It's been a while since we've heard anything about Sony Computer Entertainment's Talkman. For those not familiar with this, it is actually a voice-activated translation program for the PlayStation Portable. Talkman was originally released back in 2005 and works with languages Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese Mandarin. Tutorials are done with the help of the game's feathered mascot Max.

We just got word that SCEJ is currently offering copies of Talkman without the bundled USB microphone over at the official PlayStation website for Japan. This is a good deal for those who already have the USB camera and PSP headset since the two peripherals have been confirmed to work with the program. Interested parties may want to know that Talkman without the bundled microphone is currently on sale for 2,800 Yen or roughly around US$ 24.44.

Talkman Euro (the version for translating European languages) is also available for the same price. Those who don't have any peripheral may get a copy of both versions for US$ 38.40 each (microphone included). The Read link below should take you to PlayStation Japan's product page for Talkman.

Get ready for a blast of overpowering cuteness in this TV ad of Talkman for Kids, a title geared towards teaching Japanese kids how to correctly enunciate their Rs from their Ls, and then some.

Looking at the video, the game seems simple and easy enough - the word you have to pronounce properly is displayed on the screen, with what appears to be a trio of bird characters to gauge your performance. Say the word right, and you'll be rewarded with the word knocking one of the blue birds upside the head. Say the word wrong, and the bird does something that's not very nice. The pretty lady joins in on the fun, too, if you were wondering.

No more spoilers from us, enjoy the video!

 

Sony Japan is obviously keen on spreading the love for the English language to the grassroots, particularly, the kids. According to the official PlayStation Japan site, the company will be expanding Talkman, providing children's version of the application. For those of you not in the loop, Talkman is basically a language translation device for the PlayStation Portable.

With Talkman for Kids, the little ones will be able to get involved in a slew of activities, where the ultimate goal is to test their English speaking abilities. Actually, if you would think about it, this could actually be a good way to get kids more interested in learning. For all we know, the PlayStation Portable just might be the next big thing in education, with Talkman paving the way.

To check out what's hip and happening with Talkman for Kids, why don't you go check out PlayStation Japan's site via our Read link below? Oh, don't forget that translator, alright? As for us, we'll be sure to keep you updated on more of this.

Itching to get your hands on foreign games that are spreading unhindered fun overseas? Yeah, it does suck when hot games end up not being available in your territory. Not that you have anything against those within your reach. But hey, you can never get enough of good games, right?

No need to fret cos we have here the list of import game releases for the week of January 14. Modified Air Combat Heroes (M.A.C.H.) flies in, along with the racing/drifting action, manga-based Initial D Street Stage. Now, while Initial D is not exactly spankin' brand new, this version does cover the "best" of the action, so you might want to check that out.

Wizardry Empire III: Haoh no Keifu is an RPG, which basically still rings reminiscent of the RPGs old school. With your character moving in first person, you explore dungeons and kill monsters. Typical, but not so, unless you understand Japanese. Then there's Talkman Shiki: Shabe Lingual Eikaiwa. This one basically is a voice-activated translation software. Hmmm...maybe we should get one to finally get rid of those butchered online translations.

It's the age old question - Can Talkman for the PSP help you score with foreigners? Apparently, the game's Japanese designer wanted a way of chatting up a Spanish girl that he liked, as he didn't speak the language; and had a brainwave. Obviously the idea of chatting up members of the opposite sex whilst on holiday would be the only reason to use something like Talkman, so wouldn't you like to know how effective it is? Gamespot decided to put this translation to test in the city of London.

The result is...rather unsuccessful. The chat up lines aren't the best, and although I haven't met the Japanese designer, I can't imagine he has much success with women. Most of the time the software gets the phrases wrong, so if you are going to use this, I suggest you use the pre-defined conversations rather than the voice translation. As for the other person, just hope that they know how to use Talkman!

Besides, I don't know any girls that would like any guy to shove a PSP in their face and start asking 'where is your apartment'.

I took six units of German back in college and Guten morgen/nacht/tag, Ja, and Ich bin schön are all the German I can speak. (If you happen to understand the last phrase and you're wondering why I have it memorized, I admit...I'm vain. ^^) If only I knew Max back then, I could be more fluent in German now - and four other languages such as French, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese.

Max is the host of the PSP's multilingual interactive phrasebook and language tutor TalkMan. Now if you're confident of taking instructions from a talking blue bird, then you can pick up this PSP title and start perfecting your foreign languages. TalkMan comes with a special microphone, and the actual gameplay is seemingly simple. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Select where you are
This game comes with more than 3000 crucial phrases and 28 scenarios (like hotel foyer, restaurant, night club, ski slope, etc.) to choose from. Choose your language and the scenario that best fits you.

Step 2: Decide what you want to say
TalkMan has a voice recognition technology. Just by talking into the microphone. Or select a stock phrase from a drop-down list.

Step 3: Get ready to speak in foreign tongues
Max will translate the phrase into the language of your choice and will even include different emotion levels for comic effect.

Step 4: Interact!
Let your new-found friend hear what Max has to say. If you're feeling brave, listen to Max carefully and repeat the phrase yourself.

Step 5: Let the audience respond...
Questions have possible answers pre-selected, but your audience can also initiate conversation of their own. With the ability to reverse languages instantly, it couldn't be simpler.

Now TalkMan also comes with two game modes that lets you perfect your accent and improve your understanding while having fun. Max dons his mortar board to challenge you to imitate the pronunciation of essential phrases in the Pronunciation Game. In the Listening Game, he lets you listen to a few phrases and asks you to identify the right translation.

If you're also having a hard time waking up in the morning and the conventional alarm tone just doesn't do it for you, TalkMan may also help you there. The Alarm Mode wakes you with a phrase in a language of your choice. Now to make sure you're really awake, the alarm can't be stopped until you recognize the correct translation. Talk about brain activity to keep you awake!

Already popular in Japan and Korea, TalkMan enters the West this June.

Already popular in Japan, Talkman for the PSP allows its users to interact with a cartoon bird called Max, who can tutor you on a whole bunch of foreign languages.

Recently it was announced that Talkman will being coming to European shores this May and in an effort to promote the upcoming release, the folks overs of at PSP Only had a hands-on go at the game and documented it in gameplay video form.

In the two gameplay videos released, we see the player attempt to learn Japanese and check out the huge variety of content within the game.


Download: [Talkman EU - Gameplay Video 1]
Download: [Talkman EU - Gameplay Video 2]