Last time we heard of Nick Swardh's PSP Video Converter was with v2.80. In it, he introduced the PSPVC Server. Well, if you can't get enough of that feature, then you're in luck. He's just released v2.81, and he's updated the PSPVC Server to v1.1. Of course that's not all there is to this latest version, so why don't you go check it out at the full article.

Download: PSP Video Converter 2.81

SG57, the same homebrew developer which brought us Kitten Cannon, has decided to enter this year's NeoFlash Spring Coding Competition. The entry, Multi Tasker, allows users to access different kinds of files such as 3D models, images, music, and text files using one application. For more information, check out the full article.

Download: Multi Tasker
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

It looks like gamers in North America will finally be able to relive the epic battles of the Three Kingdoms as Koei announced the release of Warriors Orochi for the PC and PlayStation Portable by next month. The PC version of this classic hack and slash title features enhanced graphics and will be available exclusively through digital download. For more details on the game's release read the full article after the jump.

 

Thanks much to their zombie shooter Dead Rising, top performer Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, and PSP phenomenon MonsterHunter Freedom 2nd, Capcom's fiscal year (FY) for 2007 saw a boost in operating income, nearing almost 46% in increase at 9.6 billion Yen (US$ 792.86 million).

This was following a 6.1% increase in sales, amounting to 74.5 billion Yen (US$ 615.29 million), as reported by an unaudited financial report filed by Capcom for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007. But the company suffered a net income decrease, attributing it to a review of tax valuation reserve for deferred assets.

Having formerly announced their plans to expand to the West, Capcom insisted that the company's move is right on track, after noting millions of units sold for each of their three titles - two for the Xbox 360 and one for the PSP. Lost Planet is being ported over to the PC and should be available soon in glorious DirectX 10 glory.

DS title Mega Man Star Force and three PS2 titles - Devil Kings 2, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Okami - have also performed well last year, while Capcom noted an unsatisfactory performance of their arcade operations. Their arcade division may have garnered a 12.8% increase in sales of 13 billion Yen (US$ 107.37 million), but suffered a 17.6% loss of 2 billion Yen (US$ 16.52 million) in operating income.

Thanks to GamesIndustry.biz for the additional information.

 

Not so fast.

aDcOoL (thanks!) tips us off that Winnydows' XviD4PSP has an important update. v4.110 RC8 update uses a new player engine and new track bar, and should fix a few problems with DirectX. This should also carry improvements in a previous v4.110 RC7 update, which among others also adds support for FW 3.30 MP4 files (for those of you who've, er, chosen to upgrade).

• That's MPEG-4/H.264 AVC Main Profile (AVC CABAC) with sizes 720x480, 352x480, and 480x272, according to the 3.30 changelog.

Download: XviD4PSP 4.110 RC8 update

agentorange has just tipped us off on his latest update for the XMB Wave Screensaver for Windows application he released just yesterday. As we mentioned earlier, this isn't really a homebrew app for the PSP, but because it mimics the handheld's XMB, we thought we should inform you guys about it too.

And based on your responses, it seems a lot of you were really interested and even in awe of agentorange's app! So...he decided to work hard on fixing all the bugs you reported and bring you this updated release.

As for those who are asking whether their Macs will be seeing this screensaver too, here's what agentorange had to say: "Mac or Linux version won't happen any time soon, as this is DirectX dependant (for now). Sorry!" Also, he says he's still trying to figure out how to get this running with the desktop in the background.

So while we wait for that, why don't you update the one you have running on your PC's and get the following fixes and additions:

v0.95:

• Probably fixed flickering on startup
• Problems with hiding Mouse Cursor fixed
  

v0.9:

• Added Control Panel
• Color selection, Custom colors
• Frequency of Colorchange, Background Options
• Wave Speed, Wave Height
• Fixed Several smaller Bugs
  

v0.5:

• Fixed Bug concerning Multi-Monitors / Widescreens
• Fixed Timing Errors
  

To install, all you have to do is (and we quote): Unpack to a directory of your choice then Right-Click "Wave_by_AoR.SCR" and pick "Install."

Download: XMB Wave Screensaver for Windows v0.95
Visit: QJ.Net PC Forums

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Update: According to agentorange: "Version 0.95 had a bug preventing it to run on Windows XP only showing a white screen / flickering. This has (hopefully) been fixed in v0.96! Thanks for your feedback and please tell me if you encounter any more bugs!"

Download: XMB Wave Screensaver for Windows v0.96
Visit: QJ.Net PC Forums

Fans of micro racing gameplay can have the chance to take Micro Machines V4 for a test drive with the PC playable demo now available for download. This is just the right time to experience miniature mayhem and maximum multiplayer racing before the game ships on June 27 for the PS2. The PSP, PC, and DS editions will soon follow.

The PC demo lets up to four players race on three outrageous tracks: around the kitchen at 'Kitchen Caper'; on the rooftops at 'Rooftop Rumble'; and inside the chicken coop at the 'Peking Peril Race'. If you want to practice your miniature driving skills, you can do so with the single-player mode, or challenge AI opponents in Quick Battle races. Test drive of the PC demo calls for the following minimum requirements:

- Windows 2000/XP
- DirectX 9c
- Pentium 3 or Athlon at 800MHz
- 128Mb RAM
- Supported 32Mb Graphics Card
- DirectX 9 Compatible Sound Card
- 300 Megabytes Hard Disk Space

Micro Machines v4 is loaded with explosive weapon power-ups that can be used against opponents while racing. The game brings back the classic missiles and bombs and at the same time introducing new ones to attack with, including flamethrowers, plasma guns, heat-seeking missiles, and the threatening car-mounted giant hammer!

Be one of the first racers off the starting grid and download the new PC demo at Codemasters website, and while you're at it, check the latest videos too.

Download: [Micro Machines V4 PC Demo]