The Latest PSP Games Reviewed

I’m sure a lot of you are already familiar with the Sony Playstation Portable, or PSP. It was first introduced into the market back in 2005 and has changed very little since. I think that the true test of a gadget’s greatness is its staying power. And if that’s the case, then the PSP is surely a winner.

What makes the PSP a great gaming device is its massive and diverse gaming library. Whether you’re a girl or a boy, a kid or a grown-up, a stay-at-home mom or a high-school student, there’s a PSP game that will surely entertain you. After all, a portable gaming console is just a fancy brick without awesome games. So, for this issue of Gizmo, I will focus on the latest games being offered for the PSP.

God of War: Chains of Olympus

Unleash the power of the Gods and embark on a merciless quest as Kratos, an ex-Spartan warrior driven to destroy Ares, the God of War. Armed with lethal double chainblades, Kratos must carve through mythology's darkest creatures including Medusa, Cyclops, the Hydra and more, while solving intricate puzzles in breathtaking environments… This is arguably the best title for the PSP out there. Its excellent gameplay, engaging storyline, awesome graphics and great soundtrack make it a top pick for the PSP. But because of the graphic violence in the game, this is not for little children. It is appropriately rated M (mature) by the ESRB.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

Set seven years prior to the events of the first Final Fantasy VII, a large number of SOLDIER members, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy more SOLDIER operatives. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth… As a prequel to the very successful Final Fantasy VII, this game stands alone on its own merits while adding considerable substance and context to the original. Despite the technical limitations of the PSP, this game still manages to push the envelope with its great graphics and animations. If you’re a fan of the Final Fantasy franchise, you won’t be disappointed with this installment.

Patapon

Behind the Patapons' cute exterior, lies a fierce warrior spirit that can only be commanded by the beat of their God’s war drum. Master up to six different drumbeats to command the Patapon troops to march, attack, defend, power up, retreat, and use magic. Combine the various chains of drumbeats to address each unique level, leading the Patapons to victory over the Zigoton enemy forces… This game may sound simple and childish but it is surprisingly not. In fact it is very challenging, enjoyable and addictive. Singing the rhythm yourself and tapping it out with your foot when your minions let you down demonstrates how hard it is to be a god and how into this game you can become.

Downstream Panic!

In Downstream Panic, players save their scaly sea-friends in more than 80 different levels with five different customizable environments. It is up to the player to protect fish from land, predators and other obstacles through the use of a variety of innovative tools as they guide fish on their descent back into the ocean. Three different game modes (adventure, free play and survival) bring more of a challenge to the aquatic mix… This puzzle game is a gem. If you want games that make you think before you act, then this one’s for you. With eighty stages out of the box, you’ll surely play this one for hours and hours.