Tuesday, May 13, 2008

The Latest PSP Games Reviewed


I’m sure a lot of you are already familiar with the Sony Playstation Portable, or PSP. It was first introduced into the market back in 2005 and has changed very little since. I think that the true test of a gadget’s greatness is its staying power. And if that’s the case, then the PSP is surely a winner.

What makes the PSP a great gaming device is its massive and diverse gaming library. Whether you’re a girl or a boy, a kid or a grown-up, a stay-at-home mom or a high-school student, there’s a PSP game that will surely entertain you. After all, a portable gaming console is just a fancy brick without awesome games. So, for this issue of Gizmo, I will focus on the latest games being offered for the PSP.


God of War: Chains of Olympus

Unleash the power of the Gods and embark on a merciless quest as Kratos, an ex-Spartan warrior driven to destroy Ares, the God of War. Armed with lethal double chainblades, Kratos must carve through mythology's darkest creatures including Medusa, Cyclops, the Hydra and more, while solving intricate puzzles in breathtaking environments… This is arguably the best title for the PSP out there. Its excellent gameplay, engaging storyline, awesome graphics and great soundtrack make it a top pick for the PSP. But because of the graphic violence in the game, this is not for little children. It is appropriately rated M (mature) by the ESRB.


Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

Set seven years prior to the events of the first Final Fantasy VII, a large number of SOLDIER members, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy more SOLDIER operatives. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth… As a prequel to the very successful Final Fantasy VII, this game stands alone on its own merits while adding considerable substance and context to the original. Despite the technical limitations of the PSP, this game still manages to push the envelope with its great graphics and animations. If you’re a fan of the Final Fantasy franchise, you won’t be disappointed with this installment.


Patapon

Behind the Patapons' cute exterior, lies a fierce warrior spirit that can only be commanded by the beat of their God’s war drum. Master up to six different drumbeats to command the Patapon troops to march, attack, defend, power up, retreat, and use magic. Combine the various chains of drumbeats to address each unique level, leading the Patapons to victory over the Zigoton enemy forces… This game may sound simple and childish but it is surprisingly not. In fact it is very challenging, enjoyable and addictive. Singing the rhythm yourself and tapping it out with your foot when your minions let you down demonstrates how hard it is to be a god and how into this game you can become.


Downstream Panic!

In Downstream Panic, players save their scaly sea-friends in more than 80 different levels with five different customizable environments. It is up to the player to protect fish from land, predators and other obstacles through the use of a variety of innovative tools as they guide fish on their descent back into the ocean. Three different game modes (adventure, free play and survival) bring more of a challenge to the aquatic mix… This puzzle game is a gem. If you want games that make you think before you act, then this one’s for you. With eighty stages out of the box, you’ll surely play this one for hours and hours.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

My Gadget Wishlist

Realistically speaking, I don't have enough money to buy all the gadgets I want. But if ever I did, I'll go ahead and buy these things. These are very simple and mainstream gadgets, nothing too fancy in here. And if I probably starved myself for a year I could buy these, but I just love food too much.
  • Apple Macbook Pro - This one's a no-brainer. This laptop's simply unbeatable.


  • iPod Touch 32 gb - I have the 16gb model but I want the newly released 32 gb! I'm frustrated.


  • Bose iPod Dock - This is the prettiest iPod dock around.


  • PS3 - Now that BluRay's the clear winner, I'd love to get the PS3 not only for games but for watching awesome movies as well.


  • PSP - I used to have a PSP but it got sat on and the screen cracked. Now I'm thinking that I want one again.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

PSPhone Mockup

If Sony Ericsson came up with a cellphone slash PSP that looked like this, I'd definitely snap one up. It looks gorgeous! The dual-sliding keypad is suspiciously similar to that of the Nokia n95's but I think this one makes use of it in a better way. How I wish this is a mockup of an actual product to be released, but unfortunately, Engadget debunks it's existence as a mere flight of fancy.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

New PSP Colors… Boring

I don’t get Sony’s new color choices. Since when did they decide to market their new PSP to little girls? These colors remind me of Barbie dolls and nail polish. I hate these pastel colors… and I’m a girl. I would have loved colors like blood red or hot pink, even bright apple green. For some reason, Sony decided to go all DS Lite on us. Not good… not good at all.

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PSP Slim & Lite

After months of speculation over a certain PSP 2, instead, we get the PSP Slim and Lite! Hmmm, is it just me or does this updated PSP sound more like fat free milk than a portable gaming console?

Anyway, here's the lowdown...

  • 5mm thinner and 3mm shorter than the original

  • same 4.3-inch screen

  • no more infrared port

  • UMD door now flaps open instead of springing out (you'll understand this better when you see the video)

  • same game command keys

  • TV-out socket

  • now charges via USB

  • battery run at 4-6 hours depending on useage

  • increased memory at 64mb

  • will be in stores by September

    Ok, so this wasn't the new PSP2 almost everyone in the tech/gaming world was hoping for. But as the saying says, if it ain't broken, don't fix it. I think the current PSP isn't broken yet. The current technology has not been maximized yet and rather than creating a whole new console, I like that they just chose to make the old one better.

    My advice though, is if you already have a PSP, don't buy this one. It's not really worth it I think. But if you're really rich and can buy whatever you like, go right ahead and buy it. And in that case, can I have your old PSP? 'Cause mine is broken. Please?

    Anyway, here's some eye candy in the form of the PSP Slim and Lite brought to us by T3.

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