Last Revised: July 12, 2002
This section of the site is for all those people that have questions, but don't seem to know where to get them answered. I have compiled a list of questions that are bombarding the internet forums, and answers to every single one. I will also be posting questions from emails that I receive, so feel free to email me at express15_99@hotmail.com with a question of your own on anything PS2 Online or SOCOM related.
Q: When you go online with PS2 to play someone using AOL, will you appear on peoples' buddy lists so they can IM you? From TaR134@aol.com
A: No, AOL's services like email and instant messenging will not interweave with the PS2 Network. Next year, when AOL and Sony co-produce the PS2 AOL Browser, you will be able to use those services.
Q: Do you need broadband to play SOCOM online?
A: Yes. You need some form of broadband to play SOCOM on the internet. 56k will not cut it.
Q: Can you play SOCOM in the third-person view?
A: Yes, indeed you can. You can switch from first-to-third person at any time during a game.
Q: Do you need a cable modem to get online?
A: No, but you need some form or broadband and a modem to go along with it. Cable or DSL are the best options.
Q: How much does an average cable modem cost?
A: A quality average cable modem will run you about $90-$150. Many stores such as Best Buy give mail-in rebates that cut the price considerably.
Q: Can you play in the water in SOCOM?
A: Yes, but not anything as big and deep like a pond or lake. There are scattered marshes in a few of the levels to wade through and hide bodies in.
Q: Will SOCOM work with AOL Plus?
A: Yes, any ISP out there will work with the PS2's Network Adapter to get you online. If you do not have an ISP right now, but are planning on getting the Network Adapter, the startup disc included with it has several ISP options for you.
Q: Will the sound go through your headset or through the TV speakers?
A: All of the headset chat goes through the headset itself, and all other music and sound goes through your TV speakers (or computer monitor speakers).
Q: Can you play SOCOM with a 56k connection?
A: No, not at all. SOCOM requires broadband. Although, other PS2 online games do work with 56k like Twisted Metal: Black Online and Tribes: Aerial Assault.
Q: Can you drive vehicles like Hummers in SOCOM?
A: No.
Q: Can you purchase the USB headset seperately?
A: No, it only comes with the game SOCOM for a price of $60. There are rumors that if more developers use the headset in games, it will start to sell individually.
Q: What do you do with the USB headset?
A: You use it to control AI teammates in Campiagn mode or to chat with you online buddies in Multiplayer mode.
Q: Can you use a USB modem instead of the Network Adapter?
A: No, you cannot connect a USB modem directly into a PS2.
Q: Can you use a router to split your broadband connection between you computer and PS2?
A: Yes, and that is the best way to do it if you want to split a connection in your house.
Q: Can 2 players play SOCOM at the same time?
A: No, the only multiplayer modes in SOCOM are online based, and SOCOM is strictly a 1 player game in Campaign.
Q: What are clans?
A: Clans are groups of gamers that play together or on the same team in games, such as SOCOM. The United Seal Alliance is an example of a clan.
Q: How large are the environments in SOCOM?
A: They are nothing like the Islands in GTA3, but large enough to allow you to move freely and have space to wander around in.
Q: Do you need a PC to play SOCOM online?
A: Your PC does not interact with your PS2 at any time during your online gaming experience. The only thing your PC does is sit there and watch you play.
Q: Where can you buy a SOCOM demo disc?
A: The only place to play the demo are at stores like GameStop or Best Buy. Some special people are selling their demos on Ebay for outrageous prices like $90.
Q: Where does the USB headset plug into your PS2?
A: If you look at the front of your PS2, there is a little blue box with 3 ports on the bottom left hand corner of the PS2. The 2 ports stacked on top of eachother on the left are USB ports, and you need to plug in your USB headset into one of them.
Q: Do you play SOCOM on your TV or computer monitor?
A: SOCOM can be played on your TV or computer monitor. If you want to use a monitor, you need to have TV card installed in your PC. Otherwise, forget about it.
Q: Can you play SOCOM through a college LAN?
A: Yes, of course. If you are lucky enough to have an LAN ready, half of the work is already done in terms of getting online.
Q: How will the ranking system in SOCOM work?
A: Clans and players will both be ranked by criteria chosen by the developers.
Q: How much will the Network Adapter cost?
A: It will retail for $40 at most stores, although GameStop is selling them for $50.
Q: Can you use a USB mouse & keyboard to play SOCOM?
A: No, only chatting in the chatrooms. This does not mean that other games will not support the duo, however.
Q: Is there a monthly fee to play online?
A: No, only MMORPG's like FFXI or Everquest will charge a monthly rate. All other games are free.
Q: Do you have to play online with SOCOM?
A: No, not at all. There is a single player Campaign mode for those of you 56kers or people who do not wish to play online. This mode will also unlock goodies and extras for you to use.
Q: Is there any lag when using a router?
A: No, the speed at which broadband travels will not at all affect your play online, let along through a router.
Q: How does an ethernet port look?
A: It is shaped like a tekephone cable (RJ-11), but it is wider and not as tall.
Q: What will SOCOM most likely be rated?
A: I am guessing MATURE. With the bloody pictures I have seen, it can't squeeze out a TEEN rating.
Q: Is there an offline deathmatch mode?
A: No, there are only online mutliplayer modes.
Q: What else is packed into the Network Adapter that I would enjoy?
A: There are ISP options on the startup disc for those of you that still don't have an internet service, and sweet (online) demos of Madden 2003, Frequency Online, Tribes: Aerial Assault, and Twisted Metal: Black Online. Plus, there is a mail in coupon for a free copy of Twisted Metal: Black Online.
Q: How does the USB headset work in single player mode?
A: It used voice recognition technology to let you bark commands to your AI teammates, like "Move In!" or "Cover Me!"
Q: Is it true that SOCOM supports Progressive Scan?
A: Yes, you can choose to use it if you have an HDTV with your PS2 hooked up to it via component cables.
Q: What if my ISP isn't listed on teh startup disc?
A: It doesn't matter. The only thing the disc checks for is an internet connection, not the name of your ISP.
Q: Do you need a special ethernet cord to hook up to your PS2?
A: No, any ethernet cord will work. Fast Ethernet is not needed.
