While movie goers often look forward to the flood of summer blockbusters, gamers often are forced to deal with a drought of entertainment. Despite this stereotype, PSP does have a flock of impressive titles headed to gamers this summer. So while you spend time at the beach this summer, you may want to bring along your PSP.

Action movies are always the most populated category when it comes to summer flicks. It seems appropriate then that so many action games are hitting our favorite portable this summer. Here's a look at what those titles are:

June
Rainbow Six Vegas
Transformers The Game
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Tomb Raider Anniversary

July
Manhunt 2

August
Alien Syndrome
Coded Arms Contagion
Silent Hill Origins
Dead Head Fred
Ghost Recon Advanced WarFighter 2
Monster Hunter Freedom 2
Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes

What games are our readers going to be chilling with this summer? Which of these games would you like PSP Fanboy to write about?

Most people only read reviews to find out if they should buy, try or avoid a particular game. With that in mind, here's that info on Metal Slug Anthology for those who don't want to read a full review.

Buy: If you are a Metal Slug fan or enjoy 2D shooters (ex. Contra).

Try: If you haven't played Metal Slug or a 2D shooter before, but enjoy action games.

Avoid: If you don't like dated graphics, 2D games or shooters.

I know most people only read reviews to find out if they should buy, try or avoid a particular game. With that in mind, here's that info on Chili Con Carnage for those who don't want to read a full review.

Buy: If you love Max Payne, Total Overdose or action games in general and don't mind humor mixed in.

Try: If you haven't ever tried Total Overdose or Max Payne and are picky about humor and/or action in games.

Avoid: If you dislike action games, humor in games or Total Overdose.

PSP sales have been quite good the last few months and I figured there's probably a lot of new PSP owners that may not be up to speed on what great games the system has to offer. With that in mind, every day this week we'll feature a new genre and list the top 5 games (according to metareviews), so no matter what you're into, you'll have some idea of what games you should own. We start off the week with one of the most popular genres around: Action.

Top 5 Action games on PSP

1. (tie) Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories/Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
2. Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
3. Daxter
4. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

I'm lucky enough to own and have played all of the games in this particular list and trust me, they are all incredible gaming experiences and it's all the more impressive that they're on a portable. I do have to say that I think Ratchet & Clank is better than Daxter and GTA: VCS is better than GTA:LCS, but you really can't go wrong with any of these games. What did you think about these 5 games? What action games aren't on this list that you think every PSP owner should have?

[Data Via Metacritic]

If you like to watch movies on the PSP but hate to overpay for UMDs, then I have some great news for ya. Director John Lamond, who's a self-admitted PSP fanboy, is offering his newest movie, Killing Time 24/7, absolutely free in PSP format.

"The anti-hero of the film, Jake, escapes the reality of being a hit-man by kind of fooling himself that he is living within a video game," Lamond said. "This, together with the fact that a large proportion of PSP users are mature, led me to the conclusion that releasing the movie as a free PSP download would potentially enable me to connect with my target audience – with the kind of people who I hope would be interested in the film and it's themes.

"I'm a huge fan of the PSP – I carry mine everywhere with me – and I thought it would just be a cool thing to do," he added.

You can download the PSP-formatted movie and trailer here.

[Via DCEmu]

Dead Head Fred is a game you should keep your eyes on: not only because the title rhymes, but because it is one of the few truly original PSP-exclusive action games in development for our system. You play Fred, who was recently killed by decapitation. Now that you're undead, you're on a mission to get revenge. But, being beheaded has a few benefits. One, for example, is the ability to rip off enemy heads and use them as your own for special powers! It's like Mega Man, only a bit more morbid...

The game combines platforming, fighting, puzzle solving and a whole lot of dark humor. It's scheduled for a January 2007 release, so keep your eyes peeled for more coverage on this unique game. Until then, check out the new screenshots posted by Gamespot.

If there's one thing we know, it's that Dragon Ball Z fans are a rabid bunch of zealots, always ready and willing to defend their precious franchise like a bear protects her cubs. They won't have to do much to fight for the honor of Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai, however, mostly because they'll probably be the only one's who'll jump at the chance to pick this game up. The consensus is that it's a simple, decent fighter with pretty cell-shaded graphics and basic fight mechanics. This is all good, but it also essentially means that unless you're a really, really big fan of the series, the lack of depth in the game won't be able to hold your attention for long. Hardcore DBZ fanboys, on the other hand, might not be able to keep themselves from making sweet, sweet love to the UMD box wrapping.

• GameSpot (7.5 / 10) - "Despite its rather paltry set of features...Shin Budokai is still a solid 3D fighter, thanks to some great visuals and action that's easy to pick up and play. Those looking for a hardcore, highly technical fighter aren't going to find what they need here, but DBZ fans are sure to eat it up."
• GameDaily (3.5 / 5) - "...I'm a little surprised to find that the handheld edition, Shin Budokai, holds up rather well. The game is a bit simple in terms of its fighting action...but the modes will keep you plenty busy."
• IGN (7.0 / 10) - "Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai is a very simplistic fighter with a 'so bad it's good' storyline wrapped in an extremely portable package. It's not great by any means, but hardcore DBZ fans will find a whole lot to like here."