Christmas Buyers Guides
WII | PSP
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Continuing the adventure of one of the most celebrated RPGs in history, Crisis Core is a slick action-RPG for Sony's handheld machine that will grip both newcomers to the genre and hardcore Final Fantasy fans alike. Not only is it a great piece of PSP software in its own right, the littering of characters, locations and themes pay homage to the legacy of the now classicFinal Fantasy VII.
Our review said: First time players might not appreciate the value of the FFVII character cameos, classic locations, and the littering of familiar themes, but the story coupled with the slick action-RPG features provided show that Square Enix has again managed to live up to the unbelievably high standards that gamers have come to expect from the series. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
Echochrome
Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Game Yaruoze
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Echochrome is a puzzle game that immediately strikes a chord with gamers thanks to its killer combination of unique and deep gameplay. Whether you tap into it for a few minutes or a few hours, Echochrome is sure to steal a lot of your free time.
Our review said: If we're being picky with Echochrome, there are some minor flaws in its design; while changing perspective is all good in theory, there are some cases where you will be looking at a stage and maneuvering it in such a way that you will genuinely think it should be solved, but it just won't work for some reason. It's moments like these where frustration occurs, but they are few and far between and are only a small downside to what is otherwise a very polished product. The art style is somehow visually captivating and the gameplay is a whole new type of brain-scratcher that is very unique and something that should be played by anybody with an interest in testing their mind and challenging their perception. After all, seeing is believing. [FULL REVIEW: 8]
God of War: Chains of Olympus
Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Ready At Dawn Studios
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
While Krato's first adventure on the PSP doesn't reinvent the wheel, this stellar title does an amazing job at offering up the same level of white-knuckled action as its console brothers. Exciting gameplay coupled with great visuals make God of War: Chains of Olympus the must-have title for all PSP owners.
Our review said: Apart from a patchy story and derivative design, as far as action or hack-and-slash games on the PSP go, God of War: Chains of Olympus is unparalleled on the platform. And unless the long awaited Devil May Cry actually makes an appearance, this is unlikely to change for some time. However, as a game to extend and build on a franchise, it seems more like it’s just filling time until God of War III. Regardless, so long as you aren’t expecting a total reinvention or something radically new, God of War: Chains of Olympus is among the best portable action games that you can get. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
Patapon
Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Interlink
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Patapon is an engaging experience which oozes creativity and a unique visual style that most definitely takes the crown for cutest looking PSP title on the market. If the cuteness doesn't get you then the addictive gameplay will certainly draw you into its clutches in the long term.
Our review said: Successfully combining the best parts of the music rhythm genre with some interesting and addictive strategic combat, Patapon is hard to put down, and even when you do, the chants of the Patapon warriors will still be stuck in your head. Creativity and intuitive gameplay are things that should be seriously admired in this day and age, and Patapon is as fresh a game as has been seen in some time. FULL REVIEW: 9]
WipEout Pulse
Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-8
Developer: SCE Studios Liverpool
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Although there are many racing titles fighting for gamer's love on the PSP, the adrenaline packed WipEout Pulse is a title worthy of stocking stuffer status thanks to its challeging gameplay and slick futuristic setting.
Our review said: WipEout Pulse is definitely a fine racer and sits near the top of the tree, even though the genre is incredibly crowded on the PSP. So while it doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary (well, in comparison to the rest of the series), it delivers what it needs to and does with distinction. It's marginally a better game than the original, but it doesn't have the advantage of being the series' return to form. Still, if you're a WipEout fan or someone who's after an adrenaline and challenge packed racer, then WipEout Pulse astutely fits the bill. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
LocoRoco 2
Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: SCE Studios Japan
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
When the original LocoRoco burst out onto the PSP scene, it bounced, rolllled and splashed its way into gamers' hearts thanks to its interesting gameplay style and a bucket full of charm. Like its predeccesor, LocoRoco 2 looks set to give gamers the warm and fuzzies this holiday season.
[FULL REVIEW: Coming Soon]
Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles
Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is a solid slice of vampire slaying action that will entice gamers in their dozens thanks to its challenging gameplay and haunting atmosphere. Whether you're a Castlevania fan looking for a decent compilation of Castlevania titles or a newcomer to the vampire adventure series, Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is sure to put a bite into your Christmas.
Our review said: We were quite pleased with the final result of Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles, as we've been gunning for some quality platforming action. However, we can’t help but feel that it will eventually be detrimental to the series in the long run, especially with a ‘director’ who is so awfully out of touch with reality. While this is a superb collection with heaps of options, two out of the three games will likely be shunned by the casual crowd. Still, those old-school fanatics and players willing to push through the difficulty will find one of the best retro compilations available. [FULL REVIEW: 8]
Everybody's Golf 2
Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Clap Hanz
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Everybody's Golf 2 is the videogame equivalent of the film Caddyshack in that it portrays the charming absurdity of the game of golf to a tee (pun fully intended). Its well-balanced gameplay and customisable options show why this finely polished title is one of the best sporting titles across the handheld platforms today.
Our review said: In a market filled with many deep and involving games for the PSP, Everybody's Golf 2 is a great chill out from all the bigger titles and is fantastic for bite sized gaming on the go, or for the truly dedicated, play sessions going into the hours. With an enormous number of unlockables, online multiplayer with up to sixteen players, and an addictive and polished gameplay system, Everybody's Golf 2 is a great game to sink your teeth into. It may be awfully similar to its previous iteration, but for the dedicated fans and newcomers, Everybody's Golf 2 is a worthy addition to your PSP collection. [FULL REVIEW: 8]
Midnight Club: Los Angeles Remix
Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-4
Developer: Rockstar Games
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Midnight Club: Los Angeles Remix is a pocket rocket of racing thrills and spills, giving gamers the opportunity to drive their rides fast and furious through the streets of the City of Angels. While it may give off the impression that it is another half-baked remix title, L.A. Remix looks like it will continue the grand tradition of fine gaming from the developers at Rockstar Games.
[FULL REVIEW: Coming Soon]
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