Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Zipper Interactive staff reduced following SOCOM 4 completion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/zipper-interactive-staff-reduced-following-socom-4-completion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/zipper-interactive-staff-reduced-following-socom-4-completion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/zipper-interactive-staff-reduced-following-socom-4-completion/#comments Sony has confirmed a round of layoffs incurred at Zipper Interactive, its Redmond-based developer of abbreviated squad-based shooters SOCOM and MAG. "This is of normal business practice and a result of cutting back on production resources after the launch of two major franchises," a representative told Joystiq. "The team will continue to support existing properties and its work on future projects."

Sony did not say how many positions were terminated at Zipper, though a report on Kotaku suggests that 33 employees were affected.

Lead designer Travis Steiner recently parted ways with Zipper to form his own startup. His next project, along with that of his former employer, are both not yet known.

JoystiqZipper Interactive staff reduced following SOCOM 4 completion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffsplaystationps3socom-4sonyzipper-interactiveThu, 19 May 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 lead designer leaves Zipper Interactive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/socom-4-lead-designer-leaves-zipper-interactive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/socom-4-lead-designer-leaves-zipper-interactive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/socom-4-lead-designer-leaves-zipper-interactive/#comments Zipper Interactive community manager Jeremy Dunham has confirmed SOCOM 4 lead designer Travis Steiner has left the development studio to form his own start-up company. Dunham Tweeted yesterday that Steiner wanted to finish his work on SOCOM 4 before leaving to start his own project -- and, other than a very simple flash page, the identity of that project is unknown.

Considering Steiner was with Zipper Interactive for about eight years, we're sure that whatever his new excursion is will be worth keeping an eye on. Also, judging by his former studio's lineage, we're going to guess that said project will feature much shooting.

JoystiqSOCOM 4 lead designer leaves Zipper Interactive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>departureplaystationps3socom-4travis-steinerZipper-InteractiveSun, 24 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 launch trailer is going to sneak up and stab you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/socom-4-launch-trailer-is-going-to-sneak-up-and-stab-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/socom-4-launch-trailer-is-going-to-sneak-up-and-stab-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/socom-4-launch-trailer-is-going-to-sneak-up-and-stab-you/#comments Sure, there are plenty of guns in the launch trailer for SOCOM 4, but there are just as many (if not more) lethal sneak-up-and-stabs going on. There's also something about a "story" or whatever, but we're much more interested in clandestine assassinations.

Continue reading SOCOM 4 launch trailer is going to sneak up and stab you

JoystiqSOCOM 4 launch trailer is going to sneak up and stab you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayplaystationps3sceasocom-4sony-computer-entertainment-americatrailerzipperzipper-interactiveWed, 20 Apr 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Bear McCreary's SOCOM 4 soundtrack now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/bear-mccrearys-socom-4-soundtrack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/bear-mccrearys-socom-4-soundtrack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/bear-mccrearys-socom-4-soundtrack-now-available/#comments If you've ever listened to and, as a result, fallen in love with the soundtracks to Battlestar Galactica, Dark Void or Human Target, you'll probably groove to composer Bear McCreary's latest opus: The musical accompaniment to SOCOM 4. The shooter's soundtrack arrived alongside the game itself today, and is now available through iTunes and the PlayStation Store for $10.

You can check out a track from the soundtrack over on PlayStation Blog, but you may first want to strap yourself down to your computer chair. If left unrestrained, listening to the track in question might cause you to lose control of your body, sending you off on a wild and irresponsible terrorist hunt.

[Image source: Screencap from Dark Void soundtrack trailer]

JoystiqBear McCreary's SOCOM 4 soundtrack now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bear-mccrearymusicplaystationps3socom-4soundtrackZipper-InteractiveWed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 review: Covert oops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/socom-4-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/socom-4-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/socom-4-review/#comments When it arrived on PlayStation 2 nearly a decade ago, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs was unlike anything console gamers had experienced before. Rather than running and gunning, it focused on strategy, stealth, teamwork and a fair amount of realism.

At the time, the idea of a military shooter in which one or two shots would take the player down was more or less unheard of, but it was a great representation of the authenticity the series strove for. True to its namesake, the title drew upon the field tactics and training of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs, putting players in command of two, two-man fire teams as they snuck behind enemy lines, destroyed targets, rescued hostages and generally worked to get their job done like ghosts.

Now the first numbered installment in the series since 2005 is finally here, and if it weren't for squad commands and a familiar acronym in the title, you might not give it the time of day -- for good reason.

Gallery: SOCOM 4

Continue reading SOCOM 4 review: Covert oops

JoystiqSOCOM 4 review: Covert oops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3sceashootersocomsocom-4sonythird-person-shooterZipper-InteractiveTue, 12 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 comes with Resistance 3 beta access]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/socom-4-comes-with-resistance-3-beta-access/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/socom-4-comes-with-resistance-3-beta-access/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/socom-4-comes-with-resistance-3-beta-access/#comments It's always healthy to take frequent breaks while playing through a first-person shooter to indulge in other, distinctly different kinds of shooting. If you purchase a specially-marked copy (or Full Deployment Edition) of SOCOM 4, then you should be all set -- Sony has announced that the game will include a voucher that will net you access to the public beta for Resistance 3.

The bundle's announcement on PlayStation Blog doesn't mention when said beta will kick off, but mentions that the voucher itself includes further details. We'll make sure we'll let you know when we get our hands on one of these golden tickets! At least, we assume that they're golden. If not ... well, then, what's the point?

JoystiqSOCOM 4 comes with Resistance 3 beta access originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betainsomniac-gamesplaystationps3Resistance-3socom-4sonyvoucherZipper-InteractiveMon, 11 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart.com lists SOCOM 4, Michael Jackson: The Experience pre-order exclusives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/walmart-com-lists-socom-4-michael-jackson-the-experience-pre-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/walmart-com-lists-socom-4-michael-jackson-the-experience-pre-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/walmart-com-lists-socom-4-michael-jackson-the-experience-pre-o/#comments Walmart is offering up two exclusives on pre-orders for upcoming games this week. First up, Ubisoft's Michael Jackson: The Experience is available for pre-order on Xbox 360 and PS3 via retailer's site right now. Not only is the game on sale for $46.54, but you'll get the exclusive track "Another Part of Me" -- featured in Captain EO and in the old Moonwalker arcade game -- as part of the deal.

There's also a promotion going down with SOCOM 4, where you can pre-order the game and get an exclusive SU90-S Shotgun to use right away (as opposed to, say, GameStop's exclusive map). Let's see: a gun or an entire map? Hmmm ...

JoystiqWalmart.com lists SOCOM 4, Michael Jackson: The Experience pre-order exclusives originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsexclusiveMichael-Jackson-The-Experiencemicrosoftplaystationpreorderps3shotgunsocom-4walmartxboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 lets you dance victoriously over your enemy's corpse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/socom-4-lets-you-dance-victoriously-over-your-enemys-corpse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/socom-4-lets-you-dance-victoriously-over-your-enemys-corpse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/socom-4-lets-you-dance-victoriously-over-your-enemys-corpse/#comments People will tell you they play games because they're "fun" or whatever, but since the advent of the tea-bag it's all about humiliation. What better way to humiliate an opponent than to dance, so full of life, over their dead, dead corpse? SOCOM 4: US Navy Seals knows what that new hotness is.

Continue reading SOCOM 4 lets you dance victoriously over your enemy's corpse

JoystiqSOCOM 4 lets you dance victoriously over your enemy's corpse originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancemultiplayerplaystationps3sceasocom-4victory-dancezipper-interactiveThu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 beta dated, PlayStation Plus members get early access]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/socom-4-beta-dated-playstation-plus-members-get-early-access/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/socom-4-beta-dated-playstation-plus-members-get-early-access/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/socom-4-beta-dated-playstation-plus-members-get-early-access/#comments Everyone is invited to the SOCOM 4 beta starting April 5. But you'll have opportunities to get in earlier:
  • March 15 - Private Beta. "We'll be contacting eligible players soon."
  • March 22 - PlayStation Plus early access
  • March 29 - Access included with Killzone 3
  • April 5 - Free public download on the PlayStation Store
The beta will include all of the game's competitive multiplayer modes -- Suppression, Last Defense, Uplink and Bomb Squad -- playable on two maps: Port Authority and Assault & Battery. It's scheduled to conclude on April 13.

Unfortunately, the beta won't give you a taste of the five-player co-op mode. You'll have to wait until April 19 to try that out.

JoystiqSOCOM 4 beta dated, PlayStation Plus members get early access originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaplaystationplaystation-plusps3psnsocom-4Zipper-InteractiveFri, 04 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 bundled with Move in $150 'Full Deployment Edition']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/socom-4-bundled-with-move-in-150-full-deployment-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/socom-4-bundled-with-move-in-150-full-deployment-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/socom-4-bundled-with-move-in-150-full-deployment-edition/#comments If you're thinking about picking up a PlayStation Move controller with which to bust caps in the bottoms of your foes in SOCOM 4, Sony and Zipper Interactive have announced a pretty tight little bundle to fit your needs. It's the SOCOM 4 Full Deployment Edition, a $149.99 package which includes the game, a Move controller and Navigation controller, the "Sharp Shooter" gun attachment and a PlayStation Eye camera. The bundle will arrive on store shelves on the same day as the standalone game, April 19.

That's a pretty sweet deal -- all those components sold piecemeal would run you over $200. More importantly, think about all the time you'll save if you purchase them altogether! Seriously, searching for these items and clicking "Add to Cart" five times would take you, like, three whole minutes. Three minutes! In this fast-paced, interconnected world, that's like, seven minutes.

JoystiqSOCOM 4 bundled with Move in $150 'Full Deployment Edition' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlefull-deployment-editionplaystationplaystation-eyeplaystation-moveps3socom-4sony-computer-entertainmentZipper-InteractiveFri, 25 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 co-op preview: Hey, hey, the gang's all here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/socom-4-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/socom-4-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/socom-4-preview/#comments The final major piece of Zipper Interactive's plan to put SOCOM back on the map -- five-player co-op -- has been fully declassified and I've given the latest Navy SEALs game, due April 19, a shakedown. Sony revealed at an event Tuesday evening that the cooperative mode will eschew a traditional "play through the main campaign together" setup in favor of letting players create their own full, multi-stage campaigns using a set of six maps and the ability to randomize normally scripted events on each play-through.

I experienced some of this when playing through the same map more than once, with various difficulty and enemy density settings in effect. It was easy to tell that, while your group of friends might get used to the map layouts, the challenge you'll face will never be a known quantity.

Gallery: SOCOM 4 (2/24/11)

Continue reading SOCOM 4 co-op preview: Hey, hey, the gang's all here

JoystiqSOCOM 4 co-op preview: Hey, hey, the gang's all here originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opplaystationps3SCEAshootersocom-4sonyZipper-InteractiveThu, 24 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Bluetooth headset available in 'Urban camouflage' color scheme this April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/ps3-bluetooth-headset-available-in-urban-camouflage-color-sche/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/ps3-bluetooth-headset-available-in-urban-camouflage-color-sche/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/ps3-bluetooth-headset-available-in-urban-camouflage-color-sche/#commentsFinally, you can play chat-enabled PS3 games outside in the city, while rendering your ear virtually undetectable. Sony has announced a new version of its latest Bluetooth headset, which is identical to the last release except for its "urban camo" color scheme.

It'll be available in GameStop stores for $49.99 starting April 19, allowing you to pick up a more militaristic accessory to go with SOCOM 4. If you happen to pick up one of the Killzone 3-themed Jungle Green controllers, you'll be able to blend in while playing games in two different environments.

JoystiqPS3 Bluetooth headset available in 'Urban camouflage' color scheme this April originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesbluetoothgamestopheadsetplaystationps3socom-4Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 is so-coming on April 19, GameStop gets exclusive map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/socom-4-is-so-coming-on-april-19th-gamestop-gets-exclusive-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/socom-4-is-so-coming-on-april-19th-gamestop-gets-exclusive-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/socom-4-is-so-coming-on-april-19th-gamestop-gets-exclusive-map/#comments Zipper will finally return to the franchise that made it famous on April 19, the PlayStation.Blog confirms. But, if you want to get everything SOCOM 4 has to offer on day one, you'll want to pre-order at GameStop. The classic "Abandoned" map from SOCOM 1 and 2's Suppression mode is exclusively theirs. Check out a new trailer after the break.

Continue reading SOCOM 4 is so-coming on April 19, GameStop gets exclusive map

JoystiqSOCOM 4 is so-coming on April 19, GameStop gets exclusive map originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopplaystationpre-orderps3release-datesocom-4zipper-interactiveThu, 27 Jan 2011 20:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone 3 includes admission into SOCOM 4 multiplayer beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/killzone-3-includes-admission-into-socom-4-multiplayer-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/killzone-3-includes-admission-into-socom-4-multiplayer-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/killzone-3-includes-admission-into-socom-4-multiplayer-beta/#comments Yo, readers: Sony heard you like shooting, so it put a shooter in your shooter so you can shoot while you're shooting. More specifically, the publisher has announced that both regular and Helghast Edition copies of Killzone 3 will include vouchers which give early access to the SOCOM 4 multiplayer beta.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like the beta will arrive at the same time as Killzone 3's launch -- Zipper Interactive's Chris Roper explained on PlayStation Blog, "To find out when the SOCOM 4 multiplayer beta begins, be sure to check back at SOCOM.com once you pick up your copy of Killzone 3, hitting shelves on February 22nd." Perfect; so we'll have some time to get really used to Killzone 3's control scheme before switching over to SOCOM 4's presumably wildly different control scheme. We anticipate that we'll be eating quite a few of our own accidentally-thrown frag grenades.

JoystiqKillzone 3 includes admission into SOCOM 4 multiplayer beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaGuerrilla-Gameskillzone-3playstationps3socom-4Zipper-InteractiveWed, 19 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move strategy to focus on 'more core titles,' says Sony's Koller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/playstation-move-strategy-to-focus-on-more-core-titles-says-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/playstation-move-strategy-to-focus-on-more-core-titles-says-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/playstation-move-strategy-to-focus-on-more-core-titles-says-s/#comments

John Koller, director of hardware marketing for PlayStation, acknowledged to the Wall Street Journal that Microsoft's 8 million shipped Kinect units amount to a "very impressive" figure, though he assured that his company is still "happy where we are in the market" with Move. As of the end of November, Sony had shipped 4.1 million units of its motion controller and believes it has an edge over Microsoft in the race to earn the hard-won affections of the "hardcore" consumer. That's you, right?

"The limitations are such that you can't create all the games you want to do," Koller suggested of Kinect, implying that Microsoft's controller-less technoloy lacks the precision control necessary to support so-called "core" titles -- just what Sony has in mind for Move in the coming months.

The apparent strategy involves "layering on more and more core titles," Koller explained, and there are at least two Sony titles around the corner that fit the bill.

While Move was intended to launch with core support in SOCOM 4, that game's delay to April, coupled with Killzone 3 in late February, means that Sony will have two of its core franchises equipped with Move support in the market within a few months. Microsoft and Kinect? Still zero.

In a recent preview of Killzone 3's Move controls, our own Rany Nelson concluded, "I am now committed to using the Move for my first full playthrough of the game. Not only does its integration seem justified to me, but I'm sold on its improved accuracy and greater sense of immersion over the DualShock controller." Koller and Sony sure hope a lot more of us core-types will be sold, too.

[Thanks, Devin]

JoystiqPlayStation Move strategy to focus on 'more core titles,' says Sony's Koller originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-strategycorehardcorejohn-kollerkinectplaystationplaystation-moveps3socom-4Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 confirmed for April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/socom-4-confirmed-for-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/socom-4-confirmed-for-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/socom-4-confirmed-for-april/#comments After seeing its deployment delayed into 2011 way back in July of 2010, Zipper Interactive's latest entry in the SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs franchise finally has a more tangible release date: April 2011. The date was nonchalantly dropped in a Wall Street Journal article on PlayStation Move, which the game has become a key "core" title for. SCEA subsequently confirmed to Joystiq that its release is indeed set for April. Mark your calendar -- with a bullet!

[Thanks, Devin]

JoystiqSOCOM 4 confirmed for April originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-2011playstationps3release-datesceashootersocomsocom-4sonyZipper-InteractiveFri, 14 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 to offer 3D mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/socom-4-to-offer-3d-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/socom-4-to-offer-3d-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/socom-4-to-offer-3d-mode/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"We can confirm that SOCOM 4 will be released in 2011," SCEA senior corporate communications director Patrick Seybold told us back in July, right after the tactical shooter had been delayed. "The team is focusing on additional features which will help to deliver the most compelling and immersive SOCOM experience yet."

As glimpsed in a gameplay video recorded at this year's Eurogamer Expo in London, one of those additional -- and don't forget compelling and immersive! -- features will be a 3D display mode. Responding to the discovery on the official SOCOM forums, Zipper Interactive community specialist Chris Roper explicitly noted that the game hadn't been delayed simply to cater to a small group of expensive televisions. "As I said I've said before and as [forum member] Tombstone mentioned, the game was not delayed to add 3D in any way, shape or form," he wrote. "Did the extra time allow for it? Well, you've seen the video.

"Err, I mean, no comment. Or something." That 3D something joins SOCOM 4's other list of announced features, including PlayStation Move support and a soundtrack by Battlestar Galactica composer Bear McCreary. Marketing department, that's your cue to put "An astonishing sensory assault!" on the back of the box.

[Thanks, David]

JoystiqSOCOM 4 to offer 3D mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dplaystationps3sceasocom-4zipper-interactiveFri, 08 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 takes its fight to 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/socom-4-takes-its-fight-to-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/socom-4-takes-its-fight-to-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/socom-4-takes-its-fight-to-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Zipper Interactive's latest in the SOCOM series has seen its release delayed into 2011, the developer has confirmed via the franchise's official blog. Having appeared in playable form as early as GDC 2010, SOCOM 4 was scheduled to ship this fall and has been used by Sony as a key "core" title in demoing PlayStation Move.

"While we're certainly aware that you've been looking forward to playing SOCOM 4 this year, we don't want to take any shortcuts. Instead, we want to deliver the best and most immersive SOCOM game we possibly can and we're going to use our extra time to do just that," read the statement, penned typed by Zipper community manager Jeremy Dunham.

SCEA's senior corporate communications director, Patrick Seybold, told Joystiq, "We can confirm that SOCOM 4 will be released in 2011. The team is focusing on additional features which will help to deliver the most compelling and immersion SOCOM experience yet. Please look out for further updates and announcements over the coming months."

As soon as a more specific release window for the title is announced, you'll read it here.

[Thanks, Solace]

JoystiqSOCOM 4 takes its fight to 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiondelayplaystationps3release-datesceasocom-4sonyZipper-InteractiveWed, 28 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 has a story ... trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/socom-4-has-a-story-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/socom-4-has-a-story-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/socom-4-has-a-story-trailer/#comments SOCOM fans have been eagerly awaiting this: a story-driven PS3 game developed by franchise creators Zipper Interactive. In addition to adding PlayStation Move support, SOCOM 4 is promising a much more engaging and comprehensive story mode, evidenced by this new story trailer. Strangely, Shanghai comes under attack (yet again!), evoking -- for better or for worse -- an Army of Two vibe.

Continue reading SOCOM 4 has a story ... trailer

JoystiqSOCOM 4 has a story ... trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010playstationps3socom-4zipper-interactiveSat, 12 Jun 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Battlestar' composer Bear McCreary scoring SOCOM 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battlestar-composer-bear-mccreary-scoring-socom-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battlestar-composer-bear-mccreary-scoring-socom-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battlestar-composer-bear-mccreary-scoring-socom-4/#comments The grizzly-named composer Bear McCreary, most famous for putting together the score on the recent Battlestar Galactica TV series, has announced on his blog that he'll be composing the music for Zipper Interactive's upcoming SOCOM 4.

McCreary previously did the scoring work on Capcom's Dark Void (and 8-bit spin-off Dark Void Zero), and for SOCOM 4, he says he's written, "muscially, a franchise re-boot," with over eight hours of original music featuring "ethnic percussion, virtuosic Asian stringed and woodwind instruments, and the spectacular, other-worldly tones of the gamelan." Insert joke here about how that Indonesian ensemble's name actually looks like "game LAN."

He also says that the soundtrack will fulfill his dream "of a video game score that would feel as if it were being composed specifically for each player, adapting and shifting perfectly to capture the mood of the individual gamer." Which sounds fun, but if we start hearing an orchestral version of "All Along the Watchtower" as our individual score, what exactly does that mean?

Joystiq'Battlestar' composer Bear McCreary scoring SOCOM 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-along-the-watchtowercylonsdark-voidmusicsocomsocom-4sonysoundtrackzipper-interactiveThu, 27 May 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New SOCOM 4 screens released, Operations Commander detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/new-socom-4-screens-released-operations-commander-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/new-socom-4-screens-released-operations-commander-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/new-socom-4-screens-released-operations-commander-detailed/#comments Operation Commander Cullen Gray has been through a lot. In his 36 years, he's seen military action the world over, been field-trained with various Special Operations units, worked with NATO and now he's about to star in a popular war-based video game franchise. SOCOM 4 has the fictional Cullen Gray acting as an addled operation commander who "will pursue success at all costs."

The EU PlayStation blog has a rundown of Gray's entire dossier and a handful of new images (seen in the gallery below). And if you're wondering who it is that he resembles while you're browsing the images, it's obviously Lost's Matthew Fox. WE HAVE TO GO BACK, CULLEN!

Gallery: SOCOM 4 (Operation Commander Cullen Gray)

JoystiqNew SOCOM 4 screens released, Operations Commander detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 May 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cullen-graylostmatthew-foxnatooperation-commandersocomsocom-4zipperzipper-interactiveSun, 02 May 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: SOCOM 4's Travis Steiner]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/interview-socom-4s-travis-steiner/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/interview-socom-4s-travis-steiner/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/interview-socom-4s-travis-steiner/#comments SOCOM fans are by far some of the most vocal and opinionated people in gaming today. Having endured the rocky launch of SOCOM Confrontation, the revelation that SOCOM 4 would include support for the PlayStation Move motion controller was met with a large amount of skepticism. We spoke with Zipper Interactive about their plans to address fan concerns, and the challenges of balancing a game with two very different control inputs.

Some fans didn't take well to the announcement that SOCOM 4 would use the Move controller. How do you address concerns that motion controls will "ruin" the experience?

First and foremost, SOCOM 4 was designed with the DualShock in mind. When we started this game over three years ago, Move didn't even exist yet. I cannot emphasize this point enough: the game supports both controllers. And again, we designed SOCOM 4 with the DualShock in mind. What ended up happening is that when we found out about the Move, we decided to try it out and see if it fits with the SOCOM experience very well. And so far, the reaction of the people that have tried it is that it's actually integrated quite well. The key there is that it's an optional control mechanic, and in no way is any other part of the SOCOM game being hindered or negatively affected by Move's integration.

Continue reading Interview: SOCOM 4's Travis Steiner

JoystiqInterview: SOCOM 4's Travis Steiner originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interviewmoveplaystation-movesocomsocom-4travis-steinerzipper-interactiveFri, 23 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: SOCOM 4 (with PlayStation Move!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/hands-on-socom-4-with-playstation-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/hands-on-socom-4-with-playstation-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/hands-on-socom-4-with-playstation-move/#comments There are two questions I'll try to answer with this quick hands-on preview. Firstly, is SOCOM 4 the true sequel to the SOCOM franchise we've been waiting for? Secondly, does the PlayStation Move controller work as intended?

It's hard to answer the first question, especially within the constraints of a ten-minute demo. What I can say is that even in this early state, SOCOM 4 looks very good, sporting incredibly detailed environments. While the early code has a noticeably choppy framerate, there was already a large number of objects in the environment. Whether it's a car, a trash can, a thrown-out mattress, there are tons of objects to take cover behind in the world.

Controlling your squad should be familiar to anyone that's played a recent SOCOM game. Holding L1 on the Move allows you to slightly slow down time and direct your team to move to position and await orders. You can even call in an airstrike by holding down the Move button and holding Down on a target. After sneaking down an alley, we were able to catch a large squad of soldiers lounging in an open field. They had no idea what hit them as the bombs dropped.

Gallery: SOCOM 4

Continue reading Hands-on: SOCOM 4 (with PlayStation Move!)

JoystiqHands-on: SOCOM 4 (with PlayStation Move!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2010moveplaystation-movesocomsocom-4zipperzipper-interactiveWed, 10 Mar 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The PlayStation Move games (we know of)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/playstation-move-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/playstation-move-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/playstation-move-games/#comments According to the block of info posted on European PlayStation Blog, there are a lot more PlayStation Move games out there to be seen than tonight's press release let on. Beyond the already revealed support for Move in SOCOM 4, LittleBigPlanet and EyePet, a whole mess of games were shown off at Sony's GDC event, from Move Party (um, a party game) to Slider (Mirror's Edge meets Pain?) to a Western shooter in The Shoot. (We've dropped a screen of Sports Champion above -- a game we think looks particularly fantastic.)

Oh, and the Euro Blog's mention of "DUKES" is just another name for that Motion Fighter game, which was mentioned onstage during this evening's press event -- so cool your heels and put the Jump to Conclusion mat back away. (We do rather like the name "Dukes," we'll admit; though we've been told it's a regional thing, and us North Americans are likely stuck with "Motion Fighter" instead.) We've yet to confirm which studios are developing which games, but you can be sure we'll ask Sony just as soon as we can. Here's the complete list of PlayStation Move titles that we know of, though, for now:
  • Sports Champion
  • The Shoot
  • Slider
  • TV Superstars
  • Move Party
  • Motion Fighter

JoystiqThe PlayStation Move games (we know of) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dukeseyepetgdc-2010littlebigplanetmotion-fightermove-partyplaystation-motion-controllerplaystation-moveslidersocom-4sports-championthe-shoottv-superstarsWed, 10 Mar 2010 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 to support PlayStation Move]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/socom-4-littlebigplanet-to-support-playstation-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/socom-4-littlebigplanet-to-support-playstation-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/socom-4-littlebigplanet-to-support-playstation-move/#comments During its GDC 2010 conference Sony has revealed that Zipper Interactive's upcoming shooter SOCOM 4 will support the (just officially named) PlayStation Move motion controller. Controlling the shooter requires the PlayStation Move and its optional secondary device known as the Move "Sub-controller" -- a wand like device which sports an analog stick.

During Sony's Game Developer's Conference keynote SOCOM 4 was demoed using the precise motion-control scheme to varying accuracy success. PlayStation Move support was also showcased in a demo for LittleBigPlanet (originally shown at TGS 2009) where PlayStation Move players could interact with the environment around Sackboy (or Sackgirl!).

Sony also featured a handful of mini-games for an upcoming compilation title titled Sports Champions, including a gladiator-style fighter and table tennis. The PlayStation Move will release later this year in a variety of bundles.

JoystiqSOCOM 4 to support PlayStation Move originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2010littlebigplanetmedia-moleculeplaystation-movesocom-4sports-championszipper-interactiveWed, 10 Mar 2010 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Socom 4 debut trailer deployed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/socom-4-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/socom-4-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/socom-4-trailer/#comments

Yesterday, Zipper Interactive announced its return to the SOCOM franchise with the sequel to the sequel's sequel, SOCOM 4. This first trailer reveals a bit more about the project, including -- spoiler! -- confirmation that there will be at least one Irish lady and a burning boat at some point in the campaign. Thankfully, the trailer seems to indicate that the game will still focus on shooting dudes with guns and telling other dudes to do the same. It's a tactical shooter, remember?

Just tell us one thing, Sony: is it just "SOCOM" or is it SOCOM 4?

JoystiqSocom 4 debut trailer deployed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>socomsocom-4videoZipper-InteractiveFri, 05 Mar 2010 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[SOCOM 4 announced for PS3, Zipper developing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/socom-4-announced-for-ps3-zipper-interactive-developing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/socom-4-announced-for-ps3-zipper-interactive-developing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/socom-4-announced-for-ps3-zipper-interactive-developing/#comments
Click to enlarge
Hot off the release of MAG, Sony has revealed that the game's developer, Zipper Interactive, will be returning to the SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs franchise for the development of SOCOM 4 on PS3, slated for release this fall.

Unlike the Slant 6-developed, online-only SOCOM: Confrontation and Zipper's own MAG, this new SOCOM will include a full story-driven, single-player campaign comprised of 14 missions that the dev expects to offer around 12 hours of gameplay (according to IGN). Of course, the developer's experience on the excellent 256-player MAG will undoubtedly be carrying over (in as many ways as possible) to the announced 32-player online component of its new project. Only 32 players? (We kid.)

Gallery: SOCOM 4


Source -- PlayStation.Blog
Source -- IGN

JoystiqSOCOM 4 announced for PS3, Zipper developing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>release-datesceasocomsocom-4sonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaZipper-InteractiveThu, 04 Mar 2010 15:05:00 EST