Lunar: Silver Star Harmony

Description

While seemingly placid on the surface, the world of Lunar is slowly descending into chaos, as the Goddess Althena, the creator and guardian of the world, has disappeared and the valiant efforts of the legendary Dragonmaster Dyne and his faithful companions fade into obscurity. With Althena gone and no one able or willing to become the next Dragonmaster, a shadowy figure, known only as the Magic Emperor, has started plotting to usurp Althena’s place and become a god. 

In a remote village far removed from the decay that is slowly spreading throughout the world lives a young man named Alex, who dreams of one day becoming the next Dragonmaster like his hero Dyne. One day, Alex’s friend Ramus convinces him to head towards a cave near town, where it is rumored the legendary White Dragon resides. With Alex’s adopted sister Luna and his mysterious pet Nall in tow, Alex heads off on what seems to be a meaningless adventure, not knowing that 

Features

• A Classic RPG Brought to a New Generation of Fans – Widely acclaimed as one of the best RPGs of all time, the classic, original Lunar is back to be experienced by a new generation of gamers.
• Enhanced Graphics and Sound – All of the graphics have been redone to take full advantage of the widescreen format and processing power of the PSP. Newly composed songs added to the remastered original soundtrack ensure the new audio experience is just as impressive as the graphical overhaul.
• Expanded Battle System – First introduced in Lunar Legend, the Arts Gauge System that allows players to unleash devastating attacks or heal party members has been implemented to add another dimension to the battle system.
• All-New Additional Story Elements – The beloved original story has been expanded and fleshed out with new cut-scenes and story sequences, revealing more about the four heroes and answering some of the questions left unresolved in the original.

Kenka Bancho: Badass

Atlus has long been a publisher that has championed hardcore and “niche” games, taking Japanese titles with bizarre gameplay elements and themes and bringing them stateside. Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble for PSP is one such title in a long line of strange games. A open brawler-RPG hybrid, Kenka Bancho certainly gets points for being an original and strange title, harkening back to titles like River City Ransom and-well-okay, I guess there’s really nothing else like it. There are still some quirks and frustrating issues that prevent the game from being a truly great game warranting a purchase, but those of you out there who are fans of Atlus and their penchant for embracing strange titles from across the ocean, then Kenka Bancho could be a worthy purchase.

While technically the third game in the Kenka Bancho (or Banchou) franchise, Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble is the first entry on the PSP, as well as the first one to release outside of Japan. The game puts you in control of a maladjusted youth as he embarks on a quest to becoming the lead Bancho, or tough guy. You’re a new kid with a chip on your shoulder, but that doesn’t make you any less of a badass. Therefore, you must work your way from the bottom, taking on other banchos city and conquering their districts, becoming the head bancho of the whole city.

Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble is primarily a brawler. You walk around the city, moving from district to district picking fights with other street toughs, procuring new items and weapons, and working your way up to the boss of the area. However, the game also has quite a few RPG elements. You’re able to level up, moving up Bancho Levels and gaining better attributes and new skills as you knock out more opponents. You’ll get skill points (dubbed Bancho Soul points) for each level that you gain, allowing you to build up things like your hit points, attacking power, and endurance. Additionally, you can go to stores throughout the map and purchase new things like weapons, health items and new clothing items. You can also engage in some illegal activities aside from getting into fights, like property damage, that will get you the attention of the police, requiring you to run for it or else be arrested and lose some items.

The combat in Kenka Bancho is pretty unique. Each fight begins with a menchi beam, where you r.

MX vs. ATV Reflex

Interviews

Nick Wlodyka Shares His Thoughts on the Future of the Industry
“A lot of development studios are working on Natal stuff. Some games will lend themselves better to Natal than others. What’s cool about Natal is that one of the real challenges our industry must figure out is, ‘What else we can do besides pushing our titles just to have them on the platform?’”

THQ speaks on MX vs. ATV Reflex
“It’s off-road racing in its full representation. There’s terrain deformation, a new physics engine, and a whole new set of controls that won’t alienate old or new gamers.” 

News

 MX vs. ATV Reflex will Feature Top Professional Motocross Riders
Joining previously announced rider James Stewart, will be Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath, Josh Grant, Ryan Villopoto and many more.

Motocross Icon James “Bubba” Stewart Partners with THQ During X Games
Will Appear in MX vs. ATV Relfex

Description

MX vs. ATV Reflex marks the highly anticipated return of the best-selling off-road racing franchise and features the all-new Rhythm Racing 2.0 physics engine, Rider Reflex control system and real-time terrain deformation. The Rider Reflex control system provides unparalleled precision and fluidity by separating machine steering from body positioning, which allows the independently controlled rider to shift his weight, perform death-defying stunts and avoid potentially devastating wrecks. Unprecedented terrain deformation creates ever-changing courses as off-road vehicles carve lines and deep ruts that have a real-time impact on gameplay and remain persistent through the full length of each race.

Notes

MX vs. ATV Reflex will offer players the chance to become the rider and leave their mark in Holiday 2009.

 

 

 

Marvel Super Hero Squad

While big brother (or sister) is playing the more mature and harder Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, the younger gamer won’t feel left out thanks to THQ’s release of Marvel Super Hero Squad … a game based on the kid’s animated show called “The Super Hero Squad Show.” With an impressive lineup of cutely rendered heroes and villains, Marvel Super Hero Squad for the PSP makes for a considerably flawed yet still somewhat fun brawler.

The game has a story mode called Adventure Mode that tells a story that fits right at home with the animated series. It seems that Doctor Doom is at it again as he is attempting to craft the Infinity Sword from the shattered blade’s several fragments called Infinity Fractals. Gathering his legion of villains, Doom goes about his search only to find that the Super Hero Squad is here to put a stop to his evil plans. The heroes will fight to stop Doom from carrying out his mission as they go through a number of location that include familiar spots like the Savage Land and even Asgard. 

The Super Hero Squad begins with its basic members that include Wolverine, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Flacon and the Silver Surfer. As you progress in Adventure Mode, you will unlock other heroes like Spider-Man, Captain America and the X-Men’s Storm. The story follows your chosen hero and his or her partner through a number of levels that will have you facing off various enemies and even participate in boss battles.

The good news is that the game does each individual character’s abilities right so Wolverine is great at slashing away with his claws and Iron Man can blast his way out of trouble. Even the Silver Surfer has a muted version of the Power Cosmic. While the powers and abilities aren’t as accurate as those seen in the Marvel Ultimate Alliance games, they do add variety to the battles. Even younger gamers will realize that the difference in powers can make for an interesting partnership. Including a powerhouse like Hulk with a brawler like Wolverine makes for a great team up that compliments each another.

Unfortunately, the bad news is that Adventure Mode is all over the place when it comes to the level design. Sure, you get to see interesting places within the Marvel Universe but there are times when you won’t know where to go to complete the mission objective Ms. Marvel asks you to carry out. Let’s take the first level that pits you against AIM agents and their vehicles, fail to destroy one vehicle and the exit opens up only to restart the mission if you decide to take the exit. There are even times where I didn’t even know where to go next, which would most likely frustrate younger gamers.

Adding to the game’s faults is the camera that doesn’t often offer the best view in the house. There are times where you’ll have to move in circles in order for the camera to get a view of the enemies shooting at you. The biggest crime, however, is the fact that in a game that offers you a partner; THQ didn’t include any multiplayer options. Ok, I can forgive the lack of online multiplayer but not including co-op via Ad Hoc is inexcusable.

At least the game does the brawling fun against the bad guys right. You’ll have a blast taking on against the Lethal Legion that Doctor Doom assembled. The lineup includes characters like Abomination, Sabretooth, Magneto, Modok, Mole Man and Juggernaut just to name a few. Villains have a special attack so battling them isn’t a walk in the park. You can even play as a villain in the game’s Battle Mode that simply allows you to select any character and location just to brawl.

The game sports some decent visuals but for those that don’t know the animated show they will find the cute versions of the good guys and bad guys rather silly. Still, there’s something about seeing Doctor Doom in a bathrobe and holding his coffee mug as if he just woke up from a nap downright adorable. The backgrounds are also quite colorful so different locals have a lot to look at during each mission. Sadly, the visual effects are seriously lacking.

At least the soundtrack is fun to listen to throughout the game despite the fact that the music is recycled often in this game. The voice acting is handled well, although none of the characters sound the way you would expect if you’re not familiar with the show. For those who are the characters sound just as good as on the show. 

Marvel Super Hero Squad for the PSP is missing a few things that could have made this a stellar action title for the young Marvel fan. Granted, there are a number of fun things about the game but the flaws are just too noticeable that even older gamers will find themselves frustrated by this game. Still, this game is worth the rental and a good starting point for young gamers still not old enough to really appreciate the difficulty level of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2. 

Review Scoring Details for Marvel Super Hero Squad

Gameplay: 6.0
If you’re not familiar with the show you can certainly appreciate the fabulous lineup that includes a team that contains Iron Man, Hulk and Wolverine. The story mode is kindly lengthy but the levels can be erratic and the camera definitely does not help. The lack of multiplayer fun just disappoints.

Graphics: 6.5
The character models are super cute just like in the show and kids will love it. The backgrounds look good even on the PSP, although the visual effects could have used some razzle-dazzle.

Sound: 7.0
The voice acting is just like in the show so expect everyone – including the bad guys – sound just as cute as they look. I never thought it was possible but Doctor Doom sounds so not menacing. The music is also quite nice but it is recycled throughout each few levels.

Difficulty: Medium
Even the youngest gamer will get by in Adventure mode as they go up against weak thugs as well as Marvel’s best villains like Doctor Doom or Abomination.

Concept: 6.0
There are more than enough heroes to play and unlock and even some villains you can use in the game’s Battle Mode. Adventure Mode takes you through some familiar Marvel universe locals. The lack of any multiplayer whatsoever is very upsetting.

Overall: 6.0
Marvel Super Hero Squad has a number of fun moments that work on the PSP but missing co-op and a few gameplay issues make this game a miss. That said, however, young gamers would still have a blast taking their favorite Marvel character through this decent action game. Do consider this a rental for fans of the show.

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier

If you’re like me and love the Jak and Daxter games, the thought of a PSP game with both title characters had me excited. Sure, playing a game with Daxter as the main character was great fun but we missed Jak and the firepower he brings to the series. Thankfully, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier brings most of the things we love about the series and does not disappoint.

In The Lost Frontier, we find Jak, Daxter and Jak’s girl, Keira, are flying to uncharted lands in search of Green Eco that will save their homeland in dire need of that life supporting element. It’s a desperate and dangerous mission but with so many lives at stake the trio sees no other choice but to head for the Lost Frontier where Eco is said to be plentiful. Unfortunately, they’re not the only ones looking for Eco because there are Eco Pirates willing to do anything for it as well.

We are quickly introduced to the game’s platforming action and it’s good to see that the game manages to mimic those of the PS2 games. Jak can jump, double jump and make use of his weapon that can later be upgraded. While his weapon starts off as a blunt melee weapon, the later levels allow you to use it like a rifle of sorts. Straight off the bat, you’ll also notice a few of the problems that have plagued the first game like the awkward camera angles are back. You can move the camera around but it still occasionally gets in the way of the platform jumping. I fell to my death four times and this was just the introductory mission.

Still, the camera isn’t a big enough problem that you won’t enjoy the platform gaming aspect of the game. Almost immediately we are also introduced to the ability to freely explore your surroundings, such as the ability to move around in Aeropa City and even participate in a few mini games such as a race to find glowing eggs littered throughout the city. More importantly, though, The Lost Frontier almost quickly pushes one of its best features … aerial combat.

Jak can fly the Hellcat or any other vehicle you manage to earn and participate in aero combat missions. The flight controls are simple and easy to manage so you’ll be able to do loops and drop in on an enemy ship with the best of them. The targeting system also works perfectly so the flight combat is not only handled smoothly but it makes the dogfights all the more entertaining. I would definitely not mind a flight combat Jak and Daxter spin-off game ala Jak X: Combat Racing and the game would have been even more amazing if they had included a multiplayer aerial combat mode.

Like past games in the series, there are plenty of upgrades for Jak’s weapons you can purchase in Aeropa City or via Keira. On top of the weapon upgrades, though, there are Jak’s new Eco powers that can offer an edge in strength and mobility but also to solve many of the platforming puzzles in the game. Jak can actually teleport with one Eco ability. The level design is actually very inventive in this game and accommodates the Eco powers perfectly. 

What doesn’t work, however, is Daxter’s new form. At one point, Daxter falls into a sewer and is doused with a tainted flow of Eco that transforms the funny critter into a hulking version of him with his own set of abilities and combat moves. Dark Daxter, as he is called in the game, can break through weak walls, spin through the environment like a mini tornado and even shoot Eco at enemies. Unfortunately, Dark Daxter’s levels are weak and totally unnecessary that you’ll be groaning each time the game cuts to the Dark Daxter levels.

Thankfully, the Dark Daxter moments are kept at a minimum and the game concentrates more on the fun platforming action of past games in this series. Ground combat with Jak works wonderfully, although sometimes the targeting system isn’t all too precise when you’re going up against more than one enemy. There are boss battles in the game and they’re actually very challenging and will keep you busy. The Lost Frontier is also a lengthy game even if you don’t spend the time exploring the environments.

As far as the graphics are concerned, The Lost Frontier does not disappoint as well with its sharp visuals, colorful environments and slick animation during cut scenes. It’s impressive to see the PSP pull off graphics this good and offer a lot to look at throughout the game as well as insert some amazing visual effects in everything from aerial dogfights to ground battles. Even the game’s soundtrack is as good as if it were made for a console release and the voice acting is still some of the best in the series.

Aside from the few problems, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier for the PSP is a deeply entertaining game that is true to the beloved series. It’s a straight up, addictively fun and clever game that will certainly please loyal Jak and Daxter fans. Sure, there are a few things that just fall flat but what really works makes for a game that deserves to be among your collection if you love a platform/action PSP game that is too fun to want to put down.

Review Scoring Details for Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier

Gameplay: 8.5
Jak and his friends find themselves in uncharted territory where they get involved in some good old fashioned platforming action as well as aerial combat situations that up the action factor. The puzzles are good and plentiful. There are challenging boss battles and plenty room to explore as well. Hulking out with Dark Daxter just isn’t fun, though.

Graphics: 9.0
Visually, the game looks just as good as a Jak and Daxter game on the PS2. Sporting sharp graphics, colorful backdrops and loads of special effects that light up the PSP widescreen, The Lost Frontier looks good.

Sound: 9.0
The voice acting is top notch with the best lines still going to Daxter. Still, the original score is excellent and the sound effects just as detailed as the visuals so you will want to play this game with earphones.

Difficulty: Medium
The dogfights are actually challenging enough to give your thumbs a workout and the same can be said about the boss battles later in the game.

Concept: 8.5
Forget the Dark Daxter levels, it’s Jak and Daxter together on the PSP with a game that’s not only lengthy but also filled with all the things we love about the console Jak and Daxter games. Vehicles make up a good portion of the game including aerial combat.

Overall: 8.5
Despite its few issues, The Lost Frontier is yet another gratifying Jak and Daxter game that feels right at home on the PSP. While we could have done without the Dark Daxter moments in the game, flying the unfriendly skies and exploring the impressive Lost Frontier is more than enough reason to pick this one up right away.

Half-Minute Hero

Usually, when you think of the Japanese RPG genre, you think of long affairs that often require dozens (if not hundreds) of hours of investment, grinding levels, performing sidequests, finding hidden items, and so on. These vary a bit, with the focus shifting on characters and story elements, but they all usually feature these very basic core elements. One thing that you don’t think of when it comes to the genre are time limits, least of all thirty second ones. That’s where Half-Minute Hero comes in.

An RPG-ish title with loads of personality that wears its old-school inspiration on its iron pauldrons, Half-Minute Hero takes all the familiar trappings and cliches of the RPG genre and has you working under a pretty insane time constraint in order to pull them off. In short, you have 30 seconds to grind levels, fight random enemy encounters, find items and equip weapons, interact with NPCs, and fight a boss in a castle. Yep, you read that right. Thirty seconds.

 

Well, perhaps that’s not quite true. Technically, you have some outside assistance in this regard, courtesy of the Time Goddess who has taken a liking to you (and your pocketbook). For a fee, she’ll reset your clock back to the thirty second mark while allowing you to keep your current levels and items, as well as any subquests that you’ve completed outside of the main task at hand, namely defeating the evil boss in the castle before he can set off his evil spell and destroy the world. Unfortunately, every time you pay her to reset the timer, her fee goes up a bit.

The game’s fast and furious nature is readily apparent from the gameplay. Battles are a completely hands off affair, with your character charging into enemies in order to attack them while they attack him as well. As you level up and gain money and better items, you’ll get a special on-screen prompt letting you know “You > Evil”, basically that you are now more powerful than and thus capable of defeating the boss in the castle. The game unfolds very quickly and as the subquests become more complex as you go (the main quest doesn’t really get more complicated than defeat the boss, but your means of getting to them become more creative as the game goes).

One thing that I can take away from my play time with Half-Minute Hero is just how addictive it is. The game doesn’t require more than a rudimentary understanding of the genre and its concepts, but just about anyone can get into it very quickly and have a great time.

Graphically, Half-Minute Hero has a distinct 8-bit look, drawing a lot of inspiration from NES RPGS. The characters are undetailed, blocky sprites and the environments are pretty flat, but that only adds to the game’s unique charm. There are some nice bits of artwork during a few of the cutscenes, but this one is pretty much old-school through and through. The game also boasts an appropriately traditional score, with the music featuring the same kind of epically tuned soundtrack as many RPGs.

A quirky game with tons of personality and very addictive gameplay, Half-Minute Hero should be one to watch.

Astro Boy: The Video Game

I’m not the least bit surprised if a game based on a newly released movie or is a tie-in story related to a theatrical release turns out to be a horrible gaming experience and a shameless way to rake in extra cash. Then again, a very rare few movie-based games actually surprised us with fun gameplay elements that made it worth buying. Unfortunately, Astro Boy The Video game had the making of one of those pleasant surprises but ends up being just another disappointment with a few retro-styled fun moments. 

Astro Boy takes flight

The game’s main story mode follows the story straight out of the film including cut scenes that look like they came directly from the film’s animation. In the story, a scientific genius and head of the Ministry of Science named Doctor Tenma calls the world’s brightest scientific minds to a conference involving two mysterious elements of power. During the presentation, however, a greedy corporate president steals one element and places it in a robot that runs amuck. As a result, the robot escapes and Doctor Tenma’s only son is killed. The good Doctor then builds a robot that bears a striking resemblance to his dead son and gives him the second element of power.

As a result, Astro is born with all the memories of Doctor Tenma’s deceased son as well as sporting a few cool upgrades such as arm cannons, booster rockets in his feet and, well, butt machine guns. Unfortunately for him, Doctor Tenma rejects Astro and tells the robot boy that it was a mistake to create such an abomination. We follow Astro as he discovers flight for the first time as well as his powerful moves and built-in weapons he uses for good.

The game plays like an old school side-scrolling action game that mixes flight combat with ground brawling action. On the air, Astro uses his arm rockets and finger lasers to fight off waves of enemy robots that have taken to the skies. While on the ground, Astro uses the same weapons he does while taking flight only this time he adds his butt machine guns as well as a few moves like punches, flip kicks, drill attacks and you can even grab an enemy and throw them. 

I, Robot

Many of the enemies you’ll face off against are robots, many of them have their own individual attacks whether it’s firing a heat-seeking rocket or firing lasers back at you. On the ground, Astro can even use his booster rockets to avoid enemy attack as well as reach platforms you can’t reach with normal jumps. The platforming bits in the game are decent but don’t expect much in this department.

Sadly, while it’s fun to blast and fly your way through the levels and face off against numerous enemies at once, even the retro-styled action can get old really fast. Younger gamers will love bashing robots but by the time they get to the third level they have pretty much seen and done everything the game has to offer. On top of the repetitive gameplay, though, the difficulty level ramps up for no real reason and becomes far too easy in other moments. Expect framerate stutter during the action as well and more noticeably during animated cut scenes.

While the story is on the short side, there’s very little reason to want to play again. Despite what it says on the packaging, there is no 2 player co-op in the game! For those that like the battles in the game or haven’t gotten tired of the air and ground combat there is Arena mode. Arena mode simply places you against a seemingly endless stream of enemies whether you pick flight or ground combat.

Not quite looking like a blockbuster 

The visuals are just basic with the best features being the animated cut scenes. There are visual effects in the game and neat little explosions but it’s nothing really spectacular nor will you feel impressed by the techno city backgrounds. As for the game’s sound, there’s a good musical score that never gets old in this game and the voice acting is handled by the likes of Freddie Highmore and Kristen Bell from Astro Boy The Movie.

Surprisingly fun in the old school sort of way, Astro Boy The Video Game has some great brawling and aerial combat gameplay but, sadly enough, the repetitive levels and other problems fail to keep this game fun for very long. Even if you love Astro Boy or liked the new theatrical release, this PSP game is fun for short bursts until the action gets old quickly.

Review Scoring Details for Astro Boy The Video Game

Gameplay: 6.0
Astro can take the battle in the air or down in the ground to brawl and blast his way in a retro-styled action game. Metro City is filled with various robots but fighting them gets old way too quickly even with butt machine guns.

Graphics: 6.5
The game’s graphics aren’t the strongest even on the PSP, although the animated cut scenes look just as good as the movie’s animation. Even the special effects aren’t impressive.

Sound: 7.0
The voice acting is good, although you won’t know it thanks to the framerate stutter during the cut scenes. The music comes straight from the movie and that is a very good thing and makes up for the lack of good sound effects.

Difficulty: Medium
While there are times when the enemy will overwhelm you and some flight combat levels will have you respawning, this game isn’t too difficult. Some of the much younger gamers will become frustrated with some levels.

Concept: 6.0
It’s the new modernized Astro Boy from the new movie so expect the same cute character from the film and butt machine guns. Astro Boy can take flight and blast robots with his cannons as well as unleash a few attacks but other than that there’s not much to our favorite robotic boy. You can fight waves of robots in a battle arena mode.

Overall: 6.0
Astro Boy The Video Game has all the makings of a really fun arcade-styled action PSP game and while there are some enjoyable moments in the game it just falls apart too quickly. Aside from its repetitive nature and lack of diversity, the game has a few glitches that would have made this an occasionally fun movie tie-in game.

Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines

In many ways, Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines is an impressive game. From a technological standpoint, it shows how far the game industry has come – just a few years ago, no one would have ever dreamed of developing a portable iteration of a series as massive Assassin’s Creed, not without changing the gameplay perspective (pick your flavor: top-down or side-scrolling) and not without turning the graphics into something hideous.

But here we are, the end of 2009, and Ubisoft has done it, producing a game that is rich with 3D environments, spectacular with its synchronizing camera pans and even breathtaking with its leap of faith effects. These are the kinds of things you just don’t come across that often in a handheld game, not on PSP and certainly not on the Nintendo DS.

If the developers could have gone one step further, if they could have added something a little deeper than what amounts to a showpiece for Sony’s handheld, the rest of Bloodlines might have lived up to its own impressive visuals. But as you’ll soon learn, this game is very much a show – one that quickly turns into reruns.

Mission: Straightforward

When people think of Assassin’s Creed, the original or the sequel, they envision large, open-ended worlds, a never-ending list of missions, both essential and optional, and combat that was clearly choreographed but is still heavily engaging.

Bloodlines doesn’t contain any of that. The game is linear in every sense of the word. First of all, every mission requires you to locate a noun (that is, a person, place, or thing), which is shown on your radar. Don’t worry if the location seems unclear since the game blocks off any portion of the environment that you aren’t currently supposed to access. Thus, you’re locked into one area of the game, with only one goal, and zero side quests to get lost in.

On Guard, Off Duty

Bloodlines is also guilty of having the dumbest guards known to man. Whereas the guards in Metal Gear Solid have been criticized for walking in circles while tracking dubious footprints, the guards in this game are practically blind. Their competence comes into question the moment you realize that it is possible to run up to guards, slow down just before you approach, and assassinate them without anyone realizing you were there. And when I say anyone, I mean it; you can’t run through a crowd of guards without getting noticed, but if two are standing within 10 feet of each other, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to kill one without the other noticing. In fact, I can’t think of a single time where this didn’t work; the only times that I failed were the times that I made so much noise that I alerted the guard I was trying to assassinate.

Combatively Challenged

The combat of Assassin’s Creed seems to have left the building since there is no sign of it here. You can block and reverse attacks, or tap the square button repeatedly until enemies die, which they do very quickly – just attack until one of them stops blocking, and then all of them will stop blocking. It’s quite comical, to say the least, especially when you throw archers into the mix. Aside from the archers who carry swords, they have no way of defending against an attack. But it takes three or four open (unblocked!) attacks to kill them. Meanwhile, only one slash is needed to take out the sword-wielding enemies.

I guess we should file this one under The Big Book of Video Game Ironies.

Get the Connection

By now you’ve likely heard that the Bloodlines, developed exclusively for PSP, can connect with the PS3 version of Assassin’s Creed II. While definitely a neat feature, the only benefit of making this connection is to unlock additional weapons and items with the press of a button. If you have both versions, be sure to take advantage of this option, but don’t buy both just for this reason.

There Will Be Blood

Visually, Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines will be remembered. Other than God of War: Chains of Olympus and a couple of Metal Gear Solid titles (one of which isn’t out yet), there aren’t many PSP games that have been able to emulate the visual effects of their console predecessors. Bloodlines is far from being PS3-worthy, but few will be able to ignore what was accomplished.

Graphics, however, are all anyone will remember. The gameplay amounts to little more than a weak version of a revered console series.

Review Scoring Details for Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines

Gameplay: 5
Boring, by-the-books mission-following that does little to expand the series, and in no way has the power to excite fans of the console versions.

Graphics: 8.9
Always gorgeous and frequently breathtaking, Bloodlines is one of the PSP’s best-looking games.

Sound: 7
Nothing too memorable, musically or vocally. The dialogue isn’t atrocious but the story certainly is.

Difficulty: Easy
Assassin’s Creed: Cakewalk Edition.

Concept: 6.9
Bloodlines is a nice attempt at PSP greatness, but the soul of the series got lost somewhere in the development process.

Multiplayer: N/A

Overall: 5.3
Generic at best, Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines is a great example of what can be done on the PSP visually, but should in no way be considered an example of great gameplay.

Konami Announces Street Date for Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker for PSP

Konami Announces Street Date for Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker for PSP

Full-Scale Sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3 – Features New Game System and Original Story by Hideo Kojima Available Next Year

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., announced that May 25, 2010 is the official street date for Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, on the PSP in North America.

Developed by legendary Hideo Kojima – the mastermind behind the most successful video game tactical-espionage series of all time – this latest PSP system installment picks up where Metal Gear Solid 3 for the PlayStation 2 leaves off as players take control of the famed Naked Snake. Taking place in 1974, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker features original game design, story and scenario by Hideo Kojima. Scheduled to launch in 2010, the game takes the series in an exciting new direction with its incredible visuals and its unique new game system designed specifically with the PSP in mind.

“Featuring an original story created by legendary game designer, Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a title that has serious sales potential,” said David Daniels, Director of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “Kojima Productions has pushed the limits of the PSP system and we cannot wait to unveil their latest addition to the Metal Gear franchise to gamers this coming May.”

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, is being developed exclusively for the PSP.

PSP CAR:GRAN TURISMO>>>

Gran Turismo is built for optimal performance and fun racing excitement on the portable platform. Consistently setting the bar in terms of quality of design and physics technology with every product release, Gran Turismo on the PSP is no exception and offers an authentic and accessible racing product for the series’ millions of fans and newcomers alike.

Gran Turismo features more than 800 vehicle models from the world’s top manufacturers (over 4,500 total paint variations) and more than 30 tracks (60+ total layouts), including famous world circuits, city courses and other environments. Featuring exciting gameplay and game modes to suit all levels of play, Gran Turismo is a great introduction to the best-selling series for newcomers. Additionally, seasoned Gran Turismo fans will recognize the depth of content and unparalleled visuals the series is known for, including graphics running at a stunning 60 frames per second. Gran Turismo is truly a next generation PSP title.

Players can progress and acquire cars in Challenge Mode throughout more than 100 events in, or they can explore different tracks and circuits in Arcade Mode. Additionally, players can race online in Ad Hoc Mode against up to 3 others (4 total) via the PSP’s built-in ad hoc functionality. The first in the Gran Turismo series is the ability to trade and share unlocked vehicles with others online via ad hoc mode. This feature is not available in any other racing game on PSP.