SOCOM: Tactical Strike is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games on the PSP. Developer Slant Six has created a unique game that looks and plays unlike anything else on the platform. We caught up with David Seymore from Slant Six to talk about Tactical Strike and developing for the PSP.

This is a drastic departure for the SOCOM franchise. Where did the notion for a more tactical SOCOM game come from?
Seth Luisi, Director of Development for the SOCOM Franchise, came to us with the idea of taking SOCOM in a new direction specifically for PSP. The natural path to fit a traditionally action-focused franchise to the PSP in a unique new way was to make a tactics game, increasing the focus on strategy and decreasing the focus on dexterity. The more that we dove into pre-production, the more it because clear that we could make a really compelling experience on the PSP.

If I remember correctly, this game has been in development for a long time. How long has it been since work began?
Tactical Strike first began pre-production in the fall of 2005. In a game that is very interface-heavy and has a deep command set, it is critical to take the time needed to make the software highly playable. We are very happy that Sony gave Tactical Strike the time needed to come together, and we think that gamers are going to be happy with the result.

SOCOM Tactical Strike is a radical departure for the series. In an interview with IGN, Dan McBride, director of development at Slant Six, commented on the new direction they're taking the franchise. "We set out to make a game that exists very solidly in the SOCOM universe but presents gameplay that is brand new to the franchise- it's not a shooter! So there is a risk there, but we are pretty confident that the tactical play will in fact appeal to the hardcores in particular."

In order for gamers to understand the unique play of Tactical Strike, McBride reveals that a demo will be made available this summer. "I am pretty sure there will be a playable demo this summer so people can take a test drive for themselves."