Ah, SOCOM; the series that started it all here at GameBattles. It's about time that the game everybody has come to know and love goes next-gen. SOCOM Confrontation for the Playstation 3 was released by Slant Six Games (not former producer, Zipper Interactive) on Oct. 14th after over a year of heavy anticipation from the series' loyal fan base. There's no denying that the launch didn't go as planned. Many users experienced game freezing, random disconnects, and an odd lag was even preventing some from creating and joining clans; but just a week and a patch later, all systems are go!

Looking past the, server issues at launch, SOCOM Confrontation may just be the best installment in the series to date. Pleasing to both veteran SOCOM players and newcomers alike, Confrontation includes three of the most popular maps from previous games in the series: Crossroads, Desert Glory, and Frostfire. It also introduces users to four brand new maps (in both regular and large versions). Fallen is a desert map, riddled with tunnels, caves, and destructible bridges. Kasbah is a small village-like map with several routes to get from side to side, as well as its own array of underground pathways. Urban Wasteland brings the teams to a run down, apparently war-ridden, city. Its main focus is a multiple story building, including both a basement and parking garage for players to duel it out in. Finally, Quarantine is a water-based map, with the outskirts consisting of metal walkways that link the two spawn points. The inside features a large circular structure with several different levels on which to do battle. Water spread throughout the map offers a unique chance for players to use the swimming feature, providing both a stealthy and unexpected advantage over the opponent. All of the maps, both new and old, are beautifully designed and polished. There are several destructible pieces to each environment, and every battlefield requires a different strategy and set of tactics to effectively take control. As always, a game with such excellent gameplay comes with excellent competition too. Enter the GameBattles' SOCOM Confrontation Ladders and show your skills!

Several skilled clans have reunited for the new SOCOM, creating tons of interest and dispute among the community over who will be on top and run the ladder. Some believed the game would be similar to past installments and felt that previous top clans would be the teams to beat. Others think that the game is new and different, and that it is anybody's guess as to who will reign supreme. It’s too early to decide who’s right, but so far we’ve seen evidence for both sides of the argument.

uNoRtHoDoX was a dominant clan in both SOCOM II and III and had high expectations coming in. Led by ReX- and popular SOCOM players kRaZyNeSs and Acidragon, [DoX] have battled their way to an impressive 13 - 0 start on the Confrontation ladder. On the flipside, No Remorse have surprised many, starting at 15 - 3 and sitting in 2nd place. Long time SOCOM II crown holders LuMi[NoS]iTy have returned as well. Though they've only played six battles so far, they've won five of them (only losing to [DoX]) and look strong. Other old school clans such as Double Cross, Too RaW, and Misconception have joined the competition as well, though it is too early to predict where they'll fall in as the season trudges on.

It is still very early in the season, and things will only get more exciting as time goes on. With Sony and Slant Six working hard to fix every problem that players report, the game will undoubtedly live up to its high expectations. SOCOM: Confrontation is nothing short of a masterpiece in the making.

Create your team now!

Discuss this article |