Kojima's Policenauts is joined by another PS1 title, Nectaris, in today's PSN update.
Posts with tag ps1
Policenauts storms Japanese PS Store
Kojima's Policenauts is joined by another PS1 title, Nectaris, in today's PSN update.
ESRB lists potential upcoming PS1 downloads
- Wipeout XL (E)
- Jet Moto 3 (E)
- Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo (E)
- Buster Bros. Collection (E)
- Street Fighter Alpha (T) -- previously discovered, not released
- Rayman (E)
- Castlevania Chronicles (T) -- previously discovered, not released
Bloody Roar & shmups invade Japanese PSN
The Japanese PSN is updated yet again with a number of obscure games you've most likely never played. Many are shoot-em-ups, or shmups for short, and they're ideal for PSP play, no? Those with access to the Japanese Store can download for only 600 yen:- Wizard's Harmony
- Pro-Mahjong Kiwame Tengensenhen
- Joshikouki no Houkago... Pukunpa
- Bloody Roar
- Arcade Hits: Shienryu
Three more PS1 games on Japanese PSN
While the Japanese get back to building their downloadable PS1 catalog, what can we expect out of North America's PS1 offerings? Well, a store redesign not only means a graphical face lift; it could also symbolize a new direction with new content. With that in mind, let's hope the direction we're heading to means more PS1 games finding a place on the North American PlayStation Store, and a home on our PSPs.
Six PS1 games hit Japanese PSN
- Atelier Elie
- Crash Bash (aka Crash Bandicoot Carnival)
- Dezaemon Kids!
- Master of Monsters: Disciples of Gaia
- Metal Gear Solid
- Pro Mahjong Kiwame Plus II
That makes: one tactical espionage thriller in MGS, one RPG in Atelier Elie, a strategy adventure in Master of Monsters, Mahjong Plus II speaks for itself, Crash Bash is a party game, and Dezaemon Kids! is some sort of art title for children. Pretty nice list; however, MGS is top dog this week.
Metal Gear Solid downloadable hitting Japan soon
[Thanks, Joseph C.!]
New PS1 games hit the Japanese PSN
Love obscure Japanese PS1 games? As both American and European PS Stores continue to get neglected with PS1 games, Japan continues to expand its library with four new titles this week:Spyro the Dragon
Addie no Okurimono
Gakkou wo Tsukurou
Kawa no Nushi Tsuri
Japanese PS Store update includes shoot-em-up creator
Japan's PLAYSTATION Store has been updated yet again with a number of PS1 games. Most interesting on today's update is Dezaemon Plus, a PS1 title that allows you to create your own shoot 'em up game. Spencer from Siliconera laments that there is no online sharing mode added to this release, because being able to share your game creations would've have been quite awesome. Also available this week for 600 yen each:- Dezaemon Plus
- Pro Mahjong Kiwame Plus
- Kuroi Hitomi no Noir ~ Cielgris Fantasm ~
- Block Kuzoshi
- WaiWai Kusayakyu
American PSN updates for January 24th
Sony decides not to ignore PSP owners this week as they've updated the PLAYSTATION Store with something brand new. And by new, we mean old. Yes, a PS1 "classic" is available for download.PS1 Classics:
- Jet Moto 2 ($5.99)
- Soul Calibur IV Trailer
- Lost Planet Promotional Movie
- Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway Trailer
- Dynasty Warriors 6 Trailer
- Borderlands Trailer
Syphon Filter: Combat Ops now available in the UK
Also available on the Store:
- Judge Dredd (PS1) - £3.49
- Cloverfield trailer
- N20 (PS1) - £3.49
- Hardcore 4x4 (PS1) - £3.49
Gallery: Syphon Filter: Combat Ops
Klonoa joins ever-expanding PS1 lineup
In other news, the Japanese Store has recently been updated with I.Q. and Arc the Lad III. [Source: PSPHyper]
Retro Review: Crash Bandicoot 2
Price: $5.99
Original Release Date: October 31, 1997
Recommended.
Crash's second outing on PS1 has hit the PS Store. While the original romp was an enjoyable experience (that we recommended), it's clear that the sequel is an improvement in every single way possible.
From the get-go, one can tell that the visuals are filled with far more detail and animation than the original. Although the story gives little reason for Crash to continue his adventure, it creates a far more manageable means of navigating from level to level. Crash can warp to any level he chooses, and will be able to tackle the challenges in any order he chooses. However, the best addition to the game is the ability to save any time you want. The original featured an archaic system that allowed players to save a limited number of times. With the ability to save in between each level, Crash Bandicoot 2 is far more suitable for handheld play.
Retro Review: Warhawk
Price: $5.99
Original Release Date: November 10, 1995
Not Recommended.
It seems unfair to capitalize on the popularity of the PS3 multiplayer game, Warhawk. Although largely heralded when it first arrived on PS1 more than a decade ago, it's clear that this PS1 legend hasn't aged well. Every aspect of the game feels antiquated, from the dated visuals, painful cinemas, and frustrating controls that simply don't translate well on the PSP (the PS3 controller works far better).
An ominous feeling sinks in when you experience the game's introductory sequence. Real actors are rarely used in modern game cinemas -- for good reason! While there is a certain charm in the camp on display, the cinematics do little do actually further the paper-thin story that's being told. The PS1 original has as much narrative as the PS3 sequel (that is, none at all).
ESRB: Street Fighter Alpha coming soon to PSP/PS3
PSP and PS3 fighters are few and far apart. Tekken Dark Resurrection stands as one of the few fighters available on (ironically) both platforms. The upcoming addition of Alpha should be a nice way of passing the time until Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, no?
[Via Filefront]
Retro Review: Wild Arms
Price: $5.99
Original Release Date: April 30, 1997
Recommended.
Is there any better deal on the PS Store at the moment? Probably not. Wild Arms is an excellent RPG that was overlooked by many, mostly due to the monstrous release of Final Fantasy VII on the original PS1. With fans eager anticipating Squaresoft's legendary RPG, many never took a chance with Wild Arms. Now, you can correct that mistake and download it to your PS3/PSP.
Unsurprisingly, the game is filled with genre conventions, archetypes and stereotypes. That's expected of a game that's as old as this one. But, color us surprised at how wonderfully the storyline is executed, with its multiple narratives following different characters. You play through three paths: one of a child "dreamer" (that triggers the game's focal adventure), an Indiana Jones-like adventurer, and a magician that hears the voices of spirits. All three stories feel completely different from each other, and feature different challenges to get through. The way the story ultimately merges is well-executed -- modern games can learn a lot from Wild Arms!
The battle mechanics have a surprising amount of depth to them as well. Enemy encounters are typical turn-based affairs, but a surprisingly deep magic and "force" system make things far more involving. Battles may be fun, but the dungeons themselves are even more so, with devilish puzzles challenging players every step of the way. The use of "tools" for each character in the game field is nice. We also love the "Auto Equip" feature that's rare to find in RPGs as aged as this one.
The 2D graphics really shine on the PSP's small screen. Although the 3D sequences haven't aged well, the game still manages to look sharp, while maintaining a smooth framerate. A lengthy adventure awaits those that invest in Wild Arms, and at $6, it's a terrific value. Save points may not be as frequent as we'd like (this is a console game, after all). But, we have to bestow upon Wild Arms our highest recommendation. Buy it.
Retro Review: 8.0
