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PS Fanboy Week in Review: 1/14 - 1/20
Are you a PS3ologist? If so, then read our weekly recap. If not, then read our weekly recap. (Don't forget to check out the original Tom Cruise video, if you don't get the joke.) Interviews Naughty Dog's Evan WellsOn Uncharted (PS3) SCEA's Scott GorylOn Ape Quest (PSP) Reviews Ape Quest (PSP)"By failing to provide either a compelling RPG or mini-game experience, Ape Quest fails to deliver on any of its potential. Even with its budget price, we simply cannot recommend this game." Crash Bandicoot 2 (PS1/PSP/PS3)"Crash looks great on the small PSP screen (looks good upscaled on the PS3 as well), and has the kind of pick up and play gameplay that's perfect on the go." Previews Singstar (PS3)Does Sony's premiere karaoke game live up to the hype? N+ (PSP) Hardcore ninja platforming makes us cry for more.
PSP Fanboy review: Cube
Cube asks players to do one simple thing: get from point A to point B. Of course, it wouldn't be much of a game if it was as easy as it sounds. This action-puzzle game from D3 Publisher has players navigating the titular cube around a three dimensional grid, also made of cubes. Along the way, players will stumble upon a variety of challenges to overcome: gaps in the course that must be mended, paths that must be opened, etc. To do so, there may be blocks for the player to push, or buttons to press. There are also other obstacles that can even destroy the player's cube.The challenges in Cube provide an interesting excursion. As the player progresses, more puzzles are unlocked, and the difficulty slowly rises. Some of the later levels can become truly terrifying pieces of work, layered with complexities. Trying to solve the various puzzles does become quite involving, as players must try to push blocks in a particular way, and pay attention to the movement of other blocks. There's replay value added thanks to additional keys that are scattered throughout a level: by collecting these keys within a certain time limit, the player will be awarded a medal. Obviously, perfectionists will want to get a Gold as often as possible.
Happy Valentine's Day from PSP Fanboy
Click image for a hi-res version.Happy Valentine's Day, PSP fan boys and girls! Do you have a special somebody in your life? One that you would do a duet with in Gitaroo-Man Lives! Well, tell that guy or girl your true feelings today with our special Valentine's e-card. Inspired by the hit Sony flog, this gift should warm the heart of the gaming other in your life.See also:Joystiq Valentine's Day
The Trials and Tribulations of Tiki Games, part 3
Tiki Games is currently developing a PSP-exclusive RTS game called "Galaxy's End." Read more about the trials and tribulations of being an upstart developer in this three-part series by Tiki Games President Kevin J. McCann. See part 1 of the feature here. See part 2 of the feature here. That said we've recently begun to get some interest both from potential investors to major publishers. One of the publishers even contacted me due to Galaxy's End appearing on PSP Fanboy – so thanks to Andrew (and thanks to Joe who originally passed us along). Toward the end of 2006 I was concerned that Galaxy's End may not see the light of day (not to mention financial concerns since Tiki Games is self-funded). But now I'm feeling a bit more optimistic (a somewhat dangerous thing to feel, but it helps) that we're finally getting close to landing a real contract. I'd also like to thank the various posters at PSP Fanboy (and other forums) that have responded positively toward the little glimpse of Galaxy's End. It's reaffirming for us at Tiki Games to see largely positive feedback toward our game from our intended customer-base. For those of you that feel the RTS genre can't be done justice due to potential control issues on the PSP – we (and the publishers that have seen our game) feel the controls are solid. The key is designing the game from the ground-up with the PSP in mind – specifically designing with its controls and screen dimensions in mind. Not simply porting a PC RTS to a handheld – instead taking the most popular elements of the RTS and "translating" them to a handheld, while adding a few innovations/improvements of our own. Likewise for those of you wanting Blizzard's WarCraft/StarCraft or EA's C&C series – give us a try. We're aiming to surprise you with a solid RTS experience on a handheld. Besides, those guys are doing well already! ;) While Galaxy's End future is still uncertain, hopefully we'll secure a publishing deal soon. Your enthusiasm and spreading the word does indeed help. Thanks again. Sincerely,Kevin McCannPresident / Creative DirectorTiki Games, Inc.
PSP Fanboy's New Year's resolutions
Now that the holidays are over, things are slowly going back to the full swing of things. There's sure to be tons of PSP news to come this year, and PSP Fanboy will be all over it like Kryll in the darkness. Our readership has grown a lot over the past few months, and we want to make sure that you get the best experience from us. Therefore, we've made a few New Year's resolutions that we hope you'll enjoy:1. A new writer: Steven BaileyIt's no longer a one-man show here on the Fanboy. Steve loves the PSP just as much as I do, and he'll ensure that breaking news always appears on the site, even if I become infected with the plague. Unlike our previous writer Chris, he isn't so enamored with the N-Gage, and that can only be a good thing, right?"When I'm not playing or writing about video games, I like to bore friends and family by talking about them. Someday I hope to make my own video game and I have big aspirations, just like David Jaffe. Except instead of crying, my PSP game will make them vomit."Expect his big PSP Fanboy debut later today!2. A new feature: "Ask PSP Fanboy"Confused about what your PSP can do? Need an update on a certain game or development? The PSP Fanboy team is here to help you! Our new weekly column will feature YOUR burning questions.To ask a question, simply send an e-mail to andrew @ pspfanboy.com with the subject line "Ask PSP Fanboy."3. A new feature: "PSP Fanboy Theatre"Your PSP can play videos ... take advantage of it! Every weekend, we'll post special PSP-formatted versions of the hottest game and movie trailers for you.I hope you're excited about the upcoming changes to the site--I know I am. Feel free to leave us your comments and YOUR suggestions for the site. Thanks for reading PSP Fanboy ... expect a great 2007!
Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony giveaway #1
We have a lot of copies of Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony to give away. Starting today, we're going to have THREE separate chances for you to win a copy of this PSP-exclusive hack 'n slash RPG. Today, we're going to give away five copies of the game to those of you that are willing to spend a little time and effort:Take a picture or draw a piece of art that best describes a "Throne of Agony." Be creative! Be original! Send your entries via e-mail to throneofagony@anyo.org. All entries must be submitted before November 19th. The PSP Fanboy blogging team will judge your entry based on three criteria: originality & creativity (40%), effort (30%), and visual presentation (30%). The top five entries will win the prize. There is no limit to the number of entries you can submit, so get to work!Stay tuned to PSP Fanboy to see even more Throne of Agony giveaways, leading up to our review of the game next week.Don't forget to enter our other contest:Hijack PSP Fanboy's 1500th post, win GTA
Hijack PSP Fanboy's 1500th post, win GTA
About two months ago, I was in a bar, having a few drinks, thinking about how awesome my blogging experience was going to be at PSP Fanboy. Then, I blacked out. I woke up, with a mysterious mark on my neck, and then learned that my super power was to blog profusely. In just a little over two months since our 1000th post, we've reached yet another milestone: our 1500th post. And like before, it's time to give away some swag! We're giving away a bag full of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories goodies, including the game, a t-shirt and a sticker. All you have to do is threaten us... GTA style. Imagine me playing my PSP, and you're telling me to give you GTA... or else! Think of your funniest/most intimidating threat, and post it in the comments section. Watch your language, though. Simply offensive comments will be deleted and disqualified. The best entries will be the ones that don't resort to such low-brow measures. Giveaway ends on 11/23/06. Random winner will receive their prize after 12/8/06. Limit 1 entry per person. P.S. Expect a review of GTA soon. Also, thanks for all your support. Our readership has been growing steadily, and I'd like to thank all of you for reading the blog. Please, spread the word and help PSP Fanboy continue to grow! Thanks.
Dueling Analog is, like, the best webcomic, ever
An overly enthusiastic shout-out goes to Dueling Analogs. They've been reading PSP Fanboy, and they linked to us! Their latest comic discusses the internet's bashing of the PSP, and how the mean things that people say come out of paternal love more than anything else.Steve, writer of the comic, wrote in his most recent blog post: "Now for the record, I think the PSP is a good system... I just think its made bad mistakes. My main gripe is that the games are not designed for portable, but for console play."You're right Steve, too many of the older PSP games didn't take advantage of the console's portability. Of course, some of us want console-quality on the go, and the PSP does a good job of appealing to that niche. With shortening load times, and better game design, I think the current and upcoming PSP library will make more uniquely portable experiences for our handheld. Thanks for the mention!
PSP Fanboy... on your PSP!
Yes, your favorite websites can now be comfortably viewed on your PSP, cell phone or other mobile device. Visit PSP Fanboy on your PSP by typing in m.pspfanboy.com into your PSP's browser. Other sites you may fancy include:Joystiq - m.joystiq.comEngadget - m.engadget.comNow you'll be able to read PSP Fanboy, wherever you are. Expect us to fully exploit this feature by offering more PSP-compatible downloads that you can access straight from your PSP's browser. Sweet!
PSP Fanboy review: Work Time Fun
WTF, or Work Time Fun, is an enjoyable, but ultimately flawed, game. The title encapsulates the spirit of the game incredibly well: it's quirky and filled with a dark humor that some may find a bit too vulgar or violent to appreciate. Those that watch you play the game will have no choice but to ask WTF? as they see you participating in a variety of games, from the insane to the inane. A collection of approximately 40 mini-games can be unlocked in the game's unique format. You'll only have four games to start, but as you play those games, you'll earn money that allows you to unlock even more games. While the presentation is unique, and executed very well, it's also one of the greatest flaws of the game. Progressing in the game can sometimes feel less like fun and more like work.Continuing reading to see the final verdict.
PSP Fanboy interviews Sonic Rivals' Yosuke Moriya
Fellow blogger Chris Powell did not like my somewhat negative preview of Sonic Rivals from the DigitalLife show floor. He told me on AIM that I should "play it until I like it." Well, buddy-- I tried to follow your advice. I spoke with Yosuke Moriya, product manager for Sega, about the PSP-exclusive title and he talked a little bit about the game, revealed some of its features, and played multiplayer with me. Mr. Moriya reassured me that some of the complaints I had were being addressed before the game ships in November. For example, the framerate certainly hindered the sense of speed the game needs: when debug mode was turned on, I saw that the framerate dropped frequently to 15-20fps. Music will obviously be added, but unfortunately, it appears that voice acting will not (the game currently features very short quips: Sonic says only "yeah" over and over again). The single player portion of the game will be meatier than I originally thought, as I was shown a few of the later levels and a very cool secret unlockable character (which we can't reveal, sorry!). You'll be able to collect rings and cards, which will be redeemed for new customization items for the characters: for example, you can get new shoes for Sonic, or a new outfit for Knuckles, etc. Sonic + Barbie = fun, right? The game was obviously designed with multiplayer in mind, and it became a much more fun, and lively game when playing against a human opponent. I got to trash talk Yosuke as I sped away, racing towards the finish line. The moments where we able to use special powers against each other were the most lively, and the game has to create as many opportuities for interaction as possible. You can bet cards at the beginning of each race, so I could've stolen Yosuke's shoes. I didn't, though... because I'm just that nice. I have to admit I had a blast, but unfortunately, the game will only support ad-hoc multiplayer with two UMDs. Without Infrastructure play, it might be difficult to find another human opponent to play against. And that's a shame, really, because the game does become a much more lively game with it.
Lumines II website opens, links to PSP Fanboy
We at PSP Fanboy love Lumines... and apparantly, the people of Lumines love us right back! The official website just launched, and within the slick-looking interface, you'll see upcoming competitions, a wallpaper creator, and more. It appears the site will expand over time, to include a blog, a "music hub" and more. Most excitingly, if you check out the Links section (click the green box), you'll see that Joystiq and PSP Fanboy are listed in their Links section! A mere mortal like me feels honored.See also:Exclusive Heavenly Star fan pack
TGS 06: Every PSP game previewed
There are way too many PSP games at this year's Tokyo Game Show. Because not all of us have time to read all the impressions and previews of all the games coming out, PSP Fanboy has created this nifty guide for all the games that were previewed. You'll get a thumbs up or a thumbs down from the major video game news sites. If a game looks like it might be a real winner, we'll award it "The Official PSP Fanboy Entranced Korean Award." These are the games that'll end up in Korea on giant PSPs, luring people to their eventual doom. And, that's pretty cool. Read on to see all the previews!
Winning the fortune: WTF contest results
A few weeks ago, PSP Fanboy hit our 1000th post, and we celebrated by throwing a contest for you. We asked you to write a new meaning for the acronym WTF in preparation of the upcoming PSP-exclusive game Work Time Fun. We got our magical hat of randomness and chose one of you to win the game for free. And the winner is...
Rejoice, Sony lovers! PSPfanboy reaches 1,000 posts
A good co-worker always tips his hat when a fellow excels. PS3fanboy today tips their hat to PSPfanboy for reaching the coveted 1,000 posts! Good job, PSPfanboy, and we'll catch up to you sometime (for the record, PS3fanboy is hovering around 450 posts). Why should you care, oh avid readers? PSPfanboy is giving away a copy of the game WTF for free! By free, we of course mean you need to come up with a fantastic, humorous new meaning for the acronym WTF, aside from the obvious. Check out their post and contest regulations here! Or go here. You might be interested in what they have here. If you were able to continue reading without habitually clicking links, they all go to the same place. Have fun and congrats, fellow Sony-supporter site.
Celebrate PSP Fanboy's 1,000th post, win WTF
In honor of their 1000th post, the boys at PSP Fanboy are giving away a copy of the upcoming "work simulator" WTF (née Baito Hell 2000). All you need to do to throw your name in the ring is suggest an alternative meaning for the titular acronym besides Work Time Fun (or that other meaning ... you know what we're talking about). Our favorite so far: ZENegade's "WTF = Win The For!" ... or Silver R. Wolfe's "Warioware turns fun!" which, though blasphemous and heretical, is appropriately fanboyish. How about Western Truck Fab? No? Well, let's see you do better! Head over to PSP Fanboy and let em hear it, you might win something.
WTF?! PSP Fanboy's 1000th Post!
It's been a long time since PSP Fanboy opened its doors and said "Hello World!" In fact, it's been one thousand posts since that time. Here are some of the more memorable moments in the past one thousand posts: Our first-ever user comment! Our first-ever Japanese sales report! (PSP's best-selling game was Brain Trainer Portable... original) The first time Samuel L. Jackson was pictured on the site The first time we used "WTF" in a title The first time we showed you people breaking their PSPs for fun The first time we had more than 30 comments (also: The first time we pitted the DS against the PSP, proving that flame bait = the mad traffic increase) The second time we announced the site going live (strange...) The first time prolific comment poster pixelator made a comment The first time new blogger Andrew Yoon wrote a story The first time new blogger Chris Powell wrote a story Hope you enjoyed our little retrospective look at the site. To bribe you to keep on coming back thank you for being such a loyal reader, we're giving away a free copy of the upcoming PSP game WTF. The game features tons of zany mini-games, and includes Game Sharing so you can play with your friends.To win your copy of WTF, think of a new meaning for the acronym. The PSP game stands for Work Time Fun. Try to think of a new, funny meaning for it (besides the obvious one).For example: Wax That Fanny, Women Touching Franks, Wank The Ferret, etc.Post a comment with your idea, and we'll choose one random person to get the game. The winner will receive their prize after 9/26/06. Contest ends on 9/12/06. Thanks, D3 Publisher!
Obsessed with PSP? PSP Fanboy's hiring!
PSPFanboy is looking for a few good bloggers! Does Sony's sleek, svelte, sexy system make you want to write and tell the whole world about it? Does the mere thought of camera peripherals, GPS attachments, and homebrew minutiae make you weak in the knees? If so, you might have what it takes to join the PSPFanboy crew.Still with us? Keep reading then...
