Posts by Andrew Yoon at PSP Fanboy

Andrew Yoon
New York, NY - http://www.pspfanboy.com

After a fairly lengthy stint as a Community Manager, maintaining websites for Konami, Square, Namco, and others, I became absorbed by the Joystiq crew, and ~~work~~ blog full-time. As the lead PlayStation writer, you'll see my work prominently on PSP and PS3 Fanboy, although I contribute to all the other Joystiq sites as well. As a big anime fan, you'll notice that I'm also the managing video game critic at Anime News Network.

Noteworthy games: Ikaruga (DC), Pokemon (GB), Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64), Half-Life 2 (PC), Metal Gear Solid (PS), God of War II (PS2), Resident Evil 4 (GC), Mario Kart: Super Circuit (GBA), Otogi (XB), Chrono Trigger (SNES), Gitaroo-Man Lives! (PSP), Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! (DS), Gears of War (360), Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii), Super Stardust HD (PS3)
Currently playing/reviewing:
Hot Shots Golf 5 (PS3), Persona 3 (PS2), Jeanne d'Arc (PSP), Metroid Prime 3 (Wii), Bioshock (360)

EMAIL: andrew @ joystiq .com

Interest in PSP is returning, says Infected dev

Posted May 9th 2008 5:30PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: News

Planet Moon has been a strong supporter of PSP, dedicating itself to the creation of exclusives on Sony's handheld. Their titles, Infected and After Burner, tried new things on the handheld, but neither title found the success that they were looking for. "We're very proud of them. We wish they'd found a bigger audience, but I think most people who've made PSP games wish that in retrospect," Planet Moon's Aaron Loeb told Gamasutra.

Sluggish software sales for (relatively) expensive games forced Planet Moon to abandon PSP development, just like many other developers. While they're currently working on Wii games, they do note that PSP may experience a resurrection of sorts. "Interest in the PSP is definitely coming back among the publishers, though. That little puppy just keeps on selling!"

We're certain that many publishers were caught off-guard by the sales resurgence of PSP, after the introduction of the redesigned PSP-2000 and big-name releases, such as God of War and Crisis Core. However, games do take quite a time to create -- it may be a while before we're able to reap the fruits of any new PSP development.

PSP weekly sales hit 100,000 in Japan

Posted May 9th 2008 3:30PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: News

These PSP numbers are absolutely ridiculous. Japan's weekly charts have been dominated by Sony's handheld, and this week is no different. In fact, PSP has outsold DS in a 2:1 ratio this week. The tables have turned, at least in Japan.

PSP - 100,870
Wii - 71,518
DS - 52,542
PS3 - 10,177
PS2 - 8,802
360 - 1,725

[Via Next-Gen]

Sony's David Reeves admits to PSP drought

Posted May 9th 2008 1:30PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: News

It's been a slow time for PSP gamers. After the release of Crisis Core and God of War, things have slowed down quite dramatically for the handheld. Exclusives for the PSP are few and far apart, with releases of Secret Agent Clank and Hot Shots Golf being but a few known titles that will release in the upcoming summer months. SCEE boss David Reeves admitted that software has slowed down on PSP. "Hand on heart, would we like more PSP games? Yes, we would. We really would," Reeves told GI.biz.

Where and when will we see new games? It looks like we're going to have to look towards Japan, where PSP has become something of a phenomenon. The success of PSP in Japan has created a resurgence of PSP development -- localized versions of upcoming Japanese games is what we'll have to wait for. "We've seen in the last six months that because of the success of the PSP in Japan many Japanese developers have got some absolutely phenomenal games. They're not Monster Hunter 2G or things like that, but they are in development and we'll see them over here," he added.

XSEED and Marvelous join in co-publishing agreement

Posted May 9th 2008 12:00PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: News

PSP fans will be familiar with both Marvelous Entertainment and XSEED Games. Both have been key supporters of the PSP through a number of niche games for the handheld. The two companies have announced a new partnership, in which XSEED will support Marvelous Entertainment in bringing their titles over to North America. Valhalla Knights 2 for the PSP will be the first title to be released under this partnership, which is scheduled to launch in Fall 2008.

Valhalla Knights 2 is a follow-up to the previous PSP-exclusive action RPG. The sequel adds new races, job classes, weapons, magic spells, foes, armor, and more. Players will be able to partake in real-time 6 on 6 battles. The game supports 2 player ad-hoc network play, which enables co-op and versus modes.

Expect more details on Valhalla Knights 2 and other titles from this partnership in the future.

Skype headset finally available (for real!)

Posted May 8th 2008 2:00PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Peripherals

We're glad that SCEA finally confirmed the availability of Skype-compatible PSP headsets at retailers today. When we first discovered the peripheral, it was supposed to release last month for $20. Well, looks like things have changed. The peripheral is now available at a MSRP of $30 at your favorite retailer. We checked amazon.com, buy.com, and GameStop -- and it appears that buy.com is still your best bet.

The new headset offers stereo sound, an adjustable microphone, and a lightweight design with soft ear cushions. It's the easiest way to get Skype working on your PSP. For more information on how to use the VoIP service, check out our guide.

PC fanboys get a site: Big Download (beta)

Posted May 8th 2008 12:30PM by Andrew Yoon

Chances are, you're pretty familiar with Joystiq's various gaming sites: PS3 and PSP Fanboy, included. While we've covered Wii, DS, Xbox 360 and World of Warcraft (yeah, that's a platform ...), there's one console that's been sorely missing: the PC.

Well, we're finally fixing that glaring flaw. PC fanboys can join us at our new sister site, Big Download. In partnership with GameDaily, we're planning on giving you the latest and greatest PC gaming news, plus free access to demos, patches, mods, trailers and more!

PC gaming has been an important part of my gaming diet for years, and I'm glad that we're finally able to introduce a new site to you. Bear in mind that we're in beta, so please send us any feedback you may have. Keep an eye out for my contributions to the site as well!

We hope to see you at Big Download, where all the news is big and all the downloads are above average!

Deep-voiced narrator takes us through new Naruto trailer

Posted May 8th 2008 8:30AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Naruto, Video

For some reason, we're incredibly amused by this announcer's voice. There's something incredibly clashing about having such a deep-voiced narrator talk about the brand new jitsus of this Naruto game. It may not have a significant number of bells and whistles over last year's offering -- but it'll most likely be a decent addition to a genre that's sorely lacking on PSP.

Rumor: Wipeout Pulse and Daxter moving to PS2

Posted May 8th 2008 12:15AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: News

It shouldn't be too surprising to see Wipeout Pulse and Daxter move to PS2. Sony has made it something of a tradition to move its big PSP exclusives back onto Sony's aging home console. While this potential move may anger some, it's important to note that these ports usually come out over a year since the original release -- long past a game's relevance at the store shelves.

These ports are not confirmed (the only source we see is French site Jeuxvideo.fr). But with Wipeout HD coming out on PS3 and Secret Agent Clank coming out on PSP, there's very little reason for fans to get up-in-arms about these potential projects.

[Thanks, Joe!]

The mysterious introduction to Secret Agent Clank

Posted May 7th 2008 11:30AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Ratchet and Clank, Video

The intro to Secret Agent Clank raises a good number of questions: why is Ratchet breaking into a museum dressed in a robe? Why is he so crazed? What is the Eye of Infinity -- and where is it? Within minutes, Secret Agent Clank is thrust into a world of mystery, intrigue, and kung-fu ninja action.

Go!View available in Europe on June 30th

Posted May 6th 2008 3:30PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: News

As expected, PSP news was few and far apart in this year's PlayStation Day conference in Europe. One thing of note: the Go!View video download service (exclusively available in Europe) will be available on June 30th. PSP owners will connect to a PC in order to download videos to their PSP systems. Content will be available on a pay-per-view basis, and through subscriptions as well.

God of War Entertainment Packs now available for pre-order

Posted May 6th 2008 2:30PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: God of War

You know you want it. The limited edition God of War Entertainment Pack is finally available for pre-order. The package includes an awesome red PSP, a copy of God of War: Chains of Olympus, and a number of other goodies, like Syphon Filter: Combat Ops and Superbad UMD. Entertainment Pack, indeed. The pack releases on June 3rd for $199.99. Check it out at amazon.com. We'll update this post when other retailers begin offering the system as well.

Gallery: God of War PSP-2000

R-Type Command pre-order bonus: assembly required

Posted May 6th 2008 12:45PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: R-Type

When Atlus revealed the pre-order bonus for R-Type Command, we were pretty excited. Getting a replica ship sounded awesome ... until we found out that assembly is required. Yeah, we're lazy bums: we like having our ships pre-built for us! While the process of building the R-9 model isn't too cumbersome, one step (as seen in the instructions) had us completely frustrated: "if hard to attach, file off some of excess plastic." Why weren't these cut correctly in the first place?

B-Boy soundtrack to feature Black Eyed Peas, James Brown, more

Posted May 6th 2008 10:45AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Software

The upcoming PS2/PSP breakdancing game, B-Boy will feature a pretty great licensed soundtrack when it comes to America later this summer. Touted as the first-ever competitive breakdancing game, B-Boy promises to offer over 800 motion-captured moves. B-boy legends Crazy Legs and the Rock Steady Crew helped contribute to the production, and 22 venues can be found on the disc, including Red Bull: King of the Ring, Freestyle Sessions, UK B-Boy Championships and IBE.

The soundtrack will feature 35 hip-hop and funk tracks, including The Black Eyed Peas' "Bringing It Back", James Brown's "Get On The Good Foot", Cypress Hill's "The Phuncky Feel One" and Eric B and Rakim's "Don't Sweat The Technique." It certainly looks like they're definitely trying to impress the breakdancing audience with this one -- will they succeed?

Gallery: B-Boy

You wish for iWish, latest PSP mock-up

Posted May 6th 2008 8:15AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Fan Stuff

When we look at Mat Brady's convergence PSP mock-up, we can't help but laugh and get confused at the same time. This Frankensteinien combination of an iPhone, Windows Mobile device and PSP should be able to play games, browse the internet, play music, and cook you food. This certainly would save a lot of space in our already-bursting pockets. Check out a high-res image here.

[Thanks, Joe! Via Joystiq]

Secret Agent Clank sneaks into stores on June 17

Posted May 6th 2008 12:30AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Ratchet and Clank

You know why Clank is giving a thumbs up? Because he's finally ready for delivery on June 17th. This long-awaited PSP-exclusive addition to the ever-popular Ratchet & Clank franchise will give PSP owners a chance to to play something new on their handheld during the long, hot summer months. Considering how excellent the High Impact's previous Size Matters was, we're willing to bet that this is going to be a fun ride.

We have our preview build ready to play -- we hope to provide some impressions in the coming days.

[Via Joystiq]

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