PSP (R13)
Pros: A new take on the popular next-gen Resistance games for PS3, this scaled-down shooter cunningly avoids being a poor cousin to the console games and takes full advantage of the PSP's hardware. It has switched from FPS mode to be a third person shooter - making
far more sense on the PSP's small screen. A new character, Brit James Grayson, finds a Chimeran human-to-demon conversion factory, and watches as his brother is killed. Unsurprisingly he gets the pip and tries to destroy all conversion facilities. It's a relatively simple storyline that offers super-fast, high action gameplay. It also features five different multiplayer modes. One cool feature is the ability to "talk" to Resistance 2 - one of last year's best titles - when it's loaded on to a network capable PS3. This gives players bonus content and can allow Retribution to be played with the PS3's Dual Shock controller, when it really needs to be connected to a TV, defeating the whole purpose of portability. Graphics are fantastic, sharp and well-rendered, making the battles with multiple enemies exciting and challenging.
Cons: Getting to grips with the controls - "joystick" for movement and R1 button to shoot, D-pad to switch weapons and zoom - is a bit of a firefight nightmare unless you select auto-aim. Auto targeting does need to be switched off occasionally for enemies who need a solid head shot to dispatch them. Voiceovers are pretty bad in parts, requiring subtitles.
Verdict: About as good as it gets on PlayStation's Portable, whether you're a seasoned Fall of Man veteran or a newbie.
