Joystiq

PS Minis' 'Idiot Squad' mashes up Chu Chu Rocket, strategy, and sheep

JC Fletcher — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST

Football-player sheep destroy obstacles in front of them. Ninja sheep jump over obstacles, and gunner sheep have projectiles. With those rules in mind, you must guide your woolly charges to the ewes they've come to rescue.

Idiot Squad by Hydravision, a new PS Mini coming March 27 in North America and March 28 in Europe, seems designed for anyone but idiots. Your three classes of sheep soldier must be directed around grid-based puzzles using a limited selection of arrow items, much like the puzzles in Sega's classic Chu Chu Rocket. But way more complicated! Can anyone's brain handle that?

Gallery: Idiot Squad (PS Minis)

PS Minis' 'Idiot Squad' mashes up Chu Chu Rocket, strategy, and sheep originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Portabliss: Age of Zombies (Android)

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:45:00 EST

Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. Three times a week, our new Portabliss column will tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Age of Zombies!

The only way to survive the zombie apocalypse is through constant, preemptive preparation and a cache of military grade weapons - thankfully for all the procrastinators out there, Halfbrick has found a way to make one half of that as easy as making a phone call.

Age of Zombies is a straightforward, zombie-slaughtering top-down shooter featuring our time-traveling hero, Barry Steakfries, because you never know when the next phone booth you step into will be a time machine covered in the t-virus. Barry travels through five eras of undead history, including the age of decomposing dinosaurs, mummies, the American mafia, ninjas and a cyborg future. Professor Brains, evil genius, infests each era with hordes of zombies, which Barry has to mow down with a variety of weapons and his supply of snarky witticisms.

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Portabliss: Age of Zombies (Android) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mighty Flip Champs DX rotates to PlayStation Minis July 12

JC Fletcher — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST

We heard the first inklings of a PSP version of WayForward's DSiWare game Mighty Flip Champs earlier this year. Now, WayForward has officially announced Mighty Flip Champs DX as a PlayStation Mini, and released the first screen demonstrating just how such a dual-screen-dependent game will transition to the PSP and PS3.

In short, the two "screens" are now side-by-side on the single screen. The room you're currently in displays on the left, with the next room on the right; at any time protagonist Alta can "flip" to the next room, trying not to be crushed by the new surroundings.

Mighty Flip Champs DX will be released on the PlayStation Store July 12. In the announcement after the break, designer Matt Bozon encourages new players not to "miss out on this top shelf experience. Even if it sounds weird."

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Mighty Flip Champs DX rotates to PlayStation Minis July 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frima $5 PSP Minis bundle entertains, reveals terrible truth

Justin McElroy — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST

If you're looking to have some bargain-priced fun with your PSP as you wait for its successor, we might point you to a new Frima bundle on the PlayStation Store that includes five PSP Minis games for just $5. They are:

A Space Shooter for 2 Bucks!
Young Thor
Widgets Odyssey
Widgets Odyssey 2
Zombie Tycoon

We're sure there was a lot of excitement in the Frima offices when the "Awesome Summer Minis Bundle" was compiled, and we wish the dev the best. But it must have been a sobering moment to look at all the games together like that and realize "Hey, you know what, guys? We're not very good at making up names for things."

Frima $5 PSP Minis bundle entertains, reveals terrible truth originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pix'n Love Rush free for PlayStation Plus members today

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST

PlayStation Plus members are getting yet another early (and free!) look at a new PlayStation Mini today. Pix'n Love Rush is a retro-themed platformer (originally developed for iPhone) -- and this video will give you a better idea of why it's so charming.

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Pix'n Love Rush free for PlayStation Plus members today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Upcoming PSN game uses crowd-sourcing for ideas

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:45:00 EST

The Bearded Ladies, developers of Landit Bandit, want to turn your ideas into a video game. In collaboration with SCEE, the studio has launched Gamocracy, a project that seeks to take the best user-submitted ideas for use in a new action-platforming game for PS3 and PSP.

Over the course of eight weeks, there will be various challenges posed to the official PlayStation community. Currently, the developers are seeking concepts for the game's story and protagonist. Favorites selected by The Bearded Ladies will move on to a fan voting process. The best concept will end up in the final product.

Gamocracy should be a fun experiment for enthusiasts that want an opportunity to see their ideas come to fruition. However, the developers do caution that serious game authors should probably opt out of this promotion. "Once you submit your ideas to our forum, they are then free to be used by us or The Bearded Ladies in ANY manner, including in any other games and without any obligation to you. So, if your idea is secret and you would like to keep it that way, we advise you NOT to post it."

Upcoming PSN game uses crowd-sourcing for ideas originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MiniSquadron flies onto PSP and PS3 next month

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST

The Minis program continues to attract more high-profile iOS releases. If Angry Birds wasn't enough for you, then you may want to try MiniSquadron, a 2D dogfighting game. The Minis version seems to be a direct port of the iOS original, including 8 worlds and 50 planes. Unfortunately, like all other Minis, there's no multiplayer, and no added content to make up for its omission.

MiniSquadron has been a fan favorite on iTunes since its debut, with an average four-star rating since release. Check out the trailer after the break.

Gallery: MiniSquadron

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MiniSquadron flies onto PSP and PS3 next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Space Shooter for Two Bucks gets a straightforward trailer

Andrew Yoon — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST

Next week, PlayStation Plus members will be able to get Frima's newest Mini -- A Space Shooter for Two Bucks -- for free. (We hope we don't have to explain what non-members will have to pay.) A new trailer gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect.

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A Space Shooter for Two Bucks gets a straightforward trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Who's That Flying into a new release date?!

JC Fletcher — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST

Mediatonic's quirky PlayStation Minis shmup, Who's That Flying?!, was originally supposed to hit PSN in October. In response to a freezing glitch, the developer scrapped the October release plans, putting a question mark (and an exclamation point, why not) on the expected date.

Now, having resolved the issue, Mediatonic has announced new dates for the shooter's PSN release: November 16 in North America and November 17 in Europe. So, just a week until we get to definitively answer the question in the game's title -- oh, wait, it's the "Guardian of Earth" (we knew that who that!). Well, we still have playing the game to look forward to.

Who's That Flying into a new release date?! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flying Hamster takes off on PS3 & PSP December 7

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST

The Flying Hamster is undoubtedly one of the cutest Minis available on the PlayStation Network, and one of the few that are worthwhile to play on the PS3, in addition to the PSP. We've written quite a bit about this indie shmup, and it finally has a North American release date and price: December 7, for $5.99. The game is already available on the European PlayStation Store.

For the uninitiated, The Flying Hamster plays like almost any other shmup: collect power-ups, and shoot at enemies using either a rapid or charge shot. What makes it so unique is its collection of power-ups and enemies: you can spit a stream of beer at cows, for example. Or launch a swarm of bees at ninja squirrels. Or drop some egg bombs on some evil toaster robots. Seriously.

Gallery: The Flying Hamster

Flying Hamster takes off on PS3 & PSP December 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone's Pix'n Love Rush hurries to PlayStation Minis

JC Fletcher — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST

The iOS twitch platformer Pix'n Love Rush is being ported to systems with actual buttons -- namely, the PSP and PS3, for which it's being released as a Mini. The stylish side-scroller, a collaboration between developer Pastagames and the French zine publisher Pix'n Love, combines bite-sized coin-collecting platformer challenges with a variety of eye-catching visual styles, including Virtual Boy and Game Boy color schemes. The game's look is based on the Xbox Live Indie Games release Pixel (the third game in the Arkedo Series), which was a joint effort by Arkedo Studios and Pastagames.

Publisher Sanuk Games plans to release the Minis version "soon," though no specific date or price has been announced.

Continue reading iPhone's Pix'n Love Rush hurries to PlayStation Minis

iPhone's Pix'n Love Rush hurries to PlayStation Minis originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Shift Extended' coming to PlayStation Minis

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Yet another iPhone port is coming to the Minis program for PSP and PS3. Shift Extended is -- you probably guessed it -- an extended version of Shift, a platformer originally released as a free Flash game and later made available on the App Store. Fishing Cactus is handling the port, which will "offer no less than double the content of the iPhone version." Also new to the PSN version is D-pad support, a rather crucial feature for a platforming game.

Shift is expected to arrive on the PlayStation Store by year's end.

Gallery: Shift Extended (PlayStation Minis)

'Shift Extended' coming to PlayStation Minis originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You can name Futurlab's upcoming Minis space shooter

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Coconut Dodge developer Futurlab is working on yet another game for the PlayStation Minis platform -- this time a space shooter. The studio already has a concept: mixing classic vertical shooting with a new teleporting gimmick; and it already has some music. What it needs now is a name. This is where you come in. Like PixelJunk Shooter, the developer is asking for your suggestions, awarding prizes for the best name ideas.

Of course, it's hard to name a game without knowing more about it. "In our shooter, there is a reason the world scrolls vertically, and a reason that you can't turn around," explains Futurlab, "everything is being sucked into a giant black hole!" Additionally, you'll be able to "save other people that are being sucked into the black hole" via your ship's unique teleporting ability. And ... well, that's all we know.

Hopefully, you can come up with something a bit more fitting than our suggestion -- COOKIESz.

You can name Futurlab's upcoming Minis space shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gameloft's N.O.V.A. orbiting PSP soon

JC Fletcher — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

N.O.V.A., Gameloft's first-person shooter for smartphones, is headed to PSP as part of the publisher's plan to have every game it's ever made on every platform in the universe. Gameloft announced via Facebook that the game -- currently available on iPhone, iPad, Android and Palm Pre -- will soon be released as a PSN download for PSP. Gamerbytes speculates that the title will be released as a Mini, which means that, like all Minis, it won't have any kind of multiplayer functionality. The mobile version supports both online and local wireless play.

N.O.V.A. is the story of a once-retired member of a military group dedicated to protecting "near-orbital" Earth colonies from aliens called "Judgers." Yes, Judgers.

Gallery: N.O.V.A. (PSP)

Gameloft's N.O.V.A. orbiting PSP soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fish Tank is a fish-matching PSP Mini

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Crap of Defense developer iFun4all is working on yet another iPhone to Minis port. Fish Tank is a PSP port of the iPhone app Match Fish. Combining traditional match-three gameplay with reflex-based mechanics, this is a rather straightforward addition to the (surprisingly large) Minis library.

Continue reading Fish Tank is a fish-matching PSP Mini

Fish Tank is a fish-matching PSP Mini originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mediatonic's new PSN Mini asks: Who's That Flying?!

JC Fletcher — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Mediatonic, developer of Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess, has announced the second PSP game to use "WTF" as an abbreviation: Who's That Flying?! (The first was Work Time Fun, of course!) This upcoming Minis game (playable on PSP and PS3) is a horizontal shmup in which the "Guardian of Earth" uses its "HYPER-POWERED LASER ARM" to protect the world from "Doom Beasts."

The game also includes a tower defense element: rather than simply avoiding enemies and shooting what you can, you must limit the number of flying enemies that get past your invulnerable character, in order to stop them from destroying cities.

We'll be able to play this bizarre hybrid-genre game ("with courtroom drama and intrigue!") in early September.

Mediatonic's new PSN Mini asks: Who's That Flying?! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess jumping to Xbox Live Indie Games

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If Mediatonic's platform-climbing Mini, Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess has turned the Xbox fanboy within you positively green with envy, you'll be pleased to learn the title will soon make the leap to the Xbox Live Indie Games storefront. This announcement came in the form of a subtle teaser on the game's official site, which states that it's "coming soon" to the indie-friendly platform. No more specific price or release date info accompanied the update.

The Mini has received fairly good remarks from its critics on its native platform -- hopefully it won't lose any of its charm (or, more importantly, its uncertainty) in translation.

Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess jumping to Xbox Live Indie Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Curve Studios 'focusing only on' PS3 version of Explodemon

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Yesterday, Curve Studios announced a Q4 2010 launch window for the PSN version of its retro-inspired blow-em-up platformer, Explodemon, though the WiiWare, PSP and PC versions were not mentioned. We contacted the developer about these omissions, and PR Manager Ed Fear confirmed our suspicions, explaining, "For the moment, we're focusing only on the PS3 version."

Fear added, "We're a small(ish) company, so it doesn't make sense for us to split our limited resources between several different versions, especially given that there'd be quite major graphical differences for the Wii/PSP editions. So, in order to really make Explodemon shine, we're putting all of our efforts into the PS3 version." Fear did note that the studio still wants to see the game on as many platforms as possible, though Curve will have to "seriously evaluate other targets once we've shipped the PS3 version."

Curve Studios 'focusing only on' PS3 version of Explodemon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carnivores: Dinosaur Hunter clawing its way to PSP/PS3 Minis in August

Andrew Yoon — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Sure, you could pick up a Cabela game and go hunting for some helpless deer. Or, you can man up and start hunting dinosaurs.

Carnivores: Dinosaur Hunter is the third "minis" game from developer Beatshapers, who previously worked on NormalTanks and BreakQuest. You'll be tracking down fifteen different dinosaurs in five different levels, using a variety of weapons, including sniper rifles and crossbows.

Don't expect an arcade-style game in the style of Turok, though. According to the press release, you'll have to take into account "wind direction" and use a "special dinosaur call" to successfully track and locate dinosaurs to hunt. That probably sounds something like this: "Oh my god, please don't eat me!"

Carnivores will be available for PSP and PS3 next month.

Gallery: Carnivores: Dinosaur Hunter

Continue reading Carnivores: Dinosaur Hunter clawing its way to PSP/PS3 Minis in August

Carnivores: Dinosaur Hunter clawing its way to PSP/PS3 Minis in August originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Young Thor

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST

We've never reviewed PlayStation Minis here at Joystiq, but we're branching out for Young Thor, an impressive game that's one of the best values $5 can get you on the PlayStation Network.

A side-scrolling brawler, Young Thor is instantly accessible, but with enough depth to avoid making the experience too repetitive. While it's tempting to simply mash the Square button, developer Frima has done a good job of scaling the experience, introducing new enemies that demand new strategies. My own play style evolved as I learned to add more jumps and dodges while chaining Thor's lightning magic into combat.

There's also a rudimentary XP system that boosts Thor's basic stats. However, don't expect to use your XP in any novel way. You can't customize your character, nor do you learn any new moves. The leveling seems to exist for the sole purpose of encouraging replays. Somebody out there will want to achieve a level 100 character, right?

Gallery: Young Thor (screens)

Continue reading Review: Young Thor

Review: Young Thor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Flying Hamster intro is all about love

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EST

Also: sunflower seeds, eagles, penguins, UFOs, cows, robots, laser-shooting owls, octopi. Game Atelier's PS mini The Flying Hamster looks crazier than ever in this new trailer -- after the break -- which finally reveals the story behind the shmup.

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The Flying Hamster intro is all about love originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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History Egypt, Telegraph Crosswords, Stellar Attack join growing Minis line-up

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:15:00 EST

It may have had a slow start in the US, but the Minis are finally coming in full-force. Three new Minis are coming to PSP/PS3 soon, and they're all very different games.

History Egypt: Engineering an Empire is a licensed strategy game based on History Channel's Engineering an Empire television series. Imagine, if you will, a game that's one part Civilization, another part Advance Wars, with "extensive historical research" delivered by the History Channel. This Mini offers a "hot-seat" two-player mode, and a campaign featuring 14 nations and 30 cities.

Telegraph Crosswords will be available next Tuesday, June 1st for $2.99. Featuring 500 puzzles, there are three different types of crosswords to choose from: Quick, General Knowledge and Cryptic.

Finally, Stellar Attack (pictured) looks to be the most action-packed Mini of the bunch. Launching on June 1st for $4.49, this is an "homage to classic shoot-em-up Star Castle," featuring puzzles, action and "precision targeting." With a techno soundtrack and a "racking" score system, this should appeal to the hardcore crowd. Check out a trailer, after the break.

Continue reading History Egypt, Telegraph Crosswords, Stellar Attack join growing Minis line-up

History Egypt, Telegraph Crosswords, Stellar Attack join growing Minis line-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robin Hood: The Return of Richard assaults PSP Minis

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 25 May 2010 11:15:00 EST

Do you ever wish your PSP could experience the magic and wonder of American Laser Games? Well, Nordcurrent's Robin Hood: The Return of Richard doesn't quite replicate the full live-action cheesiness of Mad Dog McCree ... but it certainly tries.

Robin Hood will be available as a Mini for $4.99 in today's PSN Tuesday update. But seriously, look at what you're getting yourself into before you even consider buying this. We attached a video, after the break.

Continue reading Robin Hood: The Return of Richard assaults PSP Minis

Robin Hood: The Return of Richard assaults PSP Minis originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Flying Hamster joins PSP Minis, offers new tutorials

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:45:00 EST

We've been championing Game Atelier's adorable shmup, The Flying Hamster, for quite some time. And although it's still without a release date, the development team has recently confirmed that it will end up in the PlayStation Minis program (hopefully allowing cross-platform play via PSP and PS3). While we may be touting its cute facade, we have to admit that the gameplay looks rather compelling, as well. These new weapons tutorial videos (after the break) offer some insight into the depth of the game's combat. (We can't wait to use the banana weapon!)

Gallery: The Flying Hamster

Continue reading The Flying Hamster joins PSP Minis, offers new tutorials

The Flying Hamster joins PSP Minis, offers new tutorials originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Supermarket Mania sweeps PS3/PSP on May 18

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 13 May 2010 12:15:00 EST

G5 Entertainment's Supermarket Mania is leaping from iPhone and PC to the PlayStation Minis program. While it may not be the Supermarket Sweeps game we've always dreamed of, it does offer casual gamers the chance to become a supermarket manager. Players will have to keep the shelves well stocked and serve customers, "including hard-to-please celebrities." (Does that mean you'll have to keep stock of illegal drugs?)

Supermarket Mania will be available in North America for $4.99 on May 18th, and in Europe for €4.99 on May 26th. Check out a trailer after the break.

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Supermarket Mania sweeps PS3/PSP on May 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess hits PSN today

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:20:00 EST

If you're a fan of platform jumping, uncertainty, and radical injustices, you might be a fan of the most recent addition to the PSP (and PS3) Minis platform: Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess. The game puts you in the shoes of the accusatory Duke, who spends his days climbing platforms while beating the crap out of his underlings whom he's positive have absconded with his soul mate. Probably. In all likelihood. Perhaps.

The game's available to purchase on the PSN today for $4.99. Just be aware that with your purchase, you're supporting monster stereotyping. Are you really cool with that?

Gallery: Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess

Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess hits PSN today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony releasing PSP Minis-esque collection in Japan

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST

Sony has announced an initiative to bring inexpensive, smaller PSP gaming experiences to the Japanese PlayStation Store. You're probably thinking, "wow, that sounds a lot like the PSP Minis that are currently available in the U.S. and Europe!" While you're not too far off, we feel it pertinent to note that these games will be infinitely more awesome -- if their intoxicatingly brilliant titles are any indication.

For instance, there's a stripped-down baseball sim titled Make Drama Baseball, which belongs to the Feel For Two game collection to be released April 22. Then there's a handful of games pulled from the 2005 minigame collection Work Time Fun, such as Ball Pen Koujou 2, in which you place caps back on ballpoint pens. That's just the tip of the wonderful iceberg -- check out Andriasang for a full list of the bite-sized games.

Sony releasing PSP Minis-esque collection in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Mini 'Hysteria Project' is an FMV adventure

Justin McElroy — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:15:00 EST

I'm always asking myself, "Justin, full-motion videos are so great, why aren't they used in every game?" It's a fine question. There's huge, pent-up demand for games that use video of actual actors throughout my office, and it seems that someone's finally catering to it. It's just been announced that iPhone FMV horror adventure Hysteria Project is coming to PlayStation Minis courtesy of Sanuk Games.

The news comes from the Euro PlayStation blog, so the question, of course, is whether or not this super-cool, super-scary release will be part of the North American update when it's unveiled later today. Here's hoping the high concentration of FMV fans in and around my office chair finally have their voices heard. [Update: Just heard back from Sanuk, Hysteria Project's coming to North America next week. The FMreVolution begins!]

PlayStation Mini 'Hysteria Project' is an FMV adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess definitely being released Apr. 22

JC Fletcher — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST

Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess, the PSP Mini about unfortunate anti-monster racial profiling, has been given a release date of April 22 -- which publisher Mediatonic has confirmed is worldwide. The game, playable on both PSP and PS3, stars the Duke, who goes on an ill-researched quest to rescue his princess, jumping endlessly upward through vertically scrolling levels, and beating up every presumed guilty monster he sees (hint: all of them).

To see the game in (unfair) action, check out the trailer after the break. It features random wings, Castlevania-esque music, and monster piledrivers! You'll probably enjoy watching it.

Gallery: Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess

Continue reading Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess definitely being released Apr. 22

Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess definitely being released Apr. 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Freekscape: Escape from Hell coming to PSN this week

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST

One of the beefiest PSP Minis we've seen to date, Kidguru Studios' Freekscape: Escape from Hell, will arrive on the European and North American PlayStation Stores with this week's April 8th PSN update. The game, which goea for $4.99 (or €4.99), is a puzzle-platformer where you must use the minions of Beelzebub to evacuate his domain. Check out the trailer above to get a glimpse of the demonic ingenuity required to brave the hazards of Hades. Who knew pitchforks were so darn practical?

Freekscape: Escape from Hell coming to PSN this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swag Sunday: Age of Zombies eats your braaaaaaains (PSP Minis)

Kevin Kelly — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST

Why do zombies eat brains? There's usually perfectly available, good meat around, so what's with the brain-cravings? It's not like they do anything special with them. If they saved them for some kind of a stew or possibly pulled a Sylar, then you could understand it, but this willy-nilly shambling towards grey matter? Weird. Plus, do they have some sort of brain detector built-in? They always seem to know exactly which way to go.

Whoops, pardon our tangent. You want to get right to the swag, don't you? We're giving away nine copies of Halfbrick's brand new Age of Zombies, the PSP minis game that combines cute and cuddly with brain-hungry and undead. Seriously, these little zombies are adorable, and they'll look super keen on your PSP or your PS3. Since we can't explain why zombies crave brains, all you have to do is follow the rules below and tell us what the perfect side dish would be.

Leave a comment telling us what the perfect side dish would be for a serving of brains.
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec -- it has to do with Pierre Duchesne and he knows why).
Limit 1 entry per person per day.
This entry period ends at 11:31AM ET on Monday, March 8.
At that time, we'll randomly select nine winners to receive a code good for one copy of Age of Zombies for PSP or PS3 (ARV: $4.99).
For a list of complete rules, click here.

What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.

Gallery: Age of Zombies (PSP and PS3 Minis)

Swag Sunday: Age of Zombies eats your braaaaaaains (PSP Minis) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'The Terminator' iPhone game coming to PS Minis

Randy Nelson — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:45:00 EST

According to its website (and an ESRB classification), Elefunk dev Big Head Games is bringing its The Terminator iPhone / iPod Touch game (released last summer) to PS Minis. There's no date yet for the cross-compatible PS3/PSP title (described as "run-and-gun" by the ESRB) which casts players as Kyle Reese in a prequel to the original Terminator film. iTunes users haven't exactly been kind to the mobile version of the game, but we've yet to see what changes (if any) BHG will be making for the Minis release.

Wait -- did we just write this without making a single cringe-worthy Terminator reference? Hmm. Off day, we guess.

[Via Destructoid]

'The Terminator' iPhone game coming to PS Minis originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just Add Water announces 'Vektar Beat' for PSP Minis and iPhone

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Gravity Crash developer Just Add Water has announced a brand new game for PSP, PS3 and iPhone. Vektar Beat is a "rhythm/puzzle game" that will presumably feature vector-styled graphics. Taking a page from WiiWare's Bit.Trip franchise, Vektar Beat is just the first in a series of Vektar mini-games.

While details are scant, there's good reason to play close attention to the game. Just Add Water plans on charging as little as $1 for the game on the Minis service, introducing pricing parity between the App Store and the PlayStation Store for the first time. For PSP owners frustrated at overpriced Minis, Vektar Beat represents an interesting experiment.

Vektar Beat is scheduled for release in the Spring. Further details are scant for now, but tonight's episode of the PS Nation podcast should reveal much more.

Just Add Water announces 'Vektar Beat' for PSP Minis and iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halfbrick's Rocket Racing boosts onto PSP/PS3 this month

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST

Halfbrick Studios continues to churn out Minis for the PSP and PS3. Rocket Racing is the fourth title from the Australian studio for Sony's indie platform, following Age of Zombies, Echoes and Blast Off. Based on the Xbox Live Indie Game of the same name, Rocket Racing is one of the few games designed with the PSP Go in mind: the game can be played exclusively with the shoulder buttons, meaning Go owners can play with the system closed.

The gameplay of this top-down racer is rather unique. Each shoulder button represents a side thruster on the vehicle. Players will have to adjust each thruster to cut through corners, and make their way through the game's 24 levels. Hugging the walls won't result in a penalty; instead, the "grind" will result in a speed boost. Unfortunately, due to limitations of the Minis platform, there's no real multiplayer. Instead, gamers will have to resort to pass-around multiplayer, taking turns to go through the courses. Unfortunately, this "Party" mode seems like a rather misguided attempt to circumvent Minis' shortcoming.

Rocket Racing should appear on the PlayStation Store later this month for $4.99. Check out a trailer after the break.

Gallery: Rocket Racing

Continue reading Halfbrick's Rocket Racing boosts onto PSP/PS3 this month

Halfbrick's Rocket Racing boosts onto PSP/PS3 this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ESRB lists Freekscape for Minis in the US

David Hinkle — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:15:00 EST

Creat Studios, one of the few proud and brave developers supporting Sony's PSP Minis service, recently announced in a PlayStation Blog post that it had three titles in the works for Europe: Alien Havoc; Freekscape and Bubble Trubble. Alien Havoc is already available here in the States, but a recent ESRB listing suggests that Freekscape is also on its way.

The ESRB site describes Freekscape as "a platformer game in which players run around a "cartoony" version of the underworld ("Hell") as a small demon creature, essentially a "good" devil." You can check out a two-minute video sample of Freekscape's blend of puzzle-platforming after the break.

[Thanks, Blake]

Continue reading ESRB lists Freekscape for Minis in the US

ESRB lists Freekscape for Minis in the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrity pool, snooker and darts ported to Minis platform

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:45:00 EST

PSP owners can expect a lot of new sports games this year, including Steve Davis Pool, Ronnie O'Sullivan Snooker and Phil Taylor Darts. Developer GameShastra announced a partnership with PI Sports to adapt their mobile games -- including titles based around pool, cricket, rugby, snooker, golf, tennis, darts, fishing and poker -- for the Minis platform on PlayStation Network. All in all, "over 10" games will appear on the PlayStation Store this year. In addition, GameShastra is promising visual improvements and enhanced controls over the original smartphone versions.

"With some of the biggest names in sport attached to the biggest names in mobile gaming, this agreement is brilliant news for all PSP owners," GameShastra's CEO said in a press release. Considering how few new releases are announced for Sony's handheld, the addition of more than ten titles to the service certainly does sound appealing.

Celebrity pool, snooker and darts ported to Minis platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Select Minis on sale in Europe

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:44:00 EST

For a limited time, select Minis (playable on PSP and PS3) will be on sale in the European PlayStation Store. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe will discount these eight games from February 4-18:

Fieldrunners - €3.99/£3.49
Kahoots - €1.99/£1.74
Vempire - €1.99/£1.74
Breakquest - €1.99/£1.74
Pinball Fantasies - €3.99/£3.49
Bloons - €2.49/£1.99
Mahjongg Artifacts: Chapter 2 - €1.99/£1.74
Dracula - Undead Awakening - €1.99/£1.74

SCEE is also promising to update its YouTube channel with new videos of the Minis. It's not quite as good as playable demos, but it's better than nothing, right?

Select Minis on sale in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess coming soon to PSP Minis

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST

While we personally believe that there's no room for uncertainty when it comes to royal kidnappings, we suppose it's appropriate in the case of Mediatonic's recently announced PSP Mini, Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess. Keep it straight -- there's no doubt whether a princess has been stolen. She definitely has. The parenthetical modifier in the middle of that title is referring to the Monsters, who may or may not have stolen said Princess. Even without any prior knowledge of the heist, we'd bet they were somehow involved.

We digress! In M(P)SMP, you play as The Duke, who reacts unfavorably to the disappearance of his beloved princess, and begins pummeling random monsters in an attempt to rescue said heiress. We expect monster sympathizers worldwide to get their dander up when this one launches on the PSN sometime in February.

Gallery: Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess

Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess coming soon to PSP Minis originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alien Zombie Death stalks PSP Minis 'soon'

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST

PSP mini's Alien Zombie Death will beam and shamble its way to doom onto PSN sometime this month. The original plan seemed to have been for the £2.50 (no US price) title to release this Thursday, but as is often the case with aliens, zombies and death: plans change quickly and violently.

Speaking of quick and violent, the 2D shooter has players blasting everything in sight in a game that appears to be Geometry Wars plus mild platforming. Check out the video above, which features the game's variety of enemies and general level layout.

Alien Zombie Death stalks PSP Minis 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let Halfbrick's Blast Off soundtrack occupy your hard drive space

JC Fletcher — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:45:00 EST

Even if you have yet to check out Halfbrick's gravity-based puzzler Blast Off -- and even if you lack the Xbox 360 required to play the Indie Games version or the PSP or PS3 required for the Minis version -- you can enjoy the "ambient and introspective" soundtrack (as Halfbrick describes it) right now, because Halfbrick is nice.

Fire up the BitTorrent client of your choice, and you can have the Blast-Off soundtrack in either MP3 or Apple Lossless format. We couldn't be happier with this trend of using free downloadable game soundtracks as promotional tools! As it happens, we often enjoy listening to music.

Let Halfbrick's Blast Off soundtrack occupy your hard drive space originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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