Zipper and over-the-shoulder view, and why they're wrong

In the last episode of the Zipline Podcast, creative director Ed Byrne stated why they've chosen to go with an OTS view as opposed to the classic centered third-person view from previous SOCOM games.

"[OTS view] is for both [Move & Dual Shock controllers]. So we tried to make sure that there is as little difference as possible between playing with the Dual-Shock and the Move in terms of the camera position, that sort of thing. We had to move the camera out a little bit for the Move, um, we had to push it back and raise it a little bit higher. So when you see footage from GDC you're seeing a slightly different camera angle then you'll see at E3. But for the most part the over-the-shoulder aspect is on both.

I know thats a contentious issue with some of

the fans, um, but it's just one of those things that we sort of, uh, we saw that start in the FTB series and it was one of those things that when we're doing usability tests, and we're doing surveys and talking to gamers out there it seemed like that was becoming a more contemporary camera position, you know it allowed the character to be a little bit bigger on screen and to get out of the central area. For multiplayer we've taken a step back from that a little bit so we are considering a lot of things."

My one problem with this isn't that they are using the OTS view, but that Ed Byrne makes it sound as though they chose that view because of surveys and tests as opposed to having a fundamental gameplay reason for choosing it. Yes, he states that it makes the character larger on screen, but doesn't state why he thinks that is important for this game.

If I were to give any advice to the team at Zipper it would be to make the game that THEY want to make. Sure, read the boards and take us and other opinions into consideration, but ultimately don't let outside forces make the decisions. It's why their reasoning for using OTS view got me so mad.

The one glimmer of hope is that it sounds like the team is keeping it open-ended for multiplayer, and haven't yet made a final decision on what they want to do.

Community - Socast Episode 2 AND vote for SOCOM 2 HD!

Check it out.

HTK, active member on the SOCOM.com forums has just posted another episode of the Socast podcast, this time discussing Zipline Episode 5 and the SOCOM 4 information that came from it.

MP3 link to the podcast here.

Next, you MUST vote in this poll to get Sony on board for a SOCOM 2 in HD remake. Create awareness and make it happen. Remember, this is how God of War Collection got greenlite for an HD remake. Make enough noise and they can't ignore you.

Zipline Podcast Episode 5

Zipper put up Zipline Episode 5 last night with plenty of SOCOM talk. Check it out here.

I'll give my commentary on it in a bit.

Community - The Importance of SOCOM 4 (youtube clip)

Thanks to r_e_v on the SOCOM.com message boards for finding this link. Starting at the 1:25 mark, this SOCOM fan tells it like it is. Check it out below:

Community - "Upriver" Map Concept

Just came across this post on the SOCOM.com boards by SpecterMK23. You know SOCOM has an amazing community when people like this design maps in their spare time. Check out the link to see his idea.

Your answer to UCRR's is coming...soon

Probably one of the most asked questions about SOCOM 4 from hardcore fans is if UCRRs (User Created Ranked Rooms) will or won't be in the game. Your answer, it seems, is coming next week. According to Chris and Jeremy in today's 'Zipline Podcast Episode 3' stated that they hope to announce how the online setup works, including whether UCRRS are in or not, but will do it the next time they have someone working on SOCOM 4 on the podcast.

My prediction? The classic lobby setup will be chucked out the window in favour of a more streamlined, more current, match-making setup. Hopefully we'll have our final answer next week.

IGN single-player Q&A

Check out IGN's new Q&A with Ed Byrne on SOCOM 4's single player here.

I really like the focus on the characters in the story that Ed Byrne seems to be hinting at. I think a lot of shooters loose sight of how important it is to know the characters names and their backgrounds when it comes to crafting a single player story that you want your audience to latch on to.

Really happy with what I've heard about single player so far. Looking forward to seeing more.