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Sony Computer Entertainment of America has launched the latest firmware update for the PSP. This firmware update, version 3.73, will include new options and functionality for the system but it will mainly address security patches and an issue with the UMD drive. Apparently there were some cases where the UMD drive occasionally stopped and failed to load data appropriately causing the game to freeze.

Here are the features and options included in PSP firmware update 3.73:

• Theme Settings :
  
  
  - You can now set a theme under “Theme Settings.”
  
  

  - The home menu color, background and icons for XMB (XrossMediaBar) will change, based on the theme that is selected.
  
  
  

• Scene Search :
  
  
  - You can now search for a scene when playing a movie that is saved on Memory Stick Duo media.
  
  
  - You can select and play the scene you want to see from a thumbnail image. This is convenient when you want to quickly play only a specific scene.
  
  
  
• Viewing a slideshow while listening to music :
  
  
  - Simultaneous playback of content under “Music” and “Photo” is now supported.
  
  
  - You can view a slideshow of your favorite photographs while listening to music.

  
  

• Games :
  
  
  - Support for Playstation Network titles has been expanded.
  
  
  
• Network :
  
  
  - “Assign Buttons” has been added to the “Remote Play” menu.
  
  
  
• Video :
  
  

  - Sequential playback of videos saved on Memory Stick Duo media is now supported.
  
  
  

The PSP’s software can be updated using a memory stick and downloading the update from Sony’s website to a PC and then running the program on the PSP. It can also be done directly on the PSP using its WiFi capabilities to download the update.

This update is only for North American versions of the PSP as it can cause trouble for devices purchased on other regions.

Download [PSP Firmware Update 3.73] Read [PSP Fanboy]

Newsflash: game rentals hurt sales. Proving the obvious through research, a gamedaily affiliated study recently found that very few people who rent games actually end up buying the titles. According to the study, a full 49% of people bought none of the games they rented, 42% bought 1-10% of the games they rented, and 9% bought more than 11% of the games they rented. These are low numbers, folks, and this means that in general, rental play doesn’t lead to purchases. Also significant was the fact that teenagers make up 30% of game renters, though only 12% of the gaming population.

This all seems like common sense: games are practically rated on a scale of “don’t bother” for terrible review scores, to “rent it” for average games, to “buy it” for high scoring titles. Most gamers who rent a game are doing so because they’ve heard that it’s worth playing, but not the $50 or $60 it’ll cost to own it. This study just gives credence to the prevailing wisdom of the industry.

Read [Gamedaily] Via [Gamepro]

According to a recent gamedaily article, Nintendo has no plans to expand western development for the Wii. George Harrison (Nintendo of America’s senior vp of marketing and corporate communications), told Wired that Nintendo isn’t looking to create more games with western dev teams, and that all of the major software decisions are handled by Satoru Iwata and the management team over in Japan.

It’s a bit strange, considering the Wii’s incredible success in North America. One would think that the big N would be looking to capitalize on and continue that trend by creating content that speaks to this brand new audience. Unfortunately, it looks like Nintendo is going to rely on third party titles to perform this function, and so far, third party selection on the Wii has been spotty at best (with a few notable exceptions).

The article does mention the few western-developed 1st party titles, like Metroid Prime 3 (developed by Austin based Retro studios) and Mario Strikers Charged (from Next Level in Vancouver), both fantastic games. Nintendo would be wise to change its tune and give qualified western studios a chance.

Read [Gamedaily]

Product: Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings
Price: $39.99
System(s): Nintendo DS
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Publisher (Developer): Square-Enix (Square-Enix with Think and Feel)
ESRB Rating: “E 10+” for Everyone 10 and over
Rating: 9/10
Pros: The cinematics and music are phenomenal. The battle system is smooth. The story breaks new ground without contradicting the original storyline. It is fun to play.
Cons: The graphics at times look more like a Game Boy Advance game than a DS title.
Overall: The first well executed and entertaining real-time strategic RPG on the DS. Final Fantasy fans who love tactical games will have fun with this.

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings initially worried me. When Square-Enix announced that the game was going to be a real-time tactical RPG, my mind instantly thought of the train wreck that was Heroes of Mana. FFXII: Revenant Wings won me over with its charm, simple battle commands, competent troops and variety of activities. This game helped renew my faith in the Final Fantasy spin-offs. While the game might not appeal to all Final Fantasy fans due to the manner in which battles are handled, it is an engaging and enjoyable adventure that RPG fans shouldn’t overlook.

FFXII: Revenant Wings picks up a year after everything that happened in FFXII. The story begins with rookie sky pirates Vaan and Penelo working with veteran pirates Balthier and Fran to acquire a treasure. Unfortunately, right after they get their hands on the goods, the ruins they are in collapse and Vaan and Penelo’s vessel is destroyed. They are forced to return to Rabanastre to resume their normal lives. That doesn’t last long though, as a new ship is abandoned near the city, and Vaan, Penelo, Kytes, Filo and Tomaj take it and end up heading to the floating continent of Lemurés. After saving and making friends with Llyud, a member of the Aegyl indigenous to the continent, they vow to help the aegyls defend their home from sky pirates set to plunder it.

The battle system in FFXII: Revenant Wings just might be the proof needed to show that handheld systems can handle real-time tactical games. It is simple, but at times complex. Most battles allow five leaders in play and each is a specialized kind of unit. For example Vaan is a melee unit, Kytes is a ranged unit and Llyud is an airborne unit. There is a paper-scissors-rock relationship among the three, where melee beats ranged, ranged smacks down airborne, and airborne decimates melee. Each leader has esper troops, which follow their lead. Players can select one leader or all troops to get things done in battle.

There is also quite a bit of replay value. There are plenty of story missions available, not to mention the supplemental missions Tomaj provides each chapter. There are also tons of custom weapons that can be created, summons to earn, and an additional dungeon to explore. Plus if you replay the game a second time, the ending changes.

The only unimpressive area was the graphics. Sure, the cinematic sequences looked gorgeous. I’d have liked to seen more of them. The regular graphics seem lackluster though. They look like they are taken from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, and I think a DS game deserves better than that. A $40 title should be giving a little bit more.

Overall though, this is a great game. It is not only fun, but the battles gradually increase in difficulty and really force you to think ahead and work for your victories. Even though the price tag is high, it is worth every penny. 

Site [Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings] Product Page [GameStop]

Ubisoft has just released additional downloadable content for the recently released Xbox 360 Naruto game. Fans of the original anime series can now download the Japanese voices by the original voice actors for use in Naruto: Rise of a Ninja. This pack includes minor characters as well as major characters, like Naruto, Kakashi, Sakura, Sasuke, Orochimaru, and Gaara. The pack is a free download, but an Xbox Live silver account is required to get it.

Acquiring the voices is fairly simple. First sign into Xbox Live, then start the game like you normally would. When the main menu comes up choose to go to the Xbox Live Marketplace and select the Japanese voice package as a download. Once that is finished, the Japanese voices can be chosen instead of the English one in the options menu.

Naruto: Rise of a Ninja is the first Naruto game to appear on the Xbox 360. It is a combination of a traditional platformer, adventure title, and fighting game which allows players to follow the Naruto series storyline, tackle missions, or fight against friends. The characters are also all customizeable, as they can each learn new techniques and use different weapons. The game was released October 30, 2007, is rated Teen and retails for $59.99.

Ubisoft was wise to make this a free download. I doubt many people would be willing to actually pay money just for a different set of voices. Of course there are a lot of anime purists out there who prefer the original Japanese voice actors over the American ones, so maybe it would be worth the money to some people.

Read [QJ.Net Presents Xbox 360] Also Read [VideoGames Universe] Site [Naruto: Rise of a Ninja]

Welcome to the first installment of Important Importables, a new column that will appear exclusively on Gamertell. Each weekend, Jenni Lada will point and stare like a giddy tourist at some the best, weirdest or simply her favorite videogame goodies not sold in the US. So get your PayPal password ready and clean out your mailbox, it’s time for some Important Importables.

If you own a PSP or a Nintendo DS, you probably know the great little secret behind each system. No, not that one, perverts. All PSP and DS games are region-free meaning that someone can buy a game from a different country and run it on their own machine. It also means that someone could purchase a handheld system from another country to use.  It’s complete and utter freedom.

The bad news is that there are a lot of incredible video games out there that never make it to North America for one reason or another. Not to mention the delayed and limited releases European and Austrailian gamers can get.

Console importing has also become quite popular. The Japanese PSPs and DSes are available in different colors and styles than North American ones, like the popular and recently released Crisis Core: Final Fantasy PSP in Japan. Plus, if someone wants to play a Japanese PS2, PS3, Wii or Xbox 360 game, they first have to buy a console from that region. (Of course they could mod the system they already own, but that can be tricky and voids the warranty.) The trick to importing is finding a safe, reliable, and well stocked online store that carries the games and systems you want.

Japanese Imports

I’ll begin with my favorite online store , Play-Asia. This site is the best for import gamers for a number of reasons. First, the service is incredible. If you have a problem or issue, you’ll likely get an email response that same day, even though the company is located in Hong Kong. Second, the shipping is dirt cheap. I always choose the cheapest option (at times it ends up being under $3.00), and yet it will always arrive at my home in a week. Next is the selection. They have games, domestic and import, for every system, including the classics. If there’s a game you want that is old and out of stock, they’ll even find it for you. Plus they also sell toys, music, movies, and magazines. I saved the best for last though: the Bargain Section. Many a day have I come home, popped on just to browse, and ended up with a steal. This week’s reckless splurge: the limited edition version of Audition Portable for the PSP. Normally its $99.99, now its $49.99.

Next up is NCSX, also known as the National Console Support, Inc. This company is located in the US, so your game will arrive a little faster and you won’t have to worry about your items making the overseas trips. Despite my rabbid fangirlism up there for Play-Asia, NCSX was the first place I imported from. Ever. That’s a special, sacred bond. NCSX doesn’t have as wide a selection as Play-Asia, and the shipping is a bit more, but occasionally they will have a game that Play-Asia doesn’t carry any more. They also have other video game related imported paraphernalia, like toys, books, music. NCSX really focuses on games though. Once again they have great customer service.

European Imports

The next site I have mixed feelings about. I’m including it because eStarland is really the only trustworthy site I have found for getting European imported games. (Occasionally Europe will get games North America should have gotten, but didn’t including Freshly Picked: Tingle’s Rosy Rupee-Land for the DS or Tales of Eternia for the PSP.) Like NCSX, eStarland is another online video game retailer based in the US. Their primary focus isn’t on imports, but they carry most of the really popular ones at reasonable prices. The bad part is their policy on constantly confirming the information you’ve supplied. It can be horribly annoying and can keep your purchase from being shipped for three to four days. The good part is that they carry European imports and also stock used copies of all imported games when they can. Since import games for the DS and PSP can run between $39-49, a preowned copy for $29-39 starts looking pretty good.

From time to time you might also be able to find European versions of games on the NCSX site. The thing is, when they are on the site they won’t be marked as European under region, so you need to be aware of what titles are European exclusives. It isn’t too bad when they are PSP or DS games, since those are region free, but European games won’t run on the North American console systems. Also you will usually have to search for the exact title, because the game might not show up in the normal game list. A good example is the Tingle game for the DS mentioned earlier. If you look through the general DS game listings, it won’t show up, but if you check for it with the site’s search engine, you’ll find it. Another thing worth noting is that a European game at NCSX will cost more than the identical game at eStarland, provided eStarland has it.

Other Sites to Consider

These are just my favorite sites and they aren’t the only shops online out there. YesAsia is also a great, reliable site for importing video games, music, books, toys, and other items from overseas. The only reason YesAsia doesn’t have a paragraph up there with the other Japanese import sites is because they tend to focus focus on other imports.

If you’re an eBay fan, a lot of import games and systems can be found there as well. You have to be cautious when dealing with vendors there though - you never know what condition the game is or if it is a legitimate copy and not a knock-off. Sure it looks like a good deal initially, but it won’t be once you get it home and discover it is a knock-off. At times it is worth the risk though, because eBay sellers will have the lowest prices.

JBox/JList is also a great retailer who I have personally purchased items from, but like YesAsia they specialize in items, accessories, computer games, toys and magazines. So at JBox/JList you will find many licensed Nintendo items, video game related novelties and Japanese iTunes card, but you won’t find any actual games (except dating sim PC games) or systems. In fact, J-List/J-Box is the only site I have come across so far that carries the Japanese iTunes cards, which, when purchased, allow you to download music from the Japanese iTunes store.

Coming Next Week

Next week we’ll start talking about some import DS and PSP games which are worth your money. First up, the best import game available for the best handheld console on the market, the Nintendo DS. The great thing about this game is if you look carefully online, you may just find it on sale.

Site [Play-Asia] Site [NCSX] Site [eStarland] Site [RenChi] Site [YesAsia] Site [JBox/JList]

It’s no surprise that scriptwriters for radio, television and movies are at a stand-still with the current Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. After three weeks without work, those writers are starting to look for writing positions in an industry that has become an unexpected competitor. Videogames.

“Vidgames may be one of the prime reasons network TV doesn’t draw as many viewers as it used to, but it also represents a new market for screenwriters,” said Ben Fritz, technology and videogame reviewer for Variety magazine. “While the WGA has made no secret that it would like to eventually cover videogame writing, it hasn’t pushed the issue yet and is allowing members to work on games during the strike.”

The WGA is a union of writers who work in film, television and radio broadcasting. The reason the writers have all gone on strike in the first place is that they demand an increase on residuals for DVD sales and a healthy cut from new-media profits.

Naturally, the WGA has not hesitated to remind us that it plans to create a special category for videogame writers at the next Writers Guild Awards to be held in February 2008.

“Video games are written and many are written very well” said WGA West President Patric M. Verrone. “By recognizing the skill and craft of video game writing, the Writers Guilds intend to raise the profile of these writers so that they can get WGA contracts and benefits for this work. We aim, we shoot, we score.”

Veteran game and film writer, Flint Dille, said times have changed and games have come the new market.

“I’m certain some kind of union situation is going to evolve for this industry, including the writers,” Dille recalls. “Then as budgets went up, they realized they need designers and some actual art. Today, it’s unusual if a writer is not brought into the process at some point. Twenty years ago, games were all about the engineers. Over the next 20 years, I’m certain some kind of union situation is going to evolve for this industry, including the writers.”

Read [1UP] Also Read [Variety] Site [Writers Guild of America]

Rumors of a Playstation Phone have recently resurfaced along with questions of an attachment for the PlayStation Portable or a whole new device all together.

It would make sense, since you can practically use the handheld for a variety of things from surfing the web to taking still and moving videos with an attachment. Having a phone attachment would increase the sales of the device and send Sony dancing in the streets as the boost in sales skyrocket. At least you would think that were possible until Sony denies the claim again.

I say if you want to at least promote mobile gaming the PSP is the product that could make it possible. I use my PSP more than I do my own cellphone, so why not combine the two?

According to Sony Computer Entertainment of America’s co-chief operating officer, Jim Ryan, A PSPhone may be on the way for real this time.

“The PlayStation is a proven success and so is Sony Ericsson. Convergence with the two arms working together is definitely plausible,” Ryan said in an interview with Economic Times. “What has been done is finding a match between a camera and a mobile phone, and that has been done wherein the mobile phone features are not reasonably inhibited and the camera is also a reasonably competitive product. It is hugely intellectually seductive to have a console-oriented phone.”

But it’s bad enough the photo quality let alone the picture quality of a mobile phone is quite horrid, one would question how to get the same PlayStation quality of games on a cellphone? The screens are tiny and the screen resolutions suck. But should Sony take a PSP for example and embed the cellphone capabilities into it as the N-gage and Blackberry phones have done with music videos and PDA functions of a computers, that would be an ideal phone for a typical gamer like myself.

“Sony Ericsson has succeeded in selling music phones and camera phones that capitalize on its well-known Walkman music player brand and its Cyber-Shot digital camera brand,” said Diptarup Chakraborti, principal analyst at research firm Gartner. “While the Cybershot and Walkman are better selling brands from the Sony fold, PlayStation almost enjoys cult status and two strong brands, SE and PS would make a strong success story for Sony.”

According to Informa and Wireless Intelligence, the total number of mobile phone subscribers in the world was estimated at 2.14 billion in 2005 with the count reaching 2.83 billion in Q1 of 2007. Around 80% of the world’s population enjoys mobile phone coverage as of 2006 with this figure expected to increase to 90% by the year 2010. In India, the number has already crossed 250 million in September 2007 and is expected to double by 2010.

It’s not like Sony can deny this as a false claim for very much longer. While no set date had been announced earlier this year, Sony did sign a four year contract with BT to offer video and voice calls as well as text messaging for the PSP using VoIP technology in Europe. So its only a matter of time before the same is offered stateside.

“The PSP is an excellent device for both gaming and communications because of its high quality screen and audio capabilities,” said Steve Andrews, chief of mobility and convergence for BT, in an interview with GameIndustry.Biz in May 2007. “With over 8 million PSPs shipped across Europe, we are very excited by the opportunity to give customers a whole new communications experience, connecting and seeing friends across the world through BT’s technology.”

What else can I say about this revived rumor, but: “Please, oh, please! Pimp My PSP Sony!”

Read [GameDaily] Also Read [Economic Times] Also [Game Industry Biz]

Now that Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe are available on Xbox Live Arcade, Atari has announced that three other classic arcade titles are on their way for the service. Battlezone, Tempest and Warlords will receive the “Asteroids treatment”, bringing both the original title and a version with enhanced graphics, sound, and special FX to Xbox Live Arcade. The games will be released “this holiday season” according to the press release.

One of the more exciting new features is the announcement of new multiplayer modes in Battlezone and Warlords. Both games will make use of the Xbox Live camera so players can watch live video of their opponents. All games will have three difficulty selections, HD support, achievements, and limited time trial modes for picky gamers. 

It’s high time Xbla got the classic Atari treatment. Classic gamers should jump on this chance to kick it old school (and probably kick some newbie butt while they’re at it). The games are slated for release this holiday, so if you’re sick of the AAA titles and craving simple action, you should check them out.

Read [Xboxist]

With the World of Warcraft expanding celebrity appearances aren’t really necessary but they do make the commercials more memorable. The latest commercials feature William Shatner and Mr. T, and coming soon Verne Troyer (aka, Mini-Me) asking viewers “What’s Your Game?”

First commercial features Mr. T and his Night Elf Mohawk which are simply hilarious. I think my sides are still aching from laughing two days ago. Nothing funnier than Mr. T saying “Shut up, Fool! Maybe Mr. T hacked into your computer and created a Mohawk Night Elf class [ramblings I can’t explain without falling on the ground laughing] had that occurred to you Mr. Condescending Director?”

Mr. T on World of Warcraft commercial

Just when I could breathe again, the next ad is released featuring William Shatner and his Shaman. “You’re no doubt wondering ‘Hey, Shatner, how do I hurl bolts of lightening?’ Simple, get World of Warcraft dog. You can be anyone you want.”

William Shatner on World of Warcraft commercial

No release date on when Verne Troyer’s commercial is going to air or what character he’s going to be in the World of Warcraft but I’m sure it will be just as funny as Mr. T and William Shatner’s commercial or the super bowl ad that had us in stitches back in September.

Tacoma Ad on World of Warcraft

“Did you see me lay down the law? I’m the law giver!”

Site [World of Warcraft] Site [Blizzard Entertainment]