Christmas Buyers Guide - PSP

PSP Feature | Pretty Special Pressies.

You don't have to go far to find someone willing to criticise Sony's PlayStation Portable. In 2006, dwindling sales of the portable and some pretty dim-witted examples of marketing by Sony provided even more ammunition to the cynics, and accusations of the handheld not having enough worthwhile software are flung about freely.

Yet from where we're standing, the numbers tell a different story. In 2006, we gave thirteen PSP games an 8 or higher, while Nintendo's DS had only seven such titles. Infact, the PSP is in rude health, from a software standpoint, which is why selecting this list was a tricky venture. In the end however, we felt we picked the right dozen, so read on to see what you should be playing over the holidays.

Christmas Buyers Guides
PARENTS | PLAYSTATION 2 | NINTENDO DS

Daxter

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: Ready at Dawn
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

Our review said: "Daxter is arguably the best game currently available on the PSP. It’s completely original, and its exemplary design works to the system's strengths and is truly one of the first PSP titles to epitomise the philosophy behind this machine. It gets the balance of being a console game tailored for portability just right, and it sacrifices very little along the way.

There's so much to do and see, as well as being technically proficient, that it actually puts a lot of console games to shame. That, and it’s a game with a whole lot of personality and charm that can be enjoyed by pretty much everyone who picks it up. It looks like the rest of the games made for the PSP have a very high standard to draw upon." [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]

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OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-6
Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: Sega

Our review said: "In truth, OutRun 2006 is not only the best racing game of this year so far by some distance, but a shot in the arm for a racing genre that's rapidly beginning to take itself far too seriously. It's the finest home console racer since Burnout 3: Takedown, and offers the best time trial experience since Mario Kart DS, and if those aren't a pair of strong recommendations, we don't know what is.

Indeed, we're playing it now, zipping through Ghost Forest to the tune of "Life Was A Bore". But it needn't be. The cure? Buy OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast." [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]

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SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-16
Developer: Zipper Interactive
Publisher: Sony

Our review said: "While there’s often a correlation between hype, expectation, and eventual disappointment. PALGN is happy to say that this is definitely not the case here. Fireteam Bravo is a slightly flawed gem, but it’s a gem nonetheless and its gameplay online and off shines bright enough on the PSP’s widescreen to capture the hearts and minds of the SOCOM faithful and all PSP gamers who have been long starved of first-class gaming entertainment.

The wireless online gaming is great, the real deal in every way. At least until Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror hits in June, Fireteam Bravo is the best PSP shooter your money can buy. So what are you waiting for? Move out. Secure the Fire Team Bravo UMD now!" [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]

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Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-6
Developer: Rockstar North/Rockstar Leeds
Publisher: Rockstar Games

Our review said: "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is simply a superb title. The game is not without its faults, but they are quickly overshadowed by the sheer enjoyment you will get out of the game. Rockstar has learnt a lot in a year, and Vice City Stories is one of the most enjoyable titles on the PSP yet.

If you're a Grand Theft Auto fan, or own a PSP, then there should be no hesitation in picking this game up. It's a step up from Vice City and little enhancements have made the game a thoroughly enjoyable and essential portable experience." [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]

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Mega Man Powered Up

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

Our review said: "Despite being nearly 20 years old, the original Mega Man is still a solid game, and Capcom has given it the remake treatment it deserves. If you can cast away your doubts over the graphical stylings (which are pretty good both artistically and technically), you’ll find an excellent remake of a classic game with a score of bonus content that will give players a real sense that they’re getting their money’s worth out of the title.

Mega Man Powered Up is easily one of the best titles on the PSP at this point in time - a must-buy for all fans of the Blue Bomber." [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

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Gitaroo Man Lives!

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: Koei
Publisher: Activision

Our review said: "It was a classic on the PS2 and it's still a classic here. The minor adjustments to the controls mean the PS2 version is the superior one to get, but if you want Gitaroo Man on the move, this doesn't disappoint.

In an age where true originality is so hard to come by, Gitaroo Man is a breath of fresh air, providing pure, highly addictive fun from start to finish. It feels like something new, something different. And with a killer soundtrack, unique presentation and a challenging difficulty curve, Gitaroo Man Lives! deserves a place in everyone’s PSP collection." [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

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Tekken: Dark Resurrection

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco

Our review said: "Tekken: Dark Resurrection is one of the finest games on Sony's portable, and one of the best handheld fighting games ever. Whilst the game isn't that much of an upgrade from Tekken 5, you're still getting more characters, as well as more gameplay options and the ability to play against downloaded ghosts.

If you didn’t like the gameplay in Tekken 5, this game isn’t going to change your mind, because fundamentally the game is very similar to its predecessor. The PSP's poor directional pad does make it a little difficult to execute diagonal moves, but once you get the hang of it there is plenty to keep you occupied for a long, long time. " [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

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Lumines II

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: Q Entertainment
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan

Our review said: "Lumines II improves the Lumines formula by adding in more modes and more options for customising your experience. Otherwise, the gameplay is essentially identical to the way it was the first time round.

The sequencer is probably the biggest and most substantial addition, but we’re a little disappointed that mainly music aficionados will be the ones to make good use of it. While the music selection is a little disappointing, it hardly ruins the experience. Lumines II is still a great game and if you missed out the first time, this time it’s really worth taking a look at." [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

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Tales of Eternia

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Namco Tales Studio
Publisher: Ubisoft (Europe and Australia)

Our review said: "Enough has been written above and it’s better not to repeat it. Quite simply, Tales of Eternia is one of the best games you can get for the PSP. It breaks the RPG drought and is one of the best handheld RPGs since Golden Sun. Kudos to Ubisoft for going out on a limb to get this game to us.

Despite a little ageing, a difficulty level not found in a lot of RPG games these days and a few other minor gripes, this is an exceedingly deep and engrossing experience and now it’s in the palm of your hand. Not only that, but you can pretty much play the game as you see comfortable and in the way that will maximise your enjoyment. That, and it’s likely to keep you busy until they actually decide to release another substantial game on this system." [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]

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Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-4
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

Our review said: "Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is easily one of the best shooters on the PSP. It’s so much easier and proficient to control than almost every other title available currently. Not only that, it combines proper level design with engaging gameplay. It’s definitely a great return to form for the series.

While the control scheme is one of the most functional, it has a few quirks and the game in general does somewhat lack some personality. Still, if you’re after a bit of stealth, action or shooting on the PSP, you can't go too far wrong with this game. After all, Portable Ops is still a while away." [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

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LocoRoco

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan
Publisher: Sony

Our review said: "We're hoping that LocoRoco is the first of many innovative titles for the PSP, particularly from Sony, who seem to be dragging their heels with support for their own handheld. The game proves that the PSP is more than competent enough to handle "pick up and play" titles, which is really the type of games that people want on handhelds.

It's an addictive game and I don't think I've ever smiled more whilst playing a game than I did with LocoRoco. It's insanely addictive, and has a unique look that is unmatched on the PSP." [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

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Tony Hawk's Project 8

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Neversoft
Publisher: Activision O2

Our review said: "Tony Hawk's Project 8 is a solid game and a vast improvement upon the previous Tony Hawk games. The 'nail the trick' option is a fantastic addition to the game, and it really feels like you are actually creating and mastering your own trick. The story mode is a lot more focused and more enjoyable because you're actually completing challenges which relate to skating.

The new engine that Neversoft has developed is a lot more realistic, but the frame rate issues are disappointing. This is only really a minor complaint though, as Tony Hawk's Project 8 is easily the best Tony Hawk title since Pro Skater 4. Highly recommended." [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

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Christmas Buyers Guide - PSP

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