Potential revision or no, with Portable Ops just around the corner, I think it's finally time for me to grab a PSP.  I ordered a Japanese Ceramic White, so yes, playing domestic R1 UMD movies and the like are low priority.  Homebrew and emulation aren't terribly important for me either, since the gap between games that I want to play on the SNES has steadily narrowed, and I get my NES kicks with PocketNES on SP/DS.  But I digress.  The point is, I'll likely be keeping to the most updated firmware for the games, while photo and ripped DVD viewing would serve as a neat extra.

Which leads me to a few inquiries.  I really am a PSP novice at this point, and although things look to be pretty much cut and dry with what I can do with the thing and how to do it, I would love to know; are there any good up-to-date resources and how-to guides out there?  A quick search or two does yield a number of FAQs, but most seem to have been written back when the PSP was first released, like in March 2005.  For instance, PSP Video 9 seemed to be the best featured program to use for converting to MPEG4, but are there better options available nowadays?

Also, cases and protective gear.  For those using 'em, what do you recommend?  I guess my main concern is the protection of the screen itself, so I was thinking of something like Pelican's PSP Face Armor or Logitech's PlayGear Pocket -- something DS-esque with a flip-top cover.  Any suggestions? 

And since we're on topic, perhaps you guys can indulge me with some thoughts on the following games?  I've got Gitaroo Man Lives and LocoRoco on tap for now, but what do you think about these:

Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
Burnout Legends
Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded
Capcom Classics Collection Remixed
Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower
DJ Max Portable
Every Extend Extra
Exit
Gradius Portable
Guilty Gear Judgment
Guilty Gear XX #Reload
Lumines 2
Me and My Katamari
Mega Man Powered Up
Mega Man X: Maverick Hunters
Metal Gear Acid 1, 2
Powerstone Collection
Sega Genesis Collection
Street Fighter Zero 3: Double Upper
Taiko no Tatsujin Portable
Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth
Virtua Tennis World Tour
Ys: The Ark of Napishtim

(And, just for the heck of it: the Talkman series.) ;)

I believe the JP version of Guilty Gear Judgment comes with Slash, and the US version comes with #R, so getting the standalone #R would be redundant.

I've only played the Megaman games, and wholeheartedly recommend both. They'd be the first games I'd pick up if I were to get a PSP.

I'm asking for the Metallic Blue PSP for X-mas, so I'll be joining the ranks of the PSP holders shortly as well.  Right now, I have three games for it:  DJMax, Generation of Chaos, and Tokimeki Memorial (because I just love that game so much).  I'll probably pick up the Megaman games when I get the unit, and perhaps Disgaea Portable (though now that I've put in 400 hours on the PS2 version, I'm a little less likely to splurge on that).

For the Guilty Gears, both are the same game...EXCEPT, in Japan, they got GGXX:#Reload Slash, while we just got plain, old Reload. Might want to consider importing there. Not many differences, but new characters and (supposed) balancing. Judgement is actually a Final Fight-style beat-em up included on the same UMD. Although I don't recommend any kind of fighter on PSP. The system isn't made for it, unless you can modify the controller somehow. And even then, I'd be worried it might wear out the buttons too quickly. 

Heh, Popo beat me to it...

I hear the Napishtim port was disappointing and plagued by PSP's giant load time issues even moreso than usual. I'd settle for the PS2 game and look into Gurumin when it comes out for PSP here instead (another Falcom action-RPG and one of the few titles making a convincing case for my own purchase of one).

Also consider: Princess Crown, one of the 2D Saturn gems that costs an arm and a leg to find, but was re-released on PSP. That one definitely got my attention and I'm really disappointed Atlus hasn't released it here.

And Legend of Heroes 3 and 4. In English. Finally. Maybe even 5 and 6.

Oh yeah, and I'll second Tokimeki Memorial from Crash. That game is more fun than it has any right to be. Now if we could just get it in English one of these days...

Well, I'm no PSP expert, although I have been thinking about one myself, but I currently do not have plans to get one (not enough incentive).  I know you can get the following games on systems such as the PS2 or Xbox (and often for less), so why would you want to play them on a tiny screen?

Capcom Classics Collection
Sega Genesis Collection
Ys: The Ark of Napishtim

Below are the PSP games I want to play:

Gradius Portable (I think you mean "Gradius Collection"?)
Mega Man Powered Up
Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth

cheers,

-avatar!

I played Loco Roco on an in-store demo.  It was neat, but not as fun as I had hoped.  Right now, the only PSP games I own are the two Mega Man games, neither of which I have played since I do not own a PSP.  I will probably buy MGS as well, but I'm not sure if I should get it now or wait until it goes GH since it doesn't look like the PSP remodel is coming out anytime soon.

I have two PSP's(one from Japan and one from US), but I am using it mostly as a media device, as a gaming machine - very sporadically, I would recommend getting Lumines, Lumines 2, Guitaroo Man and Metal Slug Anthology.

Lumines 2 contains almost all of the same stages as 1 but with a massive amount more so I'd think 2 is all you need. Here are some quick thoughts on the games on your list that I have or have played -

Burnout Legends
A bit jagged compared with its larger console brothers but one of the most fun games you could ever play. It plays wonderfully on PSP. Highly recommended, if you can put up with the soundtrack.

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded
A must-have, if this is the one I'm thinking of. SF1 is pox but almost every other game on this is stunning and beautifuuly presented.

Capcom Classics Collection Remixed
Oddly enough, I'd have a harder time recommending this one. Yes, it has the GnGs and the SF2s but, as a result, there is far less variety and are you really going to play the different versions of SF2?

Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower
I adore DS and, in theory, this is a spot-on port but I can't recommend it. The reason is that they made no allowances for the crappy controls of the PSP. It's very difficult to play and it will frustrate if you're a DS fan unless you mod your PSP.

DJ Max Portable
Everyone loves this. I like my rhythm games but this did nothing for me. It feels totally random.

Every Extend Extra
Love it. This game is a must-have. It's beautiful and the simple gameplay is perfect.

Exit
I'd be tempted to wait for the sequel. Exit is a really interesting game but the control scheme lets it down. I'm hoping they make improvements in the sequel. That said, it can be picked up cheap.

Guilty Gear Judgment
Guilty Gear XX #Reload
Everyone has already explained the GG situation. Go for JP Judgement.

Lumines 2
Excellent.

Me and My Katamari
Fantastic after the first hour. The first hour will be spent getting used to using the PSP controls. A wonderful game.

Metal Gear Acid 1, 2
Interesting games though the desire for a real MGS game sort of hindered my enjoyment. Much better than I thought a card-based MG could be though.

Powerstone Collection
Excellent.

Street Fighter Zero 3: Double Upper
This is fantastic. It has everything. Everything. And, unlike DS, the control has been tweaked to compensate for the PSP control. It's not like EO or anything like that - it plays exactly as it always did. It's just that it's possible to pull off speciall moves in SFZ3 and not in DS.

Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins
I didn't get on with this but I think it's only because I have less patience these days. It's a beautiful looking game and probably a worthy purchase if you like the originals.

The only other thing I'd add is that you should try to get an older model. Really. The new colours come with a new motherboard that makes it impossible to downgrade firmware. With older firmware you can get some great homebrew and excellent emulators - like an Amstrad emulator! Or a SNES emulator! And many, many more. They're almost worth having a PSP for alone but the newer PSP motherboards won't allow you to do this. Let me know if you need any more info on that.

What, no RIIIIIIIIDGE RAAAAAAACER?

Thanks for the feedback, guys.  I already put an order in for a number of the games listed, due in no small part to your recommendations.  I already own the original Lumines, but I might give Ridge Racer a go sometime down the line  Is it a Greatest Hits yet?

And just wondering, is there an alternative program to PSPhoto that can do batch conversion?  I'd rather not install the required 2.0 .NET Framework update from MS unless I have to.

Gotta make a trip to Target later, since they have 2 GB Sandisk Memory Pro Duos on sale for $40 each.  ^_^

Nero Recode has always worked great for my PSP video needs. It even offers compression presets specifically for the PSP. I only put small clips on mine, though... game trailers and... ahem, website samples.

Interesting. All this PSP talk. One of my friends walked into work today with a shiny new PSP. Just out of the blue. He tapped into the WiFi signal and started browsing the internet. I actually want one. Not sure what I'd do with it, but the screen looks sharp. No Castlevania games designed specifically for the PSP is definitely not good. And strange. The PSP is perfect for such things.

Got my Ceramic White from Play Asia today -- along with DJ Portable Max: International Version and Mega Man Powered Up.  Still have SFA3 Max, Every Extend Extra, Burnout Legends, Mega Man Maverick Hunter X, and Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded coming in. 

One dead pixel, unfortunately -- near the top-right corner, so it's not terribly bad.  2.81 firmware.  All the buttons seem to be in fine working order.  The square button, in particular, I test-drove extensively with Powered Up's shooting, and the world-tilting shoulder buttons for LocoRoco all seem a-ok.   

Can't check out the video or photo-viewing features yet, though, since I don't have a memory stick. (I skipped the Sandisk 2GB Pro Duos at Target, and instead ordered a couple through Amazon, who's currently selling them for $29.99.)

Being a DS aficionado at this point, I'm so used to having the headphone port being on the bottom right.  Need to get used to the fact that the PSP is left. 

Powered Up makes me smile, and just playing through two or three stages makes me hope they continue with these remakes.  And maybe it's Powered Up itself, but I'm still getting over the shock at how crisp and vibrant the music quality is over the DS.  I mean, wow.

Sounds bad to me!  I wouldn't put up with that...  I would exchange it for a system that actually works right, as its supposed to!

cheers,

-avatar!

Ordinarily, I would agree with you.  But seeing as how I got the system oversees, I don't think I'm hard-up enough to send it back, pay another shipping fee, and receive another system that might have even more dead pixels -- and worse, in places that may be far more noticeable.  As it is, it isn't bothering me in the least.

I just gave DJ Max Portable a go, and I've gotta say..... I sure miss those Beatmania and Pop 'n Music days.  I can see how Crash would already have the game, Beatmania junkie that he is. ;)  If you don't know it already, Crash, this one's definitely right up your alley.

Yeah, the PSP has enough pixels that one dead one doesn't really affect much.  I think mine has something like 3?  I'm not sure... I haven't actually used the thing since February or so (though now that I have my copy of Legend of Heroes III, I might well actually charge the thing up and put it to use on the plane home for the holidays).

My PSP had anywhere between 5 and 8 dead pixels, but I just got used to them. Like Joe said, there are so many it's hardly a problem. A dead pixel on a DS Lite is a different story, though...

Try dead pixels on a Turbo Express.  Now THAT is annoying!

Are dead pixels on a DS common or at least as common as it is a problem with the PSP?

AFAIK, they're not as common as deaders on a PSP. I have had three DS Lite units since launch: the first one had a dead pixel (which is why I returned it), and the past two have been fine screen-wise. My last model's R button stopped functioning, and my current one is just ducky. But the difference is that the DS's pixels are bigger, making them much more noticable. I'd bet that you could have a deader on a PSP and someone might not even notice.

As far as I could tell from the launch, dead pixels were very common on the Lite. Not sure if its the same now. The difference is that Nintendo seem to have no problem replacing units with dead pixels and that's what counts because then it doesn't matter how common (or uncommon) they are. I've been lucky that I've had two PSPs with not a dead pixel between them but I wouldn't fancy my chances getting Sony to replace them if I did. Although, as Zane says, they're much more noticable on a DS.

To add a few more reccomendations for you Angela:

The Logitech Playgear Pocket is certainly secure for the system, but it makes the console super clunky if you actually want to play the system while it is inside the armor.  Also, it makes it really heavy, if you want to travel with it.  I just opted for a well padded camcorder bag to take mine in, no probs thus far.

I also used to use the Pelican Face Armor, but I had mixed issus with mine.  For starters it screws into those two empty "holes" at the top of the PSP near the disc "drawer".  If these screws are tightened too much, they will cause the plastic around the disc drawer to warp, which will then cause the disc to eject at random intervals, such a picking it up, moving it around.  Anything that causes light motion can do it.  No lie, this has happened to me. 

Additionally, the "face armor" just lays on top of the screen, it doesn't shut tightly, so all manner of dust, etc can and will get under it.  Plus, once the soft undernear gets some dust on it, it's there to stay.

I just opted to get one of those stick on screen protectors that just about every third party makes for the system.  It still gets dusty, but I don't have any major scratches.

And for game recommendations:

Astonishia Story  Ignore what the naysayers and reviewers say, the just don't know how to enjoy an old-school rpg anymore.  Well, it's not wholly an rpg, more like a t-rpg in the style of Arc The Lad.  Graphics remind me of early Sega Saturn games where every little on screen item is rendered in complete 2D detail.  Flowers nod in the breeze, clouds pass overhead, you can scare up flocks of birds on the sidewalk, etc.  True, the plot is nothing groundbreaking: disgraced kinight tries to reclaim his kingdom's relic, only to be pulled into a much larger conflict that involves two races going to war, and a kind queen who may or may not be under the spell of the underworld.  But within that plot are lots of little parts that either had me smiling (think "awwww...") or laughing out loud.  Perhaps due to the fact that this is a Korean made game (a game I nearly bought a GP32 to play) but there are several in jokes regarding "warez" and copy protection.  And these aren't just cheesey Working Designs style "let's throw in something stupid to make the game better" jokes, the programmers actually put the stuff in there.

Princess Crown  I know you're an import buff too, so I had to add this.  I was skeptical when I first heard about this, as PC is a Sega Saturn game, but I was shocked and pleased to find that the emulation is spot on.  I am going from memory, as my Saturn is in storage right now, but I can't seem to find any difference between the two.  Unfortunately it seems that this game is fated to live and die as an import only, as I read that Atlus Japan told Atlus U.S. that they "lost the code" (that's the same excuse Enix gave for not bringing over DQ4 for the PS1, does this stuff really happen, or is it an excuse?) so Atlus U.S. can't translate and publish it here.

Also, they aren't my favorite games, but I find them noteworthy as they are all in English: the U.K. releases of Tales of Eternia and Breath of Fire 3.  More ports, but it gives me another reason to try and finish them this time, even though I still have a hard time warming up to BoF3.  I would have much preferred BoF4.  No clue why these full English games aren't being released here.

The two are obviously related.

Higher number of pixels on PSP = higher chances of dead pixels. This is exactly like the risk of having multiple hard drives; that's why you set up RAID systems.

Thanks myaje!  I was definitely curious to know how the flip-top worked on Pelican's Face Armor; bummer to hear it isn't full screen protection.  I was actually thinking of going with Capdase's Soft Jacket, since it's gotten a fair amount of praise all around.

Might take a look at Astonishia Story and Princess Crown sometime, but the first RPG I'll likely pick up would be the Genso Suikoden I + II pack.  It'd be great to take a stroll down Suikoden lane again; anyone know how these ports ended up?

*holds breath, jumps up and down and motions Angela towards Suikoden V again*

Sorry...Had to get that in.

I've been looking for info on them myself, but haven't seen anything except the various complaints that they're not in English.

Yeah, I just might give it a try after all, especially since Dragon Quest 8 didn't quite hold my interest as long as I had hoped.  But I dunno, I just find that if I'm not playing the old and familiar, I have a tremendously hard time getting into an RPG nowadays.  Just look at FFV Advance; I had no trouble logging in 35 quick hours into it, and I suspect the same will hold true for FFVI and GS1/GS2.

All I'll say: It was designed explicitly for fans of Suikoden 2. The designers knew what made that game tick and they really built around it. It's different, but it's the same.

I promise I will say no more on the matter. :x I'm having too many issues finishing new RPG's myself (VP2, WA4...) to make a convincing case.

To Angela (aka queen of Metal Gear):

Please post opinions of Portable Ops!  I almost broke down and bought a PSP after IGN's review, but I regained my compsure in time.  What do you think of it?

To be honest, I picked the game up on day one, but I've barely touched it yet. (Blame that on Virtua Tennis, and now DJ MAX.)

My initial impression is that, even for me, it plays with a lot of difficulty.  I appreciate the fact that they've included a fully customizable control scheme, but no matter how much I tweak it, it still feels like a chore to maneuver.  The default setting has the analog nub for moving your character around, while the d-pad allows for camera adjusting.  I found this to be awkward, so I flip-flopped the controls -- but then I found it's a real strain having to constantly hold down the d-pad to move.

Things obviously had to be switched around to make MGS3's gameplay work with the PSP's control scheme, but in the process, they've generally been altered for the worst.  Aiming in first-person view is very tough now, and the seemingly best way to take down soldiers is with CQC.  (CQC too, got so watered down, that the only feasible move now is the slam-down.)  The other frustrating aspect is that the nuances of stealth in MGS3, like using your natural surroundings to hide, were removed, and you're again relying on just finding that proper nook or corner to hide in - and anyone who's played the indoor levels of Subsistence with the rotatable camera knows how exasperating that can be.

Maybe I need to spend more time with it, but I think the biggest fault with Portable Ops is that it tries too much to be like MGS3 - and even worse with the moveable camera, like Subsistence.  I can't help thinking that this would play better as a traditional top-down Metal Gear, like MGS1 or MGS2.

Now that I can play nearly any PSX game on my PSP at full speed, my PSP is getting new life.  Tales of Destiny is the first victim.   Thanks, Sony, for making the PSX emulator so easy to hack. :x

That's too bad.  I'm surprised they went with the movable camera on a portable.  That's an odd design choice.  I suppose that means they don't let you switch between the fixed and movable cameras like you can in Subsistence?

http://www.gameexpress.com/product_deta … 2674150255

Just an interesting note...I wasn't even aware this one was coming out. Guess the LOH games are selling enough to break even...Or there was kind of package-licensing deal in the works.

Bring on LOH VI!

First, to address this inquiry that I should've answered way back when, no, you can't switch between fixed and movable.  It's always moveable.

That said, Portable Ops has gotten far more playable, once I've learned how to 'detach' myself from the way previous MGS titles played.  That means tweaking your style of strategy, and adhering to the mechanics; once you learn how to do that, the game becomes much more accessible.  I've beaten the game at this point, and it's an enjoyable affair - certainly worth it, as always, for the engaging story.

For the curious, I did purchase the Capdase Soft Jacket and Logitech Playgear Pocket cases, and of the two, I prefer the Playgear Pocket more.  Yes, it is quite heavy when the PSP is in the case, but damned if it isn't super-secure when locked.  Love using it as a stand when watching movies and the like, and I personally find it makes the system easier to handle when playing games, due to its larger base.

Well, that's good news.  It's the story that keeps me into the MGS series, so I'll probably still pick it up.  Since there's still no word on when the new PSP will surface, I may just end up getting the Euro version of Portable Ops since I hear that will have some extras.

A new PSP?