Koei revives RPG Zill O'll Infinite, reveal PSP-heavy TGS lineup

Filed under: News

In the past two weeks you've probably heard all about several of Koei's new titles and newly found love for PSP. Two new games -- Dynasty Warriors Multi Raid and Warriors Orochi 2 -- are making their way to the oblong portable device by the end of this year in Japan, and lucky TGS-goers will get a chance to check them out at the show. Being the generous sort of folks they are, Koei has one more title set for release this year in Japan: Zill O'll Infinite Plus.

Scheduled for a release in December, Zill O'll Infinite is going to be a PSP port of the PS2 remake of the original PSOne RPG (yikes what a mouthful!) with expected new elements. The game hasn't been officially mentioned yet on Koei's TGS lineup like DWMR and WO2, but we're assuming it won't miss the show like the other recently unveiled titles. The only other PSP title to appear at Koei's booth is the already released Neo Angelique. With Zill added to the mix, Koei will have four PSP games at the show -- which accounts for nearly half their showing this year. It's nice to hear that some developers haven't put the PSP down for the 10-count just yet.

[Via PSP Hyper]

The decline of PSP software, in graph form

Filed under: News

Edge has created a chart which illustrates something we all know: PSP has lost software support.

Well, thanks a lot jerks. When you put it in graph form like this, obviously it's going to hurt. (sobs)

But in all seriousness, the piece does an excellent job in articulating the finer details of PSP's slow loss of support. In spite of the smaller games library this year, the percentage of exclusives is also steadily dropping. While this piece could be yet another mantra against piracy and the likes, we want to direct you to an excellent piece by PSP World, which offers an alternative: it's all Xbox's fault. Kris Erickson postulates that a number of excellent XBLA games would be perfect for play on PSP. We'd agree. Developers may be moving resources to XBLA, away from PSP, when thinking up short, accessible games that would play well on handhelds. An interesting theory, yes. However, we're confident that upcoming PSN ports of Super Stardust and Everyday Shooter are just the beginning of a slew of downloadable PSP games.

PSP Fanboy hands-on: Neverland Card Battles

Filed under: Previews

It is refreshing to see a game like Neverland Card Battles hitting the PSP. It's a title that blends together two very distinct strategy genres: tradable card games and strategy RPGs. It may sound a tad strange at first, having these two gameplay aspects merging as one, but that's what we're here for. We're here to help explain to you just how exactly that experience plays out and what it was like going through it all. Was it any fun? You'll find out soon enough.

Having played the title just this afternoon, I immediately went through the very first level to get a quick grasp of the story and basic play mechanics. The game plays out on an S-RPG type of battle grid with the enemy card wielder on one side and the hero Galahad on the other. The objective of all Neverland battles is to obviously defeat your opponent, and to do so you'll have a 30-card deck at your disposal. At the beginning of each battle you'll have a full hand of five cards (see where the TCG is starting to kick in?), and to use these cards you'll have to draw mana. Drawing mana is done by increasing one's "territory" on the battle grid. As you move your character (and later on summoned creatures) across the playing field, they'll turn each square they touch into your team's color -- this represents your territory. Each square equals one mana and dictates your overall summoning strength, so it's crucial to take command over the battlefield in order to win.

Gallery: Neverland Card Battles

Continue reading PSP Fanboy hands-on: Neverland Card Battles

Worldwide PSP releases for the week of September 21

Filed under: Software

Talk about a turn around. A healthy amount of releases for two straight weeks in a row ... it's unbelievable. Two weeks of not writing "no new releases" -- it feels good. We are impressed with this. We are satisfied.

NA Games:

• LEGO Batman
• Pipemania
• BUZZ! Master Quiz

EU Games:

• PDC World Championship Darts 2008
• Pipemania
• R-Type Tactics

Asian Games:

• Daisenryaku: Dai Toua Kouboushi - Tora Tora Tora Ware Kishuu Ni Seikou Seri
• Mana-Khemia: Gakuen no Renkinjutsu Shitachi Portable [Premium Box]
• Patapon (PSP the Best)
• Pipemania
• Princess Maker 5 Portable [Limited Edition]
• Soldier Collection (PC Engine Best Collection)

It also looks like Pipemania will be hitting retailers a week early. That's good to hear we suppose. Patapon is going cheap in Asia ... though they're still paying slightly more for what we pay over here. That's it for this week; hopefully the next will keep the momentum going.

Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 40

Filed under: Ask PSP Fanboy

It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q. Hi, I was wondering if it is possible to buy the white PSP-3000 from Japan and have it still work in English. The reason I am asking is because in North America there will only be 2 colors: black and silver, and when I get the new PSP-3000 I want mine to stand out and be one of the only people with a totally different color PSP than anyone else.
A. While Sony does suggest installing the corresponding firmware with the same region the unit was purchased in, any firmware update can be installed on an imported PSP. Region locking shouldn't be an issue, when it comes to gaming, although some features are locked to certain regions (i.g. Skype, Go!Messenger, etc.).

Q. I heard a keyboard would be coming to the PSP sometime next year. Any chance a firmware update would bring some form of a chatroom feature?
A. It's definitely a possibility, but we won't hear anything about that until we get closer to the keyboard release.

Q. I'd like to ask if you need a "MagicGate" Memory Stick to be able to use it on the PSP? I ask this because Memory Sticks are pretty expensive for bigger sizes and I found a Memory Stick adapter for microSD cards (which are cheaper than MSPD cards) and I would like to know if they would work on my PSP. They don't have the MagicGate logo on them, so that's why I would like to know. Also, do you think it will decrease the read/write speed of the PSP?
A. A MagicGate Memory Stick is not required (though recommended) for the PSP, but adapters will vary. Do some research on the brand you're considering, and see if anyone has had trouble/success with the product. One note: downloads from the PS Store will not work on a Memory Stick without MagicGate protection.

Continue reading Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 40

PSP Fanboy hands-on: Star Ocean: First Departure

Filed under: Star Ocean, Previews

Having played all the Star Ocean titles officially available in North America, I was more than eager to try out Square-Enix's remake of the game that started it all. As most Star Ocean fans know, the original title was released on the Super Famicom in 1996 but never saw the light of day in the US, so this PSP-exclusive remake is the first time many of us will be playing the game. Read on to find out my thoughts after spending a couple of hours with the game.

Gallery: Star Ocean: The First Departure

Continue reading PSP Fanboy hands-on: Star Ocean: First Departure

Dissidia limited edition PSP is ridiculously limited edition

Filed under: Final Fantasy

You're not getting one, sorry. The Limited Edition Dissidia PSP-3000 bundle bound for Japan is being sold exclusively through a lottery system that only Square Enix members in Japan can enter in. The entry period is limited to a one week window, and amongst those entries, random people will be selected to purchase those systems.

So your best bet: eBay.

[Thanks, Darryl!]

'Metal Gear Solid Existence' found in Japanese trademark database

Filed under: News

Siliconera has discovered Metal Gear Solid Existence in the Japanese trademark database. We're going to give you a number of things this could possibly be. Let's make some predictions now and see who wins.

• Metal Gear Solid 4: Existence - A re-release of MGS4 with added content, much in the vein of Substance and Subsistence.
• Portable Ops 2 - The long-rumored real sequel to the PSP-exclusive Portable Ops series.
• Metal Gear Solid EXistence - An Xbox 360-exclusive Metal Gear Solid game.
• OR ... A damn cell phone game that won't ever come out in America.

With TGS around the corner, there's a chance we may find out what this mysterious title is sooner than later. Stay tuned.

[Thanks, Kspraydad!]

Gundam vs. Gundam gets first customized PSP-3000

Filed under: Gundam, Imports

We knew that several new games were going to be bundled with a PSP-3000 pack in Japan, and Gundam vs. Gundam just so happens to be one of them. The interesting thing about this bundle is that the PSP-3000 has a special Gundam-themed embossing on its backside; this will be the first PSP-3000 model -- which we know of at the moment -- to feature such extra fan service. We wonder if the other Japanese bundles (Dissidia: Final Fantasy and Patapon 2 Donchaka) will also receive this boutique-style enhancement. We'll just have to wait and see.

The Gundam vs. Gundam bundle will launch alongside the standalone game on November 20 in Japan. It will retail for ¥24,840 ($236.23).

Deal: 8GB Memory Stick for $40 [Update]

Filed under: Peripherals

[Update 2 -- Seems like the 8GB ones are back. We are assuming they replenish their stock throughout the day, so if you don't see the deal, try back again later.]

[Update -- Unfortunately, it looks like the deal expired. However, they do have the 4GB for $14.99, which is still better than yesterday's deal. Thanks, Joepal!]

The prices for these babies just keep falling, huh? Yesterday we posted a deal about a 4GB Memory Stick for $20. How about we top that deal? At $40 with free shipping, these Lexar 8GB Memory Sticks are simply a steal. Need we say more? Head over to Frys for this incredible deal now. When will the 16GB ones (currently at a little less than $125) reach these affordable prices?

[Via Slickdeals]

Super Stardust Portable for November release, says import retailer

Filed under: Super Stardust Portable

The upcoming PSP version of the popular shooter Super Stardust may be arriving in November, if importer Play-Asia is to be believed. The game has a release date of November 20th for Asian markets on UMD.

Considering Super Stardust Portable is supposed to be a PSP downloadable title, it appears that it will get a simultaneous UMD/download release -- at least in Asia. Hopefully, it won't be long until Sony confirms a date for this sweet addition to the PSP lineup.

[Via PSPHyper]

Gallery: Super Stardust Portable

SEGA teases new RPG to be revealed next week

Filed under: News

What could SEGA be working on? Based off this newly revealed teaser site, the house that Sonic built is working on an RPG. It will be revealed in next week's issue of Famitsu which is out on Friday, September 26. Until then, we'll have to snoop around the website and make some speculative guesses.

Well so far, all we know is that the game is an RPG and has something to do with dragons. Secondly, the background music has an undeniably 8-bit sound ... an era far preceding PlayStation. Is this a hint of some sort? A remake of an old title perhaps or a retro release a la Capcom and Mega Man 9? Whatever it is, we're quite enchanted by the music, so we're definitely intrigued to find out if this will be a PS3, PSP, or downloadable PSN title.

[Via NeoGAF]

Deal: 4GB Memory Stick for $20 ... again

Filed under: Peripherals

Missed the deal on the 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo last month? It's okay, because they are offering the same deal again: twenty clams for a Memory Stick that will store 4GB worth of whatever you want on it. Though this will be sufficient for most user's demands, you may still find yourself needing more storage. At this price, you can afford to buy more than one. Take advantage of this deal here.

[Thanks, burandon!]

DJ Max Fever will also get limited edition run, DLC

Filed under: DJ Max

The DJ Max games in Korea received some ridiculously cool, and expensive, limited edition sets (pictured, above). Looks like the upcoming US release of DJ Max Fever will follow suit. However, it may be hard to find at your local retailer. Michael Yum from PM Studios explained to Bemanistyle: "We are currently working on the limited edition package. Being a new publisher, it is very hard for us to get commitments from retailers on the limited edition."

Game Director Ki In Kim also added that DLC may be in the works for Fever. "Downloadable content is something we are planning right now." Considering the success of DLC for music games on consoles, we think that's a pretty smart idea.

[Thanks, Deluxe!]

Is your head getting hot for more? Check out our DJ Max page for all our coverage.

Sengoku Basara Battle Heroes trailer shows more hack 'n slash action

Filed under: Imports, Video

Download to PSP

Take a good look at this trailer. It may look like a Koei. Heck, it may even sound like a Koei game, but nope -- this hack 'n slash game is made by Capcom. This ad-hoc enhanced multiplayer fighter encourages team play. But watch out, if you're stuck with someone that particularly sucks at the game, you will be penalized.

PlayStation goes to CAMP: Creator Audition Mash Up Project

Filed under: News

Have you ever wanted to make games? For many, it's just a pipe dream. However, PlayStation has just launched a new search for talent in its Creator Audition Mash Up Project, or CAMP for short. They're looking for enthusiastic innovators to bring forth more unique games to the PS3/PSP. The audition is open to people of all ages and races ... so long as they live in Japan.

The application is rather flexible, but it must effectively show your skills and your unique, innovative idea. Do what Dylan Cuthbert and Q-Games did with the PixelJunk series: use graphics to help convey what's bubbling in your brain.

Check out the PlayStation CAMP website for more information. Who knows -- you may become the creator of the next innovative PlayStation project!

[Thanks, chocito!]

Worldwide PSP releases for the week of September 14

Filed under: Software

Ebb and flow -- that's the PSP for you. Sometimes the tide brings in a bounty; other times, we head home empty-handed and with sandy feet. This week is one of the good ones. Just take a look at what washed up on shore:

NA Games:

• B-Boy
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
• Yggdra Union: We'll Never Fight Alone

EU Games:

• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Asian Games:

• Katekyoo Hitman Reborn! Battle Arena
• Neo Angelique Special [Premium Box]
• Samurai Dou Portable

Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 39

Filed under: Ask PSP Fanboy

It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q. I found a comparison photo on GameSpot and I'm wondering if you know what the background image on both screens is from? Is it from a PSP game? It looks a bit like Little Big Planet to me...
A. You're correct! The background image is indeed from LittleBigPlanet, which is coming to the Playstation 3 in October.

Q. Will the new Logitech PlayGear Pocket Slim work with the 3000 Series?
A. While the Logitech PlayGear Pocket Slim doesn't officially support the soon-to-be-released PSP-3000, based on it's physical size, we're assuming it will fit just the same.

Q. Does the PSP have a wireless internet connection?
A. Of course! The PSP has Wi-Fi (802.11b) connectivity, which allows you to surf the internet, play online, or even download content to your PSP's memory stick.

Continue reading Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 39

Samurai Showdown Anthology set to heat up winter

Filed under: News

Before there was Soul Calibur, there was Samurai Showdown. Fans of the weapons-based fighting series may remember the early days -- a time when all the cool kids had Neo Geos. Those were some good times, huh? Since then, the series has grown and spread its seed onto other platforms.

Gathering the SS titles together, SNK is taking the aging IP and putting all six appropriately numbered Showdown games onto one little disc; it's being called Samurai Showdown Anthology. With SNK around, there's never a shortage of these Anthology collections, now is there? The latest press release pins the game for a European release by winter 2008; a North American release was also mentioned sometime ago.

[via press release]

Neo Angelique downloadable demo is shortest demo ever

Filed under: Demos

Have a hankering for some bishonen to tend to your every need? Then, maybe a downloadable demo of Koei's upcoming Neo Angelique will satiate that urge. In this demo, you'll see a few anime guys try to win you over -- but after a few seconds of fanservice, the demo will abruptly end. It's not even a one night stand! Heck, it's barely a one minute stand! Pfft, these guys are so skeevy. To download the Japanese-only 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 NPJH90010 folder into the GAME directory. Make sure there are no sub-directories in this folder.

Yoshida really, really disappointed by lack of third party support

Filed under: Interviews

Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida recently lamented the state of PSP in an interview with IGN UK. He notes that third party support for Sony's handheld has been "really, really disappointing," calling the current sitation "a lost opportunity for the third parties." He's echoed this sentiment before.

"They should look at what the PSP can do for their titles and the potential for the business that their IP has," he says, pointing out Sony's first-party support of the handheld through titles like God of War, Resistance and Buzz!. Of course, Yoshida's job is to convince third party developers to support the platform. His strategy? "We have to show by examples. What's happening in Japan is interesting - because of the massive success of Monster Hunter, Japanese publishers realise, 'here's a resource'. Lots of people are playing PSP in groups of fours and when you go to Japan it's hard to find a train or a bar where you don't see some people playing a PSP. So other publishers in Japan are seeing these consumers, and thinking, 'Wow, we can make games for those consumers'."

Star Ocean box art splits the world in two

Filed under: Star Ocean

The US box art for the upcoming PSP Star Ocean remakes are surprisingly void of anime characters. Instead, Square Enix USA has opted to go for something a bit more subtle: cracking the world in half. Like those friendship rings of yesteryear, buying both First Departure and Second Evolution and putting them together creates a whole image. As the Square Enix blog says, "How can you own one and not the other?"

[Thanks. T.J. F.!]

Field Commander now available on the US PC Store

Filed under: Store

The American PC Store has been updated to include the full PSP title Field Commander. So if you're in the impulse buying mood, you can go ahead and pay the $14.99. It's online shopping and it arrives almost immediately. Depending on your internet connection, obviously. Only one other thing was added to the US PC Store today; a developer walkthrough for the upcoming Lucasarts title Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. That's free, in case you're wondering.

One more Koei game: Dynasty Warriors Multi Raid

Filed under: News, Imports

It seems Koei's PSP ports are just coming out of the woodwork. Not more than a few days ago, the Japanese corp stated new games were to be shown at TGS; a day later we know what those games are. One is a port of Warriors Orochi 2, and another, we've found out, is this: Dynasty Warriors Multi Raid.

The title is yet another multiplayer co-op game (who'd a thunk it?) that's based off of Dynasty Warriors 6 (probably more specifically on the PS2 version). It'll be out later this year in Japan and scheduled for "winter." While it's not altogether surprising to hear that Koei's offerings are ports, we can't help but feel disappointed at the lack of something really new and original ... but, we should've seen that one coming from a mile away.

[Via Gamekyo]

PSP MotorStorm spotted at Game.co.uk retailer

Filed under: News

We wouldn't be surprised to see MotorStorm make the jump from PS3 to PSP. A ton of games are making the leap to Sony's handheld, like Resistance Retribution, Everyday Shooter, Super Stardust Portable, and flOw. Of course, this could be a simple database entry mistake by a Game.co.uk employee -- but for now, we're keeping our hopes high that PSP gets its own version of the intense off-road racing game.

Two new PSP games revealed in latest Famitsu

Filed under: News

All right, we've got two new games from two different companies. First up is Koei's Musou Orochi: Maou Sairin (Warriors Orochi 2) which is probably one of those "new" titles Koei has been talking about recently. It's a port of the PS2 game which will be out later this month in North America. The PSP port is scheduled for Japan this November with new characters and ad hoc multiplayer.

The second title is Capcom's Sengoku Basara: Battle Heroes. The series has never left done poorly outside Asia, so we're not banking on this one getting localized. Battle Heroes has 2-on-2 battles and 4-player ad hoc. Battle Heroes is scheduled for Spring 2009 in Japan.

Are you sensing a pattern in Japanese PSP development? Notice how all games now seem to be touting the multiplayer co-op ad hoc? Thanks to Monster Hunter, developers have finally found a cash cow in the PSP.

Source 1
Source 2

Gameloft developing for PS3 and PSP?

Filed under: News

If you've heard of the name Gameloft before, chances are you've played your fair share of Desperate Housewives on your mobile phone. Either that or you've got a thing for WiiWare games. Whatever your poison is, you'll want to keep watch over the primarily-mobile-phone-dev as it just might be making way onto PlayStation platforms.

According to the eagle-eyed at Siliconera, the USK -- Germany's ESRB equivalent -- rated Gameloft's Brain Challenge as both a PS3 and PSP title. It looks like the trivia game might be heading to the PSN as a downloadable title ... at least for Germany anyhow.

D3 Publisher reveals European PSP download lineup

Filed under: News

D3 Publisher will be extending its range of newly announced PSP downloadable titles to Europe. While there is no pricing info nor release date, the company has listed which games it will be making available for download in Europe in Q4 2008. These are Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords, Cube, Practical IQ, Dead Head Fred, Beta Bloc and Super Pocket Tennis.

So, for the most part these releases are the same as D3 Publisher's upcoming US downloadable releases, with the exception of Beta Bloc and Super Pocket Tennis. We'll update you with a release schedule and pricing as soon as we find out. If the price is right, a number of these games would make a perfect impulse buy.

[Via Press Release]

Koei to unveil new PSP games at Tokyo Game Show

Filed under: News

Koei president Kenji Matsubara spoke recently with Gamasutra about making third party titles in Japan. More important to our readers, part of that discussion involved PSP. Pointing to the PSP's success with Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (yes, everything comes back around to Monster Hunter PSP savior), Matsubara said it is encouraging to make games for the PSP as opposed to other tougher markets (the PS3 and 360).

In line with this, Koei has acted accordingly by revealing plans to announce new PSP titles at this year's Tokyo Game Show in October. What those titles are, it won't say, but we're certainly curious to find out. Deducing from the article, it sounds like Koei is aiming to make a game that utilizes Monster Hunter's team-focused gameplay. Hmm, perhaps a game where Guan Yu and friends go around Han Dynasty China looking to slay mythical creatures? We wouldn't be surprised ...

Anyway, don't get too excited yet. While Koei sings a PSP paean, it can't deny a lack of enthusiasm from Western markets. Perhaps, these new games will be Japan-only. Stay tuned, we'll have more from TGS next month.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3 headed to Europe in November

Filed under: Yu-Gi-Oh!

Looks like there is some good news for Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force fans -- Konami is bringing the third installment of the game series over to Europe in November. We've heard that Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3 won't be headed for the US, so this is also good news for you guys who were hoping for an English port of the game.

The game will feature 3,500 cards from all the recent trading card game packs, such as The Duelist Genesis set. Konami is also promising DLC, in the form of decks or individual cards. Other features include online play where up to four players can duel together via Ad-Hoc and a new Gallery feature. Check out the first screenshots in English in the gallery below.

[Via press release]

Gallery: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force 3