Socom Confrontation Review

[Michael Siemon]

For those of you who own a 360 and/or a wii, this might be a way to
perk your interest in a ps3. For those of you with a ps3, who have NOT
played this game, hopefully you'll consider getting it.
Socom Confrontation is a continuation of the famous SOCOM series,
which started on the ps2 and has had several other games in the
series. Because most SOCOM games are rated "M" for violence, please
consult with a parent before purchasing this or any games in the
series. SOCOM is about navy SEALs and their hunting down of terrorist
cells and leaders. It incorporates both third and first person views
in the game, in order to be able to fully maneuver your character.
SOCOM confrontation is the series's online version, and can be
purchased either in a game store, the playstation store, or any other
store carrying the game.
Back when SOCOM confrontation was still in the works, I snagged a
version of the beta. Right from the get-go, I felt the same kind of
experience that any SOCOM fan knows and loves, and hopefully others
will also grow to love: the high tech menu, the music and pictures of
SEALs. Once the menus have loaded, the player must customize his
terrorist team character and his counter-terrorist/SEAL character. I
say counter-terrorist for the reason that unlike the traditional story
based games in the genre, the player is not only limited to playing as
a SEAL, but can also create/join clans which can be based on other
real counter terrorist units: GSG9, SAS, polish special forces, etc.
These choices unlock new weapons for the player to customize his kit
with, based on the faction. Once the player has customized his
character and loadout, he/she then must go to the traditional lobby
(based on region and language) and select a game to join. There are
several different types: the traditional team deathmatch, a game where
the terrorists must hold a number of hostages and the SEALs try and
evac them, a mode where each team switches between planting a bomb and
protecting a target, etc. The game gets even better once the gameplay
begins. As soon as the game is synched after a required number of
players have joined the lobby, the player is presented with a
traditional "equipment" choice (main weapon, side arm, grenades,
special item, etc). Furthermore, the controls are very simple yet
complex. Fans of the series should take right to the game controls,
and newcomers will find it easy enough to adapt. The only, very
interesting improvement from the rest of the series's games, is the
inclusion of the sixaxis controller with stance and cover. If the
player tilts down the controller while walking/running, the character
will crouch down from an original upright stance, while remaining
running. Also, the game does not use a "stick to" or "snap to" cover
system, instead, allowing the character to make his/her own cover. For
instance, a destroyed car is in the middle of the road. The player in
a gunfight, can run up, get behind, and tilt down the controller to
sheild himself from an enemy, and then sporadically tilt the
controller up to fire from the cover, without being constrained to
that cover completely (you're always free to move around as if there
were no cover). The game requires constant teamwork, for a successful
round, so it is highly reccommended that microphones are available,
but there are a few preset chat commands. Be careful when chatting
though. Not holding down the chat button allows you to speak but not
over the com channel, so those near you can hear: friends AND enemies.
Holding down the chat button lets you speak over the com channel to
your team, but those enemies nearby can still hear, so timing is key
when talking. There are so many other things, I just can't name them
all. I hope you try it for yourself!