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Level 5's super-secret RPG revealed!
Remember how Famitsu said they had the scoop on some big-name game coming for the PSP? Well, here it is folks. A tiny scan from NeoGAF shows that it's a new strategy RPG from big-name developer Level 5. It's entiteld "Jeanne d' Arc," or Joan of Arc, for you English-speaking folk. What has Level 5 done before, you ask? They're the ones responsible for the uber-hit Dragon Quest VIII. Additional reporting from IGN reveals more info on the game: it takes place in a fictional world based on the true story of Joan. While hearing voices from the heavens, Joan is ordered to fight demons and the English army. In order to do so, she will partake in turn-based strategy battles. However, there are a few twists. Features like "Burning Site" and "Connection Guard" can boost stats of players on the field, drastically changing the flow of battle. The game features "full 3D visuals that appear to actually push the PSP hardware" and is 70% done. We can expect more news on this hot PSP-exclusive title soon, considering how it will come out by the end of the year... in Japan.
Metareview - LocoRoco (European version)
Aside from the peculiar Metal Gear graphic novel, our PSP's UMD drive has been empty for months. And while we're looking forward to the Valkyrie Profile update (out this week), we're most excited about LocoRoco. Granted, the North American version isn't slated for release until September, but there are plenty of reviews rolling in based on the European version, which was released in late June -- Japan received its version last week.Here's what critics are saying across the Atlantic: Eurogamer (90/100) heralds LocoRoco as "the perfect distilation [sic] of everything a handheld game should be," but admits that 'perfection' is hard to describe: "it feels equal part puzzle and platform game, but fresher, funnier and more satisfying than words could ever make it sound." Gamers Europe (90/100) says Sony's finally gotten it right: "[LocoRoco has] got me using the PSP again, as opposed to just my DS. Unlike so many PSP ports and rehashes, it's perfectly suited to the system and perfectly suited to handheld gaming." PALGN (80/100) declares the game is "insanely addictive," but "[the] major downfall with LocoRoco really is the lifespan."
Colossal figurine ... at 1/150 scale
We've been spending most of our free time feeding this dog radioactive kibble in a poorly thought out plan to make him 100 feet tall. Every night, we lay out an oversized bowl, filled to the brim with a dangerous concoction of kibble laced with some radioactive waste that Ludwig found out back. Every night the dog eats it and every morning he's the same size. Not sure that radioactive waste is radioactive at all. On to Plan B: We'll instead focus our efforts on shrinking ourselves and then ascend this 195mm (that's about 7.7", yanks) Shadow of the Colossus figurine and plunge our (now shrunken) swords into its dense resin exterior. 'Course we'll need to order the thing from Japan first and, at ,290 (that's about $90, everyone), it's not coming cheap. Compared to the rough numbers we've been putting together, it's the shrinking machine and not the figurine that's going to set us back. [Via NeoGAF]
Hands on with Killzone Liberation
There's a strong argument that the PSP needs more games like Killzone Liberation. It doesn't feel like a forced experience similar to certain titles that seem to flare up on the portable console. The top-down view works perfectly and the game mechanics don't choke when things get hasty on the buttons.
GDC Awards in the shadow of the Colossus
The 6th Annual Game Developer's Choice Awards were held tonight immediately following the Independent Games Festival awards. While the winners didn't quite match up with our choices, we did manage six out of eight, including Best Game. Shadow of the Colossus took home a total of 5 awards including Best Game, and the critically acclaimed (but commercially ignored) Psychonauts earning 2. Regardless of who won, all of the finalists were exceptional entrants in their respective categories and are worthy of recognition. You can find out more about the Game Developer's Choice Awards at their website or read on for a list of the winners and some select pics of the ceremony.
Shadow of the (adorable) Colossus
What kind of person would take an adorable Flickr image of an adorable puppy, quizzically tilting his adorable head, and photoshop him into a giant colossus from Ueda's beautiful Shadow of the Colossus? A genius, that's who! The colossi are tragic characters; slaying each one results in a sort of post-coital depression, the totality of your deed laid before you. From now on, with every reflection on the game and its tragic colossi, I will only see puppies. Adorable, fluffy puppies. Brilliant. [Via Cathode Tan] UPDATE: The genius behind the image was aeg1x at Shacknews. Thanks, prfectjon.
Sony keeps WipEout Pure content comin'
Sony recently released the 7th downloadable content pack for its acclaimed PSP racer, WipEout Pure-and the promise of an eighth next month. Delta Pack 1 introduces 2 new tracks, Iridia and Anulpha Pass, plus the Assegai and Harimau interface skins. We really have to appreciate the commitment to extend the longevity of this title. But besides Pure, downloadable content has been sorely absent from the PSP's slim library. Let's hope developers & publishers start to change that. [Thanks, Agent X]
2nd WipEout Pure Gamma Pack out today
You've got to be pretty impressed with Sony's commitment to release new content for WipEout Pure. Admittedly, the original package was a bit light on content, but quality alone ranks Pure in the "must have" PSP category. Today, the second Gamma Pack of extra content with be released for download and contains two new tracks, Extostra Run & Ubermall, and two new skins, Qirex & Auricom. Gamma Pack 1 has also been re-formatted and must be downloaded again. Enjoy.
WipEout Pure Gamma Pack 1 available
The first official download for WipEout Pure has been released. The Gamma Pack includes the "finest and final" Tigron craft, the Piranha Team skin, and a new course. The Staten Park track promises to be "an evening blast through the green belt of Makana Island." The download is compatible with all versions of the PSP and WipEout Pure. Enjoy. [Thanks, Jim]
Wipeout Pure ghosts up for trade
If you're a Wipeout Pure freak, and you can't find anyone local to match your mad skills, then check this out. Someone has figured out a way to share ghosts by extracting the correct file from the memory stick. He's posted some of his races for you to grab. One idea we want to throw out there is to share the files on PSP Vault. Go ahead and find out how good you really are. [Thanks Andrew!]
Wipeout. It's pure, baby!
More PSP action. This time it's a portable version of one of the fastest racers out there. Wipeout has a long pedigree on Sony systems. Great visuals, great racing and, usually, great music. Now you PSP types can shove the futuristic racer in your back pocket. Admire the screenshots. Drool over them. Love them as if they were your own children... If you have it, tell us what you think of it.
First US PSP game save uploaded!
Perhaps it's not the first-ever, but it's the first time a US PSP game save has been posted at the PSP-Vault-and the first time we've noticed. Unfortunately, there's no description of the save's contents, only that it's a WipEout Pure file. At any rate, it's a significant milestone and likely the beginning of an important trend. Ain't it great to share? [Thanks, Gavin]
Wipeout Pure Review
GamePro isn't exactly our source for gaming editorial. Let's face it, it's a kiddie mag and doesn't appeal to out sophisticated tastes. But low and behold, ol' GP is the first mainstream critic to post a tangible review of Wipeout Pure. And darned if we aren't salivating over it: "The graphics are breathtaking... controls are impeccable... the purest form of racing."
