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SOCOM Week: Turning game journalists into SEALs
Is there any better way to explain how a SOCOM game works than throwing games journalists into a battle scenario? That's exactly what Sony did at its recent Media Day event. Various journalists were given gear, a crash course on military tactics, and thrown into a simulated gunfight against real NAVY SEALs. We talked to a few journalists that attended the event to learn about what they experienced, and how it affected their view of SOCOM: Tactical Strike."Attending the recent SCEA Media event was (initially) rather horrifying for me, since finding out that a pack of game journalists would be training alongside actual Navy SEALs is quite possibly the most surreal discovery imaginable. However, much to my surprise, Navy SEALs can be extremely considerate and understanding, and we had a great time. Participating in an Airsoft course under the supervision of a SEAL was an experience to remember, and I sincerely enjoyed being scolded at for loading the magazine of my weapon too early. Honestly, how many non-military personnel can say that they've been cursed out by a drill sergeant? I can. And it was rad."Ryan Clements, IGN PSP"The whole experience at Redlands was amazing! Sony, the Navy SEALs, and Slant Six did an excellent job of getting the journalists into the game in more ways I could have ever imagined. By participating in the scenarios where we had to suit up and act like an actual SEALs unit, we had a better understanding of the importance of team play and the direction the game was heading into. We also found out that journalists aren't soldiers and getting shot at is scary!" Mark Julio, High-Score Online
SOCOM Week: Interview with Slant Six
SOCOM: Tactical Strike is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games on the PSP. Developer Slant Six has created a unique game that looks and plays unlike anything else on the platform. We caught up with David Seymore from Slant Six to talk about Tactical Strike and developing for the PSP.This is a drastic departure for the SOCOM franchise. Where did the notion for a more tactical SOCOM game come from?Seth Luisi, Director of Development for the SOCOM Franchise, came to us with the idea of taking SOCOM in a new direction specifically for PSP. The natural path to fit a traditionally action-focused franchise to the PSP in a unique new way was to make a tactics game, increasing the focus on strategy and decreasing the focus on dexterity. The more that we dove into pre-production, the more it because clear that we could make a really compelling experience on the PSP.If I remember correctly, this game has been in development for a long time. How long has it been since work began?Tactical Strike first began pre-production in the fall of 2005. In a game that is very interface-heavy and has a deep command set, it is critical to take the time needed to make the software highly playable. We are very happy that Sony gave Tactical Strike the time needed to come together, and we think that gamers are going to be happy with the result.
SOCOM Week: Two more videos
Yes, the video you're seeing above is running on a PSP. Not a PS2. Not a Wii. But a PSP. The dense foliage, the beautiful rays of light shimmering down to the ground, the individual blades of grass ... this is all real, and all on the handheld. Look at the fog in the background: this isn't the muddy in-your-face fog from the N64 era. Look how you can see through it, just as you would real fog. This is one beautiful game.But don't just stare at the graphics. Look at the enemy and partner AI. Watch for the commands system, and the intelligent way you move around the environment. Once you're done being wowed by this video, note that you have another incredible experience waiting for you, after the break.
SOCOM Week: Two new videos
We have two new videos of SOCOM: Tactical Strike for your viewing pleasure today. First, you can see the SEALs going through a village, trying to keep civilian casualties to a minimum. After the cut, see Tactical Strike's awesome night vision mode in action.Come back tomorrow where we'll have two more videos to share.
SOCOM Week: Tactical Strike hands-on
After getting our hands on a updated build of SOCOM: Tactical Strike, we can confidently say that this has the potential to be the best SOCOM game yet. Unlike the previous Fireteam Bravo games on the system, Tactical Strike dares to take the franchise in a brand new direction. By focusing on the tactical and strategic elements of being a NAVY SEAL, Tactical Strike has crafted an experience unlike any other -- Tactical Strike contains both an incredible amount of depth while also being ideally suited for PSP's limited controls.Because Tactical Strike is such a radical departure from the previous SOCOM games, it takes some time to get used to the controls and concept of the game. Yes, you'll still be killing terrorists and bad guys -- but how you do it will be completely different. Instead of having direct control over a SEAL, you'll act as a commander, dictating orders and commands to your squad. There are four members of your squad, grouped into two smaller squads: Able and Bravo element.The entire squadron can be commanded as one unit. Using the analog nub, players will be able to command the squad where to move and whether or not to move there stealthily. A ghost system will indicate how the squad will be positioned when they arrive at the specified point: it's an incredibly helpful system that allows you to take advantage of cover efficiently and even set up a man to fire from a corner. You can command your soldiers to simply wait, target a specific enemy, or stay on the lookout for targets.%Gallery-3218%
SOCOM: Tactical Strike gets "silent and deadly"
"Let's keep it quiet."We wish. SOCOM: Tactical Strike looks really great -- it's come a long way since we last saw video of it. The added dialogue is much improved over the laughable computer-synthesized voice used in earlier builds of the game. However, we still want more than a handful of one-liners. Hey, they changed our previous complaint -- maybe they'll address this one as well?Other than the presentation, we have to admit that the gameplay of Tactical Strike looks intriguing and intense. It's supposed to be less action-oriented than previous SOCOM titles, but you won't notice it in this lengthy, detailed video.
New SOCOM: Tactical Strike screens may be too beautiful
Unfortunately, there were a couple of games to slip past us at E3 this year, and SOCOM: Tactical Strike was one of them. Looking at these new screenshots, we have to admit that we regret that mistake. These are stunning screenshots, and this one in particular gets us quite moved. Hopefully, we'll atone our sins soon ... and get hands-on impressions the second we get a preview build of the game.%Gallery-3218%
SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 2 downloadable demo
No, you're not seeing things. It's a new demo for SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 2. However, it's nowhere as good or as thorough as the first demo we provided. This new demo lacks the awesome interface, tips, and voice acting as the original. At least it's free?1. Download the demo zip file.2. Extract the contents of the zip file.3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable. 4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.5. Copy UCED90042 folder into the GAME directory. Check out our new demos site:demos.pspfanboy.com
SOCOM developer explains Tactical Strike
Sure, SOCOM: Tactical Strike has some funny (lack of) voice acting. But everything else about the game looks stellar: the graphics, and the revamped gameplay. For SOCOM regulars, the new gameplay may seem a little unfamiliar, but this video interview from IGN will help the confused see how the game is played. With Infrastructure play confirmed, we're going to study this video to make sure we stay on top when the game releases later this year.Check the video, after the break.
SOCOM Tactical Strike: the gameplay, the silly computer voice
We're undoubtedly intrigued by SOCOM Tactical Strike. It's taking the series in a brave new direction, with some amazing graphics to boot. When we spotted a new gameplay video on GameVideos.com, we had to check it out. Too bad the compelling gameplay is nearly ruined by the awful computer synthesized voice. We're hoping its merely a placeholder -- otherwise, we may be laughing too hard to gun down terrorists as efficiently as we can.
A second SOCOM to come from original developers
Reaction to the newly unveiled SOCOM Confrontation was mixed at best. The multiplayer-only title is being developed by Slant Six Games (also responsible for the new PSP title SOCOM: Tactical Strike). While the prospects of playing on a 32-player online battlefield is exciting enough, many commented on the barren, uninspired look of the game.Worry not -- there's yet another SOCOM game in the works from the series' original creators. Zipper is starting work on its own SOCOM title, but as 1UP points out, it's going to be a long way off -- most likely late next year. Unlike Confrontation, which will launch this November, Zipper's own title will feature a single-player campaign in addition to the requisite multiplayer modes. While we hope Confrontation turns out to be a worthy addition to the SOCOM franchise, we're somewhat relieved to know that a true sequel is still in the works.[Via Joystiq]
SOCOM Tactical Strike demo to come this summer
SOCOM Tactical Strike is a radical departure for the series. In an interview with IGN, Dan McBride, director of development at Slant Six, commented on the new direction they're taking the franchise. "We set out to make a game that exists very solidly in the SOCOM universe but presents gameplay that is brand new to the franchise- it's not a shooter! So there is a risk there, but we are pretty confident that the tactical play will in fact appeal to the hardcores in particular."In order for gamers to understand the unique play of Tactical Strike, McBride reveals that a demo will be made available this summer. "I am pretty sure there will be a playable demo this summer so people can take a test drive for themselves."
Zipper developing another PS3 SOCOM title
Although there are already two SOCOM titles coming out -- Confrontation for PlayStation 3 and Tactical Strike for PSP -- Zipper Interactive, the original developer of the series, is working on yet another SOCOM title for the PS3, 1UP confirmed.Unlike Confrontation, which is multiplayer-only, Zipper's title will include both single and multiplayer aspects, much like the series has done so far. The two previously-announced titles are being developed by Slant Six but is reportedly working closely with Zipper on them.%Gallery-3180%%Gallery-3190%
SGD '07: SOCOM Tactical Strike
Fresh from Sony's Gamer Day, we have new images of Sony's recently unveiled SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Tactical Strike. As you've read in our previous coverage of the title, Tactical Strike is taking the series into a bold new direction. Check out the new screens -- they're some of the best we've seen yet on the platform. Then, check out the game's trailer, after the cut. %Gallery-3218%
SGD '07: New SOCOM screenshots, drab environments, nice detail
We don't know what to think about this SOCOM gallery. On one hand, the game looks pretty stunning and everything seemed detailed realistically (not every building can be riddled with bullet holes and meaningless posters). On the other hand, the environments pictured seem pretty empty and drab. "What, more desert? Aww, geez." We're not harping on the quality of the game. It might just be one level, or a large open space in one part of one mission. Regardless, we'd like to get some more screens for this game to confirm if we can look forward to some more lush environments. For now, we'll work with the video, after the cut.%Gallery-3193%
Sony announces SOCOM Confrontation for PS3
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation_3/Sony_announces_SOCOM_Confrontation_for_PS3'; Sony has announced a PlayStation 3 entry in its popular SOCOM series, namely SOCOM Confrontation. Given the abundance of obscenely large weapons, it seems a fair guess that all confrontations in the game will end in violence and battered egos. That's precisely what Sony's counting on, as the game does away with single-player pleasantries and prioritizes online mayhem.Supporting up to 32 players in battle, Confrontation will launch with five North African themed maps, with further map packs becoming available for download in the PlayStation Store. Outside of conflict, the game will allow you to set up tournaments and clans, access leader boards and completely customize your soldier's appearance. Generally, you'll want to go with a constant frown on that virtual mug. Blissfully smiling soldiers are just begging for bullets, you know.SOCOM Confrontation is scheduled for release during the holiday season on the PlayStation Network.%Gallery-3180%
GameStop reveals listing for new Syphon Filter
Is Syphon Filter returning to PSP? According to an updated GameStop release list, the answer is yes. Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow joins the newly revealed SOCOM: Tactical Strike and a US-release for Pursuit Force 2 in the retailer's latest update to their database. If Gamespot's investigating is to be believed, Logan's Shadow should hit PSP systems first -- September 4th. Afterwards, Pursuit Force 2 and Tactical Strike should release on September 25th and October 2nd, respectively.Retailers are notorious for revealing unannounced titles accidentally, giving this report a great deal of weight. With Syphon Filter joining the PSP lineup again later this year, it's clear that PSP owners are going to have a lot of games to play this fall.
SOCOM: Tactical Strike unveiled
The SOCOM series has found a great deal of success on PSP. The Fireteam Bravo series have pushed the limits of Infrastructure play on the handheld. Now, Sony's taking the series in a bold new direction. Tactical Strike adds tactical strategy to the franchise. According to IGN, "Tactical Strike is something of a cross between Full Spectrum Warrior and the squad command element from Brother in Arms. You're in command of four soldiers broken into two smaller fire teams, and you're able to issue commands to either team, an individual soldier or all four guys at the same time."The game promises to offer as much action as the rest of the series. The franchise is famous for its online play, and Tactical Strike looks to continue the trend: four players can control four soldiers each via Infrastructure. One of the most exciting aspects of the title has to be its visuals: the incredible amount of foliage and impressive lighting make it look like one of the most impressive SOCOM games, on console or handheld.Tactical Strike is scheduled for an October release. Check out IGN for more details.
Rumor: SOCOM and Devil May Cry appear on retail radar
According to PSX Extreme, game specialty store Game Crazy apparently has listings for two new PSP games: SOCOM Tactics and Devil May Cry. Earlier, Capcom refused to comment on a PSP Devil May Cry, neither refusing or confirming its existence. However, a new SOCOM seems like an inevitability, considering the success of the last two games.It would be great to get two more high-profile games on our system, especially Devil May Cry. Let's hope this rumor comes to fruition.[Fan art by timwork]
Gamers into soldiers: SOCOM Hell Week begins
You think you like playing SOCOM? Want to live the life of a SOCOM soldier? Well, the online reality series, SOCOM Hell Week, should have you disagree. The Sony-created show is entering its second season, and it promises to torture its contestants even more. Obstacle courses, freezing surf, and live fire training are all part of the insane experience that promises to transform gamers into soldiers. Check out season 2 at socomhellweek.com.
