SOCOM makes its move to the PS3 with the first online-only installment in the franchise
June 7, 2007 – Sony has finally announced that one of the most enduring franchises of the PS2 era is making the much anticipated move to the PlayStation 3, and with this change in systems comes a number of other significant changes. The most significant change of all is the complete lack of a single player campaign. That’s right kiddies, SOCOM’s going online exclusive. Another significant change is that Vancouver-based development newcomer Slant Six will be taking the reigns from Zipper Interactive, the developers of all of the previous SOCOM titles.
Another big announcement is that SOCOM three will follow suit with the forthcoming Warhawk and offer a fully downloadable version of the game. Disc junkies need not worry though; the game will also be released on a shiny blu-ray retail package. Sony’s press department is remaining tight lipped on what this may mean for Confrontation’s gameplay and content and on whether the downloadable and retail versions will launch simultaneously.
The only officially released trailer uses a decidedly Middle Eastern backdrop for a fire fight between Special Forces soldiers and what appear to be local militants clad in ski masks and nondescript fatigues. The action appears to be on par with what we’ve all come to expect from the franchise with both sides running through the streets to take cover behind cars and in doorways, taking up strategic firing positions on balconies and rooftops, and trading fire with assault rifles and the occasional rocket-propelled grenade. Though all of the trailer’s footage appears to be in-game, there’s no actual gameplay footage. This means at this point and time there’s no information on the nuts-and-bolts of gameplay.
There are a lot of details Sony hasn’t yet revealed, preferring instead to wait until E3 next month. Sony has announced that the game will be featuring special forces groups from around the world though we’re unsure which countries will be included as of yet. Players will be able to customize their characters facial features and clans will have the option to trick out their uniforms to give themselves one-of-a-kind appearances. Sony also plans to have extensive support for the game including tournaments, clan ladders and for-pay content including new game modes, Special Forces, and weapons, among other things all available from the PlayStation Network Store.
All in all the game appears to be moving in a positive direction from the look of the trailer so expect a full disclosure and a lot more information available after E3 in July.
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