Posting a new thread due to some sort of character limit that deletes the whole post if exceeded. Couldn't edit my older post without deleting the whole thing. So I'm going to reboot the topic and split it into several posts.
Seeing that a lot of people are making "just purchased a PSP, what games should I get?" And along with the PSP pricedrop I decided to be helpful and write (copy and paste) a bunch of excellent titles the PSP has to offer along with notice if the game has a cheap pricetag. Because I am such a nice person.
...Well, and because of the mouthbreather comments that the handheld has no games.
--The Newer List of Excellent PSP Games--
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror - Third Person Shooter - $20
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror packs an uncommon amount of detail, variety and overall
quality. It blends intense action sequences with stealth in a way no portable game has
before, and it does so with style to spare. It controls well, plays well and generally does
everything right.
WipEout Pure - Futuristic Racer - $20 (also has 12 more downloadable tracks.)
Wipeout Pure is easily one of the finest launch titles available for PSP. The package
comes complete with beautiful visuals, outstandingly polished gameplay, a thumping score,
Wi-Fi multiplayer, and downloadable content. It can be rather difficult at times, so be
wary. But players who give themselves to Wipeout Pure will get plenty back in return. The
race is on, and it couldn't be much more lovely. (My favorite PSP title, purchase it
mother****ers!)
GTA: Vice City Stories - Sandbox - $30
Without even touching on the outstanding soundtrack, pop references like the '99 Red
Balloons' you can hunt down, the cameos from characters out of PS2's Vice City, there is
enough meat to keep fans hooked for months.
Tekken: Dark Resurrection Review - Fighter
Tekken: Dark Resurrection is serious business. It does absolutely everything well and
offers a number of options we wish were in last year's PlayStation 2 version of Tekken 5.
New modes, new characters (the slow-but-powerful Dragunov and the speedier
mash-friendly Lili), incredible graphics, and plenty of other add-ons not only make Tekken
a fantastic fighting experience, but one hell of a great PSP game as well.
Ridge Racer Arcade Racer - $20
Ridge Racer does a fine job of showing off the system's technical prowess while
simultaneously providing more of the same smooth gameplay that still holds up after all these years.
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords Review - Puzzle - $30
Puzzle Quest managed to combine the best aspects of both genres into one nice little
package. We went into this game expecting very little, and came away with a whole lot.
Puzzle Quest's addictive mixture of role-playing stat progression, and casual
gem-matching has resulted in one of the most captivating PSP games this year.
Rachet and Clank: Size Matters - Platformer/Shooter
Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters has everything a triple-A PSP game should have. It's
packed with fantastic single-player content, has a strong multiplayer element, boasts a
great visual and thematic presentation, and excels with razor-sharp gameplay mechanics.
Crush - Puzzle Platforming - $30
You know you've found a great puzzler when even the earliest levels in the game leave
you feeling completely rewarded. Crush accomplishes this feat thanks to its 40
superbly-designed mazes, fantastic art style, and terrific original concept. There are even
unlockables and trophy stages to mess around with to boot! Sure it isn't perfect, but what
more do you need? It's a must-own.
Sid Meier's Pirates! Live the Life - Pirate - $30
Sid Meier's Pirates! Live the Life is a really good port of an absolutely classic game.
Everything that makes Pirates! what it is is here and in fantastic form. The most important
elements, like ship battles, exploration and such are identical to what you 'd find on the
PC.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops - Stealth
A title that demonstrates what the technology of the PSP can actually do, with a solid
action title to boot. The GPS and WiFi scanning feature is excellently implemented, the
online and single player modes are deep, and there are plenty of things to do by tracking
down and recruiting new soldiers from various places. This is one of the games to add to
your collection if you have the PSP.
Lumines I & II - Puzzle - First game should be around $20, right?
Lumines stands absolutely as one of the brightest stars in the puzzle field in a long, long
time. Q Entertainment hooked up winning gameplay to enticing visual and musical compliments.
Killzone: Liberation - Overhead Shooter
It seems wherever Liberation can go the extra mile, it does. It delivers on all fronts,
from a thoroughly engrossing single-player campaign to an addictive multiplayer component.
LocoRoco - Singing Blob Simulator and Arthritis Stimulator - $30
You'll discover playing Locoroco is a lot like eating candy, only without the stomachache
after an overdose. That sounds absurd but it really gets the point across. It's vibrant,
cheery and serves no other point than to make you smile.
Daxter - Platformer - $20
Daxter is simply an outstanding PSP game that brings back the old-school platform
gaming the industry has been shying more and more away from.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories - Sandbox - $20
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories offers a deep, console-like GTA experience.
There's so much to see and do that finishing the main story portion leaves around 60% of
the game to experience. Just driving around the city and taking in the sights packs about
as much fun as most full-fledged games.
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee - Golf - $20
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee's shameless charm knows no bounds. The line between cute
and cheesy is a fine one, but the game sweetly balances this divide with a fine-tuned
game engine the delivers a genuine golfing experience. As a result, this is one of the most
addictive PSP game to date.
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception Review - Flight Combat
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception makes a spectacular landing on the PSP. It has
everything longtime fans of the series could possibly want, along with a few extras they're
probably not expecting. Deception also looks great and runs well, offering a near identica
l experience as what's on the PS2. On top of that, it does a good job of offering narrative
incentives, so the campaign never feels like a string of soulless missions.
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2006 - Wrestling
What makes WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2006 such fantastic fun to play is its total
accessibility. While everyone may not care for the Buried Alive match or Fulfill Your
Fantasy, they can always retreat to GM Mode or defend one of their titles instead. If those
options still don't tickle their fancy, they can always just make someone with the excellent
create-a-character feature, or drop into an impromptu Season, or simply engage in an old
favorite like Hell in a Cell. What's more is that the gameplay has made another noticeable
step forward with its strong stamina and momentum systems and the adjustments to the
rest of the gameplay are just as effective.
Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Remix - Tony Hawk - $20
Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Remix is a nearly perfect extended port of the console
version. Everything, literally everything, that was in the console versions can be found
here.
Ultimate Ghosts 'N Goblins - Toastyfrog Repellent - $20, right?
A great, great showpiece for Sony's handheld system. The long overdue weapons and
abilities that Arthur has gained for this installment are just the beginning -- as the game's
truly excellent visuals, smart difficulty settings, and solid action-platforming make for one
heck of a fun (albeit short-lived) day at the graveyard. Don't forget about the strong
portable save options, multitude of hidden goodies, or the killer remixed soundtrack
either.
Burnout Dominator - Racing (There is also Burnout Legends for $30, maybe $20?)
The racing is just as adrenaline pumping as it's ever been, and possibly even more so
than what we saw in Burnout Revenge as you need to be afraid of traffic once again.
However, the lack of standard features and modes like Crash are a rather big
disappointment. It's more worthy of a pickup on the PSP than the PS2 however as its
simply more impressive as a handheld game and the multiplayer features are much more
robust.
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer - Football
Konami got the PSP right this year and WE PES 2007 improves on last year's title in
almost every way. While it doesn't offer the full set of controls as its console counterparts,
this version is one of the best sports games on the PSP. There are still plenty of awesome
goals thanks to combination passing and blistering shots.
Sega Genesis Collection - Collection - $30
Sega Genesis Collection is easily the best assemblage of Sega games you can find.
Mercury Meltdown - Super Mercury Ball?
Yes, this game is frustrating, but frustrating in the right places and for the right
reasons. Mercury Meltdown is more encouraging and enjoyable than the first game, and
it's one that players will always want to have with them, squeezing just a little bit more
Mercury out with each try.
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth - RPG - $30
If you werent lucky enough to get your hands on the game the first time around, this is
a excellent way to check out a challenging non-linear title that has plenty of depth and
story to back up a creative game experience. This is still the best RPG that the PSP has
received to date, and fans of the genre will definitely be pleased with this title.
Race Driver 2006 - Racing
Though it's really the only option currently for simulation racing on the PSP, Race Driver
2006 is great game regardless of whatever amount of racers it's stacked up against and
anyone who likes games in the vein of Gran Turismo would do well to pick it up.
Gitaroo Man Lives! - Music
Gitaroo Man Lives! Makes the jump to the PSP and never misses a beat. Sure, its still a
short game, even with the addition of new tracks and multiplayer modes, but its
nevertheless unique and still very rewarding. Plus, it actually makes a fine portable title,
which is as important as any other factor when it comes to PSP titles.
Medal of Honor Heroes - First Person Shooter
Heroes does a fine job of translating the cinematic gameplay of the Medal of Honor
series on the PSP. It retains the intensity of WWII firefights while streamlining the whole
experience for mobile audiences.
Field Commander - Strategy
Field Commander will most certainly appeal to strategy fans. Beyond that, it offers
enough depth and flexibility to warrant a look from any serious gamer. It blends an
engrossing single-player campaign with great production values and a robust set of
multiplayer options.
Pursuit Force - Action
Pursuit Force is a damn fine portable game. Its fast, fun and perfectly suited for gaming
on the run. It packs a ton of content, too, and it does so with style to spare. Race fans will
definitely want to check it out, and so will fans of the action genre. But regardless of
gaming preference, its hard to deny the appeal. Its a great idea with good execution.
X-Men Legends II: Rise of the Apocalypse - Hack n' Slash
Everything that was successfully implemented in the first game is back and better than
ever. The PSP version deserves even more praise for a number of reasons. X-Men
Legends 2 feels like it was made for the PSP. This style of dungeon crawler is ideal for
quick bursts of action on a handheld and the addition of four player co-op sweetens the
pot.
SSX: On Tour - Sports
SSX On Tour is an excellent addition to the PSP library. Skiing is a blast even though it's
not significantly different from boarding, and the rock infused presentation is a perfect
fit.
Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony - Hack n' Slash
Throne of Agony offers the Dungeon Siege experience, albeit tweaked for a mobile
audience. Combat is more dynamic and visceral thanks to these changes. Along with great
presentation and accessibility, Throne of Agony offers a lengthy quest filled memorable
locations and snazzy enemies.
MX vs. ATV Unleashed: On the Edge - Off Road Racing
The track design, controls and "rhythm racing" focus are all excellent,
while the game runs great and looks decent enough to keep you engaged for some time.
That is, if you don't fall asleep during the load times.
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo - Tactical Shooter - $20, right?
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo is easily one of, if not the, most full-featured
titles for the PSP yet. With 16 players via either Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure mode, the game
has excellent potential for a very long-term multiplayer lifespan. The singleplayer aspect is
great as well, and with the addition of the Instant Action mode, also has quite a long life
for itself.
Mega Man Powered Up - Platform - $20
Mega Man Powered Up is a fun, polished remake thatll win over old fans while seducing
newcomers into the world of Capcom classics. Its overly cute art style isnt for everyone,
but with solid gameplay and a treasure chest of extras, its not like it matters much. About
the only complaint here is the occasional slowdown when things get hectic, but other than
that, its a pretty slick package with minimal load times
Every Extend Extra - Shooter
Every Extend Extra does a fine job of mixing arcade action with the depth of a serious
puzzle game. Throw in a collection of catchy tunes and trippy visuals, and Every Extend
Extra provides just about everything a puzzle fan could want.
Gradius Collection - Shooter - $20
Whether you are playing them for the first time or playing them for the millionth, the
games in Gradius Collection are, for the most part, some of the best side-scrolling shooters
you'll ever handle. Emulated without any noticeable problems and benefiting from a nice
selection of extra options, the software here is great fun.
Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure - Action Adventure - $20
Gurumin is one of those pleasant surprises that you wouldn't necessarily expect from its
childlike appearance. A ton of difficulty levels, loads of accessories and costumes for Parin
and lots of mini-games await players that are willing to give this game a chance.
Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded - Collection
The reason Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded is so cool is because it does a number
of things well that most compilation packs normally don't. Not only does it give you a lot of
information and bonuses with every game in the set, it also (as one of my colleagues
once said) forces you to play each game like a man because of their various "hardcore"
settings.
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 - Tactical Shooter
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 is a fine follow-up to last year's original PSP
release. Like last year, it's a bit of a different experience than the console games, but it's
also tied into Combined Assault very
well. SOCOM fans won't be disappointed.
Maverick Hunter X - Platformer - $20
Maverick Hunter X will satiate old-time fans, yet it packs enough new content to draw
new players. It's a little on the short side, but it's intense, fun and very challenging. The
retooled visuals and sound, coupled with truly nifty additions, make Hunter X an
engrossing title.
Ultimate Block Party - Puzzle - $20, maybe even cheaper now?
How much you get out of Ultimate Block Party may depend on how much you put into it.
If you're good at it but never get great, it might not impress you all that much. Once you
start putting together huge Chains, however, and earning those bunker-buster Magic
Blocks, the game gets nuts. Ultimate Block Party comes off as a combination of Nintendo's
Puzzle League and Sega's Puyo Pop, and if you liked the hectic pace of those two games,
this one might really get you twisted up.
Twisted Metal: Head-On - Car Combat - $20
It's great to see Twisted Metal back in classic form. While the game doesn't match the
artistic achievement of Twisted Metal: Black, Head-On does succeed in reviving an almost
forgotten nostalgia, bringing back the light-hearted, morbid humor of Twisted Metal 2. Fans
of the series need not hesitate to snatch up Head-On -- it offers plenty of replay value and
classic fun.
Me and My Katamari - Weirdness
A strong gameplay design, charming characters and art, an admirable mechanica
l translation, and ad hoc multiplayer really give it some life and make it a game worth
trying out (especially if your an existing fan of the series).
Metal Gear Acid 1 & 2 - Card Combat - $20 each
Acid's satisfying turn-based strategy is a great fit for Metal Gear's trademark high
presentation values and quirky narrative style.
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 - Puzzle
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 is a nice alternative to some of the more
lighthearted puzzle games out there. Not for the weak-minded, this game is full of
hardcore brain teasers that will test your spatial, observational, and deductive reasoning.
Fans of the first game will find about five times the replay value crammed into the sequel,
thanks to more puzzles, new tests, downloadable every week, and the puzzle editor.
Traxxpad: Portable Studio - Portable Studio
Traxxpad is a very interesting release as it's not a game but rather a full-fledged music
production program. It's extremely powerful for what it is, but that also means it's
complicated and not as user-friendly as a computer-based equivalent. Folks who have
never dabbled in music creation before will find this a fantastic (and relatively cheap)
introduction into the art, though you'll need a bit of patience and the will to learn to be able
to take full advantage of it.
Seeing that a lot of people are making "just purchased a PSP, what games should I get?" And along with the PSP pricedrop I decided to be helpful and write (copy and paste) a bunch of excellent titles the PSP has to offer along with notice if the game has a cheap pricetag. Because I am such a nice person.
...Well, and because of the mouthbreather comments that the handheld has no games.
--The Newer List of Excellent PSP Games--
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror - Third Person Shooter - $20
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror packs an uncommon amount of detail, variety and overall
quality. It blends intense action sequences with stealth in a way no portable game has
before, and it does so with style to spare. It controls well, plays well and generally does
everything right.
WipEout Pure - Futuristic Racer - $20 (also has 12 more downloadable tracks.)
Wipeout Pure is easily one of the finest launch titles available for PSP. The package
comes complete with beautiful visuals, outstandingly polished gameplay, a thumping score,
Wi-Fi multiplayer, and downloadable content. It can be rather difficult at times, so be
wary. But players who give themselves to Wipeout Pure will get plenty back in return. The
race is on, and it couldn't be much more lovely. (My favorite PSP title, purchase it
mother****ers!)
GTA: Vice City Stories - Sandbox - $30
Without even touching on the outstanding soundtrack, pop references like the '99 Red
Balloons' you can hunt down, the cameos from characters out of PS2's Vice City, there is
enough meat to keep fans hooked for months.
Tekken: Dark Resurrection Review - Fighter
Tekken: Dark Resurrection is serious business. It does absolutely everything well and
offers a number of options we wish were in last year's PlayStation 2 version of Tekken 5.
New modes, new characters (the slow-but-powerful Dragunov and the speedier
mash-friendly Lili), incredible graphics, and plenty of other add-ons not only make Tekken
a fantastic fighting experience, but one hell of a great PSP game as well.
Ridge Racer Arcade Racer - $20
Ridge Racer does a fine job of showing off the system's technical prowess while
simultaneously providing more of the same smooth gameplay that still holds up after all these years.
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords Review - Puzzle - $30
Puzzle Quest managed to combine the best aspects of both genres into one nice little
package. We went into this game expecting very little, and came away with a whole lot.
Puzzle Quest's addictive mixture of role-playing stat progression, and casual
gem-matching has resulted in one of the most captivating PSP games this year.
Rachet and Clank: Size Matters - Platformer/Shooter
Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters has everything a triple-A PSP game should have. It's
packed with fantastic single-player content, has a strong multiplayer element, boasts a
great visual and thematic presentation, and excels with razor-sharp gameplay mechanics.
Crush - Puzzle Platforming - $30
You know you've found a great puzzler when even the earliest levels in the game leave
you feeling completely rewarded. Crush accomplishes this feat thanks to its 40
superbly-designed mazes, fantastic art style, and terrific original concept. There are even
unlockables and trophy stages to mess around with to boot! Sure it isn't perfect, but what
more do you need? It's a must-own.
Sid Meier's Pirates! Live the Life - Pirate - $30
Sid Meier's Pirates! Live the Life is a really good port of an absolutely classic game.
Everything that makes Pirates! what it is is here and in fantastic form. The most important
elements, like ship battles, exploration and such are identical to what you 'd find on the
PC.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops - Stealth
A title that demonstrates what the technology of the PSP can actually do, with a solid
action title to boot. The GPS and WiFi scanning feature is excellently implemented, the
online and single player modes are deep, and there are plenty of things to do by tracking
down and recruiting new soldiers from various places. This is one of the games to add to
your collection if you have the PSP.
Lumines I & II - Puzzle - First game should be around $20, right?
Lumines stands absolutely as one of the brightest stars in the puzzle field in a long, long
time. Q Entertainment hooked up winning gameplay to enticing visual and musical compliments.
Killzone: Liberation - Overhead Shooter
It seems wherever Liberation can go the extra mile, it does. It delivers on all fronts,
from a thoroughly engrossing single-player campaign to an addictive multiplayer component.
LocoRoco - Singing Blob Simulator and Arthritis Stimulator - $30
You'll discover playing Locoroco is a lot like eating candy, only without the stomachache
after an overdose. That sounds absurd but it really gets the point across. It's vibrant,
cheery and serves no other point than to make you smile.
Daxter - Platformer - $20
Daxter is simply an outstanding PSP game that brings back the old-school platform
gaming the industry has been shying more and more away from.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories - Sandbox - $20
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories offers a deep, console-like GTA experience.
There's so much to see and do that finishing the main story portion leaves around 60% of
the game to experience. Just driving around the city and taking in the sights packs about
as much fun as most full-fledged games.
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee - Golf - $20
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee's shameless charm knows no bounds. The line between cute
and cheesy is a fine one, but the game sweetly balances this divide with a fine-tuned
game engine the delivers a genuine golfing experience. As a result, this is one of the most
addictive PSP game to date.
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception Review - Flight Combat
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception makes a spectacular landing on the PSP. It has
everything longtime fans of the series could possibly want, along with a few extras they're
probably not expecting. Deception also looks great and runs well, offering a near identica
l experience as what's on the PS2. On top of that, it does a good job of offering narrative
incentives, so the campaign never feels like a string of soulless missions.
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2006 - Wrestling
What makes WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2006 such fantastic fun to play is its total
accessibility. While everyone may not care for the Buried Alive match or Fulfill Your
Fantasy, they can always retreat to GM Mode or defend one of their titles instead. If those
options still don't tickle their fancy, they can always just make someone with the excellent
create-a-character feature, or drop into an impromptu Season, or simply engage in an old
favorite like Hell in a Cell. What's more is that the gameplay has made another noticeable
step forward with its strong stamina and momentum systems and the adjustments to the
rest of the gameplay are just as effective.
Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Remix - Tony Hawk - $20
Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Remix is a nearly perfect extended port of the console
version. Everything, literally everything, that was in the console versions can be found
here.
Ultimate Ghosts 'N Goblins - Toastyfrog Repellent - $20, right?
A great, great showpiece for Sony's handheld system. The long overdue weapons and
abilities that Arthur has gained for this installment are just the beginning -- as the game's
truly excellent visuals, smart difficulty settings, and solid action-platforming make for one
heck of a fun (albeit short-lived) day at the graveyard. Don't forget about the strong
portable save options, multitude of hidden goodies, or the killer remixed soundtrack
either.
Burnout Dominator - Racing (There is also Burnout Legends for $30, maybe $20?)
The racing is just as adrenaline pumping as it's ever been, and possibly even more so
than what we saw in Burnout Revenge as you need to be afraid of traffic once again.
However, the lack of standard features and modes like Crash are a rather big
disappointment. It's more worthy of a pickup on the PSP than the PS2 however as its
simply more impressive as a handheld game and the multiplayer features are much more
robust.
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer - Football
Konami got the PSP right this year and WE PES 2007 improves on last year's title in
almost every way. While it doesn't offer the full set of controls as its console counterparts,
this version is one of the best sports games on the PSP. There are still plenty of awesome
goals thanks to combination passing and blistering shots.
Sega Genesis Collection - Collection - $30
Sega Genesis Collection is easily the best assemblage of Sega games you can find.
Mercury Meltdown - Super Mercury Ball?
Yes, this game is frustrating, but frustrating in the right places and for the right
reasons. Mercury Meltdown is more encouraging and enjoyable than the first game, and
it's one that players will always want to have with them, squeezing just a little bit more
Mercury out with each try.
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth - RPG - $30
If you werent lucky enough to get your hands on the game the first time around, this is
a excellent way to check out a challenging non-linear title that has plenty of depth and
story to back up a creative game experience. This is still the best RPG that the PSP has
received to date, and fans of the genre will definitely be pleased with this title.
Race Driver 2006 - Racing
Though it's really the only option currently for simulation racing on the PSP, Race Driver
2006 is great game regardless of whatever amount of racers it's stacked up against and
anyone who likes games in the vein of Gran Turismo would do well to pick it up.
Gitaroo Man Lives! - Music
Gitaroo Man Lives! Makes the jump to the PSP and never misses a beat. Sure, its still a
short game, even with the addition of new tracks and multiplayer modes, but its
nevertheless unique and still very rewarding. Plus, it actually makes a fine portable title,
which is as important as any other factor when it comes to PSP titles.
Medal of Honor Heroes - First Person Shooter
Heroes does a fine job of translating the cinematic gameplay of the Medal of Honor
series on the PSP. It retains the intensity of WWII firefights while streamlining the whole
experience for mobile audiences.
Field Commander - Strategy
Field Commander will most certainly appeal to strategy fans. Beyond that, it offers
enough depth and flexibility to warrant a look from any serious gamer. It blends an
engrossing single-player campaign with great production values and a robust set of
multiplayer options.
Pursuit Force - Action
Pursuit Force is a damn fine portable game. Its fast, fun and perfectly suited for gaming
on the run. It packs a ton of content, too, and it does so with style to spare. Race fans will
definitely want to check it out, and so will fans of the action genre. But regardless of
gaming preference, its hard to deny the appeal. Its a great idea with good execution.
X-Men Legends II: Rise of the Apocalypse - Hack n' Slash
Everything that was successfully implemented in the first game is back and better than
ever. The PSP version deserves even more praise for a number of reasons. X-Men
Legends 2 feels like it was made for the PSP. This style of dungeon crawler is ideal for
quick bursts of action on a handheld and the addition of four player co-op sweetens the
pot.
SSX: On Tour - Sports
SSX On Tour is an excellent addition to the PSP library. Skiing is a blast even though it's
not significantly different from boarding, and the rock infused presentation is a perfect
fit.
Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony - Hack n' Slash
Throne of Agony offers the Dungeon Siege experience, albeit tweaked for a mobile
audience. Combat is more dynamic and visceral thanks to these changes. Along with great
presentation and accessibility, Throne of Agony offers a lengthy quest filled memorable
locations and snazzy enemies.
MX vs. ATV Unleashed: On the Edge - Off Road Racing
The track design, controls and "rhythm racing" focus are all excellent,
while the game runs great and looks decent enough to keep you engaged for some time.
That is, if you don't fall asleep during the load times.
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo - Tactical Shooter - $20, right?
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo is easily one of, if not the, most full-featured
titles for the PSP yet. With 16 players via either Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure mode, the game
has excellent potential for a very long-term multiplayer lifespan. The singleplayer aspect is
great as well, and with the addition of the Instant Action mode, also has quite a long life
for itself.
Mega Man Powered Up - Platform - $20
Mega Man Powered Up is a fun, polished remake thatll win over old fans while seducing
newcomers into the world of Capcom classics. Its overly cute art style isnt for everyone,
but with solid gameplay and a treasure chest of extras, its not like it matters much. About
the only complaint here is the occasional slowdown when things get hectic, but other than
that, its a pretty slick package with minimal load times
Every Extend Extra - Shooter
Every Extend Extra does a fine job of mixing arcade action with the depth of a serious
puzzle game. Throw in a collection of catchy tunes and trippy visuals, and Every Extend
Extra provides just about everything a puzzle fan could want.
Gradius Collection - Shooter - $20
Whether you are playing them for the first time or playing them for the millionth, the
games in Gradius Collection are, for the most part, some of the best side-scrolling shooters
you'll ever handle. Emulated without any noticeable problems and benefiting from a nice
selection of extra options, the software here is great fun.
Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure - Action Adventure - $20
Gurumin is one of those pleasant surprises that you wouldn't necessarily expect from its
childlike appearance. A ton of difficulty levels, loads of accessories and costumes for Parin
and lots of mini-games await players that are willing to give this game a chance.
Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded - Collection
The reason Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded is so cool is because it does a number
of things well that most compilation packs normally don't. Not only does it give you a lot of
information and bonuses with every game in the set, it also (as one of my colleagues
once said) forces you to play each game like a man because of their various "hardcore"
settings.
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 - Tactical Shooter
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 is a fine follow-up to last year's original PSP
release. Like last year, it's a bit of a different experience than the console games, but it's
also tied into Combined Assault very
well. SOCOM fans won't be disappointed.
Maverick Hunter X - Platformer - $20
Maverick Hunter X will satiate old-time fans, yet it packs enough new content to draw
new players. It's a little on the short side, but it's intense, fun and very challenging. The
retooled visuals and sound, coupled with truly nifty additions, make Hunter X an
engrossing title.
Ultimate Block Party - Puzzle - $20, maybe even cheaper now?
How much you get out of Ultimate Block Party may depend on how much you put into it.
If you're good at it but never get great, it might not impress you all that much. Once you
start putting together huge Chains, however, and earning those bunker-buster Magic
Blocks, the game gets nuts. Ultimate Block Party comes off as a combination of Nintendo's
Puzzle League and Sega's Puyo Pop, and if you liked the hectic pace of those two games,
this one might really get you twisted up.
Twisted Metal: Head-On - Car Combat - $20
It's great to see Twisted Metal back in classic form. While the game doesn't match the
artistic achievement of Twisted Metal: Black, Head-On does succeed in reviving an almost
forgotten nostalgia, bringing back the light-hearted, morbid humor of Twisted Metal 2. Fans
of the series need not hesitate to snatch up Head-On -- it offers plenty of replay value and
classic fun.
Me and My Katamari - Weirdness
A strong gameplay design, charming characters and art, an admirable mechanica
l translation, and ad hoc multiplayer really give it some life and make it a game worth
trying out (especially if your an existing fan of the series).
Metal Gear Acid 1 & 2 - Card Combat - $20 each
Acid's satisfying turn-based strategy is a great fit for Metal Gear's trademark high
presentation values and quirky narrative style.
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 - Puzzle
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 is a nice alternative to some of the more
lighthearted puzzle games out there. Not for the weak-minded, this game is full of
hardcore brain teasers that will test your spatial, observational, and deductive reasoning.
Fans of the first game will find about five times the replay value crammed into the sequel,
thanks to more puzzles, new tests, downloadable every week, and the puzzle editor.
Traxxpad: Portable Studio - Portable Studio
Traxxpad is a very interesting release as it's not a game but rather a full-fledged music
production program. It's extremely powerful for what it is, but that also means it's
complicated and not as user-friendly as a computer-based equivalent. Folks who have
never dabbled in music creation before will find this a fantastic (and relatively cheap)
introduction into the art, though you'll need a bit of patience and the will to learn to be able
to take full advantage of it.
So get both ? 
