With the amount of new exciting PSP games announcements recently, it has becomes a problem to keep track of the games that are worth checking out for the next six months. So without further ado, let’s look at the upcoming cool PSP games that I absolutely must own or would consider seriously.

Note: *Indicates Japanese release date.

Final Fantasy (Jun 26)

Despite numerous ports and remakes before, there is always a demand for Final Fantasy. The very first title in the world famous series will now get a PSP version with plenty of updates. Among them a redrawn character arts, updated the graphics and full support for PSP’s 16:9 widescreen presentation. I have bought the Japanese version, which features an option for English text, and while this is RPG in its most basic form, fans of 2D graphics and those wanting to experience classic RPG games should get this.

More: Game Profiles, IGN Preview

Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology (Jul 17)

The first original “Tales of” game for the PSP. Players create their own main character, who will later joined by a cast of old and new from previous games in the series. The RPG features the same battle system as Tales of the Abyss, where you can move freely with your 4-member party during battles and fight like usual fighting games. Strategy are vital here as well as players have to plan the positions of their characters, block or avoid enemies’ attacks, as well as maximize team combos.

More: Game Profiles, IGN Q&A

Dungeons & Dragons Tactics (Jul 17)

Experience an epic adventure into the world of D&D with this turn-based role-playing games that promises to satisfy both veterans and newcomers to the series. Starting with the party creation at the beginning of the game, of which there are 7 races and 13 job classes to choose from, to the 40-plus missions and the multiplayer modes, with Atari’s promises that downloadable content will be available after its release, D&D Tactics is sure to keep strategy fans busy for a long time to come.

More: Game Profiles, GameSpot Preview

Final Fantasy II (Jul 24, Jun 7*)

Another title from the Final Fantasy library to celebrate the series 20th anniversary. Final Fantasy II will again gets a PSP update similar to Final Fantasy.

More: Game Profile

Brave Story: New Traveler (Jul 31)

I have played the import version and it is still one of the best RPG on the system for me so far. Made by the team behind the Genji series, Brave Story is based on a really good animated movie of the same name. You’ll take on the role of a 11-year-old boy who were addicted to his PSP and neglected his girl friend. The boy set off a journey to a fantasy world when she suddenly collapse from a strange illness and met up with the game’s other colorful characters.

More: Game Profiles, PSPHyper Review

Silent Hill Origins (Aug 6)

There isn’t many horror adventure games for the PSP, so Silent Hill Origins is an interesting game to look out for. Set before all the games so far in the series, Origins explains what happened to Silent Hill that make it so disturbing. GameSpot has played the latest build and were impressed by the game’s graphics that almost match the quality of the game’s other outings on the PS2.

More: Game Profiles, GameSpot Preview

Jeanne d’Arc (Aug 7)

One of my most anticipated title this summer, or a little earlier as IGN were told that the game is now in its final stages of translation. A strategy game from the developers behind Dragon Quest VIII and IX, Jeanne d’Arc is like an alternate version of Joan of Arc’s story, the French heroine during the 100 Years’ War. Fantastic visuals aside, the game features some innovative gameplay compare to typical turn-based strategy game, “unified guard” and “burning aura” are among the new systems, find out the details at GameSpot recent preview.

More: Game Profiles, GameSpot Preview

Wild Arms XF (Aug 9*)

The famous Western themed RPG series will makes it’s first appearance on the PSP as a turn-based strategy games. In an all new story, players move members of their party in turn with the enemies on a hexagonal grid. Unlike Final Fantasy Tactics, the order of turns in XF is determined by “RES” values which can be increased through items or special skills.

More: Game Profiles, IGN Preview

Dead Head Fred (Aug 21)

I still remember the funny trailer of this game from last year E3. Already dead but scientifically resurrected private detective Fred Neuman is after a murderer who not only killed him but also cut off his head. With his brain in a jar, which gives him special abilities like going invisible, Fred will have to fight off zombies or other creatures in his quest for revenge. Could this be another D3 hit after the success of Puzzle Quest?

More: Game Profiles, IGN Preview

Disgaea Portable (Aug 21)

Prequel to the first Disgaea game, which was regarded as one of the best strategy RPGs on PS2 with its deep gameplay and humorous characters. The US version will features a number of exclusive as well, chief among them are the Ad Hoc multiplayer mode with customizable game rules. Other new stuff include unlockable characters from previous games and customizable background music.

More: Game Profiles, GameSpot Preview

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes (Aug 28)

Not to be confused with the Japan only Naruto Narutimate Portable: Mugenjo no Maki, Ultimate Ninja Heroes is an all new Naruto game exclusively for the US, with multiplayer, team customization and Game Sharing the highlights of this fighting game. Players create and customize their own team of ninjas from 20 characters to battle with other players.

More: Game Profiles

Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow (Sep 4)

With the kind of glowing reviews and awards that has been given to the series first PSP outing, Dark Mirror, it’s natural that a sequel is coming. Among the new stuff in Logan’s Shadow are an all new story by Greg Rucka where the game’s main character Gabe Logan have to deal with the possibility that his longtime partner, Lian Xing, is a double agent, other new additions include combat mechanics, weapons and cool locations.

More: Game Profiles, GameSpot Preview

Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron (Sep 26)

Apparently the previous Star Wars game for the PSP, Star Wars: Battlefront II is the system’s best selling games so far so it’s not surprising that a new one is coming out. This PSP exclusive title explore the previously untold story of a group of pilots assembled by Han Solo to help the Rebellion in their fight against the Empire. There will be plenty of upgrades in the single player missions and the multiplayer modes will have support of up to 16 players online.

More: Game Profiles, IGN Preview

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (Sep 25)

The very game that is currently taking up most of my time (120 hours and counting), the sequel to the best selling PSP game in Japan has enough upgrades and new additions to warrant a revisit. Whether it’s killing monsters in the wild or collecting items to upgrade your weapons, not forgetting the incredibly fun multiplayer (via ad hoc, no Infrastructure), Monster Hunter is a game that will keep you entertained for a long time to come.

More: Game Profiles, Rookie guide to the Japanese version, GameSpot Preview

WipeOut Pulse (Sep)

Sequel to my personal favorite game on the PSP, WipeOut Pure. The trailer released is sure interesting but it will be interesting to see how Sony improves an already impressive game and avoid being repetitive. New to this futuristic combat racing is mag-strip, which according to GameSpot, is a part of the track that locks the vehicles onto the track, allowing them to race through loops, 90-degree-angled parts of the track, and steep drops. I am excited to see the 24 new tracks as well.

Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles (Sep 11)

A 3D remake of the Japan only Dracula X: Rondo of Blood, and the game’s UMD will includes the original game in its 2D glory and the port of the best Castlevania game for many, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Like all good side-scrolling games, you will be fighting ghouls and monsters from all directions, picking up weapons like the axe and boomerang, until you met Dracula in the final showdown.

More: Game Profiles, GameSpot Preview

SOCOM: U.S. Navi SEALs Tactical Strike (Oct 2)

A refreshing twist to the SOCOM formulas, Tactical Strike allows you to control a team of four soldiers via a point-and-click interface instead of direct-control shooters the series is known for. Your reactions will be tested to the fullest as the game requires you to think fast in the heat of a battle. The online multiplayer game mode that the series is known for is obviously here as well, complete with remote voice chat.

More: Game Profiles, IGN Preview

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (Oct)

Port of the great PlayStation game with new cutscenes, characters (Balthier from Final Fantasy XII and Luso from the upcoming DS game, Final Fantasy Tactics A2), new job classes (Onion Knight and Dark Knight) and support for ad-hoc play. Fans of the turn-based strategy game will be pleased to know that the US version will features a redone audio.

More: Game Profiles

God of War: Chains of Olympus (Nov)

It was only a few months ago that a God of War for the PSP seems like a wild idea. Chains of Olympus is a prequel to the first God of War, GameSpot reports that the game tells an original story set in the not-so-fun time between the unfortunate death of Kratos’ family and the start of the original God of War. We can expect to see plenty of puzzles and mini-games as well so that players on the move can enjoy the game easier. The visuals by the team behind Daxter so far look fantastic and this is shaping up to be one of the games of PSP.

More: Game Profiles, GameSpot Preview, IGN Preview

Dissidia Final Fantasy (Dec*)

The Final Fantasy All Stars game to celebrate the long running series’ 20th anniversary, visually Dissidia features the art style of Kingdom Hearts with Tetsuya Nomura’s character design while gameplay wise, it’s a fighting game on a 3D field. No Japanese date has been given, but Nomura mentioned that it’s important for the game to be released this year, I am guessing December, the same month when the original Final Fantasy was released for NES. As for other regions release, the trademark was registered in US last April, so the only question is when will it come out.

More: Game Profiles, IGN Dissidia battle system revealed

Star Ocean First Departure (TBA)

Based on legendary RPG makers tri-Ace’s 1996 SNES title, this remake with redone graphics that mix 2D and 3D elements, new voice cast, and new cut-scenes via Production I.G. A few new content is expected as well, that includes new playable characters. This is a great chance to check-out the game’s excellent battle-system, great characterization, deep skills customization and multiple endings.

More: Game Profiles, PSPHyper revisits Star Ocean

Star Ocean The Second Story (TBA)

Based on Star Ocean Second Evolution, the PlayStation game is the sequel to the original Star Ocean with improvement in every department, though overlooked by many RPG fans thanks to the release of Final Fantasy VII at the same time, there’s no denying that Second Evolution is an excellent title by itself.

More: Game Profiles, PSPHyper revisits Star Ocean

R-Type Tactics (TBA 2007)

Based on a traditional shooting game, R-Type Tactics is another turn-based strategy games for PSP later this year but with a little twist. The side-scrolling from the originals is staying but instead of free shooting, players take turns with the enemy during battles on a grid.

More: Game Profiles

The list turn out to be a little longer than I expected but this can only prove that PSP is far from dead and we are in for some great entertainment. On the other hand, there are obviously a bunch of games that I inevitably missed out and more announcements can be expected soon, among them are Loco Roco 2 and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops 2. One thing for sure, this will be a really busy second half of the year for all of us.

Posted in PSP on Friday, May 25th, 2007 at 10:12 pm |
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