Zipper outlines SOCOM sequels

As you'll know if you've checked in with Sony's current-gen E3 line-up, Zipper Interactive's working on a pair of new SOCOM games - one for PS2 and one for PSP.

The PS2 one is called SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Combined Assault and adds four-player co-operative modes, as well as new weapons including non-lethal tear gas, pepper spray and concussion grenade options.

Meanwhile, the PSP game will be SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2, which offers a non-linear 14-mission single-player campaign, a new "Command Equity" system that allows you to earn points and spend them on weapons, satellite intel and air strikes, and a trio of new multiplayer modes.

The two games will share story details, Zipper says, and the relationship will be emphasised by cut-scenes and, as with SOCOM 3 and the original Fireteam Bravo, content unlocked by the USB connection between the two.

Combined Assault, Zipper says, will include four-player co-op in addition to traditional 32-player matches, and each option will have friends lists, chat, rankings and improved stat tracking.

We're also told to expect improved AI, in particular driving behaviour, along with three new vehicle classes - Recon, Support and Armour, which get progressively slower and tougher up the scale.

Fireteam Bravo 2 will have the original game's mission generation feature, which allows you to come up with new mixtures of objectives for completed maps, in addition to its 14-mission campaign mode, and along with Command Equity you'll have to consider "Local Influence" - a rating that improves your chances of acquiring intel.

Overall Fireteam Bravo 2 will offer more than 40 weapons and equipment options, with online play catered for through 16-player ad hoc and infrastructure modes, and tournaments, clan challenges, ladders, enhanced friends lists and instant-messaging options included on the UMD.

We don't have release dates for either game yet, but they'll obviously be at E3.