NEWS: PSP Firmware v2.7 Available Now

Click on this image to go directly to Sony's official Japanese PSP firmware update site

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced that the latest firmware upgrade for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) is available now. The new firmware would dramatically enhance the capabilities of the PSP with the ability to playback more popular music file formats, stream podcasts to the PSP and save them to Memory Stick, and display Flash content in the Internet browser. The latest upgrade also prepares PSP to act as a receiver for Location-free TV, the exciting innovation in remote TV viewing to be launched by Sony in Europe this coming May.

As part of the continual upgrade and enhancement programme that ensures PSP owners are able to exploit the cutting edge of entertainment technology and functionality, the latest firmware upgrade (Version 2.70) allows users to enable Flash within the PSP browser and enjoy web content created with Adobe Macromedia software. Mainly used for website content featuring multimedia and interactive applications, the Flash capability of the browser will significantly enhance users’ multimedia internet experience.

With the RSS feature enabled, the PSP system can link to audio content on Web pages that provide RSS-distributed audio content. When connected to the Internet via the PSP’s WLAN, the system will automatically update the list of audio content items that have been added to these pages, and you can then either stream and play the new content or, with the new firmware enhancement, save it to a Memory Stick Duo Pro for playback later.

The latest upgrade also provides PSP music file compatibility with the most popular music file formats, which now includes AAC playback to the existing list of MP3, ATRAC and WMA tracks, providing the PSP entertainment system with one of the most versatile music players available.

With the Version 2.7 upgrade the PSP will also act as a receiver for the revolutionary Sony innovation, LocationFree TV. LocationFree is a completely new way of seeing TV. Instead of going to the television set, the TV comes to you (via your home TV tuner) wherever you are. You can watch live TV, playback recorded programmes and even set up future recordings, all from your PSP. LocationFree will be available in UK, France, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands from May 2006 onwards.

Together with a wide range of free content to enhance the entertainment value of your PSP, the latest firmware upgrade can be downloaded directly to the PSP browser via WiFi or from www.yourpsp.com from Tuesday 25th May 2006.

Be sure to download the latest firmware according to your PSP's region (e.g. PSP-1000k belongs to the Japan region group, whereas PSP-1006k is categorised in the Hong Kong/Singapore region). If you know your PSP's region code but not sure which country it belongs to, see here

SNK-Playmore returns to KOF/Orochi roots

If you've followed my rantings about SNK-Playmore's horrendous continuations of the Fatal Fury and King Of Fighters series (see here and here), you would know by now that I'm very much let down by the Playmore people who've taken over the old SNK company. The subsequent translations of gameplay, graphics, voice-acting and storyline of said games series aren't likeable anymore.

With that said, I was skeptical at first when I saw another SNK-Playmore game released just recently - The King Of Fighters: Orochi Version for the PlayStation 2. Basically, this is a compilation of King Of Fighters '95, '96 and '97 which deals with with Orochi storyline. In my humble opinion, these three episodes were the most thrilling games as the story itself was very engaging. Mystical and mysterious, even.

I couldn't resist the urge to get this compilation, no matter how bad the previous games released by SNK-Playmore were. And hence the greatest journey begun...

I got home, loaded the game and kept my fingers crossed. For what felt like an eternity, I finally got to the menu screen. From the looks of it, The King Of Fighters: Orochi Version lets you choose one of the three games to play. Other than that, you can also tweak some settings such as Sound, Control and do a bit of Character Editing. There's even an Online Battle network available for those with a network card on their PS2. Despite of the previous experience I had with SNK-Playmore's games, the menu system looks clean, properly arranged and easy to navigate.

As for the games themselves, each one seems to be a direct port of the Neo-Geo 64-bit home console. The character sprites are sharp, the character animation and frame-rate fluidity is just as I remembered, and the sound effects rock. The punches, kicks and super attacks sound satisfyingly crunchy when you land blow after blow on your opponent (or otherwise). The King Of Fighters: Orochi Version is definitely unlike the other previous home console ports (Sega Saturn and PSOne), and this was how I came to the conclusion SNK-Playmore did a direct Neo-Geo home machine port to the PS2. To say I'm elated is an understatement.

You can also choose to have the original game background music for each game from the main menu (under Sound setup) or opt for the arranged version - the latter gives more 'oomph!' and enjoyment during character selection, intros and battles.

Having said that, my all-time favourite was King Of Fighters '97 which I would play endlessly on my Sega Saturn. However, this new version seems to boast tweaked AI -- I had trouble beating even Terry on Normal difficulty settings! Of course, this is a good thing, and I'm very satisfied with this compilation. Period. With this compilation, secret characters are now selectable on-the-fly as well.

The controls can be customised too, though you can't set the shoulder buttons (L1, L2, R1, R2) to activate super attacks or special moves. Not a problem for me, but my close buddies tend to use the Special setting on the Saturn machine so that they could put up a fight against me. Without a network card, I guess I'll be playing this game alone for the moment. Meh.

The formula to creating a great game doesn't just lie in the hands of professionals; it also depends on the passion in creating gems such as the classic King Of Fighters, namely '96 and '97, which makes people want to go back for more button mashing sessions. The storyline also plays an important role too, which got yours truly really hooked - line, sinker and all.

The King Of Fighters: Orochi Version is currently out in Japanese, but you can change the language option to English with KOF'96 and KOF'97. The English version has not been dated, but I'll keep you posted on it. This a gem of a compilation of SNK's best fighting games ever, and I would never thought SNK-Playmore would leave all three KOFs intact. But here they are, in their intended form with arranged and original music tracks to choose from.

My recommendation? This is an excellent compilation of three KOF games not to be missed!

NEWS: Aliens Come A-Knockin' Again

The world was left in shock and awe when THQ Inc announced another alien invasion is in the planning stages for deployment later this year. Known as Destroy All Humans! 2, newly leaked information from a highly classified source reveals the extraterrestrials known as Furons plan to infiltrate and probe citizens throughout the world. THQ has once again enlisted the expertise of Pandemic Studios to aid in thwarting this new invasion, joining together in preparation for an expected attack on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox video game and entertainment system this fall.

"Destroy All Humans! illustrates THQ's commitment to developing innovative and original games, and it accomplished impressive sales success by achieving Greatest Hits and Platinum Hits status less than a year after launch," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president, Worldwide Publishing, THQ. "Destroy All Humans! 2 builds upon everything people loved about the first game, adds tons of new features and gives fans of the original and newcomers something to get excited about later this year."

Sequel to the widely acclaimed hit, Destroy All Humans! 2 takes the irreverent Sci-Fi action gaming experience into the swinging sixties with all new game features, expanded open-world gameplay and co-op multiplayer. Assuming the role of the Furon Scout - Crypto 137 - players will embark on another mission to earth to take on the world of free love, the Cold War and other 60's era icons. In Destroy All Humans! 2 Players will have access to an upgraded arsenal of weapons and enhanced mental abilities while they battle a variety of new enemies from secret agents and giant creatures to Soviet Forces and ninja warriors.

"We are pulling out all the stops for the sequel, adding multiplayer co-op, five new open-worlds to explore and the same irreverent humour that was a hallmark of the first Destroy All Humans! game," said Pandemic President Josh Resnick. "With the new 60's era setting, we have plenty of new material to work with - from Hippies and British spy movies to Japanese monster flicks."

NEWS: Dave Mirra For PSP

Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console video games, today announced a brand new installment in the popular BMX Franchise, Dave Mirra BMX Challenge for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

"Dave Mirra is the king of BMX, widely recognised and admired in the action sports lifestyle community," says Jim Flaharty, senior vice president of Crave Studios. "His enthusiasm for his sport and video games makes him a great partner and an invaluable contributor to the development process."

Dave Mirra for PSP system features 17 levels with 9 different environments and 9 bikes from which to choose. Up to 4 players can compete via ad hoc wireless play. Player characters are customisable, and Dave is the featured rider.

The game is expected to be available in October 2006.

Dave Mirra is listed as one of the most recognisable names in sports today, an honour he shares with the likes of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. He currently holds more Gold Medals than any other competitor in the history of the X Games. Dave has "placed" in more than 50 action/extreme sports competition, such as "Action Sports Athlete of the Year" at the 2005 ESPYs, and a Gold Medal in Bike Park at the 2005 X Games.