Fans of Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Lumines games should be familiar with The Genki Rockets. The group of unnamed artists, including Mizuguchi himself, has performed a number of Lumines tracks, the most familiar of which is "Heavenly Star." The group is preparing a new album, creatively titled Genki Rockets 1. To promote their new album, the group played a show at the Shibuya Apple Store and performed various songs from Lumines II.

Songs from their performance will be available on iTunes later next month.

Many modern PSP owners do not have homebrew-capable PSP systems. Therefore, when an exploit was found in Lumines that defeats protection in 3.50 firmware, many leaped at an opportunity to purchase the beloved PSP music/puzzle game. Sales on amazon.com have jumped up a whopping 5,900% percent, making it the tenth best selling video game on the retailer's site. Until there's an alternative solution for those clamoring for homebrew on their systems, Lumines looks like it will be experiencing quite an incredible new revival in sales.

[Thanks, ben!]

Homebrew on PSP systems with firmware 3.50 was thought to be impossible ... until now. An exploit was found in the classic puzzle game, Lumines, that allows a Hello World application to run on the system. Users must download a special program, and install it on the Memory Stick. When launching Lumines, the exploit will be taken advantage of.

This is a huge win for the homebrew community. Most likely, downgraders will be created to take advantage of this exploit, which will allow all modern PSP owners to revert to a homebrew-capable firmware. Most likely, Sony has already heard about this exploit, and is working on a new firmware to ensure too many people won't be able to take advantage of this flaw.

[Update: Now included a video, via MAXCONSOLE]
[Thanks, Merc25!]

IGN is reporting that Exit will be making the leap from small screen to big screen. No, it's not getting a movie made of it, but it is becoming an Xbox Live Arcade title. For those who haven't played Exit, it has you take control of Mr. ESC as he guides civilians from burning buildings, and other deadly situations. The Xbox 360 version will also feature new levels not found in the PSP title. There is no word on whether the XBLA Exit will be a port of the first game, it's sequel, or a mixture of both. For those interested, it will retail for $10, and be out in Japan this summer.

Lumines previously made the jump from PSP to Xbox 360, so this move isn't unprecedented. This just goes to show that the PSP isn't the only system getting another console's ports.

[Via Joystiq]

Longtime PSP Fanboy readers know that we love Lumines II. For the unacquainted, this puzzler from game guru Mizuguchi combines music and highly addictive gameplay for a truly mesmerizing experience. Try this new demo, fresh from the game's Japanese website.

1. Download the demo EBOOT file.
2. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.
4. Create ULJM05232 folder.
5. Copy EBOOT file into the ULJM05232 directory.

Check out our new demos site:
demos.pspfanboy.com

The PSP has plenty of owners, but some claim it doesn't have many great games. 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. Today the focus is on puzzle games, which the PSP first became known for. But there's more good puzzle games than just Lumines.

Top 5 Puzzle games on PSP

1. Lumines
2. LocoRoco
3. Lumines 2
4. Mercury Meltdown
5. Exit

What makes the puzzle games on the PSP so unique is how they are audio/video showcases, which seems odd when you consider how puzzle games used to be. Of course, these 5 games are enjoyable to play as well, which is what really counts. Though I am suprised there weren't even more Q? Entertainment titles in the top 5. But what do you think about these 5 games? What puzzle games aren't on this list that you think every PSP owner should have?

If you missed it, you can check out our previous top 5 game lists:

Action

Racing

Sports

Fighting

Strategy

[Data Via Metacritic]

Lumines goes to Xbox. Every Extend Extra goes to Xbox. Now, Lumines goes to the computer, thanks to the efforts of Bradley Eccles. Lumineccs is a pretty faithful Lumines clone, playable on your Flash 9-enabled computer. For those of you that havent played the PSP classic, you must drop blocks and arrange them to create solid 2x2 blocks. Sounds easy: but wait until it gets faster! Use the arrow keys to move your block, and the spacebar to turn. It's so easy--I know this is going to ruin a couple of productive days at the office.

[Via digg]

While the rest of the world has had the ability to enjoy Mizuguchi's Lumines II, Japan only recently got access to the puzzler. Unlike America and Europe, where the game was published by Buena Vista Games, this Q Entertainment effort is self-published in Japan, marking it as a huge milestone for the once-smalltime developer.

To celebrate the launch of Lumines II, Mizuguchi held a massive party in Air, a famous hot spot, a few blocks south of Shibuya station. Famitsu was on hand, offering tournaments, and the alcohol flowed freely. Check out IGN to see more pics and details from a night of puzzle-inspired debauchery.

See also:
PSP Fanboy review: Lumines II

Game Watch is reporting that popular Asian MMO Angel Love Online is receiving the Lumines treatment. While you won't be clearing blocks to music, you can alter your health bar face image to one of the very recognizable Lumines avatar or icon things. This team up is meant to help sell copies of Lumines 2 since owners of the sequel get the code for the icon off the Lumines 2 packaging. I personally would rather have my MMO avatar wear a Lumines shirt than a health bar face image, but I don't play MMOs, so my opinion on the matter is as useful as a queef.

Another week, another week of import games to feature. For those not in the know, every week we profile the coming import games for that week. It's an interesting list this week, we have the Japanese version of Lumines 2 and multiple RPGs and an anime visual novel. Will you import any of these games? Check the list and let us know.

Continued after the jump ...

I love Lumines on my PSP and between all Lumines 1 & 2 had to offer, I didn't think the PS2 version of Lumines could get me to buy it. That is until I got an e-mail from Sony's Playstation Underground describing what Lumines Plus was like. The description says "Based on the film, a trio of unique characters use their skills to solve puzzles & succeed in combat." What a departure! Not only that, but this means there's a Lumines film in the works. Strange that the game is being released before the movie. I can only hope a combat laden version of Lumines hits PSP someday!

Did you miss out on Lumines II? Most likely. Although we praised the video-enhanced puzzler, the game didn't seem to be different enough from the first Lumines to warrant a purchase for many. However, those of you that missed out on this great game now have no excuse: Lumines II is only $20 at Best Buy.

From our review: "Although the core mechanics of the game remain unchanged, the new skins, and sleeker presentation make it more than a worthwhile purchase, even for people that played the original extensively. However, with no infrastructure option, and some puzzling user interface issues, it's sad to see that Lumines Ii isn't as perfect as it could have, should have, been."

[Via CAG]

The DS sells more than most consoles. The PSP has some games that look better than many PS2 games. Despite this, there are few magazines or websites devoted to portables. When the web or a mag do focus on a portable, it always seems to be to a lesser degree. If you need any proof, just look at the number of portable games that go un-reviewed compared to consoles. But when the sales are up as is the quality of the games, why do handhelds still get shafted?

They're a substitute

It seems as though some gamers and press view portable games as a substitute for "real" gaming. Just something to pass the time when you're somewhere unpleasant and unable to play a console game. While it is true that the very nature of a portable game is to give you gaming on the go, it doesn't necessarily mean it isn't as fun or as valuable of a gaming experience as console games. Anyone who's gotten sucked into Lumines or Vice City Stories for hours can attest to that.

Kid Stuff

While it's true that many games aimed for children have been released for portables through the years, there's no shortage of great games for any age. Especially this generation of portables, it seems more and more portables are aiming their sights for older gamers. Brain Age, Metal Gear and GTA are proof enough that in no way are portables just for the playground.

Less vocal fan community

One thing that hurts the portable gaming community is that despite the great sales for systems and games, the fan community is far less vocal than the typical console fan base. Of course part of this seems to be self perpetuating since if there aren't many online or print sources for portable gaming, there are obviously less places for those fans to express their feelings.

Not as many huge titles

Some would say that the portables lack blockbuster titles and that is why they garner less attention. This hardly seems like a good excuse though since at this point nearly every blockbuster franchise has a version on handhelds. From Metal Gear to Mario, if there is a big game on a console there is typically a counterpart on the portable. Not only that, but some portable games consistently sell better than most console games.

So while there may be no good reason portables get overlooked, it does seem like they're on there way to reversing this fate. With the increased importance of blogs and forums in the gaming world, it seems like only a matter of time before portable games do get the equal respect they deserve. Until then, the average gamer may just be too busy playing their PSP to even care.

Who's Junkie XL? I don't know either. But, if you're in the DJ scene, you may be familiar with him, and the Winter Music Conference. Buena Vista Games wants to take you (yes, you!) to this event in sunny Miami, and all you have to do is play with the Lumines II video mixer. Looks a little familiar to me... Even if you don't want to enter the contest, it might be a good way to pass the time.

[Via Joystiq]

I praised Lumines II's soundtrack for its breadth and diversity. However, it looks like the upcoming Japanese release of this puzzle favorite will improve the already impressive song lineup by adding more Japanese music into the game. 1UP reports that artists like DJ Ken Ishii and the Genki Rockets will have additional songs, making this version of the game something importers and Mizuguchi collectors will certainly want to keep an eye on.

The game's still far off: February 15th for 4980 yen ($43). The game won't be published by Bandai Namco, as previously expected. Rather, it will be self-published by Q? Entertainment, making their very first foray into publishing.