Console Bundle (PSP Value Pack and Lumines) (PSP)

About the PSP
With high-quality graphics processing capability equivalent to that of PlayStation 2, in addition to rich stereo sound, PSP offers the joy of playing full-scale 3D-CG games and viewing high resolution video images anytime, anywhere.

Equipped with a wireless LAN feature, PSP enables users to connect to the Internet through access points, making it possible for users to download game characters and content and also to play games on-line with families, friends and on-line community members. For a more intimate gaming experience, a maximum of 16 PSP systems can be connected wirelessly through the ad-hoc mode allowing family and friends to create an instant yet powerful local on-line entertainment community.

PSP features an integrated high output lithium-ion battery that provides play time of between 4 and 6 hours for game titles and continuous 4 to 5 hours for video viewing.

With PSP, the world of PlayStation, people's most favourite platform, is further enhanced. A 4.3 inch wide 16:9 high resolution LCD screen, the largest in a handheld gaming device, creates a personal environment in which to enjoy games, music and video anytime, anywhere, with a dynamism that has never been possible before.

Lumines: Amazon.co.uk Review
Every new portable console must launch with a new puzzle game and Lumines is the game doomed to be described as the PSP's answer to Tetris. In fact, the game has very little in common with the Russian classic, despite looking awfully familiar.

The idea is that squares, made up of four multi-coloured smaller blocks continually fall from the top of the screen. You have to create single colour rectangles out of these squares, at which point they disappear when a vertical line, called the "timeline", passes over them. Your game ends if any block hits the top of the screen.

Like all puzzle games describing the gameplay is infinitely less interesting than actually getting hands on. Also like most other puzzle games, Lumines doesn't look very good in screenshots -- seeing it in motion is a different matter all together as the backgrounds swirl and pulse with your actions. The music is even more in tune with your actions, rising and falling depending on how well you're doing.

With a number of different game modes, including a wireless multiplayer option, what looks to be the new console's least arresting title is actually its most playable and likely to remain a favourite long after other launch titles have been discarded. -- Harrison Dent

Playing UMD movies is a treat as its pin-sharp and you don't have to squint to see what is going on. The WIFI access is great, easy to set up and the browser is pretty easy to use. Movies and TV programmes can also be stored to a memory card which is an added bonus, as is the ability to store your photo album on it.

Trouble is, the main purpose of this unit is to play games on, but these days most of us control our characters or cars by using the analogue stick. This is where the PSP falls down. The analogue stick is a flat, textured circle on the bottom corner of the unit. Its positioned in such a way that means gripping the PSP with your left hand is awkward, it makes your thumb ache and is difficult to use with any real accuracy.

For me, the PSP's fate was sealed when I played GTA on it. So disappointing. Hard to control and nowhere near as compelling as every other version. It was just to hard to get your character to do what you wanted him to do, thanks to the analogue stick.

In summary, its better as a media player than a games console.

£180 is a bit steep too. The Xbox 360 core edition is only £30 more and is a whole generation ahead.


DS BEATER BY A MILE   January 20, 2006
9 out of 29 found this review helpful

At last we have hand held console worth bothering with.After my major dissapointment with the Nintendo DS an embarrassment to own if you are over 10 years of age,abysmal build quality and limited game choice, the PSP does it all.A very versatile machine..Get One!!


terrible   January 16, 2006
5 out of 31 found this review helpful

this is terrible, no way near worth the money, the original ps was better than this. it took forever to arrive and is noway near worth the wait.


PSP   September 12, 2005
7 out of 45 found this review helpful

I havent been able to put this thing down.

mainly due to it not turning up after being pre-orders and expected a week ago.