SOCOM has been around for a very long time, and was one of the first shooters to be taken online on a console when it was released on the PS2 many years ago. Keeping the trend as a multiplayer experience, SOCOM: Confrontation will be online only, and offers specific clan options that haven't been seen previously in online shooters. For example, you'll be able to 'recruit' squad members online, and will have the ability to promote or demote members in an effort to try and have the strongest clan possible. There will also be regular tournaments so that you can compete with others around the world to try and prove whose clan is the most effective.
"Umm... how long are we going to stay in this position?"
The visuals of the game have been given an obvious upgrade over past iterations, and graphically, Confrontation looks pretty impressive. Explosions look good, there are some nice lighting and texture effects and the whole thing is quite polished. There are plenty of options for cover in each map, and it's handled fairly well; when you stop moving, your character will automatically crouch (although you can of course stand upright with the press of a button), and if you're behind cover, the Sixaxis can be used to lean out. While initially it sounded like a bit of a gimmick, it actually feels natural and works well, although it does take some getting used to. Sixaxis controls don't end there either; if you tilt the controller downward when releasing a grenade, you'll roll it rather than throw it, although we're not sure just how drastically this will actually effect combat.
Within the game, communication is obviously recommended via the use of your headset. By pressing a button, you'll be able to communicate with your team via the in-game radio, but this isn't the only way to chat with others about your plans. Any time you talk, you'll need to try to make yourself aware of anybody else around you, as anybody within a certain radius around your character will be able to hear everything you're saying, regardless of radio. This means that while you can choose to just communicate with those nearby you, your enemies will be able to listen in also which will not only make the game more tactical, but should also make it feel more 'realistic' and tense.
Demote THIS!
The game runs very smoothly at this point and will be instantly familiar to anybody who has played a SOCOM title before, or any other tactical shooter for that matter. The perspective of the camera can be changed from third to first-person if you wish, and the game also features a different over-the-shoulder type of camera so that you can get a different angle on your surroundings. Confrontation will also feature all game types that have been previously seen in the franchise, so there should be plenty of different ways to play when the game is released later this year.
While SOCOM doesn't seem to be doing anything incredibly different to what has been seen previously in online tactical shooters, the fact that it will be available online and at a discounted price could certainly give those who are uncertain a bit of a harmless nudge into purchasing. The game is looking good thus far and is fun to play, and anybody with an interest in clan warfare should definitely keep an eye out for more information in the coming months. If SOCOM: Confrontation is going to be supported with tournaments and such as we have heard, then this could have a longer lifespan than you'd initially expect in such a crowded market of competitive multiplayer games.
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