NIS America has released several Idea Factory games so far, including Generations of Chaos and Spectral Souls. But one game they haven't released on PSP is the fighting game Spectral versus Generation, which features characters from both series duking it out. I certainly can't say I ever predicted seeing strategy RPG characters throw down in a 2D fighter, but here it is. Ironically, Midas Interactive is bringing this unique crossover title to European stores.
Wait, what's so ironic? Previous titles in the Generations of Chaos and Spectral Souls series have never come to Europe. This makes it quite likely that the average European gamer won't even be aware of any of the characters involved. Don't worry Idea Factory fans! Since your PSP can play games from any region, you just need to find an importer, and you're good to go.
Maybe the writers of The Simpsons are PSP fanboys like us, angered by the impending release of the PS2 version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. The once-PSP exclusive is moving to the home console, and The Simpsons takes a shot at it through the parody game Death Kill City II: Death Kill Stories. As Siliconera reports, the goal of the game seems quite fun: "You have destroyed all human life on Earth. Level one complete."
Ronald McDonald versus Hamburglar. Strider versus Spider-Man. Jill Valentine versus Nemesis. Jason versus Freddy.
These dream fights have been created in WWE Smackdown's extensive character creation mode, and can be seen in their full glory at Siliconera. For those of you with the game, have you been able to create any truly special characters?
Konami recently released three different retro shooter collections in Japan: Parodius, Twinbee, and Salamander. Although Konami eventually released Gradius Collection in the States, it seems highly unlikely that these hardcore shooters will leave the land of the rising sun.
Because the PSP can play games from any region, importers may want to seriously consider getting these games. Siliconera has some detailed videos of the three games in action. Some of the footage is certainly bizarre, but that's part of Konami's unique charm. The videos are provided, after the cut.
Our good friends at Siliconera have posted up a direct-feed (not-shaky-cam) version of the hotly anticipated Final Fantasy Tactics trailer. Does this really need any more introduction?
"We looked up "no-brainer" in the dictionary and there was a picture of Gurumin," said Mastiff in an interview with Siliconera. The publisher reveals a few interesting tidbits, like having the original Japanese voice acting available as a secret easter egg. Way cool---just in case the English VA doesn't work out so well. Mastiff also points out features that are available in the PSP version of the game that can't be found on the original PC version of the game:
"Gurumin on the PSP not only features tons of extra content that wasn't available on the PC, like new costumes and a boss rush mode, but the controls have been polished for the PSP version, and the game delivers an action-RPG experience that simply can't be had anywhere else on the platform."
The upcoming Disgaea port on PSP is shaping up to be more than just a port. Will it have all the improvements fans are dreaming of? Most likely not, but Siliconera has discovered Disgaea 2 characters in the game's new bonus levels.
There's no American release planned so far, but I'm sure you can change that.
Siliconera has just secured an interview with Every Extend Extra's producer, Linda Jo. For the most part, it repeats many details we already know (such as how music and timing functions into the game). However, Linda let slip a few interesting tidbits. Firstly, she confirms that the game is a PSP-exclusive, and won't receive a Lumines-like PS2 port (for now at least). She also reveals that "one of the bonus drives in the game includes an original music track that is exclusive to the version published by BVG."
Siliconera has come up with a list of new things they'd love to see in the upcoming Disgaea port for the PSP. (Which you must help bring over to the US!) Here's a sample of what they want from this beloved SRPG:
Add some new scenarios. It should be easy, considering how the game is structured episodically.
The ability to import character data. Some people will have leveled up Laharl, and will want to use his insane power on the go. Sure, it'll involve some sort of voodoo magic, but NIS fans are willing to sacrific their souls, right?
Include a scenario creator. By far the best suggestion of the bunch. Like Mega Man: Powered Up, give users the ability to create their own levels and scenarios and share them via the web.
As you know, SCEA has a strict no-port policy for PSP games coming to the US. I hope NIS takes a good look at these suggestions, and makes them real so that we can enjoy chibi RPG goodness on our PSP too. Read the rest of Siliconera's article to see more ideas.
Perverted Japanese PSP Fanboy's Andrew Yoon consistently writes news stories about Loco Roco and Japanese models. In his ideal version of paradise, those two would somehow be combined. That day... has come! Firstly, you can learn the difference between all the characters of Loco Roco by checking out Siliconera. See the cute MuiMui, the racially insensitive Mojya, and more!
Next, check out how Sony's trying to make the Japanese people like Loco Rocoa bit more than they do now: they'll use actress Ryoko Shinohara to pose with the game and star in new commercials. Oh my, it appears that Andrew's died and gone to heaven. Loco Roco comes to the US in just one week.
The Games Convention is Germany has just begun, but that doesn't mean we can't look towards the next big gaming event: Tokyo Game Show. Sony will have a huge presence there, ready to show off the bleeding edge PlayStation 3 and maturing PlayStation Portable lineup of games. Here's what PSP fans can expect from the show:
PSP
Boxer's Road 2: The Real Monster Hunter Portable 2 Jan Sangoku Musou Metal Gear Solid: Bande Dessinee (Graphic Novel) Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Jeanne D'Arc Sarugetchu Piposaru Racer Tenchi No Mon 2 (Kingdom of Paradise 2) Ratchet and Clank Portable Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception Gundam Battle Royale Tales of World: Radiant Mythology
PSP GPS Software
Navigation Software (temporary title) Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Homestar Portable Minna no Golf (temporary title)
I can't wait to see Metal Gear Solid and its newly announced GPS support in action. Jeanne D'Arc, Monster Hunter, Ratchet and Clank, and Tales are all pretty high-profile, and as you should know, Gundam will eat Japan. Go to Siliconera to see PS3's lineup.
As if going crazy with Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins wasn't enough, Gametrailers.com has posted three new videos of Every Extend Extra on their site. (And you can download the iPod-formatted videos to your PSP!) You may have already seen 1UP's beautiful coverage of the game, but unless you've imported the game, videos are the best we have until the game ships in a month (for only $30, too!). From what I've played, the game isn't that much better than the original Every Extend, but it certainly is a lot of fun regardless. Spencer Yip, from Siliconera, seems to agree with that sentiment as well. After watching these videos, feel free to read his extensive import review.
Konami 
