• Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Apr 19, 2011
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 133 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 133
  2. Negative: 34 out of 133
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. Aug 26, 2011
    0
    With SOCOM 2, Zipper had a near perfect title, Fantastic Multiplayer, Epic Soundtrack, and Amazing tactical squad based single player. Now, They are planning on re-booting the franchise with SOCOM 4. So what is their definition of reboot? Take out EVERYTHING that made SOCOM 2 good, and then improve the graphics, and while their at it, focus on some motion control fad then the actualWith SOCOM 2, Zipper had a near perfect title, Fantastic Multiplayer, Epic Soundtrack, and Amazing tactical squad based single player. Now, They are planning on re-booting the franchise with SOCOM 4. So what is their definition of reboot? Take out EVERYTHING that made SOCOM 2 good, and then improve the graphics, and while their at it, focus on some motion control fad then the actual gameplay as even more of a slap to the face to SOCOM fans. Squad control interface? Dumbed down to the point where it is as broken and useless as the RPG elements in Mass Effect 2 (Don't get me wrong, Mass Effect 2 was a good game) Smart Squad AI that makes you feel like a leader, rather then a baby-sitter? Gone. Stealth play? Gone. Open environments that give you tactical options that aren't 'Obvious sniper rifle on the high balcony'? Gone. All the characters from the SOCOM Franchise? Gone. Difficulty? Gone. US Navy SEALS? Even THOSE are gone. That's right folks, You don't even play as the US Navy SEALS, You play as 'NATO Special Operations'. The combat is clunky and feels broken, Your squad mates seem more interested running in single-file formation into enemy fire rather than following orders. Did Zipper make this game just to slap SOCOM Fans in the face? Bottom line: Game tries to be just any other shooter, and even fails at that, resulting in a broken mess of a game. You would get a better use of your hard-earned money by wiping your ass with a $50 bill. Expand
  2. Nov 20, 2014
    6
    It's hard to understand what Zipper are targeting with this instalment, it feels somewhere between a typical first person shooter and something completely new. Graphically the game is uplifting, but the game modes are very limited and lag occurs frequently. It is not worth its full price tag, and will likely be disappointing for the fans of the series
  3. May 16, 2011
    0
    I am going to keep this short and simple. Zipper abandoned the expectations that come with the name "Socom". Terrible camera, terrible gameplay, no recoil, no grenade arc, no lean, no lobby or party system, terrible leveling up system for weapons and mods, no push to talk, no escort or breach medley, only 8 maps. What is this? A terrible modernization for the "casual" gamer. Avoid at all costs.
  4. Apr 22, 2011
    3
    As a fan of the original SOCOM's on the PS2, this game totally strays far from its original roots. A very poor OTS Camera view with tons camera collision, random bullet spray instead of actual recoil, and a cover system that promotes heavy camping. This game was meant to cater to the semi-retarded ADD players of COD. That is not what SOCOM is about. The previous SOCOMs were all aboutAs a fan of the original SOCOM's on the PS2, this game totally strays far from its original roots. A very poor OTS Camera view with tons camera collision, random bullet spray instead of actual recoil, and a cover system that promotes heavy camping. This game was meant to cater to the semi-retarded ADD players of COD. That is not what SOCOM is about. The previous SOCOMs were all about teamwork, communication, and skill. I do not see any of these in this installment of SOCOM. Currently, the game makes it almost impossible to play with your friends. Include that with a shotty mic system that hardly works and a socom engine where gunfights are determined by luck rather than skill, this game just simply isn't SOCOM. They simply added the SOCOM name to it to improve their sales because we all know this game wouldn't sell if it was called "Third Person COD and Every Other Shooter Out There Rip Off" Expand
  5. Apr 23, 2011
    2
    This Socom is the biggest disappointment in the once very popular, very strong Socom franchise. Its lacks the very essentials that help make a team based strategy game. The game was released before it was even completed and there are a whole host of patches needed to fix the many glitches and errors in the game. No Lobby system, no party systems, camera angles are terrible, the OTS andThis Socom is the biggest disappointment in the once very popular, very strong Socom franchise. Its lacks the very essentials that help make a team based strategy game. The game was released before it was even completed and there are a whole host of patches needed to fix the many glitches and errors in the game. No Lobby system, no party systems, camera angles are terrible, the OTS and cover system have completely ruined the game while they have managed to remove essentials like d-pad lean and "jump to climb". There only half the number of maps in Socom 4 as there were in other socoms, and they are symmetrical and geared towards the respawn based gameplay, not traditional socom modes.

    If you are looking for a new game to keep you entertained, look elsewhere. This is simply a 3rd person Call of Duty gone wrong. Games modes are not entertaining either. If you buy this game, make sure you have enough gas in the tank to make a trip to Gamestop the next day because this is a game you will definitely be returning.
    Expand
  6. Apr 24, 2011
    0
    One of the greatest playstation franchises has officially died, and socom 4 is the final nail in the coffin. The key features that made this franchise stand out amongst everything else, leave you asking WTF? The single player is no longer a tactical mission, it plays out like any other shooters SP. Where you walk into an area as quietly as possible, yet the enemy some how knows you areOne of the greatest playstation franchises has officially died, and socom 4 is the final nail in the coffin. The key features that made this franchise stand out amongst everything else, leave you asking WTF? The single player is no longer a tactical mission, it plays out like any other shooters SP. Where you walk into an area as quietly as possible, yet the enemy some how knows you are there. The cover sysem is a nice addition to the game, but again its nothing innovative since so many other shooters are using it as well. And as for the multiplayer, its a total nightmare. There will be times in classic mode as soon as the match starts, everyone spawns, than about 15-20 seconds later it allows you to respawn. And by the time you even leave your spawn, you are hit with a nade or gun fire. The camera view doesn't do this game any favors either, the over the shoulder view blocks out any peripheral vision that you have. And going around objects makes the camera zoom into the back of your characters head. Lack of weapon customization and character customization really hurt this game as well. All in all socom 4 is a mediocre game, that tries to imitate all the other shooters out there. Not worth my $60 Expand
  7. Apr 21, 2011
    4
    If you purchase this game expecting a "SOCOM" title you will be SEVERELY let down. This game has gone away from the true roots of the series and has moved the title to be more casual player friendly. Features found in shooters such as call of duty, uncharted and rainbow six debut for the first time in this "SOCOM" titled game. All aspects of this game are changed for the worse from singleIf you purchase this game expecting a "SOCOM" title you will be SEVERELY let down. This game has gone away from the true roots of the series and has moved the title to be more casual player friendly. Features found in shooters such as call of duty, uncharted and rainbow six debut for the first time in this "SOCOM" titled game. All aspects of this game are changed for the worse from single player, co-op and online multiplayer as I will now explain to you.

    Singleplayer in SOCOM 4 is an mediocre experience at best. The storyline is extremely cheesy as it is you and your squad versus an entire country's army with generic plot twists.. Rambo would be jealous because I racked up 1000+ kills on hard mode right before the game ended (I know this because I got a trophy for that). The acting is very b-movie like where it shines for a few moments and then drowns miserably for the rest of the show. However the voice acting is a tad bit better during some moments. To beat the games 14 lackluster missions on hard it took me a total of 7 hours and 14 minutes. Your AI teammates range from being useful as bullet sponges to being borderline retarded during the entire length of the campaign. The best part of singleplayer is when it solos you through four stealth missions. Zipper must of made these to piss of the socom community, as they are the only parts of singleplayer that almost resemble the series offline roots.

    Co-op is best played online since your squad ai is already as I mentioned handicapped in every way. There are only 4 missions to play with your friends or random quick matched players. However these missions can be altered with enemy difficult and count. But who the hell doesn't want to play on the hardest settings? Once you beat them all each one time you will never want to return as co-op gets repetitive and boring quick.

    Sigh now lets get into the biggest letdown of the words on the front of the box. SOCOM is all about online multiplayer gameplay no question about it. With that being said this is honestly the worse online SOCOM game you will ever play. Lobbies are now replaced with random call of duty quick matches where little to no communication takes place. There is never a sense of comradery in these rooms as you will find quick you don't give two **** who is in or out of your game nor does anyone else. Consider yourself lucky if you can switch up teams in 15 seconds since you cant talk to the opposing team.

    Do you like playing with your friends on SOCOM? Well you cant for awhile zipper forgot to add a party system there suppose to "patch" it in before the end of april. You can play with friends but you have to join there room and hope its not full while hoping you get on there team... talk about a nightmare. The clan system is the only way to currently play in a "party" at all. Here's how it works; you make a group and challenge clans from any gamemode from a list and hope they accept or even get the invite to war.

    If you want to go solo you can play some ranked respawn and call in some airstrikes from your killstreak reward.... yep hello call of duty! There are classic modes where there is no respawn but they are a slight nod at the series if you want to go that far. Hip fire sucks so you get two dual primary weapons on this "SOCOM" game! Everytime you score a kill you get some fancy experience points to unlock weapon attachments and level up your character to gain access to new weapons. That is assuming if you can get a kill with the clunky character view point that plagues every aspect of the game from online to offline.

    Im going to stop here as I do not want to rant about the thousands of negative changes for multiple paragraphs. Maybe in 3 months from now after multiple patches this game will be better but as it stands right now it is better than Confrontation RELEASE period. See that the keyword was RELEASE... Confrontation TODAY is better than SOCOM 4 without a doubt if you get into a legit room. This game does everything the mainstream market has today but doesn't do one thing right its just a big mess.

    Bottom line... zipper lost touch with its fanbase and you need to avoid this game unless you find it used or on the bargain bin for a decent price.
    Expand
  8. Apr 22, 2011
    4
    I was completely unimpressed by the lackluster story and its' half assed attempts at trying so hard to pretend it's original. The shooting mechanics are atrocious and nobody should have that much recoil while shooting a weapon. The camera was extremely close and claustrophobia inducing, also severely limiting your field of view in SP. MP is a work in progress. I get that most gamesI was completely unimpressed by the lackluster story and its' half assed attempts at trying so hard to pretend it's original. The shooting mechanics are atrocious and nobody should have that much recoil while shooting a weapon. The camera was extremely close and claustrophobia inducing, also severely limiting your field of view in SP. MP is a work in progress. I get that most games nowadays can be patched later, but that should be left for exploits, not for fixing things in a game that was already delayed. Doesn't feel like a SOCOM experience at all. Overall, one of the bigger disappointments of this year. Expand
  9. Apr 25, 2011
    0
    This game is just straight up trash. You can tell just from the main menu that zipper wasnt trying at all to make a game true and dear to their fanbase.They were probably in their studio getting high or something cause they werent working on this game at all!! First off the character movements are terrible, they move like retards i mean they are suppose to be trained military men and theyThis game is just straight up trash. You can tell just from the main menu that zipper wasnt trying at all to make a game true and dear to their fanbase.They were probably in their studio getting high or something cause they werent working on this game at all!! First off the character movements are terrible, they move like retards i mean they are suppose to be trained military men and they move like tit heads. Second there the shooting mechanics in this game are so bad and clunky along with the annoying camera it makes playing more than 30 mins a headache at best. Third the game is clearly copying off of call of duty with its gay little airstrikes that are usless and ineffective i mean they even changed the strafing speed to make it more like call of duty a game that does everything better than socom 4 Expand
  10. Apr 19, 2011
    10
    Best SOCOM since SOCOM 2. After SOCOM 2 zipper pretty much fell off for me. Then Slant 6 came in and I loved their work on the PSP, but when it came to confrontation it was just as bad as Zipper's last project, but Zipper came back to change all that and as a diehard SOCOM fan I must say they did rather well. Sure their are issues, but playing in classic mode is a nice change of pace forBest SOCOM since SOCOM 2. After SOCOM 2 zipper pretty much fell off for me. Then Slant 6 came in and I loved their work on the PSP, but when it came to confrontation it was just as bad as Zipper's last project, but Zipper came back to change all that and as a diehard SOCOM fan I must say they did rather well. Sure their are issues, but playing in classic mode is a nice change of pace for things. Definitely can't play this game like or compare this game to other modern day shooters. This one actually takes time, teamwork, and patience. Overall what I expected. Expand
  11. Apr 28, 2011
    10
    Although something is lacking, in comparison to Socom 2. This game brought me back into the franchise after not purchasing Socom 3 and Confrontation. The elimination of vehicles was great, in multiplayer. Single Player is more tactical than either Socom 1 or 2. At the end of the day they made leaps, and just because its not a first person shooter people hate. This game kills COD BlackAlthough something is lacking, in comparison to Socom 2. This game brought me back into the franchise after not purchasing Socom 3 and Confrontation. The elimination of vehicles was great, in multiplayer. Single Player is more tactical than either Socom 1 or 2. At the end of the day they made leaps, and just because its not a first person shooter people hate. This game kills COD Black Ops anyday, in fact its more balaced, better campaign and multiplayer. Stop Hating and Appreciate, not only the spectacular graphics but also, the intense game play. Expand
  12. Apr 30, 2011
    0
    I've been a long time Socom fan. And this game, this game is awful. Its not even Socom! No lobbies, no pistols, no original game modes besides suppression, ranked respawns, a cover system. no grenade arc, you need to push up on the d-pad, really?, etc. This game is like Cod,Gears of War, and Mag had a ugly and disgusting child. This game isn't even worth renting.
  13. Apr 24, 2011
    0
    I bought this game expecting a fresh new experience, but all I got was more of the same. Socom 4 has a dry and boring SP, and a disasterous multiplayer mode. This will be my first and last Socom game.
  14. May 31, 2011
    0
    When i first heard this game was announced i was absolutely ecstatic. Finaly Zipper returns to Socom to bring the GREAT series to Playstation 3. Then it was released and i couldn't have been more disappointed. Lets see where do i begin..? I'll begin in the single player campaign. First off each and every single level looked like it was straight out of MAG. Now dont get me wrong i actuallyWhen i first heard this game was announced i was absolutely ecstatic. Finaly Zipper returns to Socom to bring the GREAT series to Playstation 3. Then it was released and i couldn't have been more disappointed. Lets see where do i begin..? I'll begin in the single player campaign. First off each and every single level looked like it was straight out of MAG. Now dont get me wrong i actually liked MAG alot but this (Socom) was supposed to be a different game. There was no attempt to create new environments whatsoever. Second and the most important, the gameplay. Socom is great because of the tactical game play. This however was the complete opposite of the older games in the series. They reduced the expansive command menu from the past games to the simple "go here" and "shoot him". You are no longer graded at the end of each mission as before. The GREAT stealth aspects from the past Socoms are absolutely gone. There are "stealth missions", but they are forced and only are playable with one character. The attempt at "stealth" in this game was pathetic. In the old Socoms you could stealth your way past just about every level and there were multiple paths through each level. There was also the option the shoot your way through the level if you wanted. The point being there were multiple ways to beat a level. Socom 4 deviates from that great formula by throwing wave after wave of enemies at you. Every level is run 20 ft then have a 10 minute fire fight, run 20 ft then another fire fight. Its obvious Zipper took the Call Of Duty route here and tried to attract the casuals to this game, but in the process ruined their name and a game. Second, the A.I. in this is just terrible. Both your team and the enemies. I dont know how many times I would "command" my team to positions only to be killed by an enemy or 2 that walk right past my team and shoot me. Unless you specifically "command" them to shoot some one the team is useless. They stand out in the open getting shot and killed even if they were told to move behind cover. Third, the story is very weak. The past Socoms never had the characters emotionally tied to what was going on the game. They were exactly what they should be, military MISSIONS. The characters weren't personally involved in the conflict. And that brings me to the main character, Cullen Grey. It's blatantly obvious that they were going for Nathan Drake's (Uncharted) image. They failed in that attempt. Anyone who finds this "story" and characters interesting needs to re think gaming as a hobby. Now the mulitplayer. It is NOTHING like the the previous Socom games. Zipper completely went the casual Call Of Duty route here. The classic mode is not what Socom was. It is an insult to the hardcore Socom fan base. It's clear that it was second to the non classic mode, which was NEVER the case in the past. These new modes, game types, and the run and gun play style is something that would never be found in a TRUE Socom game. Socom used to be for the hardcore shooting gamers that took patience, skill, and team work to play. Zipper turned their back on the fans that made that series what it was and now only want the money from the casuals out there. Bottom line here, if youre looking for a next gen Socom game then Socom 4 is NOT it. Confrontation was bad on release but has since been fixed up and was actually a good game that tried to keep Socom's identity. Socom 4 = Biggest disappointment of 2011. Expand
  15. Jun 20, 2011
    0
    A sad day for SOCOM fans and a slap in the face from the devlopers, there is nothing good to be said about this title or the dev anymore....this game is literally MAG2 (in 3rd person) and nothing like SOCOM...co op can be fun but as far as MP goes......terrible....and ONLINE GAME WITH NO PARTY SYSTEM
  16. Apr 19, 2011
    10
    Wow look at the scores here: people very divided about this game. I'm having fun with it. I played COD MW for a while. This game is more tactical. I like the cover system. People who don't like it should realize they don't have to use it, and should quit complaining about it. And please stop with the comparisons. This game has a good feel of it's own. I guess you'll love it or hate it.
  17. May 1, 2011
    0
    One of the greatest playstation franchises has officially died, and socom 4 is the final nail in the coffin. The key features that made this franchise stand out amongst everything else, leave you asking WTF? The single player is no longer a tactical mission, it plays out like any other shooters SP. Where you walk into an area as quietly as possible, yet the enemy some how knows you areOne of the greatest playstation franchises has officially died, and socom 4 is the final nail in the coffin. The key features that made this franchise stand out amongst everything else, leave you asking WTF? The single player is no longer a tactical mission, it plays out like any other shooters SP. Where you walk into an area as quietly as possible, yet the enemy some how knows you are there. The cover sysem is a nice addition to the game, but again its nothing innovative since so many other shooters are using it as well. And as for the multiplayer, its a total nightmare. There will be times in classic mode as soon as the match starts, everyone spawns, than about 15-20 seconds later it allows you to respawn. And by the time you even leave your spawn, you are hit with a nade or gun fire. The camera view doesn't do this game any favors either, the over the shoulder view blocks out any peripheral vision that you have. And going around objects makes the camera zoom into the back of your characters head. Lack of weapon customization and character customization really hurt this game as well. All in all socom 4 is a mediocre game, that tries to imitate all the other shooters out there. Not worth my $60 Expand
  18. Apr 19, 2011
    0
    A travesty of epic proportions. True Socom fans need not to play this crap. This game is nothing but Call of Duty in third person mode. Kilstreaks, weapon ranks, and all the other crap you hate. The game's cover system encourages camping. One button grenade throwing encourages grenade spam. This is worse than SOCOM: Confrontation which at least tried to be a SOCOM game. This game will goA travesty of epic proportions. True Socom fans need not to play this crap. This game is nothing but Call of Duty in third person mode. Kilstreaks, weapon ranks, and all the other crap you hate. The game's cover system encourages camping. One button grenade throwing encourages grenade spam. This is worse than SOCOM: Confrontation which at least tried to be a SOCOM game. This game will go down as a horrible game overall. Zipper is done and so is SOCOM. Expand
  19. Apr 26, 2011
    5
    honestly i never really found this series appealing but i was told that this game was amazing by many of my friends so i borowed it from my friend who thought the exact oposite of most of my friends and boy am i glad i borrowed it instead of buying it. first off the camera i didnt like it and it would zoom in on my head so often i would sometimes get disoriented and die due to it and ihonestly i never really found this series appealing but i was told that this game was amazing by many of my friends so i borowed it from my friend who thought the exact oposite of most of my friends and boy am i glad i borrowed it instead of buying it. first off the camera i didnt like it and it would zoom in on my head so often i would sometimes get disoriented and die due to it and i never really got into it as i played about 1.5 hours of the story and just gave up on it. great graphics and solid controls and i can see why people fell in love with the series but this game is just not for me and was not my cup of tea so in my opinion rent it before buying to see if you will like it Expand
  20. Apr 28, 2011
    0
    Terrible. Not what fans of the series wanted. How many times will Zipper strike out before they listen to their fans?

    Like the multiplayer, the campaign is bland and completely unfaithful to the old games.

    This isn't SOCOM. It's a new shooter pretending to be SOCOM. Shame on Zipper for disrespecting their long time fans with what can only be deemed a slap in the face.
  21. Apr 20, 2011
    10
    MY Review is based off of Single Player, Co-Op and Multiplayer Classic. I loved every minute of the 7 hours i played last night. Co-op- Is an extremely fun and rewarding mode if played with the right people. Using the mic is a must and so is patience. The levels we played needed everyone to take thought out positions and not run out in the middle. If someone tried to rambo through theyMY Review is based off of Single Player, Co-Op and Multiplayer Classic. I loved every minute of the 7 hours i played last night. Co-op- Is an extremely fun and rewarding mode if played with the right people. Using the mic is a must and so is patience. The levels we played needed everyone to take thought out positions and not run out in the middle. If someone tried to rambo through they would die and have to wait until our team could clear out enough enemies to safely revive them. Made playing the levels very tactical and we actually paid attention to other players health levels and moved who had point based on their health. Using strategy and tactics we were able to get through levels without failing but it did not come easy. Single Player- Admittedly i only played the first level with the sharpshooter and move but it was very fun. The button layout will take a while to get used to on the sharpshooter but using it enhanced the SP.

    Classic multiplayer- While playing i seen a trend. The player who ran out without knowledge of the map or a purpose dies quickly and complained a lot. Online requires a lot of strategy and knowledge of how your weapon works. The same players were always on top so the game is very skill based. The shooting mechanics require that your reticle be on target before you shoot or you will most likely miss your your target with subsequent bullets. After getting the hang of this shooting without L1 is very easy to do and i found myself on the good end of face to face battles.

    I do know that there are pleasant of players who do not understand the shooting mechanic yet because a few times someone would fail to kill me when they start shooting at my back. Generally their first shot missed then they hit me with the 3rd or fourth shot and blow through a few more that miss before i turn around and took them out.
    Expand
  22. May 21, 2011
    2
    Okay, where to begin? Let's see...for starters, I've played all of the Socom games on the ps2 and ps3. I thought the original Socom and Socom II were very well done. All of the other versions, not so much. With that said, I would have to say this is easily the worst game in the series. I am giving this game a score of 2 just because of all things, the sp. The mp is just too messedOkay, where to begin? Let's see...for starters, I've played all of the Socom games on the ps2 and ps3. I thought the original Socom and Socom II were very well done. All of the other versions, not so much. With that said, I would have to say this is easily the worst game in the series. I am giving this game a score of 2 just because of all things, the sp. The mp is just too messed up. To me, the shooting mechanics are broken, the characters movement is clunky, the map selection is poor and there are more issues to numerous to mention. I actually am surprised when I say the sp is the strongest part of this game and that's not saying much. I think it's just passable as a generic shooter, not a Socom game. I played it just because the PSN was down and to get all of the trophies. Beyond that, it is forgettable in every way. In conclusion, if you want a generic shooter that tries to be a little bit of everything out there today, but does no one particular thing well, then this is your game. Everyone else, should stay far away. Expand
  23. May 31, 2011
    8
    Unlike alot on here,i'm not judging this game on what it is,not what it 'isnt'.i'm reviewing this as a game in its own right.& that is a fun to play & competent Squad Action game.Sure,its not much like earlier Socom games.They were obviously trying something different here.Stop moaning that this isnt like another title,& just enjoy this for what it is.I'm sure they'll be more traditionalUnlike alot on here,i'm not judging this game on what it is,not what it 'isnt'.i'm reviewing this as a game in its own right.& that is a fun to play & competent Squad Action game.Sure,its not much like earlier Socom games.They were obviously trying something different here.Stop moaning that this isnt like another title,& just enjoy this for what it is.I'm sure they'll be more traditional Socom titles in the future,& i'll be sure to enjoy & try them too.The only reasons the score isnt higher,is because it didnt have Co-Op in the campaign(what a waste of potential),& the Stealth Missions,which i didnt find particually enjoyable,& just felt like they were in the way.Anyone who says Confrontation is better than this is mad.Its a very poor quality multiplayer-only game,that isnt even what the Seals are about.Seal missions are about going in,completing a very specific mission,then getting out,with as least 'Confrontation' as possible.Not llingering in one place,in a prolonged,pointless firefight.. Expand
  24. Apr 27, 2011
    6
    Easily one of the easiest shooters I've ever played. This game and for now this series, has been 100% dumbed down for the casual audience. Graphically its ok. The Single Player lacks all sizzle, and is just wounded by awful team and enemy AI, not to mention a story that is so mundane and mediocre you cant wait for it to be over. The multiplayer is no where close to being finished andEasily one of the easiest shooters I've ever played. This game and for now this series, has been 100% dumbed down for the casual audience. Graphically its ok. The Single Player lacks all sizzle, and is just wounded by awful team and enemy AI, not to mention a story that is so mundane and mediocre you cant wait for it to be over. The multiplayer is no where close to being finished and requires at least 3 good patch jobs before anything starts to improve. The saving grace for Socom 4 is the Co-OP. You team up with 4 other buddies and run through custom missions. This is an awesome feature. Although i wouldve like to have seen the entire SP experience on Co-Op, the Co-Op experience is nothing but 100% pure fun. If it wasn't for the Co-op this game would be a debacle. Expand
  25. May 27, 2011
    10
    I love tactical shooters, Rainbow Six, Operation Flashpoint, Battlefield games etc, but I have to say that SOCOM 4 is a great game. The single player mode is decent at best, but the online is where (IMO) this game excels!! Good variety of modes and detailed maps. I enjoyed MAG by these same devs, but SOCOM is where its at for me. Brilliant online game in every sense of the word.
    If you
    I love tactical shooters, Rainbow Six, Operation Flashpoint, Battlefield games etc, but I have to say that SOCOM 4 is a great game. The single player mode is decent at best, but the online is where (IMO) this game excels!! Good variety of modes and detailed maps. I enjoyed MAG by these same devs, but SOCOM is where its at for me. Brilliant online game in every sense of the word.
    If you like your "no tactics, run and gun" games, then CoD is for you (altho I have been very disappointed with the last 2 CoD games, not a patch on MW 1). People keep harming on about 'there's no seals in the game', well if your from the states, the game is called SOCOM navy seals, I'm sure you get to play as a seal. Around the rest of the world it seems to be called SOCOM special forces, and is localized for your country. If team work and bit of Rambo solo is your passion, then you wont go far wrong with SOCOM. Brilliant work Zipper. Collapse
    Expand
  26. Apr 19, 2011
    1
    Zipper destroyed the franchise with Socom 4.A bad made CoD clone.
    Hope Slant Six works on a Confrontation 2 so I get the real Socom feeling again.

    http://forums.socom.com/t5/SOCOM-4-General-Discussion/How-to-restore-Classic-Mode-to-it-s-former-glory/td-p/1065178
  27. Apr 20, 2011
    8
    Socom 4 offers strategic gameplay and interesting maps. The graphics are crisp, with vivid detail on cracked roadways and damaged cars; lots of interesting hiding places come out of those too. The game has only been up for one day, but so far Iâ
  28. May 2, 2011
    8
    The online is where it's at for me. Granted, it is much different and more accessible than previous Socoms, but I still feel like I'm playing Socom. Zipper is good with patching games so any bugs are being fixed(don't count Confrontation, ZIpper didn't make that one). The multiplayer camera is completely revamped from the SP view, which is great. I'd much rather be playing this thanThe online is where it's at for me. Granted, it is much different and more accessible than previous Socoms, but I still feel like I'm playing Socom. Zipper is good with patching games so any bugs are being fixed(don't count Confrontation, ZIpper didn't make that one). The multiplayer camera is completely revamped from the SP view, which is great. I'd much rather be playing this than CoD. The online Rush Hour map is just euphoric. It's massive, there's many pindown points, and it's a blast to play on respawn....something I thought I'd never say with a Socom game. This game's online is where it excels, everything else is very bland and forgettable. Nowhere near better than Socom 1 or 2, but better than 3 and CA in my book, as far as multiplayer is concerned. I say rent it, $60 is too much to gamble with on video games. I also think the graphics are amazing on my HD Toshiba. It's not Killzone or FFXIII quality, but you can tell there was a lot of work put into detail. Most of the reason this game is getting such bad reviews is because of how much the series has changed. Most veterans of the franchise are having a sitdown in attempt to reinvigorate what Zipper used to mean to them. That, and there aren't any Navy Seals in this game lol. It should've been called NATO: Special Forces in all honesty, kidding aside. Granted, am I a bit disappointed with what Socom 4 has become? Yeah. I was hoping that Zipper was more down to earth and wouldn't attempt to tap into the CoD demographic. But I can't deny I have fun playing this game. That's where it counts for me. Expand
  29. May 24, 2011
    1
    Absolute disaster. This game makes SOCOM Confrontation look great. Everything about this game evolved around online play with your friends. Its next to impossible. There is no way to make a room and have everyone join and play a medley of all maps the way you like them. Zipper lost it. I just want my SOCOM game native to PS3. PLEASE vote to have SOCOM native to PS3 and bring all theAbsolute disaster. This game makes SOCOM Confrontation look great. Everything about this game evolved around online play with your friends. Its next to impossible. There is no way to make a room and have everyone join and play a medley of all maps the way you like them. Zipper lost it. I just want my SOCOM game native to PS3. PLEASE vote to have SOCOM native to PS3 and bring all the classic maps back. RIP SOCOM franchise. Expand
  30. Feb 18, 2012
    9
    Socom 4 and mag are one of the best games ive play so far compare mag or socom to all others games from BF to COD to brink to homefront whats game can be enjoyable as socom 4 or mag ?? Zipper deserve respect Socom 4 have some issue need to be adresse BUT THe game bashing must END i think every games bashers must be banned from socom forums because they have no place here they ruins theSocom 4 and mag are one of the best games ive play so far compare mag or socom to all others games from BF to COD to brink to homefront whats game can be enjoyable as socom 4 or mag ?? Zipper deserve respect Socom 4 have some issue need to be adresse BUT THe game bashing must END i think every games bashers must be banned from socom forums because they have no place here they ruins the forums they ruins zippers and its not good for anyone Expand
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 64 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 64
  2. Negative: 2 out of 64
  1. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Oct 6, 2011
    80
    If you have all the accessories to play this game as it is meant to be digested (Move, Sharp Shooter, a decent online connection and four non-idiotic mates on standby for co-op) it's one heck of a good game. Lack even two of those prerequisites though and SOCOM: Special Forces will come across like a fairly standard operation that takes a bit too much liberty with the descriptor 'special'. [June 2011 p68]
  2. Sep 19, 2011
    60
    SOCOM 4 is a light and breezy third-person shooter that's pretty good by genre standards, but perhaps a bit lacking in comparison to SOCOM 2.
  3. Aug 5, 2011
    69
    This is a decent online shooter with a fairly bland and mildly repetitive single-player component added on.