The SOCOM series of games is the single reason I purchased a PS3 over other video game platforms.  Previous SOCOM releases have had some of the most enjoyable and intense online play known to the video game world.  After literally years of waiting, SOCOM: Confrontation is here.  It remains to be seen whether it will dominate or fizzle.

 

After seeing screenshot after screenshot of lifelike SOCOM: Confrontation I have to admit, I was excited.  I love Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, but I have always been more of a third person shooter type of guy.  Speculation put release dates starting as early as 2007, but time and time again the release date was postponed.  I knew we may be in for some trouble when SOCOM: Confrontation release came out at $39.99 and was not hyped by any major retailer (as far as I saw).

 

 

 

The first thing that distressed me was the huge task it was to get the game running.  The night before the release PS3 released a large software update that had to be installed before the game would play.  At this point most PS3 users most likely have the upgrade so the point is irrelevant.  Then, after installing SOCOM: Confrontation there is a nearly 500mb patch that must be downloaded and installed.  Talk about taking the wind out of your sails- when I get a new game I want to play it not wait for it to download overnight.

 

When I finally got the game running, things got better.  I was disappointed that after several years the makers of SOCOM: Confrontation could only come up with one new map.  A good map.  But a single map nonetheless.  The rest of the maps are remakes from older versions of SOCOM. 

 

SOCOM: Confrontation does boast undeniably good graphics.  But after being randomly kicked off the network on numerous occasions it is clear there are bugs to be worked out.  These are typical for online games, but after a several year lay-off, I would have hoped they could have hit the ground running with SOCOM: Confrontation. 

 

All things considered, this is a good game with the potential to be great.  Graphics are amazing.  Interfaces are basic but functional.  The selection of maps is downright disappointing, but more are rumored to be released soon.  Online play is unreliable but getting better.  And the gameplay is the same old SOCOM you have come to know and love.  I would give this game currently a 6.5 out of 10, but once the basic issues are resolved it should score a 9.  Call of Duty may make me a first person shooter guy after all!