A year on PSP

Take a look back at a selection of what PSP had in store in 2007.

It has been a fantastic year for PSP. In addition to a great line-up of software titles, 2007 saw the launch of a Camera that attaches via the High Speed USB connector, plus a range of system software updates that have made PSP even richer in features, such as Remote Play and compatibility with PlayStation 3.

In September a new PSP model was launched. This new version, dubbed PSP Slim & Lite, is significantly lighter and slimmer than the original chassis, while retaining the stunning 4.3 inch LCD screen. The new model PSP also incorporates additional features such as a Video out connector for viewing games, pictures, videos and UMD movies on a big screen television, and the ability to recharge the system via a USB cable connected to either a PS3 or PC.

Turning to the software, there has been a phenomenal and diverse range of experiences released. From the abstract 3D and 2D world of Crush, where advancement can only be achieved by flattening out the world, to furious anti-gravity racing in the must have WipEout Pulse, there was really something for everyone on PSP in 2007.

Fantasy and role playing game fans rejoiced at the first Final Fantasy release on PSP. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions explores a period of dark civil war in developer Square Enix's iconic world of Ivalice. Originally released on PlayStation in 1997, this game is an updated classic, combining imaginative design and storyline with tactical combat.

Another title at the forefront of its genre is Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. A stealth action game centred on the exploits of a covert operative codenamed Snake, Konami's third outing for the Metal Gear Solid series on PSP was the first to embrace the series' established PlayStation 2 gameplay.

Equally as silent and deadly is Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes, based on the immensely popular anime and manga series. Assuming the mantle of Hokage is no easy feat in this fast paced and gorgeously animated, team based beat 'em up, which features 20 playable characters including Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike marks a brave departure for the series into a new arena of gameplay on PSP. This new direction allows you to experience the action through the eyes of an entire team, as opposed to a single member, as you're charged with directing and executing the strategy of their engagements. Additionally you're not limited to US Special Forces either, as the UK, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, South Korea and the Netherlands join the fray.

On a similar line, but set literally worlds apart, Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command is a turn based strategy game set in Games Workshop's dark vision of future warfare. Assuming command of a squad of six Space Marines, you're set the task of eliminating the vile and mutated forces of Chaos from the Imperium with knife, bolter and flame.

This hardly scratches the surface of the fantastic features and games now available on PSP; others include system software updates such as RSS video and Internet radio or titles such as Silent Hill: Origins and Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow. With such a packed year behind us it is going to be a tough act to follow, but 2008 on PSP is already shaping up to offer you even more.