Musical Blind Test v0.1

Like to play music from your Sony Playstation Portable? Homebrew developer Sk4rT4I thought you might use some entertainment while doing so with Musical Blind Test version 0.1.

Musical Blind Test version 0.1 is a simple music quiz which randomly plays a song from your Sony PSP and promptly asks you its title. You will be given five choices and you can select your answer by pressing X. For the quiz to renew, you have to return to the menu by pressing O.

Still in its infancy, version 0.1 has yet to feature levels of difficulty  or a score system. Multiple format support isn't available also because it can only play mp3 files. Coder Sk4rT4I explains that these improvements, as well as some new graphics, will arrive for the next build.

Sk4rT4I added that a minimum of five music files from your ms0:/MUSIC/ directory is needed to run Musical Blind Test version 0.1. However, it's always better to fill your PSP with lots of music or have someone else handle your music playlist so you won't know what song is coming. Now, that's some challenge there.

Download: Musical Blind Test v0.1

pGOX - preview release of new PSP shell

Formerly known as MaxES, now re-released as pGOX - that's homebrew developer PCoopD's latest project for the Sony PlayStation Portable. And since the initial work-in-progress release back in early March, the coder has been busy putting new features together for this next release. Aside from a full aesthetics overhaul from MaxES, pGOX also provides a way to customize the shell graphics. But right now it's a manual affair.

Although you can't expect groundbreaking features yet, for a preview release version, pGOX also comes quite blessed with additions and abilities like:

• Splash Screen
• USB function
• MP3 Player
• Power Management
• MemoryStick Browser
• CPU clock changer
• Help on-screen
• Excute (sic) PBP files
• Excute PNG files
• Play MP3 files
• Open/Extract ZIP/RAR files
• Fully skinnable
• Battery icon (Like in XMB)
• Take screenshot

Contrary to popular belief, MaxES wasn't actually a Maxy_PSP team effort, and in order to emphasize that fact, the coder rechristened the PSP shell project to pGOX. Now we're not quite sure what pGOX means, but it does pose a striking similarity to the author's naming convention. Also, PCoopD maintains that pGOX has been coded in good 'ol C.

Now like some homebrew releases, the coder's archive comes neatly organized into folders. You'll be needing some primers on how to use the homebrew application, but there's a catch to that. You'll need a Windows-based PC and an Office 2007 compatible word processor - either that, or settle for a tweaked out Linux flavor with a Windows virtual emulator on its lap.

Why? Because the Readme documentation is in Microsoft's patent-pending XML document standard, and it ain't non-MS friendly yet. We'll keep you updated if new revisions get plated soon.

Download: pGOX preview release
Visit: QJ.NET's PSP Development Forums

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PSP Homebrew: Portable Graphix

  

Back in high school, or college, some of you may have owned those high-end scientific calculators that are capable of plotting graphs. Some of you may even be using those kinds of calculators at work.

Here's a new homebrew program that does the same thing, except without the calculating bit. This new release is from developers JDourlens and XpRz. Called Portable Graphix, this program essentially allows you to draw multiple graphics on your PSP.

At the very least, you could substitute it for your scientific calculator and have an excuse to have a PSP in class or at work. This is the first and last version of the program, according to JDourlens. Here are the features of Portable Graphix:

Features

• Draw multiple graphics
• Save graphics under .png file
• Write things on your graphics

The program does not include a readme, so please be sure you know what you're doing before installing the application.

Download: Portable Graphix

Sega Sammy to close Korean branch

A recent press release from Sega Sammy detailed that Sega Korea will be closing its doors. This follows the recent earnings report of the company which showed that it will be losing 26 billion (around US 260,580,266).

No official date has been released on when the subsidiary will be closed yet. According to the statement from Sega Sammy, "the liquidation procedure is to be taken promptly after resolution for dissolution at Sega Korea Ltd."

This is pretty bad news for gamers in Korea. Still, if this is what it takes to help get Sega Sammy back on track (and in the black) then it'll be worth it in the end.

Yet another acquisition: Capcom buys studio behind Tenchu, K2

The video game industry has seen a lot of acquisitions between studios lately. This latest news doesn't come from the Electronic Arts and Take-Two debacle though. Instead, we hear from Capcom, another giant in the industry.

Capcom has revealed its plans in acquiring K2, the Japanese Studio behind the Tenchu stealth games. The Tenchu series has games on numerous platforms, including the PlayStation 2, the Xbox 360, the DS, the PSP, and even mobile phones.

The acquisition is expected to be sealed on May 1, and will be transacted with an exchange of stock. Along with the announcement, Capcom released a statement saying:

Closer ties with K2 will help increase the value of the entire Capcom Group [...] By making this company a wholly owned subsidiary, Capcom plans to make its game development activities more efficient and speedy.

We're excited to see what the studio behind Devil May Cry would do for the Tenchu series. At the least, we're excited at the prospect of a new addition to the franchise. We'll keep you posted, so check back for updates.

PSN updates: PixelJunk Monsters, Echochrome and Elefunk

If you happen to be a frequent shopper over at Sony's PlayStation Store, here's a heads-up. The company is sending word that North America's residents can expect to see a new PixelJunk Monsters expansion pack for this April.

The Encore pack will include 15 news levels, new visual effects, as well as several to-be-announced game balance fixes. No other details were announced, so we're not sure how much it will cost (for now, at least.)

Speaking regarding Europe's PSN, Sony also announced that it will be planning to release Echochrome and Elefunk to the region's PlayStation 3s by May. Also following in on the said launch window is Echochrome for the PSP, though Sony didn't specify whether the UMD or PlayStation Store release will arrive first.

That's all the info Sony has to share for the moment, though this news should at least give you an idea of what's coming soon. Drop by again in case the company's sends out more details regarding these PSN titles.

WIP homebrew game - Shadow of the Creator: Chaos

 

Fancy getting yourself involved in a new, potentially ground-breaking homebrew game? If you are, then you just might be what phantoma's looking for. The dev passed by the QJ.NET Forums earlier to announce the upcoming arrival of Shadow of the Creator, a homebrew title based on Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mugen.

Given that's SSBB's pretty self-explanatory, here's a recap for Mugen (aka M.U.G.E.N.): It's a 2D fighting game that basically lets you build whatever character you fancy. It's a common favorite among the anime community,since it allows them to port their favorite characters in as playable sprites. Haruhi Suzumiya versus Son Goku, anyone?

Getting back on topic, phantoma explains that most of Shadow of the Creator's coding is already done, although it still needs more work. The Battle System and  GUI are in need of polishing, for one, with plans being made to add adhoc, and minor infrastructure support. Here are the sort of skills that phantoma will require from the applicants:

• Experienced coder with PSPSDK
• Experience with C/C
• Ability to modify source code and edit accordingly.
• Must be trustworthy and dependable
• Dedication to the project is a must!
  

Those interested in testing their mettle for this homebrew project will want to visit phantoma's announcement thread over at QJ.NET's PSP Development Forum. Visit us again in case we receive any more updates regarding  Shadow of the Creator.


Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

Nordic Game confence 2008 Keynotes: producers of Lego Star Wars, Rock Band

Jonathan Smith, producer of Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, DS) and Rock Band (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii)) producers Rob Kay and Ryan Lesser will be the Keynote speakers in the upcoming Nordic Game conference 2008.

According to the event representatives, these people will be able to "inspire and entertain both the industry and the press with a line up that represents some of most interesting happenings in gaming today."

Traveller's Tales producer Jonathan Smith will be presenting "Putting The Piece in Play" which will treat the audience to a behind the scenes look on how they were able to create the Lego Star Wars and the upcoming Lego Indiana Jones.

As for the other Keynote speakers, Harmonix producers Rob Kay and Ryan Lesser will be presenting "We ROCK you." They will be talking about their smash hit game, Rock Band.

From this particular line-up, the organizers are confident that the event will be able to bring "a wide variety of presentations, seminars and workshops," since it's one of the biggest gaming events in Europe. We'll keep you guys posted with updates on this event as soon as they come.