Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs is now available at North American retailers on Blu-ray and bundled with the limited Full Deployment Edition. SOCOM 4, exclusively for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system, is the latest entry into the award-winning SOCOM franchise from development studio Zipper Interactive. With over-the-top action, high production values, and an authentic military strategy and arsenal, SOCOM 4 delivers a true cinematic experience through the squad-based multiplayer alongside a robust single player campaign. SOCOM 4 reinvents the multiplayer space with team-focused, tactical gameplay through a variety of competitive multiplayer modes and the newly-introduced innovative five-person cooperative mode. The story-driven single player narrative immerses the player in an intense modern combat experience through a dynamically paced campaign, whether navigating a squad through chaotic missions under fire or completing covert missions set in the dead of night.

"SOCOM 4 not only delivers everything the fans loved about previous titles in the franchise, but adds Stereoscopic 3D and fully incorporates the PlayStation Move to offer a completely engrossing gameplay experience," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. "We’re excited to offer the SOCOM 4: Full Deployment Edition to introduce new players to the franchise and give dedicated fans an even more immersive way to play."

SOCOM 4 continues the series tradition of teamwork and tactical combat, while evolving with new, accessible features. Enemy AI dynamically reacts to the player’s moves, challenging the player to develop new strategies and rely on squad commands. The progressive, streamlined command interface allows the player to develop sophisticated team maneuvers, making the player more efficient and increasing the likelihood of successfully completing missions. The player is also able to upgrade and scavenge enemy weapons, and destructible cover adds to the authentic combat experience.

SOCOM 4 takes place in Southeast Asia after a NATO fleet is severely crippled by a terrorist attack and civil war grips the region. Operations Commander Cullen Gray must rely on his multinational force and his expertise in strategic combat to overcome hostile territory and even more hostile rebels. In just six days, OpsCom and his team must capture a radical revolutionary who plans to disrupt the global economy by annihilating a critical waterway. Throughout their journey the team receives assistance from ORACLE, a surviving intelligence analyst stationed aboard an offshore, immobilized NATO carrier.

Each team member brings a unique skill to the battlefield: First Lieutenant Park Yoon-Hee (call-sign "Forty-Five"), a South Korean covert operations specialist; Chief Petty Officer Dion Wells; Heavy Weapons Operator Eric Schweitzer; and Chung Kwan, a South Korean reconnaissance operative. OpsCom must command and optimize each team member’s skill to successfully maneuver his team out of enemy territory and complete his objective.

Supporting up to 32 players online, SOCOM 4 brings team-focused competitive modes to the battle ground. In Uplink, each team infiltrates the other’s base to obtain valuable data. Last Defense pits teams against each other as they attempt to place recon beacons at key sectors to locate and assault the enemy base. For fans of the series, Suppression returns and challenges teams to neutralize the other and be the last team standing. Bomb Squad makes its debut as the newest addition to the multiplayer arsenal. Escorted by allies, the special bomber units attempt to defuse enemy explosives, while warding off the rival team. Classic SOCOM mode is available for all maps and gametypes and dares players to turn off health regeneration, respawn, the cover system and adds faster movement speeds.

Gamers looking for a different way to wage war will welcome the new cooperative campaign. The five player online co-op campaign ranges over six challenging maps and two game modes. Takedown tasks the squad to locate and neutralize the enemy VIP and Espionage relies on a more covert approach as the team must gain access to the enemy position and gather valuable data. Randomized scenarios, tactical objectives and unpredictable, dynamic AI lie in wait to test a squad’s strategy and plan of attack.

Customization adds another layer to both the competitive and cooperative SOCOM multiplayer experience. The multiplayer environment allows for a variety of options for custom matches, including Classic mode, gametype map, player count, timed rounds, weapon class restrictions, teammate revival, damage and friendly fire. Chaining together up to five cooperative missions creates a unique, custom campaign where players also have the option to modify both enemy density and difficulty.

SOCOM 4 supports stereoscopic 3D, providing even greater visual depth and enveloping gamers more deeply into the intense combat. With PlayStationMove compatibility and full PlayStationMove Sharp Shooter integration, users can enjoy intuitive and precise controls. The SOCOM 4: Full Deployment Edition (MSRP: $149.99) brings together all the elements needed to lead your team: SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs on Blu-ray disc, PlayStationMove motion controller, PlayStationMove navigation controller, PlayStationEye camera, and the PlayStationMove sharp shooter. The combination of stereoscopic 3D and PlayStation Move support in SOCOM 4 delivers an unmatched shooter experience that’s only possible on PS3.

The latest entry in the series also introduces SOCOM Pro. Exclusive to purchasers of new copies of SOCOM 4, SOCOM Pro provides free downloadable content via a voucher code. Once players enter their codes, their PlayStationNetwork IDs become SOCOM Pro accounts and they will have access to content free of charge. Members will have access to a wealth of SOCOM Pro downloadable content, including custom game queues, weapons packs, and bi-weekly custom co-op challenges. Players purchasing a previously owned SOCOM 4 copy will be available to purchase a Pro membership for $14.99.

SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs is rated M for Mature by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org. SOCOM 4 is available exclusively for the PS3 system for $59.99 MSRP.