Step-by-step guide to Go!View video download service

Filed under: News

Curious about the new Go!View on-demand style video service launched in the UK and Ireland? Having trouble downloading from the service? Oh, you are not in the UK or Ireland but you are nosy? Either way, Pocket Gamer has a nifty step-by-step guide to the service just for people like you. It tells you how to go about everything from downloading the PC client to a number of possible errors you might encounter. Check it out here.

Valhalla Knights 2 may be unusually long

Filed under: News

Most handheld games are relatively short (good example: God of War: Chains of Olympus). But, XSEED's not going to have any of that. Their upcoming PSP-exclusive RPG, Valhalla Knight 2, is going to be almost-obnoxiously long. According to Kotaku, the game will clock in at least 60 hours to complete, and up to 135 hours to "fully complete it." We don't know what they're putting in this game, but we hope it's compelling enough to warrant such an unusually lengthy play time.

[Thanks, Kyle P.!]

Gallery: Valhalla Knights 2

Spotted @ Comic-Con: Blue PSP

Filed under: News

There's a new PSP color coming soon: Metallic Blue. And it'll be available in the upcoming Madden 09 Entertainment Pack, which includes the system, the game, a NFL documentary and a code to download beats off the PS Store. According to amazon.com, the system will be available on August 12th.

Spencer from Siliconera snapped a few shots of the system in action over at San Diego Comic-Con for us (thanks!). Just like every other PSP, it has the uncanny ability to pick up fingerprints. Will you pick this baby up come August?

Gallery: Madden PSP Entertainment Pack

Spotted @ Comic-Con: the PSP GPS peripheral

Filed under: Peripherals

It's really real. Trust us.After making a debut at CES earlier this year, the GPS accessory disappeared off the face of the earth, with only vague promises that the device will be coming within the next nine months. We don't know what the hold up is, but IGN spotted a working unit at San Diego Comic-Con. Of note, they saw that the device can give different directions based on whether you're in a car, bike or simply on foot. Can Sony please just release this thing already?

New Tales of the World 2 screens exude fan service

Filed under: Tales of...

It looks like Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 2 has all its cameo characters accounted for. The popular ensemble of 19 guest characters from other Tales games will return in Tales of the World 2. Not only that, but it looks like they're also bringing additional friends to the party. Some of the newer cameos belong to Cless Alvein from Tales of Phantasia, and Presea Combatir from Tales of Symphonia. There are more screens of other characters over at GameWatch, do you recognize anyone?

Japanese Store update is filled with Chocobo

Filed under: Imports

The Japanese don't want one Chocobo themed game -- they want two. And that's exactly what they're getting this week on their PS Store update. Five new PS1 games are available for 600 yen each, and two of them are about Square Enix's notorious yellow mascots. Here they are:

• Grille Logic
• Dice de Chocobo
• Chocobo Stallion
• Arkanoid Returns
• Yamasa Digi Selection

[Via Siliconera]

Deal: R-Type Command for $19

Filed under: R-Type

It didn't take long for Atlus' R-Type Command to go to the bargain bin. The Irem-developed SRPG had a great Advance Wars vibe, but for many, going away from the series' arcade legacy kept them disinterested. Well, the game is now 50% off its original price on amazon.com. You can pick it up for $19, plus shipping.

[Thanks, Eric!]

Patapon 2 lives up to its namesake, contains twice as much content

Filed under: Patapon

Is there a title more apt than Patapon 2? Perhaps not. The upcoming sequel to the critically acclaimed PSP exclusive will be double the size of the original, according to Famitsu (via PSPHyper). The number of stages to be found in the upcoming sequel is twice that of the first title, giving players a lot more to play. In addition, the story will be fleshed out even more, with hero Patapon getting their own special abilities throughout the adventure.

Although the gameplay concept was simple, it was very easy to lose the rhythm and meet one's doom in the original. Thankfully, the sequel will be a bit more accessible to players, as it will also indicate when a player is losing the beat. With more content, more enemies, more abilities, and multiplayer, it looks like there's a lot to be excited about when Patapon 2 releases in Japan later this year.

Valhalla Knights 2 gets rebalanced for NA debut

Filed under: News

Localizers Xseed have plans to tweak the US version of Valhalla Knights 2 and streamline the difficulty, according to Siliconera. Changes being made include easier level ups, which means less time grinding. Items will also drop more frequently. Lastly, save game data from the first Valhalla Knights can be used to get a free familiar and a helpful elf ally. The story is also said to be more cohesive than the first. An official date for North America has yet to be announced, but retail listings suggest a September 23, 2008 release.

Rumor: A 'design sample' of the PSP-3000

Filed under: News

According to a poster on the PSPChina forums, the above is a "design sample" of another iteration of the PSP. The poster claims this information comes from a "reliable inside source" and that Sony had already finalized this basic design by the end of 2007. The only new addition so far is a built-in microphone, but otherwise the size and shape is the same as the PSP-2000. The Home button has been replaced by a PlayStation logo button just like the PS3 controller. Also noted is the hole between the volume buttons and the PSP logo, which the poster claims is where the microphone is located. The size of the metal ring has been reduced, allegedly to reduce scratches on it.

The poster claims he doesn't know the actual model number of the this PSP -- it could be a PSP-2100 or 3000 or something else entirely. "The pictures are actually of a design sample; whenever a new system is to be created, designers will follow Sony's instructions in creating several different versions. This is one of the versions that was created and then discarded. Next year when we buy this PSP, it will be slightly different, but I believe the microphone and smaller metal ring will remain."

Another set of pictures shows a black version of this so-called PSP-3000. The PlayStation button is slightly rounder and larger. The poster admits that the final design of real PSP-3000, or whatever the model number happens to be, is still unclear. Basically, even if everything this dude/dudette says is true, what we'll be seeing on store shelves might look completely different, assuming there is even a redesign in the works. Six more pictures after the jump.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Rumor: A 'design sample' of the PSP-3000

Ad: PSP makes being arrested so much more fun

Filed under: Fan Stuff

We love the construction of this ad for the PSP created by TBWA Espana, Madrid, Spain. Two police offers are apprehending this young man, and instead of handcuffs, they use the ever-engrossing PSP. It's a subtle ad that may not sell the system's capabilities, but does a great job of emphasizing how cool the device is.

[Thanks, Karsten!]

Buy 'Hakufu's milk' to celebrate the release of Ikki Tousen

Filed under: Imports

Are you thinking of importing the upcoming PSP fighting game Ikki Tousen? While that is all well and good, we thought we'd bring to your attention some other Ikki Tousen goodies you'll miss out on unless you live in Japan. In celebration of the game's arrival, the Cure Maid Cafe have added a milk pudding dessert to their menu dubbed "Hakufu's milk pudding". The attention to detail is impressive -- there's even a small bulge in the middle of these, er, milk pudding globs. Has anyone been able to try this out? Whatever the case, Ikki Tousen is coming out October 2nd in Japan.

[Via Otaku International]

Hands-on: Buzz! Master Quiz

Filed under: Previews, Buzz

It's a rather difficult challenge to write hands-on impressions for a game like Buzz! Master Quiz. Sitting all lonesome on a table at Sony's E3 booth, it went by unnoticed by many that simply passed it by. Perhaps the lack of enthusiasm comes from this simple fact: Buzz! Master Quiz can be summed up rather succinctly -- a portable version of the popular quiz franchise, Buzz!

Progression through the game is rather simple. Simply partake in a variety of themed challenges. Perform well on one, and you'll earn a medal which can help unlock other challenges. Considering the quiz select screen fits on one menu, we're a bit concerned that the amount of content on the disc will be on the light side. With thousands of questions programmed in, we're certain these concerns are unwarranted.

Buzz! Master Quiz doesn't need to push the PSP hardware in any way, and that's exactly what we're getting with this simple, easy to look at game. At the very least, the presentation appears to have all the trimmings of its PS2 brethren.

Gallery: Buzz!

Continue reading Hands-on: Buzz! Master Quiz

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3 not coming to the US

Filed under: Yu-Gi-Oh!

Although the last two games of the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force series were released in the US (in fact, the second game was released a week earlier in the US), it looks like Konami will not be bringing Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3 stateside.

Some of you might think this isn't a big deal, but a quick glance over at GameFAQs shows that one of the top ten forums for a PSP game is Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 2. No reason was given why the series has been discontinued on our shores, but those of you who wish to check out the game will have to start importing.

Deal: Buy one PlayStation product, get another 50% off

Filed under: Software

Toys "R" Us is having a special promo for both our PSP and PS3 Fanboy readers. Buy any PS2, PSP or PS3 game, and get another game at 50% off. That's a pretty sweet deal for those that are interested in getting two games. You can see all the eligible titles here. Offer is valid until July 26th.

[Thanks, Brent S.!]

Katekyoo Hitman Reborn! trailer: anime 2D fighting game

Filed under: Imports, Video

There's no shortage of anime fighters on the PSP. How will Katekyoo Hitman Reborn! stand up to the rest of the competition? To be honest, the newly released trailer doesn't look bad ... but it doesn't seem to be particularly noteworthy either. The gameplay looks to be rather standard 2D fighting fare, but for many, that won't really be a problem.

Sony: iPhone not a threat, GPS coming within 9 months

Filed under: News

PSP brand manager John Koller has spoken out about the prospects of the PSP for the rest of 2008: he is confident that like the first half of 2008, key titles like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy and God of War: Chains of Olympus, along with multimedia functionality, will set the system apart from its competitors. Koller also believes the key to maintaining strong sales is to add "new features, new functionality." He also confirms the Go!Explore GPS will go on sale in the States in the next nine months and hopes to convey to consumers the PSP is part of a "broader cultural trend for content on the go."

Addressing the new iPhone App Store, which has many games available for download on it, Koller feels that the iPhone "is more of a threat to DS than anything else" because of its nature as a secondary gaming device, hence attracting more casual gamers. We agree -- with an onslaught of specialized exclusives coming up like Resistance: Retribution, Papapon 2 and Dissidia: Final Fantasy, it certainly seems the PSP is poised to have a bright future.

Sony exec admits 'we haven't done enough with third parties' for PS1 downloads

Filed under: News

Where are all the PS1 games? We chatted with SCE Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida about the lack of PS1 downloadable titles in America, and he admitted it frankly: "I'd like to see more games on that as well ... we haven't done enough with third party publishers."

In Japan, companies like Square Enix and Konami have supported the PSN by re-releasing treasured PS1 classics onto the PS Store. However, the rest of the world's catalog has been quite lacking. Yoshida explained that these digital downloads don't offer much profit, calling the potential monies "insignificant." He also noted that there are many issues involving licensing, especially with the music found in older games. That usually adds to the difficulty of bringing back PS1 games.

While lamenting the lack of PS1 support on the PSN, he did ask us a favor: "Maybe if you can convince the third parties."

[Image Source]

Star Ocean's first English screenshots depart

Filed under: News

So we posted a trailer for Star Ocean: First Departure the other day, and today we have the very first screenshots of the English version of the game. It's not a huge gallery brimming to the top with screenies, but it's better than nothing. We've got four pics: two showing off that nice widescreen format in battle and the other two are from the fully-voiced anime cut scenes.

Gallery: Star Ocean: The First Departure

Sony CEO blames piracy for low software sales

Filed under: News

Jack Tretton spoke with us at a blogger's roundtable earlier today. When questioned about why software sales are so sluggish in comparison to the stellar hardware sales, Tretton noted that there were three big reasons: 1 - The multimedia features of the PSP may encourage users to play less games, watch more movies and listen to music. 2 - Gamers don't want water-downed PS2 ports; they want original games. 3 - Piracy.

Tretton told us that "we have been able to track with releases like God of War that hundreds of thousands of units in potential sales are walking out the door through piracy on day one. We knew exactly that only a few months ago. Unforutnately, there isn't much to do for pirates that are already getting their way. Millions of systems are already out there .. but there are "remedies" coming down the line. Perhaps a growing library of DRM-enabled downloadable titles will help Sony's cause. But for now, the situation looks rather bleak.

Sony E3 press conference bingo results are in

Filed under: Fan Stuff

It's a shame that we didn't get bingo. We were so close, too. If only the PSP had trophies, then we would've been set to win. Alas, it didn't happen. We guessed wrong on the new SKU; it turns out that there's a new 80GB SKU at $400. We were also looking forward to a new PS3 controller or maybe some new PSP colors, but those things didn't happen. Anyway, we did all right with nine out of 25. Really, that's not too bad. Check out the results for Microsoft and Nintendo. Who do you think did best?

European PC Store update for July 15th

Filed under: Store

Yeah! It's E3! Time for a special E3 PC Store update! Check out all of these awesome trailers from the Sony Press Conference. Oh wait ... Yeah, it looks like SCEE wasn't informed about E3, but a new episode of Movement is available. That's kind of cool, right? We'd rather have a Resistance Retribution trailer. Here's the full release list:

Videos

• Buzz! Master Quiz Promo Trailer
• Buzz! TV Ad (Master Quiz)
• Movement "Munich: Engine Trouble"
• Movement "Munich: Sausages?"
• Movement "Munich: Hot in the Park"
• Movement "In Vain: Wake Me Up"
• Movement "In Vain: Not Enough"
• Movement "In Vain: Interview"
• Movement "Black Diamond: Ride My Pony"
• Movement "Black Diamond: Can't Take..."
• Movement "Black Diamond Interview"
• Movement "Black Diamond: I want You..."

No Gravity officially hitting European PSN Store

Filed under: Store

Click for high-resolution image.

The popular homebrew title No Gravity is finally getting revamped for official release. No Gravity: The Plague of Mind will release on the PLAYSTATION Store for PSP. Hopefully, this will actually start a new trend of developers moving from the homebrew scene to the official one -- it gives them the opportunity to support the platform, and it gives them to really make a name for themselves as developers.

Gallery: No Gravity

PS Store video service is now live

Filed under: News, Store

As promised, the video service is now live. You can download television shows and movies onto your PSP or PS3. For the PSP, you can log on to the PC Store and hit that "video" icon that's up on top of the screen; it's slightly to the center but leaning more towards the left. You see it? Click that and you can get to the video side of the PS Store. We'll be going in-depth with this new feature very soon, so watch out for our hands-on.

Star Ocean trailer reminds us NA release in October

Filed under: Video, Star Ocean

This trailer for Star Ocean: First Departure, a remake of the original PSOne SNES classic RPG, mostly shows off the all new anime cut scenes that have been added. The voiceovers are still in their original Japanese during this trailer, but the provision of subtitles makes sure you're not left scratching your head as to what's going on.

The game was launched back in December of last year in Japan, and has only recently been announced for North America. Specifically, the game will come out in North America on October 21 of this year.

North American PSN PC-Store special E3 update

Filed under: Downloads, Video, Store

Couldn't get enough of Sony's press conference? Then perhaps you'd like to download the trailers to most of the notable game that were on display today? You can download off the PC store trailers for PSP games like Resistance: Retribution, Buzz PSP, ... and, uh, that looks to be about it on that list down below. The rest appear to be all PS3 games. No matter. If for some reason you can't download the Resistance trailer, or just simply don't want to, you can always watch that very same trailer embedded above.

Video Content:

• Resistance: Retribution
• Buzz PSP
• God of War III
• Killzone 2
• MotorStorm Pacific Rift
• Xam'd Lost Memories
• Ratchet & Clank Quest for Booty
• PixelJunk Eden
• Siren Blood Curse
• PAIN Amusement Park
• Gran Turismo TV

First screenshots of Super Stardust Portable

Filed under: News

We know all you PSP patrons out there must have been delightedly surprised to hear about all the new games that will be coming out. We're sure you're super excited for Super Stardust Portable, so we won't keep you waiting much longer to check out what the game will look like. We've got the first screenshots right here and expect to see more screens updates on all the new titles in the coming hours!

Gallery: Super Stardust Portable