Sony PSP: The games to look forward to

By Kristan Reed Published 7 September, 2005

What's going on your shopping list?

185,000 down, how many more to go? That's almost certainly a question the games are going to have to help answer. With the focus now switching to the months beyond launch, people want more things to show off on their shiny screens. What's more, where the launch titles may have been forgiven for the odd load delay (or the odd dozen of 30-second load delays), future games will have to do better. So what should we be looking forward to?

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Top of most PSP owners' (or prospective owners') Must Buy list is Rockstar's PSP-exclusive GTA, a game set in the GTA III playground of Liberty City and starring mob boss Tony Capriani from the same game. Curiously, though, it's not Rockstar North doing the production duties on this key title, but Rockstar Leeds; the team responsible for porting Midnight '75 second load delays' Club III.

Reasons to be excited:

  1. It's a proper, all-new 3D GTA with a new story on a handheld.
  2. It's not a rubbish port of the old top down versions.
  3. It'll take ages to finish
  4. It'll have a cracking soundtrack.

Reasons to be doubtful:

  1. Queston marks remain over just how much input Rockstar North has had in the project: will it be as involving or as funny?
  2. It's by Rockstar Leeds: will they get the loading times sorted out?
  3. Can the PSP cope with a free roaming environment?
  4. All that streaming data will kill the battery life.

Pro Evolution Soccer

'Sony PSP: The games to look forward to' Screenshot pes

One of the few games that many gamers will be happy to buy two copies of, such is level of reverence and anticipation over Konami's stab at porting its glorious footy franchise over to the PSP. With full wireless multiplayer support for up to four players, we're expecting it to be one of the few PSP titles that people will actively go out of their way to play with other PSP owning mates. Commuting may never be the same again.

Reasons to be excited

  1. Christ on a bike: it's PES! On! A! Handheld!
  2. Wireless multiplayer for up to four player action. You need never go without a PES fix even on The Commute From Hell. Yay!
  3. It'll be proper widescreen PES for the first time ever.
  4. It's the best footy game ever made.

Reasons to be doubtful

  1. Konami's handheld footy attempts have been mixed.
  2. The controls may take a while to get used to - no dual shoulder buttons for a start.
  3. Load times could be iffy, given Konami's inexperience on the PSP, but there's always sleep mode, eh?
  4. PES at its best is in multiplayer - how easy is it going to be to find pals to play against on your daily commute?

Football Manager

'Sony PSP: The games to look forward to' Screenshot fm

Another rare title that the die-hard won't object to buying twice so that they don't ever have to be without their fix. Sports Interactive, like Konami with PES, is the undisputed master of the genre and the franchise's long overdue debut on a handheld system is truly something to celebrate, so long as they get it right.

Reasons to be cheerful

  1. It's brought to you by the same developer responsible for the PC version, ensuring it's up to the same levels of obsessive statistical detail.
  2. It'll have more leagues and teams that you know what to do with.
  3. The sheer level of control and options available will make even the most ardent football nutters head spin 720 degrees.
  4. It's one of the most insanely immersive and addictive games ever conceived, and you can now keep on playing on the bog...

Reasons to be doubtful

  1. Since when did Sports Interactive have a clue about handheld gaming?
  2. And while we're at it, ditto console gaming?
  3. Again, the load times could be horrendous, given the lack of hard disk and the PSP's dreadful track record to date.
  4. The control interface on previous console editions of ChampMan was a drag. Why not do a touch screen version? Gah!

Daxter

'Sony PSP: The games to look forward to' Screenshot daxter

A rare PSP exclusive, bringing gamers the best of both worlds: a cracking little slice of platforming genius, and a game you can't buy on any other platform. Although it's not actually developed by the Naughty Dog chaps, the game's script is penned by the same guy, the voiceovers are provided by the same talent, and several ex ND chaps have jumped ship to work on the game.

Reasons to be cheerful

  1. Daxter had the best lines in the Jak & Daxter games; we're expecting more dry hilarity and several concerned looking commuters as we crack up on inappropriate moments.
  2. The Jak & Daxter trilogy was arguably the best platforming series of this generation. Daxter ought to be the best handheld platformer to date.
  3. The sub games and bite sized gaming episodes ought to lend themselves well to short burst of handheld gaming.
  4. The use of Naughty Dog's tech should make the game seamless.
  5. It's exclusive to the PSP.

Reasons to be doubtful

  1. It's not Naughty Dog, so it could be a pale imitation.
  2. The constant streaming data could drain the battery.
  3. There have been way too many annual platformers over the past few years; we're a bit platformed out to be honest.

SSX On Tour

'Sony PSP: The games to look forward to' Screenshot ssx

One of Tom's favourites, this, and certain to be among his Most Played PSP titles come the end of the year. Like most of EA's games it'll be basically a straight port, which is either a Good Thing or a Bad Thing, depending on whether you're the sort of gamer that likes to keep handheld versions of games very specifically tailored to the platform. Still, it's a brand new SSX title on a handheld; surely that's something worth celebrating?

Reasons to be cheerful

  1. It'll be a pretty faithful port, meaning we can look forward to enjoying some downhill tricks on the road for the first time.
  2. It's from a team that know what it's doing.
  3. Its fast paced racing trickery gameplay is well suited to on-the-move play.

Reasons to be doubtful

  1. It's the same as the home versions, only with an inferior control system - given the choice it's going to be tough to justify buying both.
  2. EA's track record of load time crimes on the PSP is well documented.
  3. Will the frame rate be able to keep up with the action?

What else is coming soon?

FIFA 06

If EA can cure the load time headaches of its first PSP effort then FIFA could be worth a look if you prefer the glitzy licensed-based approach and easier gameplay than Pro Evo's deeper, less immediate offerings.

Burnout Legends

Said to be completely different to the soon-to-be-released Burnout Revenge, it combines the best bits of the previous three titles into one tasty morsel. With Criterion working on it the PSP will probably melt, so well worth a look if you fancy smashing cars up at insane speeds on the move.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06

Another Bramwell barnstormer, we're expecting big things from EA's second stab at Golf on the PSP. Given how superb Everybody's Golf is for handheld immediacy, we're fully expecting EA's latest to be another must-have for the system. But will you really want to buy it twice? Decisions decisions.

Prince of Persia 3

Another potentially great title which few people will really want to consider buying twice, but one that's definitely worth a look if you're in the unfortunate position of having your home-based gaming taken up by such trifling matters as having a family. Ubi's Montreal studio has pushed the PS2 further than almost anyone else, and who's to say it won't do the same for the PSP?

Peter Jackson's King Kong

Arguably a game that should definitely be experienced on a home console rather than on a train, but still promises to be an absolute corker of a game on whichever system you get around to playing it on. If the presence of a PSP version opens it up to an even bigger audience, then that's alright by us, but don't buy it twice for gawd's sake.

Picture of Kristan.

About Kristan Reed

Kristan is a former editor of Eurogamer, dad, Stone Roses bore and Norwich City supporter who sometimes mutters optimistically about Team Silent getting back together.

Read more articles from Kristan by visiting the Kristan Reed archive page.

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Comments (104) Latest comment 6 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • drumbaby #1 7 years ago

    Daxter

    Nearly interested in that one.

  • Shinzou #2 7 years ago

    load times load times load times.
    how many times can you mention load times!
    And kristan did the 'buy it now' PSP article.
    Hes put me right off with this one.

  • gizmo #3 7 years ago

    I Know PES is going to be great, but for an immediate footy fix, World Tour Soccer is superb.

    I have barely put it down since I've had it. It sits wonderfully between Pro Evo and Fifa for me and I would instantly recommend it, if only for the unique challenge mode, something a little different. Also in its favour are cracking goals, none of which seem to be soft, plenty of moves, wonderful control over set pieces etc. If you don't mind having two footy games, or you fancy something a bit more 'instant' than PES, pick it up.

  • Vroom #4 7 years ago

    Burnout Legends is clearly looming large on my horizon.

    /Checks

    Not out yet..

    /Checks...

  • gizmo #5 7 years ago

    So I only have Lumines and WTS, picking up Golf tonight, but I really cannot see where all this talk of load times is coming from? They really are short on these games, plus the fact that everyone surely uses sleep mode?

    Just kicked off for the second half, dodge a tackle, run down the wing, ah balls, I'm going to sleep - SLEEP MODE....

    Wake up, fancy a bit of footy - Turn it on, carry on running down the wing, put a cross in, shoot it into row Z, no problem.

  • zErOb_cOOl #6 7 years ago

    Seemed to say load times/streaming data draining the battery life for every game, so why not say this is a common problem with the PSP in general before they started, and leave it at that?

    Also thought this comment:

    "It's the same as the home versions, only without dual analogue controls. Why buy the inferior version?"

    for the SSX game was a bit silly. So you can play a near-same version on your PSP on the move, of course! The point of the PSP? Also the point goes for every PSP game, compared to its PS2 counterpart. Jesus-tapdancing-christ EG.

    But it doesn't matter, I'm not interested in picking up a PSP 'til they are cheap as chips anyway, as I simply wouldn't make use of a handheld.
    Edited by 2 at 07/09/05 @ 15:46

  • jmctavish #7 7 years ago

    Thank fuck I didn't buy a PSP. I can play all that shit on the PS2 or Xbox for half the price.

  • Furbs #8 7 years ago

    /waits for Petay to troll

  • Lutz #9 7 years ago

    Landstalker is on way apparently...

  • Eoin #10 7 years ago

    If I were making that list I'd have added Street Fighter Alpha 3 Double Upper and Lemmings.

  • kururin #11 7 years ago

    wow. uh.. is this part 1 of the feature? aka. where are the interesting games? :|

  • zErOb_cOOl #12 7 years ago

    "Thank fuck I didn't buy a PSP. I can play all that shit on the PS2 or Xbox for half the price."

    They are simply the latest 'Shiny Gadget' mate, that people feel the overwhelming urge to spend their cash on, simply for the point of showing off I think.

    Apart from that thinking, they have been about as well thought out as Bush's rescue efforts.

  • gamingdave #13 7 years ago

    More reasons to be doubtful of PSP GTA

    Itll use the analogue stick which is so uncomfortable and hard to use its practically useless.

    How hard will it be to manualy target from a distance on such a small screen?

    I really hope it turns out well, but at the moment I have concerns

  • Dizzy #14 7 years ago

    > No RPG's or strategy games there :(

    True... usually the only games I play on a portable (ok ok .. sometimes also a platform game).

  • zErOb_cOOl #15 7 years ago

    Yeah, games athat don't involve split-second timing and precision work the best on handhelds. I could have told Sony that, but then I think they are going for the 'pretty graphics sell' approach, which usually works.

    Damn I'm being anti-Sony today....don't know whats come over me!

  • tentonipete #16 7 years ago

    gta pes and football manager all should be good. load times aren't a problem if you rip an ISO to the memory card...

    like disc said. i'd like a real kickass RPG. none of this golden sun crap either

  • tentonipete #17 7 years ago

    > Apart from that thinking, they have been about as well thought out as Bush's rescue efforts.

    which would make the ps2 and xbox about as good as those faces he pulls while pretending to be listening

  • Feanor #18 7 years ago

    "Damn I'm being anti-Sony today....don't know whats come over me!"

    /checks Hell

    /goes ice-skating
    Edited by 1 at 07/09/05 @ 16:01

  • Gspot #19 7 years ago

    I mean come on. Someone do some cool strategy. a mini CIV or a mini XCOM. We need games you can think about, sleep on, and then continue with. Twitch gaming is fine up to a point. Usually about level 7, and then it's boring. Someone please give us Advance Wars...

  • joey #20 7 years ago

    Interesting that as soon as someone comes up with a portable that can play the types of games you play on a home console, people start saying - may as well get the console version. They also bitch about battery times and load times, well you cannot have these types of games without an optical disc, and as we wanted a huge screen, it's gonna eat batteries. Truth is the PSP is a little ahead of it's time, the technology is not really able to support it.

    Lets face it, solid state media is best for portable, and you do need a decent battery life - this will come - perhaps with PSP2 or GBA2.

    For now the PSP is a fantasic toy, and it's most important function is to push the portable industry along. I love my SP, but Jesus big N have been caught napping this time!

    Why moan about loading times - if you dont like them, buy a DS?

  • toy_brain #21 7 years ago

    Uhhh, what about Persuit Force?

  • tentonipete #22 7 years ago

    i've been saying they should have had a handheld championship manager ever since 93/94.

    and xcom on psp would be awesome!

  • TheDifficult3rdAlbum #23 7 years ago

    "Burnout Legends......With Criterion working on it the PSP will probably melt".

    I thought this is being done by EA Chertsey rather than Criterion themselves?

  • Sabre #24 7 years ago

    I'm waiting for PES DS, personally.

  • asandbrook #25 7 years ago

    About 3 hours ago I was trawling the web for PSP prices - was seriously thinking about getting one and then I read this article...

    ...rather than getting me excited about the future output for the PSP, it completely dampened my spirits. I really, genuinely want to like the PSP but nearly all of these are games that:

    a) I've already played on PS2/XBox/PC and know inside out and can buy in home console format for under £15 (rather than the PSP games' current £30 plus price tag).
    tify.
    b) If I had to shell money out on, like King Kong, then that cash would have to go on the XBox version.

    I know none of these points are new but it's such fantastic hardware and I'm just dying for the kind of dare I say it 'Nintendo'esque innovative software that makes me feel that getting the PSP will give me an exciting and worthwhile, different gaming experience...that over £150 can jusify.

  • tentonipete #26 7 years ago

    > I'm waiting for PES DS, personally.

    how does the spare screen fit into that one then? do you need an analogue pad for david james's full repertoire of calamity?

  • chronom4n #27 7 years ago

    well said joey, about time someone said something honestly positive. yes, the more competition we have in the portable gaming industry the better it is for the consumer. I feel that Nintendo have been overcharging the consumer for as long as portable gaming has been around and that has always been the main concern for me as i have bills to pay and for me i have to feel as though i am getting my monies worth. to give a current example of having many different choices, take michelin and bridgestone in F1. the fact that there are 2 companies making tyres it add a whole new dimension to the sport of F1. I dread to see the outcome next year of only one tyre manufacturer for all the teams. in gaming terms, it is about time nintendo had some competition from sony. others have come and gone but i think the 2 companies will be very healthy for the uk economy. You have to remember that nintendo have always charged high prices for their on the go games. plus we cant all be stuck on the dark ages can we?

  • Retroid #28 7 years ago

    Nope.

    Nowt other than (possibly) GTA. Definately not a system-seller though. At least to me.

  • Derblington #29 7 years ago

    I'm interested in Pursuit Force too, and Tokobot (Jap name - Karakuri).
    Edited by 1 at 07/09/05 @ 16:32

  • peterfll #30 7 years ago

    I would have placed Burnout Lengends well ahead of SSX and Football Manager, Burnout 3 is a superb game that I'm still playing 12 months on. It lends itself well to pick-up-and-play portable gaming too.

    Oh, and BTW, I'm no mug for buying a PSP thanks. I have a choice between owning and enjoying one now or waiting until it goes down in price. I'm lucky enough that the price isn't that much of an issue, so I'll pay my £144 import price for my US PSP and enjoy Ridge Racers, Wipeout, Luminies etc now thank you. I've used it loads, enjoyed it loads, haven't bought it to show off, sorry if that upsets some of you.

    Actually - I'm not sorry at all.

  • PearOfAnguish #31 7 years ago

    YAY MORE CONSOLE PORTS.*


    *THIS IS NOT SARCASM

    "I feel that Nintendo have been overcharging the consumer"

    Eh? I don't agree with them endlessly releasing multiple versions of the same hardware (GBA, SP, Micro), but the DS costs a lot less than the PSP and its games are either the same price or a cheaper than the Sony's incredibly limited, uninspiring line-up.
    Edited by 1 at 07/09/05 @ 16:24

  • V0oD0o #32 7 years ago

    STOP RELEASING GAMES, I CAN'T BLOODY WELL AFFORD THEM ALL!

  • drumbaby #33 7 years ago

    >Uhhh, what about Persuit Force?

    Aye, the trailer for Pursuit Force on the UMD looks pretty astonishing, especially for a handheld.

  • Royal Fool #34 7 years ago

    The only stuff I am interested in is Daxter and GTA. The rest of that stuff (3 different football games, yuck) is very uninteresting to me. Except for SSX, which I will be getting the Xbox version of.


    "Itll use the analogue stick which is so uncomfortable and hard to use its practically useless."

    The best use of that thing I've so far seen is probably Ape Escape and Metal Gear Acid... the latter one simply because it actually manages to serve a purpose and doesn't jerk out of control like in other games (Everybody's Golf or Ridge Racer, for example)
    Edited by 2 at 07/09/05 @ 16:40

  • smelly #35 7 years ago

    "STOP RELEASING GAMES, I CAN'T BLOODY WELL AFFORD THEM ALL! "

    Play them on your console via a tv instead then...

  • speedjack #36 7 years ago

    Burnout Legends is only £25.99 on Amazon btw.
    Edited by 1 at 07/09/05 @ 16:34

  • tengu #37 7 years ago

    This thread needs more petay pan :(

  • Xerx3s #38 7 years ago

    still no reason to buy one then?

  • ClansOfIntrigue #39 7 years ago

    PalGN says: "We're extremely pleased to report that the PAL versions of Midnight Club III have had the loading cut in half. We were extremely worried when we approached this game that we'd be sitting through long loading times, but thankfully Rockstar have treated PAL gamers to significantly lower load times."

  • DaveTheHutt #40 7 years ago

    Is this the most uninspiring 'Coming Soon' roster anyone's ever seen?

    Although GTA will sell even if it contains nothing than a 'Poke a lollypop stick into a fresh dog turd' mini-game, so long as there's a picture of a hoodie toting an Uzi on the box cover, a gangsta rap soundtrack and everyone shouting "Fuck you!" at each other, there is nothing, repeat nothing, of genuine interest here.

    The PSP is one of the more beautiful gaming gadgets ever, yet this risible line-up displays a paucity of imagination and creativity that is almost criminal.

    Hutt out

  • peterfll #41 7 years ago

    Yes, Amazon seems to be the cheaper place to buy some of the PSP games - my copy of Burnout Legends is on order with them - but with all things its always worth looking around.

    Did I mention I also seriously have started to use my PSP for web browsing? Perhaps I'm sad, but I'm actually really using it for browsing BBC News Online from bed, the loo etc. Just like the modern equivelant of the newspaper I guess....

  • TS2610 #42 7 years ago

    If the GTA game was based in Vice City then I would seriously consider a PSP, but I never did warm to Liberty City quite as much.

  • sturgeon #43 7 years ago

    where the fooking bread cake, get kettle on, is Pursuit Force?

  • DodgyG #44 7 years ago

    SI say that the DS isn't powerful enough to cope with a Football Manager, hopefully someone else will come out with a title that utilises the touch screen.

  • valli #45 7 years ago

    no JRPGs* = no PSP

    *at least two to start with

    Nothing coming up either, except Breath of Fire 3 in Japan.

  • zeroK #46 7 years ago

    @disc: IIRC there is also a Metal Gear Acid 2 on the horizon ;)

  • spazmo #47 7 years ago

    Sony helped introduce console load times with the PS1 and are now introducing load times to handhelds. They stink.

  • davyuk #48 7 years ago

    I love my PSP.

    I was drafting a number of reasons why, but I can't be bothered. It's a PS2 I can take to work, or play when my gf watches telly. What more do I need?

  • Hilton #49 7 years ago

    The poke the lolly pop into dog turd mini game sounds very good were can i buy it?

  • kgthatsme #50 7 years ago

    "If the GTA game was based in Vice City then I would seriously consider a PSP, but I never did warm to Liberty City quite as much."

    No way! Liberty City's much better! Stylish, atmospheric, iconic.... and err fun.

  • TheDifficult3rdAlbum #51 7 years ago

    > "It's a PS2 I can take to work, or play when my gf watches telly. What more do I need?"

    And there we have it, my friends. In a nutshell.

    /gets on with life

  • SlackMaster #52 7 years ago

    Great... mainly sports and GTA to look forward to... Chavtastic

  • blueseagull #53 7 years ago

    PSPPES doesn't have a Master League does it? Surely that's THE downer?

  • tonynibbles #54 7 years ago

    I love these really cheap comments regarding battery life from people WHO DONT FUCKING HAVE ONE

    Jeez. Get one. Then cast opinions on the battery life.

  • TS2610 #55 7 years ago

    Yeah, because GTA is a chav game. Nevermind the fact that it's probably the most witty and bitingly satirical game you can buy, as well as being laced with genuine social commentary.

  • Scimarad #56 7 years ago

    Valli, I can think of several JRPGs on or coming to the PSP - Don't ask me to name most of 'em though!

  • ProfessorLesser #57 7 years ago

    I'm afraid this settles it, Furblington (see what I did there?).

    After Lumines, Mercury and Wipeout (tentatively, at that), there is simply no other game that I want to play, apparently for quite some time.

    I now see that my first instinct was correct - I will wait for some RPGs to come out. Preferably of the J-Type ;-)
    Edited by 1 at 07/09/05 @ 18:23

  • tengu #58 7 years ago

    Probably the smart move if JRPGs are your main interest I suppose. Though Breath of Fire III is due out soon.

    Just a shame there's proabably zero chance of seeing any of the PSone Final Fantasy games on the PSP ;_;

    That would be sweet.

  • Furbs #59 7 years ago

    Grrrrrr Prof!!! If you'd told us straight away you were a beardy RPG type, I wouldnt have wasted my time!!. ;)
    Back to convincing Petay then.

  • ProfessorLesser #60 7 years ago

    I'll be honest Furbs, I was going to buy one today. Everywhere in town was out of stock. You had me that sold ;-)

    Well played.

    Now about the DS... that's a bastard of a list for a poor prospective owner, Bengali!

    /does math

  • Carrybagma #61 7 years ago

    Has PSP got any nice shooters (a'la Ikaruga etc) that would require you to tip it sideways?

    You know that someone will sooner or later will come up with something brilliant and unique for the DS touchscreen - I'd really like for the PSP to have a stand-out, PSP-only amazing game to match the hardware. It's like eating Mc.Donalds off your Meissen plate at the moment.

  • Montario #62 7 years ago

    super star soldier is a vert scrolling shooter, hold psp sideways yep. pretty neat apparently. i'm lovin the pc-engine emu at the mo tho, all my shooter faves, and on a much nicer screen than my old pce-gt, fits in my coat pocket better too

  • Bumbuliuz #63 7 years ago

    For me it will be Pes and Football Manager

    Oooops almost forgot GTA, unless the reviews will say it´s a big turkey!
    Edited by 1 at 07/09/05 @ 19:29

  • space_ace #64 7 years ago

    load times load times load times.
    how many times can you mention load times!

    i don't think we can stress that enough. it's prolly the single most important 'feature'.

  • SirScratchalot #65 7 years ago

    "SI say that the DS isn't powerful enough to cope with a Football Manager, hopefully someone else will come out with a title that utilises the touch screen. "
    Hijack
    Are they kidding? Sure FM is a notorius RAM hog but I was playing championship manager back on the bloody Atari ST- a powerhouse that was not. Maybe just scale back to a couple of leagues rather than global. And I really wish people would stop throwing around the vague concept "power" as if it was MPH.
    /Hijack

    Edited by 1 at 07/09/05 @ 21:08

  • absolutezero #66 7 years ago

    Theres nothing there that im interested in.

    Actually wheres Tenchu? That might be ok, I suppose.

  • redd #67 7 years ago

    WOW That's a whole lot of... ports!

  • oerhoert #68 7 years ago

    So, are there a similar article in the works for the DS? Or did I miss it when it was out, probably some months ago?

    As for the PSP, the only thing I really hate about it is how much free hype and PR it is getting, while the DS got so little. You'd imagine gaming journalists would be just as excited about brand new possibilities as they now are about technical superiority, but it doesn't always seem that way...

    So, the PSP library I've tried:
    Ridge Racer: 8/10
    Lumines: 8/10
    Wipeout Pure: 7/10
    THUG 2: 5/10
    Ape Academy: 2/10
    Ape Escape: 2-3/10
    Fired Up: 3/10
    World Tour Soccer: 6/10

    As of now, then, I find the PSP is a good machine with just three or four good games as far as I know.

  • ACiD #69 7 years ago

    ''Mario and luigi partners in time''

    HA! shame on me for laughing at that one.

    at the moment my wallet cant even justify the purchase of a PSP and all its shiny trinkets, but those games are a little lackluster for my tastes. things may change however - this is only the immediate future line up correct. Who knows what may come along after that.

    I find it hard to resist ghostbusters on the train by the way.

    /weeps

  • deaner #70 7 years ago

    On Saturday I bought a PSP on impulse (much to the dismay of my girlfriend).

    I got a bundle from GameStation for about £220 which meant I could pick any two games and an accessories kit (which they only threw in after I said I didn't want it for an extra fiver). I chose Virtua Tennis and Lumines - both of which I'm really impressed with.

    The PSP have-done-well's are:
    - Excellent portable gaming
    - Great Wi-Fi connectivity and an exceptional web browser (on 2.0)
    - Good photobook
    - Superb quality portable video (UMD video really is the daddy)
    - Feels the right weight, size and the controls are comfortable

    The PSP could-do-better's are:
    - File naming and organisation on the Memory Stick is a pain
    - As an MP3 player the audio volume doesn't go high enough for city life
    - To make use of non-UMD video you need a much bigger Memory Stick
    - Not enough fieltypes are supported

    Hopefully some of those things can be sorted through firmware upgrades, and loading times aren't as noticable as people make out, even on Virtua Tennis.

    All in all it's a great handheld/portable media centre. Even my most sceptical friends now want one after just a few minutes playing. I also had people all around me on the train yesterday, peering over and gasping in amazement as I played games and watched iRobot (and let's be honest - they weren't doing it at Will Smith's amazing acting talent or the amazing dialogue).

    If you like portable gaming, music, movies and web-browsing and have the cash - I'd say get one.

    If you don't - I'd say ask someone to get you one for Christmas.

  • Furbs #71 7 years ago

    Ahhh so its not the PSP, its the headphones? Thank god for that :)

  • theidiotsarewinning #72 7 years ago

    all this talk of rubbish battery life is getting to me. ive been pleasantly surprised with mine...and how hard is it to keep the thing charged up before you leave the house? also loading times; as if other consoles dont spend a good minute loading sometimes; seem to remember making a couple of sandwiches waiting for gta: san andreas to be ready to play on my xbox the other day.

  • deaner #73 7 years ago

    Ah right! Excellent. I'll rob them from my iPod.

    Thanks a lot FluffyTucker.

    theidiotsarewinning: (regarding battery life) "ive been pleasantly surprised with mine"

    You're exactly right. I fully charged mine yesterday morning before going out for the day. I played games and watched movies constantly during two 3hr train journeys, and then played another hour or two in the evening and the battery still isn't dead.
    Edited by 1 at 08/09/05 @ 11:48

  • #74 7 years ago

    HAHAHAAHAaaaa The Pity I feel for the average Psp owner is almost gut renching.

  • deaner #75 7 years ago

    All 850,000 of them - in the UK alone?

    Is that because you don't have one, or because you don't like portable gaming?

  • deaner #76 7 years ago

    Where did you get a 1GB Memory Stick for that price?

    Is it a Sony or third party brand?

  • deaner #77 7 years ago

    Great! Thanks again! +100pts!

  • gamesb*tch #78 7 years ago

    Nothing here for me... move along :(

  • Furbs #79 7 years ago

    Fluffy - with the headphones, are you still keeping the remote in place (ie so its the actual ears buds or whatever that put the limit inplace, not the inline remote).

  • #80 7 years ago

    Fluffy you naughtyboy! you know we only have bumfun on a teusday!

  • Furbs #81 7 years ago

    Cheers mate, I'll give it a go then :)
    And heres me thinking "ear comfort" meant they didnt hurt when pushing them in...

    Edit: Dont forget, it might not be Sonys fault the headphones are limited. Noones been able to work out if its an EU rule or not (I myself dont have a clue either way).
    Edited by 1 at 08/09/05 @ 12:21

  • deaner #82 7 years ago

    Just picked up Ridge Racer (new) for £25 from a local indie.

    Can't wait to play it... though I still may have to change it for MG Ac!d or Everybody's Golf.

    Decisions, decisions!

  • deaner #83 7 years ago

    Yeah, but Gran Turismo is on it's way. And the other two titles I mentioned are apparently excellent.

  • krudster #84 7 years ago

    If you're just going to post offensive and derogatory comments, wasp, then yes, expect to see them deleted.

  • deaner #85 7 years ago

    Yeah, but I imaging that GT on the PSP couldn't be as in-depth because of the format, and is likely to feel more arcadey anyway.

  • deaner #86 7 years ago

    I suppose. If it is like the console versions, I doubt I'll get it. It'd be difficult to drive in the way GT games require on the PSP, and commit the kind of time GT Mode requires.

  • Azu87 #87 7 years ago

    Not interested in Daxter after having seen some gameplay movies from it. It didn't look as good as the games of the Jak series. Of course it's not finished yet, so I remain hopeful as it will be one of those games I'd buy when I get a PSP.

    I'm really not interested in GTA:LCS at all. GTA III was (and is) the worst GTA; a boring city (at least compared to VC and SA) is the biggest problem. So I really don't want to return there. After playing VC GTA III isn't as good a game as it was when it was first released.

    And all those other games I'd rather buy for PS2 or Gamecube (expecially SSX On Tour).

  • Furbs #88 7 years ago

    wasp, you can always vote with your feet...errrr mouse...

  • freedumb #89 7 years ago

    Well at 180 quid its looking like not so great a purchase for gaming only, at the moment. There are probably more good PSP titles unanounced to come, but that list so far doesn't inspire me to buy one yet.

    I dunno about you guys, but I'd rather play the likes of:

    Osu! Tatakae! Quendan
    Mario Kart DS (ONLINE!)
    Animal Crossing DS (ONLINE!)
    Harvest Moon DS
    a new Zelda DS
    Warioware Touched
    Yoshis touch and go
    JUMP SUPER STARS!
    Nintendogs
    Advance Wars:Dual Strike
    Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
    Kirby DS
    Another Code
    Phoneix Wright:Ace Attorney
    Pac Pix
    Trauma Center
    Meteos
    Lost in Blue
    Project Rub
    New Super Mario Bros
    and more to come

    *takes a breath*

    (along with all the GBA games I've missed or to come such as Riviera, Kingdom Heats:COM, Superstar Saga, WWare twisted, Sword of Mana, Gunstar Super Heroes, Astro Boy Omega Factor etc.)

    on my shiny new Electric Blue US DS.

    I probably wont be getting a PSP for a looonngg time. Until it's at least under 150 quid.
    Edited by 3 at 08/09/05 @ 13:56

  • freedumb #90 7 years ago

    I thought in this case its neccessary. To show reasons why I chose a DS first, before PSP.

  • deaner #91 7 years ago

    It's important to remember that the PSP is more than just a portable games console though... at least it is once you've got a larger Memory Stick.

  • drumbaby #92 7 years ago

    I thought in this case its neccessary. To show reasons why I chose a DS first, before PSP.

    And by golly, it was worth it.

  • freedumb #93 7 years ago

    I meant first, not a complete choice over it. I still plan on getting a PSP when its cheaper, and when there are more games I'd like to get on it.

    I'd only really use it for gaming, I already have an mp3 player, digital camera and wont be watching UMD movies/tv shows on it. Thats why I chose the DS first.

  • freedumb #94 7 years ago

    /bends over and bares cheeks
    /while playing Jump Super Stars

  • #95 7 years ago

    ^^^ Quick tengu it's you're chance for a quick bum grope (sorry freedumb mate but rather you then me)

  • freedumb #96 7 years ago

    /legs it
    Edited by 1 at 08/09/05 @ 14:26

  • Bangaioh #97 7 years ago

    I bough a psp the 1st @ midnight. I don't usually buy consoles on launch day but I haven't been buying and playing games in quite a while so I though I could go with it. I've tried a DS before but wasn't too happy with the tech specs (I don't like the idea of playing on two screens, don't like the stylus but I love Nintendo's catalogue and have every console they've made from the NES).
    Personally I don't have any problems with the loading times, I currently own a copy of MG Ac!d, Lumines and RR. They all seem fine to me, no long loading times and no big problem with the battery life issue. I must say that I like handhelds and generally play at home, in bed.
    PSP remains the most advanced handheld console I've ever played with, it's an excellent piece of design. The screen is great, I'm confortable with the controls and I just can't put it down once I start playing. I obviously want more original content but I don't mind a port if it's a good one. I'd like to see more leftfield game design on the platform, can't wait for a Viewtiful Joe, something on the lines of ICO and most of all some new Rockstar material (I'll probably buy GTA if it's without technical problems but I'd love a Manhunt with new levels or a PSP Warriors / Bully port). A psp kurushi?
    The psp is an expensive piece of gear but what you get for the money is pretty amazing, last time I played RR was on PS1 and it's been great to play it again, with all the tracks in one UMD and all the rest. Lumines is a very nice title indeed and enjoying Metal Gear too. I can't really complain and find it a waste of time comparing it to the DS: they are two completely different consoles, COMPLETELY. I'm not going to buy a DS but I wouldn't mind owning one for all those titles coming out... but again the titles are also a completely different breed.
    What I really want for the PSP is some original content courtesy of Treasure and Nippon Ichi. That would make me a happy lad :)

  • PES_Fanboy #98 7 years ago

    I was thinking along those lines too Furbs, what with the Euro Ipods having limited volume as well. It's likely that the EU PSP's had to be shipped with the special phones.

    No, it's litig-itus on the part of both companies.

  • Burton2000 #99 7 years ago

    lol some guy sed today that the psps graphics are beter than the ps2 lol

  • IronGiant #100 7 years ago

    The PSP version of Winning Eleven 9 (pro evo) just got reviewed in Japan, got a whopping 36/40.. that'll do me nicely :)

  • kagemusha #101 7 years ago

    As it looks Sony is mainly trying to get the machine sold primary and these titles will probably do that. We will probably have to wait a while before games like Katarmary will show up.

    For you guys worrying about the battery life there are already third party batteries that last twice as long. Which means 4-8hours becomes 8-16hours, if you play for longer than 8 hours you definetely got bigger issues than your battery running out on you. ;)
    I don't know where you can buy them in UK but in Sweden you can get them here http://www.playtrack.com/product_info.php?products_id=7 08
    Edited by 1 at 09/09/05 @ 10:56

  • Kengro #102 7 years ago

    WTF.... If this is the best games that is coming for psp, i'll get a ds and nintendogs anyday... This realese list blows sony, consider the ds as ordered

  • The_Charvs_king #103 7 years ago

    The PSP gives me more Bling than that NDS thing. It's sooooooo coooooool, I luv it.

  • Kafeen #104 7 years ago

    Well at 180 quid its looking like not so great a purchase for gaming only, at the moment. There are probably more good PSP titles unanounced to come, but that list so far doesn't inspire me to buy one yet.

    I dunno about you guys, but I'd rather play the likes of:

    ...blah...

    *takes a breath*

    (along with all the GBA games I've missed or to come such as Riviera, Kingdom Heats:COM, Superstar Saga, WWare twisted, Sword of Mana, Gunstar Super Heroes, Astro Boy Omega Factor etc.)

    on my shiny new Electric Blue US DS.

    I probably wont be getting a PSP for a looonngg time. Until it's at least under 150 quid.


    Calm down. Don't want to get stains on that shiny new Electric Blue US DS.

  • kaisersose77 #105 7 years ago

    Its all well in good if some with a DS has a credit card and has imported games before. But for the majority of ppl who just buy their new games in their local games shop, the DS games list is pretty shite. Look at game.co.uk , 90% of the games seem to be movie tie ins or ports. All these games that are selling well in japan and the US might not even be sold over here. Your typical person isnt gonna be looking up for japanese translations on the net. So for the normal gamer the DS isnt anything special atm.

    And for the person waiting for PES on the DS.............haha, do you honestly believe it'll be any good. Probably have to prod beckham up the *** with the stylus to make him run!

  • brombeer #106 7 years ago

    @Kengro: You'll be sorry. I agree that the DS game list is after more than half a year pure shite. Not a single game has lived to be more than 1 day in that machine. I cannot believe I did buy this piece of crap in March. Now, the PSP, I really love. This thing can do things unimaginable. Netbrowsing is one of my favourites. On the loo, in bed, on the attic. It's great! WipeOut is simply pure joy and hasn't lost it's touch going from PS2 to PSP.

  • deem #107 6 years ago

    "Thank fuck I didn't buy a PSP. I can play all that shit on the PS2 or Xbox for half the price."

    Not on the bus you cant numbnuts.

    why are people so bloody stupid?

  • Sunrise #108 6 years ago

    Maybe they don't use the bus?

    Don't share their telly with others?

    Stupid? No
    Short-sighted about other people? Maybe...