Portables

PSP

Sony’s portable console has taken a beating in the press for not having enough cool games? Will this fall’s lineup change that perception? Here are the highlights:

LocoRoco: Is this the cult hit the PSP has been waiting for? Sony is hoping this unusual puzzle-platform game from its native Japan is a hit on these shores. Controlling semi-solid blobs sound like it could be our cup of tea. (September 5)

Gangs of London: This free roaming crime action game for the PSP is semi-connected to the hit PS2 Getaway series. But will it have the really cool way the UK folks swear? We are betting on it. (October 3)

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories: Rockstar brings their crime action game franchise to the PSP for a second go-round, this time in the Rockstar version of Miami. We are betting it will be lots better than that Miami Vice PSP game.(October 16)

Medal of Honor: Heroes: While we are waiting for Medal of Honor: Airborne to get released on the consoles and PC next year PSP owners can grab this first PSP entry in their WWII shooter series. Now you too can kill Nazis while riding shotgun in your Ford Focus. (October 23)

Lumines II: The puzzle game that was a huge critical hit for the PSP for its launch returns for a sequel via Buena Vista Games. We think puzzle games are cool but isn’t it odd that with all the tech of the PSP, the original Lumines remains one of the best games for Sony’s console? We think so. (November 7)

Metal Gear: Portable Ops: The Metal Gear series finally brings a true action game to the PSP instead of those boring turn based Acid titles. Seriously….We are not throwing down cards when we can throw down some AK-47 shells if I can help it. (December)

Nintendo DS

It took a little while but the DS has now come into its own with lots of cool and innovative games for the portable. Will this fall continue the trend? Here are our highlights.

Mech Assault: Phantom War: Who would have thought that the next game in the Mechwarrior universe would show up on the DS? Not us, but this action game from Backbone and Majesco told us otherwise. (September 12)

Mario Vs Donkey Kong 2: March Of The Minis: This puzzle game from Nintendo has a cool feature: a level editor that people can use to create new maps and then share them to anyone in the world via Niutendo’s Wifi network. Neat. (September 25)

Nintendogs: Dalmatian: If you like making sure your virtual pet is safe and sound, Nintendo brings over this new edition of their popular dog sim for you to try out. Oh and try to clean up after your dog this time..or we will send you to your room. (October 16)

Final Fantasy III: Square Enix releases this remake of one of their earlier entries in their fantasy turn based strategy series for the DS, this time with improved 3D graphics. It’s Just another way for Square Enix to milk its franchise for all its worth but we bet lots of you will jump on it. (November 1)