Our hot and alternative PSP tips for 2007...
California Games
Publisher: TBA • Developer: System 3 • Formats: PSP, DS, Wii • Out: Late 2007
If developer System 3 can do the '80s original the justice it deserves then this is going to be one of the sporting titles of the year. Half-pipe, frisbee, roller-skating, surfing, footbag, BMX - every event is a winner and with the promise of some extras thrown in from the equally classic Winter and Summer Games then - like socks stuffed down spandex shorts - this looks like being quite a package. And imagine how beautiful all that glorious West Coast sunshine is going to look on PSP's lavish screen - it's going to be our best chance of getting a tan this year.
California Games
Hot PXL
Publisher: Atari • Developer: zSlide • Formats: PSP • Out: 2007
The lazy thing to say would be that this is a Wario Ware rip-off and, while it certainly owes more than a passing nod to the purple nosed microgame master, Hot PXL has enough smart ideas of its own that developer zSlide could never be accused of mindless burglary. Proudly sporting an urbanised 8-bit retro look and boasting some genuinely original and infectiously playable nibble-sized gaming snippets, the arrival of a game like this on PSP is well overdue.
Hot PXL
Above: A decent microgame collection is essential for any handheld and Hot PXL should keep PSP warm with its own brand of retro and street themed skits
We're also watching...
Alien Syndrome
Publisher: Sega • Developer: Totally Games • Formats: PSP, Wii • Out: Summer 2007
Top-down, co-op space shooter that features aliens shaped like human brains and a rack of tasty weapons to disintegrate them with. Another simple yet thoroughly enjoyable golden oldie that we're eager to see on Sony's hi-tech handheld.
Alien Syndrome
Cannon Fodder
Publisher: Codemasters • Developer: Atomic Powered Games • Formats: PSP • Out: 2007
As long as the simple, top-down shooter stays close to its roots and isn't bloated with unnecessary new features then this endearing and enduring retro blast from the past will be a perfect fit for PSP.
Cannon Fodder
Chili Con Carnage
Publisher: Eidos • Developer: Deadline Games • Formats: PSP • Out: 2007
Hot and spicy blastfest on a sizzlin' bed of fiery action is the main dish on the menu in this madder-than-a-tequila-maggot Mexican gun fiesta. The thought of outrageous, combo-clocking shootouts on the move warms our belly like a plateful of jalapenos.
Chili Con Carnage
Every Extend Extra
Publisher: Buena Vista Games • Developer: Q Entertainment • Formats: PSP • Out: February 2007
This hyperactive, luminescent light show puzzler is less demanding than it looks and is perfect for those 4am moments when your synapses need stimulating but your brain has gone to bed. Stick on some headphones and get hypnotised.
Every Extend Extra
