StrengthGamer: SOCOM 4 Beta Impressions Holy Sh** a Cover System!

Anthony Accinelli writes "If you are one of the few, I mean... many Playstation 3 players who subscribe to Playstation Plus, you are most likely playing the SOCOM 4 Beta as you read this. While many of you probably read that last sentence and thought, "Ha, if I could play it I certainly wouldn't be reading about it", you might be surprised. Turns out there's not a whole lot to like about SOCOM 4."

[Winning]

Yea I don't like the friendly fire. Just came out of a game half an hour ago or so and some little boys(could hear them laughing)were attacking me as the bomb tech. But that's when I like vote to kick.

Agree about the movement with DS3, the reticule struggles to keep up with someone who is running or strafing. I spend a lot of time in prone.

Otherwise I'm having a blast!

[Tapewurm]

I love this Beta and can't wait for the 19th myself.

[dkgshiz]

4 disagrees..wow some people are butt hurt over you buying it. Probably those old ass Socom vets. The only people who hate this game are the Socom vets. If you ask any people who are in the beta they all agree its better then the past games.
@ Takoulya-? Rehashed from what?

[Takoulya]

@dkgshiz

Who can't admit that rehashing a game with the same mechanics with only better graphics is not called a new game.

[pixelsword]

@ Takoulya:

Dozens of games do it; especially one of my favorite game series that pretty much didn't change: Halo. Halo 2 on up to Reach pretty much didn't change overall in terms of gameplay.

If it ain't broke, then there's not much of a reason to fix it. That's like saying a racing game that did everything right is not a new game because although they did everything right the first time around, they should have changed something the second time.

I'm not saying that there's no room for improvement for SOCOM 4 (there is from what I've seen/heard), but a lot of the the die-hards seem to like it. That's what sucks for betas nowadays: too many n00bs and not enough vets.

[NoOoB101]

Better than the past games?? lol umm no..maybe the people who never played the old socoms excluding confrontation. As for the old socom vets..they complain because zipper screwed them over for the cod type fanbase to make it easier. Socoms always been about the skill and learning curve..not respawns and airstrikes and noob friendly. If you like those games then go play one that's already made and not complain that Socom is too hard -_-

As for Socom 4..its a good game though. I like it a lot..but to say its better than S2..well almost anyone who has ever played S2 will laugh.

[kaveti6616]

"If it ain't broke, then there's not much of a reason to fix it. That's like saying a racing game that did everything right is not a new game because although they did everything right the first time around, they should have changed something the second time.

I'm not saying that there's no room for improvement for SOCOM 4"

Then what was the point of that paragraph where you implied... never mind.

[nveenio]

I played a little the other day, and I had fun. My only complaint was that entering cover could use a little work. Sometimes you get next to something and have to twitch around for a sec before you can get into cover. They really need to tweak that. It leaves you really vulnerable.

[Panthers]

Friendly Fire is an essential part of Socom. But then again this isnt Socom so they should remove that as well.

And those old ass Socom vets experienced the best online game ever made. Should you really blame them for wanting to play it more, just with better graphics? I would just go play Socom 2, but its rampant now with cheaters. (since it got hacked)

[HolyOrangeCows]

If I get killed by another cross-map grenade spamming, I might just scream.

[ThanatosDMC]

Change your turning speed and pitch. Press Start. Go to control options.

[PimpHandHappy]

it feels like Uncharted 2 with military skins. Is that a bad thing? For me, yes. For the rest of the gaming population? Well, I think the sales numbers behind Call of Duty: Black Ops can answer that.

no
the perk system and the ease of getting a kill can answer that... COD is fun but also junk at the same time.

oh and this
Third person shooters never seem to move all that quickly, but SOCOM 4 just seems slow.

i have not played 40 hours but yes it does move much slower then COD.. The only game other then Uncharted mentioned for comparison.. Its MUCH faster and smoother then Uncharted!!

COD is a arcade shooter
Socom is a pro's shooter

[TronEOL]

Oh it doesn't feel like Uncharted 2 in the slightest. In fact, when it comes to gameplay, Uncharted 2 is FAR superior. The animations are infinitely smoother in U2 and more attractive.

The only reason I'm saying this is because your comparison was very wrong. Since if you use that it'll give people the wrong impression. There is no climbing and the action is much, MUCH slower than U2. I'd never want to sell Socom 4 to Uncharted fans.

My main problem with Socom 4 is that playing it is like watching paint dry. The rounds take forever and then some to end, especially when it consists of 1 v 1 on a huge map with them just camping on each side until the 30-seconds-left mark. Besides that, the gameplay feels very ugh. Like... UGH. My brother was watching and ended up walking away because he got so bored.

I'm not bad at Third Person Shooters. I've always had a KD/R of at least 2:1. But in Socom 4 I always found myself struggling to wits end with those controls.

I honestly deleted that beta off my PS3 in the same day I downloaded it and played it. Not even worth the space on my console although I am interested in the Single Player so this may just be a rent for me.

[pixelsword]

Well, SOCOM is all about realism. Realistically, you would be moving slow, so slow action/movements are standard in a game like this.

You want fast movements? Play Uncharted, but do so realizing that a cool, wrinkled, half-tucked t-shirt is not bulletproof. A ballistic vest is bulletproof, but you may just move a little slower, especially since in theory of the scenario there is a battlefield full of people that can shoot their initials into it before you hit the ground from the first shot.

[BattleAxe]

Socom 4 is not a true Socom game, and its clear that Zipper doesn't give a shit about their community. They should have called it SOMAG 4. R.I.P. Socom...

On a side note, theres a petition for a Socom 2 HD remake on the Playstation Blog:

http://share.blog.us.playst...

[Seraphemz]

Ever heard of a...Beta?
You do know that this isn't the final product....

[sickbird]

no bud this is the final game, what do you think is going to change?

He's right zipper didnt care about it community while making this game.

[dougr]

Well for one, the Beta is for the most part the game we are going to get, but if you listen to there latest podcast they are going to be trying to implement more of the classic features, such as pushing the camera back, grenade arc, dot on the crosshairs, etc.

[Panthers]

Well those things would help, but my god I hate the sprint in this game. They made the characters move extreamly slow, so you are forced to sprint to get anywhere.

Seriously, Socom 2 HD would be so freakin awesome at this point. I always tried to be positive about new Socoms releasing, but I am sick of it. I want Socom 2 back.

[TronEOL]

Actually, he does have a point.
If you played the Socom 4 Beta, you could draw the similarities. The first thing my brother said when he sat down to watch was that it looked like a 3rd Person MAG.

Almost like how there is a 3rd Person mode in MW2, except they're charging you $60 for making 3rd Person Playlists and giving it a story mode.

[redDevil87]

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL Socom 2 HD petition. Seriously you Socom 2 fanboys needs to let it go.

Since Socom 2 came out gaming has changed, people have changed, the industry has changed.

Why would zipper release Socom 2 HD when they could create a whole new Socom game? People forget that developers are like creators in any other field. They want to create new things, gain new fans, expriement in new ways. Re-doing an old Socom game in HD would not only be a waste of talent but also alienate a huge market of gamers.

[sickbird]

Because they have forgotten how to make a socom game.

[dougr]

Why do you care if there is a Socom remake? It has no effect on you, yet you laugh at the thought of it. Why would it hurt to give players another third person shooter to play. God of War was remade, I doubt you opposed that, it seems that the people who appose a Socom 2 remake are only doing it for the sake of arguing with those who want it.

[redDevil87]

Who are you guys kidding, your still going to buy the game and play the crap out of it. Just like Confrontation.

Btw i'm not arguing for the sake of arguing, i'm arguing because this would just be stagnating the franchise. At least with the GOW collection GOW3 followed it. With Socom your going back all those years. Its a step backwards, not a step forwards. Gaming has to continue to change and evolve, not get stuck in the mud.

I made a thread in the forums asking vets why Socom 2 was so good, feel free to leave your thoughts: http://forums.n4g.com/tm.as...

[Panthers]

Those who truly experienced Socom 2 in its glory days understand that there is not a single game that comes close to how awesome that game was online.

I could write a ton here, but I will just say that game had the best mix of tactics and skill necessary to win. It also had the best community of players any online game has seen. Ever since Halo 2, online games have been rampant with annoying kids and ass holes, but Socom 2 was mostly mature young adults who were very respectful and just wanted to have a good time.

So yes I am holding on to the past, because it was the biggest highlight of my gaming career and I truly miss it.

[dougr]

How does it stunt development and how is it a step in any direction. Making Socom 2 HD isn't a statement or anything like that, it is just giving people a game they would enjoy. Also who is to say that the Socom 2 style isn't a step in the right direction? Maybe going back to a more difficult shooter is what is needed in the market to be unique, because lets face it, Socom 4 is way easier than Socom 2. All I know is I want both, sure I'd probably play more of 2 for the time being, but I like Socom 4, because it is unique from the previous Socoms, however don't give us that who are you kidding you will all play the crap out of Socom 4 crap. I played Socom Confrontation for less than 20 hours total and I was a Socom guy that had spent thousands of hours on Playstation 2 socoms.

As far as you are not arguing for the sake of arguing, yes you are, because we both know that a Socom 2 remake would mean nothing to the future of gaming; which is your "reason" for arguing. You are doing exactly what I said you were doing and you know it.

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

U guys wanna play socom 2 just do it......Ill be on 4 its a good game

[dougr]

I'm one of the huge Socom 2 supporters, but with that said I'd love to have both. I actually really enjoy Socom 4, sure it may not have that feel that previous games gave, and I'm talking pure gameplay. The shooting system is nowhere near as challenging as it used to be especially in Socom 2 when it was definitely a challenge to be good at that game. But overall Socom 4 is the best shooter I've had a chance to play this generation, and it is definitely a day one purchase, but I'd still like the option to play a classic game with some of my favorite maps of all time, like Fox Hunt, The Mixer, etc.

[peeps]

although i agree it's more 'mainstream', can you really blame them?

end of the day they need to develop a game that will appeal to as many people as possible in order to be profitable. People seem to forget the games industry is still in it to make money.

The problem with only appealing to the 'core' socom crowd is that theres not that many of us. I dunno how many copies of socom 2 they sold but at any 1 time the most i ever saw playing online in EU was around 4000

[LevDog]

They are coming out with a consolation disc with Socom 1-3.. All HD and all Online

[dougr]

I tend to think they are going to release a Socom 2 HD eventually, but they would be stupid to announce it until some time has passed after the release of Socom 4. Socom 2 HD would cut into the Socom 4 sales for sure, so I think they will let people buy that game and then announce and release Socom 2 sometime this year, maybe in the fall.

[peeps]

well i love it. Been playing socom since the first game released and i had to buy the oldschool network adapter for the ps2.

This game isn't socom 1/2 however it does still have that socom feel. It's also leaning a bit into GR:AW territory.

it's just refreshing to play a tactical shooter again, one that isn't about camping for killstreaks and sprinting round a map spraying an smg.

There are a few rough edges but I've heard that a few of my complaints have already been fixed and should there when the game releases.

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

Omg a reasonable person.

[MysticStrummer]

Damn I wish he had referenced the sales of CoD:BO sooner. I could have stopped reading that much faster. This person's opinion about Socom 4 has no meaning for me. It sure was nice of him not to "step into full review mode" though. Most real journalists would probably have to fight the urge to review a beta. Amazing how far gaming journalism has fallen in only one generation.

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

"gaming journalism" is a joke on the internet and most of them are paid sheep

[dkgshiz]

eh...not really. Thats just a dumb excuse from fanboys to make themselves feel better when their favorite game gets average scores. Why you would care about a gaming review anyways is beyond me. The only time gaming journalists were paid off was when GTA 4 came out. 10s across the board when it should of only been 8s.

[Dark_king]

@dkgshiz Thats not the only time MS gave out 800$ dollar gift bags for reach.Thats just one example of the countless dozens.

[MysticStrummer]

@dkgshiz - You honestly believe there was one instance of reviews being bought, and all others are completely legit? You can't be serious. No... There are journalists with integrity and there are "journalists" who would have to look up the word. The internet is full of the latter. I care about reviews when they don't represent the game I'm playing, which has happened more than once this generation with PS3 exclusives. It may very well have happened with the exclusives of other consoles, but I wouldn't know since I don't look at those.

[Deathdeliverer]

I love the beta and I've been on socom since... well.. socom lol. People hate change and thats all there is to it. I bet the same people that are complaining about socom NOT being the exact same game just in HD are the people that dog HALO or KILLZONE for staying the same but adding sprinkles. The series needed to move forward and it has. Sure I miss the old game types but come on. Put the game on classic mode and play bomb squad or old school suppression/elimination and feel those old emotions come creeping back. PMN mine under the dead body FTW! There are plenty of OLD socom games and plenty of ways to play em for you people stuck in the past. Maybe you guys are the ones that constantly die first in classic games. In that case you should feel right at home cause if you die first in ANY socom you have a wait ahead of you. And crying about waiting for campers to meet up? I guess you've never played any TACTICAL shooter (graw, Rainbow6, socom) in no respawn modes because thats the nature of the beast. I swear the new age gamer baffles me. Guess you guys hate how effective cover works too. Why would they add something like "cover"?

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

I do miss some game modes like vips....

[Ninjamonkey82]

For me the beta has been fantastic day one buy for me. Looking forward to the next gametype they load up :)

[BrianG]

I think the game is awesome.

Some people are complaining saying its not a true Socom game, but when I first played the Beta it said to me updated Socom 2 (my favorite). Yea, its not exactly the same, but the evolutions aren't bad.

It still has that tactical feel that most modern shooters lack. I actually like the team killing, makes you be more careful with your shots. I like the upgrade system and the lack of killstreaks.

Overall I'm loving the beta right now.

[DarkSpawnClone]

i really want to try socom with move! but i never got in the beta :(,i home they do a open beta or multiplayer demo!

[younglj01]

Damn Socom 2 is tha only reason I picked up any shooters.And for these so called Socom vets to at like Socom 2 is tha holy grail of shooters is bullshit.This isnt November 4, 2003 anymore.I bet u if they released Socom 4 as Socom 2 HD ppl would still b fuking complaining.

Tha stuff ppl is asking for could b released later in a update or even DLC.But no ppl cant fuking wait anymore they think ppl should kiss their asses.

And Zipper thanks for having tha balls to add some of MAG features into Socom 4.When I first brought MAG I was hoping you would use some elements in ur future games.

If Socom 4 is anything like MAG i can tell u right now that I will reach my goal of 1500 hours in Socom 4.I didnt reach that goal in MAG fell 300 hours short ;(

Zipper thanks for redefining TPS again.

Sorry for tha rant but these so called Socom vets is pissing on tha franchise that I love as gamer.

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

700 hours on MAG....they are not similar

[Gamer_Z]

I think the game is awesome I played socom 2 back in the day I never really got into it but I’m really liking this beta. As far as the socom vets complaining about the game I think zipper should add those features like pulling back the camera or at least have two angels, add a grenade arch and change the ridicule but the vets have to understand that this will never be old socom.

[mopground]

s2 should be re released even if idiots like reddevil dont think so and have no logic to back up their reasoning