PSP

Editorial: Why Sony Needs To Make SOCOM: Tactical Strike 2 For the PS Vita (poll)

by Jan Hutchings | Mar 16, 2012 | 3 comments

Slant Six Games has created some of the best tactical shooters on the PSP with the SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo series. The developer not only got around the “one thumbstick” control limitation of the system, but they have even built a large and dedicated online following throughout their games. SOCOM: Tactical Strike was a departure for the series and one that Slant Six and Sony took big a gamble on; the end result was a successful blend of Full Spectrum Warrior tactical gameplay with the mission and action-focused SOCOM style.

It gave players a slower-paced campaign that allowed for in-depth planning and strategy, perfect for all armchair strategists. However strategic and fun it was, because of its niche gameplay, Tactical Strike was quickly forgotten by the gaming media, and gamers by extension.

Given the processing power and control possibilities offered by the PlayStation Vita as well as Slant Six Games’ experience with creating AAA-quality portable games, SOCOM: Tactical Strike 2 could perhaps bring a more streamlined and accessible tactical action game that brings could potentially revive the action-strategy genre on handhelds.

After the jump, we show you how SOCOM: Tactical Strike could benefit from the PS Vita. While there, don’t forget to share with us your thoughts.

PlayStation Vita Supports A Lot More PSP Games Than Originally Announced

by Jan Hutchings | Mar 7, 2012 | 1 comment

(Originally published on JTMGames)

Many of you PSP-Go owners will love this one. It seems that the PlayStation Vita is capable of playing a LOT more than the 275 PSP games that were said to be compatible with the system at launch. Even though there’s a limited amount of purchasable PSP games from the PSN Store, users have been able to play many of the games they’ve purchased in the past and that aren’t listed on the Vita PSN store at all.

Many PSP owners like myself who’ve purchased and downloaded games from the PlayStation Network in the past have been able to install games using the Content Manager app found on the Vita. So far I’ve been able to install Guilty Gear Judgement, LittleBigPlanet PSP, Flow, and Echochrome. Unfortunately Killzone: Liberation is not supported at this time.

To install these games, players will have to:

On their PS3, go to their downloaded items list. From there, re-download the PSP Games they’ve purchased before onto their PS3 system.
Once download is complete, connect the PS Vita to the PS3 using the Vita’s USB charging cable (which came with the product).
Using the Vita, access the Content Manager App, click on start. Choose – Copy Content – PS3 System to PS Vita System.
Choose Applications (PSP/Other) – Click on “Applications Downloaded on the PS3 System”
Once there, a list of PSP Games should be listed for copying. Players can choose which ones they want copied or choose select all to copy all games to their PS Vita system.
Once games are chosen, click on the “Copy” button found on the lower right of the screen.
(Supported PSP Games will be copied to the Vita)

Stay tuned to this article in the next few days as I will update it with PSP games that are found to be compatible with the PlayStation Vita system, other than the 275 games that have been announced by Sony.

Supported PSP Games (That Aren’t On the Vita PS Store)

Guilty Gear Judgement
Echochrome
Echoshift
Everyday Shooter
Flow
GTA Chinatown Wars
Gran Turismo PSP
LittleBigPlanet
LocoRoco
LocoRoco 2
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
ModNation Racers
Valkyria Chronicles II

Sony Announces PSN Gamers’ Choice Awards

by Jan Hutchings | Feb 28, 2012 | 17 comments

Sony recently announced the nominees for their upcoming PSN Gamers’ Choice Awards 2012 in which PlayStation fans can vote for their favorite PSN games. Like the Gamers’ Choice Awards last year, players can choose their favorite games from the various categories like ‘Best PS3 Game’, ‘Best PSP Game’, and ‘Best PlayStation Classic.”

The winners will be announced on March 6, 2012 on the PlayStation Blog. In addition to that, games that win each category will be discounted by 30% in the PlayStation Store for exactly one week. PlayStation Plus subscribers will recieve a 50% discount on all Gamers’ Choice Awards winners.

Hit the jump to find out the award categories and nominees.

Sony: “Vita Cards Necessary To Fight Piracy”

by Jan Hutchings | Feb 27, 2012 | 20 comments

In a recent interview with Gamasutra, Scott Rohde, Senior VP of Worldwide Studios organization said that Vita cards are in fact necessary to help fight piracy. Remember, quality PSP games were few and far between and those that were of AAA quality were easily pirated. These were two of the biggest reasons were why Sony handheld had a hard time in retail.

With the Vita, Rohde said Sony needed technology that would help them secure their games and their IP’s against rampant piracy. This new proprietary format includes custom security that Sony believes will help protect them against pirates in the long haul.

“That was front and center in the early specs of this machine. We needed to have something that would combat piracy from day one, and that’s why the cards that you can purchase for the games are in their own proprietary format. And these days, so many people say the word “proprietary” is a bad word, but it’s something that we felt was completely necessary to make sure that people could not pirate these games. I mean, it’s a custom security solution on each one of these cartridges. That is something that we are confident will protect us from piracy for the long term.”

With the Vita releasing worldwide today, it will only be a matter of time before we see if Sony’s investment on this new proprietary format will indeed protect their games from piracy.

Editorial: How I Accidentally Bought a PlayStation Vita

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 23, 2012 | 34 comments

Editors Note:
In lue of the PlayStation Vita one year anniversary, this post is being bumped to the top for your reading pleasure and or dismay. But hopefully pleasure!

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Let me begin this story by setting the mood and, if you prefer (and I would highly recommend so), you reading it with a 1920’s detective noir film narrator in mind. It was Tuesday morning, to be specific, February 21st. Like most days, after a quick workout and coffee, I began to wander the internet in search of stories to bring to the site. Of course, that’s a routine I follow every day, but something about it was different today. Today marked the day before the PlayStation Vita release, Sony’s newest portable gaming device. Now, I might not be the world’s most hardcore gamer, but, ever since I was a little kid, I’ve never missed out on a PlayStation launch before. PSone, PS2, PSP, the bonanza that was the PS3 launch, and, finally, the PSPgo. However, this time, things would be different. I’m older now, a bit wiser (I hope) and a little more conscious about spending my money. So unlike past events, this time, I would stick to the sidelines.

I decided that the coverage on the site wasn’t enough for this device so I began to look around blogs and tweet people that I knew at Sony. What was I looking for? A chance to win a PlayStation Vita which, of course, I wanted? No, because I’ve never won a contest like that. Instead, I wanted to see if there were any Sony-sponsored launch events in the LA area. If New York was getting the PlayStation team out there, along with DJs and head Sony VPs, surely LA, where teams like Sony Santa Monica and Naughty Dog are based, would have an event? Heck, Sony’s US PlayStation division is in Foster City while San Diego houses the PlayStation Q/A division. Surely there would be an LA event.

My digging would point me towards Sony Century City, the first Sony rebranded retail outlet that is to pave the way for a new generation of Sony retail stores. The store, which has already been a host to many events, would surely have something planned and low and behold, they did. From 7:00pm-3:00am was the planned event with giveaways, a chance to be in the next Uncharted DLC and of course, the midnight launch of the PS Vita. I already knew that I wasn’t planning on buying one. So why was I going there, you ask? Coverage for the site is the simple answer. With my Cyber-shot in one pocket and Bloggie Live in our editor’s purse (My god those things are useful! Indy with his satchel was on to something!), we were off to Sony Century City.

Sony Announces Vita-Compatible PSP Games

by Jan Hutchings | Feb 9, 2012 | 20 comments

Less than a week before the First Edition PlayStation Vita hits retail, Sony announces more than 275 digital download PSP and PS Mini games that are compatible with the Vita on day one. Now in addition to the 25+ Vita launch games, players can still enjoy their favorite PSP games on their shiny new handheld.

So if you’ve ever purchased a PSP game from the PlayStation Network, you’ll be able to download and install that same game on your Vita for no extra charge.

Hit the jump for the full list of Vita compatible PSP games.

No PSP Discs To Vita Transfer For the US

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 8, 2012 | 14 comments

During the PlayStation Vita’s Japanese launch in December, Sony also revealed a program where PlayStation Portable owners could insert their UMD into their PSP, register the game with PSN, and re-download it for the PlayStation Vita for a small fee which usually ranged between $6-13. Not a bad way to bring games like Final Fantasy: Crisis Core and Metal Gear: Peace Walker to the PS Vita. With the PlayStation Vita releasing date nearly upon on us (February 22nd for those playing at home), Sony has slowly trickled out news for soon-to-be Stateside owners, and, this time, it isn’t good.

Unlike Japan, the US will not be gaining access to similar programs where you can technically re-buy an old PSP game for a small fee. Currently, the UMD Passport program will stay exclusive to Japan though the folks at Kotaku have reached out to Sony for further explanation. Though a bummer, we have to take into account that most people will probably want their PS Vita for new games and new experiences so I doubt this will be a big deal to the majority of would-be owners. However, it’s still a blow for those who were looking to ditch their PSP while being able to relive the old glory days. Expect the internet to be up in arms in 4..3..2..

The Best PSP Games Of All Time

by Jan Hutchings | Jan 31, 2012 | 1 comment

The Best PSP Games Of All Time

Just a few short years ago, the world waited in anticipation for the release Sony’s very first portable handheld. Some even said that the new system would knock Nintendo off of its portable gaming throne. They said that the PSP would be the defacto choice when people wanted to game on-the-go. Well it’s now 2012, and while many of these were not realized, millions still think that the PSP was, and perhaps still is, a powerful device that didn’t quite meet its potential.

We can play the blame game and blame it on corporate bullheadedness, or the UMD, or the lack of fresh, original games. But the PSP was home to some of the best (though many underappreciated) games of this generation. Check out the list after the break.

PSN Discounting 12 Of The Best PSN Games For 2012

by Jan Hutchings | Jan 17, 2012 | 17 comments

Early in 2011, Sony discounted 11 PSN games as a way to welcome the new year. This year, they’re doing the same and offering up 12 of the best and most popular PSN games for up to 30 percent off. PlayStation Plus subscribers get additional discounts too. Altogether players can get up to 50 percent off their newest downloadable games.

The “12 for 12” sale definitely has a varied selection that covers most gaming genres. From first person shooters like Payday: The Heist, to fighing games like Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition, to puzzlers like Cubixx HD, there’s something for everyone.

Listed are the games and prices for the PSN’s “12 for ‘12” sale:

PixelJunk SideScroller – Regular $9.99, Sale $6.99, PS Plus $4.89
PAYDAY: The Heist – Regular $19.99, Sale $13.99, PS Plus $9.79
Dungeon Defenders – Regular $14.99, Sale $10.49, PS Plus $7.34
Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection – Regular $9.99, Sale $6.99, PS Plus $4.89
Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition – Regular $14.99, Sale $10.49, PS Plus $7.34
Eufloria – Regular $9.99, Sale $6.99, Plus $4.89
BloodRayne: Betrayal – Regular $14.99, Sale $10.49, PS Plus $7.34
Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken – Regular $11.99, Sale $8.39, PS Plus $5.87
Cubixx HD – Regular $9.99, Sale $6.99, PS Plus $4.89
Sideway New York – Regular $9.99, Sale $6.99, PS Plus $4.89
Rochard – Regular $9.99, Sale $6.99, PS Plus $4.89
Okabu – Regular $14.99, Sale $10.49, PS Plus $7.34

PlayStation Store Update (01-17-12)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 17, 2012 | 18 comments

After a fantastic showing at CES, Sony and the PlayStation team are reading to fill your hard drive with some more gaming content. Some highlights from this week’s newest include:

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Flashback Map Pack #1 ($9.99)
Gran Turismo 5 Car Pack 3 ($5.99)
Battlefield 3 Specact Kit & Dog Tag Bundle ($2.99)
Castlevania: Harmony Of Despair Demo
Saints Row: The Third – CheapyD Pack (FREE)
The Tester: Season 3 Trailer

After the jump, the full PlayStation Store update.

Sony Sells 50% Of Vita Shipment At Launch

by Jan Hutchings | Dec 22, 2011 | 2 comments

Even with (what seem to be false) news reports about the Vita’s technical woes, Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu reported that Sony has sold almost half of its initial Vita shipments during the first two days of the handheld’s launch. To be more specific, Sony has sold more than 321,407 of its 700,00 units in the first 48 hours that the system was available.

When we look at the launch numbers, it looks like the Vita sold well, but just fell short of meeting or surpassing Nintendo’s 3DS (The 3DS sold 371,000+ units during the two-day launch period).

The two PlayStation Vita SKU (Wi-Fi and 3G versions) were released on December 17, 2011. The Wi-Fi-enabled SKU is priced at 24,980 yen while the 3G version is priced at 29,980 yen.

The Horror Of Corpse Party

by Jan Hutchings | Dec 21, 2011 | 21 comments

I’ll be honest; I’m a big horror game fan and not that many games have truly terrified me this year. Of course there’s the occasional action horror game like Dead Island and Dead Space 2 which provides jump-out-of-your-seat scares, but none of these games force the feeling of dread and absolute terror throughout the entire adventure quite like Corpse Party.

To millions of you who haven’t heard about it, Corpse Party is a PSN-exclusive PSP game that combines Asian supernatural and North American gore-horror elements, Corpse Party is like a 16-bit interactive amalgamation of modern and classic horror.

New PSP Dual Packs Incoming

by Jan Hutchings | Dec 21, 2011 | 14 comments

Sony announced today that they will be re-releasing a number of PSP classics as part of the Dual Pack series. Starting soon, gamers will be able to get two games for the price of one.

The games included in this new batch of Dual Packs are:

MotorStorm: Arctic Edge/Twisted Metal Head-On
Patapon/LocoRoco
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee/Hot Shot Tennis: Get A Grip

Over the last few months, Sony has been packaging games together as part of the PSP Dual Pack series. So far we’ve had combinations of Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow with Killzone Liberation, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror with Socom: Fireteam Bravo, and Secret Agent Clank with Daxter.

The newest dual packs will be available in January in UMD format as well as download for a low price of $14.99.

PlayStation Store Update (12-20-11)

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 20, 2011 | 0 comments

Your weekly PlayStation Store update is once again live with plenty of new content for you though nothing for the Vita yet (at least not in the States anyways). Some highlights include:

Sonic CD ($4.99)
L.A. Noire ($31.99)
Scene It? Movie Night Demo
Gran Turismo 5 Course Pack Family Upgrade (free)
MotorStorm Apocalypse Holiday Livery (free)

After the jump, the full list awaits you.

PlayStation 3 System Update 4.0 Is Now Live

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 29, 2011 | 1 comment

PlayStation 3 System Update 4.0 is now live and ready for your downloading pleasure. The new system update is designed to complement the launch of the PS Vita, which will be happen in Japan soon. The new update will allow the PS3 to act as a content server to the PS Vita. According to Sony, the new update will also:

allow users to copy their digital content such as games, music, photos, and videos between PS Vita and PS3, back up PS Vita game games including save data to your PS3 hard drive, and update the system software for your PS Vita system using the network features of your PS3.

Features include:

PlayStation Plus members can now choose to enable or disable each automatic update feature

Game patches
System software
Recommended games and videos
Sync trophy information

New PlayStation Network settings for filtering friend requests and messages