SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo in stores

Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced the availability of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo for the PSP. The $40 title supports up to 16 players battling together in Ad Hoc or Infrastructure modes in five different mission types, an "Instant Action" mode for short single-player mission replay options, and interoperability with SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs for the PS2. The PSP game features 14 original, realistic international single player missions across four diverse Areas of Operation. Sony has also officially announced the PSP Headset, which will be sold separately for $20.

From the announcement:

In SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo, players will be immersed in 14 original, realistic international single player missions across four diverse Areas of Operation.

Both SEAL teams on SOCOM 3 and SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo carry out tactics within the same three AOs (Poland, Morocco and South Asia), but have completely different mission objectives. The two-man SEAL team is also tasked with completing mission objectives in Chile, an AO exclusive to the PSP system release. After successfully completing a level, players can replay the mission in an entirely new way through the "Instant Action" option, with different objectives, enemy and object placement. "Instant Action" missions are designed to last up to 10 minutes, perfect for players short on time and hungry for quick combat.

Pioneering the way for other PSP titles in the industry, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo is the first PSP game to offer independent gameplay as well as PlayStation 2 interoperability. "Crosstalk" objectives completed in one SOCOM game can affect enemy forces and unlock hidden items in the other. "SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo gives players the classic SOCOM gameplay on the PSP system, but with original missions, features and a control scheme tailored for portable gaming," said Shawn Rettig, associate producer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Gamers can devote a few minutes or hours experiencing the authentic, intense team-based SEAL action in SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo. Those with SOCOM 3 can take advantage of the PSP system to PlayStation 2 'crosstalk' interoperability feature by syncing special mission data across the two platforms with a USB cable, changing the way both games are played."

The title is also highlighted by a streamlined control scheme, including one-button press team contextual commands, such as "move to" and realistic lock-on targeting for enemy acquisition. Making the action all the more exciting and realistic to how SEALs operate in the field, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo offers more than 30 authentic weapon and equipment options allowing players to customize their gameplay experience.

PSP to PlayStation 2 Interoperability
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo offers never before experienced multi-platform interoperability with SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs for PlayStation 2 through "crosstalk" objectives that when completed, will influence the overall play in both titles.

After completing a "crosstalk" objective, such as uncovering enemy intelligence or weapon pack, mission data synced through a USB cable connecting PlayStation 2 (SOCOM 3) to the PSP system (SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo), will affect the other game's mission structure. The "crosstalk" objectives are bonus objectives and while not necessary for completion of either game, give the players who complete and sync "crosstalk" mission data an extra advantage, while also offering a more complete storyline since both SEAL teams primarily operate in the same Areas of Operation.

Wireless Multiplayer Gameplay
Wireless multiplayer gameplay allows fans to do everything they have come to expect from the SOCOM franchise on their PSP system. Up to 16 players in close proximity (via Ad Hoc mode) or across the country (via Infrastructure mode) can compete using a Wi-Fi* connection for an intense SOCOM gameplay experience. Playing wirelessly, gamers can chose from five different game modes including Free-for-All (independent, death-match style gameplay), Captive (incapacitate the other team and have the ability to revive your own) Extraction, Demolition and Suppression game modes.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo also features extensive infrastructure-based community support features including in-game email, message boards, clan support, leader boards, friends list and instant messaging. In addition, gamers enjoying multiplayer action in Infrastructure mode will be able to plan and strategize verbally with their teammates through the PSP Headset (sold separately, available now for SRP $19.99).

Authentic SEAL Gameplay
Replicating authentic SEAL tactics, techniques and procedures while still making it a fun, action packed gameplay experience is possible through the association with the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command. To learn more about the Navy SEALs, visit www.seal.navy.mil.