SOCOM site tells us that the public beta has been delayed (again). Thankfully, the wait isn't too long: the public beta will now be available on September 5th, with Qore purchasers getting access on September 12th. To make up for the delay, the beta will also be extended a few days, with a new end date of October 5th.Those that want to get access into the public beta can go to GameStop to pre-order the game. With a pre-order, you'll get access for yourself, and two friends, to join this sneak peak at the online shooter.[Thanks, frankym!]
SOCOM Confrontation beta goes global, Europe gets access on 9/1 as well
Just like your friends across the Atlantic, European gamers will be able to enjoy the SOCOM Confrontation beta on September 1st. In fact, the beta will be global so players from Asia, America, Europe and Oceania will be able to play each other all on the same day (unlike some other beta programs). Each region will have different methods of acquiring access to the beta, so keep a sharp eye out at your local retailer for any pre-order incentives they may have.[Thanks, raj!]
SOCOM Confrontation beta features detailed
Just a couple of weeks to go until those with GameStop pre-orders for SOCOM Confrontation will gain entry into the public beta for the game. (Qore subscribers will need to stay patient for a few days after that – d'oh!) With the sneak peak looming, the SOCOM Blog has posted some salient details on what to expect content-wise.The latest update details the "Crossroads" map, which will be playable in both 16- and 32-player variations. Available game modes will include Extraction, Suppression, and the less friendly sounding Elimination. Beta players will have access to weapon and gear customization, as well as clans and stats tracking – player data will be deleted once the game hits retail, so bold beta entrants best not get too attached to their accomplishments.On another SOCOM Confrontation related note: we've toyed around with Sony's official PS3 Bluetooth headset (included in the $59.99 retail bundle) and not only is it well designed, but it acts as a far-field microphone while in its charging cradle so you never have to go without voice chat.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
SOCOM beta details: maps, modes, character customization
The latest entry on the SOCOM: Confrontation blog reveals some additional juicy information regarding the beta. There will be a Crossroads map with 16 players as well as a Crossroads Large map with 32 players. Different game modes will also be accessible, such as Extraction, Elimination and Suppression. The ability to lock out certain weapons or weapon classes is also possible. You can also customize your character with different elements such as body armor, camo, headgear and more. Clan support and stat-tracking is also supported, but beware, these will reset at the launch of the game. Not in the beta? You can still check out our hands-on impressions.[Thanks, Mark!]%Gallery-3193%
SOCOM pre-order comes with 3 beta keys
click to embiggen You and a friend can now join in the SOCOM Confrontation beta just by bullying some other friend to pre-order the game from Gamestop. According to an email sent out to the PlayStation Underground members, a Confrontation pre-order will net you participation in the public beta and the ability to invite two friends for free. If you read the fine print, however, the deal is rendered immediately null and void should either party decide to end the friendship. Sony keeps a very strict "friends only" policy. The public beta begins September 1 for pre-orders and September 8 for Qore subscribers.[Thanks, Noshino]
SOCOM beta dated for September 1st
Details regarding the upcoming SOCOM: Confrontation open beta have today been revealed on the official website. If you want to get involved, there are two ways to do so. Firstly, drop $5 on a pre-order at Gamestop. This not only rewards you with an access voucher, but also allows you to invite two friends into the game as well. The Gamestop beta will begin on September 1st and run until the end of the month. The other way of getting into the beta is to purchase the first episode of Qore. Doing so will allow you to download the beta client directly and play from September 8th until the 30th. This entire post is only relevant to Americans, though the official site does state that other territories will get acces and that this will be be announced by their representative SCE offices. [Via PlayStation Blog; thanks David Doel & Joe]
SOCOM beta kicks off Sept. 1 for pre-orders
Right, so there's good news and bad news about the SOCOM: Confrontation beta details released today. It's still pretty early in the morning, let's go good news first. The good news is that, if you pre-order the game at GameStop, not only will you get an invite to the beta of the game that kicks off Sept. 1, you'll also receive codes that you can give to two friends so you can all play together until it wraps up on Sept. 30.The bad news? Those who'll get entry by having purchased the June issue of Qore won't be able to join in the fun until Sept. 8, which is sure to be a bitter pill if you bought the digi-mag just for the beta invite rather than the peerlessly charming Veronica Belmont.[Via The Real SOCOM Blog]
