Sony Online Entertainment's PSP Two-Fer
GripShift and Frantix will join SOE's PSP lineup.
Published: May 11, 2005
I'm not entirely sure why, but it seems like one of the biggest genres to see a lot of hardcore development for the PSP is the puzzler. Puzzle games are nothing new, so it shouldn't be all that big a shock, but the number of titles so soon out of the gate for the PSP is impressive to say the least. Best yet, a lot of these games seem to be taking ample advantage of the PSP hardware to deliver something that merges a handful of genres into something that looks visually interesting, but that has the kind of depth you'd expect on a full-blown console affair.
Sony Online Entertainment jumped into the fray with Untold Legends, a Champions-like game that met with mixed opinions. For their next two games, though, things seem a bit more ambitious and a certainly more varied than the hack-and-slash routine the developer has fallen into on consoles for the last couple years.
Frantix is apparently a "character-based 3D puzzle-solving adventure" developed by Killer Game that "offers frenzied puzzle-solving action, beautiful 3D graphics, more than 150 challenging levels for players to enjoy, power pick-ups, and a diverse array of monsters and unique obstacles." According to our awesome cut-and-paste skills (hey, it's not like there's a lot of useful info here), the game will also feature "quick-paced action, surreal environments and challenging levels with deadly traps and dangerous hazards for an extremely fun and captivating gameplay experience."
GripShift, coded by New Zealand-based Sidhe Interactive, mixes racing with puzzles with a look that feels a bit like a spiritual successor (or a portable version of) old-school PlayStation racer Rollcage, with huge arching lengths of track, power-ups, traps and 100+ levels. A custom track editor and wireless PSP-to-PSP sharing will allow for multiplayer races and shared custom tracks.
"We are pleased to bring two original and exciting titles produced by some very talented developers to fans of the PSP system," beamed an elated Chris Sturr, Senior Brand Manager for Sony Online Entertainment. "GripShift is an original break-through combination of stunt driving, platform and puzzle action that is sure to thrill, while Frantix will put even the most skilled puzzle-solver to the test with action that is easy to pick-up, but hard to put down. Both titles will offer compelling gameplay experiences that will appeal to casual and hardcore gamers alike."
We'll try to squeeze more info out of SOE during E3 next week, but for now, take a look at the screens we've snagged for each of the games, and check back next week for more info.
Sony Online Entertainment jumped into the fray with Untold Legends, a Champions-like game that met with mixed opinions. For their next two games, though, things seem a bit more ambitious and a certainly more varied than the hack-and-slash routine the developer has fallen into on consoles for the last couple years.
Frantix is apparently a "character-based 3D puzzle-solving adventure" developed by Killer Game that "offers frenzied puzzle-solving action, beautiful 3D graphics, more than 150 challenging levels for players to enjoy, power pick-ups, and a diverse array of monsters and unique obstacles." According to our awesome cut-and-paste skills (hey, it's not like there's a lot of useful info here), the game will also feature "quick-paced action, surreal environments and challenging levels with deadly traps and dangerous hazards for an extremely fun and captivating gameplay experience."
GripShift, coded by New Zealand-based Sidhe Interactive, mixes racing with puzzles with a look that feels a bit like a spiritual successor (or a portable version of) old-school PlayStation racer Rollcage, with huge arching lengths of track, power-ups, traps and 100+ levels. A custom track editor and wireless PSP-to-PSP sharing will allow for multiplayer races and shared custom tracks.
"We are pleased to bring two original and exciting titles produced by some very talented developers to fans of the PSP system," beamed an elated Chris Sturr, Senior Brand Manager for Sony Online Entertainment. "GripShift is an original break-through combination of stunt driving, platform and puzzle action that is sure to thrill, while Frantix will put even the most skilled puzzle-solver to the test with action that is easy to pick-up, but hard to put down. Both titles will offer compelling gameplay experiences that will appeal to casual and hardcore gamers alike."
We'll try to squeeze more info out of SOE during E3 next week, but for now, take a look at the screens we've snagged for each of the games, and check back next week for more info.