15 Most Anticipated PSP Games
Remember when people could use the PSP’s once anemic game library against you in console flame wars? Well thanks to games like Lumines, Exit, Daxter, Syphon Filter, Mega Man Powered Up and Burnout Legends (to name just a few) that argument no longer holds much water. If however, you hear someone beginning to pipe up, you can simply point them in the direction of this little list of promising future PSP titles. Yum!
Read the entire article after the jump!
Remember when people could use the PSP’s once anemic game library against you in console flame wars? Well thanks to games like Lumines, Exit, Daxter, Syphon Filter, Mega Man Powered Up and Burnout Legends (to name just a few) that argument no longer holds much water. If however, you hear someone beginning to pipe up, you can simply point them in the direction of this little list of promising future PSP titles. Yum!
Ahem, this list is presented in no particular order 😉
Killzone Liberation:
Some people loved Killzone on PS2, others hated it, even more saw it for what it was, a game with great promise that went sadly undelivered. But that’s ok, because since Killzone’s release, Guerrilla games have revamped their studios, become a first party Sony developer and re-aligned their focus. In addition to preparing Killzone for PS3, the studio is also readying a portable entry in the series, but it’s taking a somewhat different direction than you’d expect.
With the reasoning that First Person Shooters just don’t worj on PSP, the developers have decided to adopt an isometric viewpoint and present players with a completely different style of play than were used to. This new gameplay style will stress tactical planning and stealth, as well as fast reflexes and a quick wit. Killzone Liberation promises a 16 mission single player campaign mode, 2-player co-op (!) and six player ad-hoc mode with six multiplayer maps, it also features a Game Share function so you’ll only need one copy of the game for all your friends to take part in the multiplayer mayhem. Look for Liberation Day to emerge this fall.
Recommended Reading:
Killzone: Liberation – Info Plus Screenshots
Killzone: Liberation For PSP – E3 Trailer and Artwork
Conversation in a Killzone: Interview With Guerrilla Games Director
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII:
Just a week ago I was telling QJ’s own Jake D that I was seriously considering selling my PSP and all the games I had, I could make at least $200 that would go towards getting an HDTV and a PS3/Xbox 360… or even a Wii. However, running down the list of PSP games we’re covering at the moment quickly revealed a number of reasons that prompted me to change my mind, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is one of those reasons.
In Crisis Core, you play as Zack, member of the elite Shinra guard and a friend of Cloud Strife from the original Final Fantasy VII. Director Hajime Tabata promises that fans will likely be surprised at the game’s emphasis on fast paced action, and an as yet unrevealed “different” gameplay system than what we’re traditionally used to in a regular RPG.
Recommended Reading:
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Screens And Art
Tekken: Dark Resurrection:
It really was only a matter of time before the PlayStation’s premiere fighting series, Tekken, appeared on Sony’s little black wonder, its day has finally come.
The cool thing about Dark Resurrection is that it isn’t a port of a home console version of the game, (as so many PSP titles have been) instead, it’s an arcade conversion of an updated re-tooling of the spank-tacular Tekken 5, complete with thirty playable characters including two brand new ones Lili and Dragunov, and the triumphant return of series fave, Armor King! Get your PSP’s ready for the King of Iron Fist tournament to begin on the 25th of this month!
Recommended Reading:
Tekken: Dark Resurrection Screenshots Galore
Official Japanese Dark Resurrection Trailer
E3 – Tekken: Dark Resurrection Impressions
Brave Story:
If you’re big into Japanese Anime, you might have seen Brave Story coming, it’s a pretty spectacular looking RPG from Game Republic, makers of Genji and Genji 2 that’s based on a soon to be released anime of the same name. At this point there’s not a whole lot known about the game save for the fact that the main character has a pretty powerful “limit break” style attack he can unleash under extreme pressure.
Word also has it that there will be a demo of one of the game’s mini-games available for download from Japanese PlayStation spots, no word on a US version of the demo though.
Recommended Reading
Dead Head Fred:
Now here’s a title that just kinda came out of nowhere. I was walking through the halls of E3 on the very last day, looking for some leftover goodies to pick up when I came across this little gem.
Dead Head Fred’s the macabre tale of a private eye on the trail of the man who brutally murdered him and then stole his head. The whole game’s got a very twisted, almost Burton-esque quality to it, and it should provide some interesting open ended gameplay which the developers promise will allow for some creative puzzle solving. Expect side missions, bonus content and tons of mini-games to round out the title quite nicely. It’s always nice to see an original IP, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on Fred’s progress.
Recommended Reading
Gran Turismo Mobile:
Now, now, chin up people, I know it’s been a long wait, and by the looks of things we’ll probably be waiting a good while longer, but hopefully when it comes, it’ll be worth it. Polyphony Digital are notorious for their seemingly never ending delays (wasn’t this one of the first games we ever saw on the PSP?) but they’re also pretty darn good at cramming every single thing they possibly can into their titles, and making it worth the wait. We can most likely expect the same from Mobile.
Details on the game are still kept a closely guarded secret, but it isn’t too much of a stretch to imagine the biggest addition might possibly be the addition of an online infrastructure component to the GT series now is it? Fingers and toes crossed on this one.
Image is from GT4
Recommended Reading:
Gran Turismo Creator Interview
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
There are only two words that really need to be said to get gamers to snap this one up, Hideo Kojima. From Snake’s earliest exploits on the MSX to his ascendants most recent romps on the PlayStation 2, gamers just can’t seem to get enough tactical espionage action. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your gaming tastes) despite two entries in the series on Sony’s handheld platform, we’re yet to see some true tactical espionage action on the PSP. That’s about to change.
Here’s the trailer for the game, watch it, let your jaw slowly go slack, and let it hang limply to the side. That’s the stuff right there! We’re promised the ability to recruit others and form our own squadrons online via the PSP’s WiFi capabilities for battle online. Mysterious text advises us that there are no extra lives, will we surrender or die fighting? Oh yeah, and we get to witness the birth of the infamous FOXHOUND unit. Exciting times.
Maybe some day we’ll finally let Kojima stop making Metal Gear games, but it will not be this day, and thank heaven for that.
Recommended Reading
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, UPDATE
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Screens
Every Extend Extra
Q? Entertainment and Tetsuya Mizuguchi brought us the delightful Lumines, and for many people that’s all they need to know (and really it ought to be) but if you crave more info, read on, my friend, read on!
The object of game is pretty simple, just blow yourself up in a strategic position so that you take out as many of the surrounding objects as you possibly can. Oh yeah, you also want to make sure you don’t get shot by the bad guys (if you can call them that). Really, that’s it, it’s that simple. Don’t believe me? Why then have a gander at this here gameplay video.
Recommended Reading
Lumines II And Every Extend Extra Interview
E3 At E3: New Every Extend Extra Screens
Every Extend Extra For PSP Official Movie
Loco Roco
Our European cousins may already have their mitts on the game, but that doesn’t make it any less desirable to the resut of us. If you’ve been resisting because everyone else seems to love this game, just give in, download the demo and take that Roco for a ride, you won’t regret it. Quite simply one of the cutest, most genuinely charming, and inventive games to hit the PSP, Loco Roco looks set to take the world by storm.
The aim of the game is simple, the Roco’s have been invaded by some nasty little fellas called the Moja Corp, and as the Roco’s home planet, it’s up to you to guide them to safety. Naturally being a planet you don’t have any arms to grab with or legs to run with, so you’ll just have to make do by tilting the earth, creating little earthquakes to make the Roco’s “jump”, and tossing them into the wind. Sounds simple, but the game builds on this simple premise to conjure up some pretty tough momentum based puzzles. But hey, don’t take my word for it, you can download the English demo right here!
Recommended Reading:
Loco Roco Screens
Loco Roco Designer Interviewed
Cute Loco Roco Merchandise
Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters
3D Platformers on the PSP seem to be in short supply, and it’s been a while since we beat the end boss of the delightful Ready At Dawn game, Daxter, so it’s with bated breath that we await Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters. In the new game, Ratchet and Clank’s holiday is unexpectedly cut short as they follow the trail of a young girl who has been kidnapped by a race of genius inventors known as the Technomites. The game features drivable vehicles and support for up to four players in wireless game play mode, we’re also hearing you’ll get to play as both Ratchet and Clank, cool!
Having had a chance to play through the E3 2006 demo, I can say it looks like Insomniac’s franchise is in good hands with High Impact Games at the helm. The graphics were crisp and the framerate solid, and the gameplay just as good as it’s console brethren. Details since E3 have remained scarce, but we’ll definitely get to hear more from this promising looking platformer before its release in 2007.
Recommended Reading
More Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters Screens
Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters Info
Video Interview: Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters
Silent Hill Origins
Ever wondered what happened in Silent Hill to turn it from a sleepy little town in the middle of nowhere into dark, foggy nightmare come to life? Why then we’ve got just the ticket for you, Konami’s first handheld entry in their psychological horror franchise tells the tale of a truck driver with an extremely troubled past who becomes stranded in Silent Hill, and is made witness to the towns infernal leanings. Konami also promises to take advantage of the PSP’s unique capabilities, and is offering new gameplay mechanics, such as the new “barricade system”, in which players can drag furniture, debris, and other environmental objects into a monsters path to create a makeshift barricade, thereby slowing the attacker down.
All indications point to gamers getting a full fledged Silent Hill title, and yeah, Akira Yamaoka will be on hand to compose a score for the game. Look for it to drop next year, we’ve got a bit of a wait ahead of us.
ARTWORK
Recommended Reading
Silent Hill Origins For PSP Officially Announced
Official Trailer For Silent Hill Origins
SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2
The first SOCOM game on PSP remains one of the best and most robust online experiences you can have on a handheld, but in comparison what Zipper has in store for the franchises next PSP outing, the previous game is looking very modest indeed. Non-linear missions, more weapons, better graphics, better AI and all new multiplayer modes including Tug-of-War Control Points, Capture the Flag and Target promise to make SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 the premiere online shooter experience for the PSP.
We expect SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 to hit this fall alongside SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault for the PlayStation 2, it’s also likely that we’ll see some clever inter-connectivity between the two titles.
Recommended Reading:
Definitive Name And Info For The Next PSP SOCOM
SOCOM Fireteam Bravo Update: Screenshots
Justice League Heroes
Snowblind Studios hardly ever gets the respect and attention they deserve. They gave us the excellent Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance on all last-gen platforms, as well as Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest, and Champions: Return to Arms for the PlayStation 2. Now it looks like they’re shifting their focus from orcs, elves and other beasties of the naturus fantastical, to focus more on something a little more superheroic!
If you thought X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse was a fun ride, wait till you get a load of what Justice League Heroes is offering. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Zatanna and a few unlockable special characters such as The Green Arrow will be making an appearance and fighting side by side against the greatest threat the world has ever faced. Justice League Heroes will be Snowblind’s first PSP foray, but if their multi-platform wizardry on the Dark Alliance games is anything to go by, we’re in for something of a treat this fall.
NOTE: Screens Not From The PSP Version
Recommended Reading:
Trailer: Justice League Heroes For PSP Just Whizzed By
Justice League Heroes Website Launched
A Pre-E3 Interview With Justice League Heroes Producer Jason Ades
Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins
Pansies need not apply, unless you’re hardcore into old school side-scrolling action, chances are you might not be able to handle Ultimate Ghosts n’ Goblins, but if you’re a lean, mean game-playin’ machine, this is just what the doctor ordered.
The title was originally developed for arcades, where the idea was to pack as much entertainment as possible into small bite sized chunks, so in that respect at least the game seems like a perfect fir for Sony’s handheld console. It might be in 3D, but Capcom’s Ghosts n’ Goblins promises all the best 2D side-scrolling action the series is noted for. You best start beleivin’ in ghost stories matey… you’ll be in one this September!
Recommended Reading:
New Set of Ultimate Ghosts n’ Goblins Screens
Ultimate Ghosts n’ Goblins Screenshots
2 New Ultimate Ghosts n’ Goblins Gameplay Videos
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth
Odin, Lord of Asgard has seen it fit to ask for mortal help in defeating the evil Vanir, scourge of the Aesir, you better not dilly-dally. Originally a PlayStation title, developers Square Enix are re-tuning the gameplay, adding new graphical polish and inserting some truly breathtaking CG sequences that help move the epic story ahead. We’ve a long wait for Lenneth yet, but at least we know it’s coming!
UPDATE: Lenneth actually comes out on July 18th, pardon the misinformation, and thanks for the correction SeikenZ.
Recommended Reading:
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth: Pamphlet Scans
New Set of Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth Screenshots
Well that’s that folks, fifteen of the hottest PSP titles on the horizon, and each one of them possibly more than enough reason alone to own a PSP. Of course this list is by no means definitive, and you’re likely to have a few titles that you’re personally looking forward to, so we’d like you to voice your opinions and make yourselves heard in the comments section so we know what games you guys would like to see more coverage of.
Developer’s Corner: Dark Alex, the PSP scene’s God of War
PSP homebrew: gpSP-J 100211
