The PSP Homebrew Weekend Warrior: breaking the TA-088 code, microblogging on the go, and handheld FPS titles
Last week saw the return of many homebrew developers to the scene. This week shows us something similar, as well as a good serving of new homebrew apps, games, and emulators to satisfy any PlayStation Portable owner to the fullest. Find out what the latest updates are in the PSP homebrew community by reading this week’s issue of the PSP Homebrew Weekend Warrior.
With many of the veteran homebrew devs making an appearance in last week’s PSP Homebrew Weekend Warrior, it’s not surprising to hear from them once again in the latest set of updates for this week’s feature.
Perhaps the biggest eyecatcher of the week was an announcement from webmaster Alek, explaining the difficulties in using some well-known homebrew utilities on PSP Slim and Lite models running on the TA-088 motherboard.
Developers will also find it useful to know that some interesting homebrew apps were recently released, which can possibly help with their own projects. In addition, we have the usual smorgasbord of homebrew emulators, games, and applications to help satisfy any PlayStation Portable owner to the fullest.
Anyway, read on and see what we have for you in this week’s edition of the PSP Homebrew Weekend Warrior.
Emulators, games and the PSP homebrew scene
PlayStation Portable Slim and Lites carrying the TA-088 motherboard have been encountering certain problems running Despertar del Cementerio, Pandora, and Time Machine. Fortunately, webmaster Alek recently came up a statement explaining the difficulties in using these three homebrew utilities. The main problem lies in the IPL used to run the three apps. However, there was more to it than just that. For a more lengthy explanation, you can read more about it in the main article.
Link: Dark AleX blog addresses non-pandorizable PSP TA-088 models
Those of you looking for an updated version of LuaPlayer for Windows will be glad to know that developer blah was able to come up with something based on LuaPlayer version 0.20. Currently a work in progress, not all of the features found on other versions may be included. However, the developer is currently working on adding MP3 support for the next build and should be ready very soon.
Link: LuaPlayer Windows: run .lua files on your PC
Homebrew developers who are working on projects which may need an OSK (On-Screen Keyboard) interface will find it useful to know that an updated version based on the Danzeff OSK is now out. Released by Sakya, this new version of the OSK was modified to make use of OSLib functions. It also comes with several pre-made functions which can help users who want to integrate it into their own homebrew projects.
Link: Danzeff + OSLib: modified version of the PSP virtual keyboard app
Developer mediumgauge announced the release of the new version of the PSP Filer. The latest build of the homebrew application includes some additional features to help improve its image viewing functions. In addition, there were also some bug fixes added which address the crashing problem found in PSP Filer when trying to read images in the background while running on low memory.
Link: PSP Filer 5.4: Image viewer functions updated
Completing the multimedia package for the week is a new homebrew music browser from developer Da Merv. Entitled “TruFlow”, the homebrew app takes its inspiration from Apple’s CoverFlow music browser. For those familiar with the iTunes application, using TruFlow should be a cinch if you plan on using this homebrew app on the PSP. The current build is clocked at 1.1, so make sure to get yourselves updated with the latest version.
Link: TruFlow v1.0: a Coverflow-like music browser for the PSP *UPDATE*
It seems like J.F.’s Mac emulator for the PSP has finally moved out of its test release version and made its official debut with version 1.1.0. The new build added a couple of tweaks into its non-platform specific code. Also, the developer wrote a very lengthy manual explaining all of the emulator’s functions and how to properly install it into your handheld.
Link: Basilisk II PSP Port 1.1.0 – official release version, non-platform specific code changes
Old school gamers can take a trip down memory lane with the Atari 7800 emulator, PSP7800. Coded by Zx-81, the latest build introduces some sound improvements and fixes some notable bugs found in the previous versions of the emulator. It also adds a thumbnail image when selecting games to help recognize the titles you’ve been playing lately. This is most especially useful if you have a surplus of Atari games loaded on to your PSP.
Link: PSP7800 v1.1.3: bug fixes and sound improvement added
Blogging on the go has never been simpler thanks to this new homebrew application from developer BadBoy_. Twitter users can update their microblogs through the use of p-twit! v0.0.2. All you need is a working WLAN connection and you can type in up to 140 character long updates on your mini-blog.
Link: p-twit! v0.0.2: send Twitter updates using your PSP
Shooters take the limelight in this week’s selection of homebrew games. Counterstrike junkies will definitely get a kick out of the latest release from developer Nataku92. Inspired from the well-loved FPS title, CSPSP v1.56 (along with CSPSPServer v1.1) makes its way into the homebrew community, guns blazing and grenades blasting. Much like its PC counterpart, you’ll be sure to find someone to shoot it out with once you log in to the game’s available online lobbies.
In addition, homebrew developer Zack also released the latest build of Wolfenstein 3D. Version 4.8 hosts a lot of sound and graphical improvements, as well as a new cheat mode thrown into the mix. If you plan on trying this one out, please note that the latest CFW works best with it.
Link: CSPSPServer v1.1 and CSPSP v1.56: Now with grenades
Link: Wolfenstein 3D v4.8: Sound and graphics improvements, cheat mode added
We do it because we care (or something to that effect)
Sony may not always meet eye to eye with homebrew developers and their continuous efforts to find new ways to hack their products, but they serve a vital role for PlayStation Portable owners nonetheless. For the more casual gamers, it’s always good to find out just how far the limits of their preferred gaming platform can be pushed.
Homebrew devs provide numerous ways of proving how flexible a system like the PSP can be stretched. Homebrew applications and games which emulate popular web and commercial programs can even give the original developers an idea of how to improve their own products for better use. To simply say that homebrew devs are nothing more than filthy pirates out to make a quick buck out of someone else’s work is a quick and judgemental way to look at a potential improvement for any given gaming platform.
Who knows? Maybe someday homebrew devs and retailers will finally be able to settle their differences and create a truly awesome console or handheld that the whole world can universally appreciate. Until that day comes, we’ll all just have to pick a side and enjoy our respective gaming platforms the way we like it.
In any case, we hope you come back again next week for another round of homebrew updates on QJ.NET’s PSP Homebrew Weekend Warrior.