We don't know how many among you are cricket fans but for those who are, this next one is for you. A couple of months ago, we learned from Codemasters that it is porting Brian Lara 2007 Pressure Play to the PlayStation Portable. The video game title was originally released on the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows platforms.

Anyway, the PSP version is being developed by Australia-based IR Gurus and the development studio's producer Rhys Quinert was recently interviewed by Gamespot about the game. According to Quinert, they really took the time to improve and add more features and that's why the handheld version wasn't released alongside the other versions.

Aside from the PSP-exclusive Pressure Play mode, the batting, bowling, and fielding controls were also modified to make Brian Lara 2007 more compatible with the handheld. In terms of additional features, the producer explained,

There have been a number of additions that differ from the console versions. Given the later release date, we were able to include last-minute squad changes, and some player abilities and statistics as they were recorded at the beginning of the ICC World Cup.

Rhys Quinert shared as well that IR Gurus did encounter some problems while porting the game to the PlayStation Portable. He said that in terms of hardware, the handheld was really different as compared to the Xbox 360, or to a PC for that matter. He added,

Most of the challenges were probably with the technology itself - going from a console to a PSP and making sure we get the frame rate up to speed. We also had to make sure we didn't overdo the long game modes - it needs to be short, sharp bursts of play, which is the reason for the inclusion of Pressure Play matches.

Brian Lara 2007 Pressure Play is expected to come out this year.

Fancy a game of cricket, but you're always on the go and don't really have much time to spend outdoors? Then this is the game for you. Brian Lara 2007 Pressure Play has finally been announced for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Released initially for the Xbox 360 and the PC, this video game promises to offer something different for gamers who want to experience their favorite sport on their PSPs.

We've uncovered a bunch of screenshots of Codemasters' sports game for the handheld, and it does look promising. Players will be able to compete as International Cricket stars in the full ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 mode of the game, as well as train themselves first via the Pressure Play Mission Mode which is an exclusive game mode included in the PSP version of the title. Codemasters'  Brian Lara 2007 Pressure Play also comes with an ad-hoc multiplayer mode where two players can compete for the Cricket World Cup 2007 warm-up match.

Check out the screenshots of Brian Lara 2007 Pressure Play below and start thinking of how it's going to be so delightful to finally have the game come its summer release.

    
  

More screenshots at the Full Article!

Codemasters has announced an all-new Brian Lara challenge heading for Sony's PSP handheld system. The newest iteration in the cricket series will be Brian Lara 2007 Pressure Play, which will be coming this summer.

This new title is being specifically deigned for PSP gaming and will lead with the Pressure Play Mission Mode, a new and exclusive game mode consisting of bite-sized burst-play challenges that cover every nuance of cricket. Great for training and getting yourself familiarized with the sport.

The game also features a full ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 mode where players can compete as all of the stars of International Cricket in this ICC Officially Licensed Event. The game comes with 16 licensed international teams with official kits, 240 licensed international players and officially licensed ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 stadiums.

On the multiplayer side of things, Brian Lara 2007 Pressure Play comes with an ad-hoc multiplayer mode where two players can battle it our in a one-on-one ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 warm-up match.

Yeah, by now, every person that has seriously embraced video gaming as part of his/her life is aware of the sudden changes that'll prompt him/her to bid farewell to the E3 as he/she knew it. The Halls of QJ has been ringing with dead silence every single time the matter is brought up (it's happening right now). But we all have to move on as E3, arguably gamers' own version of World Cup and Winter Olympics, undergoes some major tweaks that'll indirectly affect all of us.

Entertainment Software Association president Doug Lowenstein, in an interview with Wall Street Journal, has revealed what exactly those "major tweaks" will be - a new name, a new venue and a new date. According to him, the event will be dubbed as the E3 Media Festival starting next year, cementing thoughts that the affair will now only be joined by members of the press from various media.

From last E3's groundbreaking attendance of 60,000 visitors, next year's event will have a toned-down population of around 5000 people. In fact, Lowenstein has cited that the huge number of participants is primarily the reason why all the changes are being made, saying that "some companies were frustrated because E3 was such a huge, sweeping event it became increasingly difficult to get their messages out."

Instead of the traditional May affair, the next E3 (if we could still call it that) will be held on July to give publishers more time to develop their projects and to strategically bring it nearer to Christmas where most games are usually released. The event will also say goodbye to the Los Angeles Convention Center as the ESA divulged plans to use two hotels, holding press events and meetings in suites and conference rooms - there goes our booths and the booth babes along with it.

As much as we want to present this news as an objective one, it's really hard not to choke out some disappointments while tackling the matter. The gamer in us conquers the inner writer/reporter as it cry for the game demos open for civilians, promos for the attendees, E3 booth babes, lost opportunities for smaller developers, and the shed "people image" of the event we used to know as E3...

Support your favorite FIFA World Cup team by dressing your PlayStation Portable or Nintendo DS in their national flags. In time for 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, Wrapstar releases ten new skins for the the portable consoles with flags of the competing nations as design.

Game Store Scandinavia now sells the mentioned skin design. The store's Managing Director Adolf Kristjansson praises Wrapstar skins by saying, "We believe that Wrapstar products are a great way to help our customers customise their PSPs and to express themselves. They also have a second benefit of protecting your PSP from any minor mishaps. What I liked especially about the product though is the fact that it leaves no trace of any kind when you remove it from your PSP, leaving it in pristine shape."

If you want to root for your favored team or you just want your handheld console to sport a new look, go ahead and order your own Wrapstar skin for €4.99 (approx. $9).