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Dream Games: Halo
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every week.HaloSure, pigs may turn into flying unicorns before this ever happens, but hey ... that's why we're dreaming, right? Halo is easily Microsoft's largest franchise, and it would make a perfect home on PSP. The FPS game has you playing as Master Chief, a soldier in a war against "The Flood," and became one of the single best reasons to own the original Xbox.Why PSP?A portable version was considered by Microsoft, but for a much less capable platform: the DS. The PSP, with its much more impressive tech, would be able to handle the processing needs of a Halo title much better. FPS controls haven't been perfected on the system yet, but that certainly didn't stop Goldeneye from becoming so popular back in the single analog stick era. A version of Halo for the portables would be well-suited for the older, hardcore PSP community, in either a FPS, or Halo Wars-style RTS game. Also, online would be a bit more fun without those silly friend codes. Unless Microsoft is making a portable Xbox, Sony's handheld is where they can go to cash in the big bucks.Is it possible?No. Even though it would make a ton of money, it will most likely never happen.
Dream Games: Final Fantasy VII
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every week.Final Fantasy VIIDoes this game need any explanation? This 32-bit debut from Square put Sony on the map through the liberal use of CG movies that stunned everyone at the time. Some people really like the story, the characters, and the gameplay as well.Why PSP?It makes a lot of sense to release the original right around when Crisis Core, the FFVII prequel hits our system. Considering UMD's greater storage capacity, the game would most likely fit on a single disc: none of this disc swapping nonsense to worry about!Is it possible?Although Square seems keen on revisiting this franchise over and over again, it seems unlikely that Square will settle for a simple port. The Final Fantasy VII tech demo that appeared on the PS3 makes Sony's next-gen console the most likely candidate for a remake, hopefully complete with new Advent Children-style CGs.
Dream Games: Chrono Cross
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every week.Chrono CrossYou may remember a little game called Chrono Trigger. It's considered one of the best games ever created, and the sequel is almost equally superb.Why PSP?Square loves remaking games. And the PSP is home to a good number of them: Valkyrie Profile, Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy Tactics. Surely, a Chrono Cross remake will be heading our way.Is it possible?Yes. I'd like to think it's quite likely. But, will Square put the effort to make a Rondo of Blood-like remake? Imagine: a fully graphically revamped Chrono Cross with Chrono Trigger added as a bonus. It would be the most value-packed UMD ever created. Hmm ... doesn't sound like Square's into that "value" thing. Regardless, both Chrono games are good enough to warrant a revisiting.
Dream Games: Phantasy Star Universe
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every week.Phantasy Star UniverseThe Phantasy Star Online series has reached almost every platform imaginable: the PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360, Dreamcast and even the Gamecube. While Nintendo stayed away from online support for the GC, Sega dove head-in, even going so far as to make an Episode III exclusively for that platform. With that in mind, a PSP version of this revered franchise doesn't sound any more crazy than Sega's previous efforts.Why PSP?The PSP needs a strong online RPG, and PSO and PSU may fit the bill. Portable gamers need something that they'll be able to play offline and on, and that's always been one of the series' highpoints: the flexibility it gives the player. Something as comprehensive as World of Warcraft is most likely not technically possible, nor fun, for handheld play. But the accessibility of PSO and PSU should work on the go.Is it possible?Considering how most publishers shy away from Infrastructure support, we may never see an online RPG on our system. Couple that with extensive homebrew use, and publishers may see the PSP too risky: how can they be sure that people are paying their monthly fees and aren't cheating? It won't be worth their effort, but we'd like to see Sega or Sony at least try once.
Dream Games: Skies of Arcadia
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every week.Today's edition of Dream Games is more about an idea than a specific game in general. What I want to see is a new, original RPG for the PSP that isn't afraid to stray away from the norm: a game that's refreshingly innovative in a genre inundated with clones. While Monster Kingdom is a fun RPG, there's still more that can be done. Which brings us to ...Skies of ArcadiaWe need the equivalent of Skies of Arcadia from the Dreamcast era. This wasn't a port, a remake, or a sequel: it was a completely new world in a new franchise that explored a pretty fascinating theme: sky pirates. It featured top-notch audio, and a visually appealing world that strayed far from the futuristic environments standardized by Final Fantasy VII in the 32-bit era.Why PSP?Our system needs a genre-defining RPG. The original Skies of Arcadia made use of Dreamcast's quirkier accessories, like the VMU. An original PSP RPG would have to take advantage of the system's unique capabilities. Maybe it could use the GPS in a creative Kojima-inspired way? Or, let you import pictures from your Memory Stick (or PSP camera) to use for your in-game avatar? Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure would be a must as well.Is it possible?Clearly, companies are interested in making RPGs for our system: but will we ever get a game as beloved as Skies of Arcadia? Hopefully. Or, maybe Sega could give PSP owners a sequel? Pretty please!
Dream Games: Jet Grind Radio
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every week.Jet Grind RadioDon't confuse Jet Grind Radio (aka Jet Set Radio) as simply a cel-shaded Tony Hawk. While it's true that you'll grind your way through a massive environment like in the formulaic sports game, Jet Grind Radio adds a charming universe, unique gameplay elements, and a refreshing art style in one of Sega's most memorable games on Dreamcast. Marc Ecko might have tried to recreate the fun of Sega's tagging game, but nothing comes close to what Sega has achieved in this game.Why PSP?The PSP has more than enough horsepower to run a game like Jet Grind Radio. The pick up and play gameplay of the original will translate incredibly well for handheld gamers. Certainly, the quick pace of the game will be attractive to many action-oriented PSP gamers. One of the cooler features of the Dreamcast original was the ability to use your own imported images as tags to place in the game (through the VMU). With PSP's Memory Stick compatibility, this feature is a no-brainer. The PSP's wi-fi capabilities would allow players to compete against each other.Is it possible?Hopefully, Sega's upcoming release of Crazy Taxi shows that they're interested in reviving their Dreamcast franchises on our handheld.
Dream Games: Soul Calibur III
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every week.Soul Calibur IIIThe Soul Calibur franchise is considered one of the best fighting series ever. With a large roster of characters, some genuinely interesting weapons and moves, and a great gameplay system, Soul Calibur has it all. After making a brief multiplatform appearance in Soul Calibur II, the third Soul Calibur went exclusively to Sony's PlayStation 2.Why PSP?Namco squeezed all of Tekken 5, and then some, into the tiny PSP. The impressive graphics and enhanced functionality of Dark Resurrection proves that Namco is quite capable of delivering a truly full-fledged fighting game on Sony's portable. The single-player features of Soul Calibur III were mostly bashed by critics, but they might just work on the PSP: the short missions the player must complete are ideal for gaming on the go. Also, the character customization feature doesn't have to go to waste on the PSP; the use of ad-hoc or Infrastructure features can make creating characters worthwhile. While true Infrastructure multiplayer may be too much to ask for, sharing ghost data a la Dark Resurrection may prove to be quite the hit. Imagine: data exchanges that allow you to play against a friend's unique character. Undoubtedly, Soul Calibur III on PSP can become the definitive portable fighting game of all time.Is it possible?Tekken 5 has sold more than 300,000 copies worldwide on the PSP. While not an overwhelming success, that's still an impressive figure (for a port!). Once the game enters Greatest Hits status, it will undoubtedly sell a lot more. There's a demand for good fighters on Sony's portable, and I doubt Namco will want to miss out on such a great opportunity. I hope you're reading this, Namco.
Dream Games: Okami
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every week. Okami Clover Studios' last masterpiece before they were shut down (God Hand doesn't count) didn't earn the sales that it deserved. The cel-shaded adventure game shared many similarities with Zelda (including the ability to play as a wolf), but had enough quirky Japanese originality to set it apart from the rest of the pack. It recently won IGN's Game of the Year award (to much controversy). Whether or not it deserved such a high accolade can be debated, but it's impossible to deny that Okami was still one of PS2's greatest. Why PSP? More people need to play Okami, and the PSP is the only handheld system capable of doing the series justice. Although the Celestial Brush would be incredible on the Nintendo DS' touch screens, the gorgeous animated scenery in Okami would end up being little more than a pixelated mess on the underpowered competition. Like the other Dream Games, Okami doesn't really require complex button combinations. The PSP is sorely missing a truly great adventure game: Okami would be a perfect fit. Is it possible? No. With Clover Studios dismantled, the chances of us ever seeing a portable version of Okami seems slim. And besides, shouldn't Capcom be working on a portable Resident Evil? Pretty please?
Dream Games: God of War
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every Tuesday Wednesday.God of WarDavid Jaffe may have given up on his PSP ambitions through the cancellation of Heartland, but that doesn't mean that he should avoid the platform altogether. Considering how the original God of War is considered to be one of the best action games ever created, we'd love to see a PSP version of this bloody beat-em-up. I'd love either a port of the original (or the upcoming God of War II) or an entirely original game. <spoiler> A side-story could focus on Kratos' life before he was ever afflicted with the curse that covered his skin in ashes.</spoiler>Why PSP?God of War is easily one of Sony's most popular franchises right now (and I say this before God of War II even comes out!). It's clear that God of War III will most likely head towards the PLAYSTATION 3, but there's no reason to avoid a PSP version. The game doesn't require a second analog stick, and the intelligent camera of the first will make it accessible for the portable. Make the levels smaller and shorter, and the game's great combat system will translate quite well for gamers on the go. If God of War made it on the PSP, it will certainly be one of the goriest portable games ever made: and doesn't the PSP deserve that?Is it possible?God of War pushed the PS2's graphical abilities quite far. However, reduced detail would work perfectly fine on the handheld. Even with a lower poly-count and worse textures, God of War will still be fun. Considering how this is a popular Sony-owned property, God of War PSP is not only possible ... but likely.
Dream Games: Resident Evil 4
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every Tuesday.Resident Evil 4To kick-start this feature, I decided to shoot for the stars. Resident Evil 4 is without a doubt one of the finest games created in the last generation. The game completely reinvented the Resident Evil formula, placing the camera behind the game's protagonist, Leon, freeing the player from the notorious tank-like controls the series was infamous for. With its chilling enemies and brilliant gameplay, the game earned an impressive 96 average on Metacritic.Why PSP?Resident Evil 4's behind-the-back perspective removes one of the greatest frustrations of most PSP action games: the lack of camera control. The Gamecube original rarely utilized the second analog stick, simply because it was unnecessary. The game's intuitive controls come from its simplicity: a single button controls much of the action that you'll need. Resident Evil 4 was one of the few games that ran in widescreen only last generation, making the PSP's 16:9 display even more ideal.Is it possible?Although the controls may be well suited for the PSP, the game's technological requirements may mean this game will never see the light on our system. Capcom did an incredible job squeezing this game onto a PlayStation 2, and I doubt that their technical mojo would fail on the PSP. If a port of this fine game isn't being made, hopefully the PSP will see an original Resident Evil of its own: one that uses the same, elegant control scheme used by Resident Evil 4. And if we don't get Resident Evil, at least we can look forward to Silent Hill.
