joshd2012

I'll be honest. I read the review over at Gamespot, and decided not to pick it up this weekend. I am now kicking myself because of it. I keep reading reader reviews where they say the game is very solid. I'm definitely going to get this game soon, I haven't played an FPS extensively since Q3, so I don't think I'll be disappointed with what they have presented in this game.

Gromit

The reviews for Coded Arms seem to be all over the place. The first couple I saw were really bad, but it seems like some more optimistic reviews are popping up.

darkside

I think its one of those portable games that can be fun if you can make allowances is for the fact its not nearly up to the quality of many console FPS. From what I've heard from a few people the same is true of Splinter Cell and Goldeneye on the DS. Yes, they suck compared to what you could get on a console, but for what the hardware can do they are actually not that bad and you can have fun playing them.

I just depends on what your expectations are of the game. Its obvious some reviewers were harsh with Coded Arms because it is so poor in comparison to console games. Reviewers that looked at it purely as a PSP game were a little easier with their reviews though it still got 6-7 out of tens even in its good reviews. An average game, but it may be worth $40 depending on your tastes. I've definitely liked my share of average reviewed games over the years. 6 or 7 out of 10 is not always a death toll for a game.

Josh H

Yeah, it just depends if you want a game that is "good", or a game that is "good for a portable."

I want the former in my reviews and I hold my portable games to the same standards (Graphics aside) as my console games since I game at home.

So my take on Coded Arms from all the reviews is:

If you're an FPS fan and game on the go a lot, pick it up.

If you're an FPS fan and game at home (even on your PSP) pass and spend the money on one of the gazillion much better FPSs on the PS2 and X-box.

joshd2012

The first steps towards a no firmware launcher:

http://p2pnet.net/story/5559

They are developing software that will run the UMD without checking for what firmware you are using. This means, that if you are at v1.5, and the game requires you to be at v1.52, you can run this software and it will load the UMD without checking to make sure you are at v1.52. Cool stuff.

DJ_Longfellow

That's pretty neat....no games really REQUIRE you to update yet though, do they? I thought you only needed 1.50 for Coded Arms and MC3

joshd2012

That is correct, but most likely Sony will continue to require the latest firmware upgrades beyond v1.5. When this happens, this loader will allow you to keep v1.5 and still play those games.

fujishig

So with Xbox 360 games rumored to retail for 60 bucks, I've been thinking about game prices. Does anyone know why some PSP games are only 40 bucks, and some are 50? I know Sony usually retails their games for 10 bucks less anyway, but I believe not all of the 40 dollar games are direct from Sony, but are from Namco, Capcom, etc. Is this something the game company decides (I guess EA chose 50) or is it something to do with being a partner with Sony, or what?

joshd2012

Its completely up to the publisher. Some believe that only games at the $40 price range will sell enough copies to at least break even. Some think $50 is still needed (mostly EA) to cover costs.

joeblow69

I know I won't be buying any $50 PSP games. Of course, with the current line-up, it's pretty immaterial anyway

As far as loading games with an older bios goes, I read that the newer games are compiled against the newer bios, so it's not just the check that requires the new bios, the game physically won't load with the older bios, because the older bios won't have some library or function exclusive to the newer bios.

DJ_Longfellow

Yeah, I still think $50 is WAY too much for a handheld game....The most I've paid for a PSP game is $30 through most deals.

joshd2012

For you Death Jr. fans, EBGames has finally revealed what the special bonus is for pre-orders:

Order and receive 2 Death Jr. branded UMD cases, and exclusive Death Jr. digital comic and soundtrack on CD-ROM.

Bonus item will ship with purchased product, and is only available while supplies last. If you choose In-Store Pickup for this game, please contact the store for bonus item availability.

* Digital comic and sound track can be copied on to the memory stick for use on the PSP.

Just a heads up for anyone who planned on picking this title up. I just ordered my copy.

DJ_Longfellow

Nice deal...I saw that, I MIGHT get it from there but I have a $5 off Best Buy coupon (it's in the VideoGame deals magazine they have)

joshd2012

From the PlayStation Meeting 2005:

So we get full screen video (yay!), an upcoming web browser (double yay!) and picture sharing (meh). Also, a white version (supporting the 2.0 software) will be availible in Japan this winter for $220 for the value pack.

DJ_Longfellow

Full Screen seems nice....of course I'm sure updates will squash homebrew (for a while at leasT)

Edison

Yeah it seems like they were thinking what can we add that will get the most people to upgrade, and kill the homebrew?

Full screen/Highest res video playback - Okay, but I don't care a whole lot as I don't watch too many videos off my memory stick.

Built-in Web browser - Okay, although I use the Wipeout browser when needed.

Picture sharing - ??? umm yeah unless there is a camera attachment coming (likely) I wouldn't see the draw.

I also think with as much firmware "tinkering" going on eventually *all* of these may be available via homebrew or a firmware patch.

Raul3

New Firmware release (2.0) : http://www.psphome.com/sony-psp/259/...ased-news.html

--------------

SONY PSP FIRMWARE UPGRADE 2.0

Web browsing, custom backgrounds, AVC video and more - two of which PSP users have been using for a while in their homebrew form. But as of today, everyone can update their PSP firmware to version 2.0, which has official support for these functions plus lots more:

The following updates will be added:

* Revisions to strengthen security were added.
* An Internet browser was added.
* Go To was added as a feature under [Video].
(This applies to UMD Video)
* A-B Repeat was added as a feature under [Video].
(This applies to UMD Video and video data saved on Memory Stick.)
* 4:3 Screen Mode was added as a feature under [Video].
(This applies to video data saved on Memory Stick.)
* Audio Options was added as a feature under [Video].
(This applies to video data saved on Memory Stick.)
* AVC was added as a codec that can be played under [Video].
(This applies to video data saved on Memory Stick.)
* Support for Memory Stick PRO Duo was added to [Music].
* MP4 (AAC) and WAV (LPCM) were added as formats that can be played under [Music].
(This applies to music data saved on Memory Stick.)
* Image transfer was added as a feature under [Photo].
* Wallpaper was added as a feature under [Photo].
* TIFF, PNG, GIF and BMP were added as image formats that can be displayed under [Photo].
* Korean was added as an option to [System Language] under [Settings], [System Settings].
* [Character Set] was added to [System Settings] under [Settings].
* [Theme Settings] was added under [Settings].
* WPA-PSK (TKIP) was added as a security method under [Network Settings].
* Settings for Infrastructure Mode under [Network Settings] were revised to be easier to use.
* Input modes were added to the on-screen keyboard.
* Previous Update: German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Russian were added as options to [System Language] under [Settings], [System Settings].
* Previous Update: Support to retain the screen mode setting was added under [Video].
(This applies to video data saved on Memory Stick.)
* Previous Update: Support to allow resume play after recovery from sleep mode was added under [Video].
(This applies to video data saved on Memory Stick.)
* Previous Update: Support to allow resume play of audio tracks after recovery from sleep mode was added under [Music].
* Previous Update: UMD Music can now be played under [Music].

The official Sony Japan website have made the update available, it has not yet appeared on the US site. However, it is confirmed that the Japanese update works for all PSPs. Don't forget, upgrading to v2.0 will prevent homebrew games and applications from working. Not fussed?
-------

Download link: http://dj01.psp.update.playstation.o...e195/EBOOT.PBP

edstein

Added info: The update needs 17 mb of space. After you download that file, place it in the /PSP/GAMES/UPDATE folder. Run the file from the game folder.

darkside

Goodbye homebrew for now. That is a must have update. We will see how long it takes to hack this version.

Leechboy

just got the update installed. The web browser rules. I do not regret my purchase at all anymore.

joshd2012

Despite the early bad reviews, it looks like Death Jr. may pull through. A 9/10 from PLAY magazine and 7.5/10 from PSM.

DJ_Longfellow

I still haven't updated...I'll wait for the US version to be released. I'll play my NES games anyways

As for better video off the memory stick, how does that work? Will we need a new convertor?

BassDude

Hey..just got a PSP. What are some of the best games? (Any style of gameplay.)

joshd2012

http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=431233

BassDude

Beauty! Thanks.