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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]
An extensive look into Killzone: Liberation
GameVideos.com has a beautiful, lengthy video of Killzone: Liberation in action. Not only will you see some great gameplay footage, you'll get to see some truly beautiful real-time PS3 footage CG movies. If that made you long for more, don't forget to check out previous coverage of the game. The killing comes to us at the end of October.
Killzone: Liberation gameplay movies
Pictures may say a thousand words, but gameplay movies make your jaw drop to the floor and shut the h*** up. Readers inquisitive about the top-down perspective of this PSP-exclusive can now see for themselves how it can translate into some exciting run-and-gun on the go. Check out Killzone: Liberation at GameTrailers.com and don't forget to download the iPod-formatted MP4's: they'll work on your 2.8 firmware PSP. Videos: Squad Tactics Trench Warfare
Jeanne d'Arc trailer shows incredible production values
The Japanese official website for Jeanne d'Arc recently went live, and not only does it feature tons of screenshots, it has an absolutely beautiful trailer. It gives you a great look at the game: the incredible cel-shaded graphics, to the epic, sweeping music, and the beautifully animated anime cutscenes. I've been trying to hype this game a lot. Hopefully, this trailer will generate a ton of response. Also available: Download for PC [Thanks, steve!] [Via IGN]
New historical RPG Jeanne d'Arc to have 150 characters and talking lions [Update 1]
Yesterday, Famitsu revealed the big PSP game that we've been waiting for. IGN's Canadian Japanese correspondant, Anoop, has unearthed more information from an interview Famitsu conducted with Level 5. For a change of pace, the development team wanted to make a female hero. Also, they wanted to have a historical game and they've done a lot of research. Of course, that doesn't mean that it'll be 100% historically accurate: it'll still have magic and talking lions. When discussing development for the PSP, the team wanted to make a balanced gameplay system that would be suitable for both hardcore and casual players. Although the game will be on a handheld, the team at Level 5 have no intentions of making a small game, though. The game will have around 150 characters, and between 40 and 50 stages. Each stage, being about 10 to 30 minutes long means that the game will be somewhere between 7 and 25 hours long. Interesting. If you haven't yet, you should get really excited for this project. The team at Level 5 is known for their excellent Dark Cloud games and Dragon Quest VIII. Their upcoming game, Rogue Galaxy, is featured in the screenshot to the right. Hopefully, we'll get more news on this game around Tokyo Game Show. [Update 1: Included an image from Famitsu scan. Gallery is available here.]
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.
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.
PlayStation 3 could feature downloadable PSone, PS2 games
GamesIndustry.biz reports that Sony is considering a digital distribution service that would bring popular PSone and PS2 titles to the PS3, rivaling Nintendo's downloadable back-catalogue plans for the Revolution. Unnamed sources claim that Sony has been discussing the technical requirements needed to provide this service, and in turn, investigating the possibility of remastering select PS2 games so that latter parts of a game can be streamed over a network while earlier segments are being played. It comes as little surprise that Sony is interested in jumping on the digital distribution bandwagon, but the company will have to overcome some hurdles if the effort is to come to fruition.It should also be noted that plans to introduce a digital distribution service that supports downloadable PSone titles on the PS2 have also been tossed around.[Thanks, steve]
CES: Hands-on with Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
We snagged some hands-on time with Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror at the Sony CES booth. The controls are the biggest question mark when it comes to shooters on the PSP, and with Dark Mirror, Sony opted to use elements seen previously in Coded Arms and SOCOM. Similar to Coded Arms, the face buttons aim the cursor, while the analogue nub controls forward, backward, and strafing movements. However, the L-trigger acts as a lock-on to the nearest (in most cases) enemy, just like SOCOM. The R-trigger fires your weapon (or activates a contextual close combat move), while the D-pad controls secondary functions like reloading, weapon select, crouch, and gadget activation. The game looks crisp and runs smoothly, despite the clunky controls. Enemy AI is also impressive, as your foes are both elusive and relentless--they're also very talkative (and explicit). A key gameplay feature is the ability to take cover by pressing your back against a wall/object. From this position, you can easily aim the cursor, step-out and fire, and then return to cover. But be warned, enemies will also use this tactic. Once we got a feel for the controls, we enjoyed the first part of an infiltration level, blasting our way through a number of firefights while avoiding rooftop snipers. But when it came time for us to play sniper, covering our ally on the ground, the game's difficulty spiked through the roof--because of control limitations--turning into a tedious trial and error mission. Trying to track down enemies using the face buttons was simply too difficult, and we hope that the final version will allow players to reverse the analogue and face button controls. Is the lack of a second analogue nub the PSP's Achilles' heal? Overall, we were impressed by Dark Mirror. It combines the best elements from past PSP shooters with sharp visuals and intelligent enemies. There's certainly a learning curve with the controls, but dedicated gamers shouldn't have a problem. Keep an eye out. [Note: we were unable to test the online modes, but Dark Mirror will include Ad-Hoc & Infrastructure multiplayer.]
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror announced for PSP
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror has been announced today for the PSP alongwith some screenshots (pictured). According to Sony, the game will feature gun fight lovin' along with puzzlesolving. It is said to include over 30 minutes of cinematic footage with over an hour of spoken dialog. Online play will also be featured for up to 8 players, and the title is set for release sometime in 2006. Arethese the type of games getting you excited for PSP gaming in 2006?
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."
