The 5 Best PlayStation Portable Games on the PlayStation Store
2005 was quite the year – these 365 days brought us the birth of YouTube, Tom Cruise hopping on Oprah's couch (here it is for posterity), and the North American release of Sony's PlayStation Portable.
As the storefront for this handheld shutters its doors on July 2, we take a look at the 5 best PlayStation Portable games on the PlayStation Store that you must add to your collection.
The 5 Best PlayStation Portable Games on the PlayStation Store
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Still the reigning champ of strategy RPGs after all these years, the world of Square Enix's Final Fantasy Tactics got an expanded release on the PlayStation Portable with Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions.
Set within Ivalice, this title chronicles the war between the Kingdom of Ivalice and Ordalia. Each area features a grid-like board, and players can equip jobs to get ahead of the game. While in cities, players can also pick up new equipment, recruit soldiers, and send party members out on automated missions.
New to this release are additional cutscenes, a ratio that takes advantage of the PlayStation Portable's expanded screen size, and new playable characters like Final Fantasy XII's Balthier and Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift's Luso Clemens.
Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
For those that missed the import-only Akumajō Dracula X: Chi no Rondo (better known as Castlevania: Rondo of Blood), never fear – Konami has localized the series with the release of Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles.
This 2.5 remake brings with it new dialogue scenes fully voiced in either English or Japanese, a rearranged and remastered soundtrack, and a Boss Rush Mode and new character designs.
For those looking to have it all, the PC Engine Super CD-ROM² version of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night can both be unlocked through play. Put simply, there's no better time to get acquainted with Richter Belmont than through this title.
Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger VS Darkdeath Evilman
NIS America throws players into an adventure on Bizarro Earth with their title Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger VS Darkdeath Evilman. Much like the "Mystery Dungeon" series of roguelike games, this title puts players in control of a single playable character that sets out to explore randomly generated, multi-level dungeons.
However, new to the game is a number of character customization options through its grid-based Body Modification system. Turn-based RPG battles also come into play when players take the fight to Darkdeath Evilman.
Consider this title a good beginner-friendly take on the roguelike genre.
Ys Seven
Nihon Falcom's Ys series of games has long since established itself in the JRPG space, and the release of XSEED Games' Ys Seven carries the trend.
This title once again follows the journey of Adol and Dogi, which both reach the kingdom of Altago while searching for more adventure. World of a great catastrophe has swept the city, and it's up to Adol to learn more about the awakening Five Dragons.
Combat includes parrying mechanics, a skill point meter that allows players to perform skills, and maximizing the use of different weapon types. Combat packs depth, and the use of two other AI members just adds to the complexity.
Power Stone Collection
Two titles that were originally released for the Dreamcast and NAOMI arcade boards made the jump to the PlayStation Portable with the release of Capcom's Power Stone Collection.
Containing Power Stone and Power Stone 2, these two titles allow combatants to pick up and fight with tables, chairs, rocks and bombs. However, those with an eye for the prize best keep an eye out for the Power Stones; those that collect three can transform into a more powerful version of themselves.
Arguably the definitive version of the game, this collection includes 12 new items, Kraken and Valgas as playable characters in the second game and Pete, Julia, Gourmand, and Accel as playable characters in the original title.
The post The 5 Best PlayStation Portable Games on the PlayStation Store appeared first on GamersHeroes.
A new Pac-Man battle royale, Nintendo Switch Online members can dive into Pac-Man 99 when it launches today at 6pm PT.
To win this game, players must set out to be the last Pac-Man standing. Much like the original arcade release, players can go on the offensive by grabbing a Power Pellet and eating the ghosts that chase after you. Each ghost players eat will turn into Jammer Pac-Man for rival players, which drops one's movement speed.
The key to victory lies in its Sleeping Ghosts. Eating them all in succession forms a ghost train, which can then be eaten in succession after grabbing a Power Pellet. Four different power-ups can also be used, including one that doubles your movement speed and another that targets opponents that are close to losing the game.
Learn more with the trailer below:
PAC-MAN
99 – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch
For those looking for more Pac-Man, additional paid content will also be available.
A new Pac-Man battle royale, Nintendo Switch Online members can dive into Pac-Man 99 when it launches today at 6pm PT
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today that E3 2021 will take place June 12 through June 15
Celebrate the great outdoors this week in Rockstar Games' Red Dead Online with bonuses and a Care Package
Curious what Resident Evil Village will look like on the PlayStation 4 Pro? The team at IGN recently released exclusive new gameplay footage of the title running on current gen hardware
The post Pac-Man 99 Announced appeared first on GamersHeroes.
Cosplay Wednesday – The Terminator 2's T-1000
The world of 2019's Terminator: Resistance is being enhanced for a new generation with the upcoming glow up for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. In honor of this title, Gamers Heroes takes a look at a cosplay of a character that everybody is no doubt familiar with.
Professional French cosplayer (and Lucky Luke lookalike) johnnypen turned his sights to The Terminator 2's T-1000 with this rendition. The Terminator 2 is one of his favorite movies, and he's certainly got the looks to match.
You can find johnnypen on DeviantArt here, on Facebook here, and on Instagram here.
Do you enjoy a bit of gaming cosplay? Or maybe you're passionate enough to do it full time. Drop me a line at casey@gamersheroes.com and we'll feature some of your cosplay.
The post Cosplay Wednesday – The Terminator 2's T-1000 appeared first on GamersHeroes.
The 5 Best PlayStation Vita Games on the PlayStation Store
Vita may mean life, but things are looking grim for Sony's handheld.
The PlayStation Vita's store is shuttering its doors on August 27, meaning there's no better time to fill up your Memory Cards with games. Before that time rolls around, here are the 5 best PlayStation Vita games on the PlayStation Store that will keep your portable happy.
The 5 Best PlayStation Vita Games on the PlayStation Store
Muramasa Rebirth
Originally released as Muramasa: The Demon Blade for the Nintendo Wii in 2009, Vanillaware and Aksys Games' Muramasa Rebirth expands on the award winning formula with this PlayStation Vita release.
Players will once again follow the story of the princess Momohime and the ninja Kisuke as they build up an inventory of up to 108 blades. New to this release are HD graphics that have been designed with the PlayStation Vita's OLED screen in mind, along with a localization that is more faithful to the original text.
This title also pays host to four additional downloadable scenarios with different characters. Dubbed the Genroku Legends, the only way to play these is to grab them before the PlayStation Store shuts down later this year.
Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines
Alfa System and Sony Computer Entertainment teamed up on the PlayStation Vita to release Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines, a sequel to a series with roots dating back to the PlayStation 1.
Players will join a cursed bloodline that is destined to fight against a demon as they traverse caves, forests, mansions and temples. The turn-based JRPG combat allows players given the chance to master abilities known as "arts" and "secret techniques" along the way. There are eight different job classes to master, including spearmen, archers, dancers, breakers, martial artists, and cannoneers.
The title is fairly rare, with eBay having almost no listings for the English version of the game. For those looking for convenience, the PlayStation Store is the way to go for this cult classic.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Nathan Drake is a household name among gamers at this point, but Bend Studio and Sony Computer Entertainment's Uncharted: Golden Abyss likely flew under the radar for a lot of fans.
This spinoff serves as a prequel to the series, and has Nathan Drake searching for the lost city of Quivira. He is joined by fellow treasure hunter Marisa Chase, and the two must solve puzzles and fight countless enemies along the way.
For those who feel like this might be filler, note that the entire project was overseen by the team at Naughty Dog and that John Garvin served as both director and script writer. The game has also earned a score of 80 out of 100 on Metacritic, proving to be favorable among critics.
Freedom Wars
The dream team of Japan Studio, Shift, Dimps, and Sony Computer Entertainment came together to make the action RPG Freedom Wars for the PlayStation Vita.
Set in the distant future of 102014, this grim world has most of humankind imprisoned in penal city-states known as Panopticons. With support for up to eight players, players can utilize a grappling whip to zip across the battlefield and pull larger-than-life enemies down to the ground. Threats can also be disposed of with weapons like swords, spears, and firearms.
Back in 2014, Destructoid called this title the biggest PlayStation Vita release of the year. For fans weaned on Monster Hunter and God Eater, be sure to add this into your rotation.
Soul Sacrifice Delta
An expanded version of the game, Marvelous AQL, Japan Studio, and Sony Computer Entertainment's Soul Sacrifice Delta pays host to a concept that was created by the one and only Keiji Inafune (Mega Man).
When enemies or allies are defeated in battle, the player is given a choice. One can choose to save them to restore a bit of health, or can alternatively sacrifice foes to restore charges to items known as offerings, which are required for the casting of magic. This mechanic keeps things fresh as players make use of its point/objective system to collect mission rewards.
Note that the online component of the game requires an online pass, which can only be found with new copies and through the PlayStation Store. Those looking to take on these "Avalon Quests" best pick up the game from the store, as new copies are harder to find than hen's teeth.
The post The 5 Best PlayStation Vita Games on the PlayStation Store appeared first on GamersHeroes.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today that E3 2021 will take place June 12 through June 15.
The event so far has commitments from Xbox, Nintendo, Capcom, Konami, Ubisoft, Take-Two Interactive, Warner Bros. Games and Koch Media. The ESA will work with media partners globally to make content available to everyone worldwide for free. The organization stated that the digital format for E3 2021 will allow more people than ever to participate.
Stanley Pierre-Louis, President & CEO of the ESA, said the following:
A new Pac-Man battle royale, Nintendo Switch Online members can dive into Pac-Man 99 when it launches today at 6pm PT
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today that E3 2021 will take place June 12 through June 15
Celebrate the great outdoors this week in Rockstar Games' Red Dead Online with bonuses and a Care Package
Curious what Resident Evil Village will look like on the PlayStation 4 Pro? The team at IGN recently released exclusive new gameplay footage of the title running on current gen hardware
The post E3 2021 Line-up Announced appeared first on GamersHeroes.
Wilderness Rewards in Red Dead Online This Week
Celebrate the great outdoors this week in Rockstar Games' Red Dead Online with bonuses and a Care Package.
Players will be able to get themselves Double RDO$ and XP on all Animal Samples sold by Naturalists, along with 5 Animal Revivers and 100 Sedative Varmint Rifle rounds just for sampling any Legendary Animal.
All players can also get themselves a wilderness-ready Care Package, which includes 3 Potent Herbivore Bait, 3 Potent Predator Bait, and 3 Special Lake Lures.
Make sure to take advantage of Double RDO$ and XP on all Free Roam Fishing Challenges, along with 50% extra cash on all fish sales to Butchers.
For the shutterbugs out there, take advantage of an Offer for 40% off the Advanced Camera for completing a round of Wildlife Photographer. Players can also claim an Offer for half off any Outfit below Rank 15 by crafting any item at Gus' Store.
Discount-wise, players can take 40% off the Fishing Rod, all Fishing Lures, and all Hats, 5 Gold Bars off the cost of the Naturalist's Sample Kit, and 30% off Harriet's Tonics, Novice and Promising Naturalist Items, all items in Gus' Store, and the Elephant Rifle.
Finally, Prime Gaming members can get themselves a Bounty Hunter License on the house. All those that connect their Social Club accounts can also get themselves an Award for the Trimmed Amethyst Bounty Wagon Livery, while those who connect before April 12 will receive an Offer for 40% off any Saddle, plus 30% off select Multi-Class Horses and select Horse Care Pamphlets from the Fence.
A new Pac-Man battle royale, Nintendo Switch Online members can dive into Pac-Man 99 when it launches today at 6pm PT
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today that E3 2021 will take place June 12 through June 15
Celebrate the great outdoors this week in Rockstar Games' Red Dead Online with bonuses and a Care Package
Curious what Resident Evil Village will look like on the PlayStation 4 Pro? The team at IGN recently released exclusive new gameplay footage of the title running on current gen hardware
The post Wilderness Rewards in Red Dead Online This Week appeared first on GamersHeroes.
Resident Evil Village Gameplay Detailed in New Video
Curious what Resident Evil Village will look like on the PlayStation 4 Pro? The team at IGN recently released exclusive new gameplay footage of the title running on current gen hardware.
See both the protagonist Ethan Winters and the larger-than-life Alcina Dimitrescu with five minutes of footage for the game below:
Resident Evil Village: First-Ever PS4 Pro Gameplay (4K) – IGN First
The next generation of survival horror for the series, Resident Evil Village features Ethan Winters once more, who is kidnapped by Chris Redfield and transported to a mysterious European village.
An inventory management system similar to the one found in Resident Evil 4 will be included through the use of a briefcase. Ethan can also pick up additional weapons and items along the way from the Duke.
Note that this particular video is the start of IGN's month of exclusive coverage regarding the title. All those interested in learning more can see Resident Evil Village in action on their YouTube channel.
The final release of the game will come out on May 7, 2021 for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC via Steam.
A new Pac-Man battle royale, Nintendo Switch Online members can dive into Pac-Man 99 when it launches today at 6pm PT
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today that E3 2021 will take place June 12 through June 15
Celebrate the great outdoors this week in Rockstar Games' Red Dead Online with bonuses and a Care Package
Curious what Resident Evil Village will look like on the PlayStation 4 Pro? The team at IGN recently released exclusive new gameplay footage of the title running on current gen hardware
The post Resident Evil Village Gameplay Detailed in New Video appeared first on GamersHeroes.
The 5 Best PlayStation 3 Games on the PlayStation Store
The PlayStation 3 store is closing on July 2; long may it reign.
As Sony begins to sunset its seventh generation console, there is no better time to load up on classics for your never ending backlog. From AAA juggernauts to indie wonders, here are the 5 best PlayStation 3 games on the PlayStation Store.
The 5 Best PlayStation 3 Games on the PlayStation Store
ModNation Racers
Nintendo might rule the karting roost with their time-honored Mario Kart series, but United Front Games and Sony Computer Entertainment make a compelling case to trade out your wheels with ModNation Racers.
The drifting, power-ups, and boosting mechanics hit all the right notes for the genre, but the game truly shines with its user generated content. The online ModSpot lobby area is a one-stop shop that allows players to meet up, race, and create and download content. A near limitless amount of courses and content are at your disposal, and those looking to get in on the online action best grab this title sooner rather than later.
Gran Turismo 6
Gearheads may have been somewhat disappointed with Gran Turismo Sport, but Polyphony Digital and Sony Computer Entertainment's Gran Turismo 6 is still one of the best driving simulators on the market after all these years.
More than 120 cars, 40 Locations, and 107 layouts have been included, along with a Career Mode and B-Spec mode with AI. To maintain its air of authenticity, this title is the first game ever to feature officially FIA-certified content.
Although the online mode of this title was shut down in 2018, six tracks and dozens of cars remain DLC for the game. For those looking for the ultimate driving sim, players should make sure to grab this content before July rolls around.
Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds
Mark Twain may have said that golf is a good walk spoiled, but he must have never played Clap Hanz and Sony Computer Entertainment's Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds.
The three-click shot system the series is known for makes its return, making for an arcade-like golf experience that encourages players to improve their skills each go-around. When paired with its unlockables, tournament play, and online modes, this is one title that has some serious legs.
Those looking for the ultimate experience should pay a visit to the PlayStation Store; Alex and Gloria are joined by Kratos and Sackboy as playable DLC characters, and the Oceania Resort Course can only be purchased online.
Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown
Tekken may have stolen Virtua Fighter's lunch and thrown it into a locker, but SEGA's Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown still deserves some love from fighting game fans.
In what is arguably the best entry to date, Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown stresses the importance of frames and boils everything down to a punch, kick, and block button. This one-on-one fighter packs some incredible depth, and is the perfect way to prepare for the Virtua Fighter X eSports project on the horizon.
Yakuza fans may be able to play this one in the bustling arcades of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Judgment, and Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, but the standalone experience can only be yours through the PlayStation Store (and Xbox Live, but that's for another story).
Tokyo Jungle
We promise you that you've never played anything like Crispy's! and Sony Computer Entertainment's Tokyo Jungle.
Tokyo has been transformed into a vicious wildlife wasteland in this title, one where lions, tigers, chickens, and other animals fight for survival. Players will build a pack from 80 different animals across 50 breeds, with players setting out to discover the truth behind humankind's disappearance. A Survival Mode with online leaderboards has also been included, allowing players to partake in a true survival of the fittest.
Although the title was released on the Best of PlayStation Network Vol. 1 disc in 2013, even the cheapest listing on eBay is asking for more than $100 as of this writing. For those not looking to break the bank, be sure to grab this title from the PlayStation Network.
The post The 5 Best PlayStation 3 Games on the PlayStation Store appeared first on GamersHeroes.
In what is proving to be a seminal year for the world of tadpole video games, Pinnical Studios' Tadpole Tales has players firing away in a "clean 'em-up" shoot 'em-up. Should players take on this creative purification ritual, or is this title a polluted mess?
Tadpole Tales Review
Tadpole Tales stars out on a dour note, with three corrupt monsters intoxicating a once clean river. However, a tiny little tadpole has set out to save this area that they call home, spitting out bubbles to make everything all clean and sparkly. With the power of its little breath, what was gross can become clean.
A horizontal shoot 'em-up at its core, Tadpole Tales has players navigating enemy threats and bullets. Though the frogs and fishes might be different than the ships and asteroids players are used to, the formula is still very much the same. Movement is done with the WASD keys, and the ever-so-helpful fire button is mapped to the Space Bar.
This control scheme is simple at its core, which is both a blessing and a curse. While the control scheme is responsive and works well, it also does not provide much depth. Players can grab additional hearts to help their tadpole grow and improve their firepower (akin to Konami's Gradius series), but that is about the extent of its complexity.
Rather, the game lives and dies by its action. Though it is a short game that clocks in at around 15 minutes, players will come across three different zones that each have a boss waiting at the end of them. Patterns are the name of the game, and figuring out a flow to the action is the key to survival. Those who grew up in an arcade will no doubt know this song and dance, and Tadpole Tales delivers the same experience, albeit in a smaller package.
However, there is one area that Tadpole Tales truly excels at: its presentation. This is an absolutely gorgeous game, with fluid animation and some incredible artwork on display. Much like Studio MDHR's Cuphead, the world comes alive when players are thrown into the action. The soundtrack manages to keep pace as well, harkening back to the quarter munchers of old with some solid beats.
Those that successfully complete a run of the game will be able to unlock an Expert Mode, which takes place at night and has only bosses dropping hearts. Players will also be able to chase their scores and best time. There are achievements for beating the developers' best time and beating normal mode without losing any hearts, so perfectionists and completionists alike can certainly keep themselves busy.
Tadpole Tales may be a simple shmup at its core, but its stellar audiovisual presentation and tight controls make it worth a playthrough for fans of the genre.
In what is proving to be a seminal year for the world of tadpole video games, Pinnical Studios' Tadpole Tales has players firing away in a "clean 'em-up" shoot 'em-up. Should players take on this
Square Enix and People Can Fly look to bring their gritty sci-fi shooter to the forefront of the third-person shooter space with Outriders. Featuring an innovative approach to combat, a wonderfully
After the roaring success of Monster Hunter World, Monster Hunter Rise is now available for the Nintendo Switch. Is this entry a worthy successor, or should players stick with World? Check out our
With a crystal sword at their side, players will be able to defy the laws of gravity with the release of Soulflee's runner Miska's Cave. Challenging gameplay and immense rewards await – should
The post Tadpole Tales Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons April Update Detailed
The month of April brings with it a number of new discoveries in Nintendo's Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
For those in the Northern Hemisphere, island-goers will be able to enjoy cherry blossoms that are in full bloom at the beginning of the month. Seasonal items and outfits will also be available.
Learn more with the trailer below:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Exploring April – Nintendo Switch
Originally released in March of last year, Animal Crossing: New Horizons transports players to a deserted island that is brimming with possibility. Previous updates to the game include "Bunny Day," "May Day," "Halloween," "Turkey Day," and "Toy Day."
Famitsu Dengeki gave it the "Best Game in China" and "Game of the Year" awards, and also won the "Best Family Game" category in The Game Awards 2020. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) also gave it the British Academy Games Award for Multiplayer in 2021.
The title is now available for the Nintendo Switch.
A new Pac-Man battle royale, Nintendo Switch Online members can dive into Pac-Man 99 when it launches today at 6pm PT
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today that E3 2021 will take place June 12 through June 15
Celebrate the great outdoors this week in Rockstar Games' Red Dead Online with bonuses and a Care Package
Curious what Resident Evil Village will look like on the PlayStation 4 Pro? The team at IGN recently released exclusive new gameplay footage of the title running on current gen hardware
The post Animal Crossing: New Horizons April Update Detailed appeared first on GamersHeroes.