Last week, we saw the usual buffing up of songs for Guitar Hero III and Rock Band on the PlayStation Network and PC PlayStation Store. This week, we've got more songs for the two mentioned video games, plus downloadable games in the form of flOw and Ape Escape: On the Loose for the PlayStation Portable and Rocketmen: Axis of Evil for the PlayStation 3. Click the full article link for the complete update.

In a press release, Sony revealed the second wave of Greatest Hits games that will hit the PSP later this year. The first wave will launch tomorow, as reported earlier. Ace Escape: On the Loose, ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee, Twisted Metal: Head On and Wipeout Pure make up the first wave. Many people were disappointed that some popular titles like Lumines wouldn't be making the cut. Well, Sony has fixed that! The second wave games are as follows:

• Lumines
• Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
• Star Wars Battlefront II
• Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Remix
• Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade

All Greatest Hits games will retail for $19.99 in the USA. Retailers in Canada seem to live in 2001 when it comes to exchange rates, so expect $29.99 or $24.99 if we're lucky.

Along with the press release came the information that "With more than 5 million units sold, the PSP system remains North America’s top-selling next-generation handheld in the period since its record-setting launch in March 2005." I'm just noting this because it's the most creative marketing spin I've ever seen in a press release. In one sentence, Sony has added enough restrictions to give the idea that PSP is the dominant handheld in the continent! I know some of you are thinking "Shipped vs Sold?" but that's not the case. Sony has sold 5 million since its launch in March. However, that's the thing! "Period since [sic] March 2005" means that November 2004 - April 2005, in which the DS sold 1,651,786 units, is not counted. Also, they say "next-generation handheld" to exclude the GBA which has surprisingly outsold the DS and PSP since March! Again, very creative people in marketing. They deserve a raise or something!

This piece of info has been known for quite some time now but since the 25th is just five days away, we figured now would be a good time to remind people of the upcoming release of the first "Greatest Hits" collection for the Sony PSP.

Here are the games slated to be released as part of the first "Greatest Hits" collection:

• Ape Escape: On The Loose - A game that's very reminiscent of Donkey Kong. But then again, pretty much all monkey games remind me of Donkey Kong. Anyway, in this one, the player is faced with the challenge of capturing more than 200 monkeys in eight worlds spanning more than 20 levels in order to prevent them from changing history. It's also got multi-player functionality as well as extra mini-games for players of all ages.
• ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails - This one's a free-roaming off-road racing game with more than 30 unique environments and more than 24 highly detailed ATVs available. ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails also offers six distinct terrain types including snow, dirt, mud, ice, water, and grass. Up to four players can be supported via wireless multiplayer connectivity. The game also has several gameplay options including a training course, different race modes such as race, freestyle, and career, and various mini-games.
• Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee - Part of the multimillion-unit-selling Hot Shots Golf franchise, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee features six all-new courses and an all-new character customization feature that includes over 250 customizable body parts, accessories, clubs, and balls. The game also has an intuitive growth system that allows virtual golfers to improve their character's experience and abilities by spending more time on the greens. Multiplayer options include two-person matches, eight-person tournaments, and two-person miniature golf rounds.
• Twisted Metal: Head On - We're heading off the off-road track and getting back onto concrete as Incognito Entertainment serves us another helping of destruction courtesy of Sweet Tooth and his "friends". Twisted Metal: Head On can support up to six players via wireless multiplayer connectivity, and gamers can either go head to head or compete against AI-controlled vehicles. Various power-ups litter each of the 12 arenas available in this awesome little game, letting players vent their road rage out on their opponents using weapons ranging from machine guns to unique vehicle attacks. And if you ever run out of ammo, don't forget: your vehicle is a weapon too.
• Wipeout Pure - So far, Wipeout Pure is the only game on the "Greatest Hits" roster without a colon in its title. This combat racing title lets up to eight players battle each other via a Wi-Fi link. Players can also choose to compete against AI-controlled opponents and blast their way to the top. Downloadable content, including new tracks, ships, skins and music, can be downloaded to a Memory Stick Duo to expand the racing experience and allow for personalization of the game.

Well, there it is. If any of you guys fancy trying out any of these PSP games, we suggest you just wait a few days and buy the "Greatest Hits" pack when it's released. Five good games for a suggested retail price of $19.99 is a pretty good bargain. Also, watch out for more games to be added to the "Greatest Hits" roster in the near future.

Garp, one of our forum moderators, has just finished his latest game review for the PSP:

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announces today the forthcoming European release of 'Ape Escape^;: On the Loose for PSP^.

Based on the multi-million selling Ape Escape^; franchise, 'Ape Escape: On the Loose' sees more than 200 cheeky monkeys let loose across eight vibrant worlds and 20 fun packed levels. Each and every Monkey has their own unique personality: some are loud and competitive, some mischievous and meddling and others are just cheeky wise guys.

The aim of the game is to capture the troublesome apes before they change world history with their escapades. Players can choose from a range of gadgets and gizmos including a Remote Controlled Car, Tank, Sky Flyer, Radar and Sword to help hunt down the mischievous monkeys. The multiplayer mode allows two players to take on each other in a series of hilarious and highly competitive mini-games including SnowKidz Racing, Ape Ping Pong and Boxing.

Go bananas with the wireless capability and hook up with other Monkey fans to work together to protect the world and keep those chimps at bay... there's no time for hangin' around - these monkeys mean business!