So, uh... I'm getting a PSP, I think.

[extarbags]

What should I get for it? Yeah, yeah, I know, but the search is broken for this one. What's the good but lesser known stuff that I probably don't know about?

[Jazar]

Here's a start, welcome to the club:

http://www.quartertothree.com/game-talk/showthread.php?t=53307

[Reed]

Monster Hunter
Patapon

..or..

iPhone

[BobJustBob]

Whoo, eight days to the launch of the Go!

[MikeSolita]

My favorites so far:

Puzzle Quest, GoW: Chains of Olympus, Patapon, Star Ocean: 2nd Evolution, Valkyria Profile: Lenneth, Resistance: Retribution, the retro compilations like SNK's Neo*Geo Collection, Sega's Genesis collection, Capcom's arcade collection

plus PS1 games off the Playstation Store -- Symphony of the Night, MGS, FF7

soon GTA: Chinatown Wars and Motorstorm :)

[Jag]

Got the Rock Band PSP 3000 pack 2 days ago. Having fun with it. Much slicker than the DS. I'll eventually let my son play with it since it was his birthday present.

[Mark L]

Disgaea, Disgaea 2, Dissidia. Do!

[Miramon]

Persona will be on my list to buy when my Go shows up. I wonder if there is a go game for the go?

[Mark L]

Oh, I messed the "lesser known" part of the OP. So, I will add Warhammer: Battle for Atluma and The Sid Meier's Pirates port, which is very good if you can find it.

[Jose Liz]

Sony's first-party games are all pretty solid

[russellmz00]

armored core 4, if you like not fighting at all, but designing your mech so it can fight other mechs, than looking at replays of the battle to see where you went wrong/right. you do have an option to get into your mech and fight, but it was way too hard for me, although other people did it after tailoring their mech to their fighting style..

[malkav11]

Get a PSP-1000 or at worst 2000. Don't get a Go or a PSP-3000.

And get Metal Gear Acid 2. Best game on that platform.

[Clay]

I've heard good things about the Joan d'Arc game, though I haven't played it.

[BobJustBob]

Get a PSP-1000 or at worst 2000. Don't get a Go or a PSP-3000.

And get Metal Gear Acid 2. Best game on that platform.

Get a Go. You don't want UMD.

[malkav11]

Get a Go. You don't want UMD.

Which is why you don't want a Go.

[merryprankster]

I like the original Metal Gear Ac!d, Patapon 2, Hot Shots Golf 2, and Crisis Core.

I also find FF7 and SotN from the PSone collection pretty good on PSP.

[BobJustBob]

Which is why you don't want a Go.

Now you're just talking gibberish.

[malkav11]

Now you're just talking gibberish.

Any game you buy converted to ISO (plus emulators, ebook readers and god knows what else) > buying only what Sony happens to offer for download at whatever prices Sony happens to deign to give you.

[VegasRobb]

Welcome aboard!

[sam and the firefly]

Get a PSP-1000 or at worst 2000. Don't get a Go or a PSP-3000.

This is insane advice, unless you want to hack it. The 1000 weighs about 30 pounds and has an unusable d-pad, and the 2000 is just the 3000 with a worse screen.

[MattKeil]

Get a 3000, fuck the Go.

I can't believe I'm going to recommend a Final Fantasy spinoff, but I have been extremely pleased by Dissidia. First PSP game I've played to any great extent in two years. If you like FF at all, you'll probably get some enjoyment out of it, and it has tons of content. If more PSP games were like Dissidia, I would use my PSP a lot more.

[TomChick]

If you like FF at all, you'll probably get some enjoyment out of it, and it has tons of content.

Or even if you don't like FF at all. I couldn't give a wooden nickel about Aeris and Cloud and the Onion King, but I still dig on Final Fantasy: Dissidia.

-Tom

[TomChick]

Oh, and in case wumpus doesn't come this way, I'm sure he'd want me to pass this along to you guys:

[The PSP] is utter crap -- build quality, ergonomics, UI, game selection, you name it, the PSP sucks total ass at it. I'm uncomfortable even reselling the damn thing. It sits on a shelf and I'll never willingly touch it again.

Also, any PSP thread that only mentions Patapon twice and has only a single specific mention of Patapon 2 isn't much of a PSP thread.

-Tom

[Chris Nahr]

The PSP itself is okay but I definitely wouldn't recommend getting one if you don't already have a bunch of PSP exclusives in mind that you absolutely want to play. The game selection is still terrible. One Jeanne d'Arc (or even two Patapons if you like them) doesn't make up for a legion of wannabe PS2 titles that are damn near unplayable without two analog sticks, or for the lack of smaller play-on-the-go titles that you'd find on the DS or iPod Touch -- or on PSN for the PS3, strangely enough. At least wait until the first wave of the new PSP Go "Minis" or whatever they're called has arrived, and see if there's anything good in there.

[michaelleung]

Definitely Rock Band Unplugged. Seems rather dull to merely press PSP buttons, but it's actually really fun.

[metta]

Get a 3000, fuck the Go.

I can't believe I'm going to recommend a Final Fantasy spinoff, but I have been extremely pleased by Dissidia. First PSP game I've played to any great extent in two years. If you like FF at all, you'll probably get some enjoyment out of it, and it has tons of content. If more PSP games were like Dissidia, I would use my PSP a lot more.

This is why you should buy a DS. It's more portable, has much better battery life, and it has, you know, games :)

[Brian Rucker]

armored core 4, if you like not fighting at all, but designing your mech so it can fight other mechs, than looking at replays of the battle to see where you went wrong/right. you do have an option to get into your mech and fight, but it was way too hard for me, although other people did it after tailoring their mech to their fighting style..

This and some of the other older PSP games seem to have trouble saving on certain memory cards for some reason. I picked up Armored Core Formula Front, which is what I think you mean, and I had this issue. I've since picked up a smaller memory card, 512k, to see if that works better based on what I've read about the issue. Haven't had a chance to check though.

I've dabbled a bit with several PSP games as a recent adopter.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite seems really complicated and a surprisingly big game for a little handheld. I got sleepy after reading all the manuals in my little in-game bookshelf and wandered outside of my hunter's dorm only long enough to acquire a pig you can dress up in costumes. Or, rather, he acquired me. It wasn't my idea. That said, if I was stuck on a deserted island this is probably the game I'd want as I'd have time to learn all the stuff. It's really a one-person MMO with crafting and, really kinda neat and tactical, combat. Very pretty too. Of course you can play with other folks, which is the whole "Unite" part of the title, but that doesn't seem very practical outside of Japan or Korea's public gaming culture.

Pirates! for the PSP. This one should have been my favorite but I couldn't get past the initial Disneylike aesthetics. Yes, I'm shallow. Yes, I will get back to the actual game eventually.

Metal Gear: Portable Ops is probably the one I've spent the most time with. Interesting campaign mode, a very simple strategic engine which allows you to pick missions and recruit allies (ala X-COM but here you take them prisoner on missions and convert 'em later) and turn them into backup agents on missions or to join off-camera medical, tech support or espionage teams. Sneaking and shooting and a pace that's not totally crazy. Bite sized missions you can replay as much as you like to collect gear or level up your guys. Only can play one of your mission team at a time but there are still tactical considerations for where you hide one when activating another and so on. Adjustable difficulty levels for the win.

And I've many others I just haven't had time to get to. PSP's my mobile home entertainment center for when I'm travelling due to some family matters these days. Movies, games, internet, music and stuff because the place I go doesn't have many amenities right now. It's less of a hassle than hauling a laptop around and has much more going for it than more simple devices. I don't have an iPod or cellphone so the PSP fits my needs perfectly.

Edit: Oh, you'll need headphones or earbuds and I'd recommend the Thrustmaster grip/battery pack which adds a little more heft to the device, can be used as a stand for viewing movies without having to hold the PSP, and can be flipped around to serve as a cover that protects the screen and keys. The extra battery power really helps too.

[Jazar]

Also, any PSP thread that only mentions Patapon twice and has only a single specific mention of Patapon 2 isn't much of a PSP thread.


I'm still trying to get through Patapon 2 (after a break with Resistance) and it's been rough. I adored the original game but this one is unforgiving. I hate that the reward for taking down a boss is an egg which gives you another chance to take down that same boss only in hero mode. I hate that you can play through a level or boss encounter for 15-20 mins, fail, and have nothing to show for it, no equipment or experience gained, you've just lost that time. I hate how I still can't find any bloody carrot for my megapons!

[TomChick]

Are you hunting enough? People who don't like Patapon call hunting "grinding". But those of us who like it realize that we have to go out and support our patapons by gathering the stuff they need to get more powerful.

This is not a game about simply playing sequentially through the levels. It's a game about doing lots of hunting to gradually push your way across the land.

But, yeah, I hate it when a hunt fails, I have nothing to show for it, and the ceremonial fire is abandoned. :(

-Tom

[BobJustBob]

Any game you buy converted to ISO (plus emulators, ebook readers and god knows what else) > buying only what Sony happens to offer for download at whatever prices Sony happens to deign to give you.

Ripping games? I want entertainment, not errands.

[Jazar]

Are you hunting enough? People who don't like Patapon call hunting "grinding". But those of us who like it realize that we have to go out and support our patapons by gathering the stuff they need to get more powerful

I have been but I think I've been wasting the resources. I've spread out the upgrades too much up until recently and it seems to be taking a lot longer to unlock the item mini games which let me get better stuff.

[CLWheeljack]

Ripping games? I want entertainment, not errands.

I have to say that while I agree with you in theory, the user experience of a UMD-less PSP is so far above that of playing off the UMD, it's like a completely new device. The battery lasts longer, load times are faster, and the device isn't constantly vibrating and rattling like it's going to fall apart. It really isn't even close. I was lukewarm on the issue of UMD's until I started playing games without them, and now I feel that the UMD was the biggest mistake Sony could've made with the PSP.

That being said, with PSP games on the PSN store now, and more support in the future, it's no longer necessary to rip your own ISO's to play UMD free, so it doesn't especially matter which version you buy. But for people buying their first PSP, regardless of which version you get, it's really a much better machine if you are playing off the memory stick.

[balut]

Hot Shots Golf 2 has easily been my most played PSP game.

Armored Core: Formula Front is great if you like building mechs.

It kind of flew under the radar, but I thoroughly enjoyed Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner, and it's an rpg by the same guys that make the Shin Megami Tensei games.

[MattKeil]

This is why you should buy a DS. It's more portable, has much better battery life, and it has, you know, games :)

Dude, I have three DSes and play a DS game almost every day. It's infinitely superior to the PSP in almost every respect, but I figured that wasn't what extar wanted to hear.

[Dave Long]

I think he already has a DS anyway.

[metta]

Dude, I have three DSes and play a DS game almost every day. It's infinitely superior to the PSP in almost every respect, but I figured that wasn't what extar wanted to hear.

The you in my post was meant to be extarbags. Your love for the DS is well documented :)

[malkav11]

This is insane advice, unless you want to hack it. The 1000 weighs about 30 pounds and has an unusable d-pad, and the 2000 is just the 3000 with a worse screen.

A PSP that hasn't been hacked is very close to being a $200+ paperweight.

[malkav11]

That being said, with PSP games on the PSN store now, and more support in the future, it's no longer necessary to rip your own ISO's to play UMD free, so it doesn't especially matter which version you buy. But for people buying their first PSP, regardless of which version you get, it's really a much better machine if you are playing off the memory stick.

A few select PSP games. A selection which will no doubt grow, but I can pretty much guarantee it will never be comprehensive. Besides, why pay Sony's prices when you can get much better deals elsewhere?

[wumpus]

This is like a thread full of people who are taking up smoking, for the health benefits.

RUN AWAY! RUN FAR AWAAAAY!

[MattKeil]

The PSP has that refreshing, toasted tobacco taste that discerning gamers crave!

[sam and the firefly]

A PSP that hasn't been hacked is very close to being a $200+ paperweight.

My 40 or so UMDs disagree with you. If you like games, you can find great stuff on PSP.

The DS might be my favourite system of all time, but there's some stuff it just can't do. Like sticking OutRun 2 in my pocket.

[Dave Long]

A PSP that hasn't been hacked is very close to being a $200+ paperweight.
Mine certainly holds down paperwork sometimes, but this is just stupid talk.

[sam and the firefly]

Seriously. If you can't find any games to play on a PSP, you're either not trying or trying way too hard.

[extarbags]

This is insane advice, unless you want to hack it. The 1000 weighs about 30 pounds and has an unusable d-pad, and the 2000 is just the 3000 with a worse screen.

Good news everyone! I got a 3000, and I did hack it, for the glory of not having to use UMD ever and being able to play obscure PS1 games (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehrgeiz) anywhere.

Also Dissidia is awesome.

[malkav11]

Seriously. If you can't find any games to play on a PSP, you're either not trying or trying way too hard.

I've got some PSP games, sure. All of which are made immeasurably better by my having hacked my PSP so that I can run them off my memory stick, carry several at once, and simultaneously have access to things like Cave Story, PS1 games I bought ten years ago (not just the anemic selection Sony would like to foist on me through PSN), SNES games, and so on.

So, yeah, calling it a paperweight is unfair, I admit. And I wouldn't buy a PSP -just- to hack it. But a hacked PSP is so much more powerful and versatile than the default that not to hack it is crazy. And so, you need an older model PSP. Which is fine, because the improvements to the later models are minor at best and in no way make up for everything that's closed off by not being able to hack it.

[russellmz00]

yeah, it was armored core: forumula front.

crush! how could i forget that one. 3d puzzle game where you can crush the world flat so it's 2d and you can move to places that you otherwise couldn't reach.

[gordonrumble]

The PSP hate in this thread is a little much. It's a fun system to have with a lot of amusing games to play. I have a 2000, unhacked, and I couldn't care less. I love this thing and play it often before i go to sleep.

[merryprankster]

IGN put up the TGS demo for peacewalker. If anyone is interested here's the link

http://psp.ign.com/articles/102/1027904p1.html

[jfletch]

A comical series of missteps has made me unable to hack any of my PSPs but still there's a lot there. Especially now that PSN is directly accessible through the PSP.

As for hardware, I wouldn't go near a PSP 1000 nowadays. The d-pad on that system is just not good. It makes a lot of games harder to play, especially the many surprisingly excellent fighting games.

[malkav11]

I've never had a problem with it, but I grant you that I never play fighting games on it.