We've been bombarded by Sonic Rivals screenshots for the past few days. While some have expressed their dislike for the game graphics and gameplay, there are those who have already bought a copy and enjoyed playing for hours. Those who've been disappointed with past Sega">Sonic video game incarnations might still be on the fence and thinking of holding off buying until they find a reason to head to the retail shop.

This writer happens to be a big fan of games that involve racing to the finish line, or in Sonic Rivals' case, scrambling to reach the end of a level. So, it's pretty obvious what this writer has to say about the game. But ultimately, the decision to buy would depend on whether you still think that the Blue Blur can give you hours of fun running around in circles, getting those rings, and showing Knuckles who's the speed demon.

Check out the gameplay video. Might help you decide.

Why aren't we surprised at all? We did see this coming. And it's all good. While the past videogame incarnations of Harry Potter were forgettable, we're eager to see what the next-gen versions have to offer. We can already picture players swishing and flicking the Wiimote while uttering "Alohamora!"

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix videogame will be the first in the franchise to be developed for the next-gen consoles. EA and Warner Bros. promise an accurate representation of the events surrounding J.K. Rowlings' fifth book, which happens to be Harry Potter's fifth year at Hogwarts.

The game will allow players to explore Hogwarts and take on missions presented in the book/movie.

Playable characters include Harry Potter (of course!), Dumbledore, and Sirius Black. Too bad, Ron and Hermione are non-playable. But we're pretty sure they'll get some exposure throughout the game.

The game is slated for a July 2007 release to coincide with the film. It'll also be released for the PSP, PS2, Gameboy Advance, and Windows PC.

If you're the type that eats blood and gore for breakfast, then get a generous serving with Midway Games' Mortal Kombat: Unchained. Yes folks, what's old is new again as the latest in the series of Mortal Kombat fighting games has been released exclusively for the PSP. The game will be very similar to the Mortal Kombat: Deception series you've come to enjoy on the Xbox, PS2, and GameCube.

Six bad-ass characters exclusive to the PSP version including Kitana, Blaze, Goro and Shao Kahn, will show-off their deadly moves. Another PSP-exclusive is the Endurance Mode, where players go head-to-head with an all-star cast of Mortal Kombat fighters.

Mortal Kombat: Unchained will also make use of the PSP's Wi-Fi's capabilities for death matches against other players, as well as for multiplayer mini-games.

PSP paint programs have been popping up like mushrooms in the the homebrew scene. Don't get us wrong, we're not complaining. In fact, we welcome all versions. It just means we get to choose the one that fits our PSP painting needs.

One of the programs that we've tried is MaTiAz's PSPpaint. The initial build was easy to use (even my artistically-challenged buddy can handle it, see his work of art on the right).

Now, MaTiAz has updated his PSPpaint to version 0.6, which reflects the following changes:

• You can open existing images
• Fixed the bug which makes PSPpaint unable to save if there are more than 10 images in the PSPpaint folder
• Font support, grab any TrueType font and rename it to font.ttf and copy it to the paint folder to customize the user interface to your liking

As with the initial build, PSPpaint v0.6 was tested with FW 2.71, but it should work on other versions via eLoader.

Download: [PSPpaint v0.6]
Download: [PSPpaint v0.6 - kxploit]
Discuss: [Forum Release Thread]

It's time to take a trip down memory lane as Activision Hits Remixed flashbacks to retail shops nationwide. The most comprehensive collection of Atari 2600 games is now within reach in one nostalgia-filled package for the PSP. Get re-acquainted with 40 of the classic titles that usher the golden age of gaming. With titles like Pitfall, Kaboom!, Chopper Command, Stampede and Keystone Kapers, old-time (and even new) gamers will surely get a kick out of playing these classic games, that by today's standards, are simpler and easier to finish. That's not to say you can complete the game with your eyes closed. You'd be surprised how some of the games can still test your wits and challenge your reflexes, even until now.

Activision Hits Remixed has multiplayer support and wireless functionality, enabling players to out-score one another, either by alternating turns or simultaneously. As a bonus, the compilation squeezed in a host of retro unlockables which include television ads, original game manuals, and Activision Patches. You might even have a blast listening to 80s-themed soundtracks which include such songs as "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell, "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister and "Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats.

The compilation retails for US$ 19.99.

The wait is over as arcade-style racing speeds into your PSP with the release of Midway's RUSH. You can now perform death-defying stunts and high-flying jumps in the PSP-exclusive game mode called Stunt Arena. If you got mad stunt skills to show off, bring it to the arena and watch your golden tokens pile up to unlock extra content.

And if you simply feel like going on a head-to-head wireless race with a friend, then the Battle Race mode is just what the speed doctor ordered. It's guaranteed to test your maneuvering skills as the track is riddled with performance-boosting power-ups. Nothing can be more exciting than seeing your opponent try so hard to keep up with you.

The game also features new money cruise and multiplayer missions, which you can play if you feel like getting back the cars that have been stolen from you. It's payback time!

L.A. Rush for the PS2 has been criticised by the lack of options to customize cars. It also took the brunt for excluding several areas of Los Angeles, including San Fernando Valley. If Midway Games learned from those criticisms, we should be expecting a better game version for the PSP. We'll soon find out when the PSP game speeds to retail shops in November.

Just like in the PS2 and Xbox versions, the PSP version will feature a story mode that lets you drive around the streets of L.A. in more than 50 pimped up vehicles, 36 of which are based on real life licensed cars.

Midway has released a new trailer that features cars doing crazy jumps and spins in the stunt arena. Of course, there's the nitro boost to help you outrace your opponents in the battle mode via Wi-Fi.

Check out the trailer.

 Pre-Oder: [L. A. Rush for the PSP]

A few days ago, Mailas G (a.k.a Gonrai in QJ Forums) released version 1.0 of Megaman Power Blaster, a vs. shooter that pits Megaman against Protoman. The final version of the game should have blocks between the two characters and they will have to blast through those blocks to get to the other guy. This can be done by firing the RIGHT button (for Megaman) or the SQUARE button (for Protoman).

Now, Megaman Power Blasters (MPB) has been updated to v1.1. In this version, Megaman doesn't go off the screen anymore when you press the up and down buttons (triangle and X button for Protoman). Unfortunately, Mailas G is still working on the shooting part of the game. We're pretty sure it won't be long till we see some real action in the game.

But if it's any consolation, MPB now features a background switcher. You can toggle between a MegaMan background and a Protoman background by pressing the Right shoulder button. Make sure you press it only once, otherwise you'd end up with the same background you started from.

Download: [Megaman Power Blaster v1.1]

The sound of rapid gunfire signals the start of a bloody encounter with enemies atop a treacherous mountain. That's the first thing you'd see when you watch SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 mountain assault gameplay video.

The video highlights the use of the zoom scope to lock on enemy targets. Your first attacks go unanswered but when hidden enemies start firing back, you know you're up against a deadly force. Use of tactics and stealth are key to disposing your enemies.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 features non-linear missions in multiple terrains amidst different weather conditions. Your goal is to command an elite team of soldiers and defend America and her allies.  The game is slated for a November 7 release.

Download: [SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 2: Mountain assault gameplay]
Buy: [SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 2]

It's time to retire version 1.0 of Media Manager for PSP as Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) released the new feature-packed version 2.0. With a new intuitive and easy-to-use interface, transferring your music, movies and other media to your PSP becomes easier. This is just another reason to load even more downloaded goodies onto your Memory Stick Duo!

Here's what's new with Media Manager for PSP v2.0:

• Enables users to prepare files for conversion even when the PSP is not connected to the PC.
• Transfer home videos on DVD or from DVD camcorders to PSP
• Media Center Support
  
• Transfer Internet Explorer favorites to PSP
• Preview documents on your computer prior to transfer
  
• Supports Excel, Word, HTML, text, etc.
• Support for additional formats - .m3y , .wpl playlists, ATRAC audio files, and Windows Media Center .dvt-ms files
• Multiple RSS feeds download

Media Manager v2.0 is available for download for US $ 16.99. A boxed version, which includes a 6-foot USB cable, can also be purchased for US $ 24.99.

Thanks to N3M3515 for the heads up!