LittleBigPlanet, Rock Band and others coming to PSP

Despite the fact that I’ve only touched my PSP lately to play the “Star Ocean” ports, it’s a nice machine that’s hindered by it’s rare exclusives and good games.

That could be changing soon based on announcements from this week’s “Destination Playstation” even.

Sony has announced a slew of new games, including a version of LittleBigPlanet that’s complete with all the “Build. Create. Share” features of its big brother on the PSP, as well as new levels designed specifically for the PSP platform.

“Rock Band Unplugged” will offer downloadable content, and… That’s about all we know.

We are similarly in the dark for a new, exclusive entry in the “Assassin’s Creed” franchise coming to the PSP later this year from UbiSoft. Hopefully it will be better than the DS game, and hopefully UbiSoft will also formally announce “Assassin’s Creed 2” later this year.

They also announced “MotorStorm ArcticEdge” for the PSP and… PlayStation 2? They’re still doing that? Sure, why not?

EA also announced “Madden 10” (as in 2010, not the tenth Madden) as well as “Tiger Woods 10”, suprising absolutely no one.

The Games of February

Man, what a month…

We’re only in the second month of 2009, yet it’s crammed with awesome video games already.

Currently, I’m spending a ton of time with “Street Fighter IV,” “Grand Theft Auto IV: Lost & Damned,” and “Fire Emblem: Dragon Shadow.” Reviews will no doubt make their way into the print and online editions of the “Toreador,” but I’m going to try to post impressions here as well.

Later in the month I have a copy of “Killzone 2” on its way, and I’m trying to get a review copy of “Dawn of War II” for the PC (I would have one guaranteed, only it was the UK press office of THQ that offered me one, and I need a US copy).

Next month? “Halo Wars,” “Resident Evil 5,” and “Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars.”

Strap in. It’s going to be a crazy year.

EA Announces “Dead Space Extraction”

When EA mentioned that a version of “Dead Space” would be making its way to the Wii, I shrugged it off. Despite my immense love for the original “Dead Space” (it was quite high on my Top Ten Games of 2008 list), I wasn’t interested in playing a dumbed down port with Wii Remote controls.

Then EA announced that it would be an entirely new game, a prequel, and have cooperative multiplayer.

The only thing that might ruin it is the fact that EA claims the game has a first-person perspective, which could go a whole lot of different ways, good or bad.

Still, my excitement for the game has jumped up tremendously.

Midway Files for Bankruptcy

A bit breaking – though not entirely unexpected – news: Midway has no money.

The “Mortal Kombat” developer has been struggling for awhile, and has now decided to file for Chapter 11 protection in order to maintain business as usual.

President and CEO Matt Booty said, “This was a difficult but necessary decision. We have been focused on realigning our operations and improving our execution, and this filing will relieve the immediate pressure from our creditors and provide us time for an orderly exploration of our strategic alternatives. This Chapter 11 filing is the next logical step in an ongoing process to address our capital structure.”

Frankly, with as awesome of a name as Matt Booty, I’m suprised Midway wasn’t pulling in millions.

Regardless, I hope Midway works things out, mostly so we can see more Mortal Kombat games. After a stellar performance with “Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe,” I’d like to see where the series goes next.

Also, a new Robotron game wouldn’t hurt. Hint hint, Midway.

SOURCE: http://www.midway.com/us/pr/mpr_5591.html