Innocent Life: A Futuristic Harvest Moon

Innocent Life: A Futuristic Harvest Moon

Innocent Life is somewhat of a departure for the Harvest Moon series and also has a new art style that sets it apart from the other games in the series. It can be a very relaxing game to play, but is definitely not for impatient gamers. Check it out if farming is your thing.

Gameplay: Somewhat different from previous Harvest Moon games, but still fun.

Graphics: A new art direction for the series.

Sound: Catchy and annoying in equal measures

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

Having to unlock the best game in the compilation (imo) sucks but for the rest this is a great compilation and really a slice of history as well. Castlevania fans should be in seventh heaven with this title and all platform fans should pray for more releases of this quality.

Gameplay: Tough as nails but well worth persevering as the rewards are good.

Graphics: The remake is looking good and SOTN is still awesome.

Sound: Good music is synonymous with Castlevania games

Archer Maclean’s Mercury

Archer Maclean’s Mercury

Mercury is one of those games that requires a lot of precision and patience from you to get the most out of it. If you do not enjoy redoing levels over and over in order to shave off seconds from your time then you will probably end up being frustrated by this title. It is however a different and unique game that makes a nice alternative to the other PSP titles available.

Gameplay: Addictive and challenging but requires a lot of patience.

Graphics: Simple but stylish.

Sound: Never becomes obtrusive or annoying

Silent Hill: Origins

Silent Hill: Origins

It might not be by Konami but Climax has treated the license with respect and crafted a game worthy of the Silent Hill moniker. Some people might be put of by the more action centric gameplay but stick with it and you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

Gameplay: Some very good puzzles but a bit clunky in places.

Graphics: Very good for the PSP.

Sound: Deserves to be played with earphones

Bleach: Heat The Soul

Bleach: Heat The Soul

Despite the fact that this game is Japanese only there are more than enough western fans of Bleach. While the story is all in Japanese the rest of the game is easy enough to understand. The fighting is fast and the visuals look good, but with only a total of six characters the game is rather limited. It is fun while it lasts but unfortunately that is not very long.

Gameplay: It is a decent enough button basher, but the limited amount of characters is a drawback.

Graphics: The 3D cell shaded visuals capture the look of the series perfectly.

Sound: Authentic voice acting and good tunes

Lumines

Lumines

At first it seems so simple you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about but once you get hooked there’s no turning back. Lumines might not look like much more than a Tetris rip-off but this is definitely one of the PSP’s most addictive games. This is one of those games that you will find yourself returning to.

Gameplay: Horribly addictive.

Graphics: Looks great on the PSP screen.

Sound: An essential part of the experience

Ridge Racer

Ridge Racer

Basically a greatest hits compilation spanning the entire Ridge Racer series, this is essential stuff for all Ridge Racer fans and anyone who likes racing games in general. Awesome first generation PSP title from Namco.

Gameplay: Very addictive once you get the hang of it.

Graphics: Very nice considering it is a first generation PSP title.

Sound: Loads of tracks with some cool remixes

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Shattered Memories is sure to upset a few diehard fans but it is an interesting direction for the series. There are some very good ideas contained in this game but unfortunately just as much things that drag it down from being a really must-have title. The gripping storyline is enough to draw in fans of the series so if you have enjoyed the twisted tales of Silent Hill this far you might like this one.

Gameplay: A departure from the usual Silent Hill gameplay mechanics but with a gripping story..

Graphics: Some of the best on PSP.

Sound: Eerie tunes and good solid voice acting

Untold Legends: Brotherhood Of The Blade

Untold Legends: Brotherhood Of The Blade

While it is very cool to play a title like this on the go it does become somewhat boring after a while. There is just something lacking with this game that prevents it from reaching the same level of addictiveness as similar titles. Very impressive fora launch title though.

Gameplay: Fun for a portable hack and slash title but way too repetitive.

Graphics: Impressive but could have benefited from a bit more color.

Sound: Sold but unremarkable

Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy

The fact that you have to buy both games separately is a bit of a kick in the teeth but playing Final Fantasy on PSP is as fun as it has always been. The game looks good on handheld wide screen and the simple gameplay makes it a fun title for long trips. Chances are if you are a fan you will already own a copy of this game in which case you might not want to shell out for this version.

Gameplay: Pure and simple fun.

Graphics: Nicely redrawn graphics.

Sound: Classic Final Fantasy fare