THE LUKENBACHER RANT - Volume 1

[LUKENBACHER]

Welcome to the first "LUKENBACHER RANT" of SocomIV.com!
From time to time, I will feel the need to get something off my chest that is bugging me,
and today I was inspired to write my first volume. This piece is entitled:

"Socom Nostalgia Wears A New Face"



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I find myself cringing lately as I frequent the Socom.com forums on my daily rounds on the interwebs. I have discovered a new "nostalgia" plaguing those message boards that I never quite fully grasped before......until today.

And when I say "nostalgia", I do not mean the need for a "Socom 1/2 remake" argument
that has been cliched to death.

The "yearning for the past" I'm referring to, is more targeted at the level of distrust some of the longtime fanbase seems to harbor for Zipper and even Seth Luisi himself.

The further I have plunged into the plethora of views the fanbase holds, I realize the community is rather divided.
Some say the "downfall" of Socom started with Socom 2. A large group claims that Socom 2 was the "prime" of the franchise, and the "mis-direction" occurred on the launch of S3/Combined Assault.
And ironically enough, there is yet another group that insists CA was a pleasant new experience, and the "stocks crashed" on Confrontation.

The group posting makes no difference......there is one nostalgic property all parties possess...

it is the nostalgia of "doubt".

When Zipper, Seth, or Slant 6 made a mistake, the fanbase made sure every flaw had 20 spotlights on the scene highlighting it.
The yellow tape surrounded the perimeter and investigators carefully gathered evidence for review. "Constitutions of Solutions" were written and spoken to eradicate the plagues of sub-par features & bugs, and any culprits were prosecuted to the full extent of the Fanbase Law.
For this reason, our small, niche, fanbase became well known for being outspoken and extremely passionate about the Socom series.

I can't help but think the community became starstruck over themselves for accomplishing this.

The reason I mentioned that, is the fact that some of the fanbase won't "let go" of this power.



"We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious"


When Socom failed us, we kicked her while she was down every single day until...........

...well...... that's just it.....it's never stopped.
Each group is STILL kicking Socom (Zipper, Seth, & Slant 6) on a daily basis.
Some for 6+ years now.

And when something pleasant comes along, no one has the courage to stand up and give props when props are due.
LOL, it's like they look up to hear the good news, shrug their shoulders, and just go right back to "kicking" with that nostalgia of doubt.

You know folks, this may be the last Socom we can stomach excitement for. Some of us are growing older and our lives have changed so much, that those 8 hour gaming sessions are no longer possible, and being "the best" can only survive in the memories themselves.

Why not get excited? Why not ride that rollercoaster of anticipation once more?

I have grown weary of some of the fanbase viewing themselves as "abused children" by big, bad, Daddy Zipper.
I am tired of reading their "doubt" that tries to suck you in like quicksand in a pool of depression.

The funny thing is, each group has different lists of what made Socom great. They don't argue their differences with each other. Nope. They will all just collaborate to say "we aren't happy" together.

Just one big parade of negativity, each group angry about different issues that actually sometimes contradict one another.


And mark my words. When Socom 4 Multiplayer is announced in detail, and it actually takes Socom to a whole new level none of us could envision..........

the Negative Nancys won't say a word. They won't complain, but they won't praise it either.
They will quietly "enjoy" the game, poised to strike at Socom 5 at any glance of trouble.

Some will NEVER let go of their doubt. It is the only thing left that keeps them connected to Socom.

I challenge you to rise above the "Quicksand of Depression" some of our "abused" brothers want you to swim in.

Not because we wanna be "fanboys", not because we wanna be lemmings that follow each other off a cliff....

But simply shake off the nostalgic doubt of previous installments and see things for what they really are.

And it's not like you have to create this excitement out of thin air.
We have several quotes and expectations Zipper has communicated to us we can all get excited for. Look around & listen.

The 'truth" is not optional here folks.
Blind skepticism will not lead you to water, it just leads you to more doubt & disappointment.

Can we just be honest with ourselves and each other?
Good AND Bad?

[Cyanide]

Let me Copy/Paste a thread I posted a while ago. This is in regard to "It's a fucking video game, dude!

"Assumption" seems to be the hot word around town here, but so does "Nostalgia."

Some people say change is good, while others want to play a re-done SOCOM 2.

As the game goes through Alpha Stage, everyone has been posting their demands rather than thoughts.

"We don't want snap cover system"
"We don't want a run button"

I think it's so ironic how we all pleaded and begged for Zipper to come home to sweet ol' SOCOM, and now their being banished for their 3 minute videos on the gameplay; The campaign gameplay might I add.

We all talk about being mature on this forum, but the truth is, we act like goddamned France.

My thoughts? In with the new and out with the outdated, not old. Old can be good.

Anyways, change is good and I'm all for what Zipper thinks will improve the game. I would hope they would know what their doing, but hell, what do I know?

The only problem I have is that they won't show us a great amount of gameplay instead of giving us small segments of grenade throwing and cover system.

Anyways, that's just my 2 cents. Feel free to add thoughts, and don't plead Zipper to fix this game in this thread. Don't."

[LUKENBACHER]

Jul 1, 2010 23:45:46 GMT -5 Cyanide said:

Let me Copy/Paste a thread I posted a while ago. This is in regard to "It's a fucking video game, dude!

"Assumption" seems to be the hot word around town here, but so does "Nostalgia."

Some people say change is good, while others want to play a re-done SOCOM 2.

As the game goes through Alpha Stage, everyone has been posting their demands rather than thoughts.

"We don't want snap cover system"
"We don't want a run button"

I think it's so ironic how we all pleaded and begged for Zipper to come home to sweet ol' SOCOM, and now their being banished for their 3 minute videos on the gameplay; The campaign gameplay might I add.

We all talk about being mature on this forum, but the truth is, we act like goddamned France.

My thoughts? In with the new and out with the outdated, not old. Old can be good.

Anyways, change is good and I'm all for what Zipper thinks will improve the game. I would hope they would know what their doing, but hell, what do I know?

The only problem I have is that they won't show us a great amount of gameplay instead of giving us small segments of grenade throwing and cover system.

Anyways, that's just my 2 cents. Feel free to add thoughts, and don't plead Zipper to fix this game in this thread. Don't."

Looks like we are on the same page "Juno". Good post.

I still hate your claymores though LOL!

[[$K$] BOOMxSTICK]

great post luke good read

[[BER]PAUL-AWOL-]

I think it boils down to wanting that feeling everyone misses and the rush Socom 2 gave everyone. IMO Socom Combined Assault gave me the same feeling as socom 2 did, actually more at times. Not only did Socom CA have so many of the Socom 2 maps, but I did notice Clans that hung in there past Socom 2 really grew when CA game came out. I personally would rather have a Socom CA re made with all the map packs. I guess if we all didn't miss Socom or love playing it, we wouldn't be here talking about it.

[Philz20]

Jul 2, 2010 9:01:12 GMT -5 [BER]PAUL-AWOL- said:

I think it boils down to wanting that feeling everyone misses and the rush Socom 2 gave everyone. IMO Socom Combined Assault gave me the same feeling as socom 2 did, actually more at times. Not only did Socom CA have so many of the Socom 2 maps, but I did notice Clans that hung in there past Socom 2 really grew when CA game came out. I personally would rather have a Socom CA re made with all the map packs. I guess if we all didn't miss Socom or love playing it, we wouldn't be here talking about it.

Agreed for the most part. CA didn't bring the SOCOM II excitement back nor did it have me playing for eight hour sessions some days. My clan gave the game a chance and it worked for awhile, but then they got tired of it and I did as well. I'm not one of those that is bashing SOCOM 4, and I'm actually excited for the multiplayer. I'm giving Zipper their chance to make things right for the series, and I'll buy it either way.

[spacegerbil1]

I think it has a lot to do with just blind, passionate, nostalgia more than anything else, especially for the people who have been around since Socom 1.

Socom 1 and 2 were extremely popular and fun, and unfortunately NOTHING will ever match up to that experience in their minds ever again. Not from a physical standpoint but they have already thrown up the mental walls to prevent them from ever enjoying a new Socom experience.

I look at it this way, I am a huge NY Rangers hockey fan. Growing up during their 1994 Stanley Cup run, and watching almost every single game was some of the best sports experiences in my life. I can tell you right now in my mind, nothing will ever match that in my mind, even if the 2011 NY Rangers win every single game. I will always find fault with the new teams, even if they are better.

[HTK]

Jul 2, 2010 12:11:51 GMT -5 spacegerbil1 said:

I think it has a lot to do with just blind, passionate, nostalgia more than anything else, especially for the people who have been around since Socom 1.

Socom 1 and 2 were extremely popular and fun, and unfortunately NOTHING will ever match up to that experience in their minds ever again. Not from a physical standpoint but they have already thrown up the mental walls to prevent them from ever enjoying a new Socom experience.

I look at it this way, I am a huge NY Rangers hockey fan. Growing up during their 1994 Stanley Cup run, and watching almost every single game was some of the best sports experiences in my life. I can tell you right now in my mind, nothing will ever match that in my mind, even if the 2011 NY Rangers win every single game. I will always find fault with the new teams, even if they are better.

Yep, that's pretty much my point. They are not going to like it even if its better. It's all in the head, which is sad because they are preventing themselves from having fun in SOCOM 4 or any other game really because they will compare every shooter to SOCOM 1 and SOCOM 2. I've escaped this mindset, thank god.

[bigfred18]

Nice Rant Luke.

I should make a Rant about how your team wooped our 2 man team. Lol

[[PAs] IDEVILMANI]

Jul 2, 2010 9:01:12 GMT -5 [BER]PAUL-AWOL- said:

I think it boils down to wanting that feeling everyone misses and the rush Socom 2 gave everyone. IMO Socom Combined Assault gave me the same feeling as socom 2 did, actually more at times. Not only did Socom CA have so many of the Socom 2 maps, but I did notice Clans that hung in there past Socom 2 really grew when CA game came out. I personally would rather have a Socom CA re made with all the map packs. I guess if we all didn't miss Socom or love playing it, we wouldn't be here talking about it.

While I kind of agree. Socom:CA brought a lot of new things to the table, I think everyone likes Socom 2 or Socom 1 the best because it wasn't as buggy as 3 and CA. I liked how CA brought a bunch of new weapons and attachments, but it still had all the flaws from CA, from the horrible weapon spray to the high scopes that weigh so much you have to drag your weapon on the ground if you want to be a sniper.

Encumbrance was fucked, Weapon spray was fucked, Having no blood was fucked, Bullets magically evaporating after 150-180ms was fucked.

I think when everyone is in agreement about a Socom 2 HD, I think they want a lot of the Socom 2 maps, and the decent maps from socom 3 and CA. I loved echelon and citadel, anchorage and retaliation, threshold and tidal fury. There were some good maps, and some really crappy wide open maps.

[BushWacker]

I honestly think that the "nastalgia" that everyone clamors for is just them chasing that original high that they received when they first discovered Socom. The fact of the matter is that going back and playing S1 and S2 or even S3 , (depending on when you started) will not achieve the high that they are looking for. The only real satisfaction will be obtained from reaching a new high that will only come from the "perfect" new game. In order to have that feeling again one will have to experience a completely "new" feeling that you've never felt before. That can only come from a new game. It's like that first kiss. You can never have that feeling again because it will never be FIRST again.

[HTK]

Jul 8, 2010 8:10:48 GMT -5 BushWacker said:

I honestly think that the "nastalgia" that everyone clamors for is just them chasing that original high that they received when they first discovered Socom. The fact of the matter is that going back and playing S1 and S2 or even S3 , (depending on when you started) will not achieve the high that they are looking for. The only real satisfaction will be obtained from reaching a new high that will only come from the "perfect" new game. In order to have that feeling again one will have to experience a completely "new" feeling that you've never felt before. That can only come from a new game. It's like that first kiss. You can never have that feeling again because it will never be FIRST again.

Now try explaining that to these guys, I already understood that and moved on. Waiting for that new high as you say.

[unoj3w420]

im so glad i found this site. this thread couldnt be more right, its not about being a fanboy or whatever but just simply being excited about a new socom. heck, anything better than conf will be good. nice job on the thread luke

[sureshotshane]

Zipper Invented the Wheel, but wanted it to be squared

[xxvic1ousxx]

This is a rather interesting rant, and a much needed perspective within the SOCOM Community.

[buchanans]

Sorry couldn't read it as I want to throw up every time I see a person use the word nostalgia. I also feel like punching somebody in the face any time segway is spoken on a podcast or whatever the fuck it is.

[=22D=SPITFIRE-SIX[SFOD]]

I was just about to make a post like this, TOMBSTONE and SLICK fuckin piss me off with this bull shit. I hate people you cant reason with, refuse to listen, refuse to acknowledge when you made a good point and they fuckin make up shit and pass it off as if the devs said it. The mods keep sending me warnings from me replies to them its getting out of hand.

[r_e_v]

I approve this rant.

[xWARGOx]

Very nice Luke.

[iamlost]

I'm willing to give this game the chance it deserves. Actually in my opinion it looks a damn site better than confrontation. I recently went and got a copy of ca and honestly it's not that bad either I hated the changes between s2 and 3/ca but I'm all for clearing the air and thinking fresh

[[PAs] PAs_SCORPION]

Awesome post Luke and everyone seems to be on the same page. The "nostalgia" comes from the old Socoms but not because of what features it had, but more of the fact that it's online clan based multiplayer tactical gameplay fitted with a military brotherhood appeal was something new to us console only gamers. It was like nothing we had ever wrapped our minds around before. Suddenly we were knee deep in competition of the online gaming community. We were talking smack and being smack talked to. Our clan was our family, our honor, our code. We lived, ate and breathed this game for nights upon endless nights. We learned together how to find, recruit, and manage a clan. We grew as gamers and as people in general and we became good at it. We had a supreme sense of wholeness that we didn't get from anything in the "real" world. It was a friggin drug man and we overdosed on it nightly. From the dg/xr/bl/ff style rooms, to the in game messages to figure out which server someone was in. The pickup war (8v8 wanted..) and the clan rooms before they had abbreviations (UCRR). The REAL friends list that you hopped on and checked on a nightly basis to see who you were going to follow. Wake and bake rooms on a Saturday morning. Rushing in and shutting down rankup rooms to piss off rank whores. E-seals.

Socom WAS revolutionary, now it's outdated.

While we sat around playing CA and Map Packs other games were introducing new and ground breaking features on a new and improved PS3. So finally after years of waiting someone decides its a good idea to bring Socom to the PS3, but the changes made to Socom are no longer groundbreaking (proxy chat aside) but just run of the mill for most shooter that have been around for last 4-5 years. Socom is playing 'catch up'. So Confrontation made us sick to our stomachs. Not only was it not groundbreaking it also barely worked most of the time, and was a complete PR blunder.

Now with the release of Socom 4, I think we may finally get what we are looking for again. Some new groundbreaking gameplay. However, online gaming will never feel like it did when it was new to us. At least now though after mistakes have been made and using MAG as a testing ground, Zipper might just bring this franchise back to the forefront of the gaming community.