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News report: Folding@home in action
While the rest of the world waits, Japanese PS3 owners have been able to enjoy the most significant update to the PS3 so far. Firmware version 1.6 includes background downloading, the ability to zoom in the web browser, and Folding@home, an application that allows your PS3 to aid researchers in their search for cures to many diseases. Siliconera has found a news report that (shock) paints the PS3 in a very positive light.Check out the video, embedded above. Will you be running the Folding@home application when it arrives to your PS3 this Friday?
The Simpsons presents Death Kill City II
Maybe the writers of The Simpsons are PSP fanboys like us, angered by the impending release of the PS2 version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. The once-PSP exclusive is moving to the home console, and The Simpsons takes a shot at it through the parody game Death Kill City II: Death Kill Stories. As Siliconera reports, the goal of the game seems quite fun: "You have destroyed all human life on Earth. Level one complete."
Memorable Smackdown! fantasy fights
Ronald McDonald versus Hamburglar.Strider versus Spider-Man.Jill Valentine versus Nemesis.Jason versus Freddy.These dream fights have been created in WWE Smackdown's extensive character creation mode, and can be seen in their full glory at Siliconera. For those of you with the game, have you been able to create any truly special characters?
Konami's retro shooter collections, in video
Konami recently released three different retro shooter collections in Japan: Parodius, Twinbee, and Salamander. Although Konami eventually released Gradius Collection in the States, it seems highly unlikely that these hardcore shooters will leave the land of the rising sun.Because the PSP can play games from any region, importers may want to seriously consider getting these games. Siliconera has some detailed videos of the three games in action. Some of the footage is certainly bizarre, but that's part of Konami's unique charm. The videos are provided, after the cut.
Puzzle Quest producer spills the beans
Andy Pan, producer on the upcoming puzzler Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords, recently spoke about the game with Siliconera. The game has caused many to raise an eyebrow in question of its goal to combine puzzle and RPG gameplay into the perfect hybrid. Andy explains some of the battle pieces on the board:"The battle system takes place on a puzzle board in an 8 x 8 grid. There are 8 elements on the puzzle board – 4 mana gems (fire, water, air, earth) as well as experience (the purple icons) gold (gold coins) and skulls and finally, the wildcard."The game is turn-based, with the goal being to completely wipe your opponent's hit points before they do the same to you. Obviously, before you can deal out the damage, you need to gather the appropriate mana pieces to cast spells. Or, you can match 3 skulls, which will also do damage to your opponent.
Gurumin to feature Japanese VA, and more details revealed
"We looked up "no-brainer" in the dictionary and there was a picture of Gurumin," said Mastiff in an interview with Siliconera. The publisher reveals a few interesting tidbits, like having the original Japanese voice acting available as a secret easter egg. Way cool---just in case the English VA doesn't work out so well. Mastiff also points out features that are available in the PSP version of the game that can't be found on the original PC version of the game:"Gurumin on the PSP not only features tons of extra content that wasn't available on the PC, like new costumes and a boss rush mode, but the controls have been polished for the PSP version, and the game delivers an action-RPG experience that simply can't be had anywhere else on the platform."Check out the rest of Siliconera's interview with Mastiff, and voice actor, Amber Hood.
Every Extend Extra to feature new song in US
Siliconera has just secured an interview with Every Extend Extra's producer, Linda Jo. For the most part, it repeats many details we already know (such as how music and timing functions into the game). However, Linda let slip a few interesting tidbits. Firstly, she confirms that the game is a PSP-exclusive, and won't receive a Lumines-like PS2 port (for now at least). She also reveals that "one of the bonus drives in the game includes an original music track that is exclusive to the version published by BVG."Considering Buena Vista Games is owned by Disney, maybe we'll get some hardcore Mickey Mouse music in our game. That'd be crunk. The game hits stores in November.
Another story about Loco Roco... and Japanese models
Perverted Japanese PSP Fanboy's Andrew Yoon consistently writes news stories about Loco Roco and Japanese models. In his ideal version of paradise, those two would somehow be combined. That day... has come! Firstly, you can learn the difference between all the characters of Loco Roco by checking out Siliconera. See the cute MuiMui, the racially insensitive Mojya, and more! Next, check out how Sony's trying to make the Japanese people like Loco Roco a bit more than they do now: they'll use actress Ryoko Shinohara to pose with the game and star in new commercials. Oh my, it appears that Andrew's died and gone to heaven. Loco Roco comes to the US in just one week. [First half via Siliconera, second half via PSP-Vault]
Sony reveals partial TGS lineup
The Games Convention is Germany has just begun, but that doesn't mean we can't look towards the next big gaming event: Tokyo Game Show. Sony will have a huge presence there, ready to show off the bleeding edge PlayStation 3 and maturing PlayStation Portable lineup of games. Here's what PSP fans can expect from the show:PSP Boxer's Road 2: The RealMonster Hunter Portable 2Jan Sangoku MusouMetal Gear Solid: Bande Dessinee (Graphic Novel)Metal Gear Solid: Portable OpsJeanne D'ArcSarugetchu Piposaru RacerTenchi No Mon 2 (Kingdom of Paradise 2)Ratchet and Clank PortableAce Combat X: Skies of DeceptionGundam Battle RoyaleTales of World: Radiant Mythology PSP GPS Software Navigation Software (temporary title)Metal Gear Solid: Portable OpsHomestar PortableMinna no Golf (temporary title) I can't wait to see Metal Gear Solid and its newly announced GPS support in action. Jeanne D'Arc, Monster Hunter, Ratchet and Clank, and Tales are all pretty high-profile, and as you should know, Gundam will eat Japan. Go to Siliconera to see PS3's lineup. [Via Siliconera]
Every Extend Extra video blowout
As if going crazy with Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins wasn't enough, Gametrailers.com has posted three new videos of Every Extend Extra on their site. (And you can download the iPod-formatted videos to your PSP!) You may have already seen 1UP's beautiful coverage of the game, but unless you've imported the game, videos are the best we have until the game ships in a month (for only $30, too!). From what I've played, the game isn't that much better than the original Every Extend, but it certainly is a lot of fun regardless. Spencer Yip, from Siliconera, seems to agree with that sentiment as well. After watching these videos, feel free to read his extensive import review.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children reports from Hollywood
For the Final Fantasy fans lucky enough to be near Hollywood yesterday night -- and in line for free tickets during the middle of a regular workday -- there was much rejoicing to be had as Advent Children celebrated its U.S. theatrical premiere in style.Siliconera has a write-up on the event with quotes from most of the American voice actors in attendance, who, along with the audience at hand, watched the film in English for the very first time. Lip synching may have been off due to the low-resolution print the actors had to work with, but even Rachel Leigh Cook -- pictured here with her character Tifa Lockheart -- declared herself a new fan of Final Fantasy after the show.Helpful Joystiq Contributor epobirs also had something to report from the screening yesterday, where he gives us an Ain't-It-Cool style rundown of the event. If you want the rest of his reflections on the requirements of the Academy in Oscar nominations, as well as what it takes to "assert your hetero nature ... after watching a movie packed with metrosexual men," simply continue reading below for more. Siliconera's report can be found by clicking on the image of Ms. Cook above or the Read link below. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children will be out on DVD/UMD April 25th.[Thanks, epobirs; image of Tifa courtesy of Eyes on Final Fantasy]
