Why do you love Monster Hunter? We can only guess, but what we're certain about is why them Japanese gamers enjoy the series and went crazy when Capcom released Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G. The answer is quite simple - it's portable and can be played online. Survey data to back that up is available at the full article, and we're inviting all unbelievers to see for themselves.

Soon after Sony updated its PlayStation 3 firmware to 2.17, the PlayStation Store also received new good things as the weekly PSN update is here. Of course, that means more downloadable songs for Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock and Rock Band, along with videos to tease and themes to pimp your PS3. You'll find out what's in store at he full article.

For European gamers, the wait is finally over. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has finally updated its list of content on the PlayStation Store with brand new downloadables for PlayStation owners who want to spice up their gaming experience on their respecting gaming platforms. To take a look at the new list of updates, check out the full article.

If you still want more downloadable content for Sony's WipEout Pulse even after the release of the Mirage Pack, then you may be happy to know that SCEE plans to release new downloadable content for the game every week. With new tracks, as well as new teams, the expansions are worth checking out. Do hit the full article to see what's in store for WipEout Pulse players in the coming months.

If you're tired of the tracks and teams on WipEout Pulse, you might want to consider downloading the Mirage pack on the PlayStation Store for £ 3.49 (around US$ 7). Players who download this pack will be getting two new tracks and their zone variants as well as a new team called Mirage. For more information on this, zoom on over to the full article.

Homebrew developers Cleanser23, Angelo, Lunix, Hells Plumber, Wakaru, and Joseph have teamed up to create a new piKey build with permission from Fanjita. The new program aims to address bugs in version 0.3 of the program, and to "finally" make it compatible with 3.71 M33.

The new program, called "Unofficial piKey 0.4" is still currently in the works and the team is looking for ideas and assistance in terms of programming. In their words, they need help with "simple tasks that only require a good knowledge of C and to be set up in a dev environment." Here are their notes:

We've done the following so far:

• Fixed the 'x' button issue, not 'x' shows as the correct one, not the multiplication one.
• Added new, improved and cleaner keymaps (added Targus and Palm) and have created our own custom Targus CTRLMap.txt
• Found and created a small portal for the release. (Existing PSP Windows Portal and a created EBuddy one)
• Made the installer better and cleaner.
• Added 100% working Targus, Palm and Hama maps! (Hama driver I believe is still a bit funny Undecided)
• Made a Targus expansion pack with a working Keymap and user friendly CTRLMap.

What we are working on:

• Add key repeats for the Targus keyboard so you can hold down a key and it'll autotype instead of tapping it many times. (almost done.. pointless agreeing to sign up for this job)
• Add a function so you don't have to press the 'select' key to have to correct character input. This will make the release perfect.
• Add a function so a message is displayed when CAPS/Num/Scroll is on. (almost done.. pointless agreeing to sign up for this job)
• Finally... make it compatible with 3.71 M33

Head over to the forum thread to know the full details of the program in development. And just in case you do want to share you coding talents to the UPK Team, then by all means...

Visit: QJ.net PSP Development Forum Thread

 

Robin of Acidmods recently informed us of the interesting new beta application that promises to make handheld modding a vicarious experience everyone can enjoy. The Virtual PSP Modder is now in the "Open Beta Check" phase, which means people will be able to experience the fun of modding their PSP without having to actually touch their handheld.

For those who haven't heard of it, the Virtual PSP Modder is a computer-based program that'll actually allow you to try placing mods on your PSP using a computer interface. Here's the current list of things you can do in the beta:

• Complete Virtual PSP disassembly
  
• X-Ray with power zoom (sneak peak into the psp)
• 5X zoom on the Mother board
• Virtual customizable workspace
• Tool use ( Screwdriver & Tweezers )
• Led's (Trigger for now more comming)
• Random mod generator (later it will have a huge library of combo's)
• Full screen for screen capture opportunities (show off that psp)
• Dynamic menu selections

The first expansion pack will include a full set of faceplates and buttons you can put on the virtual PSP, as well as help file to get you going. In the meantime, you can check out the video after the jump for a glimpse of what the Virtual PSP Modder can do. Why don't you download it and give it a try?

Download: Virtual PSP Modder

View a video of Virtual PSP Modder after the jump!

We have good news for the readers among us today. If you've been reading "The Sword of Oz" interactive ebook by author Darren Reid, then you'll be happy to know that in light of the publication's success, "The Sword of Oz: The Emerald Ring" expansion pack will be released this February 19, and will also be free for download.

"The Sword of Oz" - the first  "Dark Witches of Oz" trilogy novels - predate the original Wizard of Oz story by L. Frank Baum, and allows readers to make decision for story protagonist Arthur Gale.

The ebook launched back on January 19 was met with considerable success - "Sword of Oz" was noted to have picked up 10,000 downloads, with a little more than 50 % of console users accessing the free download.

The original novel and its expansion pack are currently available at the NextGenBooks website (accesible on the read link), with the novels readable on the PC, Wii, DS, PS3, and PSP. Also expect to see a possible novelized version of "The Sword of Oz" in the near future.

If players of The Sims found interesting companions through playing The Sims: Unleashed, those who play the sequel to the wildly popular game will have an equivalent set of friends - from the dog world, this time - in the new expansion pack, The Sims 2: Pets.

Not only will you guys have the chance to choose from a variety of existing breeds and hot designer mixes, you'll also be able to customise your pets by choosing their body shape, unique markings, and even their personality (one area where games like these put real pets in the shade). As in real life, your Sims' pet also needs to be taken care of and trained. You don't want to come home to a clawed-up new couch, don't you? You still have to put your foot forward and let your new pet know who's the master of the house.

Of course, you don't want to be just a drill sergeant to your pets, so you'll also want to teach them to shake hands, roll over and play dead, spend some play time with them, or perhaps go shopping together and grab some cool pet accessories that will make the neighbor's dog go green with envy. All of which you can do in this game.

The Sims 2: Pets will be available on the PC, PS2, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS. A version for the PSP will follow. What's interesting is that there will be unique features for each game platform.

The DS version will have a "Manage a Pet Care Center" feature where you can pamper, preen and nurse your pet at your very own Pet Care Center. You can also earn extra Simoleans by selling pet products in your shiny new pet shop.

The PSP, PS2, and GameCube versions allow you to take your pet for a stroll at the Central Town Park. And while you're at it, you can drop by the Town Center and shop 'till your pet drops.

PSP Screens:

 

DS Screens: