iPhone and iPad users, you can now get your PSP fix! The highly-regarded PlayStation Portable (PSP) emulator, PPSSPP, has finally arrived on the official Apple App Store. This allows iOS users to experience a vast library of PSP titles on their devices.
Developed by Henrik Rydgård, PPSSPP has established itself as a popular and reliable PSP emulator across various platforms. Now, iOS users can join the party and relive cherished titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Gran Turismo, and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. With PPSSPP readily available on the App Store, gamers can access a treasure trove of PSP classics, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
PPSSPP boasts more than just bringing back fond memories. The emulator comes equipped with a range of features designed to optimize the mobile gaming experience. Users can customize controls to suit their preferences, leverage save states to pick up gameplay seamlessly, and even upscale graphics for a sharper visual experience.
It’s important to remember that PPSSPP itself doesn’t include any game files. Users are responsible for acquiring PSP game files (ISOs or CSOs) legally. Developers recommend dumping physical PSP games or downloading them from reputable sources that comply with copyright laws.
While the arrival of PPSSPP on the App Store is exciting news, it’s worth noting that this initial release has some limitations. Features like Magic Keyboard support for enhanced iPad gaming and Retro Achievements integration are temporarily unavailable. However, the developer assures users that these functionalities will be added in future updates.
Speculation has been rife since last week that Microsoft plans to move away from the current status quo of having exclusive games for its Xbox console. In fact, rumours hinted at the Xbox going the way of the dinosaurs. However, earlier this morning, Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond and Matt Booty – three of the top execs at Xbox – took to the Xbox Podcast to set the record straight. In the podcast, Phil Spencer stresses that the information was already in the pipeline to be shared but was expedited due to the leaks last week.
There were a number of things discussed in the 23-minute episode of the podcast, but we’ve summarised everything here. So here’s what you should know:
1. Xbox Exclusives are Here to Stay… for now
Phil Spencer cut to the chase during the podcast and addressed the elephant in the room head-on. In a nutshell, Xbox exclusives are here to stay. Microsoft is not pivoting its strategy to get rid of platform exclusives. Phil Spencer stressed that exclusives remain a key component of Xbox’s go-to-market strategy. That said, he did highlight that the games market as a whole seems to be moving away from exclusive – hinting at a possible future without platform exclusives altogether. However, Matt Booty made one point very clear: GamePass will remain Xbox exclusive.
This isn’t too surprising though. We’ve seen platform exclusives slowly shift to timed exclusives. One of the most obvious examples of this is Sony itself with IPs like God of War, Final Fantasy and even Horizon making their way to the PC after a period of exclusivity.
2. Four Xbox Games are Heading to PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch
With that said, four Xbox exclusives will be breaking exclusivity. These games will be heading to the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. While no specific names were given, the execs did highlight that these games are at least a year old and are – mostly – community-driven. Phil Spencer was very clear that Starfield and the upcoming Indiana Jones game will remain Xbox exclusives.
The games that are making their way to other platforms are seen as either “smaller games that were never really meant to be built as kind of platform exclusives” or “first iterations of a franchise” that would benefit from being on other platforms. It seems pretty likely that these games are likely live-service games; particularly because Phil Spencer did mention that this move would justify further investments.
3. It’s All About Growth
The decision to take these games over to other platforms lies solely in growing Microsoft’s games business. With the closure of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company is focusing on growing the business and sustaining the double-digit revenue growth it has seen. To achieve this, the four games need to grow their player base and that is only achieved through expanding the availability of these games.
In addition to this, the move to make games more accessible is also aiming to create a larger awareness of the Xbox platform. Yes – they used the word “platform” instead of console. This is very likely how we can see the Xbox brand evolve in the future. Already, we have Xbox GamePass which covers the Xbox Console, XCloud and PC. The next generation of hardware is likely geared to take these experiences further. A cloud-based handheld Xbox anyone?
All in all, it seems like everything is still status quo at Xbox. However, it’s worth noting that the status quo at Xbox is very different than before thanks to the Activision Blizzard acquisition. The company’s growing footprint as a publisher is forcing it to grow beyond just Xbox exclusives. Studios like Activision Blizzard and Zenimax will continue to develop multi-platform games while Microsoft Game Studios continues to seek ways to grow its engaged user base.
Square Enix recently hosted the SaGa Glimmerfest 2023 34th Anniversary Livestream. During the livestream, the publisher surprised everyone with the announcement of the next game in the series – SaGa Emerald Beyond. The latest instalment of the SaGa franchise is set to launch on April 25, 2024, on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC (Steam), and iOS and Android devices.
SaGa Emerald Beyond follows two protagonists in search of answers. The first, Tsunanori Mido, hails from the esteemed Mido family and stands out with a unique ability to control kugutsu puppets. He joins the Cathedral Project, a group exploring other worlds, with the goal of repairing his city’s weakening barrier and recovering lost spiritual energy.
The other, Ameya Aisling, operates under the pseudonym Yumeha Izumi. She is a Miyako City schoolgirl with a hidden identity. Originating from Pulchra, she is in search of her lost mana. She follows the mysterious emerald waves in search of it. The two characters are just the tip of the iceberg as long-time SaGa players will know. The game will undoubtedly feature many other characters for us to fall in love with.
The new game will also be introducing new mechanics. The new Glimmer system is a unique take on the traditional JRPG battle styles. It will incorporate turn-based combat for those wanting a more vanilla JRPG. Players will need to level up their characters to learn new moves as they take down new enemies. You can also use powerful United Attacks with the right skills, tactics and Formation.
If this is your cuppa tea, you can now add SaGa Emerald Beyond to your wishlist on the Nintendo Switch store, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Steam. Pre-order details will be unveiled at a later date.
Add Sony to the list of brands having exciting Black Friday Deals from November 24 to November 26 2023! Sony Malaysia will be having their own Black Friday Fiesta Deals in what looks to be both offline and online stores. As of now, there isn’t much information on which products will be on sale. However, two items have been announced on the Sony Online Store so far. These deals are also coming with vouchers that will give you further discounts on your purchases.
The Extreme Clearance offers currently apply to the Sony XB13 EXTRA BASS Portable Wireless Speaker and the Xperia 10 IV while stocks last. The XB13 original price is RM 239 is now offered at RM 149, and, with the upcoming Black Friday Deal, the price is lowered even more to RM 129. The speaker is available in 6 colours Black, White, Blue, Light Blue, Pink and Yellow.
The Sony Xperia 10 IV’s original price is RM 2,099 and is also discounted to RM 1,499. The Xperia 10 IV has been further discounted to RM1,199 for Black Friday. The phone is available currently only in-store in its Mint Colourway but this may change with the Black Friday sale. The smartphone will also be coming with a free clear casing and a tempered glass screen protector when purchased.
PRODUCT
RETAIL PRICE
CURRENT DISCOUNT
BLACK FRIDAY FIESTA DEALS
SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS PORTABLE WIRELESS SPEAKER
RM 239
RM 149
RM 129
XPERIA 10 IV
RM 2,099
RM 1,499
RM 1,199
As for vouchers which are claimable through a special code. The are 2 vouches that are offered, one with RM 400 with a minimum spend of RM 3,500 and the other RM 50 when you spend a minimum of RM 500. However, these vouchers are not applicable for televisions, soundbars, Xperia phones and PlayStation Items. As always, you will need to apply the vouchers when you check out.
VOUCHER
MINIMUM SPEND
CODE
RM 400 OFF
RM 3,500
BF400
RM 50 OFF
RM 500
BF50
Make sure to mark your calendars from November 24 to November 26 to not miss out on these deals and vouchers. For more information and other deals, you can check them out at the Official Sony Store Malaysia.
PlayStation’s annual Black Friday sale is back. This year, they are offering a plethora of discounts and offerings across their game library and membership plans. From 17 November till 27 November, players can head over to the PlayStation Store to enjoy discounts up to 80% for games.
New PlayStation Plus members will be able to save up to 30% on 12-month membership plans during the Black Friday promotion. Existing members can also enjoy significant savings when upgrading to PlayStation Plus Extra or PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe. The upgrade will also give you access to PS4 and PS5 titles through the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, including games like Horizon Forbidden West, Ghostwire: Tokyo, Sea of Stars, and many more.
For those wanting to snag games from the store, here’s a few popular titles for PS4/PS5 on discount now:
Sony has announced quite an interesting PlayStation Plus lineup for November 2023. While last month’s games celebrated the Spooky Season, it looks like Playstation is focusing on thrillers and co-op survival shooters this time round. PlayStation Plus subscribers can add three new games on November 7. The games will be available for download until Monday, December 4 for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
Mafia II: Definitive Edition
Imagine becoming a gangster in post-WWII Empire Bay, New York. Mafia II: Definitive Edition is a beautiful HD remaster of the criminal drama. Follow military hero Vito Scaletta as he joins the mob to repay his father’s debts. Discover a city full of opportunity and succeed in post-war American businesses in this Golden Age of organised crime. Join your pal, Joe, as you rise in the family hierarchy, committing harder crimes with bigger rewards and repercussions.
Dragon Ball: The Breakers
Experience Dragon Ball in an online asymmetrical action game. Seven average folks must fight the Raider to survive. This terrifying enemy, reminiscent of Cell, Frieza, and Buu, evolves throughout the game becoming more challenging as the game progresses. Escaping will be difficult without cooperation. However, Raider or Survivor decisions may compel you to fight alone. Raiders have powerful abilities to hunt and kill Survivors. Learn each Raider’s special skills to locate and catch prey and become a stronger opponent. Choose your progression route as a Raider or Survivor to gain skills, skins, and stuff to suit your survival or dominance strategy.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite
You and up to two other players or AI if you choose will explore LV-895, a mysterious planet with secrets hidden in its ruins and caves. Choose from six classes and a variety of weaponry, including magnums, SMGs, and rocket launchers, to customise your Marine. You can customise your loadout with 130+ perks. Fulfilled your dream to obliterate Xenomorphs, build your fireteam using class makeup, consumables, and weapons. Combat Prowlers, and Spitters, and set up defences to protect your fireteam long enough to stay alive and get to safety.
Besides those exciting games, PlayStation Plus members have also a special plus advantage. Sony has recently launched Pictures Core for PS5 and PS4 which offers a huge variety of recent and classic Sony Pictures films in select markets. PlayStation Plus members will receive a 15% discount on any Sony Pictures Core content purchased and rented in November starting November 1.
Spooky season is upon us! With Halloween around the corner, it looks like PlayStation has some games for the occasion. These games will be available exclusively to PlayStation Plus users. The 3 games that are currently available are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, scare you or hug you like a warm cup of Pumpkin Spice.
The highlight of this month’s games is none other than the spiritual successor of the famed “Dead Space” franchise – Callisto Protocol. The game takes place 300 years in the future where you play as Jacob Lee, a man imprisoned on Jupiter’s moon: Callisto. Things couldn’t get worse, right? Wrong. Besides being an inmate, you must now survive as other inmates are transformed into gruesome abominations and find a way off the moon. But that’s not all, Callisto’s Walls hold sinister secrets that may just come to end you.
Callisto’s Protocol is definitely perfect for the spooky season with terrors at every corner. It’s even got an ambience that will leave your hair standing and jump scares that may just jolt you out of your seat. Are you ready to escape?
Weird West is a twist on the Western Cowboy era where instead of just bandits and mercenaries you share the wild frontier with dark fantasy creatures such as werewolves, curse creatures, cults and other members of the underworld.
The game offers unique gameplay with choices that will affect the players and even the world. It’s an immersive experience where your actions will affect how the characters, factions and places will react to you. Play as multiple characters throughout the gameplay and learn their origins; all while waiting for them to culminate and climax!
A little less scary than Callisto Protocol, the game still brings the spooky vibe this October. It’s got interesting graphics, creepy creatures and heart-pumping choices that will shape how it will all end.
Not up for all the scares and hair-rousing spooky time that Callisto Protocol & Weird West bring? Then PlayStation is going to give you a warm hug while you plant your own pumpkins in Farming Simulator 22. Put on your farmer’s hat as you get into the mood to simply relax, get cosy and build your farm in a real-life experience simulation.
These games are available for the month of October with any tier subscription of PS Plus so don’t miss your chance to enjoy some spooky feel for the spooky month.
PlayStation Plus Premium is starting to make sense. Sony introduced the all-new PlayStation Plus more than a year ago, however, the service and its tiers have had a hard time enticing users to subscribe. As it stands now, PS Plus now has three tiers: essential, extra and premium (or deluxe in markets without streaming). At the very bottom is essential which offers little more than online multiplayer and free monthly games. The extra tier gives access to the Games Catalogue while Premium adds on the classics catalogue and game trials. However, that’s about to change with the introduction of game streaming to the service at its premium tier. While the service was announced a little over 12 months ago, it’s finally making its debut.
Source: PlayStation
Starting this month, gamers will be able to start accessing PS5 cloud streaming. With the service kicking off, you’ll be able to play PS5 games without the need for lengthy downloads. Instead, the games will be instantly streamed from Sony’s servers. This will help in eliminating the waiting time and ensuring that you can dive into your chosen game at a moment’s notice.
Sony isn’t looking to stream games in low quality with the service. Instead, when streaming PS5 games, you can enjoy high-quality resolution options, including 4K, 1440p, 1080p, and 720p, all at up to 60 frames per second. This also includes HDR support. Sony is also bringing support for 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound and Tempest 3D Audiotech which is supposed to make game audio even more immersive.
Sony’s approach to cloud gaming is refreshingly flexible. PlayStation Plus Premium members can stream the games they own or wish to try out. While some games can be directly streamed, others can be downloaded, providing you with the choice that best suits your gaming preferences. You’ll also be able to capture up to 3 minutes of gameplay while streaming.
Source: PlayStation
Here are some notable titles you’ll be able to stream or download as a PlayStation Plus Premium member: Resident Evil 4, Dead Island 2, Genshin Impact, Fall Guys, and Fortnite. Additionally, you can access game trials for various titles, such as Hogwarts Legacy, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and The Calisto Protocol. These game trials enable you to test these titles before deciding to purchase them.
While not all games will be available at launch, Sony promises to support hundreds of PS5 titles. Some of the top PS5 hits are already in the lineup, including Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon Forbidden West, Ghost of Tsushima, Mortal Kombat 11, and Saints Row IV. This is just the beginning, with the game catalogue set to expand significantly in the future.
Pricing & Availability: Unlocking the Future of Gaming
As mentioned earlier in the article, you have to be subscribed to PlayStation Plus Premium in supported countries to access the service. At the time of the announcement, PS Plus Premium is priced at USD$159.99 (MYR755.11) a year or USD$17.99 (MYR84.91) a month. There is also a 3-month subscription for USD$49.99 (MYR235.94).
Availability will be rolled out in phases in select markets. As of now, the service is scheduled to live in Japan on October 17, 2023, followed by Europe on October 23, 2023 and North America on October 30, 2023.
At the moment, cloud gaming through PlayStation Plus Premium will be available in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United State.
Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH stole the show during Sony’s recent PlayStation’s State of Play. The new trailer opens with all our beloved characters, Tifa, Cloud, Sephiroth and more continuing their adventures after the events of Final Fantasy VII remake.
The heart-pounding trailer gives us a glimpse of the open world that awaits us in the game with iconic characters like Cloud, Aerith, Barret, and Tifa. These unlikely heroes unite with new playable companions, including Yuffie, a nimble ninja from Wutai, Red XIII, a fiery-tailed beast offering sage advice, and Cait Sith, a witty feline-shaped robot perched atop a giant Moogle.
Source: Square
We continue the pursuit of Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH. We’re going to get to explore Midgar like never before while we track down the fallen SOLDIER before he creates more havoc. In Rebirth, we’ll guide these characters in thrilling battles, utilizing powerful synergy abilities that strengthen their bonds. As we traverse a vast, vibrant world brimming with opportunities for exploration, classic locales reimagined in stunning detail await. From what Square has teased in its press release, we can expect hours of side content, engaging mini-games, and captivating side stories that delve into the rich tapestry of this world’s inhabitants.
Producer Yoshinori Kitase emphasized, “FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH can be enjoyed on its own as a standalone adventure.” This means players new to the series can dive right in without feeling lost. For those eager to deepen their understanding of the narrative, a recap of the previous game will be available to provide context and backstory.
From what we can gather, it looks like the second instalment will take players all the way to the middle of the original’s plot. Naoki Hamaguchi, the director, enthusiastically shares, “Cloud and his friends, who have fled Midgar, will be setting out on an adventure across an expansive world of untold adventure in pursuit of Sephiroth, the legendary SOLDIER.” He underlines the game’s emphasis on “free exploration” with compelling stories, delightful mini-games, formidable monsters, and much more across the world map, promising nearly 100 hours of captivating adventure.
Pricing & Availability
Pre-orders for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth are now open on the PlayStation Store. The game will be available in a number of editions both physical and digital. The game will officially be released on February 29, 2023 on PlayStation 5.
Physical Editions
These come on two game discs and include a reversible cover along with the digital Midgar Bangle Mk. II armour as a pre-order bonus at select retailers. The standard edition will set you back USD$69.99. The Deluxe edition will be retailing for USD$99.99 and come with a mini-soundtrack CD, an artbook and a steel book case.
The Collector’s Edition will come with a large, highly detailed statue of Sephiroth, in-game items: the Reclaimant Choker accessory, the Orchid Bracelet and Summoning Materia which allows you to summon the Moogle Trio and the Magic Pot. This comes in addition to all the freebies from the Deluxe Edition. It will retail for USD$349.99.
Digital Editions
Digital Editions of the game come with the Moogle Trio summoning Materia. The standard edition will set you back USD$69.99.
The digital deluxe edition comes with the digital Mini-soundtrack, digital artbook, and DLC items like the Magic Pot Summoning Materia, Reclaimant Choker accessory, and Orchid Bracelet armour. This content can be purchased separately for USD$20.00 to upgrade your standard edition.
Twin Packs
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will also be available in a physical twin pack with Final Fantasy VII REMAKE INTERGRADE for USD$99.99. The full game of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will be available for download upon preorder.
The Digital Deluxe Twin Pack will include both games and all the content for the Digital Deluxe Edition. This will retail for USD$119.99.
Sony has just announced a new collection of Plates for the PlayStation 5 they’re calling the “Deep Earth Collection”. This premium range of accessories features a smooth metallic finish and introduces three captivating colours to customise your PlayStation 5 – Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver. The new plates draw inspiration from the breathtaking and powerful hues found deep within our planet, the ‘Deep Earth Collection’ adds a touch of sophistication to your gaming setup.
Source: PlayStation
Volcanic Red, with its rich and blazing red tone, promises to be a vibrant and captivating change to your DualSense controllers or console. Cobalt Blue, on the other hand, offers a deep shade of blue with intriguing hints of purple, creating a truly mesmerizing aesthetic. Lastly, Sterling Silver showcases a classic aesthetic with a subtle blue undertone, adding a touch of elegance to your gaming setup.
Source: PlayStation
Source: PlayStation
Source: PlayStation
Together with the plates, Sony is also launching a series of controllers that come with the same finish as the plates. The new “Deep Earth” DualSense Controllers will be complementing your “Deep Earth” plates or simply inject some character into your most used controllers. It’ll definitely be turning heads with the pop of colour.
Source: PlayStation
Pricing & Availability
Pre-orders for the ‘Deep Earth Collection’ begin on October 4, with the Volcanic Red and Cobalt Blue colourways launching on November 3. Sterling Silver accessories will arrive on January 26, allowing you to start the new year in style.
The ‘Deep Earth DualSense controllers’ will be available for a recommended retail price (RRP) of USD$74.99/JPY¥9,980/EUR€74.99/GBP£64.99. Meanwhile, the Deep Earth PS5 console covers will be priced at USD$59.99/JPY¥7,980/EUR€59.99/GBP£49.99. Keep in mind that the exact launch date and availability of these accessories may vary by region.
