KEY POINTS:
PSP is on a bit of a roll with the addition of Skype and some updates of three old favourite games that aren't sensational advances but excellent timekillers - which is what the pocket size PSP is all about.
The new software update (version 3.90) lets you make and
receive Skype calls - but only if you have the slim and lite PSP versions and the GoCam
On the games front, I've been enjoying a few new Sony studio sequels to old favourites on my handheld:
Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice (M) is the nice-looking sequel to the 2006 cop action movie and has the usual car chases, shootouts and now the obligatory gunfights are on helicopters and atop speeding trains as you try to save Capital City from gangs terrorising the streets. The Convicts are once again loose from jail and it's your job to round 'em up!
In the 30 single player missions, chases and vehicle-hopping are the most fun types. And when you're talking about vehicles to drive, it's not just cars but taking a leaf out of the Grand Theft book, you can ride everything from motorcycles to hovercrafts, speedboats and even jet skis! At times cheesy but fun.
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (M) finds Gabe Logan still at his game saving the world. This time the spy mission involves a revolutionary new weapon falling into the wrong hands in the Middle East. The involved story has been developed by DC comics' Batman writer Greg Rucka. It's similar to its very pleasing PSP predecessor, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror but the coolest addition is the new underwater combat complete with new physics with weapons like spear guns and bolt pistols. Yet again great gameplay, solid graphics and an entertaining game that had my PSP batteries run dry.
Wipeout Pulse (PG) comes three years on from the first Wipeout Pure game on PSP. It has 24 reversible circuits, new types of those futuristic high-speed vehicles and new powerups and weaponry. An additional feature acts a bit like a magnet and temporarily locks ships to the levels, enabling loops and vertical drops.
Of course Wipeout is a very old favourite - one of the original releases on the original Playstation and a favourite of mine.
And this is familiar fare - the hectic racing, techno music (or play mp3s from your memory stick) and wild racing tearing around the circuits in cities 200-odd years from now. But the single player mode is especially cool and also the photo mode which lets you grab awesome screenshots.