PSP Fanboy http://www.pspfanboy.com PSP Fanboy http://www.pspfanboy.com/media/feedlogo.gif PSP Fanboy http://www.pspfanboy.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spotted @ Comic-Con: the PSP GPS peripheral]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/24/spotted-comic-con-the-psp-gps-peripheral/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/24/spotted-comic-con-the-psp-gps-peripheral/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/24/spotted-comic-con-the-psp-gps-peripheral/#commentsFiled under:


It's really real. Trust us.After making a debut at CES earlier this year, the GPS accessory disappeared off the face of the earth, with only vague promises that the device will be coming within the next nine months. We don't know what the hold up is, but IGN spotted a working unit at San Diego Comic-Con. Of note, they saw that the device can give different directions based on whether you're in a car, bike or simply on foot. Can Sony please just release this thing already?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-congpssan-diego-comic-conThu, 24 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European PC Store update for July 24th]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/24/european-pc-store-update-for-july-24th/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/24/european-pc-store-update-for-july-24th/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/24/european-pc-store-update-for-july-24th/#commentsFiled under:

Nothing too special this week. Another platinum title hits the store in the form of Gangs Of London, but other than that there's nothing new that's playable. Another Echochrome trailer might push you over the edge, if you've still not grabbed it yet and the PSN exclusive music show Movement continues plodding through Europe. Here's the list:
  • Gangs Of London full game (£14.99/€19.99)
  • Echochrome trailer
  • Movement episode 2 "Munich" part 2 (8 videos)

Gallery: Gangs of London

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>euroreleasespc-storereleasesThu, 24 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ad: PSP's next big game, Phantasy Star Portable]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/ad-psps-next-big-game-phantasy-star-portable/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/ad-psps-next-big-game-phantasy-star-portable/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/ad-psps-next-big-game-phantasy-star-portable/#commentsFiled under: ,

Will Sega's Phantasy Star Portable be able to take on Capcom's Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G? The two games are targeting very similar markets: social RPG games on the PSP. This new ad released in Japan highlights the community aspects of Phantasy Star Portable, but misses what we would've focused on: its acronym. Clearly, PSP is MEANT for the PSP. This is gaming destiny!

We don't think an ad like that would've been too dramatic for Japanese tastes ...

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adcommercialjapanphantasy-starphantasy-star-portableWed, 23 Jul 2008 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Japan's most popular game, Idolmaster, moves to PSP]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/xbox-japans-most-popular-game-idolmaster-moves-to-psp/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/xbox-japans-most-popular-game-idolmaster-moves-to-psp/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/xbox-japans-most-popular-game-idolmaster-moves-to-psp/#commentsFiled under:


For some crazy reason, Namco Bandai decided to release the very Japanese Idolmaster game exclusively on Xbox 360. It quickly became the system's most popular game ... but that doesn't say much for those that follow the Japanese charts every week. Looks like Namco Bandai realized that the franchise needed to jump ship to a much more popular platform. And it has -- the PSP.

The iDOLM@ATER SP looks to be based on the arcade original, with downsized PSP graphics. You play as a producer that must work with a variety of underaged pop idols. To ensure maximum profitability, Namco Bandai is releasing three versions of the game, each with three characters. (Wondering Star will actually feature four. Terrific value!) Considering the incredible desire of nerds to manage anime pop stars, we have a feeling this will do very well when it debuts in Japan.

[Thanks, Joe!]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idolmasternamco-bandaiWed, 23 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European video download service 'Go!View' now live]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/go-view-now-live/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/go-view-now-live/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/go-view-now-live/#commentsFiled under:

The fruits of Sony and Sky's partnership (which, scarily, we first reported on just under a year ago) is now finally available to the masses. Go!View allows you to download video content to your PSP across an array of genres for a relatively small fee. Content travels to your PSP via a PC, so Mac users are sadly left out in the cold. Pricing runs on both a subscription model and a pay-per-view model, depending on the content you are viewing.

Movies and "Latest TV" will all be individually priced and include series 1 of Doctor Who (not sure that counts as "latest", seeing as series 4 just finished), season 3 of Lost and Resident Evil: Apocalypse. TV episodes are priced at £1.50/€2.00 with movies at £2.50 - £3.50 (€3.20 - €4.50). Alternatively, there are "Entertainment," "Comedy" and "Sports" subscription packs which cost £5/€7 per month and let you download as much content as you like.

These subscription packs are surprisingly fleshed out with classic 70s Doctor Who, Scrubs, Life On Mars, Red Dwarf and Coupling. The assumption is that the site will be constantly updated with more content, but we notice this fact isn't advertised. It seems like a pretty decent service to grab UK-centric on-the-go video content, but we would love to see it somehow integrated into the EU PSN Store. Might lessen the sting of knowing we're not getting a video-download service until 2009.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>go-viewgoviewskyWed, 23 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Tales of the World 2 screens exude fan service]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/new-tales-of-the-world-screens-exude-fan-service/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/new-tales-of-the-world-screens-exude-fan-service/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/new-tales-of-the-world-screens-exude-fan-service/#commentsFiled under:

It looks like Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 2 has all its cameo characters accounted for. The popular ensemble of 19 guest characters from other Tales games will return in Tales of the World 2. Not only that, but it looks like they're also bringing additional friends to the party. Some of the newer cameos belong to Cless Alvein from Tales of Phantasia, and Presea Combatir from Tales of Symphonia. There are more screens of other characters over at GameWatch, do you recognize anyone?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>namcotalestales-of-the-worldtales-of-the-world-2Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Store update is filled with Chocobo]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/japanese-store-update-is-filled-with-chocobo/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/japanese-store-update-is-filled-with-chocobo/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/japanese-store-update-is-filled-with-chocobo/#commentsFiled under:


The Japanese don't want one Chocobo themed game -- they want two. And that's exactly what they're getting this week on their PS Store update. Five new PS1 games are available for 600 yen each, and two of them are about Square Enix's notorious yellow mascots. Here they are:
  • Grille Logic
  • Dice de Chocobo
  • Chocobo Stallion
  • Arkanoid Returns
  • Yamasa Digi Selection
[Via Siliconera]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobojapanps1Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Deal: R-Type Command for $19]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/deal-r-type-command-for-19/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/deal-r-type-command-for-19/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/23/deal-r-type-command-for-19/#commentsFiled under:


It didn't take long for Atlus' R-Type Command to go to the bargain bin. The Irem-developed SRPG had a great Advance Wars vibe, but for many, going away from the series' arcade legacy kept them disinterested. Well, the game is now 50% off its original price on amazon.com. You can pick it up for $19, plus shipping.

[Thanks, Eric!]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealdealofthedayr-typer-type-commandWed, 23 Jul 2008 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Patapon 2 lives up to its namesake, contains twice as much content]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/patapon-2-lives-up-to-its-namesake-contains-twice-as-much-conte/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/patapon-2-lives-up-to-its-namesake-contains-twice-as-much-conte/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/patapon-2-lives-up-to-its-namesake-contains-twice-as-much-conte/#commentsFiled under:


Is there a title more apt than Patapon 2? Perhaps not. The upcoming sequel to the critically acclaimed PSP exclusive will be double the size of the original, according to Famitsu (via PSPHyper). The number of stages to be found in the upcoming sequel is twice that of the first title, giving players a lot more to play. In addition, the story will be fleshed out even more, with hero Patapon getting their own special abilities throughout the adventure.

Although the gameplay concept was simple, it was very easy to lose the rhythm and meet one's doom in the original. Thankfully, the sequel will be a bit more accessible to players, as it will also indicate when a player is losing the beat. With more content, more enemies, more abilities, and multiplayer, it looks like there's a lot to be excited about when Patapon 2 releases in Japan later this year.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pataponpatapon-2Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Valhalla Knights 2 gets rebalanced for NA debut]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/valhalla-knights-2-gets-rebalanced-for-na-debut/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/valhalla-knights-2-gets-rebalanced-for-na-debut/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/valhalla-knights-2-gets-rebalanced-for-na-debut/#commentsFiled under:

Localizers Xseed have plans to tweak the US version of Valhalla Knights 2 and streamline the difficulty, according to Siliconera. Changes being made include easier level ups, which means less time grinding. Items will also drop more frequently. Lastly, save game data from the first Valhalla Knights can be used to get a free familiar and a helpful elf ally. The story is also said to be more cohesive than the first. An official date for North America has yet to be announced, but retail listings suggest a September 23, 2008 release.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvelousvalhalla-knights-2xseedTue, 22 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: A 'design sample' of the PSP-3000]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/rumor-a-design-sample-of-the-psp-3000/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/rumor-a-design-sample-of-the-psp-3000/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/rumor-a-design-sample-of-the-psp-3000/#commentsFiled under:

According to a poster on the PSPChina forums, the above is a "design sample" of another iteration of the PSP. The poster claims this information comes from a "reliable inside source" and that Sony had already finalized this basic design by the end of 2007. The only new addition so far is a built-in microphone, but otherwise the size and shape is the same as the PSP-2000. The Home button has been replaced by a PlayStation logo button just like the PS3 controller. Also noted is the hole between the volume buttons and the PSP logo, which the poster claims is where the microphone is located. The size of the metal ring has been reduced, allegedly to reduce scratches on it.

The poster claims he doesn't know the actual model number of the this PSP -- it could be a PSP-2100 or 3000 or something else entirely. "The pictures are actually of a design sample; whenever a new system is to be created, designers will follow Sony's instructions in creating several different versions. This is one of the versions that was created and then discarded. Next year when we buy this PSP, it will be slightly different, but I believe the microphone and smaller metal ring will remain."

Another set of pictures shows a black version of this so-called PSP-3000. The PlayStation button is slightly rounder and larger. The poster admits that the final design of real PSP-3000, or whatever the model number happens to be, is still unclear. Basically, even if everything this dude/dudette says is true, what we'll be seeing on store shelves might look completely different, assuming there is even a redesign in the works. Six more pictures after the jump.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Rumor: A 'design sample' of the PSP-3000

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>psppsp-3000rumorTue, 22 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ad: PSP makes being arrested so much more fun]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/ad-psp-makes-being-arrested-so-much-more-fun/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/ad-psp-makes-being-arrested-so-much-more-fun/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/ad-psp-makes-being-arrested-so-much-more-fun/#commentsFiled under:


We love the construction of this ad for the PSP created by TBWA Espana, Madrid, Spain. Two police offers are apprehending this young man, and instead of handcuffs, they use the ever-engrossing PSP. It's a subtle ad that may not sell the system's capabilities, but does a great job of emphasizing how cool the device is.

[Thanks, Karsten!]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adcommercialpolicepspspaintbwaTue, 22 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GPS games could be heading your way next year]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/gps-games-could-be-heading-your-way-next-year/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/gps-games-could-be-heading-your-way-next-year/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/22/gps-games-could-be-heading-your-way-next-year/#commentsFiled under:


It only took, y'know years, but American PSP owners will be able to enjoy GPS navigation some time next year. Not only will the platform support navigation and maps, as expected, but John Koller wants to offer something a bit more. SCEA is investigating game development which can take advantage of GPS technology. Koller told MTV Multiplayer the upcoming peripheral "changes the dynamics of GPS but also changes the way developers think about games on PSP because you can start integrating GPS into it." According to Koller, Sony will introduce the GPS solution to third party publishers and is currently brainstorming ideas within its first-party studios. "There's been a number of things that our first-party worldwide studios have looked at, and they've been trying to look at different options," he said.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsjohn-kollerkollerpspTue, 22 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy 'Hakufu's milk' to celebrate the release of Ikki Tousen]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/buy-hakufus-milk-to-celebrate-the-release-of-ikki-tousen/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/buy-hakufus-milk-to-celebrate-the-release-of-ikki-tousen/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/buy-hakufus-milk-to-celebrate-the-release-of-ikki-tousen/#commentsFiled under:

Are you thinking of importing the upcoming PSP fighting game Ikki Tousen? While that is all well and good, we thought we'd bring to your attention some other Ikki Tousen goodies you'll miss out on unless you live in Japan. In celebration of the game's arrival, the Cure Maid Cafe have added a milk pudding dessert to their menu dubbed "Hakufu's milk pudding". The attention to detail is impressive -- there's even a small bulge in the middle of these, er, milk pudding globs. Has anyone been able to try this out? Whatever the case, Ikki Tousen is coming out October 2nd in Japan.

[Via Otaku International]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cure-maid-cafeikki-tousenMon, 21 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Buzz! Master Quiz]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/hands-on-buzz-master-quiz/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/hands-on-buzz-master-quiz/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/hands-on-buzz-master-quiz/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's a rather difficult challenge to write hands-on impressions for a game like Buzz! Master Quiz. Sitting all lonesome on a table at Sony's E3 booth, it went by unnoticed by many that simply passed it by. Perhaps the lack of enthusiasm comes from this simple fact: Buzz! Master Quiz can be summed up rather succinctly -- a portable version of the popular quiz franchise, Buzz!

Progression through the game is rather simple. Simply partake in a variety of themed challenges. Perform well on one, and you'll earn a medal which can help unlock other challenges. Considering the quiz select screen fits on one menu, we're a bit concerned that the amount of content on the disc will be on the light side. With thousands of questions programmed in, we're certain these concerns are unwarranted.

Buzz! Master Quiz doesn't need to push the PSP hardware in any way, and that's exactly what we're getting with this simple, easy to look at game. At the very least, the presentation appears to have all the trimmings of its PS2 brethren.

Gallery: Buzz!

Continue reading Hands-on: Buzz! Master Quiz

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buzzbuzz-master-quize308joystiqfeaturesMon, 21 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Resistance Retribution is awesome]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/confirmed-resistance-retribution-is-awesome/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/confirmed-resistance-retribution-is-awesome/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/confirmed-resistance-retribution-is-awesome/#commentsFiled under:


PSP may not have had an overwhelming amount of surprises at E3 this year, but one announcement can make up for an otherwise tame conference. Resistance Retribution is on its way to becoming one of the best games on PSP, bar none.

Simply listing all of Resistance's features doesn't convey the simple fact that Resistance Retribution is a lot of fun. Being able to switch to an auto-target and manual aiming mode on the fly is what really makes Resistance as playable as it is. It may seem strange at first, but pressing the Left button on the D-Pad to toggle between manual and auto aim comes rather easily. The proximity of the Left button in relation to the L shoulder button makes it an intuitive change. We were able to take cover, pop out and take out a few enemies, and then aim at a few snipers afar without struggling at all. Once again, Bend has crafted a control scheme that takes PSP's limitations into consideration.

Gallery: Resistance Retribution

Continue reading Confirmed: Resistance Retribution is awesome

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e308joystiqfeaturesresistanceresistance-retributionsony-bendMon, 21 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Super Stardust Portable]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/hands-on-super-stardust-portable/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/hands-on-super-stardust-portable/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/21/hands-on-super-stardust-portable/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What is Super Stardust Portable? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like. It's a PSP version of Super Stardust HD, ready to play anywhere you go. The PSN download-exclusive title is making the big jump from PS3 to PSP, and Housemarque (developers of the original SSHD) have succeeded in creating an authentic Stardust experience for the handheld.

There are obviously going to be two big questions on everyone's mind regarding SSHD. Firstly, the controls. PSP may not have a second analog stick, so how will this work? Well, you simply use the face buttons to shoot in the direction you'd like. It may take a little while to get accostmed to, but SSHD vets will be boosting, bombing and shooting in no time. (ProTip: To do a circular attack with the Gold Melter, press all the face buttons at once.) Secondly, the graphics. While the visuals are obviously toned down from the PS3, the PSP version is able to render a surprising amount of enemies on screen while maintaining a silky smooth framerate. It may not be PSP's best looking game, but for a quick pick-up-and-play title, SSP offers more than enough detail.

Gallery: Super Stardust Portable

Continue reading Hands-on: Super Stardust Portable

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e308housemarquejoystiqfeaturessuper-stardustsuper-stardust-portableMon, 21 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Challenge yourself with this week's Monster Hunter DLC]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/20/challenge-yourself-with-this-weeks-monster-hunter-dlc/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/20/challenge-yourself-with-this-weeks-monster-hunter-dlc/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/20/challenge-yourself-with-this-weeks-monster-hunter-dlc/#commentsFiled under:


This week's Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G DLC features two different quests in the same training ground: Hipknock Dairantou and Challenge Quest 09. Bird creatures known as Hipknocks that have the ability to put you to sleep will be your opponent in the first mission while a group of Ranposu and a single Diablos become your foes in the second.

[Via PSPHyper]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommonster-huntermonster-hunter-2nd-gSun, 20 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Logitech launching PlayGear Pocket Slim next month]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/20/logitech-launching-playgear-pocket-slim-next-month/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/20/logitech-launching-playgear-pocket-slim-next-month/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/20/logitech-launching-playgear-pocket-slim-next-month/#commentsFiled under:


One of the most popular and best-reviewed PSP cases is the Playgear Pocket by Logitech. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit the PSP Slim & Lite. Logitech is about to change that with the launch of the PlayGear Pocket Slim next month. It seems to be the same exact case, except sized to fit the PSP-2000. It comes with a skin template that allows you to create your own custom skin. It is still made out of polycarbonate and you still don't have to take it out of the case to use the PSP. It even fits the larger 2200 mAH extended-life battery.

It might a little less sturdy though, according to the Logitech site, the original case came with a 2 year warranty; this new one comes with only a 1 year warranty. Will you be picking this up when it launches in August for $14.99?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>logitechplaygearplaygear-pocket-slimplaygearpocketpsp-2000Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3 not coming to the US]]>http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/20/yu-gi-oh-gx-tag-force-3-not-coming-to-the-us/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/20/yu-gi-oh-gx-tag-force-3-not-coming-to-the-us/http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/07/20/yu-gi-oh-gx-tag-force-3-not-coming-to-the-us/#commentsFiled under:


Although the last two games of the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force series were released in the US (in fact, the second game was released a week earlier in the US), it looks like Konami will not be bringing Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3 stateside.

Some of you might think this isn't a big deal, but a quick glance over at GameFAQs shows that one of the top ten forums for a PSP game is Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 2. No reason was given why the series has been discontinued on our shores, but those of you who wish to check out the game will have to start importing.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamiyu-gi-ohyu-gi-oh-gxSun, 20 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST