The problem: There are too many PS2 ports
While most publishers will attempt to differentiate PSP versions with an exclusive mode or the option of downloadable content via the WiFi connection, there's no hiding from the fact that many portable versions are simply a PS2 game squeezed into a smaller box. The reason is most likely economic - it's far cheaper to pump out PSP versions of your PS2 game than create original, custom-built content.
Without wanting to point the finger at one individual publisher, EA illustrates this perfectly. While it's always careful to add at least one element of innovation to its PSP ports (FIFA 07 's vertically formattedball jugglingmini-game is one such example) the core gameplay is identical to the console version, only hampered by smaller screen size, slightly worse graphics and reduced control options.
Furthermore, the majority of PSP owners also own PS2s. By releasing two versions of the same game it is, in effect, reducing the amount of software available for the handheld. Given the choice (and this is based on personal experience) you'll buy the PS2 version over the PSP one every time.
And with the MSRP of new release PS2 and PSP titles still $49.99 and $39.99 respectively we can't imagine many (other than rich) people actually making use of the ability to share game stats between the console and portable editions - another function that's supposed to add value to the PSP versions.
Above: If we've played it on PS2 already, why would webuy a near identical version on PSP? Um, we wouldn't
The fix: Don't just do a straight PSP port
We know it's not as simple as that, but look at how well Guerrilla Games adapted the Killzone series for PSP. Fully aware that accurate first-person control is all but impossible to pull off with just one analog stick at your disposal they changed the perspective and created a Killzone -flavored experience that fitted perfectly on PSP.
That's fine. There's plenty of scope for this kind of thing - considered reinterpretations of PS2 classics. We'd be happy with that. We're thinking more Daxter and less Prince Of Persia: Revelations. Even incorporating a WiFi multiplayer option that's exclusive to PSP is a step in the right direction - GTA 's deathmatches being a prime example. We simply didn't buy a PSP to play second-rate versions of games we already own.
