Sony Stops PSP Development Kits

The SCEE has announced that it will stop distributing current PSP and PSP-3000 Development Kits from the 15th November 2010.

Development Kits are tools which help Software Developers to develop games and applications for particular devices such as games consoles. Sony now wish to stop distribution of their PSP development tool (dtp-t2000a) and testing tool (dtp-h2500a), however, they stress that they will continue to loan the tools to software developers who request them after the deadline.

According to the gaming blogsite VG247, Sony has openly admitted that it is going to stop distribution of the development kits for its PSP and PSP 3000 consoles. However, Sony's latest console,  the PSP Go will not be affected.

A representative of the SCEE said: “Due to the certification on the current development and test tools expiring, we will be stopping selling them on November 15th 2010, however, we will continue to provide loan stock for registered and new developers, until a new certified model is available.” [source: http://www.vg247.com/2010/10/07/sony-to-stop-distributing-current-psp-development-kits-in-november/]

The decision comes after months of speculation about falling sales figures and lengthy game delays. PSP hardware sold 62 million units worldwide by September 2010, whereas its main competitor, the Nintendo DS had already sold 132.04 million units worldwide by June 2010.

Furthermore, several 'big name' game releases have either been delayed on the PSP or have not included a PSP version at all. These include: The Sims 3, The Force Unleashed II, Patapon 3 and Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars ,which have now both been delayed until 2011.

The SCEE's decision has also fuelled further speculation about a brand new type of PSP console (nicknamed the PSP2), which could possibly be in development right now.

Sony still refuses to acknowledge the existence of such a console, let alone confirm whether the device will be heading for a 2011 release to combat possible Nintendo sales from the 3DS, which is set to debut in March 2011.

Nevertheless, Shaun Himmerick, Executive Producer on the upcoming Mortal Kombat reboot, not only revealed that the device existed, but also that his team had one.

In a PAX 2010 interview about the upcoming reboot, Himmerick let slip that his team had been working with a PSP2 development unit at Netherrealm Studios, thus offering definite proof that a new Sony console is in production at the moment.

However, whether or not a new console is in development does not change the fact that older-style PSPs will no longer be supported after the 15th November 2010. This means that there will be less new games and applications available to people who cannot afford the latest PSP Go console, despite recent price reduction promises.

Furthermore, old PSP stock will be reduced in many retail stores, making the original PSP and PSP 3000 consoles and their software completely obsolete within a few years.

There are still a few new PSP games on the horizon, such as God Of War: Ghost Of Sparta, EyePet , or Buzz: The Ultimate Music Quiz, as well as some of those delayed games mentioned above, but we at Mini Gamers are saddened that these games will be more of a last hurrah for this great console, rather than a continuation of its previous success. November the 15th 2010 marks a very sad day for handheld gamers everywhere...

 

Have YOUR say....

What do you feel about the SCEE's decision? What does it mean for your current PSP? Will you be buying a PSP Go?

If you have any thoughts on this issue and wish to share it with others, why not leave us a comment by clicking on the COMMENTS link at the bottom of this post (or by filling in the COMMENTS BOX if viewing this post in a separate window).

Mini Gamers is very keen to hear your views.

  

Sources:

http://www.vg247.com/2010/10/07/sony-to-stop-distributing-current-psp-development-kits-in-november/

http://www.totalmortalkombat.com/mkteam/shaunhimmerick

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS#Sales

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSP#Sales

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny_Arcade_Expo

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/last+hurrah

http://www.spartansstandtall.com/

Review: FIFA 11 (DS & PSP)

EA Sports FIFA series has always provided a good quality of gameplay and entertainment for its many fans. Now the latest game, FIFA 11 promises to be better than ever before.

The game has even been hotly tipped to be the best-selling game of Christmas 2010 according to William Hill PLC , which certainly seems possible when you consider that the game managed to sell 2.6 million units in its first weekend of sales alone. This figure is almost unheard of for a sports franchise.

However, putting all the hype to one side for a moment, let's take a look at FIFA 11's new handheld console features.

Firstly, FIFA's use of licensed players and teams has always scored them brownie points over other football game franchises like Pro Evolution Soccer, and FIFA 11 contains over 30 officially licensed leagues, 500 licensed teams and more than 15,000 players to choose from.

The game also features a new Pro Passing System, whereby pass accuracy is determined by a gamer's ability to use the controls, and player skill, situation and urgency on the pitch. This means that now over striking or under striking the ball will mean inaccurate passes and more varied outcomes. New types of passes such as swerve passes also enable players to make a safer and more effective play.

Nevertheless, the biggest enhancement to FIFA 11 has to be the Personality+ System, which affects players, goal-keepers and even a CPU player's capability.  It sounds too good to be true, but the new system means a greater level of realism for the FIFA handheld games. 

For example, CPU opponents now have a entire repetoire of skill moves to exploit through the use of star player attributes and specific behaviours attributed to particular players.

 Goalkeepers also feature more prominently in this game. Alongside the standard FIFA career mode called Be A Pro,  FIFA 11 also introduces an all-new Be A Goalie mode, allows gamers to play as a goalie of their choice.

Here, the Personality+ System accurately reproduces the actions of a particular real-life Goalkeeper on the pitch, so if your goal-keeper has a longer reach than others, he will be more successful when diving for the ball. Some of the controls in this mode can seem a bit of a struggle, but is a worthwhile effort overall.

Goalkeepers are also now more aware of their surroundings and react more intelligently to potential goals from the opposing team. Goalkeepers can now sprint to cut off a loose ball before urgently scrambling back to defend the net, and they can even skillfully identify and react to lob shots.

However, unlike the major console versions of this game, it is impossible to cut to the main action of the game whilst in the goalie mode on the PSP and DS, which means that gamers could get bored of only seeing the action from the Goalkeeper's perspective.

The PSP version also features a new Fame mode.  Gamers can choose to begin their campaign as a player, player/manager or manager as you lead their club through fifteen seasons of club soccer.

Your success as a player or manager is ranked through the new Fame system. The better your performance the more Fame you receive and more prestigious offers will become available on your journey to become a football legend.

The Nintendo DS version of FIFA 11  also has its own new game mode called Ultimate Team. This mode allows players to collect a set of in-game trading cards (which can be purchased after completing certain activities in the standard game modes). These cards will upgrade the athletic abilities of your chosen team.

Both handheld consoles also feature the Soccer IQ mini-game, which is essentially a general knowledge quiz based on various football triva.

One further feature (exclusive to the Nintendo DSi or the PSP's Go! Cam function) uses the camera functions of either console to take a snapshot of the gamer's face, which can then be uploaded and placed on the face of any customised  football player. Thus, gamers can literally put themselves in the game.

However, it has to be said that despite a few minor tweaks to the overall gameplay, the handheld versions of FIFA 11 seem to pale in comparison to their major console counterparts. The game itself is adequate and is likely to be thoroughly enjoyed by fans of the series so far, but much of the content remains unchanged from previous versions, which is a little disappointing when you consider that the major consoles have a lot more variations. Having said that, the gameplay is solid and the graphics on both versions are pretty accurate.

In conclusion, FIFA 11 is a decent game with good graphics and entertaining gameplay which is likely to keep fans of the series occupied for a long time to come. However, the handheld versions do not quite compare to the finesse of the major console versions. Overall Rating: 8/10.

Game of the Week: Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Predator (PSP)

Deep in the jungles of Sri Lanka, the Ghosts have 72 hours to prepare the way for a U.S. invasion force. As open conflict with Pakistan looms, the Ghosts uncover proof that they've been targeting the wrong enemy.

Now they must act before falsified intelligence lures America into an unpredictable and devastating war...

It might sound like the plot of some Hollywood blockbuster, but this is actually the main story of Tom Clancy's newest PSP game, Ghost Recon: Predator.

This is the second PSP title in Tom Clancy's shooter series Ghost Recon. The first game, which was called Advanced Warfighter 2, has been criticised by some for being too difficult in its missions and for having very short gameplay overall, so will the new game be any different?

Ghost Recon: Predator is certainly a challenge! The new tactical experience means that how you lead your squad to victory is entirely up to you.

Players can either opt to use their massive firepower to take down enemies, which works well when facing stronger and more powerful opponents, or they can choose a more strategic approach like sneaking up behind enemies at close range. 

Players can also use the environment to their advantage, along with intel and information from command, media and the locals.

Furthermore, Ghosts now have high-tech equipment such as drones, air support and prototype weapons to help them to locate and stalk their enemies.

Experience, which is earned in the game by defeating various opponents, now means greater customisation for your squad and thus a more powerful, elite force.

For those of you who prefer to game with friends, Ghost Recon: Predator also features an ad-hoc co-op mode for up to three PSPs. Team up and outsmart the opposition.

 Ghost Recon: Predator is a pretty good Shooter game and it does contain many of the core elements that one would associate with the series. The graphics are not as smooth as those found on the major consoles and some Wi-fi enabled multiplayer wouldn't go amiss, but the main game is very interesting and challenging regardless. If you like Shooter games, then this is likely to fit nicely into your collection. Overall rating: 8/10

Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars Delayed Until 2011

Yes, it is sad but true - Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars will now be unavailable until at least the 25th of  February 2011.

The other Lego Star Wars  games have already proved themselves to be a massive hit with fans, bringing in combined sales of over 20 million units worldwide, and the third game also received a warm welcome when it was showcased at this year's E3 conference in Los Angeles.

News of the delay can only come as a disappointment to the many fans who have already preordered this game. Nevertheless, Tom Stone, director at TT Games still insists that the new title will be the best game in the LEGO series to date. He said: “The team at TT is working hard at making this simply the best Lego game ever with all new gameplay and features never before seen in a Lego game.”

Lego Star Wars III would indeed seem to be a huge undertaking.  The game will include all the characters from both seasons of the hugely popular animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as some fan-favorite characters from the beloved theatrical Star Wars Saga.

Furthermore, the game will feature brand new battle modes and an upgraded level builder, allowing the creation of customized bases and in-game battlefields.

Gamers can also choose whether to play as a Jedi or Separatist with all-new character abilities, such as Squad command, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups, all within a new, easy-to-navigate hub.

Mini Gamers is saddened to hear about the delay, but if this title is anything like its predecessors, then it is sure to take the gaming world by storm next year. Look for further news about Lego Star Wars III nearer the release date.

Further Delays For EyePet (PSP)

It has happened again. Mini Gamers has just received word that EyePet on PSP will now be delayed until the 5th of November 2010.

This game is one in a series of recent PSP titles to be delayed more than once. The fifth game in the hugely popular Metal Gear Solid franchise, Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker, was delayed from the 25th of May until the 2nd of July 2010.

Then the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter was famously delayed from the 25th of June until the 13th of August this year, causing distress to many of the PSP-owning  Lego Games fans around the world.

Next was UFC Undisputed 2010, which was delayed from the end of May until the beginning of September 2010, dispite the fact that the game had already topped the UK pre-order charts.

Now EyePet (PSP) is set to continue the trend. So what is happening here? Is it - as some sceptics have suggested - merely an attempt to delay the most popular titles until the 2010 Christmas rush, or could it be further evidence of Sony PSP's further decline in the current gaming market?

Whatever the reason, delays such as this often cause confusion and disappointment for millions of gamers and can even sour the experience of owning a delayed game when it is finally released to the public. Mini Gamers sincerely hopes that the reason for this delay (and any future delays) can be rectified soon.

 Remember to check in with the Mini Gamers blogsite for more news on this subject as it happens.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

How has the delay of EyePet and the other games in this article made you feel? Why do you think that PSP games in particular seem to be suffering from long delays at the moment? Should games producers be allowed to change release dates on games without a proper reason?

If you have a comment and wish to share your views with other readers on this site then please feel free to click on the 'Comments' link below this post (or fill in the comments box if viewing this post in a separate window). We would love to hear your views.

EyePet (PSP) Delayed Until 29th October 2010

It was a big talking point during the Sony conference at E3 this year, but now it looks like plans to bring the cute little virtual EyePet onto handheld console may be delayed until the end of October 2010.

The game was supposed to be released in the UK on the 1st October this year, but as anyone who has preordered this game will already know, this date has subsequently been changed to the 29th October 2010.

 EyePet for the PSP has already come under heavy fire by critics because of the problem of getting Sony's portable camera, the PSP Go! Cam to fit to the new PSP Go consoles.

 This problem was first identified by the website Joystiq.Com, whose article on the subject claimed that the new console did not have an appropriate camera attachment to support the Go! Cam  function.

 Although, the article was quick to point out that a converter cable could be used to allow PSP Go owners to still use the Go!Cam - although as it will require the PSP GO to remain plugged in whilst the device is in use, which some people claim makes nonsense of the PSP Go as a portable device... 

Now the twenty-eight day delay for the game will only serve to fuel speculation even more. There has been no official explanation for the delay at present, but it has to be said that this situation also bears frightening similarity to the Lego Harry Potter PSP delay, which saw PSP owners wait several long months to own the game.

Mini Gamers only hopes that this delay is resolved and that Eyepet will be on the shop shelves very soon. Watch this space!

Buzz! Embraces Its Childish Side...On PSP

 Jungle Party, which is due to be released in the UK on the 8th of October 2010, is the first Buzz! game in the PSP series to be aimed specifically at children. However, it must be said that this title already forms part of the Buzz Jr collection on the PS2.

Essentially, the game comprises of a set of mini games which are played against jungle animals. These include playing basketball with an elephant and even taming a lion.

Each game can be played by up to four players on one PSP using the 'Pass around mode' so brothers, sisters and Mum and Dad don't have to miss out on all the fun.

In Jungle Party you play as one of four cheeky little monkeys. You must complete a set of 15 challenges to be crowned King of the Jungle.

This is a cute little title with the emphasis on fun but for anyone over the age of ten it can quickly become repetitive. Everything is already unlocked at the beginning of the game and a lot of the features are very simple and easy to use.

Furthermore tasks such as throwing coconuts or completing daring tasks like stealing an ostrich egg to gain maximum points have already been seen in other 'party' type games (albeit with a different twist to the scenario).

Everything in this game title is colourful and bright, which will certainly appeal to very young gamers. This is definitely a family title, with traditional host Buzz being replaced by a sweet (and sometimes condescending) host, Becky Boxer.

However, that kind of hits the nail on the head really - in reshaping the Buzz! series for children, this title has lost the essence of  what the main series is really about. This could be one of the reasons why the Buzz! logo has been removed from the PSP version of the game's packaging...  

That is not to say that this title is not humorous or fun at all, just that it has not got the kind of energy and replay value of the traditional games.

Nevertheless, when you remember that the game's core audience is young children then Jungle Party makes absolute sense. It is just a shame that there could not be a little something included for older children or adults as well. 

If you know some 'cheeky little monkeys' of your own and want a quick way to keep them entertained during school holidays and at the weekend, then this game is definitely worth considering. Definitely one for the kids. 

However, if you are more a fan of  the traditional Buzz! games instead, then do not despair, as another title Buzz! Ultimate Music Quiz will also be coming to the PSP and PS3 on the 15th of October. Look for a review of it on Mini Gamers very soon.

Game Of The Week: UFC Undisputed 2010 (PSP)

   "So you want to be a fighter?" [UFC Undisputed 2010 Tag-line]

Today is an important day for fans of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) as the new video game UFC Undisputed 2010 comes to PSP systems for the first time ever.
Those of you who may not have seen the UFC on television could argue that this game is going to be very similar to  WWE Smackdown! VS. Raw or TNA Impact, but in truth, the UFC has one very unique selling point: Unlike other Full Contact Sports,  the UFC sees competitors battle against each other using a variety of fighting styles including Karate, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo and Kickboxing amongst others.

So, what can fans really expect from the video game?

Firstly, UFC Undisputed 2010 features a fully-playable roster of over 100 of the television show's best Mixed Martial Arts fighters, who have all been rendered using photorealistic technology to give them a truly accurate and lifelike appearance.

Moreover, the UFC fighters are also joined by many other well-known personalities from the show including the commentary team of Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg, veteran voice of the Octagon Bruce Buffer, those sexy ringside Octagon Girls and even trainers and referees. This really helps to make the video game feel like a natural extension of the television programme.

Furthermore, a total of nine different fighting disciplines are also included in this game - Karate, Sambo, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, Muay Thai, Freestyle Wrestling, Kickboxing and Bazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Players can customize their own fighter with variety of moves from all the featured fighting disciplines to form an unbeatable 'ultimate fighter' of their choice. Players can also form unique personalities for created fighters and increase their cred, popularity and sponsorships via the interactions that are used during the weigh-ins and interviews.

There are plenty of game modes to choose from too. Firstly, you can play as one of your favourite UFC fighters in a standard Career Mode. In this mode, An intuitive new “Game Is Watching You” system tracks every action and uses this information to dictate the in-game commentary, opponent intelligence and overall career progression. The ultimate goal of this mode is to reach the UFC Hall of Fame, however, this can be enhanced through online co-op sparring sessions with respective fight camps.

In Title Mode  players must fight their way to the top of a given UFC weight class in order to capture the championship belt. The many fighting disciplines included in the game make this both a varied and very difficult task.

In Title Defence Mode you are already a UFC champion. Players must use their new fighting skills to defend the championship belt against other UFC competitors who wish to defeat them.

In addition to these modes, the game also features two multiplayer modes: Online Multiplayer allows players to find or host an online UFC match using the PSP WI-FI system, whilst the Tournament Mode allows for interconnectivity with up to 16-players via the PSP's Ad-hoc system. Utilize UFC fighters or any player-created fighters and compete until your heart is content.  

This game is primarilly aimed at fans of the television show of course, but wrestling or boxing fans will also find that there is plenty to enjoy in this title as well. The combination of so many fighting disciplines makes the game unique and challenging. If you are a fan of UFC or if you enjoy contact sport games and wish to try something a little different, then this is definitely the game for you. Overall rating 10/10.

Friday the 13th Proves Lucky for Lego Harry Potter Fans...

Fans across the country must be rubbing their eyes in disbelief today as Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 on PSP is finally released to the public.

The PSP version of the latest Lego-themed game was supposed to be released at the end of March this year but has suffered almost three months of delays instead. This was despite the fact that Lego Harry Potter was released on every other console format (including the Nintendo DS handheld system) on the 25th of June 2010.

No reason has ever been given as to why the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter was consistently delayed. Mini Gamers contacted both TT Games and WB Games to ask for details about why the game was delayed, but both parties refused to comment.

The PSP version was successfully released in North America on the 29th of June 2010 alongside all the other gaming formats, and the game itself has shifted 2.7 million units since that date, according to the Time Warner second-quarter financial report.

Now, the hope is that the game will do just as well in the UK, if not better. However, such a lengthy delay in the game's release has meant that many fans have already chosen to purchase it on another format, which is likely to have a negative impact on the UK PSP sales of Lego Harry Potter from the start.

Moreover, the impact of the delays are still being felt by the retail industry, as many UK retailers have failed to stock the game in time for today's release.

For example, At the time that this post was being constructed, Play.com and HMV were still awaiting stock, whilst Zavvi and Asda both claimed that the game would not be released until the 31st of August 2010.

Nevertheless, if you still haven't given up hope of owning this game on the PSP then you can now purchase it from Game, GameStation,  and Amazon, amongst others.

On the whole, the Lego Games series has always been an overwhelming success, but the confusion and disappointment caused by the recent delays is something that will not be forgotten easily by PSP fans who have been waiting several months for a game that they so desperately wanted. When it comes to the release of Lego Harry Potter, is it too little too late?

HAVE YOUR SAY...

How has the delay of Lego Harry Potter on PSP made YOU feel? Are you relieved that the game is finally available to buy? Will you be buying any new Lego Games on the PSP in the future?

If you have been affected by the delay of this game and wish to share your views with others then why not let us know how you are feeling by leaving a comment in the comments box? We welcome your thoughts on this important gaming issue.

New Date for Lego Harry Potter PSP Release...

It has been an anxious wait for PSP fans across the country since they were first informed that the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter would be delayed, and just when it seems that the end is in sight, the game seems set to undergo further delays.

Mini Gamers last reported that a new release date of the 6th of August 2010 had been given by the game's producers, but this has since been changed to the 13th of August 2010.

This will be the fourth time that the game has been delayed since its original release date at the end of June this year, and once again, no explanation has been given as to why the game has not been released yet.

Mini Gamers contacted both WB games and TT Games to ask them why the game had been delayed for so long, but both companies refused to comment.



Thus, the debate about when the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter will finally be available in the shops looks set to continue for now.

However, like many of you out there, we at Mini Gamers are starting to wonder if the game will ever be released onto PSP at all. Watch this space!

One To Watch: Patapon 3 (PSP)

The latest edition to the ever popular Patapon series is scheduled for release in early November 2010, and it is already shaping-up to be a really enjoyable game.

For those of you who are new to the world of Patapon, the game tells the story of a tribe of tiny creatures called - you guessed it - Patapons.

They are a defeated race of warriors who have been oppressed by their enemy the Zigotons until they are almost destroyed.

Tired and down-hearted, the remaining Patapons pray to their god, the Almighty to guide them with the use of the four Spiritual Drums.

Patapon 3 continues the saga of the Patapons in their quest to find the place they call Earthend and the contentment of the mysterious "IT".

The game itself has made some important changes and additions this time around. You can now choose which type of Hero warrior you wish to be at the start of the game.

There are three main classes of Patapon Warrior to choose from - Yumiyacha (bow and arrow warrior), Taterazay (a defence warrior with shields) or Yarida (a spear warrior).

Nevertheless, you have to choose carefully as each warrior will have its own special abilities which will either help or hinder your tribe throughout the game.

For example, the Yarida warriors can now throw twin flaming spears at the enemy, but this can also have the adverse affect of making the grass around the Patapons catch fire, which in turn, can also set your own tribe members alight.

Fever Mode has also been improved in Patapon 3. In the previous games it took at least eight consecutive successful rhythms to whip those little warriors into a frenzy, which at times was time consuming and difficult to achieve. 

It now only takes three consecutive successful rhythms to get your Patapons into fever mode, which is great news for all the casual gamers out there.

However, the biggest change to the third game is the addition of Infrastructure Mode to the Multiplayer portion of the game.

This means that as well as gaming with friends using Ad-hoc Mode, you can now instruct your PSP to find other Patapon 3 gamers online, so that you can play special co-op mission together.

The Infrastructure Mode is a great new feature. It even allows you to 'chat' to your fellow team members by using pre-selected phrases.

You can still equip and deploy your Patapons in the same manner as the previous games, but you now have a 'live' tribe to instruct and keep rhythm with, which adds to the fun.

Patapon 3: Teaser Trailer

However, there are a few teething problems with the new Infrastructure Mode  - the most common one being that you may not always have all the varied types of warrior needed to defeat the enemy.

For example, if your fellow players all tend to favour the Taterazay warrior you will ended up with three or more Patapons with shields but no warriors with arrows or spears, which is necessary when trying to complete the level.

Furthermore, it is possible for the Host to simply terminate the online game without warning, thereby ending the Multiplayer mission.

This can lead to confusion and frustration if you happen to be defeating the main enemy at the time and you suddenly find that the screen has gone black and a little pop-up message informs you that your Multiplayer session is now complete.

Nevertheless, the new modes and additions help to further the Patapon universe and do make for some really interesting an varied gameplay.

 If you can't wait for the game to be released and you have at least a spare 110 MB still left on your Memory Stick, then the multiplayer demo is now available to download from the Playstation Network Store. Take it from us - it is well worth a try!

Yet More Confusion for Lego Harry Potter Fans...

It has happened again, Game are now claiming that Lego Harry Potter for the PSP is to suffer further delays and will not be available in store until the 6th of August 2010.

The news, which was reported to us in a comment  by one of the Mini Gamer readers, comes as another shock to the many PSP users who had expected to receive their copy of the game on Friday 30th July.

This latest delay has led  to greater frustration against the game's developers, Travellers Tales, who still refuse to provide a definite reason as to why the PSP version of this game  has been consistently delayed since May this year.

LEGO HARRY POTTER TRAILER - YEAR 2

To make matters worse, Mini Gamers decided to further investigate claims that the PSP version had been delayed once more, and found to our surprise that most other UK retailers seem blissfully unaware of the new release date.

We visited Play.com, HMV, Zavvi, Woolworths and Asda, who all cite the release date of the PSP version as either the 29th or 30th of July, depending on when their new stock is delivered.

If, as we suspect, Lego Harry Potter for the PSP has truly been delayed once more - and is not simply  delayed in one single outlet such as Game - then many other PSP fans who have already pre-ordered this game can expect to have their hopes dashed via emails and letters sent to them in the next few weeks.

Mini Gamers wonders how long it will be before fans abandon all hopes of ever owning this game on the PSP system and choose to buy it in another format instead.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

Has the delay of the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter made you feel angry or disappointed? How did you feel when you were informed that the release date had been changed for the third time? Are you looking forward to eventually getting a copy of the game, or has the delay marred your excitement? Will you now be buying this game in another format now rather than on the PSP?

Here at Mini Gamers, we are interested in hearing your views. Please feel free to leave a comment in the comments box by clicking the 'Comments' link at the bottom of the post (or simply fill in the Comments Box below if viewing the post in a separate window,) and share your thoughts on this issue with others.

Sony offers 'ModNation Racers' Patch

Gamers can race using a variety of vehicles including aeroplanes

If, like many fans of Sony's Modnation Racers, you have struggled to compete against the  myriad of ultra-competitive CPU opponents within the game, then help could soon be on its way to you.

Modnation Racers was released for the PSP and PS3 some time in May this year, and although the game has proven itself to already be a very popular racing simulation, it has suffered complaints from fans that the CPU characters are virtually unbeatable, leading to many gamers being able to complete the final racing levels.

Some of the CPU characters have been accused of being too tough to beat.

Very little is known about the intended patch yet, but Sony has promised that it will include "Less aggressive" CPU drivers. The Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC  (better known as SCEA) has also promised fans that the new patch would take into account some of the other improvement suggestions that fans of the game have asked for.

There is lots of customisation available in this game.

The patch is welcome news, as it means that many gamers will now be able to complete the final levels of the game, and it is also kind of heart-warming to know that Sony is still prepared to listen to what fans of its products have to say about particular issues.

There has been no confirmed date for when the new patch will become available, but the game's developers UFG assure fans that it won't be too long. They are requesting that fans be patient and say that they are putting "The finishing touches" to the patch, which will apparently add a 'Casual' difficulty option to the game's existing Careers Mode in order to help those gamers who just can't keep up on the race track.

Be sure to check in with Mini Gamers for news and updates about the new patch when it arrives!

21 days until Lego Harry Potter?

It has been one of the hottest debates amongst PSP gamers of late, but it now seems that the final release date for the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter is the 30th of July 2010. Mini Gamers recently reported that the PSP version  game had been delayed by the publishers TT games.

We also contacted them to ask why the game had been delayed when all the other formats of the game had already been released to the public. TT games has so far declined to comment on its decision.

So, it now seems like it will only be another few weeks before PSP gamers can enjoy the rich spoils of this long-awaited addition to the Lego Games series. However, this does not make up for the thousands of  fans who have pre-ordered this game only to be disappointed. We are all keeping our fingers crossed that the release date will not be changed again between now and the end of the month.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

Has the delay of the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter made you feel angry or disappointed? Did you preorder the game? How did you feel when you were informed that the release date had been changed? Why do you think the game might have been delayed? Are you looking forward to eventually getting a copy of the game, or has the delay marred your excitement?

Here at Mini Gamers, we are interested in hearing your views. Please feel free to leave a comment in the comments box by clicking the 'comments' link at the bottom of the post and share your thoughts on this issue with others.

Game Of The Week: Everybody's Tennis (PSP)

Summer tends to bring with it a whole host of sporting games titles, and Everybody's Tennis on the PSP (called 'Hot Shots' in the USA) certainly fits the Summertime mood. This bright, colourful game puts the emphasis on tennis being a sport for the whole family to enjoy.

The game controls are uncomplicated and success in the game is based around getting the timing of your shot correct. Furthermore, the use of the Everybody's Racket function increases the accuracy of your shots and is excellent for tennis newcomers, however, it does reduce the power behind each shot so players may find it difficult to get the ball past their opponent.

The easy controls may make this game seem initially childish or boring, but the reality is far from it. Every character comes with their own set of strengths and weaknesses, making for varied gameplay. There are an incredible amount of characters to choose from too. Players will need to adapt their playing style in order to have continued success in the game.

Unlike its sister game, Everybody's Golf, which focuses more on tournaments and versus-type gameplay, this title utilises some interesting RPG elements in its single-player mode as well. Players can let their characters explore different game enviroments and solve puzzles by challenging various opponents, including a few 'Boss' types as well. The storyline is basic but still very enjoyable.

For those of you who dislike RPG storylines, you can play more traditional tennis matches against opponents of your choice in the Exhibition mode instead. It has to be said however, that the story mode does give you a chance to play against every character in the game, which allows you to quickly suss out their particular playing styles and skills.

The game's producers Clap Handz have tried very hard to make this sporting title into the type of game that fans will want to play over and over again. The bright colours and wacky characters only add to the enjoyment of the game. All the main types of tennis court (hard, clay and grass) are included in the game and all the environments are presented in meticulous detail, which make it a visual eye-fest on the PSP screen.

There is also plenty of unlockable content to be had here and players can look forward to customising their chosen character with many different rackets, clothes and hairstyles. Loyalty Points are also given for using the same character over and over again, which equips them with certain abilities to use within the game.

As an extra treat, one of the characters from Killzone can also be unlocked, leading to some very comical gameplay!

Moreover, if you have enjoyed success in the single-player mode and still want more tennis action,  Everybody's Tennis also features a great head-to-head multiplayer mode for up to four PSP players, so you can test your skills against your friends and family.

Overall, this game has tons of replay action and will keep you entertained long after Wimbledon has finished. The new RPG storylines and 'Boss' tennis opponants make it challenging, whilst the simple controls means that it is easy to just pick up and play. This game is a must-buy item for PSP users. Overall rating: 9/10.