Intrepid PlayStation Portable homebrew developer Zx-81 has recently made two homebrew releases, updated versions of PSPMancala and PSPInt. (The last time we saw PSPMancala was back in January while the previous version of PSPInt was reported last February.) In case you're not familiar with one or either of them, we'll give you a bit of a primer.

PSPMancala is based on a family of sowing board games called (you guessed it) Mancala. A number of games are derived from this game, but Zx-81's homebrew is based on the Awari incarnation. There are six pits with four pebbles each and the point of the game is to grab more pebbles than your opponent.

PSPInt on the other hand is the PSP port of Jzintv, an Intellivision emulator. Most of us are understandably unfamiliar with this really retro video game system as Intellivision is older than we are (Mattel first released it in 1979).

Zx-81's releases have bumped up both projects, PSPMancala to version 1.03 and PSPInt to version 1.1.0. Judging from the images from the dev's release threads, the projects were bumped up for PSP Slim support though Zx-81 writes, "and i hope with psp slim" in both releases.

You guys know the drill. Check out the readme files that come bundled with the downloads as they contain important information like the rules of the game, controls, and installation instructions. If you have any questions, feel free to ask away at the comments section below or at Zx-81's thread at the QJ.NET Forums. Enjoy!

Download: PSPMancala v1.03 FW 3x
Download: PSPMancala v1.03 FW 1.50
Download: PSPMancala v1.03 source
Download: PSPInt v1.1.0 FW 3x
Download: PSPInt v1.1.0 FW 1.50
Download: PSPInt v1.1.0 source
Visit: QJ.NET's Zx-81's Homebrew Releases forum - PSPMancala
Visit: QJ.NET's Zx-81's Homebrew Releases forum - PSPInt

Check out the changelog for both releases by clicking the Full article link below!

The emulator machine zx-81 is at it again! And this time, it's an update to his Intellivision emulator, PSPInt. Seriously, this guy keeps churning out updates like there's no tomorrow. He averages about 4-5 releases a week! And trust me, they're all nice updates, just like this one. And this time, he has another partner- DrNicket, a member of our forums.

Here's what's new:

• Added keyboard change skins option
• Added beautiful keyboard skins
• New homebrew icon

The usage instructions are in the readme. And as always, the package is released under the GPL license, so sources are bundled. Anyways, stay tuned in the weeks to come. I have something for you guys. :)

Download Link: [PSPInt: Intellivision Emulator for PSP v1.0.6]
View: [Forum Release Thread]

zx-81, one of the most active homebrew developers is at it again. He has just updated his Intellivision emulator to v1.0.5. And this guy is a freaking machine, just yesterday, he released v1.0.4. This proves the furious pace which he works at. If you're just getting into development and are looking for some inspiration, make this guy your role-model. Seriously!

The new version, has only one addition, but a good one at that. He has included a new virtual keyboard, made by DrNicket - a respected member of our forums. Just like his other releases, this one also contains 2 versions - one for 1.5, and the other for 2.0 and above. Plus the sources are included too!

Download Link : [PSPInt - Intellivision Emulator for PSP v1.0.5]

The Intellivision is the first system to feature downloadable games, but since it doesn't have a storage device, the games vanished once the machine is turned off. In 1981, General Instrument (manufacturer of the Intellivision's CPU) teamed up with Mattel to roll out the PlayCable, a device that allowed the downloading of Intellivision games via cable TV. Are you not thankful of Master Porters like Zx-81? Now you can have the Intellivision experience right in your PSP without having to go through all the trouble of downloading via cable TV.

The game allows the player to have control of a fighter plane guiding it through obstacles while dodging an assortment of unidentified flying objects to reach the level's end. Once the intro frame is up on the screen, press the Right trigger for options on the skill level of either one or two players. Launch the On-Screen Keyboard by Danzel and Jeff Chen to make a selection by pressing start. After making your choices just press Circle to go to the game proper.

I had to train my eyes to adjust to the graphics' perspective. It took me quite a while to actually know when an enemy plane is coming right at me. I also had my share of blowing my plane to smithereens because of the confusing directional buttons. The trick is, down is actually up and up is actually down. Pressing down makes your plane go higher to avoid those nasty walls and pressing up does the opposite, allowing you to blast those enemy planes.

Instructions on loading Intellivision ROM files, key mapping files and compilation is provided in the Read Me file along with the game.

Authors:

• Jzintv : A ColecoVision videogame system emulator
• Joe Zbiciak (see http://spatula-city.org/~im14u2c/intv/)
• PSPColem : Porting on PSP
• Ludovic Jacomme (zx81.zx81@gmail.com)

Download: [PSPInt Intellivision Emulator v1.0.3]