Square Enix has decided to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Final Fantasy series by releasing the first two adventures on PSP.
Final Fantasy I and II will be available across the US on 26th June and 24th July respectively. The titles are currently unconfirmed for Europe.
These anniversary editions will be completely remastered for the handheld. New features include updated graphics, unexplored dungeons, 16:9 presentation, updated camera views and new character art.
Final Fantasy was released in Japan 20 years ago, and began what has turned out to be an immensely popular series, today totalling more than 75 million sales worldwide.
The first game tells the story of four adventurers summoned to bring the world back to a harmonious elemental balance, seeking out an evil entity that has created a rift in the structure of time.
Final Fantasy II follows four brave fellows once more, this time battling an evil emperor who has unleashed an army of demons to take over the world.
“So much has changed within the video game industry since the first console was launched, and Final Fantasy has always pushed the envelope, creating the most advanced graphics and immersive storylines possible,” said Shinji Hashimoto, executive producer for the games. “It is amazing to see how far Final Fantasy has come in the past twenty years, and we cannot wait to continue bringing fans more Final Fantasy titles in the next 20 years.”
| TOCA Race Driver 3 ChallengeDeveloper: Sumo Digital
Publisher: Codemasters
“You’ll need dedication, patience and skill to get the most of TRD3 Challenge,” we said in our review back in March and nothing has changed since. This isn’t a game for those whose idea of racing is to approach corners with the finger firmly on the accelerator button and simply flick the analogue nub (or D-pad) violently to one side. If that’s not you, you’ll love the wide range of vehicles and remarkable balance of ‘playable reality’ on offer here. |
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| The WarriorsDeveloper: Rockstar Leeds
Publisher: Rockstar
Adapted from a cult 1979 film (and previously available on consoles), this is an often brutal gang-based action adventure that sees you fighting your way across New York’s meanest streets. Thankfully, the third-person combat system is as tough as they come, which combined with a hugely atmospheric setting, superlative production values and seemingly endless variety makes this a supremely entertaining experience all PSP-owning adults (this is 18-rated) should try. |
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| Metal Slug AnthologyDeveloper: SNK Playmore
Publisher: Ignition
Seven games from SNK’s gorgeous, delightfully playable 2D side-scrolling shooter series may sound like a recipe for broken PSP buttons as a result of the relentless use they’ll endure. For us, though, it sounds like the UMD to have with you at all times. Because despite the odd irritating flaw as a result of the conversion process, there is little on Sony’s handheld that can match this for a quick, gratifying dose of shoot-’em-up goodness. |
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| Sega Mega Drive CollectionDeveloper: Digital Eclipse
Publisher: Sega
Granted, not all of the 27 impeccably converted games crammed into this UMD are classics, but the majority do represent a selection of the most popular titles to appear on Sega’s old 16-bit console. From various examples of the Sonic The Hedgehog, Phantasy Star, Golden Axe and Ecco the Dolphin series, to Columns, Virtua Fighter 2 and Shinobi III, this is one of the strongest retro compilations to have appeared on any system. |
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| Tony Hawk’s Project 8Developer: Page 44 Studios
Publisher: Activision
Console owners may be sick of the Hawkster tuning up on a yearly basis, but on PSP his appearances have to date been far less frequent. As a result, when a skateboarding game as delicately crafted and compelling as this rolls along, it’s impossible (and, indeed, unfair) to ignore it. Crucially, Project 8 nails the control mechanism and then follows that with a ridiculous amount of depth through a multitude of mini-goal based missions. It’s emerged as one of the year’s most absorbing games. |
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| Ratchet & Clank: Size MattersDeveloper: High Impact Games
Publisher: Sony
Taking a much-deserved vacation from their adventures on PlayStation 2, Ratchet and Clank turn up on PSP only to find themselves needing to embark on a mysterious quest involving a kidnapped girl and forgotten race of genius inventors. Cue the franchise’s many weapons and gadgets, which together with the relentless destruction, pleasing variety, and tonnes of content results in one of the handheld’s best action adventure experiences to date. |
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| Sid Meier’s Pirates!Developer: Full Fat
Publisher: 2K Games
An update of the classic 1987 strategy-led adventure, whose open-ended mechanic gives you the freedom to amass fame, fortune, land, political power and treasure as you roam around the Gulf Coast, Caribbean and South America, making both friends and enemies. It’s a glorious mix of exploration, mutinies, duelling and sea-battle mini-games, charming and humourous cut-scenes, supported by the kind of sturdy game design even the most determined cannonball can’t dent. |
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| Metal Gear Solid: Portable OpsDeveloper: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Konami
Although out in the US in 2006, Portable Ops qualifies for inclusion here due to the ridiculous five-month wait European gamers had to endure for the game to arrive in our continent. Specifically, it qualifies for inclusion here in such a high position because it’s excellent – a clever and brilliantly designed stealth-based action title that remains true to the essence of past MGS games while introducing a host of new elements, not least one of the strongest multiplayer aspects yet seen on PSP. |
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| Virtua Tennis 3Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: Sega
Wimbledon competitors may have spent more time waiting around that playing on the courts this year but we suspect those crafty enough to have packed a PSP with a copy of Sega’s brilliant Virtua Tennis 3 into their kit bag probably didn’t mind the rain one bit. That would be because this is one superbly refined tennis game, its exquisite control mechanics partnered by the brilliantly balanced difficulty and variety of the content. The resulting digital sporting experience is simply smashing. |
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| CrushDeveloper: Zoë Mode
Publisher: Sega
Crush is exactly the kind of game the PSP is crying out for. Innovative, daring, fresh, perfectly suited to its host platform and immensely playable, it’s no wonder the game recently won a prestigious Develop Award for ‘Best New Handheld IP’. Don’t let the dry terminology of the award’s label conjure up the wrong image, though – Crush beat its rivals precisely because its vibrant qualities are impossible to miss. From the moment you pick it up, you’re lost in a clever, masterfully designed, multi-dimensional puzzler that will consume your thoughts. |
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Sony-Ericsson believes it can negotiate the balance between serious gaming and phones, according to a patent just granted to the company. Although titled a “Mobile Information Terminal Apparatus” in the description, the patent describes a device similar in shape to the Sony PSP Game system but with a unique swiveling screen similar to that of the Samsung i7. The LCD could rotate either 90 or 180 degrees to move the attached directional pad to a more comfortable position for gaming or (at the mid-point) a widescreen display for movies. A second directional pad would sit among the buttons with a layout that prevents accidental number presses during game sessions. Software would also play into the advancement. The phone would always monitor incoming calls and could pause a game to handle the conversation, Sony says. Code could optionally be written to provide different resume options, including both the immediate pause point, the start of the current level, or shutting down the game entirely if the phone call prompts a change in plans.
Although Sony-Ericsson hasn’t provided any immediate indications that it will release a phone based on the patent, the filing would allow the company to do so without worries about copies. It would also reflect Sony-Ericsson’s current approach to phones, which has produced numerous phones based on the Bravia and Cyber-shot lines from Sony.
[via Unwired View]
