Dungeon Explorer Famitsu downloadable demo

Filed under: Demos

Christmas is tomorrow. But why wait for a present? Download this Famitsu-flavored edition of this Dungeon Explorer demo.

1. Download the demo zip file.
2. Extract the contents of the zip file.
3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.
5. Copy NPJG90011 folder into the GAME directory. Make sure there are no sub-directories in this folder.

Check out our demos site:
demos.pspfanboy.com

Who is the man responsible for Patapon?

Filed under: Patapon

We're really enjoying Patapon over at PS Fanboy HQ. The game is unique, unlike anything before it. The PlayStation.blog features a few new factoids about the game. For example, "the development team for Patapon is called Pyramid, but is being produced by Japan Studios, the same studio that developed and produced LocoRoco." So, saying it's from the same team as LocoRoco is, in fact, a little incorrect -- but not entirely.

The creator of the game is actually Hiroyuki Kotani, the man responsible for the cult PS1 game Devil Dice. Of course, his greatest accomplishment (in our opinion) is Mad Maestro!.

First Dissidia hands-on impressions

Filed under: Final Fantasy

We're so jealous of you IGN-Anoop. You got to attend Jump Festa, and you were able to play the first ever playable build of Dissidia, a brand new PSP-exclusive fighting game. The impressions, unsurprisingly, are overwhelmingly glowing. Here are a few snippets:

"Rather than trying to adapt the Final Fantasy characters into some existing fighting game formula, the designers of Dissidia seem to have attempted to create an original fighting engine around the Final Fantasy characters -- at least the characters as they'd probably combat one-another in a Tetsuya Nomura movie." Yes, your characters will perform all the acrobatic moves that you'd find in Advent Children ... or the upcoming FFXIII games.

"Dissidia also manages to push the PSP to new visual heights. The game is a visual feast, with detailed combatant models, and plenty of lighting effects. Definitely a step above Crisis Core, which already had some thinking that the PSP really was a portable PS2." Really, it looks better than Crisis Core? That game was already pushing the boundaries of the PSP!

Please read IGN's full hands-on, and bring a change of clothes. You might be drooling on yourself the entire time.

Pursuit Force gets Extreme new trailer

Filed under: Pursuit Force, Video

The original Pursuit Force holds a dear place in the hearts of many hardcore PSP fans. The over-the-top Hollywood-style arcade action racer looked and played like nothing before it. Now, Extreme Justice is trying to make the series go into even more extreme places. Will it succeed? Well, you can be the judge based on the new trailer released on the PlayStation.blog.

The blog also details some of the new multiplayer Ad-Hoc modes added to this sequel: Rampage, Ram Jam, Survivor and Cops 'n Robbers. The official site also mentions downloadable content, which will be available through the PC-based PLAYSTATION Store. There's a lot of potential here -- let's hope it gets used well when the game releases early next year.

Best of 2007: PSP Reader's Choice Awards

Filed under: Best of 2007

We heard your complaints: Where the hell is Silent Hill Origins? Syphon Filter BETTER win. Castlevania is totally the best.

There sure is a lot of passion regarding the PS Fanboy awards -- and for good reason. There's just too many good games to choose from. Thankfully, we're giving you the chance to voice your opinion! Get ready to vote in the awards that really matter. The Reader's Choice Awards let you chime in and set things straight. From now until December 26th, feel free to cast your vote or your favorites. Don't see a game in one of these polls? Leave a comment and we'll add your write-in vote. The winners of PS Fanboy's and the Reader Choice Awards will be unveiled on December 27th.

Rock the vote.

PSP Game of the Year
	After Burner: Black Falcon
	Brave Story: New Traveler
	Burnout Dominator
	Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
	Crush
	Dead Head Fred
	Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness
	Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
	Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure
	Jeanne D'Arc
	Medal of Honor Heroes 2
	Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus
	Monster Hunter Freedom 2
	Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes
	Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
	Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
	Silent Hill Origins
	SOCOM Tactical Strike
	Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron
	Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow
Free polls from Pollhost.com

PSP Best Graphics
	Burnout Dominator
	Crush
	Jeanne D'Arc
	Medal of Honor Heroes 2
	Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus
	Monster Hunter Freedom 2
	Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
	Silent Hill Origins
	SOCOM Tactical Strike
	Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow
Free polls from Pollhost.com

PSP Best Multiplayer
	Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness
	Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
	Medal of Honor Heroes 2
	Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus
	Monster Hunter Freedom 2
	Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes
	Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
	Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
	Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron
	Syphon Filter: Combat Ops
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Worst Awards Category by PS Fanboy writers
	Game of the Year
	Best Strategy Game
	Best Role-Playing Game
	Best Music Game
	Best Puzzle Game
	Best Fighting Game
	Best Driving Game
	Best Shooter
	Best Downloadable Game
	Best Action/Adventure Game
	Best Story
	Best Original Soundtrack
	Best Multiplayer
	Best Graphics
	Disappointment of the Year
Free polls from Pollhost.com

PS Fanboy 2007: Disappointment of the Year

Filed under: Best of 2007

Stay tuned all this week as we reveal the our nominees for the very best games of 2007. Winners will be declared on December 27th.

Every year, no matter what console you own, there are a few games that fall to the market with such a thud you feel your reputation for playing video games drop a little. Yes, these games damage everything we've come to support and whether the game itself is bad or suffered from a gigantic hype machine that everybody jumped on for no apparent reason, the games simply didn't do what we wanted. This award isn't for "worst" game of the year, no, but the biggest disappointment. The games that could have been something, but weren't. For all intents and purposes, this award could actually be construed as "worse" than the "worst".

300
Collision Studios | Warner Bros. Interactive
Why wouldn't such an awesome movie about the manliest of men yield an awesome video game about manly men doing manly things? It just wasn't meant to be, it seems, and the lumberjacks, pirates, and ninjas of the world cried out for their Spartan brethren when they played this game. It's basically Dynasty Warriors with crappy stealth and a crappy Phalanx formation to slow you down. It could have been a bloody mess, but instead, was a ... hmm ... actually, bloody mess works here, too.

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Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
Square Enix | Square Enix
Can we just say first how awesome Final Fantasy Tactics is? Because it is awesome. We can't even remember how many times we've played the PlayStation original. Imagine our ecstasy upon hearing a PSP port with enhanced cutscenes and added jobs and what the hell is this? Why is everyone slowing down when I'm trying to cast Ice? Wait, why don't any of the sound effects match the action anymore? The slowdown in this PSP port is ridiculous. It's horrid. It's the same game, but really, Square Enix should have at least tried to play it before releasing it.

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SWAT: Target Liberty
3G Studios | Sierra
A haphazardly constructed story and shaky battle mechanics bring this game to its knees, which is most regrettable as the PC entries in the franchise are overwhelmingly superior to this handheld mess. It's basic, it's linear, it's short, it's easy, the strategy is basically not present ... it's just a disappointing game that could have been something special.

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Stay tuned to PSP Fanboy on December 27th for the winners. Best of 2007 image based off of work from Studio469.

PSP sales mysteriously double in Japan [Update]

Filed under: News

We're happy for the PSP's newfound success in Japan. In fact, last week it sold 184,610 systems in Japan alone. That's more than double of last week's numbers! (That's actually more than any other system, minus the DS.)

But what could possibly have caused the sales increase? Could it have been Minna no Golf Portable 2? Only three games for the system made the top 50 charts this week, so it couldn't have been that. Perhaps it was firmware update 3.80 and its ability to record 1seg TV shows? It actually might just be that ...

[Update: Or it could be that new red PSP bundle. Whoops!]

[Image Source]

How Dissidia will control

Filed under: Final Fantasy

Click for full-resolution image.

Reader Cheun Ngen Chong found the control scheme for Square Enix's upcoming Final Fantasy Dissidia and translated it into English for us. (The original file can be found at levelup.cn.) The left shoulder button is used for locking on, while the right shoulder button is used for defense. There are two kinds of attacks, one attacking HP and one attacking BP. This is an interesting change for the genre, and we can't wait to see how well it works when actually in our hands.

Falcom bringing yet another port to PSP

Filed under: Imports

Falcom has found considerable success in porting over their vintage games to Sony's handheld. That's probably why they're looking into releasing Vantage Master Portable to the system (notice the play on words there?). Falcom has a surprisingly devout base of hardcore fans in both Japan and in the States, and chances are they'll happily add this to their Legend of Heroes-heavy collection. There are new additions made for the PSP version, which include a new Ad Hoc mode, and characters from the previously-mentioned Legend of Heroes series.

We're not sure if this'll ever see the light of day in the States, but chances are it will. But how many months will hardcore Falcom fans have to wait?

[Via PSPHyper]

American PSN updates for December 20th

Filed under: Store

We missed you last week. But, we're back with another update to the PC PS Store. Get your browser pointed to store.playstation.com and get ready to check out this new content:

PS1 Classics:

• Warhawk ($5.99)

Game Videos:

• PS3 "Only On" TV spot (free)
• PS3 "Universe" TV spot (free)
• Uncharted trailer (free)

Wallpapers:

• MLB 07 The Show theme (free)
• LocoRoco holiday wallpaper (free)

See you next Thursday (or the week after that?) for hopefully another great update to the Store!

Merry Christmas from the Patapon tribe

Filed under: Patapon

Sony is sending yet another Christmas gift to members of the media. This time, it's a Christmas card featuring the Patapon tribe. Stephen Totilo from MTV is as much love with the game as we are, and who can blame him? The music-war game is one of the most innovative in recent memory, and it has a truly endearing style. Totilo expresses a valid concern about most portable gamers: many seemingly play their systems on mute -- something that simply won't work for Patapon. Hopefully, when players are able to get their hands on Patapon next year, they'll bust out some headphones for this rhythmically inclined game.

PS Fanboy Best of 2007: Best Strategy Game

Filed under: Best of 2007

Stay tuned all this week as we reveal the our nominees for the very best games of 2007. Winners will be declared on December 27th.

This is the one category to rule them all. PSP became the de-facto system to own for fans of the strategy genre, and chances are, the winner of this category will end up winning the coveted Game of the Year award. This is easily the most difficult genre to pick a winner from.

The nominees for PSP Fanboy - Best Strategy Game are...

Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness
Nippon Ichi Software | NIS America

Disgaea is known amongst hardcore gamers as one of the best SRPG games as around. Why? Because the game is so hilariously over-the-top with its tactics. The gem-based grid system will have people searching for the best combos, while others will use the grab and throw ability to the best of their abilities. And what other game lets you throw exploding penguins?

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Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Square Enix | Square Enix

The War of the Lions is a classic for a reason. Since its initial release on PS1, it continued to be heralded as the definitive SPRG by many. There are so many things to think about, such as the position of your characters, their character classes ... and their Zodiac signs. Really. And what other game inspires such terror at the sight of a chocobo?

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Jeanne d'Arc
Level-5 | Sony Computer Entertainment

This PSP-exclusive SRPG is easily the most accessible of the bunch, thanks to its streamlined gameplay. That's not to say it's simple -- the game features a complex skill customization system for each character, allowing you to create characters that truly meet your needs. A fascinating story that offers a new, original look on the Joan of Arc story and impressive visuals make this easily one of the system's best games. And what other game suggests that the English are actually all demons?

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SOCOM Tactical Strike
Slant Six | Sony Computer Entertainment

Unlike the other candidates, Tactical Strike is a very real-world strategy game. Inventory selection is crucial to each mission: equipping one less flash bang might spell certain doom for your squad. You must be quite precise with your placement, setting up effective lines of crossfire that'll eliminate enemy forces in an instant. However, getting into placement is also a challenge, thanks to realistic enemy AI. And what other game makes you feel like you're really part of the SEALS or SAS?

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Stay tuned to PSP Fanboy on December 27th for the winners. Best of 2007 image based off of work from Studio469.

Old characters return in new Dissidia scans

Filed under: Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy Dissidia, Square Enix's Final Fantasy-flavored approach to an all-star Smash Bros.-esque fighting game, will be playable very soon. Until Jump Festa begins, we can take a gander at these new scans, showcasing Nomura's spin on classic characters. The graphics, as to be expected, look stellar. It looks oh-so-action packed, but it'll take some real hands-on time to fully understand the game. We can't wait for the first reports online.

Check out all the scans at Jeux-France.

PS Fanboy Best of 2007: Best Role-Playing Game

Filed under: Best of 2007

Stay tuned all this week as we reveal the our nominees for the very best games of 2007. Winners will be declared on December 27th.

The PSP had a ton of great RPG's in 2007. Sadly, we can't nominate them all. These character-driven stories of general world-destruction or important-person-saving are all delightful romps and we're proud to own a handheld that delivers an experience comparable to some of their console brethren.

The nominees for PSP Fanboy - Best Role-Playing Game are...

Brave Story: New Traveler
Game Republic | XSEED Games

This RPG has been described as the Dragon Quest of PSP RPG's due to its linear plot structure and very traditional battles. However, the battles had some extra elements, like combination attacks, to give it some freshness. Along with a very professional script and relatively exciting plot, it made for a solid traditional RPG -- something that doesn't appear much outside of Dragon Quest anymore. It was a very welcome addition to our PSP library.

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Monster Hunter Freedom 2
Production Studio 1 | Capcom
Collecting monster carcasses is fun! This sequel to the popular Monster Hunter Freedom allowed rabid fans worldwide to once again enter the land of ... monster hunting. The item forging and creation system is a lot of fun and makes the heart of the game. New weapon types and plenty of missions give you lots to do and you'll enjoy doing everything. It's a solid game with a large Japanese fan base.

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Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology
Alfa System | Namco Bandai
Probably better known as Tales of the All-Stars Fun Dungeon Time!, this game put you in the role of a character you create and subsequently take on quests and trudge through dungeons. During the course of the game, you'll meet popular and obscure faces from the various Tales games and as you gain respect and renown and whatnot, they'll join you in the dungeons. It's a solid entry in the Tales franchise, though very loosely it's own game.
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Stay tuned to PSP Fanboy on December 27th for the winners. Best of 2007 image based off of work from Studio469.

PS Fanboy Best of 2007: Best Music Game

Filed under: Best of 2007

Stay tuned all this week as we reveal the our nominees for the very best games of 2007. Winners will be declared on December 27th.

You may not be able to plug a guitar or drum into your PSP, but that doesn't mean you can't jam with some fine music games on the portable. Here are this year's nominees for best music game.

And the nominees for PSP Fanboy - Best Music Game of 2007 are:

Beats
London Studio | Sony Computer Entertainment

Beats is one of the rare games that simply can't be done on any other system. The game will let you turn the music stored on your PSP Memory Stick into DDR-styled levels. Finally, a music game where all the gameplay comes from music YOU love. Add a fun synthesizer which lets you create your own tunes, and you have a game that's easily worth more than the $5 the Store asks for.

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Traxxpad
Definitive Studios | Eidos

Shame on Eidos for failing to promote Traxxpad at all. It's not a game, but rather an application that lets you create, mix and sample tracks on the go with your PSP. Traxxpad blends the power of sequencers, drum machines, and keyboards while simultaneously making the equipment easy to use and accessible, allowing anyone to create, mix and sample their own tracks at home or on-the-go. Music making can be as fun and easy as simply pressing buttons, or as in-depth and detailed as the user wants make it.

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Stay tuned to PS3 Fanboy on December 27th for the winners. Best of 2007 image based off of work from Studio469.

PORTER reveals pricey new PSP cases

Filed under: Imports

SCEI has unveiled four new cases from PORTER. These pricey cases are fetching a mighty 9500 yen (about $90). That'll take a bite out of any PSP fan's wallet. The Japanese promotional site has a few promo pics of people using the case ... and don't they look oh-so-happy?

PS Fanboy Best of 2007: Best Puzzle Game

Filed under: Best of 2007

Stay tuned all this week as we reveal the our nominees for the very best games of 2007. Winners will be declared on December 27th.

Handhelds are synonymous with puzzle games - and rightly so. The pick up and play nature of the games, coupled with the portability of the system makes for a marriage made in silicon heaven. But which of this year's puzzling triumvirate is the best?

And the nominees for PSP Fanboy - Best Puzzle Game of 2007 are:

Crush
Zoe Mode | Sega

Crush is a strange game in that it doesn't subscribe to social norms. It is a puzzle game that is masquerading as platform game. If this wasn't enough to warp your mind enough while you're playing it, the trippy music and the ability to "crush" the levels into a 2D playing field from any side will leaving you scratching your head and calling the nearest shrink at your earliest convenience. Well, not really - but it is pretty trippy.

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Puzzle Quest
Vicious Cycle Software | D3 Publisher

Another game that combines two genres together. Puzzle Quest is a hybrid of RPG and puzzling elements which, at first, sounds a bit strange. Despite that, however, it has been hugely successful and can now be bought for almost any system under the sun. Puzzle Quest works well to provide a fun experience for both hardcore and casual gamers - as any good puzzle game should.

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Worms: Open Warfare 2
Team 17 | THQ

Technically an "Artillery Game", we're sticking Worms: Open Warfare 2 into the puzzle category because of its great new puzzle mode, which requires you to think logically in order to progress. The latest in the great Worms series that started way back in 1994, Open Warfare 2 takes the franchise into the realm of multiplayer portability - both offline and online. Worms has been quality since the beginning and great fun, too. We're happy to nominate it for Best Puzzle Game of 2007.

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Stay tuned to PS3 Fanboy on December 27th for the winners. Best of 2007 image based off of work from Studio469.

PS Fanboy Best of 2007: Best Fighting Game

Filed under: Best of 2007

Stay tuned all this week as we reveal the our nominees for the very best games of 2007. Winners will be declared on December 27th.

Sometimes you just want to punch something in the face. Unfortunately, not too many games offered PSP owners the ability to throw down the gloves and brawl. In fact, only one title managed to secure a nomination (and an instant win).

And the winner of PSP Fanboy - Best Fighting Game of 2007 is:

Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes
CyberConnect2 | Namco Bandai

Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes may be a winner by default, but at least it's pretty good. Featuring some fantastic graphics and Game Sharing functionality, Naruto takes advantage of what the PSP has to offer. Add gameplay and presentation that's true to the series and you have a game that Naruto fans can be proud of.

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PS Fanboy Best of 2007: Best Driving Game

Filed under: Best of 2007

Stay tuned all this week as we reveal the our nominees for the very best games of 2007. Winners will be declared on December 27th.

The PSP has always been a strong system for racing games. However, how do this year's releases stack up? (And sorry, Wipeout Pulse won't be eligible until next year.)

And the nominees for PSP Fanboy - Best Driving Game of 2007 are:

Burnout Dominator
EA UK | Electronic Arts

Burnout Dominator faithfully brings the Burnout experience to the handhelds. In fact, the PSP version was the one to get, featuring more content than its console cousin, and downloadable levels to boot. Good graphics, tight controls and the series' trademark penchant for destruction. What more could you want?

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Sega Rally Revo
Bugbear | Sega

Sega Rally Revo takes off-road racing and puts in the palm of your hands. Sega's slippery racer controlled very well on the PSP and featured some advanced graphics and physics. In fact, some consider the PSP version to be far superior than its next-gen counterparts.

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Test Drive Unlimited
Krome Studios Melbourne | Atari

Atari promised to recreate the open-world experience of Test Drive Unlimited for the PSP port. And they succeeded. Test Drive lets you drive around a virtual recreation of Hawaii, and lets you race against others in a massively multiplayer online environment. Ambitious? Very much.

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Stay tuned to PSP Fanboy on December 27th for the winners. Best of 2007 image based off of work from Studio469.

Extended Battery Pack goes on sale

Filed under: Peripherals

For use with both the PSP-1000 and PSP-2000, this extended battery kit will increase your PSP's battery life up to 80% more life. It'll create a small bulge for owners of PSP's slimmer model, but the significant increase in battery life may make it quite worthwhile.

It's now available for purchase at GameStop for $45. Use coupon code SAVER to get free shipping.

[Thanks, louis!]

PS Fanboy Best of 2007: Best Downloadable Game

Filed under: Best of 2007

Stay tuned all this week as we reveal the our nominees for the very best games of 2007. Winners will be declared on December 27th.

The PC-based PLAYSTATION Store opened late into the year, and already it has amassed an impressive collection of downloadable games. From PS1 games, to archived UMD games, to brand new originals, we've had a number of quality games from the Store's launch. We can't wait to see what 2008 has waiting for us.

And the nominees for PSP Fanboy - Best Downloadable Game of 2007 are:

Beats
London Studio | Sony Computer Entertainment

Beats is one of the rare games that simply can't be done on any other system. The game will let you turn the music stored on your PSP Memory Stick into DDR-styled levels. Finally, a music game where all the gameplay comes from music YOU love. Add a fun synthesizer which lets you create your own tunes, and you have a game that's easily worth more than the $5 the Store asks for.

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Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Konami | Konami

Symphony of the Night is thought by many to be the definitive Castlevania game. With its re-release on the PS Store, players will be able to get a pixel-perfect recreation of this classic 2D platformer at a price that eBay wouldn't let you dream of.

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Syphon Filter: Combat Ops
Sony Bend | Sony Computer Entertainment

This downloadable title enhances the great Syphon Filter multiplayer mode by adding an extensive level editor. Players can create their own levels, upload it to the PSN, and have users rate their creations after playing them. An included Friends list and integration with the PSN make Combat Ops one of the most exciting multiplayer games around.

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Stay tuned to PSP Fanboy on December 27th for the winners. Best of 2007 image based off of work from Studio469.

Firmware 3.80 now available via Network Update

Filed under: News

PSP firmware 3.80 is now available via Network Update. Here's the scoop on what's new:

• [Internet Radio] has been added as a feature under [Network].
• The importing of channels in OPML format is now supported under [RSS Channel].
• Photos can now be displayed under [RSS Channel].
• New effects have been added to the visual player under [Music]. Only one new visualizer has been added. It acts like a slow Etch-a-Sketch.
  

For a direct download of the update, click here. Save to PSP/GAME/UPDATE.

Note: To install an internet radio system to your system, you must follow instructions included in the new firmware. To access, click here. There are two internet radio systems available, each with its own stations. There are a huge variety of stations available, covering a number of genres (J-Pop and K-Pop included!). We hope to have a video hands-on tomorrow.

PS Fanboy Best of 2007: Best Multiplayer

Filed under: Best of 2007

Stay tuned all this week as we reveal the our nominees for the very best games of 2007. Winners will be declared on December 27th.

Friends don't let friends play alone. PSP has a number of fantastic multiplayer games to take advantage of. With more and more games offering Infrastructure support, you can play against foes hundreds of miles away from home.

And the nominees for PSP Fanboy - Best Multiplayer of 2007 are:

Medal of Honor Heroes 2
EA Canada | Electronic Arts

Electronics Arts delivers yet another compelling online FPS for PSP this year. Heroes 2 reintroduces 32-player infrastructure battlefronts with FPS controls unparalleled on the PSP system. It may not break new ground, but it remains one of the best online experiences on the system.

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Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron
Rebellion | LucasArts

Star Wars Battlefront was one of the most exciting online games for consoles. Then, LucasArts decided to show the PSP some appreciation by making a fully fledged sequel exclusively for the handheld. With extensive character customization options, vehicle and ground-based gameplay, and a wide variety of online game modes, Renegade Squadron shows that the PSP is an online beast.

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Syphon Filter: Combat Ops
Sony Bend | Sony Computer Entertainment

This downloadable title enhances the great Syphon Filter multiplayer mode by adding an extensive level editor. Players can create their own levels, upload it to the PSN, and have users rate their creations after playing them. An included Friends list and integration with the PSN make Combat Ops one of the most exciting multiplayer games around.

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Stay tuned to PSP Fanboy on December 27th for the winners. Best of 2007 image based off of work from Studio469.

PSP Fanboy hands-on: Patapon

Filed under: Patapon

Beneath its charming exterior is a complex, deep game. Patapon is not as simple as its childish graphics may lead on. The dying tribe of the Patapon need their God to command them, and after a mysterious absence, you are ready to return to their lives and lead them.

We've been spending some time with a localized near-final version of this PSP exclusive, and we have to say we're impressed. We wouldn't expect any less from the team that brought us LocoRoco. It's hard to pinpoint a genre to this innovative title, as it fuses elements from the music and strategy genre. At its core, it's a rhythm title, as you're required to input commands using various drums at your disposal. At first, you only have two: the Pata and the Pon drums. By inputting notes on the beat, players will be able to command their growing Patapon army. For example, by pressing Pata-Pata-Pata-Pon, the creatures will advance forwards. Then, attacks can be executed by inputting Pon-Pon-Pata-Pon.

There are a number of drum entires possible, and we've yet to learn them all. Eventually, you'll be able to tell the Patapon to hold, or retreat. We're certain that more advanced moves will be unearthed when we unlock the other drums. (Each drum is assigned to a face button, for four drums in all.) Crucial to successful gameplay is keeping with the beat. As you input commands in sequence, the combo meter increases. When a 10 combo is reached, the Patapon enter Fever mode, which greatly increases their killing power. The spears they throw, for example, can traverse from one side of the screen to the other (as seen in the image above). Timing is crucial, as telling the Patapon to advance at the inopportune moment can lead to a number of unfortunate deaths.

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Seeing the Patapon join forces to take down such towering foes reminds us of the Gamecube classic, Pikmin. The two games share more than a few similarities. As mentioned earlier, Patapon is as much a strategy game as it is a music game. Before each mission, you have the ability to customize your outing, by choosing appropriate creatures, and equipping them with equipment. There are multiple kinds of Patapon you can create, and within each type, there are variations based on the ingredients used to concoct them. For example, one Patapon might use a small piece of meat to summon. However, throw in a fresher, larger piece of meat when creating the creature, and you'll get a souped up fighter, colored differently from the rest. Before each level, you're free to arrange your Patapon formation and change the weapons each type is carrying. You may want archers in the back, or you may want to protect a catapult-wielding soldier by placing spear-wielding Patapon around it. Each level will require some forethought in order to maximize your spoils at the end.

It's a bit jarring to see how much depth the character customization tools provide. Who knew that such a colorful, animated game would have us play in a similar style to a SOCOM game? Granted, there's also an "Optimize" feature, which allows the computer to decide what it thinks may be best for your current team. Hopefully, the game is balanced enough to be accessible to both casual and hardcore gamers alike.

The game appears to be quite lengthy, at least if we can trust the world map shown to us. In addition to standard kill-and-conquer levels, there are a few other diversions to take upon. Our favorite is a PaRappa-styled music mini-game, where you must listen to a song of a great deity, and you must play it back exactly. The art and animation of these segments are truly inspired, and the unforgiving gameplay makes it a fun challenge we love to try again and again.

Patapon isn't coming out to the US until early next year, but already we see it has the legs to be a winner. The localization of the title is superb so far, effectively capturing the game's unique spirit and mood. We're pretty sure that Patapon will get the same amount of love, if not more, as its LocoRoco predecessor.

PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 14

Every week, PSP and PS3 Fanboy will bring you new backgrounds for your Sony consoles, in resolutions up to 1080p. Download them directly to your PS3 by accessing PS3 Fanboy on your system. Download PSP wallpapers directly to your PSP by accessing the site wirelessly at m.pspfanboy.com.

This weekend, we're focusing on Sony's upcoming PS3 title Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.