PlayStation 3 Echochrome also to be released in March

The quirky puzzle title Echochrome (PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable) has been finally dated for the PSP on March 19 in Japan and as it turns out, SCEJ's minimalistic masterpiece will also become available on the PlayStation Store on the same day.

However, aside from the reported simultaneous release of Echochrome for both the PSP and PlayStation Store, other relevant information has yet to be announced, such as whether both versions of the game will carry exactly the same content, or if the PS3 version of Echochrome can be played on the PSP via Remote Play.

But however it turns out, we can be sure that puzzle lovers are in for a solid, sweet treat once it gets released in Japan. For those who are planning to import the game, Echochrome for the PSP is set to be priced at 3,990 yen, or around US 36.

UPDATE Dark Alex releases CFW 3.80 M33-4 and Popsloader M33-3

We're letting the word out that Dark AleX has just released Custom PSP Firmware M33-3. This new build carries with it some error fixes and improvements to enable it to work with an equally new Popsloader version also in circulation. Quoting the readme:

• Fixed synchronization issue that plugins check code caused in PSN NP9660 original games (fixes 0x80010013 error)
• Added a couple of libs to the nids resolver.
• Added some internal changes required by incoming 3.80 popsloader plugin.
  

The new popsloader doesn't appear to be too different from the previous version - it was simply re-worked to carry support for M33-3. Keep in mind that it's built specifically for the third update - it won't run on previous 3.80 M33 versions. As always, we strongly advise users to view the file readme before they attempt to install either M33-3 or its accompanying popsloader.

We extend our thanks to homj , maxy_psp, tyler jay, usernameforever, buttonsoft, and everybody else who tipped us off regarding the new CFW and Popsloader releases!

Download: Custom PSP Firmware 3.80 M33-3
Download: Popsloader for CFW 3.80 M330-3

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UPDATE Mere moments after we had this article up, Dark AleX once again released another 3.80 M33 update. This fourth update, 3.80 M33-4, includes the following change:

• galaxy.prx was changed to a new version that is giving problems with slow memory sticks. Reverted back to previous versions. This didn't only affect decrypted isos running in NP9660 mode.

Remember, you need custom firmware 3.80 M33 to run this update. If you're running 3.80 M33 on your PSP, you can also get 3.80 M33-4 it via Network Update. Again, thanks to everybody who sent in tips.

Download: Custom Firmware 3.80 M33-4

Violent video games, piracy threaten Saudi Arabia's youth

Violence in video games and piracy that allow children to easily afford games with their own money are problems even in Saudi Arabia, said a group of educationists after a study conducted in Saudi's capital, Riyadh. A group of young juveniles were involved in the study, and it ended up with a conclusion that 90 of youngsters were negatively affected by violent video games.

According to the study covered by Asharq Alawsat , many young people were unable to distinguish virtual reality from real life. Cited were "evil scenarios" such as combating security forces, destroying state property or violating people in various ways that juveniles wanted to imitate after extended hours of play.

Piracy was blamed by research, saying the complete absence of official censorship coupled with lower than US 2 price tags (as opposed to US 27- 53 prices for legit copies) allow violent video games to spread among children.

The study also noted the lack of games that develop mental abilities and skills, and the how certain games "do not encourage youths to adopt strong values and noble customs and only time is wasted." It also concluded with the idea that "society is facing a critical issue as the danger lies in the fact that video games are interactive," reports the Asharq Alawsat.

FreeRadio v1.5 - buttons fixes; graphic theme, mod merged

 

Homebrew developer FreePlay has just come up with a new build for the PSP-compatible portal FreeRadio and released it over at QJ.NET PSP Development Forum. This brings the program up to version 1.5.

For the uninitiated, FreeRadio is a completely server-less radio player portal for the PlayStation Portable. It is capable of playing back shoutcasts, streaming MP3 and AAC formatted files, podcasts, as well as web browsing among others.

Aside from making the latest version compatible with CFW 3.80 M33, FreePlay added the following changes as well:

• Merged IchigoKurosaki's graphic theme and Joost's mods for greater screen space into the default theme.
• Fixed the 'Now Playing' and 'Stop' buttons in place so you can always see them

FreeRadio v1.5 comes with its own Readme.txt file that should provide you with all the information necessary for installation and usage. Be sure to over the documentation first to avoid problems.

Download: FreeRadio v1.5
Visit: QJ.Net's PSP Development Forum

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles for USD 19.99 at Amazon

If you still haven't purchased a copy of the PlayStation Portable exclusive Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles, then this might be the best time to get as a deal for the game is being offered by Amazon.com

The game was originally released in the U.S. in October 2007 and in Japan last November. During that time, Dracula X Chronicles was priced for US 29.99. The deal now allows buyers to get for just US 19.99.

When you think about it, this deal is pretty sweet especially because this is the first time this specific Castlevania iteration has reached Western shores.

Speaking of releases, Europe and Australia will be receiving their copies in January and February respectively. For interested parties, you may click the source link below. It should lead you to Amazon.com's product page for Konami's Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles.

PSN Japan new releases: I.Q. Final, Arc the Lad III for USD 5 apiece

 

Some games can't simply be forgotten. As a matter of fact, Sony has just release Intelligent Qube Final and Arc the Lad III, both by SCEI, for Japan's PlayStation Network. By porting over previous titles to the PSN, players can relive their gaming experience via their PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Portable. Each title is priced at US 5.

Here's a short background info for Intelligent Qube Final. It's a puzzle game wherein you control a character that must capture approaching cubes by trapping them. In order to do this, you must run around and mark a spot on the platform. Once the cubes roll on top of them, you capture the cubes by deactivating the marked spot.

The tactical RPG Arc the Lad III, on the other hand, is the third and final leg for the Arc series. The game basically lets you take on quests from guilds for the game to move on. As the story develops, the characters Alec and Lutz meet new company to face a corrupted organization called the Academy. 

With the introduction of these titles to the PlayStation Network, you can surely visit the timeless games and experience the wonder. We'll be providing you with more updates as they come.

Wild ARMs XF: 19 screenshots, 11 pieces of character art

With the months slowly creeping in on the release of Media Vision's Wild ARMs XF, it's only a matter of time before you guys get your hands on the game. To help you guys wait out the time for the release, here are some screenshots and character art of the game that we got from Gamespot.

These 19 screenshots tell us more about the gameplay that can be found within Wild ARMs XF. Don't let the simple graphics fool you though. Looking carefully, there's more to be found in the game aside from the visuals. It seems that jobs can be selected for the characters for the game, an interesting dynamic for the game title.

You can also see Clarissa and Labyrinthia in action, battling their way to victory. Being able to change jobs is definitely as advantage since various skills can be used accordingly per job.

With regard to the character art, the characters indeed look the part for a role-playing game. We don't have exact details as to which of them will be playable in the game, however, so stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, enjoy the screenshots and character art that we have for you. We'll be keeping you posted with more details on the game as they come.