RipTen Videogame Blog » PSP

UMD Passport Will Not Come To America

Chris Gravelle — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:00:15 +0000

Sony has decided that the UMD Passport will not come to America. Basically the passport allowed PS Vita owners to pay a fee to transfer their PSP games on UMD to their Vita for a fee. The fees ranged from around $7.00 to $13.00. Here is the closest thing to a press release currently available:

“SCEA will not be offering the UMD Passport program. U.S. consumers who already own digital versions of select PSP titles will be able to seamlessly transfer those games to their PS Vita system. What’s great for PS Vita owners is that they can enjoy PSP games with upscaled video quality that’s ideal for the system’s 5-inch OLED screen, along with controls that are optimized for its features such as the dual analog sticks. More than 250 PSP titles (including minis) will be available at the launch of PS Vita, and hundreds of additional titles will be available post-launch.”

See the part at the very start? That’s all you get. While I can understand that this program would only affect a small percentage of the population, it is a bit of a slap in the face to the Sony faithful. The PSP was a great system, but did not see the same success of Nintendo’s handheld systems. This may not be an issue for most Vita owners, but wouldn’t you love to put Tactics Ogre or FFIV: Complete on your new system while you wait for the library to expand? UMDs are very cheap if you find them used these days, unfortunately, unless you keep your original PSP you’ll need to start paying the digital price on them. Basically, not cheap. Still, the Vita is launching with a respectable line up of games, so how many of you are honestly upset about this?

[Source Giant Bomb]

Sony: Re-branding the Way We Talk About the Way We Talk

Michael Futter — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:00:30 +0000

When you wake up on Wednesday, February 8, and stumble to your Playstation 3, you’ll notice something a little different on your XMB.

Sony recently announced a re-branding of the Playstation Network. The online service, which enables gaming over the internet on the PS3, along with music and movie streaming, will be re-branded as the Sony Entertainment Network. This change will impact only the Playstation 3 and the Vita , but not the PSP. It’s a confusing move for those that don’t plan on upgrading to the new handheld right away.

You won’t need to do anything. Your password, games and saves will all be exactly where you left them. The purpose, according to a Sony rep, is to unify the gaming services with other Sony products… except for the PSP.

I was struck, though, by how similar the name sounded to Nintendo’s first home console. Perhaps Sony is planning on dumping the Playstation brand for something else. Could the “Sony Entertainment System” be looming in our future?

New Video Game Releases: Feb. 6 – Feb. 12

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:28 +0000

Finally, the type of Rock’em Sock’em release week that is fun to write about. While maybe not the Superbowl of release weeks, with so many big and varied releases, it could easily be mistaken for a busy November release week. Let’s take a look at a few of the notable releases of this week.

Kingdoms of Amalur Reckoning is a single-player action role-playing game put together by a dream team including executive designer Ken Rolston (lead designer of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion), story writer R.A. Salvatore (celebrated fantasy writer), artist Todd McFarlane (creator of Spawn and famous comic book artist) and Big Huge Game owner Curt Shilling (Hall of Fame MLB pitcher and gaming enthusiast). With a team like this and great early reviews, you’d be fool not to pick it up for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

The Darkness II revisits the ongoing saga of possessed mobster Jackie Estacado from 2007′s hit The Darkness. Promising interesting new gameplay tweaks, such as the ability to quad wield and increased use of darklings, this is indeed a promising release to look for on PC, 360 and PS3.

For gamers looking for more Batman there is Gotham City Imposters. While not featuring the Gotham’s Caped Crusader, the game will be played from the perspective of two teams each trying to kill the other: one with people dressed like Batman and the other with people dressed like The Joker. Players will be able to customize their costumes, gadgets and other aspects of the game with 8 player action that takes place with an over-the-top visual style. Gotham City Imposters releases this week on XBLA, PSN and PC.

Shank 2 sees the return of avenging assassin Shank. Once again Shank is forced to go on the offensive as those closest to him come under atteck. Using an arsenal including dual handguns, chainsaws, machetes, plus all-new weapons and a brand new set of moves to protect those close to him, his enemies don’t stand a chance. Shank 2 releases this week on XBLA,PC and PSN.

Pick of the Week: I am a big fan of 2007′s The Darkness. At the time it had breathtaking graphics, an offbeat style and gameplay mechanics to make it both unique and satisfying. At the same time, it would be hard to overlook the pedigree of the team that put together Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. It’s a close one, but Reckoning by a nose - Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Below is the full list of new releases.

PlayStation 3

Dance Magic
Fallout: New Vegas – Ultimate Edition
Gotham City Impostors (PSN)
Jak and Daxter Collection
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning CE
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations
Shank 2 (PSN)
The Darkness II
The Darkness II LE
The House of the Dead III (PSN)
The Simpsons Arcade Game (PSN)

Xbox 360

Dance Magic
Fallout: New Vegas – Ultimate Edition
Forza Motorsport 4: February American Le Mans Series Pack (DLC)
Gotham City Impostors (XBLA)
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning CE
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations
Shank 2 (XBLA)
The Darkness II
The Darkness II LE

Wii

NADA

Gotham City Impostors
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Shank 2
The Darkness II
The Darkness II LE

3DS

Balloon Pop 2
Resident Evil: Revelations

Jewel Link Chronicles: Mountains of Madness

PSP

NADA

Total PS3 Sales Close to Xbox 360 But Gap May Widen

Michael Futter — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:00:04 +0000

While it’s probably unfair to assume that no one wants the next generation of consoles right now, it’s undeniable that the majority of gamers are still quite content with their Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Recently, Sony hinted that they would be the last to reveal their plans for the next generation system (presumably named the PlayStation 4), with Microsoft being demure about what they would be bringing to E3 in early June.

The first Thursday of the month is typically “earnings call day,” and Sony revealed that their total PlayStation 3 sales have now reached 47.9 million units, compared to the Xbox 360′s 50 million units (as disclosed during Microsoft’s final CES keynote). While the numbers seem fairly close, it’s important to look at the trends.

In the quarter ending December 31, 2011, Sony moved 6.3 million PlayStation 3 units. This is down .2 million from the same period last year. In contrast, Microsoft is boasting 2.7 million Xbox 360s sold in the same period which is up a monster 70% over last year. The Kinect, which has disappointed core gamers but, clearly, found a place with the younger and casual markets, saw sales of 2.4 million and throttled past the overall 10 million unit mark. Microsoft continues to see growth, where Sony’s sales of gaming hardware has stagnated and shrunk.

There are some factors that might help explain away a portion of the sales figures, but nothing terribly significant. Microsoft is likely seeing a portion of sales from users replacing out-of-warranty, red ringed 360 consoles. On the flip side, Sony is experiencing very weak PSP sales as the Vita launched, though too softly, in Asia and will be in other major territories in a matter of weeks. Sony can turn the ship around with some clever marketing and bundles that tie a complete Vita experience to owning a PS3 (and vice versa).

Put up alongside Microsoft likely showing something about the next Xbox at E3 and Sony vehemently denying that they will match, one has to wonder if the positions should be reversed. Clearly, Microsoft knows that there is a lot of life left in the 360 whereas Sony might have too much faith in the PS3. With E3 quickly coming upon us, we’ll have all the news you can handle soon.

New Video Game Releases: Jan. 30 – Feb. 6

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:45:57 +0000

Finally, a 2012 release week with notable anticipated releases. With offerings from such storied franchises such as Final Fantasy, SoulCalibur in addition to inspired DLC and a new IP release has January ending on a high note.

It can easily be said that Final Fantasy XIII-2 is the highest profile release of the week. While the series’ image is not quite what it was due to recent disappointments, FFXIII-2 adds a revamped combat system and promises less linear gameplay. Will it be enough? Find out this week as it releases for both Xbox 360 and PS3.

SoulCalibur V picks up 17 years after the events of SoulCalibur IV with new heroes and returning warriors clashing in an epic showdown between good and evil. This latest offering brings new charter customization and combat features including a new gauge that allows characters to execute “Brave Edge” and “Critical Edge” attacks. SoulCalibur V will be available on PS3 and 360.

NeverDead is a third-person action game set in a fantasy and horror-influenced universe where supernatural battles between humans and extraordinary creatures blanket a vast city landscape. The main character has immortalic regenerative powers re-assembling his own body to evade death. In the battle against demons he stands as humanities’ best hope because he is never dead. NeverDead creeps into retail on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Dead Island fans will no doubt relish the return to the fateful Island with Ryder White DLC. The DLC will a offer a different perspective on antagonist Ryder White, enabling gamers to understand his motives by stepping into his shoes. It releases on the PC, 360 and PS3.

OOOOOH YEEEAAH! Some of the most beloved WWE superstars of yesteryear return to the Legends and SuperStars Pack DLC for WWE’12. With great wrestlers like Mick Folley and Randy Savage on the roster, it would be madness not to get this for the PS3 or Xbox 360.

Pick of the Week: I’m definitely interested in SoulCalibur V, with all the extra features and fighters. But I want to give Final Fantasy XIII-2 a chance. I still have found memories of FF games of generations past which weren’t completely tarnished by the crapfest of XIII. Square-Enix, this is your last chance – Final Fantasy XIII-2

Check out the full list of new releases below:

PlayStation 3

Dead Island: Ryder White (DLC)
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Final Fantasy XIII-2
WWE ’12: Legends & Superstars Pack ( DLC)
NeverDead
SoulCalibur V
SoulCalibur V CE

Xbox 360

Dead Island: Ryder White (DLC)
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Final Fantasy XIII-2 CE
Happy Action Theater (XBLA)
WWE ’12: Legends & Superstars Pack ( DLC)
NeverDead
SoulCalibur V
SoulCalibur V CE

Wii

Country Dance: Special Edition

Age of Enigma: The Secret of the Sixth Ghost
Command Ops: Highway to the Reich
Dead Island: Ryder White

3DS

Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 3D

Kids Learn 2Think: A+ Edition

PSP

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee & Hot Shots Tennis – Get a Grip Dual Pack (PSN)
Motorstorm: Arctic Edge & Twisted Metal: Head-On – Dual Pack

New Video Game Releases: Jan. 16 – Jan. 22

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:00:17 +0000

The desolate winter season of new releases continues with such a sparse release week that if I were to not include DLC, would only have a total of three measly releases.

The big release this week is ScaryGirl on XBLA. Based on Nathan Jurevicius’ Scarygirl graphic novel, Scarygirl presents a wondrous adventure into a distinctive and beautifully bizarre world. Main character Scarygirl is an abandoned child with a tentacle arm who dresses like a pirate. Joining with friends such as Blister the giant octopus and Bunniguru the mystical, kung-fu rabbit she sets out on an off-beat adventure.

The other full game releases include Jungle Speed for the Wii and What’s Your Type? for the DS. Jungle speed is a twitchy, fast-paced card game while What’s Your Type? is an interesting game that helps you predict you and your friends’ personalities, using a combination of proven scientific methodologies.

This week we get DLC for major games like Gears of War 3, Saints Row The Third and Gran Turismo 5. Gears of War 3 gets the Fenix Rising Map Pack. Gran Turismo 5 gets two new DLC packs with the Car Pack 3 and the Spped Test Pack. Saints Row fans can go Genki crazy with the Genki Bowl VIII or go cheap with the free CheapyD Pack.

Pick of the Week: An Easy Pick actually. ScaryGirl wins almost simply by default. It’s off-beat style and interesting story should captivate gamers more so than anything else this week – ScaryGirl

PlayStation 3

Gran Turismo 5 Car Pack 3 (DLC)
Gran Turismo 5 Speed Test Pack (DLC)
Saints Row: The Third – Genki Bowl VII (DLC)
Saints Row: The Third – CheapyD Pack (DLC)

Xbox 360

Gears of War 3: Fenix Rising Map Pack (DLC)
Saints Row: The Third – Genki Bowl VII (DLC)
ScaryGirl (XBLA)

Wii

Jungle Speed

Saints Row: The Third – Genki Bowl VII (DLC)
Saints Row: The Third – CheapyD Pack (DLC)

3DS

NADA

What’s Your Type?

PSP

NADA

New Video Game Releases: Jan. 9 – Jan.15

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:55:09 +0000

Now that we’re past the holiday season, we can start to look for an increase in both the quantity and quality of new releases. While the end of January no doubt holds promise, we are unfortunately saddled with a mediocre release week.

Arguably the biggest mutliplat release this week is Choplifter HD. An update of the successful 80′s Sega arcade and Master System hit. Choplifter HD distinguishes itself from other games in the genre as the focus is more directed at rescuing. Choplifter HD will be available on XBL, PSN, and PC.

Another title to look for is Amy, an innovative survival horror title from the original creator of the 90′s classic Flashback. Amy takes place in an apocalyptic future populated by zombies, demons and other unsavory types. The cooperative gameplay featured in Amy is a deep and unique system that requires players to strategize in order to protect Amy and keep both characters alive. Amy releases this week on both PSN and XBL.

Pick of the Week: The original Choplifter serves as one of those 80′s arcade classics that is still playable today and this HD modern update looks to be both entertaining and addicting. Meanwhile, Amy has more than a few features that make it unique and a pedigree you can’t deny – Amy

Check out the full list of this week’s releases below:

PlayStation 3

Amy (PSN)
Choplifter HD (PSN)
Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat
National Geographic Challenge!

Xbox 360

Amy (XBLA)
Choplifter HD (XBLA)
Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat

Wii

Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Case of the Crumbling Cathedral (WiiWare)

Choplifter HD

3DS

Crush 3D
My Pet Puppy 3D

What’s Your Type?

PSP

NADA

Vita Sales Drop In Second Week

Catherine Cai — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:56:12 +0000

Can the PS Vita sell as Sony had hoped it would? They were pushing pretty damned hard at E3.

So far, the Vita’s still in hot water, in terms of sales. After a lukewarm first week in Japan, its sales have taken a nosedive in week two. In fact, the Vita’s sales numbers can’t even compete with its predecessor’s second week. The Vita’s second week sold 72,479 units, whereas the PSP sold 101,121. Ouch. Considering that the 3DS sold 482,000 units, it’s looking pretty painful for the Vita.

Maybe the slow sales are just growing pains for the Vita, considering that it’s a new device. Or maybe it just needs the blessings of a price drop to get things moving, like it did with the 3DS. Or maybe the handheld market is just slowing down because of the rise of mobile devices. Who knows? All we can do now is wait for the numbers and see how the Vita does on its launch in North America and Europe.

Stay tuned. We’ll keep you updated on the successes… or failures of the PS Vita.

New Video Game Releases: Dec. 12 – Dec. 18

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:41:51 +0000

Welcome to another sleepy week of December releases. One that, unless you like Gears 3 or interested in playing a real life guitar, there is little to see here.

The biggest (and only) multiplatform release this week is Rocksmith which becomes available for PC gamers. Meanwhile, Rocksmith (The Complete Real Guitar Kit) releases for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Gears of War fans get a nice little early present as the Gears of War 3: Raam’s Shadow DLC becomes available for the Xbox 360 this week. Included in this DLC is six new multiplayer characters, a new weapon set named “Chocolate”, new achievements, and over 3 hours of singleplayer gameplay. The story takes place before the first Gears of War, with gamers playing as the infamous Locust General Raam.

Pick of the Week: If I wanted to learn how to play the guitar, (or had the time and patience to learn) I’d probably be interested in the Rocksmith Real Guitar Kit. As it is I’m a big fan of Gears of War and I can’t wait to get my hands on the Gears of War 3: Raam’s Shadow DLC.

Check out the full list of this week’s releases below:

Xbox 360

Gears of War 3: Raam’s Shadow DLC
Joe Danger: Special Edition (XBLA)
Marvel Pinball: Vengeance and Virtue
Rocksmith (The Complete Real Guitar Kit)

PlayStation 3

Rocksmith (The Complete Real Guitar Kit)

Wii

NADA

Aqua Mania
Rocksmith
X3: Albion Prelude

3DS

Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights

I ♥ Geeks!
Kids Learn Spelling and Grammar: A+ Edition

PSP

NADA

New Video Game Releases: Dec. 5 – Dec. 11

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:51:12 +0000

Another pre-Christmas December week means another quiet and sparse week of releases. If not for the release featuring a true video game icon, this week would be considered a complete wash. Let’s look at the highlights, or lack thereof, for this week.

Yep you’ve guessed it, the most high profile release this week is the anticipated Mario Kart 7 for the 3DS. Although it releases today (not technically in my covered release week), I left it off last week and it is definitely worth a mention.

If you are into the whole dance game phenomena then you have certainly heard of the Just Dance series. Just Dance 3 continues where it’s predecessors left off with new songs and this time allowing a quartet of dancers. While it released in November for the Wii and Xbox 360, this week at long last includes the release for the PS3.

Released to critical acclaim for the SNES in 1994, Final Fantasy VI was a landmark title for the role-playing genre and is now considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time. In 1999, Sony’s PlayStation was the lucky recipient of a slightly modified port. Now, via PSN, Final Fantasy VI is available for both the PS3 and PSP.

Pick of the Week: There are quite a few things to consider this week. For one thing, my girlfriend is a big fan of the Just Dance series and consequently, I am definitely a fan of the results. Let’s face it, pretty much anything that helps girls to tone up deserves praise, but you will never find me playing it.

Final Fantasy VI is a great game and deserves the praise heaped upon it through the years. Unfortunately, it may seem a little dated to many gamers.

Although I don’t have a 3DS and will probably never purchase another portable system, I can’t deny that I put in more hours of play into Mario Kart Wii than I did in any other game for Nintendo’s motion control system - Mario Kart 7.

Check out the full list of this week’s releases below:

PlayStation 3

4-in-1 Action Pack
Final Fantasy VI (PSN)
Just Dance 3
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

Xbox 360

Defense Grid: Your Monster
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

Wii

Drawsome Tablet
Fortune Street
Oregon Trail
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

Defense Grid: Your Monster
Field of Glory: Decline and Fall
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

3DS

F1 2011
Mario Kart 7
Nano Assault
Oregon Trail
Outdoor Unleashed Africa 3D
Outdoor Unleashed Alaska 3D
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

7 Wonders: Treasures of Seven
Face Racers: Photo Finish

PSP

Final Fantasy VI (PSN)

New Video Game Releases Nov. 28 – Dec. 5th

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:53:56 +0000

With many gamers just getting over the Thanksgiving glut and surviving the rush of Black Friday, we find ourselves in the sleepy pre-christmas release doldrums. Which is not to say there no releases nor that they are not worth a look, but pickings sure are slim.

The release of PS2 classics Sly Cooper and the Thevius Raccoonus, Sly 2: Band of Thieves and Sly3 : Honor Among Thieves should excite gamers on this sleepy release week. The Sly Cooper series is renown for solid platforming and gameplay which inspired inFAMOUS. You’ll find Sly available for download on the PSN.

Back in the 1980′s there was a force for good who looked over the Universe and fought for good. Five space explorers pilot five colossal robotic lions which, when needed, combined into the the unbeatable robotic warrior Voltron. Relive the classic anime (not the craptastic remake) in Voltron: Defender of the Universe on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Pick of the Week: Quite an easy one for me. I’ve played the Sly Cooper series before. Plus, I was a child in the 80′s and thus understand the awesomeness of Voltron - Voltron: Defender of the Universe pawns imitator Power rangers all day every day.

Check out the full list of new releases below:

PlayStation 3

National Geographic Challenge!
Puddle (PSN)
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus (PSN)
Sly 2: Band of Thieves (PSN)
Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves (PSN)
Voltron: Defender of the Universe (PSN)

Xbox 360

National Geographic Challenge!
Puddle (XBLA)
Voltron: Defender of the Universe (XBLA)

Wii

JAWS: Ultimate Predator
National Geographic Challenge!

NADA

3DS

Face Racers: Photo Finish
Jaws: Ultimate Predator
Nano Assault

DaGeDar
Fit It
Jungle School

PSP

NADA

Chrono Trigger Available Now on PSN

Stephanie Gutowski — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:00:43 +0000

Nostalgia alert!

Chrono Trigger, Square’s 1995 SNES hit is finally available for download on the PlayStation Network. Hailed by many as one of the greatest RPG’s of all time, fans can’t seem to get enough of these ports. Nintendo released a Chrono Trigger release on DS in 2008, but the Sony loyal are just now getting their hands on a port of their own.

For $9.99, this game can live forever on your Playstation 3 or PSP.

New Video Game Releases: 8/29 – 9/5

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:29:31 +0000

As the East Coast of the US recovers from a double heaping of natural disasters (Hurriquakepocalypse), it’s nice to settle with another release week.

The ground is rumbling and the screams of millions fill the air, is it another earthquake? No, it is the latest installment of the perennial pigskin classic Madden NFL 12. Should it sell well? You betcha. After a potential season cancelling labor dispute was settled earlier this summer, gridiron fans will flock to this in droves to purchase it on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PS2 (yeah, after 11 years it’s still ticking).

Codemasters unleashes Bodycount for both the Xbox 360 and PS3. Set to rip apart the First Person Shooter genre with an orgy of bullets and destruction, Bodycount blasts outrageous action and spectacular fire-fights from both barrels.

Other big releases this week include 4 Elements HD for the PS3 and, Air Conflicts: Secret War, Mortal Kombat Arcade Collection, The baconing for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

The Wii releases Get fit with Mel B and a number of great new Nintendo Selects.

Pick of the Week: Bodycount releases this week but for better or worse it is just another shooter. Critics may complain the Madden NFL series is just a re-release of the same game with a few extra features, but it is what the people want. When you see the PS2 get a release you know it’s got to mean something. Make mine Madden – Madden NFL 12.

PlayStation 3

4 Elements HD
Air Conflicts: Secret Wars
Bodycount
Madden NFL 12
Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection
The Baconing

Xbox 360

Air Conflicts: Secret Wars
Bodycount
Madden NFL 12
Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection
The Baconing

Wii

Get Fit with Mel B
Madden NFL 12
Mario Strikers Charged (Nintendo Selects)
Punch-Out!! (Nintendo Selects)
Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo Selects)
Super Paper Mario (Nintendo Selects)
Mr Bean’s Wacky World

Achron
Wish List
The Sims Medieval Pirates and Nobles Adventure Pack
World of Tanks

3DS

Balloon Fight
Donkey Kong Jr.
Face Racers: Photo Finish
Ice Climber
Legend of Zelda, The
Pet Zombies in 3D
Super Mario Bros.

Burger Bot
Junior Mystery Stories
Hoppies
Veggy World

PSP

ClaDun X2
Madden NFL 12

PS2

Madden NFL 12

RipTen Review: Mighty Flip Champs! DX (PSN)

Stephanie Gutowski — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 21:00:34 +0000

If you own a DSi, then you’re probably aware of Mighty Flip Champ’s existence. WayForward (creators of Shantae, BloodRayne: Betrayal) released this puzzle game on the Nintendo hand-held back in 2009, but now Sony faithful have the opportunity to try this quirky little mini for themselves. I’ve always considered myself a connoisseur of all things unusual and brightly-colored, so I logged into the PlayStation Network and commenced the downloading. It took less than a minute to install this mini and get it up and running. Plus one to convenience.

Mine was more like, "D, D, D, D, You Suck, D"

Rather than transfer the game to my PSP, I decided to try it out on my television, due to the presence of a comfy couch and a sudden bout of lethargy. I was punished for my laziness immediately as I laid my eyes upon noticeably-pixelated loading screens and momentarily wished that I had just taken the time to put the game on my PSP. But my PSP is fat and tired, and the couch was oh-so-comfy, so I grumbled and crammed another fistful of chocolate raspberry sticks into my mouth. Luckily, the slightly-distorted art faded and I jumped right into the game– clueless and covered in chocolate, because that’s how I do it. All of a sudden, I’m warped back in time to the days of Bust-A-Move and…. other games that looked like Bust-A-Move, as Mightly Flip Champs! DX looked as though it have time-traveled from the same arcade era. On one hand, it was a nostalgic treat to have a game look so old-school and uncluttered with a HUD or dialog bubbles. On the other, it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.

Fishman... I don't even...

Those familiar with the DSi version remember that the game comprises of two puzzles at a time: while your character, Alta, exists in one puzzle, trying to reach her strange fish friend, another puzzle exists in a mirror world. As Alta moves through one puzzle via the directional buttons, she discovers that she can go no further, but the puzzle in the mirror world shows her standing on a path that would actually take her right to Fishman. Press “x” and the puzzles flip, allowing Alta to make the move that seemed impossible in the last screen. It’s a lot of switching back and forth between puzzles until you reach the goal. The PSN port features horizontal mirror puzzles rather than vertical ones seen on the DSi’s dual screen setup. The first couple of stages were pretty much “flip back and forth as fast as you can until you find Fishman,” but eventually, I came across a puzzle that was composed of about four mirror puzzles. That’s when things started to get a little tricky. Before, it was just about getting from point A to point Fishman as quickly as possible, but then, all of a sudden, there was a cat in the picture. I’d nearly torn my hair out after finally arriving at Fishman’s edge, only discover that he didn’t want anything to do with me unless I rescued the damn cat (which was sitting on the other side of the screen.)

Five chocolate raspberry sticks later, I reached the cat and began my mirror journey back to Fishman, only to discover that I’d reached my goal the first time thanks to blind luck. I didn’t have the slightest clue as to how to get back. Aside from that moment of agony, I enjoyed my experience with Mighty Flip Champs! DX and I actually pictured myself kicking back and investing a bit more time into it. I was a big fan of Geometry Wars and Hexic and this game (which is more akin to the latter) seemed at home in my collection. It’s fun, but expect a challenge. I mean it. This game becomes incredibly difficult during the later stages and there’s no puzzle in between to get you warmed up for the more perplexing ones. If you’re looking for something to really test your puzzling skills, Mighty Flip Champs is for you. Just try not to put your fist through a wall while you’re at it. I was tempted.

It’s not the most innovative of games, but it’s not trying to be. It’s just a solid, inexpensive way to spend your time, especially if you’ve had your fill of plot-heavy, kill-tastic games. While I’d fault this game for the lacking visuals, I understand that it was intended for the PSP an judging it so harshly in that department would be like chastising a zebra for not having enough feathers. For a six-dollar arcade game, I’m satisfied.

Here’s the rundown:

+Simple controls, yet fun, challenging puzzles

+Good, clean fun

+I can usually find six dollars after digging through my couch for ten minutes.

-Puzzles quickly become incredibly difficult

-Pressing the same button over and over gets a little old

-Fishman

Learn more about the RipTen scoring system and what this score means. Visit our review scoring page.

Mighty Flip Champs! DX was developed and published by WayForward Technologies and released on July 12, 2011, for the PlayStation Network. WayForward provided us with a download code for the game, which I enjoyed until I started being bad at it.

Atlus Reveals More Persona 2: Innocent Sin Screens

Stephanie Gutowski — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:45:23 +0000

Our friends at Atlus have bestowed upon us some visual candy of the screenshot kind as we gear up for the September 20th release of Persona 2 Innocent Sin. We never saw its original incarnation stateside when it was originally released on Playstation in Japan during the summer of ’99, but Atlus decided that it was about time for a remake and that the Americans deserved to have a version of their own… on PSP. That hand-held you don’t own anymore unless you were one of the weak few who kept vigil over theirs so that they’d be able to experience the magic of Persona 3 Portable, a game where teenagers summon giant nude rainbow men by shooting themselves in the head. If you can’t be bothered to awaken from your Call of Duty murder coma, this probably isn’t your thing. There’s a lot of reading.

While the game certainly isn’t gorgeous compared to its sequels, the Persona series has always delivered a stellar experience with slightly-disturbing story lines and addictive gameplay. This is the last of the pre-existing Persona games to be released in the U.S. There’s a chick with hearts on her boobs. Go look.

2K Sports Releases First Screenshot of NBA 2K12 – It’s Dirk Nowitzki Scoring on LeBron

Chris Carlson — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:00:17 +0000

Today 2K Sports released the very first screenshot of NBA 2K12.

The screenshot highlights the exciting 2011 NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat. In the screenshot, Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki soars to the hoop at the American Airlines Center as the Heat’s Lebron James and Chris Bosh attempt to block the shot. Click on the image below to see the full sized version.

NBA 2K12 is set to release on October 4th 2011 for PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP and… PS2.

Playstation NGP (Vita) Software, Hardware, and Games Previewed!

Matthew Sims — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:44:00 +0000

Sony just lifted an embargo on Pre-E3 content meaning that anyone with some info on the NGP (Vita) can now post it all over the glorious internet. The biggest confirmation is that the new Uncharted title will be titled Golden Abyss. We can add that to the list of stuff that we told you was going to happen. With the Uncharted title confirmed, it might be a safe bet to say that the new system will be called “Vita.”

Practically everything related to the new system has gone live, including the list of launch games for the NGP. We know all of this courtesy of the fine journalists over at VG247.

Uncharted: Golden Abyss: Developed by Bend Studios, the game will contain the same sort of adventures and action you are used to with the series, as well as the intoduction of touch and tilt controls.
- wipEout 2084: The game is set during the birth of “anti-gravity racing” and features a near-future environmentsand the ability to play against PS3 racers on WipEout HD Fury.
- Little Deviants: This title contains a series of “madcap adventures” which will utlize NGP’s rear touch pad, touch screen, the motion sensor, and both the front and rear cameras. It contains augmented reality elements and makes use of the handheld’s microphone.
- Reality Fighters: An augmented reality fighting game in which you capture yourself using the NGP camera andgo up against other fighters around the world.
- Super Stardust Delta: The game uses the dual analog sticks, plus the touch screen and motion sensing controls.
- Sound Shapes (working title): Play, compose and share with other NGP users with this “side-scrolling platformer.” In it, you will create music with your actions using the touch screen and share them with the PSN community.
- Hustle Kings: Like the PSN version, only handhled and makes use of precision controls via the touch screen and rear touch pad.
- Everybody’s Golf: ClapHanz has added touch and tilt controls to the game of golf which also includes online multiplayer.
- Resistance Retribution: Since you will be also to play your PSP games from the PlayStation Store on NGP, start with James Grayson’s voyage across Europe which makes use of the NGP’s dual analog sticks.

As far as limiting factors like battery life go, we don’t really know yet. Sony isn’t so keen on revealing what will probably be a downside of the portable. The screen is a 5″ OLED screen, but doesn’t make the system overly large or cumbersome.
The two sticks on the sides of the screen reportedly feel similar to the PS3 and take a very limited time to adjust to. The back panel is described as being smooth and fluid; sitting unnoticed unless you are actually using it. The system will also be backwards compatible with PSP games, so that’s a huge plus that could lead to more early adopters.
That’s about all we know, but we’ll be sure to deliver more info when Ripten is at E3 2011 next week.

MGS Peace Walker Coming to PS3, Report Says

Sam Naylor — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:03:01 +0000

A French website is reporting that Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, the canonical PSP title, is coming to PlayStation 3.

The site reports that “we are now able to confirm that Peace Walker will be announced at E3 2011 in a PS3 version,” (maybe not in those words, though you can thank Google translate and my basic French skills for that).

The game is said to be coming as part of the “PSP Remaster” series, which has so far begun bringing ‘Monster Hunter Portable 3rd’ to HD.

Via VG24/7

Final Persona Game Finally Coming to North America

Danielle Cantrell — Tue, 24 May 2011 09:47:25 +0000

Atlus has just announced that Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Innocent Sin will finally be making its debut in North America, with enhancements to hopefully make it worth the wait.

Some of the new features include improved and remastered visuals, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a new intro animation. The audio will also be remastered, and there will be an option to have a remixed version of the musical score, or the original.

The interface will also be redone to make it more streamlined. While the story will remain the same, added quests should be expected, as well as other features.

Persona 2 takes place in Sumaru City, Japan, where the story’s protagonists attend Seven Sisters High School. Rumors begin to circulate regarding a curse on the school emblem: anyone who wears it is punished with a disfigured face. The protagonists must harness their personas to combat the strange phenomena occurring around the city, while working on understanding the cause.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Innocent Sin is set to release in fall of this year and can be pre-ordered here… eventually.

Until then, here are some screenshots to tide you over:

Sony Announces “PSP Remaster Series” For PS3

Aaron Alexander — Sun, 22 May 2011 17:08:43 +0000

All three times that I’ve used my PSP, I’ve thought to myself “shouldn’t I be playing this on a console?” so it’s only apt that Sony announce a brand new initiative named the “PSP Remaster Series”. Sony will be bringing select titles from it’s PSP catalog to the Playstation 3. As the name suggests, the games will be remastered in High Definition (and 3D provided your TV supports it) , as well as receiving various PlayStation 3 exclusive content and best of all – we can finally play the games they way they were intended, with a Dualshock.

According to Sony, both the PS3 and PSP versions of the same games can share data, perhaps allowing players to take their game on the go with the PSP, then playing it later at home on the PlayStation 3. Though it’s not clear right now if you’ll have to buy 2 versions of the game, or if it’s compatible between platforms. As expected, the feature will first kick off in Japan, though the wording of Sony’s statement suggest that they are indeed interested in making this an international feature. The first title coming to the service is none other then Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, under the new alias “Monster Hunter Portable HD” (Can I smell a future NGP port?)

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and feel free to let me know directly via Twitter -@iamaaronalex