Birth by Sleep adding new gameplay to Kingdom Hearts universe

Filed under: Kingdom Hearts

Perhaps the biggest surprise of Tokyo Game Show was the debut of three new Kingdom Hearts games from Square Enix. Of the three, the PSP title Birth by Sleep looks to most closely resemble the original PS2 games. In a recent issue of Famitsu, character designer and game director Testuya Nomura explained that although Birth by Sleep will play similarly to the original console games, fans should expect new gameplay in this PSP exclusive prequel.

The game has been in development for a long time, but Re: Chain of Memories took much more time than originally anticipated (this is the PS2 remake of the Game Boy Kingdom Hearts game). However, because the story was completed so long ago, the team has had plenty of time to work on the various scenarios in the game. IGN translates: "The game has three scenarios, each told from the perspective of one of the main characters. Yasue joked with the magazine that players may think the game was made by three different teams, as the play style is different for each character due to their varying personalities and abilities."

The character growth system will apparantly "shock" players and will encourage players to link up with others. However, don't expect multiplayer: that's reserved for the DS 358/2 Days. The game will feature brand new Disney worlds as well, such as Sleeping Beauty's Forest. Finally, although the game has been in development longer than either the DS or Mobile Kingdom Hearts games, it'll most likely be the last one to see release: it seems to be easily the most ambitious of the three new games.

PSP-2000 core systems now available

Filed under: News

According to various reports from our readers, it appears that PSP-2000 core systems (in Piano Black) are finally available in the wild. We'll admit it: we're frustrated by how SCEA has handled this launch, making it one of the most confusing system launches in recent memory. Instead of providing concrete release dates, the launch of the redesigned PSP appears to be quite stealthy -- is that appropriate for generating hype? We think the confusion surrounding the new PSP's launch will guarantee it comes nowhere near the success it's found in Japan. Unfortunate.

We've heard the system is now available at Target stores and online at amazon.com. Have you been able to pick up a system?

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep scans reveal bald men

Filed under: Kingdom Hearts

Scans are tricky beasts -- they can be blurry and smothered with Japanese text few can understand outside of the country, they can show off new characters or a game's battle system, or they can just make us scratch our heads and wonder what exactly we're looking at. Lucky for us, these new Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep scans deliver on all three of these fronts.

We get to check out images of the main character, who looks quite a bit like Cloud's counterpart, Zack. There's also Roxas, a counterpart for Sora. See, we're already stretching to make connections, like saying this story probably takes place in an alternate world or something. We get to check out profiles of other new characters, like a blue-haired girl, a masked person, and a creepy old dude! The game, visually, is very nice as expected, but since we can't read Japanese, most of the information is left to any kind readers willing to translate as a comment. We'll keep you posted as details emerge.

[Thanks, Saigon!]

The summons of Final Fantasy Tactics

Filed under: Final Fantasy

Click to see high-res version.

There's one thing you can always count on from a Final Fantasy game: pretty art. The upcoming Final Fantasy Tactics game for PSP is filled with tons of creatures and summons -- and we have some concept art to share with you. Browse through our gallery and see how some of these creatures come to life in the game.

%Gallery-7796%

Dark_Alex and M33: one in the same?

Filed under: Homebrew

Remember when Dark_Alex said he was going to quit the homebrew scene forever? And then immediately afterwards, Russian hacking group M33 appeared mysteriously out of the blue? Well, could it be that the two are actually one in the same? Could this post also have something other than a question as a sentence? Hmm ...

With the release of 3.71 M33, the team continues to provide homebrew users with all the features of Sony's recently released official firmwares. According to the Dark_Alex website, though, the main coder for the project is none other than the supposedly "retired" hacker.

Regardless of the drama surrounding the team, it appears that they've been consistently able to provide releases that match Sony's quite rapid schedule.

[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]

TGS hands-on: Star Ocean First Departure

Filed under: Star Ocean

Watching Star Ocean: First Departure is far more entertaining than playing it. The time-limited demo we played at the Tokyo Game Show starts with a glorious anime cinema that looks stunning on the PSP's screen. Once the cinema ends, the game goes back to its 2D roots with fairly unimpressive sprites that are a bit too small in the now-widescreen display.

Yes, it's a remake of a decades-old RPG, but the in-game graphics lack the life seen in other PSP RPGs. Even Square Enix's own Final Fantasy remakes on the system added shiny new graphical effects, like brand new lighting. At the very least, the game runs at a silky smooth framerate that looks really eye-popping. Navigating the overworld was easy, and we were pleased by the incredible production values: voice acting was aplenty and much appreciated (even though we couldn't understand what they were saying!).

The battle system is where we found ourselves less enamored with the game. In a similar fashion to Namco's Tales series, the three characters run around a field in real-time. Players can attack in real-time with their lead character, although the experience felt somewhat simplistic. Sure, we had a limited amount of time with the game, and it was in Japanese. However, the game simply didn't have the flair that its animated cutscenes do, and the battles were less than engaging. Hopefully, more time with the game will change our opinion, but for now we're not too enthusiastic about Square Enix's latest effort.

Swim away Nessie! Monster Hunter Portable 2G announced

Filed under: News, Monster Hunter

We're scared for Nessie, our underwater ally, because after Capcom sponsored a hunt for South America's Bigfoot and giant anacondas to promote Monster Hunter Freedom 2, we just know they're going after her next as the company announced its plans to release Monster Hunter Portable 2G.

No, it's not a full sequel, but it will build upon the Japanese hit by featuring new monsters, fields and systems. While the game doesn't have a release date, we won't be surprised if this one never makes it our way. But one thing is for certain, all mythical creatures now have nowhere to hide.

[via 1up]

No surprise: Crisis Core makes PSP top selling Japanese system

Filed under: News, Imports

When was the last time this happened? PSP finally took the top of the weekly Japanese sales charts, thanks almost exclusively to Square's new mega-blockbuster, Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. Selling over 95,000 units, about a five-fold jump in units sold from the previous week.

Casual observation during our ongoing TGS experience has shown that there are more PSP systems being used in the Japanese rail than Nintendo DS systems. Certainly, the impact of a brand new FFVII game is large enough to sell hardware.

Bomberman Land hits PSP in January

Filed under: News

We've been impatiently awaiting Hudson's announcement when it would release Bomberman Land stateside, and today, our long wait is over. Bomberman Land, which was released earlier this year in Japan, will hit the PSP in January 2008.

Bomberman Land will feature a traditional single-player story mode, more than 50 mini-games and will support Game Sharing. "Gamers are going to be blown away by the sheer amount of content they get in the Bomberman Land series," said John Greiner President and CEO of Hudson Entertainment.

In the single-player mode, you will have the unenviable and no doubt maddening task of restoring "peace and tranquility to the beleaguered Bomberman world" by solving quests and puzzles. And to win over the series faithful, the "classic multiplayer" Battle Pack Mode makes a return.

TGS07: PSP online store open now for Japanese only

Filed under: News, Store

The announcement of a PSP store - accessible via the PC - was open for business today, but only for Japanese customers. PSP-Vault.com have a great article up about with a walkthrough of the store. From the looks of it there's a lot of stuff on there already and we're looking forward to getting our grubby mitts on the content soon. Unfortunately you can only access the store if your browser and/or operating system is running with Japanese language settings. Also, the download plugin doesn't work with Macs.

So until the store is available for Europe and America (and they sort out that ridiculous Mac problem), we'll have to keep downloading our content manually. It's a shame, really. Our new Crisis Core PSP Slim is hungry for downloadable content.

TGS07: Sony nabs Evolution and BigBig Studios

Filed under: News

At Kaz Hirai's keynote speech, there were only a few, erm, key announcements made. One of these was the DualShock3. Another was the expanded remote play presentation and a third was the delay of Home. Another tidbit worth mentioning is Sony's acquisition of Evolution and BigBig Studios, makers of MotorStorm and Pursuit Force, respectively. These are part of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios now and will be overseen by Phil Harrison.

Philly H released this statement regarding the acquisition: "Our strategy is to create the best games by working with the best talent and Evolution and Bigbig are world-class additions to our team ... The incredible people in these studios further extend the depth and skill of the industry's largest platform-exclusive development resource." We're glad to hear it and expect to hear new games coming from Evolution Studios soon. BigBig is releasing their second Pursuit Force game on the PSP at the beginning of October.

TGS07: Squall joins Final Fantasy Dissidia line-up

Filed under: Final Fantasy

Angsty teen star of Final Fantasy VIII, Squall Leonhart, can be spotted in the no-cameras-allowed screening of the Final Fantasy Dissidia trailer. The CG trailer for this PSP brawler showed Squall going head to head against Sephiroth.

Fans of Squall will be glad to see his oh-so-dreamy good looks again. However, many other Final Fantasy regulars will now want to consider picking up Dissidia simply for the opportunity to beat up the "pouty jerk."

TGS07: Square Enix announces Kingdom Hearts: Birth of Sleep

Filed under: News

Square Enix has unveiled a trio of new Kingdom Hearts titles for gaming on-the-go. Though none of them are Kingdom Hearts III, the PSP title Birth of Sleep appears to be a single-player adventure similar in style to KH2. According to 1UP, the main character looks eerily similar to Zack from Final Fantasy VII and Crisis Core: FFVII.

No release date was given for Birth of Sleep. Square Enix also announced KH: 358/2 Days for DS and KH: Coded for mobile phones.
[Via Joystiq]

TGS07: PlayStation Store coming to PC

In addition to becoming the PlayStation 3's power button of choice, the PSP has made relations with the PC. At the Tokyo Game Show press conference, Kaz Hirai announced that the PS Store will soon be accessible via the computer.

According to Hirai, you will be able to purchase and download PSP content without using the PS3 as a middle-man. The service is reportedly available now in Japan; no word on when it will be coming elsewhere.

[Via Joystiq]

TGS07: Remote Play functionality expands significantly

At Kaz Hirai's keynote in Tokyo Game Show, the PlayStation Portable's Remote Play feature was demonstrated. Mainichi Demo was on display with "new PSP functionality" that allows you to turn on and off your PlayStation 3 system via Remote Play, something that wasn't possible with previous versions of the feature.

In the future multiple PSP systems will be able to connect as a hub, as seen in this slide. Remote Play is a strong focus for Sony+ gamers will play games, use the PSP as a second screen and more.

Bumpy Trot franchise gallops onto PSP

Filed under: News

It really does seem like Irem Software wants this franchise to get more attention. Bumpy Trot: Vehicle Battle Tournament has been announced for the PSP and will take a different approach to the series. It's kind of like a mecha-style Super Smash Bros. game, from what we could ascertain, allowing four players to duke it out in a plethora of robot suits. Sorry, "Trotmobiles". This seems nifty enough, but for those who don't get around to playing ad hoc titles much, we hope there is some kind of single-player aspect to the game. If not, then, we'll probably pay more attention to the PS3 title's progress.

[via SiliconEra]

Protect fish in new puzzler, Downstream Panic!

Filed under: Software

Atari announced yet another puzzle game for PSP -- this time involving fish. Players take the role of a "sea-creature preservationist" that must save the world from a cyclone that has blasted the earth's fish into the atmosphere. Seriously. By using various tools, they must protect the fish from land, predators and other obstacles, lest the world lose all its omega fatty acids.

"Fans of fast-paced puzzle games will fall in love with this new twist on the fish-out-of-water idea," said Donny Clay, producer, Atari, Inc. "We are thrilled to deliver this fun and interesting spin on the puzzle genre and look forward to publishing this title for the PSP system."

The game will feature over 80 different levels and additional downloadable content. Developed by Eko Software, the title is currently scheduled for an early 2008 release.

Three new videos of God of War: Chains of Olympus

Filed under: Video, God of War

Sometimes the simplest headlines work the best. God of War: Chains of Olympus may be the most anticipated title on the platform, and seeing new footage of never-before-seen levels is certainly a feast for the eyes. How Ready at Dawn managed to squeeze so much tech into such a small platform we'll never really understand, but we're glad they can do it.

Check out the rest of the videos after the break.

Crisis Core secret ending begs you to play FFVII

Filed under: Final Fantasy, Video

The secret ending of Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core shows a familiar scene for fans of Square's long revered RPG series. Could the "to be continued" that ominously appears at the game's end suggest a remake, like many have theorized? We'd hope so, but we remain skeptical. Most likely, the Final Fantasy team is pulling a George Lucas, reminding people of where this new effort lies in the overarching timeline. Of course, once Square realizes how much money they'll be printing with a re-release of the original Final Fantasy VII, we hope they come to their senses soon enough. Video embedded after the cut.

[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]

*Update* Scott Steinberg [doesn't] replace Karraker as Sony PR head

Filed under: News

*Update*
Sony contacted us and clarified that Scott Steinberg is not Karraker's replacement, but instead heading up SCEA's hardware, software, and channel marketing division. So that means Karraker's position as "Senior Director of Corporate Communications" is still open -- any takers?

*Original Post*
If you've been a fan of Sega's for a while, you'll have heard the name of Scott Steinberg. He was the former Marketing VP of Sega in its heyday and will now replace Dave Karraker as head of Sony PR. He'll report to Peter Dille and be responsible for all PlayStation hardware, software, and channel marketing as of October 1st. Steinberg, in addition to Sega, has worked for multiple different companies including Roxio/Napster, Liquid Audio, Eidos Interactive and Crystal Dynamics. He worked with Sega during the Genesis days, evaluating development and licensed properties.

Peter Dille released his thoughts on the new hire, saying "We are thrilled to have Scott join our team as he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the PlayStation marketing staff and the management group here at SCEA. Scott has an ideal blend of experience in digital entertainment and content delivery as well as a proven track record for strategic innovation and implementation within this industry. He will be a critical component for the success of our marketing efforts across the PlayStation brand moving forward." We'd also like to welcome Scott on board. Welcome, Scott! Do us fanboys proud!

PSP modes of NBA 08 captured on video

Filed under: NBA, Video

Sony Computer Entertainment's upcoming NBA 08 looks quite special on PSP. Why? Because the development team is adding a whole slew of mini-games and modes exclusively for the portable version. The carnival games, featured above, are easily the most talked about. These games range from the obvious, like HORSE, but move to the more surreal, such as Pinball. Even if you don't like the idea of these bonuses, you have to give the team some props for deciding to add modes exclusively for the handheld version.

Worldwide PSP releases for the week of September 16

Filed under: Software

With your PSP Fanboy team in Tokyo this week, getting ready for the Tokyo Game Show, you'd think they'd pick up a copy of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops or R-Type Tactics. Instead of buying all that anime porn. Seriously.

US Games

• Coded Arms Contagion
• Super Collapse 3
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force 2

EU Games

• Brunswick Pro Bowling

Asian Games

• Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops +
• R-Type Tactics

Release dates are always subject to change, so make sure you call your local game retailer before heading out.

Firmware version 3.71 available now

Filed under: News

The latest PSP firmware, v3.71, is available right now via the network update command from your XMB. So far internet reports tell us that the update does ... well, not a lot really. Despite Sony's talk of "new, user-requested features", there doesn't seem to be any evidence of any additional functionality at all. Perhaps something will pop up later.

We suspect v3.70 might have held a security loophole and Sony, for once, caught it before the homebrewers did. So while the update doesn't yet do anything visible, you can feel safe in the knowledge that your PSP is safe from homebrew ninjas. Probably.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Cyclops gets murdered in today's GoW vid

Filed under: Video, God of War

Yet another interview surfaced from GameSpot today, showing off even more enemies in Ready at Dawn's upcoming God of War: Chains of Olympus. Yes, you'll have to sit through some obvious moments of marketing propaganda, but chances are: you'll like it. Once again, you must be 17 years or older to see this new footage, featured after the break.

[Thanks, PSP_Amigo!]

Scared about themes? Let Joystiq be your guide

Filed under: How-tos

Mr Justin McElroy, resident funny man over at Joystiq.com, has written up a very handy post which guides you through setting up themes on your PSP. In five easy steps (all ending in exclamation marks!) you will learn to download, install and then, finally, remove one of the two offending themes currently available. With more themes available in the near future, however, this is a skill you need to learn. Like driving, except you can do it while drunk.

Beaterator and Timbaland pushed to 2009

Filed under: News

Yes, we know, we're as crushed as you are. The musical beatmaking and music-mixing PSP game, Beaterator, by Rockstar games has been shoved back into 2009 because of fiscal year '08's robust lineup of titles, says the company. We're fairly sure that robust lineup constitutes mainly Grand Theft Auto IV, but we digress.

The title was getting produced right along with Timbaland, so we'll assume both of those are pushed to 2009. It's all right, though, we'll find a lot of other things to tide us over until these games come out. Either way you look at it, though, 2009 is a long ways off, especially if you calculate time using the Blog-o-scheduler, which is approximately fourteen human years.

Worldwide PSP releases for the week of September 9

Filed under: Software

The Americas get to play a fun game we like to call "Nothing." The rest of the world gets to dine on a few notable selections (pictured, above).

EU Games

• Generation of Chaos

Asian Games

• Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core
• Fate/Tiger Colosseum
  

Once again, check your local retailer for final availability of these games.

Wiimote control the PSP

Filed under: Homebrew, Video

You've seen the PSP controlled by an Xbox 360 controller. You might have even seen the PSP controlled by a DualShock. Now see the PSP controlled by a Wii remote instead! It's as simple as connecting your homebrew enabled PSP to your PC wirelessly, then your Wii remote to the PC via Bluetooth, and finally having the PC translate the Wii remote information into PSP controls somehow. That is to say, it's not very simple and rather cumbersome. But at least it's possible, and that's the important part.

PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 3

Filed under: Wallpapers

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 four PSP games: Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion's War and Dead Head Fred.

Butterflies lift away new Korean PSPs

Filed under: Imports

We're somewhat enamored by the Korean advertising campaign for the New PSP (aka PSP-2005). This ad shows a butterfly lifting the new lighter system, emphasizing that it weighs only 189 grams. This is a far more effective ad than Japan's.

Also, it appears that the Korean PSP isn't just losing weight, it's becoming cheaper. Korean gamers can now pick it up for only 178,000 won (appx. $190).

[Via PSP-Vault]

Uncut Manhunt 2 leaked, intro cinema revealed

Filed under: Video

Supposedly, a leaked version of an early "uncut" PS2 Manhunt 2 is making its rounds on the internet. To prove the authenticity of the leak, videos of the game can be found on YouTube, such as the game's sufficiently violent introduction. We don't see anything particularly "Adults Only" about the intro, which has us questioning the ESRB's original decision. Perhaps the game becomes far more gruesome later on?

See the video after the break. Because the game is rated M for Mature, you must be 17 or older to view the clip.

[Update: Rockstar has already removed the video from YouTube.]
[Thanks, bob! Via Maxconsole]

Please enjoy new Final Fantasy Tactics art

Filed under: Final Fantasy

Click for high-resolution image.

Jeanne d'Arc and Disgaea aren't the only SRPGs that will take residence on the PSP. A new PSP-enhanced version of Final Fantasy Tactics, called The War of the Lions, will be available nationwide October 9th. The War of the Lions divide the land of Ivalice in two. The story is told through the eyes of two men as they're entrapped by the war: Delita Heiral and Ramza Beoulve.

New to the PSP version is a new job class: the Onion Knight. In addition, the game will be enhanced with new 16:9 graphics, a brand new translation and fully voiced anime cutscenes (the Japanese version did not feature any VA). A new multiplayer function allows you to battle other players, or play cooperatively against the AI.

Check out the huge media blowout we secured for you. You'll find new art, screenshots are more in our updated gallery.

%Gallery-5456%

Zack boards train, people die, in new Crisis Core vid

Filed under: Final Fantasy, Video

Square Enix wants you to know that Zack is one bad guy. Bad, of course, meaning good or cool. This CG video shows Zack dropping atop a train, immediately dodging bullets and generally causing chaos and mayhem. All in good fun, of course.

If the video streams a bit slowly for you, then hit pause once while its loading. Give it a few seconds of breathing room, and you should be set.

[Update: For more Crisis Core goodness, check out new screens at The Magic Box.]

Sony bans homebrew talk from its official forums

Filed under: Homebrew, Fan Stuff

After months (nay, years) of homebrew chatter on Sony's very own PlayStation Forums, it appears that Sony is finally cracking down. With the launch of the PSP-2000 at hand, it appears that Sony wants people to become oblivious to the world of homebrew, due to system security and piracy concerns. "Homebrew applications void the warranty of the PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and an official area to discuss such activities cannot be provided by SCEA. Any postings that are clearly homebrew-related, such as those providing instructions on downgrading firmware updates, will be removed from this board ... Any posting found to be in violation of this policy is subject to an immediate deletion. Members who continue to violate this policy may be subject to an immediate ban from this community, or other disciplinary actions as determined by the community Administrators."

It looks as though Sony is serious about wiping out homebrew, at least on its own turf. Boo! We were going to start a homebrew column here on PSP Fanboy. Does that mean we'll get in trouble from Sony?

[Via Games Radar]

Joystiq & PSPFB hands-on PSP-2000: Part 3

Filed under: Reviews

With the new PSP-2000 available in the wild, we decided to answer a few more questions in this final iteration of our ongoing series. Want to know what new background colors are in firmware 3.60? Want to see the TV out function in action? Check out this video overview we made, then check more questions after the cut.

Is the video out cable included in any of the bundles?
Submitted by: mike

No. You must buy the cables separately. They cost about $20.

If you are getting one of the bundled ones, does the game and the movie come in a slipcase or does it come in its regular plastic case?
Submitted by: jonathan

The games come in a cardboard sleeve. You won't get a retail case for the included UMDs.

What is the battery charge time for the PSP Lite? Is it faster than the original PSP?
Submitted by: Sai
The battery life doesn't have any noticeable difference. Once again, the amount of play time you get from a PSP varies from title to title. It can use the same charger as the original system, and because it has a reduced battery size, it will charge somewhat faster.

Are fingerprints very noticeable?
Submitted by: aymany
Fingerprints will show up, but the silver we have seems far improved over what we saw at E3. The paint job is nicer, the coating is much smoother, and fingerprints don't seem to stick onto the system as easily as before. However, fingerprints will still show up on the screen no matter what you do, seemingly.

Does the PSP Slim fit into the current Logitech and Sony hard cases?
Submitted by: mike
It will shake around one of these cases. It shouldn't do damage to your system, but it is still a little unsettling.

Do the new earbuds come with the system?
Submitted by: Alex

No, the new earbuds do not come with the system. The old headset and remote for the old PSP will not work on the new one.

Are you going to give one away?
Submitted by: XenoPhage
That's the plan!

PSP Slim and Lite now available for preorder in the UK at GAME

Filed under: News

Game.uk.com have sent out an email today stating that the PSP Slim and Lite is now available for pre-order. Available on the 14th of September, the new PSP will sell for £130. Strangely, there is only one choice for pre-order currently and it appears to be Piano Black, despite our promised rainbow of release-day colours. No worries there though, we doubt there'll be a shortage of PSP Slim and Lites any time soon, so pre-ordering would be pointless anyway.

Still, it's exciting to see that the redesign will be out very shortly. Even if America beats us Europeans to the punch again by getting the Daxter pack released yesterday. At least we have more colours.

God of War demo disc to feature unrevealed level

Filed under: God of War

The press has only played one level from God of War: Chains of Olympus. Whether at E3 or PAX, Ready at Dawn has been incredibly secretive of its PSP exclusive title. For once, gamers will have the first look at the game, able to see a never-before-revealed level, the Cave of Eos. "In this level, the player is introduced to Eos, the goddess of Dawn. She will reveal events of the story that will lead you further in your quest, but getting to her is no easy task. You will have to defeat a multitude of enemies to progress, one of which is a new take on a God of War classic, the blood-lusting Minotaur. The rewards awaiting you are a new magic granted by Eos that adds to the vast array of mechanics Kratos already posses. But to advanced to the end of the level, Kratos will have to prove himself by using his new abilities to solve a challenge so deadly it could have only been created by the Gods of Olympus."

We can't wait. The demo is unleashed to the world later this month.

Dracula X Chronicles could be only Castlevania game on PSP

Filed under: Castlevania

In a revealing interview with Koji Igarashi, 1UP's Sam Kennedy found out that the upcoming Dracula X Chronicles may be the first and last Castlevania game to grace the PSP platform. Why? "When I first started on this project, everyone around me strongly suggested that PSP could be the best platform for Castlevania. But unfortunately, PSP's market has been shrinking as of late, so I will have to watch the sales of the game." Considering Konami's significant support of the PSP through its Metal Gear series, we hope that they'll see sufficient reason to continue developing for our favorite handheld.

The next game Igarashi will work on will be on the DS.

The Star Ocean remakes are coming along smoothly

Filed under: Star Ocean

Oh, yes, it's been a while since we rejoiced in the original Star Ocean and the positively received Star Ocean 2, back on the SNES and PlayStation, respectively. Well, we say SNES, but we mean ZSNES or any other emulator that would play it for the non-Japanese audience, since we hadn't seen it stateside. Regardless, the two titles are getting PSP remakes and the facelifts come in more sizes than just re-translations and bug fixes, as shown in the scans you can reach through the NeoGAF forums.

The first game gets a new battle system that better resembles the action-oriented ones found in the latter two titles, along with updated sprites and backgrounds. The second title gets similar upgrades, but will also feature facial pop-ups when a character talks (just imagine any anime or Gust-inspired RPG). Sadly, the story in the second one will still suck. Yes, we said it. The second disc was a killer for momentum -- too many fetch quests and sidetracking before the final battle, if you ask us. Regardless, the games were very good, so we'll definitely try these out. Perhaps we'll get a hands-on at Tokyo Game Show. Perhaps not.

[via Siliconera]

PSP Slim Daxter Entertainment pack available immediately

Filed under: News

In a surprise move, Sony has announced that the PSP Slim Daxter bundle is available right now. The package includes the silver PSP Slim, the greatest hits version of Daxter and the Family Guy Freakin' Sweet Collection UMD, a well as a 1 GB memory stick for $199.

The accessories such as additional AC adapters, the sexy video out cables, or the new headphone adapter will be released in the following weeks. Also the black PSP Slim solo PSP package will be released 'during September' with the white Star Wars Battlefront PSP Slim package coming in October. Big news, so who out there is gonna be the first person to pick up a new PSP and report back here?

[Update] According to commentors, the pack is available sporadically across the country. In the meantime, you can order it from Gamestop online right here. It is in stock and will ship today (or maybe tomorrow depending on their cut off time).

Press release after the jump.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Launches Limited-Edition Daxter(TM) PSP(R) Entertainment Pack With Newly Designed PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) System

Package Includes New 'Ice Silver' PSP system, Daxter, 'Family Guy' Video, and 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) - All for $199.99 (MSRP)

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the availability of the limited-edition Daxter(TM) PSP(R) Entertainment Pack, which features the new
PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) system to be offered in North America. The package, available starting today for $199.99 (MSRP), delivers an all-in-one portable entertainment experience right out of the box, including a new "Ice Silver" colored PSP system; the action-packed "Greatest Hits" game, Daxter; the animated TV comedy, "Family Guy -- The Freakin' Sweet Collection," on UMD(TM) (Universal Media Disc); and a 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM). The new PSP system -- rolling out globally, as announced by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. in July -- has a more streamlined form factor and a video-out port, among other enhancements. "PSP sales have soared since we introduced the $169.99 price point in April, and that momentum will only continue with the launch of the newly designed PSP, which has generated strong interest among consumers since we announced it at E3," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "With our growing software library, which includes more than 140 new releases in the pipeline this fiscal year, the PSP platform is poised for significant growth. The Daxter Entertainment Pack offers a great opportunity for consumers to jump in to PlayStation(R) Portable experience with content that demonstrates the multi-functionality of the system, all for a great value."

The Daxter package provides everything consumers need to enjoy the ultimate in portable entertainment, making it an ideal gift for the upcoming holiday shopping season. This limited-edition offering features an "Ice
Silver" PSP system, the first new color available in North America, along with the following:

-- Daxter -- Developed by Ready At Dawn Studios, Daxter is a PSP "Greatest Hits" title that set the standard for character action games on PSP. Daxter takes place during the two years he searches for Jak, whose imprisonment was shown at the beginning of Jak II(TM). Developed from the outset as a modern 3D platformer, Daxter sports a full-featured move-set, seamless level transition through vibrant environments and incredible animation detail.

-- "Family Guy -- The Freakin' Sweet Collection" -- Get ready for five deliciously absurd chapters in the lives of America's most twisted animated family! These are the hand-picked, hands-down favorite episodes of Seth MacFarlane, the delightfully demented genius behind "Family Guy" (Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment).

-- 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo -- Store your photos, music, videos, and game saves.

To coincide with the release of the new PSP system, SCEA is launching an advertising campaign that includes dedicated print and online executions to support the Daxter PSP Entertainment Pack in media outlets including IGN, ESPN.com, MTV.com, and MySpace. In addition, a TV spot will air later this fall on network, syndication and cable highlighting the enhanced design and new features of the PSP system. As part of the roll-out of the new PSP system, several peripherals will be available at retail, enabling consumers to take full advantage of the updated design. The following accessories will be offered in the initial launch timeframe, and additional peripherals will be launching later this fiscal year.

-- Component AV Cable for video out, approximately 8.2 feet long ($19.99 MSRP)

-- AV Cable for video out, approximately 8.2 feet long ($19.99 MSRP)

-- Headphones with Remote Control ($29.99 MSRP)

In addition to the Daxter PSP Entertainment Pack¸ SCEA will offer two additional PSP SKUs at retail. PSP Core Pack, with PSP in "Piano Black," an AC adaptor, and battery pack, will be available later in September for $169.99 (MSRP). The limited-edition Star Wars Battlefront(R) PSP Entertainment Pack, including a special "Ceramic White" PSP with a silk-screened image of Darth Vader on the back of the unit and the PSP-exclusive title, Star Wars Battlefront(R): Renegade Squadron(TM), will be available on October 9 for $199.99 (MSRP).

Sony: I choose you, Limelight Networks!

Filed under: News

If you've ever thought to yourself during a system software update: "geez, this is pretty slow for a small update. Why take so long, you Sony man?" then, first off, you've got to learn how to mentally line up a sentence. Second, you'll be pleased to hear that Sony recently adopted Limelight Networks' content delivery system to speed up our PS3 and PSP updates. It's not just going to make the delivery of the updates faster, but a lot more stable, too. For those with a PS3, you know that getting a system error halfway through an update is rather annoying.

Limelight describes their service as such from their press release: "Limelight's CDN is designed from the ground up to rapidly distribute rich media files, direct to the consumer, ensuring that SCE customers always have the best experience available with their PS3s and PSPs." We're sure that's just official speak for what we've already said -- faster and more stable downloads are coming our way. Sony, you did this because you love us, didn't you?

Crisis Core trailer gets extended (by two minutes)

Filed under: Final Fantasy, Video

Until Crisis Core comes out, it looks like this blog will look more like "Crisis Core Fanboy" than "PSP Fanboy." Yes, there are other games coming out as well, but Square Enix knows how to fan the flames of their devoted fans through this media deluge they seem to be offering. Yet another trailer for the game has just been been released, offering an even greater look into the gameplay. It's familiar territory, yes -- but that doesn't mean you won't watch.

[Thanks, Saigon!]

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PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 2

Filed under: Wallpapers

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.

For Labor Day, we're featuring wallpapers from the upcoming PS3 game, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction.

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