Commander Fury

As SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs approaches its April 19th release, we're putting the finishing touches on the latest and greatest version of the official SOCOM website, SOCOM.com. When all is said and done you'll have access to tons of stats, leaderboards, weapon information and much, much more. We're especially proud of the statistical options that will be featured on the site. In addition to raw numbers for everything from kills and deaths to per-weapon hit percentages, you'll be able to see visual representations of many of your most important stats. A color-coded character hit map shows you where on the enemy you're focusing your fire, while a color wheel shows your “kills†breakdown on a per-weapon basis. A new timeline graph allows you to see your per-day totals across a number of stats, and you can even add other players to see how you've been stacking up against each other. And that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Would you like to see all of this for yourself? Well, you're in luck as we're opening up beta access to the site as of right now! Simply head on over to beta.SOCOM.com and you'll be able to try out many of the new features that will be part of the finished site. Let us know what you think of the site by visiting the official SOCOM forums. More...

With our open beta of SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs in full swing – and plenty of player feedback to go along with it – we wanted to make sure that everyone had a chance to experience some of the changes we’ve already implemented to the both the beta and the final game (via “launch day†patch) because of your testing. Starting tomorrow, April 8, SOCOM 4 Beta v1.02 will be available for download and will automatically update, following our 1am PDT (4am EDT) maintenance window. Here’s what you can expect to see: SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs Beta v1.02 April 8, 2011 | TPPS: 37 MBs, DLS: 21 MBs Gameplay More...

Taking to the US and EU PlayStation Forums en masse, PlayStation 3 users continue to report connectivity issues with PlayStation Network today. Starting with the declaration of attack by hacker group “Anonymous” earlier this week, PSN has been experiencing sporadic issues over the past few days — Sony characterized the outages as “intermittent” earlier this week, and promised that “engineers are working to restore and maintain the services.” As of the time of publishing, we have been unable to connect to PSN today through several staff accounts. According to a Sony EU forum moderator, a trio of error codes could be showing up for affected users (80710092, 80710D36 and 8071053D), though little else is offered in way of information. “We are currently looking into this and I will update the thread as more information becomes available,” the post notes. Additionally, PlayStation Lifestyle reports that a splinter group of Anonymous — identified as “SonyRecon” — is apparently going after specific Sony executives, seeking to reveal “names, phone numbers, pictures, home addresses, email, internet protocol address, family members and other data.” CEO Sir Howard Stringer is said to be one of the group’s targets, among others. As previously detailed, Anonymous launched the attacks on Sony earlier this week as a sign of solidarity with hackers George “GeoHot” Hotz and Alexander “Graf_Chokolo” Egorenkov, both of whom are currently in litigation with Sony. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

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Bethesda’s just put out the latest Brink gameplay movie, showing various character abilities. The new clip for the Splash Damage shooter shows more off more customisation options, shooting, action set-pieces, SMART, hacking, self-healing yourself and more. Properly knockout. Brink releases on May 17 in the US and May 20 in the UK for PS3, 360 and PC Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

The second map pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops has been outed by GAME Australia. Known as the Escalation Pack, it’ll feature five maps – one of which is a zoo – and will release on May 3, according to a flyer posted on the retailer’s site, which has since been pulled. It’ll arrive first on Xbox Live as part of a three year exclusivity deal between Activision and Microsoft that was announced at E3 last year. It’ll arrive on PS3 and PC afterwards. The first map pack for Black Ops, First Strike, launched back in February for Xbox 360. It followed a month later on PS3 and PC. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

The last three weeks have been great for us here at Zipper Interactive! Our private, PlayStation Plus, and Killzone 3 voucher testers have been integral in helping us put the finishing touches on the multiplayer aspects of SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs. But that’s the past – and now, the special invitation period is over because starting today, anyone and everyone with PSN access can freely download the SOCOM 4 beta from the PlayStation Store during its regularly-scheduled update. The beta’s availability on the PlayStation Store ends April 12. Our servers will be open all day every day until the beta period ends on April 13 at 11:59pm Pacific Time (2:59am Eastern). However, we will limit what modes are available for the first few days to keep our testing focused before opening all queues for the home stretch. Here’s how the schedule looks in its final phase: More...

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Majesco has announced that scantily clad dhampir*Rayne will return to consoles this summer in the digital download title Bloodrayne: Betrayal. Slated for release on PSN and XBL, WayForward is developing the game, which sees our heroine fighting out in 2D side-scrolling action with a deadly dose of bloodshed. In the game, Rayne has been recruited by the vampire hunting Brimstone Society for one final mission, where she teams up with mysterious new person to thwart a vampire massacre. Puzzles, an arsenal of weapons along with new characters and emeries will be on hand, specifically designed for mature audiences. “It’s been a long time since Rayne captivated players with her bold mix of brutality and beauty, and fans have been hounding us to release another BloodRayne installment,†said Jesse Sutton, CEO of Majesco Entertainment. “We are excited to once again partner with the creative and committed team at WayForward to bring Rayne back. BloodRayne: Betrayal delivers the action-packed experience franchise fans have been waiting for in a digital format that’s also accessible for new players unfamiliar with Rayne’s over-the-top, stylized gameplay.†There’s a teaser site up at the moment, with not much else other than music and a silhouette of the vixen for the time being. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

EA’s released the third gameplay video for Battlefield 3, showing more action-based gameplay and a sequence involving defusing a bomb. The video shows off more outdoor gunplay, as well as defusing an IED. It also gives the first look at the game’s hand-to-hand combat in a fight with an enemy soldier, showing previously reported button-press cues, with mouse flashes telling the player to left and right click to punch. The end of the clip teases a 12-minute gameplay reveal video, which is set to launch on April 17. Battlefield 3 launches this fall for PS3, 360 and PC. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

Warner’s released a brand new gameplay video for F.E.A.R. 3, detailing the Day 1 horror’s story. Alma’s getting set to deliver a third child, which isn’t great. Horror legends John Carpenter and Steve Niles are both involved with the game’s development: Carpenter is helping with the cinematics, while Niles is writing. F.E.A.R. 3 releases on May 27 in the UK for PS3, 360 and PC. Watch the trailer below. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

You might have heard a few rumors about a new Resident Evil game floating around the internets. Well, this week we finally confirmed Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City! Exciting! The quick details are it’s set to release this winter, you’ll see some familiar faces, locations, and enemies. All the while Umbrella Security Service battle to destroy any evidence of the deadly T-Virus. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

Looks like folks will get the first bit of information on Modern Warfare 3 should a report in PSM3 be any indication. According to the magazine, via CVG, sources close to the magazine said “the next in Activision’s megaton FPS series will be announced in mid-April.†Official PlayStation Magazine UK rumors also suggest MW3 will include “at least some sections,†pertaining to the character Ghost’s past. “Based on the ending of MW2, we’d be surprised if the story doesn’t pick up with Soap and Price on the run, after they were set up by General Shepard,†reads the PSM3 article. While no specific date was provided in the magazine for the announcement, Activision announced Black Ops on April 30 last year, so and April reveal would fit the pattern a bit. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

Not all betas function as glorified demos while their creators sip champagne, run victory laps, and then come to the very unpleasant realization that physically mixing metaphors probably isn’t the best idea. Case in point: the PlayStation Rewards Program. Its beta is nearly across the finish line, but it’s far from home free. “We wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation in the PlayStation Rewards Beta, which is ending on March 31st. Your feedback helped us understand the kinds of things that make you feel appreciated and valued,†Sony told beta participants in a recent email (as reported by 1UP). “Based on what we learned, we have decided the program is not ready to roll out to the public in April as originally planned. But rest assured, we will continue to thank loyal and devoted customers like you with innovative offerings.†In its current form, the program offers all manner of spiffy bonuses – including avatars, themes, Home content – in exchange for participation as a member of the PlayStation playerbase and the completion of goal-oriented quests. When/if the program returns, however, it could very well be an entirely different beast. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

Microsoft has opened registrations for an Xbox 360 System Update Preview program in the US to prepare for an “updated Xbox 360 disc formatâ€. The firm is looking for US-based participants for a public preview to help the firm prepare for an updated Xbox 360 disc format which will help the firm “improve†its products. As part of the preview program, folks will receive a copy of Halo: Reach along with other possible rewards. To get in on this, you must visit the Microsoft Connect site and sign in with the Windows Live ID that is connected to your Xbox Live Gamertag. Once you complete the survey that is presented to you, the Connect site will provide program related updates and you will receive a mail once the selection process is completed. Here’s more information from Major Nelson: We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good. This opportunity is open to Xbox LIVE Members in US region only. To avoid any problems, read the survey carefully and double check all the information you provide. While both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process. Due to disc distribution limitations, this beta it will be limited to residents of the United States only. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

Today’s the day that players who nabbed SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs beta vouchers in copies of Killzone 3 or at PAX East 2011 can now redeem their access codes! In celebration, we wanted to give you a sneak peek at two SOCOM 4 multiplayer maps that haven’t really been seen outside of Zipper Interactive yet – Von Heine Express and Cesspool! Von Heine Express was actually one of the last MP maps we finished; the idea behind it was to create an environment that captured the spirit of our classic SOCOM II map, Fox Hunt, but built on the themes of SOCOM 4 and made for great sniping scenarios. Set on the coast of Southeast Asia in a makeshift military base that comes complete abandoned train cars, Von Heine Express is a favorite here at Zipper and has only been seen publicly once – at PAX East 2011 where it was part of that event’s SOCOM 4 Championship Tournament. Check out the video below for a flythrough! Another map that we’re happy to unveil is Cesspool. Cesspool was one of the earliest MP maps developed for SOCOM 4 and it came about because of how much we loved the thematic from our “Means to an End†single-player mission. Set about half-way through the game, “Means to an End†takes place in a city slum currently under siege by the insurgents lead by SOCOM 4 antagonist, General Razad. That SP mission was only an inspiration, though, and Cesspool was created entirely from scratch and is excellent for close-quarters combat-oriented players. Check it out for yourself in the video below. While these two maps aren’t available in the beta, you’ll be able to experience Von Heine Express, Cesspool and seven other multiplayer maps for yourself when SOCOM 4 hits stores across North America on April 19. Of course, competitive multiplayer isn’t all SOCOM 4 has to offer, as it also includes our robust 14-mission cinematic solo campaign and our five-player custom-campaign cooperative missions as well. If you can’t wait until April 19, you can always download our current SOCOM 4 multiplayer beta, which is already available to PlayStation Plus and the voucher folks mentioned above starting April 5! More...

There are two weeks in the books for our SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs beta, but the testing pool is about to get even bigger! Starting tomorrow, at 12am Pacific, the SOCOM 4 voucher codes that were included as giveaways with Killzone 3 and at our booth at PAX East 2011 become active. This new influx of players will join the existing crowd of previously-introduced PlayStation Plus and Private beta testers, but will have all the same privileges and abilities as the one-week and two-week vets. Though our servers are open all day every day, we do limit what modes are available so that we can keep our testing focused. Here’s how the schedule looks this week: More...

Capcom’s announced Resident Evil: Operation Racoon City for a winter release on PS3, 360 and PC, confirming Canadian studio Slant Six Games is developing the title. The news follows an info dump in the latest issue of OXM US. It’s now been confirmed that you’ll play as a part of the Umbrella Security Services, either by yourself or as part of a four-way co-op mode. The story sees the USS being given orders to eliminate all evidence of a T-Virus outbreak and kill any survivors. The US government sends out its own forces to try and expose Umbrella’s actions and uncover the cause of the outbreak. The game will feature the return of iconic locations from Racoon City as well as regular characters, including Leon Kennedy. Fans of the series will have the chance to rewrite history in the series, as you experience events from Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 from the Umbrella side. As mentioned in the OXM report last week, and previously rumoured, SOCOM Confrontation devs Slant Six is handling development duties. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

The Killzone 3 Steel Rain Map Pack is due for release this Tuesday and it’ll definitely be worth the money its price at. The downloadable content comes out this Tuesday for just $4.99. The pack includes: JUNKYARD Game Type: Guerrilla Warfare (16 players) Description: The junkyards of Helghan are a wasteland to some, but a valuable resource to others. In the main junk processing facility of Helghan, ISA and Helghast Forces are clashing in an attempt to salvage vehicles and supplies for their war effort. Jetpacks are the key to taking the high ground, but the huge Exoskeletons can quickly turn the tide of the battle on the ground. STAHL ARMS Game Type: Warzone (24 Players) Description: As the Helghast write a new and appalling chapter on humanoid experimentation, beleaguered ISA Forces mount a desperate attack on the notorious Stahl Arms research facility, where they hope to free ISA soldiers who have been taken captive. Stahl’s Helghast forces will stop at nothing to ensure that the ISA attack fails, even if it means exterminating the very prisoners they need for their weapons research. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

Zipline, the official Zipper Interactive podcast, returns with a vengeance! Seth Luisi steps into the recording room once again, this time to talk about the ongoing SOCOM 4 beta. We discuss bugs, changes, tweaks and the plethora of feedback that players have sent our way. Enjoy! Zipline Podcast, Episode 33 43.7MB |47m:42s Subscribe to Zipline on iTunes | Subscribe via RSS You can discuss this episode by clicking this link. More...

50% Off Embroidery Use code: FFHSSTITCH11 That means these Flex Fit Hats are only $11.47! It’s time to get new threads! Starting right now, you have exactly 4 hours to save on all embroidery from Zazzle! Have your monogram or logo stitched onto an embroidered shirt or jacket, or order your favorite embroidered design on a hat or tote bag. Make yourself some custom embroidered apparel, or stock up for Mother’s Day with a cute embroidered bag for Mom. Personalize any design with embroidered text for free! This sale isn’t going to last forever, so get your custom embroidery today! Don’t have time to shop? No worries! After four hours have passed, all embroidery will be 20% off for the rest of the weekend, just be sure to place your order soon! Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

2K’s confirmed, in probably the most amazing way possible, that Duke Nukem Forever has been delayed into June. In a video it’s just sent out, featuring Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford, the dates of May 3 in the US and May 6 elsewhere are replaced by a June 10 worldwide date and June 14 in the US. “I’m very sorry for the added delay. We’ve all been working extremely hard and are very eager to deliver the game to you,†he added in a press release just sent through by Take Two. “I’ve been thinking of these lyrics from the great country song, ‘He’s The Duke’ – ‘He told us if we waited we could Come Get Some, but I never knew Forever was going to be so long.’ If you’re like me, June cannot come quickly enough.†2K president Christoph Hartmann added: “We’re committed to deliver a laugh-out-loud, politically incorrect experience that people will talk about for years to come. We thank Duke’s fans for their continued patience – I promise this won’t take another 15 years.†Watch the video below. Go, Randy, go. Or under the circumstance, not. Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

SCEA has announced that on April 1, it will transfer its online services operations, including PSN users’ PS wallets and the funds in it, to Sony Network Entertainment America (SNEA). According to the mail being sent out to users, the first time you sign in to your Sony Online Services account on or after April 1, you will be asked to enter into a new Terms of Service and User Agreement with SNEA. “If you do not wish to enter into a contract with SNEA, you may decline the terms of service and we will close your account(s) and return your funds,†said the mail. If you wish to look over the new agreement, click here. Sony said in the mail PSN will “continue to provide you with the highest standard of interactive entertainment,†with all former access to remain intact. This is the first step towards the expansion of PlayStation Network which will see Sony expand its book, game, music and video offerings through both PSN and Qriocity, something which CEO Kaz Hirai alluded to at CES. While winking around about the rumored PS Phone at the time, Hirai said the firm would “of course†be taking advantage of achievements across all Sony divisions by developing “products that leverage Sony’s greatest assetsâ€. “In 2011, you will start to see an implementation of a strategy we’ve developed and continually refined over the past 18 months,†he said in January. “And you will see this strategy executed in the form of great new products and services coming to market that leverage Sony’s strongest assets. “In addition to launching a line of Sony tablets, we’ll be building upon the video, music, game and book offerings on our Qriocity and our PlayStation Network services to deliver a compelling, unique experience for Sony across a wide range of consumer electronic devices.†Score: 0 (0 votes cast) Urgent Fury Command: More...

Our first week of private beta testing for SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs has been incredibly helpful. Though the participants were limited to the "invite only" crowd, they’re feedback has been phenomenal -- with tens of thousands of posts filled with opinions, suggestions, comments and more pouring into our beta forum. Starting today, it's time for PlayStation Plus members to get their turn as they join the existing testers for the next phase of our pre-release examination. Though similar to last week’s schedule, this week's agenda is a bit different from what we had before. Here's what game-types you can expect to see starting today: More...