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Saturday PSP background explosion [Update 1]
Saturday is dwindling away, but it can't officially be over until there are new PSP backgrounds to enjoy. Like every week, we make or showcase new backgrounds for you to put on your PSP and make it look as good as you. Assuming you look good. This week we have backgrounds for 300, Crush and Card Captor Sakura. Check out the backgrounds after the jump ... [Update 1: Updated tags and links.]
Crush features a great story ... for a puzzler
Do puzzle games need good stories? No, not really. But that hasn't stopped Kuju and Sega from trying to think up a meticulous backstory behind its upcoming mind-bending Crush. The 2D/3D dimension-switching gameplay will undoubtedly provide some surreal moments, and the story certainly capitalizes on such a unique concept. Surely, Crush would make a better movie than Lumines. Continue after the break to see the original press release.
Sega loves your PSP; unleashes new Crush video
Wow, you absolutely MUST check out this video of Crush Sega and Kuju's upcoming psychadelic dimension-destroying puzzler. Not just because it's Crush (which looks awesome), but because it has a new "Sega loves your PSP" logo. Hey Sega, we love you too. Just don't make another Shadow the Hedgehog game ever again, okay? Once you're done watching, you can do a little bit of reading at 1UP. They have a pretty detailed preview for you too.
Creating the surreal world of Crush
Cynics complain that the PSP has no innovative games. However, do their complaints have validity in the face of the upcoming PSP-exclusive Crush? This recently revealed title combines 2D and 3D gameplay through the innovative "crush" mechanic, and Paul Mottram spoke to Pocket Gamer about the challenges in creating the game. Mottram notes that the game was built with the PSP specifically in mind: the PSP was the only system to offer the horsepower and portability needed for this quick-thinking game. The unique art style of the game takes its inspiration from a variety of sources. Mottram explains, "Our lead artist, Jon Taylor, worked closely with Sega's creative department to come up with a unique style. Influences ranged from Tim Burton, Terry Gilliam, Mike Mignola, Giorgio de Chirico, Max Ernst (or any of the surrealists), and Escher. We wanted to have a darker side to the game which carries through into the art style and even music. The main character, Danny, isn't a superhero; he's a sarcastic miserable everyday guy who just wants to get some sleep." Read the full interview at Pocket Gamer. Download the trailer: PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 4
Today's most revealing video: Crush gameplay footage
One of the most popular YouTube gaming videos today showed off footage of Sega's recently unveiled original IP for the PSP, the platform-puzzler Crush. The puzzle element of the game comes from its ability to switch from a 3-dimensional space to a 2D platformer so as to cover wide gaps. Confused? It's hard to explain, we suggest checking out the video, embedded after the break, to see what looks like a promising PSP release.
Sega to Crush PSP [Update 1]
SEGA wants PSP players to prepare for a head trip. IGN is reporting that this summer SEGA will release a psychological puzzle game called Crush. Created by Kuju Brighton, Crush is about a man named Dan who is haunted by his past and suffers from chronic insomnia. To try and cure this problem, Dan turns to hypnosis. If that doesn't sound unique, just wait until you hear about the gameplay. Crush takes place in a complex 3D world where players have to "crush" environments, which makes them then become 2D space. At this point the layout is like that of a 2D platformer. Because of the altering of the world, you're able to solve puzzles, access new areas and gain reach to secret items. Sounds ridiculously creative. I can't wait to get my hands on it! See trailer after the cut. [Update 1: Fixed formatting issues.]
Crush: Sega announces original PSP platform-puzzler
Sega has revealed it will publish UK-based Kuju Brighton's hybrid PSP puzzler Crush. With the push of a button, player's will "crush" (more like flatten) the game's 3D world, transforming the environment into a 2D platformer. This mechanic will be used to complete various puzzles that are otherwise unsolvable in a 3D world. Afterwards, players will "uncrush" the environment and proceed. Contrary to the implications of the image, Crush will have no affiliation with the soda brand (Sega's just being stingy -- or lazy -- with its screenshots). Instead, the game will tell the story of Dan, an insomniac who's chosen to undergo hypnosis. Crush (the game world and its puzzles) then would appear to be the manifestations of the "wreckage of his past." Let's just hope this seemingly convoluted story doesn't take away from an otherwise interesting gameplay dynamic. Crush is scheduled for release this summer. [Via press release]
