More than twenty years ago, Nintendo was one of the pioneers in the campaign towards invention and innovation of handheld consoles which later on evolved into products such as Game Boy and then the recent Nintendo DS. Eventually, Sony caught up and challenged Nintendo and produced one of their own, the Playstation Portable.
Nowadays, the two giants finally have competition and probably the one affected a lot by this era gearing towards everything mobile is Nintendo. Apple’s bold and quick move to go from simple iPods to a larger screen with touch screen features like iTouch and then later on evolving into iPhone which now has motion-sensing capabilities too has made quite a ruckus that the gaming audience grew massively wide. With the popularity of downloads, Apple launched iTunes and Apple Store and later on allowed downloads of casual games causing another shake up in the gaming handheld scene. Going back to Nintendo, who, back then at around 2004 was kicking Sony’s PSP’s butt with the DS, got ourselves wondering, are they still the king of handheld console?
It’s a well-known fact that the DS is by large a better portable gaming device than PSP largely because of Nintendo’s innovative product and experience in this business. The success of DS also proved that pure hardware upgrade is not always the key towards a great gaming experience which also had an effect on the current console battles. But with the arrival of iPhone and iTouch, and mobile phones with gaming capabilities, consumers are now becoming more satisfied with an all-in-one mobile device. Slowly but surely, electronics companies have incorporated camera, video, Wi-Fi, internet and even office utilities into mobile phones. Nintendo’s launch of 3DS, which is due about two months from now, is still widely appreciated mainly because of their unique push to innovation once again which is another first in handheld gaming – a portable 3D gaming experience. Their success comes from a resume of rich gaming industry experience which still attracts gamers and non-gamers alike. However, 3DS lacks the capability to text and call which is clearly one of the main features of a handy device that more and more consumers are looking for – a one-stop shop gadget.
This article ends with more of a question if Nintendo can keep up with all these recent technological breakthroughs rather than being bold and predicting their demise in the gaming industry. Also, Sony which is still at infancy stage of creation of handheld consoles may have been hit harder. Apple and Microsoft which are also entering the handheld arena know for themselves that they are not experienced enough in gaming but have one of the most powerful weapons in them – their Operating Systems. Google has been pushing for its Android OS which may also be a key factor in the scene as well. In the end, experience, innovation and true passion in gaming will prove to be the characteristics of those who will survive in the future together with embracing the constant change of technology.
Showing posts with label Sony PSP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sony PSP. Show all posts
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Monday, July 20, 2009
Massive Multiplayer Online Game Idea
A lot of ideas here and there may be read across the web regarding online games and some of them thrived and luckily came true in one form or another on various online games nowadays. With online gaming experience probably drawing a lot of attention, perhaps even topping traditional games, there's still a lot of room for improvement.
Thus, I'd like to share to you an idea about taking massive multiplayer game into multiplatforms... and not just multiplatform, it's simultaneous across all platforms. Sure everyone is playing their favorite game via their own console's online feature like PlayStation Network, Wii Shopping Channel and Xbox Live. But how about playing as one where all players across all platforms meet online via PC, mobile, handheld console, home console, laptops, PDA? It's quite a task I should say to create a game like that but with the right implementation on every platform, it's sure to attract the gamers' attention.
Game Exclusivity
Playing on multiple platforms has both pros and cons with the obvious major advantage as accessibility. Want to play at home and play on long hours? Play on your PC or laptop or home console. Want to play on the fly on the way for a short span of time? Bring out that phone or favorite handheld console right out of your bag or pocket and play right there and then.
Of course, as a game designer, you must identify advantages of playing on a certain platform. One example is for the mouse-driven PC, motion-driven Wii and touch-driven DS and iPhone. Since playing the game is a lot easier because of the accuracy of the x and y-coordinates, spells and other techniques which require intricate movements may become a specialty for these devices. For the PS3 and Xbox, an obvious advantage would be the graphics. The game may offer a lot random enemies-generation while not having to sacrifice the game performance. Also, since they are controller-driven, complex combos are easier to implement in them. For other mobile gadgets, a simple easy to access text-based menu will do since the player is expected to play the game for a small amount of time.
Also, I recommend having maps or places in the game exclusively for a certain platform alone like having a battle arena or popularly known as PVP. In this way, if players want to duke it out amongst their co-platform gamers, they know what to expect in them since they have the same platform.
Game Random Map Generation
After months of playing an online game, players get to boredom status after they have finished accomplishing side-quests and earned the highest level of the game. I know this is quite a difficult thing to ask but the idea of random map generation every month would be great for the players and for the game as well. After gathering enough statistics about players, the logic of the game is to create an idea of how a new map should look like through careful analysis of the data coming from the players themselves. Imagine having to invest time in developing logic like this instead of coming up with an idea all by the game designer themselves.
Customization: More than Just Level Ups
When you hear about online games, it’s all about the levels, the HP, the MP, the items and the weapons. What we’d like to see is a lot more side quests. And not just that, we players like to have that uniqueness in our characters. Uniqueness not only on how our character looks like compared to others but also with our entire weaponry, spells, and the other things we do. Why not allow players to create their own spell animation? Furthermore, why not allow them to create their own spells along with its statistical content? I’m pretty sure it’ll be more than interesting to play the game.
I hope somebody from the game development industry would take a look at articles like this and give even the slightest attention to what the players want of these online games.
Thus, I'd like to share to you an idea about taking massive multiplayer game into multiplatforms... and not just multiplatform, it's simultaneous across all platforms. Sure everyone is playing their favorite game via their own console's online feature like PlayStation Network, Wii Shopping Channel and Xbox Live. But how about playing as one where all players across all platforms meet online via PC, mobile, handheld console, home console, laptops, PDA? It's quite a task I should say to create a game like that but with the right implementation on every platform, it's sure to attract the gamers' attention.
Game Exclusivity
Playing on multiple platforms has both pros and cons with the obvious major advantage as accessibility. Want to play at home and play on long hours? Play on your PC or laptop or home console. Want to play on the fly on the way for a short span of time? Bring out that phone or favorite handheld console right out of your bag or pocket and play right there and then.
Of course, as a game designer, you must identify advantages of playing on a certain platform. One example is for the mouse-driven PC, motion-driven Wii and touch-driven DS and iPhone. Since playing the game is a lot easier because of the accuracy of the x and y-coordinates, spells and other techniques which require intricate movements may become a specialty for these devices. For the PS3 and Xbox, an obvious advantage would be the graphics. The game may offer a lot random enemies-generation while not having to sacrifice the game performance. Also, since they are controller-driven, complex combos are easier to implement in them. For other mobile gadgets, a simple easy to access text-based menu will do since the player is expected to play the game for a small amount of time.
Also, I recommend having maps or places in the game exclusively for a certain platform alone like having a battle arena or popularly known as PVP. In this way, if players want to duke it out amongst their co-platform gamers, they know what to expect in them since they have the same platform.
Game Random Map Generation
After months of playing an online game, players get to boredom status after they have finished accomplishing side-quests and earned the highest level of the game. I know this is quite a difficult thing to ask but the idea of random map generation every month would be great for the players and for the game as well. After gathering enough statistics about players, the logic of the game is to create an idea of how a new map should look like through careful analysis of the data coming from the players themselves. Imagine having to invest time in developing logic like this instead of coming up with an idea all by the game designer themselves.
Customization: More than Just Level Ups
When you hear about online games, it’s all about the levels, the HP, the MP, the items and the weapons. What we’d like to see is a lot more side quests. And not just that, we players like to have that uniqueness in our characters. Uniqueness not only on how our character looks like compared to others but also with our entire weaponry, spells, and the other things we do. Why not allow players to create their own spell animation? Furthermore, why not allow them to create their own spells along with its statistical content? I’m pretty sure it’ll be more than interesting to play the game.
I hope somebody from the game development industry would take a look at articles like this and give even the slightest attention to what the players want of these online games.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sony PSP Go
http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6210555/16gb-psp-go-revealed-early-new-psp-mgs-confirmed
The new version of PSP called PSP Go has been officially announced as well as presented right before the E3 according to GameSpot. While it is supposed to be the rival release of Sony against Nintendo's DSi, I was shocked at the GUI. Like other forum posters at GameSpot, I'd say it's a boo boo on the eyecandy part. Here's hoping they'd release a new version of PSP and not just a redesign. Oh and Nintendo is also having a difficult time evolving its handheld console DS. It's been a long time since there was a new handheld console system introduced by Nintendo. Are they running out of ideas?
Recently, a rumored new Microsoft gamepad is circulating which is supposed to feature motion detection. And Sony is in the process of diving into casual gaming too. Will this be the signal of embrace into casual gaming by Sony and Microsoft? If they do so, Nintendo will be at a difficult situation here since they aren't into high-specification gadgets yet.
The new version of PSP called PSP Go has been officially announced as well as presented right before the E3 according to GameSpot. While it is supposed to be the rival release of Sony against Nintendo's DSi, I was shocked at the GUI. Like other forum posters at GameSpot, I'd say it's a boo boo on the eyecandy part. Here's hoping they'd release a new version of PSP and not just a redesign. Oh and Nintendo is also having a difficult time evolving its handheld console DS. It's been a long time since there was a new handheld console system introduced by Nintendo. Are they running out of ideas?
Recently, a rumored new Microsoft gamepad is circulating which is supposed to feature motion detection. And Sony is in the process of diving into casual gaming too. Will this be the signal of embrace into casual gaming by Sony and Microsoft? If they do so, Nintendo will be at a difficult situation here since they aren't into high-specification gadgets yet.
Friday, August 22, 2008
New version of PSP to be released on October 2008
The third version of the PSP series called PSP-3000 will be released this October. The news came from EA during the Leipzig Games Convention at Germany.
Nothing much has changed in the new version of the PSP except these notable additions (quoted from Gamespot):
Meanwhile, gamers who would love a second analog stick is very much anticipating its addition to perhaps a whole new version of the PSP. The PSP is turning more into a multimedia device as expected of Sony's electronic domination across the globe.
Nothing much has changed in the new version of the PSP except these notable additions (quoted from Gamespot):
SCEA's announcement gave more concrete details about the PSP-3000 and Sony's plans for it outside Europe. The handheld is the same width as the PSP-2000, the slimmer model Sony unveiled at E3 2007, and will sport the same video output functionality. However, the new model will now output gameplay in interlaced video format compatible with non-progressive video displays.All the while we are expecting a new version of the DS Lite with the rumored slimmer version with the removal of the GBA support and here we are staring at another version of the PSP. Does this mean that handheld console gamers will have to wait until around 2010 or 2011 for the new wave of handheld consoles to be released?
More significant new additions to the new PSP include a redesigned LCD screen that boasts "more natural and vibrant colors" and "anti-reflection technology" to foil glare. The handheld will also sport a built-in microphone for use with the PSP's Skype functionality and voice-enabled games, eliminating the need for an external headset.
Another change visible on the PSP-3000 is the replacement of the "home" button on its front with a button bearing the PlayStation logo. The switch prompted rumors that the new PSP would sport a XrossMediaBar (XMB) which could be accessed in-game as on the PlayStation 3. However, SCEA reps said that the logo button would have the same functionality as the home button, and had no new information on when--or if--an in-game XMB would come to the PSP, as trophies are suspected of.
Meanwhile, gamers who would love a second analog stick is very much anticipating its addition to perhaps a whole new version of the PSP. The PSP is turning more into a multimedia device as expected of Sony's electronic domination across the globe.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Playing Final Fantasy thru Emulators
Are you an avid fan of the Final Fantasy series of Square Enix? Or are you a burgeoning fan of the series?
If you are the latter, chances are either you've missed some of the early games of the series or you're missing them and you want to rekindle that good old-fashioned RPG.
Well, here is a list of what I thought of the methods wherein you can play any of the Final Fantasy series.
Emulators
If you have a PC, almost all of the Final Fantasy series are playable thru the help of emulators.
Final Fantasy I
Original: NES, GBA, WonderSwan
Where it can be played: Playstation X (Remake), Mobile
Final Fantasy II
Original: NES, GBA, WonderSwan
Where it can be played: Playstation X (Remake), Mobile
Final Fantasy III
Original: NES, WonderSwan
Where it can be played: DS Lite (Remake)
Final Fantasy IV
Original: NES, SNES, WonderSwan
Where it can be played: DS Lite (Remake), Playstation X (Remake), Moble
Final Fantasy V
Original: SNES
Where it can be played: GBA (Remake), DS Lite (Remake), Playstation X (Remake)
Final Fantasy VI
Original: SNES
Where it can be played: GBA (Remake), Playstation X (Remake)
Final Fantasy VII
Original: PC, Playstation X
Final Fantasy VIII
Original: PC, Playstation X
Final Fantasy IX
Original: PC, Playstation X
Final Fantasy XI
Original: PC (Online)
Final Fantasy XI
Original: Playstation 2
Final Fantasy XII
Original: Playstation 2
Final Fantasy XIII
Original: Xbox 360 (US version), PS3 (Japanese version)
Some things to note:
Playstation X can be played thru emulators either on PC or Sony PSP or thru Playstation 2. I think Playstation 3 is also backward compatible upto Playstation X though I'm not so sure about it.
Playstation 2 can be played thru emulators on PC. As of this writing, only a few PS2 games are working on the PS2 emulators for the PC that I know of though I haven't really tried it yet.
DS can be played thru emulators via PC.
WonderSwan, GBA, NES and SNES can be played thru emulators either on PC, Sony PSP or anything that has the Java application on it. I've tried running it via my Sony k750i mobile phone and it worked (NES I should say).
Saturday, July 26, 2008
E3 2008 Recap
E3 2008 Recap
2006-2007 were the years of the next-gen consoles. Now, 2008, Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft are strengthening their consoles by enriching their libraries of the next-gen games while they themselves are strengthening their online services.
Only Nintendo had surprisingly added another hardware feature which debatably should have been included in the Wii's package at its first release. While currently, they have surpassed Microsoft Xbox 360 in terms of sales in the North America, the future may still be unclear for the next-gen console wars.
Slowly creeping up the Wii is Sony's Playstation 3. With the recent release of the much awaited Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots in PS3, it has recovered from such a slow start due to its relatively expensive console against the Wii and the XBox 360. Only problem hindering them from a gigantic leap to be at par with the Wii is with Final Fantasy XIII's release on XBox 360 and a lot of formerly exclusive Playstation titles appearing on the XBox.
Complete coverage of E3 games are on this link:
http://www.ign.com/index/e3/2008/games/
Activision Blizzard Merging, EA-id Partnership
Two of the top third party game development teams have merged - Activision and Blizzard, makers of popular games such as Starcraft, Diablo, Warcraft, Doom and Call of Duty. Not long after, EA and id announced a partnership for the upcoming game Rage. With these sudden acquisitions and partnerships, expect to see more quality games released though yielding to fewer competency and games releasing with such mergers.
All throughout the event, it was more of a so-so year for the three console companies with third party developers stealing the show with their mergers and partnership. Square Enix has been getting their stuff done with the current release of Final Fantasy XIII in XBox 360 and the remake of Final Fantasy IV in 3D for the Nintendo DS. Remakes and franchise releases - this is what fans of Square Enix, including me, keep us happy and dedicated Square Enix gamers. If you are expecting to see a new handheld console release, well it may be around 2 to 3 years ahead of us since gamers of both the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS Lite are still enjoying their games behind it. Although I was really expecting that the rumors for the new version of the Nintendo DS will be announced.
2006-2007 were the years of the next-gen consoles. Now, 2008, Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft are strengthening their consoles by enriching their libraries of the next-gen games while they themselves are strengthening their online services.
Only Nintendo had surprisingly added another hardware feature which debatably should have been included in the Wii's package at its first release. While currently, they have surpassed Microsoft Xbox 360 in terms of sales in the North America, the future may still be unclear for the next-gen console wars.
Slowly creeping up the Wii is Sony's Playstation 3. With the recent release of the much awaited Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots in PS3, it has recovered from such a slow start due to its relatively expensive console against the Wii and the XBox 360. Only problem hindering them from a gigantic leap to be at par with the Wii is with Final Fantasy XIII's release on XBox 360 and a lot of formerly exclusive Playstation titles appearing on the XBox.
Complete coverage of E3 games are on this link:
http://www.ign.com/index/e3/2008/games/
Activision Blizzard Merging, EA-id Partnership
Two of the top third party game development teams have merged - Activision and Blizzard, makers of popular games such as Starcraft, Diablo, Warcraft, Doom and Call of Duty. Not long after, EA and id announced a partnership for the upcoming game Rage. With these sudden acquisitions and partnerships, expect to see more quality games released though yielding to fewer competency and games releasing with such mergers.
All throughout the event, it was more of a so-so year for the three console companies with third party developers stealing the show with their mergers and partnership. Square Enix has been getting their stuff done with the current release of Final Fantasy XIII in XBox 360 and the remake of Final Fantasy IV in 3D for the Nintendo DS. Remakes and franchise releases - this is what fans of Square Enix, including me, keep us happy and dedicated Square Enix gamers. If you are expecting to see a new handheld console release, well it may be around 2 to 3 years ahead of us since gamers of both the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS Lite are still enjoying their games behind it. Although I was really expecting that the rumors for the new version of the Nintendo DS will be announced.
Friday, April 25, 2008
How to convert PSX games to PSP
First, search for the ISO file of the PSX Game you would like to convert to. Then, open IceTea 1.1. You can customize the image you'd like to load as the full screen background, info screen, icon and the animation. You can even choose to set the sound file to be played.
On another note though, with the file size of the PSX game you're currently converting, the images and sound files will also be included in the conversion so a quick tip would be to lessen the quality if your memory stick contains a lot of games. Click the "Let's Go" button and then wait for the conversion to be successful.
The "EBOOT.PBP" will now contain your converted PSX game. Create a folder in the memory stick with the title of the PSX game and then copy the EBOOT.PBP file into it. Load it into your PSP and test it!
Another popular PSX to PSP app is the PSX2PSP. Although it may be the most popular converter, IceTea is still my preferred converter.
On another note though, with the file size of the PSX game you're currently converting, the images and sound files will also be included in the conversion so a quick tip would be to lessen the quality if your memory stick contains a lot of games. Click the "Let's Go" button and then wait for the conversion to be successful.
The "EBOOT.PBP" will now contain your converted PSX game. Create a folder in the memory stick with the title of the PSX game and then copy the EBOOT.PBP file into it. Load it into your PSP and test it!
Another popular PSX to PSP app is the PSX2PSP. Although it may be the most popular converter, IceTea is still my preferred converter.
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