Activision Announces Soldier of Fortune Payback — But Why Now?
by Chad Lakkis on October 17, 2007 at 10:20 pm
“HOLD FIRE! Wait for it … wait for it … just a little longer …”
We got word a few days ago that Activision was announcing “Soldier of Fortune Payback” for the PS3, 360, and PC. Great news right? Of course!
So we download the trailer via the press release and fire it up like good little video game journalists, when suddenly it hits us … “why are they releasing a modern warfare-esque first person shooter this close to the release of COD4?” On top of that, “why did they wait until just a few weeks before the game’s release to officially announce the game?”
Daemon Hatfield wrote a speculative piece for IGN back in June which cited a Gamestop.com store listing for the game, but was unable to get any other information from Activision regarding the graphic first person shooter. He went on to share his thoughts as to why the publisher may be holding off the announcement…
“With all the negative publicity surrounding Manhunt 2 recently, it is possible Activision is waiting for a more appropriate moment to announce another gorefest.
We agree with Daemon’s logic, and while this very well may be the reason they held off on the official announcement, one can hardly call pulling the trigger just over a month before the games release the “appropriate moment”. We genuinely feel for the PR company that has been tasked to promote this title, unless of course they also specialize in walking on water and then turning said water into wine afterwards.
Don’t get us wrong, the game looks great, it really does, but there are so many things here that seem to spell disaster. Even if you are willing to overlook the tardy announcement, how can you get past the proximity of the games release with that of the highly anticipated Call of Duty 4?
With both being Activision titles, you would think the publisher would space the releases out a bit more, especially since they are both first person shooters with a modern look and feel. So, is this a case where the publisher feels that both games are targeting different audiences/mindsets, or is this simply about meeting investor expectations and hitting quarterly numbers?
We have a great deal of respect for the men and women that slave day and night to bring us the games we all love, and for that reason alone we wish nothing but good things for this title. However, regardless of how well it does, a part of us will always wonder what could have been had the timing been different.
Side Note: We are scheduled to meet with the games producer tomorrow for a hands-on preview, and you had better believe we will be asking these questions and more. Stay tuned.
If you haven’t seen this game yet, do yourself a favor and check out the gameplay footage below. We’ve also included the full press release, as it highlights some of the games key features. Read up, the clock is ticking…
Official Press Release Below
ACTIVISION® ANNOUNCES SOLDIER OF FORTUNE® PAYBACK FOR XBOX 360™, PLAYSTATION®3, AND PC
Next-gen debut of famed game franchise captures the raw, gritty realism of modern warfare
Santa Monica, CA — Oct. 9, 2007 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today it will release the next generation of the long-awaited Soldier of Fortune game series this November with Soldier of Fortune® Payback. The saga continues with the organization known as “The Shop,” where players take on the role of a hired mercenary blasting through brutal do-or-die battle scenes in the world’s most dangerous criminal and terrorist hotspots.
Soldier of Fortune Payback evolves the signature gameplay of its predecessors with refined controls, tension-packed warzones, and an enemy damage system that may be shocking to even experienced FPS players. Boasting more weapons options than any previous Soldier of Fortune installment, Soldier of Fortune Payback’s impressive arsenal includes an array of more than 30 weapons including sub-machine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, projectile explosives, weapon attachments and cutting-edge tactical weapons.
Soldier of Fortune Payback will satisfy online gamers with many of their favorite online multiplayer modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Elimination, Team Elimination, Capture the Flag, and Demolition. Additional online options include maps tuned specifically for multiplayer action, persistent stat-tracking throughout the gamer’s online career, and many server settings for custom online play.
The – storyline reflects today’s trend of “outsourcing” wars. When a routine escort mission goes horribly wrong, freelance mercenary Thomas Mason finds himself battling an insidious enemy that knows no boundaries. Traditional armies can not handle these extremists – only underground guns for hire can fight a war this dirty and get results.
Soldier of Fortune Payback will be available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and the PC. The game has been rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB and is scheduled for release in November 2007.
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1 Comment » |
on October 18, 2007 5:35 am
BAH!! Who gives a toss if they are releasing it around the same time as COD4!! Soldier O F is @#$%ing brilliant. I think the original is better than any COD. BRING IT ON SOLDIER OF FORTUNE!! Can’t wait to blast some limbs off.