Q1 2009 gaming report – PS2, PSP & PC

April 13, 6:57 PMDC Video Game ExaminerJames Fleenor

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the DC Video Game Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Namco Bandai

The third and final installment of a look at the best games in Q1 2009. Covered so far, Xbox 360 and PS3 then Wii and DS and to wrap it up lets look at PSP, PS2 and a few PC titles. While the PS2 is far from dead it is getting last rites while the PSP works to prove its relevance. There is hope for the PSP with some solid titles hitting shelves in addition to all the cross platform, scaled down titles out there, sports titles, etc. PC, this space has never been about PC titles but there area always a few worth a mention. Let’s get started in order to finish.

PlayStation Portable (PSP) – Connectivity; that is the bright spot for PSP this quarter. Resistance: Retribution allows for story building, story filling but it also syncs with PS3 for unlockable content (more on that in Retribution Impression later). There is no reason for titles like Prinny not to hook up for additional content. Just an idea, but one that should be mandatory for games ported to the PSP from PS3 big brother.

• Resistance: Retribution – Auto-aim can feel a bit cheap but turn it off for a more challenging experience and great look at the story between PS3’s part 1 and 2. Great PSP title that controls really well.
• Mana Khemia: Student Alliance – It’s more PS2 than PSP but this is not a bad thing when it comes to niche RPG titles like Mana Khemia. Role-playing fans need apply.
• Phantasy Star Portable – Phantasy Star Online never got the pub it deserved so this title will be missed by many, but like Monster Hunter before it, US gamers need to ignore the sales charts in the states and give this puppy a spin.
• Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? – Great old-school gaming action with the humor and characters of Disgaea and it’s not a 100+ hour stat fest; this is one great and fun game, period.
• LocoRoco 2 – More of the same, stylish, fun game play as the first LocoRoco but really, did this slip under anyone else’s radar?
• Star Ocean: Second Evolution – Much better than the first SO PSP title, this shows off some fun game play and a deep and engaging story. Fantasy worlds are all the rage, always have been for role-playing epics, but Star Ocean is the exception with a galaxy spanning, system spanning adventure.

PlayStation 2 – Saying the PS2 is on life-support is being kind. Yes it’s almost totally obsolete from a new game standpoint but these titles, especially Naruto, bear watching.

• Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 4 – The first, and only (right now), Shippuden based Naruto which is a big deal. The graphics may be a bit dated but the game play is some of the best out there for an anime based fighter with story aspects … only the only one out there right now that is new.
• Tomb Raider: Underworld – Lara still offers up a great gaming experience. Not a nice looking at next-gen (duh) but still a fun romp.
• Ar tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica – Just like Mana Khemia on PSP this is old-school Japanese RPG action at it’s best and most beautiful. Bonus content abounds.

PC – Two PC titles are ports from next-gen consoles, how did they fare? The other three are real-time role-playing games that work way better on PC than any console and really need to be played.

• The Last Remnant – Can the PC version be better than the pitiful 360 release … pray, just pray.
• World in Conflict: Complete Edition– Collections of this quality are excellent and make waiting worth if for non-PC gamers who want to PC game once in a blue moon.
• Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 Uprising – C&C expansion pack, always delicious and cheesy.
• World in Conflict: Soviet Assault – More World in Conflict, it’s really a well built game with a story that will send gamers to watch Red Dawn … gamers remember Red Dawn right?
• Mirror's Edge – Looking for Faith to have a better adventure on PC with better first-person controls. Console was great, PC just as good.

Overall grades – PlayStation 2 gets a special education B since its fading fast and all games of quality are just gravy. PSP digs in with a hard earned C thanks to Retribution and Prinny, but the lack of games keeps PSP down, not even good games, just games. Grading on a curve with these systems as what was expected was delivered, not enough on PSP. PC games don’t get graded, just mentioned. With that a close to Q1 2009, see you for Q2 round-up in July.