Snowmydog from the QJ forums just released the final version of his latest homebrew game for the PSP, Treasure of Pharaoh. For anybody that didn't download the previous version, Treasure of Pharaoh is supposed to be a more updated clone of Lode Runner.

This Snowmydog creation arguably provides better graphics, sound effects, and energetic background music than the game it is based on. As Snowmydog says, "If we can't make a better looking clone after 20 years, there's no reason to make a clone."

As you may have guessed from the extent of the changelog of v0.2, this final version adds a lot of new features and bug fixes so it's well worth updating! Here's the changelog:

• An easy to use map editor, now you can design your very own special map for fun.
• Auto merge custom map pack. This function is for sharing custom maps between friends. First, get the custom maps(CUSTOM.MAP) from your friends. Then rename it to (UPDATE.MAP). Copy to your memory stick. Start the game. The game will automatically read the UPDATE.MAP and merge to your custom map pack. It's permanent, you only need to do it once. After the merging, the system will delete the UPDATE.MAP. All operations are automatic and easy to use, you don't even need to press a key!
• 50 new levels.
• The original 150 levels compiled as "Tuktankhamun" map pack. Additional 50 levels compiled as "Khufu" map pack. "Darius" is reserved for custom maps.
• Each game pack has an individual game save slot. Don't worry, the old game save is compatible with this version.
• Some maps have been adjusted to make them more fun.
• Several bugs fixed.
• AI has a minor adjustment.
• New animated ending

This game even features an autosave feature so you'll never lose progress over the 50 new levels, which Snowmydog has added. The autosave feature will save your progress after every level, so not even an attack of a low battery will be enough to stop you playing!

The downloads are below, make sure to check out the readme file for in-game and map editor controls. Enjoy!

Download: [Treasure of Pharaoh 1.0 final fw 1.5 format]
Download: [Treasure of Pharaoh 1.0 final fw 1.0/3.03 OE-A format]
Discuss: [Forum Release Thread]

After going silent for some time after releasing his Sci-Fi YoYo smash hit homebrew, Snowmydog came back with yet another game - Treasure of Pharaoh. The previous version got a lot of good feedback, and some might be holding back because they think it's too much of a Lode Runner copycat. Well, to all the haters out there (if there are any), you're missing out on a happy childhood.

Lots of stuff have been added to this new version. Usual updates and tweaks here and there, plus a brand-spanking new auto-save feature. As for the rest of the Treasure of Pharaoh v0.2 changelog:

• AI updated. With updated AI, the Anubis is much "reasonable". I've tested it with all 150 levels, and it's working very fine. If you can't solve a level, just try again and think. The greatest fun of this game is you need to figure out how to solve the level. It's not easy. If you're lode runner fans, you know what I mean.
• Graphics updated.
• Several bugs fixed.
• Options menu is now working. You can turn on/off background music and turn on/off false brick. False brick is a tile which have the same outlook as the ground. But you cannot dig on it. When you run on top on it, you'll drop to the next floor. Just like stepping on air. Turning off the false brick, will render the false brick differently, so you can see it clearly. This will make the game much easier.
• High score is now working. Auto saved when clear a level.
• Keys configuration changed.
• L+Triangle goes to previous level
• R+Triangle goes to next level (minus 1 life)
• L+R+Triangle restart current level (minus 1 life)

Download: [Treasure of Pharaoh v0.2 (FW 1.0-2.x)]
Download: [Treasure of Pharaoh v0.2 (FW 1.5)]
Discuss: [Forum Release Thread]

Do any of you guys remember Lode Runner? It's that classic game from the 80's hailed by Gamespot as one of the greatest games of all time. Now, we have just heard news that snowymydog has just released his second homebrew game, Treasure of Pharaoh v0.1. And whaddya know, it's a clone of Lode Runner! He said he spent a whole month working on this so if you like all 150 levels of it, please drop him a line or two alright? Nobody wants to feel that their work is unappreciated, yenno. Hehe. The download file below includes separate versions for FW1.0-2.x and FW 1.5. Alright, on to the more important stuff:

Controls:

• D-pad - move the player
• Square - dig a hole at left
• Circle - dig a hole at right
• Start - pause the game
• Select+triangle - restart current level. Some maps are tricky, you'll have a chance to run into a place that you can't go out. Use this function to restart the current map, however, this will costs you 1life.
• Select+R trigger - advance to next level. Costs 1 life.
• L trigger - back to previous level. Don't costs life.
  

Additional notes from snowymydog:

1. Hi-Score and Options is not working at the moment.
2. The AI is not same as the original, some map may become impossible to complete. I'm begging you to report, I'll try to fix.
3. When a level is completed, game will be auto saved and you've got an extra life.
4. Some tiles are "fake floor", they look the same as the real ground, but you cannot dig on it. When you stand on it, it will drop to next floor. **THIS IS NOT A BUG**

Download: [Treasure of Pharaoh v0.1]
Discuss: [Forum Release Thread]

Snowmydog, a developer from our forums has released a new version of his popular homebrew game for the PSP, Sci-Fi Yoyo today for use with the recently-released Homebrew Enabler Rev C from Dark_Alex, allowing 2.71 users to play this homebrew game for the first time! Believe me, you'll enjoy this one. Sci-Fi Yoyo is a puzzle game replica of a minigame included in "New Super Mario Bros", and may look like just another Space Invaders clone but instead has much more substance as a puzzle game.

In this game you have to get rid of the space aliens by selecting adjacent aliens of the same color. Failure to get rid of all the aliens in the allotted time will prompt the 'emergency' siren and you will have failed your mission. Along with CPS2PSP, PSPMaster and SNES9xTYL v0.3, 2.71 firmware users can now play an original homebrew game that will provide hours of fun-filled gameplay. Don't believe me? Try it out for yourself!

Download: [Sci-Fi Yoyo v0.9 for Homebrew Enabler Rev. C (fw 2.71)]
View: [Forum release thread]

snowmydog has just released another update to his excellent homebrew game, Sci-Fi Yoyo version 0.9. If you don't remember snowmydog, its because he's a very new developer to the homebrew scene. His first release was last week with Sci-Fi Yoyo version 0.8, a very good game with excellent graphics and astounding gameplay. And not to disappoint he has followed it up this week with another great release, adding a whole host of fixes and new features. Check them out:

- Cursor moves faster
- New approach to calculate the score 
- Main menu have a option to see a mini instructions
- When you successfully clear a stage, the timer will reflects your bonus
- Cursor have new look
- Animated invaders, now they're alive!
- At pause screen, now you can press start to resume game or press triangle button to return to main menu
- Minor amendments on some graphics
- "X" & "O" button have same function
- Flashing the mini Yoyo icon when minus a life

As snowmydog says Stand up! Protect our Earth!

Download: [Sci-Fi Yoyo 0.9]
View: [Forum release thread]

Snowmydog from our forums has just released his first homebrew game for the PSP, Sci-Fi YoYo v0.8. Although it may look like one, you'll be very please to hear that this game isn't another space invaders clone! It is actually a puzzle game replica from "New Super Mario Bros". For a first homebrew game the graphics on this are just amazing, and it's even better when you hear that Snowmydog did all of the coding and graphical work himself - well done!

This homebrew application was so good that Snowmydog instantly earned developer status in our forums, proving that a good homebrew application does get noticed. In this game you have to get rid of the space aliens by selecting adjacent aliens of the same color. Failure to get rid of all the aliens in the allotted time will prompt the 'emergency' siren and you will have failed your mission. This is possibly the best first homebrew game I have seen since my time here at QJ, so if I were you I'd get downloading now!

Download: [Sci-Fi YoYo v0.8]
View: [Forum release thread]