So, SOCOM 4 finally has a firm release date. According to a recent posting on the official PlayStation Blog, this next SOCOM will see a release in North America on April 19. That's like three months from now!
In addition to busting out the date, Zipper Interactive also dropped news of an exciting pre-order bonus. Slapping down cash in advance of the game’s release at a GameStop will net you an extra bonus “exclusive” map called “Abandoned.”
According to the GS listing, Abandoned is actually a remake of a “popular” Suppression mode map from the original SOCOM and SOCOM 2. Also, pre-orders will get you a “Super M90 Shotgun,” which features a larger range than standard, presumably in-game, shotguns. People are sure to love you if you carry that thing around.
Not a bad deal, I suppose, if you’re into pre-order stuff. Also, remember that a select number of copies of Killzone 3 will ship with a redeemable code for the upcoming SOCOM 4 beta, which will probably kick off a month before the game hits shelves.
SOCOM 4 is notable as the return of Zipper to the franchise it created way back when. Slant SIx took over the series for its first PS3 installment, Confrontation, but a lot of SOCOM's longtime fans were less than pleased with that one. Does the return of Zipper make anyone more interested in giving SOCOM another shot?