Sony Expected To Unveil New PSP In June

The handheld console likely will be called the PSP Go! and will be available with either 8 GB or 16 GB of flash memory.

Sony is planning to introduce the next iteration of its PlayStation Portable handheld game console in June, according to published reports.

The expected major revamp of PSP will be unveiled at the Entertainment Software Association's E3 conference in Los Angeles, game fan site 1UP.com reported, quoting sources directly involved with the new system.

The sites goes on to say that the new PSP likely will be called the PSP Go! and will be available with either 8 GB or 16 GB of flash memory. It's expected to be released in Japan in September and will debut in the United States in either late October or early November.

If the report is accurate, then Sony will be releasing the redesigned PSP in the United States more than six months after Nintendo released the DSi, the latest iteration of the company market-leading DS portable gaming devices. The DSi has been available in Japan since last fall. The devices sells for about $170 in the United States.

Nintendo's DS line of handhelds has seen sales of more than 100 million units since its release in 2004. Sony has shipped only 50 million PSPs since releasing the device in the same year.

As of Dec. 31, global shipments of 83 Nintendo DS games have topped 1 million copies, according to Nintendo. Seven of those titles topped 10 million.

In March, Nintendo's Wii video-game console and the DS portables led the industry in terms of unit sales, respectively, followed by the No. 3 Xbox 360, according to the NPD Group. Sony's PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Portable were fourth and fifth, respectively.

Source: informationweek

Tekken 6 PSP Announced

It’s the year of the Iron Fist as NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced plans to deliver the perfect fighting trifecta with the addition of TEKKEN 6 for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Already a highly anticipated title for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, the PSP system version will be the quintessential companion for players who want to hone their fighting skills on-the-go. Unbridled vengeance will be served worldwide this Fall when each version of the game delivers pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat action with bone-jarring punches and gut-wrenching grapples.

Spanning over a 14 year legacy, Tekken is among the most popular and well-known gaming brands in the world with the entire franchise selling more than 33 million units to date. A new King of the Iron Fist Tournament is about to begin, complete with intense gameplay modes as well as new features and environments.

A must-have for Tekken aficionados, TEKKEN 6 sees the return of many familiar faces as well as new characters to create the largest line-up the series has ever seen. With a growing roster of fighters, each equipped with their own deadly techniques, martial art moves, and attack combinations, TEKKEN 6 will be the best “King of Iron Fist Tournament” yet. Adding to the already rich gaming experience, a deeper character customization feature will only enhance the incredible fighting intensity as players go mano-y-mano.

Optimized for the PSP system, TEKKEN 6 will not only contain all the explosive action of its home console brethren but also feature additional stages, content, items, and an ad-hoc multiplayer mode. Fighting amongst friends is encouraged as players can battle wirelessly against each other using original or fan favorite characters. Rounding out its list of impressive features is the return of the “Ghost” Infrastructure mode, which allows players to upload their “ghost” character data and download others’ from the Internet onto their PSP system. When players have reached the height of their TEKKEN fighting skills, they will be able to see how they stack up against others through the game’s network support.

Source: ign

Need for Speed Underground Rivals: Thrilling Race Action on the PSP

The Rivals is an exciting game for fans of Need for Speed. This game comes with an interesting and effective blur-and-shake camera effect. Controls work well with all modes and there is a superb sense of speed.

One of the good racing games from Electronic Arts, Need for Speed Underground Rivals captures the illegal races in the street making it thrilling. This exciting game on PSP plays well.

There are numerous types of races on offer. The flagship race of the game is the multi-lap circuit race. Other races include the knock out race where the driver who comes last is eliminated each time and the last one leftover is the winner. You change cars along the way in the rally relay race mode. The Nitrous run requires you to cross gates as you make your way along the track. Your technical abilities are tested indoors in the street cross races. You whip for points around poles even as you go around the special drift zones by losing traction in the Drift Attack.

Drag racing, a popular race from the previous versions is also included in the game. Winning races upgrades your points. You also unlock various accessories and add-ons for various cars. Upgrades are quite simple. You choose particular upgrades for a category which improves your meter and you strive to reach as close to 100% as possible.

Players are offered a variety of cars to choose from like the Mazda RX-8, Pontiac GTO, Toyota Celica GT-S, Dodge Neon, etc. Winning events provides you with the possibility to unlock a car. Cars are quite simple looking but are compensated with fantastic environments. Effective soundtrack enhances the enjoyment of racing experience.

Controls are good as you steer around with the help of the D pad. Detailed buildings add to the fun. The racing game Need for Speed: Underground Rivals PSP features the wireless multiplayer mode with which you can have hours of fun on your favourite PSP with your friends online. This game is ideal for those who enjoy racing games Need for Speed Underground Rivals is packed with features that make a decent game.

Source: psp-downloads

"Inside Source" Confirms PS3 And PSP Price Cut In "Early June"

We're all hoping for big news at E3 - as we always do - and while we continue to focus on potential software announcements, the biggest unveiling may have to do with a long-awaited PlayStation 3 price cut.

According to a supposed internal source snagged by French website PS3Gen.fr, this "proven" source has unofficially confirmed that both the PS3 and PSP will receive price drops in "early June." Obviously, this would correspond with E3, which is scheduled to run between June 2 and June 4. Although the source didn't reveal the new price for the PS3, it did provide the new price point for the handheld: 169 Euros, down from 189. Of course, even if accurate, this information may only apply to the European/PAL regions, but we find it hard to believe that Sony wouldn't have this pair of price cuts spread worldwide. Additionally, the mystery source confirmed the existence of the much-rumored PSP 2, which should be available for the end of the year. We've already received many pieces of evidence for a new PSP model; either the PSP-4000 or a PSP 2, and that includes the theory that it will be designed to compete with the iPhone. It sounds plausible, but with nothing concrete to solidify the claims, we still can't call it anything but "rumor and speculation." And if you don't already know, Sony's business policy has always been the same: they simply don't comment on rumor and speculation.

We have no idea if these price drops will happen, but we'd like to think they'd be the biggest news of E3. The PS3 really needs that cut and everyone has been clamoring for it to happen; might Sony finally clear the last major hurdle in early June...?

Source: psxextreme

EA Confirms Dante's Inferno For PSP

EA's Dante's Inferno, which was earlier announced for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, will now be available on the PlayStation Portable platform as well. The game is slated to release sometime next year.

EA Redwood Shores studio is developing Dante's Inferno with Canada -based Artificial Mind and Movement. EA Redwood Shores was previously involved in developing the horror Sci-fi game Dead Space.

Dante's Inferno is based on Dante Alighieri's medieval epic poem - The Divine Comedy. The player is cast as Crusader Dante who travels through the Nine Circles of Hell for saving his lady love - Beatrice. Dante uses death's Scythe as his primary weapon and is a master of brutal melee combat.

Killing minions and terrifying monsters of Hell, Dante earns their souls, which are released for upgrades and special combos. Dante can use the Beatrice-given cross, which is can be used for advanced combats, absolve or punish the wicked souls encountered.

The game also boasts of consistent 60 frames per second throughput even in fast-paced fighting sequences. To reach Beatrice, Dante goes through all nine circles of hell; limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery.

Source: techtree

Codemasters’ Formula One 2009 Coming To Wii And PSP

After two years in the gaming wilderness, Formula One is set to make a return to the virtual world after Codemasters announced it will release Formula One 2009 on the Nintendo Wii and Sony PSP this year.

The game will then make the transition to the more powerful Xbox 360, PS3 and PC platforms next year, with Codemasters using the extra time to produce the title on a high-definition scale.

“We definitely looked at whether it would be possible to get a game of high enough quality on next-gen in 2009. It will be a wait, but one that’s worth it,” Communications Manager Adrian Lawton told IGN.

“And in the meantime we’re able to produce a high quality game on Wii and PSP within the timescale. The Wii is the biggest platform in the world now, so why not have a fully featured comprehensive racer for it?”

1240472135The British-based developer won the license to produce a new F1 game after previous holders Sony reportedly balked at the fee demanded by Formula One Management.

Having produced the Race Driver series, the company has a pedigree in producing quality race simulators, raising the expectations of the gaming public, including F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

“Codemasters has a great heritage when it comes to racing games and their reputation is second to none,” he said.

“We’re working very closely together on the upcoming Formula 1 titles and are very impressed with what we have seen.”

Formula One 2009 will feature all the teams and circuits involved in this year’s championship, including the yet to be completed Abu Dhabi track.

Codemasters will also incorporate F1’s new rule changes including the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), while race commentary is likely to be replaced by a steady stream of remarks over the team radio in an attempt to replicate the driver’s experience.

Source: themotorreport

EA announces PSP version of Dante's Inferno

Electronic Arts has announced they will be bringing Dante's Inferno, their God of War/Devil May Cry-like action game based on Dante Alighieri's Inferno, to the PSP. This is in addition to the previously announced PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions. All three versions will be released simultaneously sometime next year.

The PSP version of the game will be developed by A2M, with assistance from EA Redwood Shores, the team behind the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions.

“Our team and the team at A2M are taking the vision for Dante’s Inferno and translating it directly to the PSP,” said Jonathan Knight, executive producer and creative director on Dante’s Inferno. “PSP owners can expect to get the same level of fast, responsive gameplay through all nine detailed and unique circles of hell we are aiming to achieve on the consoles.”

We'll have more soon.

Source: gamingtarget

Stephen Fry confirms LBP PSP role

The narrator of the PS3 game returns.

Stephen Fry has posted a Twitter update this morning informing his followers that he's spending the day recording voice work for a video game, specifically a second edition of a video game.

"Morning all. In studio today voicing 2nd edition of a video game. Will check when I'm there if I'm allowed to say what it is..." he Twittered.

Fry previously provided his talent as the narrator on LittleBigPlanet on PS3, so it's no great jump to assume he's reprised his role for the PSP version.

Update: Stephen Fry has just confirmed that the voice work was indeed for the PSP version of LittleBigPlanet.

"I've come to the end of a lush voice-athon and yes, am empowered to confess that it was for a new PSP version of Little Big Planet," Fry Twittered.

Source: virginmedia

Will Low Sales of Chinatown Wars Encourage More PSP GTA?

Rockstar surprised everyone when they announced that their next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series, Chinatown Wars, would appear on the Nintendo DS. Recent sales figures for March 2008 suggest that their gamble has not paid off as anticipated. GTA: Chinatown Wars only managed to sell 88,704 copies in North America last month, not even earning it a place in the top ten chart. This is highly unusual for a Rockstar release, particularly one as hyped as Chinatown Wars. The game features a top-down version of Liberty City more in keeping with classic GTA games than with the more recent 3D episodes. The emphasis is on action and organized crime, rather than on story.

By all accounts, the game is also superb: it is the top-rated Nintendo DS title on Metacritic, with an overall review score of 94%. So what went wrong? It could be that Rockstar simply chose the wrong platform for this release, and overestimated the number of “hardcore” gamers who were willing to shell out for a 2D game on the DS. Even we were surprised that the game sold so poorly, after all, there are more than 100 million Nintendo DS systems in the world!

If Rockstar and Take Two are paying attention, the message that these desultory sales have to be sending them is that the Nintendo handheld was simply the wrong platform for this ambitious release. We expect Rockstar to do one of two things with their next handheld GTA title: either publish the third and final San Andreas Stories on the PSP, or re-release Chinatown Wars to take advantage of the touch screen on the rumored PSP 2. Both of those options sound great to us.

Source: pspworld

Rock Band Coming to PSP

Harmonix and EA have announced plans to release Rock Band Unplugged - a Rock Band game exclusively for the PSP. The game will be available in North America and Europe beginning June 9, 2009.

"Rock Band Unplugged reinvents band gameplay while staying true to the authentic feel of the Rock Band console games," said Bob Picunko, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games for MTV Games. "Harmonix delivers innovation with every game they develop and we are excited to continue our long-list of industry firsts with the Rock Band in-game wireless music store on the PSP system."

Rock Band Unplugged will use key Rock Band and Rock Band 2 features such as overdrive and chords, but relies on your hands instead of the guitar or drums. You can play as lead/bass guitars, drums and vocals, and the game has several modes including World Tour, Band Survival and Warm Up.

The game will offer 40 master recordngs, including nine songs exclusive to the PSP version of the game. More tracks will be available for purchase through the Playstation Store.

The following tracks will launch exclusively through Rock Band Unplugged on the PSP system for a limited time before becoming downloadable content for the other platforms:

• 3 Doors Down - 'Kryptonite'
  
• AFI - 'Miss Murder'
  
• Alice in Chains - 'Would?'
  
• Audioslave - 'Gasoline'
  
• Black Tide - 'Show Me the Way'
  
• Blink 182 - 'What's My Age Again'
  
• Freezepop - 'Less Talk More Rokk'
  
• Jackson 5 - 'ABC'
  
• Tenacious D - 'Rock Your Socks'

Source: myth-games

PSP Discs Here to Stay, For Now

UMD still has some life left in it, but digital downloads are gaining ground.

Sony recently announced that Patapon 2 would be its first completely digitally distributed PSP game. On the heels of this announcement, lots of speculation has occurred about the future of UMD, and how retailers would react to the implications of its possible demise. Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, SCEA's Marketing Executive, John Koller, addressed the concerns, and shed light on Sony's plans for the future of the PSP.

In regards to the future sales of UMDs, Koller said:

We want to provide the content and at least allow the consumers to make that choice. We're going to be fairly democratic and open and if consumers want digital they can wake up and download it, if they want UMD they can go to retail for it. We want to provide that content opportunity. We're looking at various models to see when to launch those. That's not to say retail is going away, because it's not, so it's a balance. It's a very fine balance because retail does so much for us that digital maybe can't. So it's a nice compliment. Different models are floating around and it's not decided quite yet.

Shelf hoarders don't have to worry just yet, as Koller makes it readily apparent that UMDs will continue to ship alongside retail. This is smart, because he also recognizes that maintaining relationships with retailers is important, even if it might not be through direct media sales:

Retail for the first two years of the PlayStation Network thought that it was the enemy. But now they've really come around and now they want to participate. They've been very open and they want to know how to become part of the PlayStation Network, to get margin out of it and be able to help sell some of our products. The first step has been the PSN cards, which are basically debit cards, and interestingly enough most of them are being purchased in cash. So it speaks about who is purchasing them in many ways -- someone without a credit card, or who can't access the PlayStation Network. Certainly in the case of the PSP, where the lion's share of business is done with the 13 - 17 year-old consumer and they may not have a credit card. The PSN part of that is really important for retail. Retail sees that we have a portfolio of PSP content so they want the right purchasing dynamic. But they're also looking at various ways to help actively sell products, and there's a lot of different ways and iterations of looking at the business models of that.

So for now Sony doesn't have plans to make UMDs completely obsolete, but it appears to be making the gradual shift towards a focus on digital over direct retail sales. This is a good move for developers and publishers, who, according to Koller, are having a "very, very positive" reaction.

Source: gamespy

Assassin's Creed 2 Set For Holidays, Confirmed For PSP

Yeah, we all knew it was coming - we even had a debut teaser and we know about the Game Informer cover feature - but Ubisoft hadn't "officially" announced the game. Okay, so now it's official.

According to IGN, Ubisoft has finally made the announcement for Assassin's Creed 2, and it comes with two new nuggets of information. First off, the announcement includes an estimated release window for the hotly anticipated sequel: holiday 2009 for all "current-generation systems," which likely translates to PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and maybe PC. This would be sooner than some had expected, but if AC2 could drop onto store shelves for this holiday season, it'd give everyone involved a boost. Secondly, it has been confirmed that a PSP version is in the works, which isn't exactly surprising, as we know the original title is scheduled to launch for the handheld this year. Of course, it'd be a little strange to get the two games so close to one another on the PSP, but we doubt the fans will complain. For the new information we've gathered, read up on the Game Informer highlights: we know it'll be set in Venice, we're getting a new hero - Ezio - and we can expect more weapons and missions. Oh, and we also have the debut teaser video as well, but it isn't going to tell you much. If you like cryptic things, though, it's probably worth a look.

The holiday season is already filling up with great games, and at this rate, we'll probably be facing another painful Christmas for our wallets.

Source: psxextreme