Aaron ThomasTo say it has been a lean summer for the PSP would be an understatement, but
things are picking up. In addition to a large number of 3rd party games, Sony
has six games of its own set to come out this holiday season. In fact, they've
sent out a press release to let everyone know the details on what is coming out
and when it will be in stores. Here's the info:
MEDIEVIL RESURRECTION
Available September 13th — Rated T
Developed by Cambridge Studios, MediEvil Resurrection is an action-adventure
game that is inspired by the myths, characters, and environments of the popular
PS one franchise, available exclusively to the PSP system. In MediEvil
Resurrection, players follow the role of Sir Daniel Fortesque and embark on a
series of events to defeat the evil Sorcerer Zarok. Throughout MediEvil
Resurrection , players are provided with an enchanting storyline set upon
numerous levels and gameplay locations, supported with various characters,
unique enemies, weapons, and mini-games that take place in the realm of
Gallowmere. Featuring wireless multi-player connectivity via ad-hoc and
"game-sharing," players can compete head-to-head in various arcade-style mini
games and share both a game trailer and demo of WipeOut: Pure to another player
respectively.
GRETZKY NHL '06
Available October 4th — Rated E
This holiday season, gamers can take their hockey game on the road and play
anytime, anywhere with Gretzky NHL '06. Offering true hockey fans what no other
hockey videogame can, Gretzky NHL '06 features the all-new Wayne vs. Wayne Mode,
where gamers have the chance to skate with "The Great One" himself, and earn the
ability to employ five playable versions of Gretzky on the ice at once.
Additionally, Gretzky NHL '06 retakes the virtual ice with two all-new modes
exclusive to the PSP, 3-on-3 Countdown Mode and NHL Showdown Mode, which offer a
quick arcade-style experience. Returning features include Quick Game, Exhibition
and Season Modes, the Gretzky Challenge, and for gamers on the go, multiplayer
gameplay locally or across the nation. Officially licensed by the NHL and NHLPA,
Gretzky NHL 2006 features the prefect combination of authentic simulation and
arcade style gameplay for the ultimate hockey experience.
NBA '06
Available October 4th — Rated E
NBA '06 for PSP follows up on the best-selling basketball simulation created for
the PSP system by providing all-new gameplay features, animations, and
mini-games for high-flying NBA action on-the-go. Running at 60 Frames Per
Second, NBA '06 for PSP makes every shot, pass, and dunk as smooth and realistic
as the real deal. Two new mini-games, Dodgeball and HORSE, allow gamers to step
away from traditional 5-on-5 basketball action and engage in some classic
schoolyard battles. A new virtual trading card system allows gamers to collect
virtual cards with freeze frame snapshots of highlight-reel plays and exchange
them with friends via Ad Hoc mode. In addition, NBA '06 for the PSP features the
"Clutch" Shooting Mechanism and a simplified play-calling system, while team and
opponent A.I. have been improved. Supporting up to two players via wireless
multiplayer connectivity during gameplay and in mini-games, players can select
any of the 41 authentic NBA teams.
THE CON
Available October 18th — Rated T
The Con is an innovative 3D fighting game exclusively for the PSP system. In an
underworld where illegal fighting tournaments exist and high-stakes gambling
takes center stage, player's skills as a fighter are matched only by their wits
as an ex-con in the game. In The Con, every fight is more than just a fight
where players bet for or against themselves to take advantage of the current
odds. During the fight, players can throw 'fake' punches or take a dive to tilt
the odds and con everyone to ensure a wealthy pay off — win or lose. Throughout
the game, players train their fighter in five different brawling disciplines to
fight solo or in a team of three in Story Mode where their ability to build up
their team and implementing match-up strategy plays a huge role. In addition,
utilizing wireless multi-player connectivity via ad-hoc mode, as well as the
"game-sharing" mode, The Con allows players to compete in various head-to-head
fighting matches, as well as share a demo version of the game with friends.
SOCOM: U.S. NAVY SEALs: FIRETEAM BRAVO
Available November 8th — Rating Pending
Get ready to take the SOCOM military franchise with you, wherever, whenever this
fall with the release of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo. This original
title created in association with the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command will be
available exclusively for the PSP system. It offers fans of the multi-million
selling franchise all-new unique single-player and wireless multiplayer gaming
missions. Players are tasked with completing 14 realistic international
single-player missions, including in Chile, which is a unique Area of Operation
only available in the PSP release. After successfully completing a level,
players can replay the mission in an entirely new way through the "Instant
Action" option, with different objectives, enemy and object placement.
In addition, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo is one of the first titles
for PSP to offer interoperability with PlayStation 2 through the latest game in
the franchise, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs, in "crosstalk" objectives. Objectives
completion in one SOCOM game will affect the overall play experience in both
games. Once a crosstalk task is completed, the player will be notified and able
to sync mission critical data from PSP to PlayStation 2 through a USB
connection.
KNGDOM OF PARADISE(TM)
Available November 15th — Rating Pending
Kingdom of Paradise is an action-RPG title where players take the role of a
young warrior outcast named Shinbu. When one of the five martial clans attempts
to disrupt a peaceful balance of power within the land of Ohka, Shinbu seeks to
defend his clan and restore equal power to the five clans that once ruled the
world. With more than 20 hours of gameplay, players will venture through vast,
living worlds and battle mythical enemies in a quest to restore peace to Ohka.
More than 150 sword attack styles are available and players can create unique
fighting combos by customizing sword attacks and moves gained throughout the
game. In Ad Hoc mode, custom-created sword skills can be shared with friends and
players can battle in one-on-one matches. Special skills and defensive items,
along with an exclusive sword, are available to download via Infrastructure
mode.