E3 week is already upon us and news just keeps on flowing in. And this just in! Sony will be re-releasing the cash-cows for the PSP again. Or should we say, a collection of 'Platinum greatest hits' in Europe and Australia from 1st June 2006.

Commenting on the launch of Platinum, SCEE’s Vice President of Product Marketing, Simon Rutter said, “The Platinum collections have been hugely successful. Experienced gamers know that they are getting the pick of the crop with a Platinum title, and are doing so at a great price, while the Platinum collection on PSP provides the perfect entry route for those new to handheld gaming – an unbeatable combination!”

The "pack" includes some really good games like Everybody's Golf, WRC, and F1 Grand Prix. There's also Medievil Resurrection, Ridge Racer, Pursuit Force, plus a few really huge sellers like Virtua Tennis, WWE Smackdown vs Raw, Burnout Legends and Need For Speed Underground Rivals. And not to forget King Kong and Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire

Quoting Mike Hayes (COO, Sega Europe), "We are absolutely delighted that the success of Virtua Tennis World Tour has made it eligible to join the PSP Platinum collection. As with previous Platinum collections, this brand represents a huge ‘seal of quality’ for the consumer. It is a great accolade and a ringing endorsement of the popularity of Virtua Tennis World Tour."

In that list are a few gems, which I myself love a lot. Let's just hope that their re-release is as good as the original one. And stay tuned for the latest news from E3.

This upcoming week is going to see a substantial amount of releases for PSP in both the movie and video game departments. Although I haven't had a chance to try out the other ones, I know I'll be picking up a copy of Pursuit Force because it offers an innovative blend between driving and shooting. Harry Potter fans certainly have something to look forward to, while Jarhead should be more appealing for all you war buffs out there.

UMD RELEASES

    * Boyz 'n the Hood
    * Goonies
    * Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
    * Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
    * Jarhead
    * Metropolis

PSP GAME RELEASES

    * Dragonball Z
    * Pursuit Force
    * Samurai Warriors: State of War
    * Spongebob Squarepants: The Yellow Avenger

It isn’t every day you get chased by a dragon. Another of the season’s games aimed at kids, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire falls neatly into two despised categories: a sequel, and a movie tie-in. More than that, it’s a tie-in of a movie which is itself a sequel. By transforming the Potter universe from book to game via film, has some of the original magic been lost? Is the game just for kids, or will adults enjoy it too?

• IGN (7.2) lamented the loss of the adventure/puzzle feel of the previous series: “Goblet of Fire goes light on difficulty and heavy on straightforward action.”
• Gamespot (7.1) found the visuals and co-operative play fairly impressive, but think it’s a game for the fans: “Though the collection aspects of the game are a drag at times, The Goblet of Fire still does enough to keep Potter fans engaged throughout.”
• UGO (D+) were less impressed, finding every aspect of the game lacking: “Any sitting of the game lasting longer than 30 minutes can be a mind-numbing experience, no matter how old you are.”
• Eurogamer (6/10) were pleasantly surprised by the game, but found nothing particularly outstanding: “Competently handled, atmospheric and reasonably compelling but it doesn’t leave you beaming or breathless.”
  

Overall the verdict seems to be to stay away unless you’re a Potter fan with a lot of patience—if you liked previous Potter games, you may be disappointed. The game doesn’t seem to reflect the more mature feel of the book and the film, but if you want to experience J.K. Rowling’s world for yourself, it might be worth a look.

(Via joystiq)

Electronic Arts and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment are pleased to announce the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire videogame released today for the PSP handheld entertainment system. The videogame is also now is stores for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, and Windows PC. Launching in conjunction with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling's fourth book, the game allows players to experience thrilling moments of the movie and master magic in cooperative play with up to two of their friends.

"Gamers will be able to master magic anywhere in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire videogame for the PSP," said Rob O'Farrell, Executive Producer at EAUK. "The PSP version gives players so many options and ways to experience the game, from short burst mini-games to play with friends to a rich and magical adventure that will keep gamers enthralled for hours."

"Now the extremely rich Harry Potter world captured in both the film and the book is brought to life in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire videogame with a completely portable interactive experience on the PSP," said Jason Hall, Senior Vice President for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "We worked closely with EA to ensure the Harry Potter videogame on PSP is a great action adventure game, depicting the magical story for players wherever they are."

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry is mysteriously selected as the fourth competitor in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament and must confront a fire-breathing dragon, rescue friends from the icy depths of the Black Lake, and navigate the twisting mysteries of a vast, enchanted maze. Players will experience all the adventures of the movie - from the Quidditch World Cup campsite to a heart-stopping duel with Lord Voldemort himself!

The magical world of Harry Potter comes to life with in-game characters that look like their big-screen counterparts for the first time and nearly a dozen cinematic locations that mirror those in the upcoming film. In another first for the franchise, players can join forces with friends to combine and cast spells cooperatively creating more powerful magic than ever before. The game features a variety of unlockable mini-games exclusive to the PSP system as well as over a dozen creature cards enabling players to enhance their magical powers. Via wireless connectivity, players can challenge up to three of their friends to play against them. Multiplayer games can be accessed through game sharing where gamers can test their magical skills against other players. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are all playable characters in this action-packed game where magic is everywhere!

The Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire videogame for the PSP was developed at EA's UK studio. The PSP, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance versions are rated "7+" by PEGI along with the currently available console and PC platforms.