Saturday, September 15, 2007

Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions to be Released Early October


Originally released in 1998 on the PlayStation® game console, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS, the first tactical RPG in the legendary FINAL FANTASY® series, enthralled fans around the world with its unique artistic style and intricate storyline. Shipping more than 1.1 million copies in North America, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS opened the genre to legions of new fans.
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS, reborn and enhanced exclusively for the PSP system, introduces never-before-seen cinematic sequences, an entirely new English translation, 16:9 widescreen presentation and multiplayer features that will reintroduce this classic to a new generation of gamers.

This game is set to release early October this year. A lot of Final Fantasy players will be looking forward to its release. I know i will. :)

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Review on PSP Slim's Features

Video

First things to say, the manual refers to the device as the PSP-2000 series, and references the earlier model as the PSP-1000 series. The first hardware detail everyone is probably interested in, and the only real difference PSP-1000 owners would be interested in, since who wants to really throw down another $200.00 (for a bundle, cheaper for the system itself.) for a new PSP when the older works just fine? This is of course the video OUTPUT function. A PSP-1000 series owner will only want this if for some reason they want to play the PSP videos on their TV at home, which is indeed a great feature that I think many will be tempted by, plus this will enable you to record videos of gameplay to a device if you use RCA/AV based connectors for the input, rather than being forced to hold the PSP still in front of a camcorder (which I think you only want to do when showing off hardware being used in the process like the xbox 360 controller hack).
The new PSP has been advertised as having high quality video output, you can purchase component cables for this, or if you lack HD on your TV or arent particularly interested in the best video possible, the standard AV cables, yellow white and red. I am unaware if any other specific cables can be purchased. I haven’t found anything in the PSP 2000 about it’s video output specs (Hmmm, trying to pull a fast one Sony?), but if they bothered to put out component cables I hope it can do 720p or better, since 480P (which is still sorta standard definition and is the highest a Wii console can output for reference) would be a low blow considering they boast that 1080p is "true" HD, and I could understand if they could only go as high as 720i on a handheld device, but 480 pwouldnt even be worth the extra cost of the component cables. Since I cant find any sources that specify what the HD or "high quality" output is, Ill have to wait for the cables to be stocked at my local store -_- and plug it into my HD tv which has a button that tells me the input quality, but at that not all games run the same HD signal for the PS3 so even there I might not see the highest setting it can do, hopefully one of you posting in the comments section will give us an answer?
Caching
The PSP of course has it’s other features, and if you dont mind waiting a few more seconds to play you still can keep your old PSP if you’ve resisted video output. It loads faster and consumes less power thanks to a caching system from which my technical knowledge is not vast enough to fully understand or explain. In effect a smaller battery is used (1200 mah, while my PSP-1000 has a 2200 mah, which is not the standard battery for the psp, but a sony brand battery with an upgraded power level, I think the standard battery for a 1000 series is 1800 mah).
The PSP-2000 series has slightly different firmware due to it’s hardware capabilities, and uses 3.60 while my psp-1000 runs on 3.52, and attempts to update the firmware on my 1000 via wifi says it has the most current available, so the two models will be using slightly different firmware as a result, instead of the operating system buttons for the video output and caching just not appearing on the older model. This means that the caching function can actually be turned off, and perhaps an automatic mode may be added later via firmware update, since the manual specifies that certain multiplayer functions of the PSP might not function properly when caching is turned on...In other words exiting the game and going back to the menu to disable caching, and loading up the game again for any multiplayer function that needs the same space on the memory (that would be used for caching) to synce the two PSPs in the lack of the automatic feature. Keep in mind I haven’t actually tested this so maybe it wont be a problem.
USB charging
...Not that great a feature but useful if you keep losing your charging cables or don’t have enough power ports to plug it in.According to the manual, you have to set it to USB connection mode before it will charge, leaving the psp incapacitated in the mean time. Charging effectively takes a much longer time though.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

PSP Video Service launching in Europe early 2008

The Go! branded Video Download Service will launch in early 2008, and will be the first official PSP video download service anywhere in Europe. It will allow millions of PSP owners to turn their device into a personalised library of programmes to enjoy whenever and wherever they choose.

Unlike other services, the Video Download Service will launch with a rich selection of high quality entertainment. The choice of programmes available will include a diverse mix of Sky content, spanning sports, entertainment, movies, music and animation. In addition to a selection of some of the best content from its own channels, Sky plans to work with third-party channel brands and content owners to create an even more comprehensive service. This is the first time Sky will offer video content through a non-Sky branded service.

The very latest premiere movies and high profile sporting events, normally only available to Sky subscribers will be available on a pay per view basis, allowing users to choose their preferred way of using the download service.

Customers will be able to download their choice of programmes direct to their PSP via a Wi-Fi connection or, alternatively, transfer content that they've downloaded to their PC.

As the content and technology partner in the venture, Sky will provide content and develop a user interface which is specifically tailored for the PSP's broad audience. This content will also draw upon the high-quality screen experience offered by the portable device. In building on this tailored content, SCEE will use its marketing expertise to reach out to PSP owners and launch the new brand.

PSPHACKS.COM site launched

A new site psphacks.com has been launched this september. This site features various upgrades, downloads, news, reviews, etc. for the Playstation Portable system. Expect more to come from this new site.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Smash Court Tennis 3: A Review

Smash Court Tennis TitleGenre: Tennis
Developer: Namco Bandai Games
Perspective/s: Third Person
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Release Date: July 10, 2007; June 1, 2007 (Europe); June 21, 2007 (Japan)

This is the first entry of the series for the PSP. Although comparable to Virtua Tennis, the game still lacks improvement. Smash Court Tennis 3 allows players to play the Career mode by virtue of creating a new character. The player then slugs it out with numerous tennis players including 16 tennis superstars.

The game gets repetitive during the middle of the game. Management mode is limited and AI is not challenging.

Players arm themselves with customizable gear and items as they aim for the number 1 rank in the world. Gameplay includes single, doubles and mixed doubles. Test your skills in various gameplay modes including Arcade, Exhibition, and Pro Tour Mode. Other features include:


  • All-new customizable items -- choose your racquets, sportswear and more as you compete to be #1 in the world

  • Perfect a devastating array of strokes from a selection of top ranked and promising professional tennis stars

  • Own the court by developing new skills that increase your hit speed or serve accuracy

  • Learn to stay focused on your game - mental elements also play into how characters act and look

  • Test your skills in various gameplay modes including Arcade, Exhibition, and Pro Tour Mode


This review is a property of Edward and should only be used in this site and PSP prism site.

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