Sony's highly acclaimed God of War series has entered into the realm of mobile gaming with its launch on the PSP. However, those who thought that due to the smaller system that the game would be scaled down have been wrong. This is a massive game.
If you have played the previous God of War games, then you should know that this is not a continuation of the story, rather its more of a prequel. The plot is mature and well developed. It deals with violence, betrayal, and even contains a mini-game to simulate off-screen sex. The overall feel and control of the game is very smooth and similar to the console versions. Graphics are truly stunning, they really show what the system is capable of. On the whole, I'd recommend that people pick up a PSP solely for this game.
The PSP seems to be going from high to higher. Ever since the PSP-2000 as launched, the PSP has been unstoppable. There is news today that PSP Senior Marketing Manager, John Koller has made a statement saying that the PSP will be a 10 year product with frequent upgrades and revisions along the way. Baisally, the PSP will be in production for the next 7 years. There hasn't been a better time to buy PSP.
Of course, all this long term lifespan is nothing new for Sony consoles. If you look at the Playstation franchise, they have had very long lifespans as well, with the PS3 just starting to really get into full sprint in terms of sales. Sony makes lasting and long term products. The hardware is always impressive and meant to last for a time to come. The PSP is also getting much attention because of the amazing games that have come to it, specifically God of War: Chains of Olympus and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.
This is a report on the best places and the prices at which to buy PSP online. Since it has been out for awhile now, it is possible to buy PSP at a relatively regular price all around, but there are still discrepancies and if you can save a couple dollars when you buy PSP then why not? There are many packs and configurations in which you can buy PSP. The major differences between them are games and some cosmetic differences. The most common packs in which people buy PSP are listed. Used and new included.
Buy PSP Core System
Amazon - 129.99 - 484.99
eBay - 80 - 300
Buy.com - $208.51
As you can see, if you are looking to just buy PSP Core, you have a range of prices that they can be purchased at. Thought this list includes new and used, even for only new PSPs there is a decent range. Take a look around before you buy PSP.
Buy PSP Daxter Entertainment Pack - Ice Silver
Amazon - 154.99 - 199.99
eBay - 130 - 200
Buy.com - $199.99
The PSP Daxter Entertainment Pack - Ice Silver is one of the most popular configurations in which people buy PSP. It also has Daxter the game and Family Guy UMD.
Buy PSP Star Wars Battlefront Renegade Squadron Entertainment Pack - Ceramic White
Amazon - 173.00 - 199.99
eBay - 150 - 250
Buy.com - 199.99
The PSP Star Wars Battlefront Renegade Squadron Entertainment Pack - Ceramic White is also a popular configuration in which people buy PSP. Overall, it seems that if you want to buy PSP the situation is pretty good, just take a look around and buy PSP from your favorite retailer at the price points mentioned.
Sony is finally get their heads into the game as their consoles are picking up even more speed than ever before. The Sony PS3 is going to have its best year and is even predicted to beat out the Nintendo Wii. The Sony PSP has been out for awhile and has still been able to increase sales 38 percent since last year.
This is a great indicator for Sony as it means the Sony PSP popularity is still as high as ever. The sales are mostly boosted by the new redesign called the PSP-2000. There are also new games like Patapon and Wipeout Pulse which should help sales even more. It's not over yet as we are seeing even more amazing games like God of War: Chains of Olympus and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.
There was a rumor not too long ago that Skype would introduce a PSP Headset Kit at a very good price. It turns out the rumor was correct and Skype has introduced one for 20 dollars. This solution is much better as the current solution requires two different accessories.
This is a really good feature and should help more people use Skype on their PSP. This headset also will help people play online enabled games by using the headset feature. The Sony PSP is becoming a more powerful and usable machine everyday. I can't wait to see what they add on to it next.
PLATO Learning, a US based provider of elearning software is releasing educational software on the PSP in April. PLATO Achieve Now consists of 57 games which are fun and educational. They are targeted to elementary and middle school students for the subjects of math, art, and reading.
I have personally used some of PLATO's software on PC and they have some truly unique and creative approaches to learning. Their games are highly interactive and can help a struggle student do better in school. I believe this is a great development for the PSP, because they will be able to leverage the superior hardware and high penetration of the PSP to achieve worthy goals.
There are some new developments today in Japan, one is that PSP is going Bronze. PSP is being released in a special Bronze edition which will be a little more expensive than the regular edition. Now PSP is available in Japan in Black, Silver, White, and now Bronze. Another new development for Japanese PSP fans is a new type of cradle that is now available, the cradle will not aid in gaming, but Japanese users will be able to charge the unit while watching TV that is available in Japan.
The cradle also comes with a remote so that you can have a "full" TV experience on the small screen. Another new thing is that finally Japan will be able to get onto Skype using their PSP's. Usually Japan gets first dibs on new technology, however with Skype there was some issue with passing standards. Apparently they are at a good enough level to work. Overall, some interesting developments for Japanese PSP fans.
Here's another bundle as Sony will be bundling the PSP with God of War. You not only get the game but you get a a specially painted Sony PSP. It will be a two tone color with a light gray and red. The back of the PSP will have the imprint of a God of War figure.
This new God of War bundle will be released this summer. It was announced at retailer conference Destination Playstation. The package also includes a UMD of SuperBad, a certificate for Syphon Filter: Combat Ops and of course the red PSP. This is actually the third bundle as the previous ones were Daxter and Star Wars Battlefront. The bundle will retail at 199 dollars.
Some great new releases this week for the Sony PSP. The big one is for the North American market which is Patapon. It was released in Europe with great fanfare earlier and now the Americans are ready to buy it up like there is no tomorrow. The other two games for the NA market is Blokus Portable: Steamboat Championship and Puzzle Guzzle.
The EU market is getting Hard Rock Casino and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008, which should be popular with the great soccer fans. Asia is receiving three games which includes Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice, Mint Green PSP-2000 System, and MyStylist. Ok... The Green PSP isn't a game, but it's quite an interesting color though. Anyway, Patapon will be a huge treat to the NA market.
One of the recent updates on the PSP Slim and Lite allowed it to function as a VOIP phone via the popular Skype calling platform. Skype is a program that was created by the creators of the P2P agent Kazaa and online TV system Joost. Skype was purchased by eBay in 2005.
Personally, I am a heavy user of Skype as I tend to spend a lot of time overseas and Skype is a great way to be reached and call others for cheap. I usually just use Skype through my laptop but I since my PSP is usually with with I figured that I should try and use it. Frankly, I loved it. I was impressed wth the how smoothly the PSP handles Skype calls and how everything else works with it seamlessly. I think its great that Sony is far sighted enough to add more functionality to an already great gaming system.
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