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2009 Holiday Gaming Buyer's Guide: PSP
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Photos courtesy of SCEA and Wikipedia.
Now that we've covered all the technical details behind the ESRB ratings (right here, in case you missed it), it's time to look at some games. I'll briefly detail a few current games for each system, as well as some games that will be released between now and Christmas, giving the game's rating and release date. I'll also list some good older games, under "stocking stuffers", that can be found pretty cheap; these are great if you're buying someone a new system and want to get them a couple more games to help get their library started, but want to stretch your holiday dollars a bit further.
I should say, however, that these are merely suggestions made by me--and as awesome as my taste in games is (read: very), it is not all-encompassing. So if the person you're shopping for gives you a list, use it! Just be sure to check the game's rating and the content descriptors if that person's younger.
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For this installment, we'll cover the Sony PSP. For the Nintendo DS buyer's guide, click here.
The PSP hardware comes in two basic varieties; the original style (the current version is the PSP3000) and the PSP Go, which was released in October.
Just to save you some time, I'll say it right now: if you're looking for gift ideas for someone who owns a PSP Go, all you need to get them is Playstation Network cards:
They come in $50 and $20 varieties. The PSP Go doesn't have a slot for games; instead, you download them (as well as movies, TV shows, and so on) from Sony's onine network, straight to the Go's built-in memory. So basically, if your giftee owns a PSP Go already, don't buy them any games off the shelf, because they won't work.
Now, if you're buying a new PSP for someone and you're trying to decide between the original style and the PSP Go, there are a few things to consider. The PSP Go is geared more towards older gamers, people who like having the latest piece of tech. It's small and it's got some features that the original style PSP doesn't have, but it's also a bit more expensive.
The PSP Go, also available in black.
The original style PSP has a slot for traditional store-bought games, so it'd be easier to use for younger gamers--no downloading necessary. Of course, it can still access all the content on the Playstation Store, so they won't be missing out on anything if they ever do decide they want to check that out in the future. Furthermore, it can play all of the currently available PSP games and movies (some older games haven't been made available on the Playstation Store yet). It's a bit cheaper than the PSP Go, but it doesn't have any built-in memory for saving game data and other things, so you'll need to pick up a Memory Stick Pro-Duo to go along with it (2 GB is enough to get someone started, but sticks with more memory are available).
The more traditional PSP3000.
So basically, if someone asks you for a PSP and doesn't specify which kind, go for the PSP3000. If they're the kind of person that wants what the PSP Go has to offer, they'll be sure to let you know specifically that it's the one they're looking for.
For some more info on the pros and cons of the PSP3000 and the PSP Go, read my article here.
THE GAMES:
LittleBigPlanet
RATING: E
AVAILABLE: November 17
The original LittleBigPlanet was released on the Playstation 3 last year--this is basically a scaled-down version of that with some unique content. It's a side-scrolling game that allows players to make their own levels and share them online. The Playstation 3 version received tons of praise, so expect this one to be good as well.
Assassin's Creed Bloodlines
RATING: M
AVAILABLE: November 17
A third-person stealth-action game that takes place between the original Assassin's Creed and the upcoming Assassin's Creed 2. You take control of the assassin Altair as he journeys to the island of Cyprus to eliminate the last of the Templars. Bloodlines can also connect to Assassin's Creed 2 on the Playstation 3 to unlock hidden weapons in both games. An excellent choice for older gamers.
Gran Turismo
RATING: E
AVAILABLE: Now
The first handheld installment in the popular racing simulation series lets you purchase over 800 cars, modelled after their real-life counterparts, to race with on 35 tracks (70, if you count the option to run any course in reverse). This is a must-have for any automotive afficionado.
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
RATING: M
AVAILABLE: Early December
Silent Hill is one of the more well-known series of horror games, and Shattered Memories looks to take it back to its roots--literally. A "re-imagining" of the original Silent Hill, this game presents you with a psychological evaluation at the outset. Using that information, as well as observations of your gameplay style during the adventure, the game changes the dialogue, appearances, and attitudes of other characters and enemies--all to give you a tailor-made horror experience. An ambitious new spin on an established franchise.
Tekken 6
RATING: T
AVAILABLE: November 24
A portable version of the console fighting game of the same name, Tekken 6 boasts a roster of 40 characters to choose from to compete in one-on-one fights against computer or human opponents. Add in a robust character customization feature, and this game is sure to keep fighting fans busy for a while.
STOCKING STUFFERS: Mega Man Maverick Hunter X (E10+), Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (T), God of War: Chains of Olympus (M), Burnout Dominator (E10+), Playstation Network cards
These four games will cover your side-scrolling, role-playing, action, and racing needs, respectively. Like the DS stocking stuffers, these are older games, so while you may find some of them in major retailers, stores like Gamestop will be a safer bet. As mentioned before, the Playstation Network cards are used to download games and videos from Sony's online store. They work with any PSP as well as the Playstation 3, so pick up a couple of these if you can.
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Hopefully, this information is of some use to you as you brave the bitter cold and the bitter crowds this year. Keep your head on a swivel if you go out shopping on Black Friday, and be ready to throw some elbows, because your fellow shoppers will not hesitate to do the same.
Happy holidays!
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