Space Invaders Pocket (PSP) - any impressions/reviews?

neojma · Post by **neojma** » Sun May 15, 2005 9:04 pm

I'm really thinking about picking it up - is it a worthwhile buy? Any wonky emulation issues, cool features, general feedback? I haven't seen much on it anywhere, and I'm tempted by the thought of some upright cabinet version Space Invaders or Majestic 12 on the go...

jiji · Post by **jiji** » Mon May 16, 2005 1:05 am

I haven't heard how the port is, but I did hear that Akkanvader is included (not sure if this is widely known yet). Also, if your PSP's firmware is still version 1.0, the game will require you to update it to 1.5 before it'll let you play.

SheSaidDutch · Post by **SheSaidDutch** » Mon May 16, 2005 1:16 am

jiji wrote: Also, if your PSP's firmware is still version 1.0, the game will require you to update it to 1.5 before it'll let you play.

Whats firmware?

I'm so not up with the current hardware

jiji · Post by **jiji** » Mon May 16, 2005 2:22 am

Firmware is the PSP's operating system and/or BIOS, basically. It exists in flash ROM in the system and can be replaced with a newer version. There's a hole in version 1.0 of the firmware that allows unsigned (unauthorized and lacking special code) software to be played, which is a hole for homebrew software and piracy.

dave4shmups · Post by **dave4shmups** » Mon May 16, 2005 4:00 am

jiji wrote:Firmware is the PSP's operating system and/or BIOS, basically. It exists in flash ROM in the system and can be replaced with a newer version. There's a hole in version 1.0 of the firmware that allows unsigned (unauthorized and lacking special code) software to be played, which is a hole for homebrew software and piracy.

Egads; looks like Sony didn't fool-proof this console enough!

neojma · Post by **neojma** » Mon May 16, 2005 4:46 am

I'll be playing on a US PSP with 1.50 firmware.

Another question to anyone who has seen the game... is there a "TATE" mode? If so, how does the game control - as in, which way do you tilt - button side facing down or D-pad side facing down? And what are the buttons if there is such a mode - L/R and press up to shoot (or the diamond layout equivalent)?

Thanks for any impressions!

japtor · Post by **japtor** » Mon May 16, 2005 7:19 am

yeah akkanvader is in it, ran into the official page a few days ago somehow, found it in my history:

http://www.taito.co.jp/d3/cp/inv_pocke/index.html (akkanvader at the bottom)

wish i could find the damn pcb. majestic 12 and the other variants are cool and all, but its all about '95 for me.

SheSaidDutch · Post by **SheSaidDutch** » Mon May 16, 2005 11:24 am

jiji wrote:Firmware is the PSP's operating system and/or BIOS, basically. It exists in flash ROM in the system and can be replaced with a newer version. There's a hole in version 1.0 of the firmware that allows unsigned (unauthorized and lacking special code) software to be played, which is a hole for homebrew software and piracy.

Thanks jiji, do you then have to purchase the latest version from a retail store?

btw when will PC's use Flash based media instead of hardrives?

jiji · Post by **jiji** » Mon May 16, 2005 7:16 pm

SheSaidDutch wrote:Thanks jiji, do you then have to purchase the latest version from a retail store?

btw when will PC's use Flash based media instead of hardrives?

You can download the latest update using the PSP, or the game will install the update for you (it's included on the UMD).

Flash media is much more expensive per megabyte compared to hard drives, so it's not really practical for mass storage in the same way. It's best used for solid-state storage in portable devices.

SheSaidDutch · Post by **SheSaidDutch** » Mon May 16, 2005 7:40 pm

jiji wrote:
SheSaidDutch wrote:Thanks jiji, do you then have to purchase the latest version from a retail store?

btw when will PC's use Flash based media instead of hardrives?
You can download the latest update using the PSP, or the game will install the update for you (it's included on the UMD).

Flash media is much more expensive per megabyte compared to hard drives, so it's not really practical for mass storage in the same way. It's best used for solid-state storage in portable devices.

Downloads on a PSP

Ah technology moves too fast

gameoverDude · Post by **gameoverDude** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:54 am

The port of Majestic 12 is perfect with some changes- a different final boss and a new scaling sprite bonus round with a Space Harrier/Night Striker perspective (you'll see this closer to the final stages). This one requires you to down the enemy within a time limit, getting 5,000 points per second remaining.

Part 3 (Return of the Invaders) seems exactly the same with no changes. Taito didn't develop this one, but gave UPL a shot at the franchise. This one turned out actually decent for a licensed title. The bunkers occasionally shift places- not like the Atari 2600 SI, but instead intermittently.

On the PCB version, the final boss is a cakewalk. The new endboss in the PSP MJ12 is a bast.

Akkanvader seems to have a minor difference itself- for players who use the dog/cat, all projectiles in your charge attack must hit something to avoid breaking your hit chain. On the F3, you don't need to have all the puppies/kittens reaching a target. If you're using the Darius ship, all parts of a wave shot must hit something- this goes for both versions.

Unfortunately in Akkanvader there is no score reset, unlike the F3 version. In Stage 9, you don't get any points for blasting the Bigmouths- oops. How could Taito have let that gaffe slip by?

CecilMcW00t · Post by **CecilMcW00t** » Tue May 17, 2005 7:24 am

gameoverDude wrote: Unfortunately in Akkanvader there is no score reset, unlike the F3 version. In Stage 9, you don't get any points for blasting the Bigmouths- oops. How could Taito have let that gaffe slip by?

You mean when you continue the score keeps going up?

gameoverDude · Post by **gameoverDude** » Tue May 17, 2005 9:41 pm

CecilMcW00t wrote:
gameoverDude wrote: Unfortunately in Akkanvader there is no score reset, unlike the F3 version. In Stage 9, you don't get any points for blasting the Bigmouths- oops. How could Taito have let that gaffe slip by?
You mean when you continue the score keeps going up?

Yep. 'Fraid so.

I think the porters of Akkanvader overlooked some nuances of the original. At least ROTI and MJ12 turned out decent.

It lacks 2 player. Then again 2 player MJ12 will be in the Joukan pack. When Akkanvader hits the PS2 (probably in TMJ Vol 2), hopefully these issues won't be there as well.

Cthulhu · Post by **Cthulhu** » Wed May 18, 2005 12:08 am

WOW! I didn't think MJ12 would be on here!

Well, I know what I'm going to go buy after work today!

Cthulhu · Post by **Cthulhu** » Sat May 21, 2005 5:14 pm

Finally bought it. I looooooove Majestic 12. It has everything that mades Space Invaders addicting but with more detailed levels, powerups, bosses, branching levels, faster bullets... to me this was well worth it just for Majestic 12.

It's a cheaper PSP release, so if you like MJ 12 or Akaanvader, it's well worth it. The "classic" Space Invaders games are more of a bonus than anything if you ask me... I wouldn't pay 40 bucks for them anymore. Nostalgic but a bit too old in many ways.

I'm 100% satisfied just because of MJ 12. Can you tell I like that game?

Zweihander · Post by **Zweihander** » Mon May 23, 2005 4:21 am

Personally, I think Space Invaders is more appropriate for the Nintendo DS, and not the Pieca' Shit Portable. Seriously, DS is already set for vertical shmups. It'd be perfect for games like Space Invaders, Galaga, etc. (i'd love to see some existant vertical shmups ported onto the DS, but that's probably not gonna happen...)

Sundance · Post by **Sundance** » Mon May 23, 2005 4:29 am

Zweihander wrote:Personally, I think Space Invaders is more appropriate for the Nintendo DS, and not the Pieca' Shit Portable. Seriously, DS is already set for vertical shmups. It'd be perfect for games like Space Invaders, Galaga, etc. (i'd love to see some existant vertical shmups ported onto the DS, but that's probably not gonna happen...)

..Def a good use for the Dual Screens and worthwhile investment into Retro-gaming

gameoverDude · Post by **gameoverDude** » Mon May 23, 2005 4:33 am

Zweihander wrote:Personally, I think Space Invaders is more appropriate for the Nintendo DS, and not the Pieca' Shit Portable. Seriously, DS is already set for vertical shmups. It'd be perfect for games like Space Invaders, Galaga, etc. (i'd love to see some existant vertical shmups ported onto the DS, but that's probably not gonna happen...)

If you count the DS's 2 screens as one, you end up with 384x256 resolution (2x256x192)- which could be decent for the CPS-II Tate games, with just a small border on the left and right. Unfortunately the break between the screens could be considered an issue.

Zweihander · Post by **Zweihander** » Mon May 23, 2005 5:27 am

gameoverDude wrote: If you count the DS's 2 screens as one, you end up with 384x256 resolution (2x256x192)- which could be decent for the CPS-II Tate games, with just a small border on the left and right. Unfortunately the break between the screens could be considered an issue.

yeah. i considered that. ^^;; still, i'd rather have a 2-part screen than hold my PSP (assuming i'd actually buy that stripped-down media player) sideways to play a game on tate, thus making for awkward cramps after gameplay and arthritis at an early age. :/

the break between the DS's screens would bother some people, i'm sure, but hey, Mr. Driller DS handled it rather well, so maybe, just maybe, they'll make some vertical shmups during the DS's reign of awesome. ^_^

neojma · Post by **neojma** » Mon May 23, 2005 6:32 am

Can we please keep this system war BS out of this topic? We don't really need juvenile abbreviations or "stripped down media player" comments. I'm all for any system with worthwhile games. I like my DS, and I like my PSP (and in all honesty, from a shmup standpoint Sengoku Cannon is a lot more interesting than any other portable game in the genre regardless of system).

The point of this topic is to talk about PSP Space Invaders. Bring your childish system bashing to a board where 13 year olds like to argue (like, say, Gamefaqs). I thought we were more mature here...

Zweihander · Post by **Zweihander** » Mon May 23, 2005 8:04 am

http://gamespot.com/ds/action/superspac ... e+invaders Holy shit, I need to keep up with the news...

there's nothing on gamespot about a PSP version, though... or did this just come out in Japan? o_O

as for the media player comment... it's pretty ridiculous and tacky to put movies on UMD for PSP use ONLY...

i'm just one of those people who'd rather have a gameboy-style PSOne system than something you have to buy all new games for.

Cthulhu · Post by **Cthulhu** » Mon May 23, 2005 12:43 pm

Since the whole system war thing came up, I'll say something relevant. There -IS- a DS Space Invaders game. It's complete garbage. As opposed to getting several high quality arcade ports, you get the original Space Invaders and a slightly upgraded version that can be played with giantic buttons on the touch screen. Oh goody. The PSP game is superior in every conceivable way. Could they have released that version on the DS? Sure. But they didn't. Get the PSP version.

neojma · Post by **neojma** » Mon May 23, 2005 5:46 pm

Zweihander wrote: there's nothing on gamespot about a PSP version, though... or did this just come out in Japan? o_O

Yes, Space Invaders Pocket is Japan only. AFAIK, no US release is planned.

gameoverDude · Post by **gameoverDude** » Tue May 24, 2005 3:44 am

neojma wrote:Can we please keep this system war BS out of this topic? We don't really need juvenile abbreviations or "stripped down media player" comments. I'm all for any system with worthwhile games. I like my DS, and I like my PSP (and in all honesty, from a shmup standpoint Sengoku Cannon is a lot more interesting than any other portable game in the genre regardless of system).

The point of this topic is to talk about PSP Space Invaders. Bring your childish system bashing to a board where 13 year olds like to argue (like, say, Gamefaqs). I thought we were more mature here...

No bashes intended. I've got both systems and like them both. Sengoku Cannon and Star Soldier do interest me much. As for DS, I'm looking out for Nanostray.

GameFAQs... Gross. S'all I can say about that forum.

Back to SI Pocket- I've been hooked on Return lately. Leaving a couple or more of certain invaders (Zicon) for last causes them to retreat and form into a boss which is worth a good chunk of points (10K-30K). This is considered a "Challenging Stage" so if any diving invaders ram you, you don't lose a life.

sethsez · Post by **sethsez** » Tue May 24, 2005 7:56 am

Zweihander wrote:as for the media player comment... it's pretty ridiculous and tacky to put movies on UMD for PSP use ONLY... i'm just one of those people who'd rather have a gameboy-style PSOne system than something you have to buy all new games for.

Consider the size of CDs. Try putting one in your pocket. Now consider why Sony might not want to have a portable system that runs on CDs.

And though I agree UMD movies are stupid, so what? You don't have to buy them. Remember, Nintendo released movies for the GBA as well.

IN ANY CASE... this looks like a fantastic release, and it'll definitely be one of the first things I buy when I get a PSP.

DazTM · Post by **DazTM** » Tue May 24, 2005 12:50 pm

I really want to get this, but apparently it forces you to update your psp to version 1.05 firmware. Seeing I've just got a rather neato PC Engine Emu for it, I'll think I'll wait for a possible us release.

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Tue May 24, 2005 3:41 pm

Just the fact that it will force me to update my firmware makes me not wanna buy it.

It would have to be something really outstanding like a Cave port before I would update my firmware. Even then I would be hesitant assuming it would bar me from using future goodies like emulation.

Cthulhu · Post by **Cthulhu** » Tue May 24, 2005 11:45 pm

Knowing Sony a lot of official releases will start to force you to update your firmware. I updated mine since I bought my PSP to play PSP games, not to run emulators.

8 1/2 · Post by **8 1/2** » Wed May 25, 2005 12:02 am

I'm all over this one. It would be nice though if they threw a few more old-school Taito games like Phoenix on there. The little plug-and-play joystick has Phoenix but not the PSP? Still, at $40 it sounds like I'll have to take a trip to the import store tomorrow.

On a slight tangent, what's up with the huge number of Japanese PSP games that aren't getting released in the US? I want Tales of Eternia with english dialogue, but I know I'm likely never going to get it. The US market seems a bit stalled out right now, and I'm sick of looking at boxes for Twisted Metal and NFS Underground in the "new release" sections of stores.

Cthulhu · Post by **Cthulhu** » Wed May 25, 2005 2:13 am

8 1/2 wrote: On a slight tangent, what's up with the huge number of Japanese PSP games that aren't getting released in the US? I want Tales of Eternia with english dialogue, but I know I'm likely never going to get it. The US market seems a bit stalled out right now, and I'm sick of looking at boxes for Twisted Metal and NFS Underground in the "new release" sections of stores.

There's usually a few month long lull after a new system gets released. It happened here in Japan too - after the launch titles came, almost nothing hit for a while. Same with the DS. Both systems seem to have climbed over this little hump by now here in Japan though... I imagine the US releases will pick up soon too.