Silicon Fusion >> Editorials >> PSP Launch Games Reviews: Part One

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5th September 2005:
PSP Launch Games Reviews: Part One
The verdicts on the first games for Sony's new PSP console. Titles from A to E in this part.
Posted by Chris Barnett - - UK and Europe

With such a large collection of games released from day one, the Sony PSP already has a tremendous amount of choice associated with it. But enough about quantity already! Here at Silicon Fusion we want everyone to make the right purchases for their shiny new console. It is all too easy to get caught up in launch hype, so we will give a run down of every launch game in a series of review collections.

This first part will see all the games falling into the A to E region of the alphabet reviewed and we will follow later with the remaining games.

Ape Academy
A quirky collection of mini games that aims to be both varied and humorous at the same time. Whilst some of the games descend into simple button bashing, others are more interesting and original. Certain games that are set in space are quite a departure from the others and could well have improved the game if they had been developed more at the sacrifice of some of the 'bashers'. The multiplayer options do add a lot to the game though; every one of the mini games can be played with a friend. The only negative aspect of this mode is that all players need a copy of the game, although a 'cut down' share mode is available.
Overall: Could have been much better, but for pure wireless silliness and enjoyment this is hard to fault. 7 out of 10.

Colin McRae 2005
A mini version of the console favourite that attempts to include as much of the game as possible, and more. The ambition of this cannot be faulted as the game includes over 200 stages and more than 30 rally cars. A career mode allows progression and car upgrades and several separate championships allow 4WD and other such championships to be tackled. With a wireless multiplayer for up to 8 players who each own the game, this should be a real winner. But spare your dash to the games shop a moment as the most important aspect of a racing game is kind of broken here: the handling. In other versions of the game we are used to smooth and varied handling, but on the PSP's slider it feels wrong as the analogue is overly sensitive. A little perseverance only proves that the controls are nowhere near the perfection of Ridge Racer or even Fired Up!.
Overall: Should have been a great introduction to rally for the PSP, but the crippled control system seems borrowed from a remote control car simulator. A wicked shame. 6 out of 10.

Darkstalkers Chronicles: The Chaos Tower
The PSP's first attempt at a two-dimensional fighting game is an unusual choice. Instead of Capcom opting for a Street Fighter game it has given us the vampire game that has been underrated somewhat in this area of the world. The quality of Capcom's pedigree is here for all to see, although a basic fighter, the game has been toned down to fit Sony's console perfectly. The controls are as simple as they need to be and the graphics are as good as any two-dimensional fighter we can remember. With arcade, training and multiplayer modes, this offers everything that any fighting game needs, but the gameplay is so smooth, the characters so memorable that this really is something special. A shame that multiplayer requires multiple copies of the game per player.
Overall: A great fighting game and we would actually dare to say that it is the best yet seen on any handheld console, ever. 8 out of 10.

Dynasty Warriors
The Warriors games have always been made or broke by the player's love of strategic fighting games, and this version is no different. Due to the slow pace of the actions, the combat is well suited to a handheld and the battles are quite epic for such a supposedly 'small' console. The large stages can take in excess of 30 minutes to complete but are satisfying nonetheless, especially when the strategy of implementing the skills of up to 42 warriors from the previous games. This is a game only for those with patience and intelligence and will bide people over until a Final Fantasy game finally surfaces.
Overall: Strategy and action in a satisfying balance. A game that not so much shows off what the PSP can do but one that shows off what the player can do with the PSP if they are skilled enough. 7 out of 10.

Everybody's Golf
The cartoon like golf series is given a great update for the PSP with everything that you could want from any golf game, let alone a portable one. The controls and loading times are spot on and the upgrade system is impressive as clothing and accessories are won through progression. The visuals actually appear to be the best in the series so far and the camera is easily moved in real time rather than forcing a view on the player. The multiplayer mode adds life to an already classic game and proves that the PSP can really do more than a big console: the ability to play a 9 hole round on the bus is so satisfying that it is untrue. If only it allowed multiplayer without multiple copies of the game.
Overall: A real gem of a game. Even non-golf fans will lap this up and it deserves to be at least played by every PSP owner. An instant classic. 9 out of 10.

Chris Barnett

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