Sure, this December has been kind of a wash. But the list of PSP releases coming in 2009 have us very excited. Sales of PSP hardware have been astronomical in Japan, aided by the popularity of games like Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G and the newly-redesigned PSP 3000. For that reason, a lot of the games that are coming out for the PSP in 2009 are Japanese titles. For fans of RPGs and companies like Level 5 and Square Enix, the PSP handheld is the place to be in 2009. In addition, a few high-profile western games may surprise us. We know that Studio Liverpool is working on a super-secret PSP port of Little Big Planet (OK, maybe it’s not so secret after all). Sony Bend will also be releasing a handheld spinoff or the Resistance FPS series called Retribution in the spring. And as usual, RPG fans will have a lot to look forward to as brand new games and ports of old classics head to Sony’s handheld. Read on for a list of upcoming PSP games that we are most thrilled about.

Patapon 2 – The developer promises that Patapon 2 contains twice the depth and twice the amount of content as the original game. A lengthy single-player campaign is joined by a cooperative multiplayer mode in which players must work together to transport an egg through perilous levels. A so-called “casual” game that ended up being so much more than that, Patapon 2 is definitely on our radar of 2009 releases.

Resistance: Retribution – Insomniac tries its hand at translating its FPS franchise to the PSP with this handheld prequel. The storyline in Retribution takes place in Europe during the period of time between Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2. Players assume the role of a former British marine who joins the resistance to fight the Chimera in Europe, after they develop a new method of converting humans to aliens. Sony Bend are heading up this PSP project, and with the Syphon Filter games under their belts, we are sure that Retribution will deliver an incredible experience on the handheld.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite – Basically more of the same formula that we already know and love, Unite promises to be the biggest Monster Hunter game on PSP yet. In addition to over 500 hours (!) of gameplay, the updated game includes feline helpers that will follow the player into battle and help them gather resources. The game features an innovative install system that lets players run the game from memory stick to eliminate pesky load times. Unite is shaping up to be the ultimate Monster Hunter experience on the PSP, and it will arrive in North America some time in Q2 2009.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution – The first remake was one of the standout RPG titles on the PSP in 2008. Star Ocean: Second Evolution looks set to do the same thing again in 2009. This game was originally released for the Playstation back in 1999, but developers have given it a complete graphical overhaul. The PSP port also includes new playable characters that increase the replayability of the game and brand-new anime cutscenes that advance the story. The best part about this game is that it will be out on January 20th.

Phantasy Star Portable — Sega decided that Capcom shouldn’t be the only publisher enjoying massive success on the PSP with its Monster Hunter series. The Japanese rival dug deep into its large back catalog and pulled out Phantasy Star on the PSP. Phantasy Star Portable is a multiplayer-coop game that is based off of the successful Dreamcast title. Sadly, this game lacks online of any kind, but with the new PSP tunneling service, PS3 owners should have no problem putting a party together. Look for a North American version sometime in the Spring of 2009.

Ushiro – This quirky adventure game from Level 5 is kind of like the PSP’s answer to The World Ends With You. The player takes control of a ghost who has the capacity to possess the living and guide them to accomplish your goals. In keeping with other Level 5 releases like Jeanne d’Arc, Ushiro features absolutely amazing artwork. Ushiro will be a major event when it releases in Japan (and hopefully in the West) later this year.

Final Fantasy: Dissidia — Famitsu magazine reports that this handheld brawler contains more than 40 hours of main story play time, in addition to special modes. The game even includes a video editor, allowing players to capture and create their own cinematic sequences. With fan service galore and characters appearing from almost every Final Fantasy game created over the past 20 years, this PSP title is sure to delight fans of the Square Enix RPG series.

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Ah, the holidays…a wonderful time to catch up with friends and family, recharge your batteries, and reflect on what’s important in life. The holidays are also a great time to catch up on gaming! Since a lot of you had time off for the holidays, I wanted to see what games you guys were playing over break.

As for me, I have to admit that I wasn’t playing the best games, but rather stuff I wanted to finish. First up was Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. I finished the DC side of story mode when the title was first released (I’m a comic-book nerd, so I needed to see how the narrative played out). I was less interested in the MK branch, but I wanted to see it through. I finally did over the holidays…and was left with a profound sense of “meh”. Oh well, at least I wrapped it up.

Next was playing through the various stories in Smackdown vs. RAW 2009’s Road to WrestleMania mode. The game’s creative designer is a dear friend and I wanted to check out his work. Overall, I enjoyed Chris Jericho’s story the most — his lines were well written and delivered well. I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed the JohnCena story; I think Cena is a crap wrestler (though a really nice guy), but his plot was enjoyable due to strong voice work by Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and William Regal. My least favorite plots were The Undertaker’s and the joint Batista/Rey Mysterio story. Taker’s plot featured The Boogeyman, a wrestler that makes Cena look like the legendary Ric Flair (Whoooooo!). I’m not really big on Batista (though his book rocks at unintentional comedy) and neither him or Rey are very good on the mic. Their voice acting was among the worst in the game.

Anyway, that was my gaming “catch up” of holiday 2008. What games did you guys play? Did you try out new stuff? Or did you stick with old standbys? What were your gaming highlights of the break? Any disappointments?

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Modders have done some crazy things with their consoles, but this one might take the cake. Discovered during the Game U College Tour, a Suzuki owner has outfitted a car so that it can function as a multiplayer Xbox 360 station. According to the photo description:

“Gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘Xbox Dashboard’. This thing had 2 360’s, 2 projectors, and 2 flat screens in it. Ridiculous.”

That’s pretty intense. All the owner needs is a router for a HSDPA or CDMA card and he/she would never have to leave the car (except for bathroom breaks).

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Slitherine Software is a tiny development studio from Britain, but the owner of the company told gaming journalists recently that the PSP is actually the most profitable platform for their games. There is a good chance that you have never played one of Slitherine’s educational titles, but they have sold enough copies of their software on the handheld platform to make it a viable business model. What’s more, we are told that we can expect future PSP strategy/simulation titles from Slitherine, as they seek to capitalize on their experience developing for the system.

Slitherine’s recent title Great Battles of Rome, sold more units on the PSP than on any other game platform including the PC. The title as effectively marketed in conjunction with the History Channel and appealed to a core segment of gamers.

“To be honest, the PC version of the History Channel game was the least-performing one, because we already had our core audience from previous games, and if I look now at the success of the game itself, the PSP version gave us the best results. That’s why we really keep pushing the PSP now, it’s perfect for us, for our strategy of history and strategy… Nobody’s looking at the PSP as a huge opportunity at the moment, and I really think there is a huge opportunity there. I’ve seen sales charts for some territories now and a top ten PSP game sells more than a top ten Nintendo DS game. ”

Marketing manager Marco Minoli doesn’t want to call his company’s games “edutainment”. Instead, he said that Slitherine’s goal is to make gamers “learn by stealth” while delivering an entertaining package.

He also said that the company is working on a tactical WWII game for the PSP which will launch later in 2009. We look forward to seeing what Slitherine has cooking for the PSP, as it remains one of the few Western development houses still actively promoting that platform.

Great Battles of Rome walks players through famous historical battles on the PSP.

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It’s already 2009 and I am still wading through the Item World in Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness. Yeah, it’s a bit sad, but at least I have something to do while waiting for Makai Senki Disgaea 2 Portable.

Speaking of Disgaea 2 Portable, PSPHyper has put up a bunch of screens and info on the game. Here’s a list of the new stuff we’ve learned about so far:

• A new scenario for Akutare (Axel in the US version), similar to the Etna Mode in Afternoon of Darkness. Some new stages will be exclusive to this scenario.
  
• New generic characters: Samurai (Female) and Death Saber. You’ll need previous save data to unlock the Samurai.
  
• New party members: Zeta, Overlord Prier, and Mid-Boss.
  
• New weapon mastery skills for bows and spears
  
• New magic spell: Peta Cool
  
• Options to speed up character movement
  
• Character sorting
  
• Friendlier camera and magic menu
  
• Item World commands can be used in the Warehouse
  

And now it’s time for screenshots! If the ones below aren’t enough, you can find more at the source link. So far, Makai Senki Disgaea 2 Portable hasn’t been confirmed for a US or European release, but I’m definitely hoping that NIS America comes through for us on this one.

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PSP Games - Sega Genesis Collection

Product Description
28 CLASSIC GAMES - Golden Axe, Shadow Dancer; The Secret Of Shinobi, Virtual Fighter 2, Sonic The Hedgehog, Comix Zone, Columns, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Bonanza Bros, kid Chameleon, Flicky, Gain Ground, Phantasy Star II, III and IV, Super Thunder Blade, Sword of Vermilion, VectorMan I and II, And many more! 

Product Description
The Sega Genesis Collection is a comprehensive collection of the very best games for the Sega Genesis. All the must-have games from this calssic system have been put together on a single disc. Now you can have all the fun and excitement the Genesis had to offer, anywhere you travel! It includes hits like Golden Axe I-III, the original Sonic The Hedgehog, Phantasy Star II, Shinobi: Return of the Ninja Master, Ecco the Dolphin, and much more. The collection also includes glimpses into next-generation titles yet to come from Sega — plus bonus content like unlockable arcade titles and interviews with original Sega Genesis developers. Multiplayer action via wireless connectivity on the PSP. Games list includes: Decap Attack starring Chuck D. Head Ecco the Dolphin Ecco II - The Tides of Time Ecco Jr. Kid Chameleon Flicky Gain Ground Golden Axe I Golden Axe II Golden Axe III Phantasy Star II Phantasy Star III - Generations of Doom Phantasy Star IV - The End of the Millenium Ristar Shadow Dancer - The Secret of Shinobi Shinobi III - Return of the Ninja Master Sonic the Hedgehog Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Super Thunder Blade Sword of Vermilion Vectorman Vectorman 2 Virtua Fighter 2

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Red Hot Rumble comes with a simple yet interesting storyline. This is an adaptation from the ‘anime‘ series and is about Captain Blue, who is in the process of auditioning people for playing various characters in his movie. A confused Captain Blue thinks of a plan to audition them and at last ends up with the concept of making them fight against each other to determine their powers. The playable characters include Viewtiful Joe, Sexy Silvia, Blade Master Alastor, Captain Blue Jr, Captain Blue, Dark Emperor Jet Black, Coordinator Sprocket, Charles The Third, Hulk Davidson, Gran Bruce, Miss Bloody Rachel, Dante and several other characters.

The game has several mode including the versus mode, party battle mode, single player mode, etc which keeps the players quite engaging. In the versus mode, a player can opt a player with whom he wishes to fight. Party battle mode is a multiplayer mode which permits the players to fight with their friends virtual characters. The developments of Viewtiful Joe - Red Hot Rumble are given in dialogue boxes and the players have to proceed accordingly. The game with its movie set as a background, lots of action gives the players the feeling of watching a real action movie. Another attractive feature in this game is that the players can use the elements from the background as their weapon to attack their enemies which makes the game, a lively one.

Coming to the technical aspects of the game, the controls are smooth and easy. Moving the characters across the screen, landing powerful punches, kicks and combos on enemies is too simple. In this version of Viewtiful Joe, the most satisfying thing is the inclusion of VFX powers and special attacks which enables the players to attack their enemies with high intensity just by a click. The trial mode comes as a help to the new comers. Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble received lot of appreciation for its sound effects from critics all over the world. With a very strong character casting, interesting background, heavy action, good sound effects, Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble comes as a complete package for gamers.

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Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force was released in November, 2006 by the publishers Konami. This game is based on the famous cartoon Yu-Gi-Oh in cartoon network channel. This is the first game of the series in the play station portable. The story of Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force is about a school known as the Duel Academy. Duel Academy plans to organize a tournament exclusively for the students and the winner of which would be given the opportunity to practice in the Duel Academy Island for a day. To play this game, a player must enroll himself as a student and battle for the top spot to emerge as a winner. This is a card game, where there are thousands of cards, which have values and connections between each other. Once the card is selected a specific character animation appears on the card which is an attractive feature.

One of the best features in Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force is the tag feature, which gradually became a part of the title. This enables the players to tag their friends, other characters and play as a team. Yu-Gi-Oh! GX - Tag Force also has full character models such as Jaden Yuki and Alexis Rhodes .In this game, the more the number of decks available the more the strategies are open to the players. With 2400 cards, this game not only ensures variety of cards but also the strategies. As a result of which the players can ensure the safety of their partner as well as themselves. The game also has a real version of monster cards like Jinzo and Dark Magician Girl.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force gives the gamers the option of switching cards, mid duel, multiplayer duel up to two persons via wireless connection. The game, gives the users the real feeling of collecting cards. The sound effects are simple and subtle. The graphics involved in this game, while reading and drawing cards are great. The controls are easy as ever. This game comes as a relief in the gaming world which is floated with games of other genres. So want to battle with your friends in a card game? Then check this out, you will love it.

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This interesting game was released in the year 2006 to the gaming world. This game is an adaptation of the hit U.K television show of the same title. This game has come to the gaming world at its creative best which is appreciating. With new bunch of crazy characters, game modes and multiplayer option it enables the players to enjoy the whole package. In this game, the players are given 15 questions to answer. The format is simple answer all the fifteen questions and become a virtual millionaire.

The type of questions ranges from the simplest to the toughest. The game also enables the players to use life lines. The life lines are nothing but options the players can use to answer tough questions and pass through the different limits available. In this game there are 16 on-screen contestants to play. If you choose the multiplayer option in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Party Edition, then a total of four contestants can be selected. The multiplayer facility is absolutely an interesting one, where the players can choose options like a millionaire party, the pass mode or even the quick fire round. In the quick fire mode, the players can shoot answers continuously. In the play or pass mode, the players can pass tough questions to other players.

Now in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: Party Edition, there are nearly 4000 new questions. Once a player answers a question, the next question is automatically loaded to the screen without any delay which is an attracting feature. The tough questions asked by our virtual host Chris Tarrant definitely makes you scratch your head. The new facility available now in this interesting game is, if you have ended up answering all the 15 questions and you are a millionaire so its time for you to rave about it. Yes, this game now offers players to publicize their victory by giving them a code. Through this code the players can place their name among other virtual millionaires. So now I am going to ask the most famous question, do u you want to be a millionaire?

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Looking back on the year that just was, it is somewhat difficult to choose a list of the year’s best PSP games. Not because there were so many titles to pick from mind you, but because there were too few. Although Sony did experience a slowdown in sales of PSP software during 2008, the year was filled with some very high-profile quality releases. Grab a cup of egg nog, strap on the yuletide cheer, and get ready as we count down the best 10 PSP games of 2008:

10. Secret Agent Clank (June)
Following along the theme of mascots that have to save their bigger and more renowned partners, Secret Agent Clank was the 2008 answer to Daxter. Secret Agent Clank played differently than earler entries in the series, however, by mixing up the gameplay with action, shooting, stealth and quick-time button pressing. For those who love 3D adventure games, this might be worth a look.

9. Wipeout Pulse (February)
The original Wipeout Pure on PSP got everything right. Sublime graphics, lightning fast action, and impressive downloadable content features really showed the world what the platform was capable of. We had to wait until 2008 for a sequel, but boy did Studio Liverpool deliver. Any fan of racing games owes it to themselves to check this game out immediately. The rest of us Wipeout fanatics have already played it.

8. Star Ocean: First Departure (October)
Quite possibly the standout RPG of 2008. This handheld conversion satisfied fans of the series and newcomers alike with its memorable characters, fun but complex battle system, and crisp graphics. Lovers of retro RPGs always have something to play on the PSP, and 2008 was no exception.

Beautiful anime cutscenes helped carry along the story in Star Ocean: First Departure.

7. Patapon (February)
Quirky and addictive, patapon is another unique PSP title that defies explanation. Half rhythm game, half strategy game, Patapon re-launched the PSP as a casual platform in Japan. Both Patapon and Loco Roco sold enough copies worldwide to warrant sequels, so we will be hearing from this game well into 2009.

6. Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law (January)
Everyone´s favorite talking lawyer bird from the PS2 and Wii made an appearance on the PSP early in 2008. The game was short but sweet, much in the way that Parappa the Rapper still managed to charm us after all these years. Unfortunately the DS seems to be attracting more of the adventure/novel style of game, so PSP owners are hungry for more. We miss these kinds of games, and we hope that developers see fit to release more of them in 2009.

5. Midnight Club LA Remix (November)
This open world racing game gives players a real-life version of Los Angeles to tear up with their customized rides. Even more amazing is that the PSP delivers all of this in the palm of your hand. An amazing game in terms of graphics, scope, polish and execution. Any street racing fan with a PSP needs this game, now. Read our review of Midnight Club LA PSP.

4. R-Type Command (May)
Like a number of other PSP titles, this game takes and established franchise in a totally new direction by veering into turn-based strategy for the first time. This move might have been a disappointment given the lack of solid space shooters on the PSP. On the other hand, no-one can accuse Irem of releasing an uninspired or unoriginal game, since R-Type Command is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Turn based strategy combat on a 2D horizontal battle screen. Seriously, check this game out if you enjoy the strategy genre.

3. Echochrome (May)
You know those M.C. Escher paintings that go all twisty and give you a headache? Well Echochrome is basically a game where you are trapped in crazy perspective world from one of those images. This puzzler delighted fans of the genre on PSP, before moving to the PS3 as a downloadable title. Another interesting thing about this game is the distribution model – in North America, Echochrome was sold via download on the Playstation Store, leading the way toward a digital download service on the PSP.

2. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (March)
Another amazing PSP game that landed in March. Crisis Core almost needs no introduction at this point, but suffice to say that Square Enix did the franchise proud with this competent spinoff. It ties up loose story elements and reunites most of the beloved cast of the original game. The title is more than just fan service, however – there is also a fun and innovative (if a little bit too random) combat system in Crisis Core. Like other quality releases this year, Crisis Core sets new standards for future handheld games. If Agito XIII is anything like this, we will be very pleased.

PSP World Game of the Year 2008:

God of War Chains of Olympus (March)

God of War PSP was an outstanding project for a number of reasons. First of all, it is one of the very best handheld versions of a console game to date. Daxter is another example of a successful console-to-psp translation but God of War really stands on its own. The graphics, animations, and mature storyline all set new standards for quality in handheld action games. Chains of Olympus wins our game of the year award because it points the way forward as a shining example of what a blockbuster game should be on the PSP.

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