PSP

  

updated: 28/11/2006

First impressions of the PSP are good:

An impressive piece of hardware. An all in one entertainment system, little overpriced, but rich in features. Play movies, games, music, look at images or browse the internet; all in the palm of your hand.

Good:

  • Nice screen. Good images, Nice size
  • Easy controls
  • Wi-Fi support
  • UMD disks - good for games (bad for movies).
  • Music capabilities - can act as a large mp3 player.
  • Movies (ripped from DVD's) are great if you rip them to the memory card. Easy to use portable DVD player (that can do a lot more).
  • Even browse the web.
  • OK battery life.
  • PC syncing (limited).
  • Overall nice design.

Bad:

  • One "thumb stick". I mean who the hell designed this thing. Like playing on a PS2 controller with one hand = very very very limited game controls, especially in 3d shooters.
  • Ghost of images on screen. Some game look excellent other crap. Why? Ghosting on some images.
  • Constant firmware updates. I know they are trying to stop pirates, which is fair enough. But a big part of the machines charm is Homebrew software. i.e. be able to play Saturn games etc. Essentially using the machine as a portable computer or sorts). Upgrade the firmware when you go online and hey presto, your homebrew and homebrew apps are instantly broken.
  • UMD movies - a bloody rip off. Plain and simple. Paying full price(sometimes even more) for images that are lower in resolution to standard DVD is just a rip off. With limited support from the movie industry means this format is DEAD before it even go started (Mini Disc anyone?)
  • Cost of memory sticks is typically to Sonyish. i.e. too expensive for a 1gb (+ up) stick.
  • Too easy for younger kids to break - would need to buy a hard case and screen protectors to protect your "investment".

Game Reviews:

Killzone: Liberation Rating 4. Great Visuals, sounds and easy to get into game play. But very 1990's in design (view from above) and limited shot, run, open doors game play. But is more what the machine was designed for.

Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories Rating 5 Works very well on the machine (even with one stick). Visually amazing for the size of the machine and feels like you are playing the PS2. Great conversion (or port) that makes buying the PSP worthwhile.

Socom: Fireteam Bravo Rating 3. Nice visuals (although too most ghosting on screen for my liking). But is simply ruined by the single analogue "thumb stick". You simply can move and shoot at the same time. You have to move, stop, aim and shoot. The game simply loses all it "fluid" gaming that you get with two sticks. Expect Sony to release a new version of the PSP with two sticks. As 3d shooters simply don't work = avoid.

For those little girls in your family. Sony have teamed up with Pink to release a Pink version (with UMD video of the singer) on a limited release. Typical PSP also available in white and traditional black.