PlayStation Phone "obviously" being looked into

Filed under: News

In an interview with Pocket Gamer, Peter Ahnegard, "gaming guru" at Sony Ericsson, had a few choice words about the long-rumored PlayStation Phone. "Up until today we haven't felt we could launch a PlayStation phone because it wouldn't be recognised as a true continuation of that brand of products."

Of course, his wording caught the attention of the interviewer, who wanted to know more about what "until today" meant. The answer confirms a PS phone, but does so in a vague and a generally un-helpful way: "It's obviously something that we're looking at but right now I can't really comment. Before Christmas, certainly ... but exactly which Christmas I can't confirm!"

Well, it looks like we'll get our PS Phone Christmas 2007 2008 2009?

[Via Joystiq]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Dear Best Buy, PSP doesn't have a touch screen

Filed under: Fan Stuff

Dear Best Buy,

We'd like to inform you of an error made on your website regarding the Sony PlayStation Portable. As you can see, the listing for the Location Free Player on your website suggests that the PSP has a touch screen. However, that is incorrect. Are you, perhaps, confusing it with a different handheld?

It's true that through serious modifications, a touch screen can be implemented on the system. But this option is limited to only a small percentage of truly hardcore users of the system. Considering how you're one of the nation's biggest retailers, we thought you might appreciate this correction, and hope that you remind your store's employees that the PSP does not have a touch screen.

Thank you,
PSP Fanboy

[Thanks, Kevin B.!]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

God of War: Chains of Olympus called best of LGC07

Filed under: News, God of War

The Leipzig Games Convention has come and gone, and the critics agree: God of War: Chains of Olympus is the best PSP game on the show floor. The jury stated "'God of War' elevates the action genre to an art form, including on the PlayStation Portable: where other titles descend into brutish slaughter, God of War lends the battlefield a sombre beauty."

Chains of Olympus should be ready some time next year.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Five minutes of Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core

Filed under: Final Fantasy, Video

We wanted to share this with you so badly! But, YouTube was strangely down this morning! (Horrifying, no?) Now that the interwebs are working yet again, we want to show you five glorious minutes of Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. We want to warn you that there are spoilers, so those of you that don't want the experience ruined may want to shy away from this awesome, but revealing trailer.

[Thanks, Jordan!]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

PaRappa Puppet Pals tell a scary story

Filed under: Video, Fan Stuff

People love PaRappa the Rapper. PBC-Productions has crafted an original puppet creation featuring Sony's musical mascot. This video features PaRappa and his friends telling a scary story ... Enjoy this weekend treat!

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Worldwide PSP releases for the week of August 26

Filed under: Software

This is a huge week of games for PSP owners, with too many high-profile titles to choose from. Dead Head Fred is a PSP exclusive action game that takes a more mature approach on things. Monster Hunter Freedom 2 is an action adventure game which took Japan by storm, selling over a million units in mere days. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes is a fighting game based on the popular anime, and includes Game Sharing multiplayer. Too many choices, no?

US Games

• Dead Head Fred
• Monster Hunter Freedom 2
• Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes
  
• NHRA: Countdown to the Championship
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08

EU Games

• Brian Lara 2007: Pressure Play
• Impossible Mission
• Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology
  
• Worms: Open Warfare 2
  

Asian Games

• Kamaitachi no Yoru 2 (Sega the Best)
• Neon Genesis Evangelion 2: Tsukurareshi Sekai
  

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Final Fantasty Tactics issues addressed in US release

Filed under: Final Fantasy

If you played the original PlayStation version of Final Fantasy Tactics, you're probably used to the few small technical issues of the game (especially the cheap and overpowered Orlandu Durai ... T.G. Cid, not to mention the Calculator class). The localized US version of the PSP remake address multiple issues that were left open in the now seemingly half-finished Japanese release.

Slowdown has been mostly eliminated -- this plagued the Japanese version and a heck of a lot of other PSP titles as well. We know the game has been fully voiced now, but we're kind of disappointed to see the introspective text on a black background get removed. How else will we know Ramza's innermost thoughts and feelings? An issue still remaining is the so-called "flattening" of the musical score, but we can probably get over that.

New features we'll at least mention are the multiplayer aspects where you can face off against a buddy or team up and explore special dungeons with set missions. These are ad-hoc only; no wireless online fun. Two new characters are made available to us: Luso from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2 and Balthier from Final Fantasy XII. Don't ask how. Two new classes, Dark Knight and Onion Knight, are also available. The most important change is the complete re-translation of the text. It now sounds like something straight out of Vagrant Story or Final Fantasy XII, as it should. We can't wait to play one of our favorite classics again, especially since it sounds like the experience has been fleshed out into an almost completely new game.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 29

Filed under: Ask PSP Fanboy

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every weekend, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q: Why doesn't PSP Fanboy make a mobile friendly version of their website/blog/news for consumption on the PSP?
A: We actually do have a mobile version of the site (one of the first Joystiq sites to have one, actually!). Simply visit m.pspfanboy.com from your PSP browser.

Q: Why are so many RSS feeds no longer working?
A: Many RSS feeds are starting to use high resolution video, 640x480, that the PSP currently doesn't support. Hopefully, Sony will further remove the restrictions on video playback, because we know PSP is capable of handling video of resolutions up to 720x480.

Q: With pre-orders for the new PSP Slim being high, do you see more (and/or better) PSP-exclusive games coming out in the future?
A: If the PSP redesign takes off as much as the DS Lite did, then yes, we'll see more exclusives hit the system. However, the DS Lite was a significant change compared to the original -- one that's easily noticeable at first glance. The PSP redesign is a lot more subtle.


Q: If Blu-Ray wins the war, could we see Blu-Ray UMD's (which would no doubt hold more) being played by a next-gen, Blu-Ray reading PSP?
A: There already are mini Blu-ray discs in production. We may see a Blu-ray based PSP in the future ... but imagine something more than 5 years down the line. Until then, Blu-ray (especially in such a portable form) will still be too expensive to put in a handheld gaming machine. Unless Sony wants to shock everyone AGAIN with a ridiculously high price point.

Q: I was wondering if the upcoming release of the "slim" psp could be a sign that something even better is on the horizon. Similar to how Sony released a slim version of both the PS1 and PS2 before the next gen console came out. Could this be a sign that PSP2 will be coming soon too? Just wanted to hear what your thoughts are.
A: Nope. Sony will obviously release a successor to PSP in the future, but expect PSP to have a very long life cycle. There's no reason for Sony to make a more technologically advanced system in the immediate future because there is no competition to worry about. The Nintendo DS is still the best selling handheld, and clearly making a more powerful system will not earn them better sales.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Disgaea features Japanese voice acting, Etna mode

Filed under: Disgaea

IGN recently got its hands on a preview version of the upcoming PSP version of Disgaea. Although the game is largely a port, they noted two new features that will certainly get the attention of long-time fans. The game seemingly has both English and Japanese voice acting in the game, a feature we're hoping will survive in the final build. Certainly, anime fans will love to hear the game in its original language.

An additional mode, "Etna Mode," also provides a retelling of the story -- this time, from the perspective of the hot-headed Etna. According to IGN, "This perspective starts with Etna accidentally killing Laharl when trying to wake him up. Everything following that, it seems, is a spoiler for the main game, since you're suddenly privy to a great amount of information you wouldn't have known had you been playing from Laharl's perspective."

Sounds like Disgaea fans have a lot to look forward to, even in this PSP remake. It's clear that the title is shaping up to be more ambitious than a mere port, and we're glad to see Nis America take the effort to add something more for its US release this October. Check out our new gallery to see some awesome concept art:

%Gallery-6345%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Resident Evil petition gets Capcom's attention

Filed under: Fan Stuff

Online petitions rarely get the attention of the publishers that they're targeting. Not in this case, however. The official call for a Resident Evil PSP game has earned the attention of Capcom. In an e-mail sent to the petition creator, a Capcom representative made note that for real results to be seen, 10,000 signatures would be needed: "As we plan for future games the team will definitely consider the fans and specifically your petition. It does have impact. Keep me updated on the number of signatures. If you get over 10,000 that will draw significant attention."

When we found out that Capcom was taking notice, we had to sign the petition. If you ignored the first call for signatures, make sure you take action now: a Resident Evil game may grace our handheld -- and who wouldn't want that?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

GameStop: "supply has not caught up" to increased PSP demand

Filed under: News

In a recent conference call, GameStop executives commented about the increased demand for PSP since its price drop back in April. Sales of Sony's handheld have increased nearly 50 percent from the same time period last year and according to the retailer, "this has caused such demand for the PSP that supply has not caught up."

Expectations for PSP come September are even stronger, thanks to the introduction of new bundles featuring the redesigned PSP-2000. "We expect that will abate in September with introduction of several new PSP SKUs."

As of writing, however, the new PSP-2000 was still not available for pre-order on GameStop's website.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Battle Kingdoms!!: a free turn based adventure game

Filed under: Fan Stuff

Darren Reid and NextGenBooks.com have created an interesting new game for PSP owners. The Half Broken Crown: Battle Kingdoms!! is a turn based adventure game based on Darren Reid's upcoming fantasy novel. Players must go against a horde of monsters, thieves, villians and heroes, whilst leveling up and improving their skills.

This new PSP adventure is a Flash file that will play from the PSP browser. Other platforms, such as Wii and PS3 are being considered in the future. However, most exciting must be the news that future updates may add online peer-to-peer combat. Could this be the most ambitious PSP Flash game yet?

Battle Kingdoms!! can be downloaded for the PSP or played online from www.NextGenBooks.com/battlekingdoms.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Logan's Shadow author attending PAX -- get your swag signed

Filed under: News, Fan Stuff

According to Sony's PlayStation.Blog, Greg Rucka, the author behind Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow will be attending the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) in Seattle, WA this weekend and will be signing specially designed Logan's Shadow comic book covers for fans.

Greg is a long time comic book and novel writer, so there's high hopes for the story in Logan's Shadow. If you're going to be up in Seattle this weekend visiting PAX, make sure to stop by booth #516 between the hours of 11:00am-12:30pm and 2:00pm-3:00pm and say hi. If you butter him up (or bribe him), just maybe he'll tell you some cool secrets about the game's story.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

PSP becomes cover star of new "Cool Stuff" book

Filed under: News

Seems like authors Jon Woodcock and Chris Woodford think the PSP is pretty cool. In fact, they're having it featured on their upcoming book "Cool Stuff 2.0." The book attempts to explain the technologies behind our everyday favorites -- we can't wait to see what they have to say about how the PSP works. Could it be magic? Gremlins? Miniature Ken Kutaragis? Hopefully, this book will reveal all.

[Thanks, PocketGoddess!]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Go! Messenger brings IM, voice and video chat to PSP

Filed under: News

Sony has officially unveiled PSP's upcoming VOIP service, to be called Go! Messenger. The program will be downloadable and installed into the XMB in a future firmware upgrade. Through it, PSP owners will be able to instant message each other using a "new and intuitive on-screen keyboard." By using a headset, users will be able to voice chat; and by using Go!Cam, video chat will also be enabled.

"With Go!Messenger, PSP is pushing new boundaries, adding unique communication functionalities to all the existing multimedia experiences," said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. "Enabling more than 8.5 Million PSP users across the SCEE region to communicate with each other, through Video or Voice chat, truly confirms the always evolving nature and potential of PSP.''

The service has been developed in partnership with BT, one of the world's leading telecom providers. Sony plans on adding even more functionality to the PSP through Go!Explore and the Go! branded video download service. European PSP owners will have a lot to look forward to -- hopefully, SCEA will follow-up with its own American service.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Climax denies responsibility for Silent Hill demo leak

Filed under: News, Silent Hill

A few days ago, a Silent Hill demo was leaked onto the internet. This potentially damaging loss spread like wildfire, with sites generating upwards of 1200 downloads of the demo, which only operates on PSPs with unpatched, or unofficial firmware. Karl Jeffery, CEO and founder of developer Climax, told GamesIndustry.biz that the UK developer is not responsible for the leak. "All I can say is that code did not leak from Climax - 100 per cent guaranteed," said Jeffery. "The code that is out there is fingerprinted and was supplied solely to Konami for marketing purposes."

"At Climax we have strong and proven security procedures that protect all of our code, assets and builds," he added. "We have developed over 100 titles in 20 years in business and have never had a leak or theft from inside the company." In spite of this apparent security breach, it doesn't appear as though the release will be pushed back. Thank goodness -- could we really have waited even longer for Silent Hill Origins?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Atari announces new collection of Classics

Filed under: News

Atari has just announced yet another retro compilation for PSP: Atari Classics Evolved will offer eleven updated games, including Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, Battlezone, Centipede, Lunar Lander, Millipede, Missile Command, Super Breakout, Tempest, Warlords and Pong. These "evolved" versions will include updated "up-to-date graphics," but will also be available in their original retro forms.

In addition to these updated games, there will be more than 60 original Atari 2600 titles also included in the collection -- games such as: Yar's Revenge, Night Driver, Canyon Bomber and Crystal Castles.

Online leaderboards will be provided for many of the games included in this compilation, developed by Stainless Games Ltd. Expect this to arrive on PSP this Fall.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Folklore will get some life on the PSP

Filed under: News

If you were upset because you wouldn't be able to collect the monsters from Folklore on the PS3, fear not! Sony has confirmed a PSP version of the title is in the works. The game probably won't be exactly the same (graphically obvious, plotline will also probably differ), but the interesting thing to note is the involvement of Kouji Okada. You may know Okada as the creator of the always-critically-acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei titles. What does this mean? You're going to get a badass PSP game.

While our speculation leads us to believe this PSP title will be set in the same universe but tell a different story, there's nothing to confirm that. Sony has remained quiet on the issue. We aren't even aware of any link-up between the PSP and PS3 game for extra content, monsters, etc. Even if there is none, we know the title will be worthy of following up on, so expect to hear more in the coming weeks!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Red Mile talks Jackass and creating original games for PSP

Filed under: Interviews, Jackass

We were surprised when Jackass: The Game for PSP didn't suck. Anyone that's been part of the games industry for any amount of time knows that licensed games are typically void of creativity and polish. Thankfully, it appears that indie game publisher Red Mile is trying something different. Red Mile's Chester Aldridge notes their acquisition of the Jackass license -- something that wasn't done as a simple cash-in: "we are not in the business of making games based on marketing "events" such as movie releases. We're not making a game based on Jackass 1 or Jackass 2, we're making a great game based on the spirit of the brand. We signed Jackass before the second movie was even announced."

When questioned as to why Jackass has so many exclusive features on PSP, Aldridge pointed out the potential that the platform has, and how PSP gamers are looking for original content. "We believe that fundamentally Sony has a great platform on its hands and that it will prosper for many years to come. One thing that we keep hearing is that the catalog of genuinely innovative PSP titles is quite small. That's something we've addressed directly in Jackass: The Game with a number of PSP-exclusive features, including the replay editor."

Red Mile is certainly proud of their PSP accomplishments, having brought the cult-classic GripShift to the platform during its infancy. While Jackass may seem like "just another licensed game," we're glad to see that it appears they're trying to get the most out of the PSP.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 28

Filed under: Ask PSP Fanboy

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every weekend, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q: Will my PSP be able to hook up to my Sony HDTV with an update or will I have to buy the PSP Lite?
A: If you want to have easy TV-out, you will need the new slim PSP.

Q: When are Wipeout Pulse and God of War: Chains of Olympus coming out and will these new 333MHz games be playable on the fat PSPs?
A: Both Wipeout Pulse and God of War: Chains of Olympus will work on any PSP system. In fact, any and all games that are 333MHz will run on the older PSP model. Unfortunately, there's currently no release date for either Wipeout or God of War beyond the vague "Holiday" time line.

Q: Will the "PSP phat" be shunned out from future firmware upgrades? If not, does this mean that specific firmware features for the PSP Lite will not be active in older PSP models?
A: The older PSP model will be able to upgrade its firmware, but it's true -- some features will not be available for older systems. Hopefully, future firmware revisions will continue to improve both the old and new system, but from what we've seen, all the features of 3.60 are only for the new PSP.

Q: If have neither an EDTV or a HDTV would it be possible to play games through a computer monitor using the PSP?
A: If your computer monitor has component inputs ...

Q: Do you think Sony did a half-assed job when they redesigned the PSP? They could have improved certain existing qualities such as screen brightness and video/music memory stick sound..
A: Not really. The PSP's screen was already pretty bright (let's not forget that it's adjustable!). What do you mean improve video/music sound? They did improve battery efficiency, load times, and the actual buttons on the machine--all are pretty significant, in my opinion.

Q: What happened to the ''Dream Games'' weekly column you used to have some time ago on PSP Fanboy?
A: While it was a fun series to run for a while, it was eventually axed because it wasn't generating the response we wanted from it. We're always looking into creating new features, though.

Q: Would I be able to fix my PSP if it gets bricked?
A: It depends on how you got it bricked. If you already have custom firmware on your system, you can attempt to use the recovery mode. Recovery mode allows you to launch an older updater, allowing your system to theoretically replace the firmware on your system with an older one.

Q: Can you play Japanese demos on a US PSP?
A: Yes, you can play games and demos from any region on your PSP. Check out demos.pspfanboy.com to see all the demos we have for you.

Q: Are there any details on when the PSP camera is launching in the US?
A: Yes. It'll come out within the next twelve months ... and may or may not have improvements.

Q: How come the PSP doesn't have a downloadable games store like the PS3?
A: It's coming. In fact, echochrome was supposed to be the first downloadable PSP game ... but now that's moving to UMD. From what we've heard, there are actually games in the works to download for PSP. Stay tuned for more info.

Q: If 1 seg is being released in Japan, will it be able to recieve the American signals?
A: There is no American equivalent of 1seg. That's the main reason we won't see this peripheral in America. Ever.

Q: Is there any way to get PDF files on the PSP?
A: You may be interested in downloading this homebrew program.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

PSP Fan Art Fridays: Incredible Hulk

Filed under: Fan Art

Do you want to share your PSP-related fan art? Send us an e-mail. A new piece of fan art will be shared every Friday.

The Incredible Hulk is coming to PSP next year, but that doesn't mean we have to wait until then to see more of the green guy. Some would argue that in the above fan art by Scarlet-Dawn, we see a bit too much of him. The angular lines compliment Hulk as a subject, and we can't help but love the fear in the dog's eyes. It also seems appropriate for Hulk to show off his angry physique on the beach. He certainly would get more tail as the Hulk, than as Bruce Banner. If you dig this fan art as much as we do, check out Scarlet-Dawn's deviantART page to peruse her other fan art. That, or you can let Scarlet-Dawn know what you think of the art in our comments section.

%Gallery-3450%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Get a free Jeanne d'Arc demo disc

Filed under: Jeanne d'Arc

Simply stop by the official Jeanne d'Arc website for your chance to get a free UMD demo of the game. This strategy RPG from Level 5 has been wowing us, and if our upcoming review doesn't convince you to pick up this game, maybe this free demo will.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

New Sega Rally Revo details

Filed under: News

When SEGA Rally Revo was first announced, we weren't given a whole lot of info. Luckily for SEGA Rally fans, IGN has gotten more details on the off-road racer. Here is what PSP gamers can expect when they pop the UMD into their PlayStation Portable:

• 34 different cars
• 16 tracks
• 6 different environments
• Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure multiplayer
• Game Sharing

This handheld edition of SEGA Rally Revo isn't a port, but rather was uniquely made for the PSP by Bugbear Entertainment (Flatout). It certainly breeds confidence in the title, when you know the developer has had experience with off-road racing before.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

God of War dev buys homemade God of War PSP

Filed under: Fan Stuff, God of War

Remember this incredible piece of God of War fandom? This user-modded system caught our eye for its close attention to detail and fine use of "kicking ass." But the story isn't over ... It looks like Ramon Stokes, creator of the system, got a lot more than the winning bid of $1725 in his eBay auction.

Chains of Olympus dev team, Ready at Dawn, took notice of Ramon's system and decided to fly him out to their studios "to make sure the PSP wouldn't get damaged during shipping." Yeah, sure.

Ramon was also able to play the upcoming Chains of Olympus demo, talk to the development team, and get treated like a God of Olympus. Looks like this God of War hit the jackpot for his fandom (and we're jealous!).

[Via Joystiq]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Calling All Cars coming to PSP

Filed under: News

The latest issue of "PSP - The Official Guidebook" includes an interesting wee tidbit of information. The PS3 downloadable title Calling All Cars will soon be available to transfer over to your PSP, just like PS1 games. While there isn't much more information than that, currently, the magazine says that "comprehensive multiplayer modes in both Ad Hoc and Infrastructure" is to be expected. A release date will be available soon.

We think this is a great idea. The game definitely suits a handheld and, with full online multiplayer, we're definitely looking forward to getting it on our PSP. There's no word on how exactly it will work yet. Whether you will need to pay for it again or not is up in the air. Ultimately, we're looking forward to the day when you don't need a PS3 to download stuff like this for your PSP. Bring out that PSP online store, Sony.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

IG-88 on display in Star Wars Battlefront

Filed under: Star Wars, Video

Mike Rosser has once again updated the Star Wars Battlefront blog with new footage of his "new favorite hero character." Robot bounty hunter (the best kind of bounty hunter) IG-88 is loaded with some awesome weaponry, which is on display in this latest vid. "In BF:RS, we've kitted him out with dual blaster rifles, a flamethrower and cluster grenades. And he's pretty deadly, as he should be! I'm also pleased that we managed to work IG-88 into the storyline, so expect some face-offs!"

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Tomb Raider Anniversary on PSP looks just like the PS2 game

Filed under: Tomb Raider, Video

After weeks of perpetual delay, Tomb Raider Anniversary is finally out for PSP. Eidos was strangely suspicious about the PSP version, refusing to release video of the handheld edition. Thankfully, it appears that the PSP version looks a lot like the PS2 version. Check out this new video from PSP GadgetZ to see for yourself.

With the game readily available, we want to know what you think about the game. Certainly, this game doesn't deserve to go without notice, does it?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments