February 22^nd, 2006 (11:48am) - SCEA was pleased as punch to announce that in March 2006, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs Map Packs will become available exclusively for online download on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Expanding the playability of the top PlayStation 2 online game, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs Map Packs can be downloaded from the SOCOM 3 servers and allow fans to play updated versions of their favorite maps from previous installments of the franchise as well as brand-new, never before seen maps.

Each SOCOM 3 Map Pack can be purchased online for $5.99 per pack by logging into a SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs online account. Using either a compatible USB Mass Storage Device (such as a USB Flash/Thumb drive), internal hard disk drive (40GB for PlayStation 2) or a PSPTM (PlayStation Portable) system with Memory Stick Duo Media (minimum 32MB) as storage, SOCOM fans can download any of the SOCOM 3 Map Packs, take them anywhere and access them online using their SOCOM 3 account for all-new tactical military action.

"SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs Map Packs allows for the millions of SOCOM fans to experience updated versions of their favorite maps from earlier SOCOM titles or take on competitors in all-new environments simply by purchasing and downloading the SOCOM 3 Map Packs from their SOCOM 3 online account," said Seth Luisi, senior producer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With the release of the SOCOM 3 Map Packs, the SOCOM franchise will expand with even more online environments, adding to the SOCOM experience you can only get on PlayStation platforms."

The first SOCOM 3 Map Pack will be available in March 2006, and will feature updated fan favorite SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs maps After Hours, Last Bastion and Liberation which were previously only available for play by internal hard disk drive owners. These maps have been re-worked to add the latest SOCOM 3 features including multiple game types per map, respawn modes, day and night options and weapon customization. The second and third map packs will follow over the next several months and will feature classic maps from the original title that launched the hit franchise, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs, as well as innovative SOCOM 3 maps never before seen for an all-new combat experience.