With the launch of the PSP Go this week, Sony has done some added a TON of PSN titles to the PSN store. In celebration of the Go’s launch I thought I’d write my initial impressions of the system and do some top 10 lists! Enjoy!
First of, if you haven’t been paying attention to gaming news recently you may have missed out on this thing called the PSP Go. The go is an attempt to turn the PSP into a truly portable system. Not just something you play on the couch or in the car, but a system that’s on you at all times. Its goal is to complete with smart phones like the iPhone. It’s a strange market to try and break into because even though the system sports a decent music player, it’s only phone connectivity is through Skype (and you’ll need to be in a wifi friendly area for that).
Still the system is an interesting step forward. It’s ditched the loud and slow UMD drive in favor of a completely digital download driven game system, and features a much more streamlined design. The controls now sit under a slide up screen, and this makes the system much easier to carry around.
The biggest complaint about this system is the price tag of $249. It’s an absurd price that’s over $50 more that then PSP-3000 and only $50 less than the PS3. Game prices aren’t that much cheaper online either. You save a couple of dollars per game, but with the price of manufacturing the discs, cases, inserts, books, plus dealing with distributors and retailers, you’d think they’d offer a bigger saving.
Well the good news is that Sony’s added over 100 PSP games available for download on the PSN, and current PSP users can still take advantage of those. So if you’re looking for some good games and deals read on…
The Top 10 Games Available For Download That Are Worth Your Time.
10. Everyday Shooter
Everyday Shooter is a unique indie twin stick shooter that has a very cool visual and audio style to it. Best of all, the game was designed to be played with the d-pad and face buttons, making it control really well on the psp. You collect points as you play through those games and can use those points to unlock tons of new features and keep extending the gameplay. This makes it a great pick up and play shooter.
09. Star Wars: Battlefront Renegade Squadron ($19.99)
Coming off the hugely successful PS2 series Star Wars: Battlefront Renegade Squadron is a PSP exclusive title that puts you back on the battlefield. With tons of missions and multiplayer, this is a great action game for the PSP.
08. Brave Story: New Travele
I had to include one traditional RPG on this list so it might as well be the best one that’s available for download. If you’re a jrpg fan, this is the RPG you should be playing first.
07. Resistance Retribution ($31.99)
Due to the lack of a second analog stick FPS games don’t always work out that well on the PSP. But that doesn’t mean that the demand isn’t there, and off all the FPS games available Resistance Retribution does a great job being a fun games, great portable FPS, a good sequel to the PS3 titles. The online is also the best among PSP games.
06. Jeanne d’Arc
SRPGs are rampant on the PSP. There are tons, and most of them are pretty good. But Jeanne d’Arc provides the psp with an exclusive SRPG, that’s both very fun, and very unique. Developed by Level 5 (Dark Cloud, Professor Layton) this is a game ever SRPG fan should try.
05. MotorStorm Arctic Edge ($39.99)
Motorstorm Arctic Edge is the 3rd in the Motor storm series and is a crazy arcade racer. The game features tons of vehicle types all racing at the same time. Multiple tracks and new environmental hazards make this a fun time for all!
04. SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny ($39.99)
Soul Calibur, a hugely addictive 3d fighter completely design for the PSP! What else do I need to say, except that you can also play Kratos in this version!
03. Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2
It doesn’t matter if you like golf, or even sports games at all. Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2, provides an incredibly fun golf arcade-y experience for all players. You have to play a Hot Shots game to believe it.
02. Wipeout Pulse
Wipeout is an insane futuristic racer with a crazy visual and audio overload style. If you’ve played any of them you can understand why it’s high up, if you haven’t then get it!
01. God of War Chains of Olympus ($15.99)
The God of War games for PS2 are action games perfected. They are incredibly fun, and the gameplay is fluid and hectic. The PSP version doesn’t let it’s hardware limitations get in the way and delivers and experience that’s very comparable to the PS2 titles. This is a must play for everyone who loves action games.
The Top 10 Wicked PSP Game Deals Currently on the PSN Store
10. Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light ($9.99)
Blade Dancer is by no means an amazing RPG, but it is a good RPG by NIS, and for $10 this is a great deal for RPG players.
09. Beats ($4.99)
Beats is a small cheap rhythm game that comes with a couple of tracks built in, but the big idea behind it is that it also uses any tunes you have on your PSP. If you just want something mindless to play while you listen to your tunes, this is a good deal.
08. Pinball Hall of Fame ($9.99)
For serious pinball lovers. For the asking price you get a bunch of classic tables recreated and a very authentic pinball experience. Everyone loves a game of pinball, right?
07. THEXDER NEO ($9.99)
A classic reborn. Thexder is an old school PC game where you move through maze like dungeons killing enemies, collecting energy, and trying to find the exit. What makes it unique is its Robotech-like gameplay. You play as a mech that can easily transform to and from a jet. This is a very fun game and the price makes it easy for anyone to try out.
06. Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? ($9.99)
Prinny is a classic 2d side scrolling platformer with a twist. It’s a very unique game, with great visuals and a really fun play style. The sale price of $10 makes this a game for anyone wanting more old school gameplay.
05. Sega Genesis Collection ($15.99)
Despite all the new stuff coming out for portable systems sometimes the best thing is the old stuff. There’s a ton of anthologies for the system from companies like Activision, Capcom, Sega, SNK. But the genesis collection is the biggest bang for your buck. Featuring games from every genre and tons of fun stuff. For the RPG fans Phantasy Star 2,3,4… Need I say more.
04. God of War Chains of Olympus ($15.99)
Being my #1 download game for the system, it’s hard to argue with that price point!
03. Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness ($14.99)
Like I said in the last list the PSP has a TON of SRPGs and a TON of good ones. Jeanne d’Arc is a great RPG, but still a bit pricey. If you can only play 1 SRPG, this is it! Disgaea is known for its insane depth. The gameplay is a traditional tactics game with some added elements thrown in, but what’s amazing is the amount of gameplay this title provides. It’s easy to sink hundreds of hours into this game. There are 100′s of levels and side stories and random dungeons to play through. The PSP game (since it was ported from the PS2 version) includes a new mode where you play as the character Etna, as well as a multiplayer mode. Honestly, if you’re an SRPG this is the only game you would need to satisfy years of gameplay.
02. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords PSP Temporary Price Drop (now $7.99)
Puzzle Quest sounds like a silly game, but what it really is, is a structured Bejeweled with tons of RPG elements thrown in. It’s a puzzle game with the depth and customization aspects of RPGs. Surprisingly the two mesh together really well. Bejeweled is one of the most addictive puzzle games ever, and the RPG aspects really take it further. You’ll have to play it to see what I mean, but at this sale price, you can’t afford not to check it out.
01. Guilty Gear Judgment
Funny that my number one budget title game isn’t a sale or even new on the store. When I first saw this price of this I thought it HAD to be a mistake. $5.99 for this game is insane. If you like beat ‘em ups or 2d fighters this is the best value for the system. The game includes the new 2d beat ‘em up game (think Double Dragon or Streets of Rage) which is very well done, and quite fun. The game also comes bundled with a full portable version of Guilty Gear X2, the famous 2d fighter. UMD versions of this are very tough to find for under $20 used.
List of Newly Available PSP games
300: March To Glory ($14.99)
Activision Hits Remixed ($14.99)
Alien Syndrome ($15.99)
Avatar: The Last Airbender ($19.99)
Beaterator ($39.99)
Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light ($9.99)
Brunswick Pro Bowling ($9.99)
Burnout Legends ($19.99)
Burnout Dominator ($14.99)
Cabela’s African Safari ($14.99)
Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts: Ultimate Challenge ($14.99)
Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded ($19.99)
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs ($29.99)
Crash of the Titans ($19.99)
Crash: Mind Over Mutant ($29.99)
Crash Tag Team Racing ($14.99)
Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars ($15.99)
Crush ($15.99) Crush ($ 15.99)
Daxter ($15.99)
Def Jam Fight For New York: The Takeover ($9.99)
Dirt 2 ($29.99)
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness ($14.99)
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days ($29.99)
Dragoneer’s Aria ($14.99)
Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai ($14.99)
Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai Another Road ($14.99)
Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce ($29.99)
Fight Night Round 3 ($19.99)
Full Auto 2: Battlelines ($15.99)
GIJOE The Rise of Cobra ($39.99)
God of War Chains of Olympus ($15.99)
Gran Turismo PSP ($39.99)
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus ($24.99)
Gun Showdown ($14.99)
Hot Brain ($14.99) Hot Brain ($ 14.99)
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey ($29.99)
Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings ($19.99)
Iron Man ($19.99)
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights ($19.99)
Justice League Heroes ($14.99)
The King of Fighters Collection ($19.99)
Lego Batman The Video Game ($19.99
LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventure ($19.99)
LocoRoco 2 ($15.99)
Lord of the Rings: Tactics ($9.99)
Madden NFL 10 ($39.99)
Mana Khemia: Student Alliance ($ 14.99)
Medal of Honor Heroes ($19.99)
Medal of Honor Heroes 2 ($19.99)
Metal Slug Anthology ($19.99)
MLB 09 The Show ($31.99)
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite ($29.99)
Mortal Kombat: Unchained ($19.99)
MotorStorm Arctic Edge ($39.99)
MX vs ATV Untamed ($19.99)
NCAA Football 10 ($39.99)
Need For Speed Underground Rivals ($14.99)
Need For Speed Most Wanted ($19.99)
Need for Speed SHIFT ($39.99)
Need For Speed ProStreet ($19.99)
Need for Speed Carbon ($19.99)
Obscure: The Aftermath ($29.99)
Pinball Hall of Fame ($9.99)
PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe ($19.99)
Prince of Persia Revelations ($9.99)
Prince of Persia Rival Swords ($14.99)
Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? ($9.99)
Puzzle Challenge: Crosswords and More! ($ 4.99)
Rapala Trophies ($14.99)
Resistance Retribution ($31.99)
Samurai Showdown Anthology ($19.99)
Scrabble ($19.99)
Secret Agent Clank ($31.99)
Sega Genesis Collection ($15.99)
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona ($39.99)
The Sims 2 ($14.99)
The Sims 2 Castaway ($9.99)
The Sims 2 Pets ($9.99)
SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 ($19.99)
Sonic Rivals ($15.99)
Sonic Rivals 2 ($29.99)
SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny ($39.99)
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger ($19.99)
Star Wars: Battlefront Renegade Squadron ($19.99)
Star Wars: Battlefront II ($19.99)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed ($19.99)
Super Monkey Ball Adventure ($15.99)
THEXDER NEO ($9.99)
Thrillville: Off the Rails ($19.99)
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 ($39.99)
Tom Clancy’s EndWar ($29.99)
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas ($19.99)
SWAT: Target Liberty ($19.99)
Warriors Orochi 2 ($29.99)
WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2009 ($19.99)
Previous Games With Price Drops or on Sale
Cube Temporary Sale (now $4.99)
Dead Head Fred Temporary Price Drop (now $7.99)
PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient Temporary Sale (now $4.99)
PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 Temporary Price Drop (now $7.99)
WTF: Work Time Fun Temporary Sale (now $4.99)
Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? Temporary Sale (now $9.99)
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords PSP Temporary Price Drop (now $7.99)
Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! Temporary Sale (now $9.99)
TV Show King Permanent Price Drop (now $7.99)
Previously Released PSP Games For Download
Ape Escape: On the Loose
Ape Quest
Archer Maclean’s Mercury
Beats
Brain Challenge
Brave Story: New Travele
Brothers in Arms: D-Day
Capcom Classics Collection Remixed
Chessmaster: The Art of Learning
The Con
Cube: 3D Puzzle Mayhem
Dead Head Fred
Driver 76
Dynasty Warriors
Echochrome
Everyday Shooter
Fate/Unlimited Codes
Field Commander
Flow
Gangs of London
Guilty Gear Judgment
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2
Jeanne d’Arc
Killzone: Liberation
Kingdom of Paradise
LocoRoco
LocoRoco 2
Luxor Pharaoh’s Challenge
MediEvil: Resurrection
Mercury Meltdown
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
Midnight Club: L.A. Remix
Mind Quiz
Myst
Neopets: Petpet Adventures: The Wand of Wishing
No Gravity: The Plague of Mind
Off Road Racing
PaRappa the Rapper
Patapon
Patapon 2
PBR: Out of the Chute
Platypus
Pocket Pool
PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2
Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Samurai Warriors: State of War
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2
Star Trek: Tactical Assault
StateShift
Strikers 1945 Plus
Super Collapse 3
Super Stardust Portable
Syphon Filter: Combat Op
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow
Talkman Travel: Paris
Talkman Travel: Rome
Talkman Travel: Tokyo
TMNT
Tokobot
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Essentials
Tomb Raider: Anniversary
Tomb Raider: Legend
Twisted Metal: Head-On
Ultimate Board Game Collection
Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins
Unbound Saga
Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade
Untold Legends: The Warrior’s Code
Valhalla Knights
Wild Arms XF
Wipeout Pulse
Wipeout Pure
PSP minis (small download titles)
Alien Havoc ($4.99) Alien Havoc ($ 4.99)
Tetris ($9.99) Tetris ($ 9.99)
Hero of Sparta ($6.99) Hero of Sparta ($ 6.99)
Brainpipe ($4.99) Brainpipe ($ 4.99)
Fieldrunners ($6.99) Fieldrunners ($ 6.99)
Sudoku ($4.99) Sudoku ($ 4.99)
Funky Punch ($4.99) Funky Punch ($ 4.99)
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