One of our readers Michael "mEo" Sena (thanks dude!) recently sent in a tip that homebrew developer Bernat Rafales Mulet has come out with Linux QPSPmanager v2.0.1. This PBP File manager for Linux was created as a user friendly GUI for packing and unpacking PBP files, directory generation and execution of binary files within the PSP's.

This program was developed in C++ while the GUI and file manipulation is handled by the QT Library. The original plan for this program was for it to be used under Linux as it was already ported to different platforms. The developer gave word that the program should be easy to port to other platforms if someone wished to do so. Here's a complete list of all its features:

• Unpacks PBP files and selects automatically the icon and background files from the source file.
• Extracts the program name included in the PBP file and sets it as default output directory.
• Extracts the ELF of the PBP file and packs a fake PBP file without the ELF for showing in the menu of the PSP.
• Allows to select custom icon and background files to use in the menu.
• Allows to select custom video and music files to use in the menu.
• Allows to select the output directory on the PSP and the actual PSP directory, which is saved as an option for further usages, so you only have to configure it once (as long as the PSP directory does not change).
• Provides support for backup the savegames on the PSP to the computer and viceversa.
• Allows to compress ISO files to CISO files.
• Allows to expand CISO files to ISO files.
• Manages the ISO/CISO files on the PSP, allowing to delete them and copy them compressed or non compressed to the PSP.

So download it and try it out. If you're using an older version of this program, the developer gave word that this release fixes a few bugs and added some debug information to help pinpoint any more problems with the program.

Download: QPSPManager v2.0.1

Heads up to mEo for another PSP homebrew app released. This new app is a step-by-step guide that lets you install various TV programs into your PSP without having to tweak a lot of settings to get them streaming right. Simple, eh?

The PSP TV Setup Helper uses TVU Player, TVC Media Player, and the PSP application PMP VLC. All you really need to do is download it now or ask mEo in the forum thread below if some thing in the app stumps you. Otherwise, here goes the download link. Check it out.

Download [PSP TV Setup Helper]
Discuss: [Forum Release Thread]

Alas! The spiker slimes are back. After more than a month of training, they are back for another round of high spiking volleyball action. And this time, they have acquired some darn wicked humor.

Previously featured here in QJ, we have seen the humble beginnings of this creation by mEo. It wasn't much to look at back then, and don't get me started on functionality, because it can only do so much. Just check out the log.

This time around, he releases the first working version of the game. Although he admits it isn't anywhere near finished, I can say that things are looking up for this homebrew.  I do have to wonder what happened to the call he made to graphics artists to "spruce the game up a bit?"

But, seriously, I was most impressed that these two half-moons have acquired some sass, and they don't even have fingers to do the snap thing. If you want maximum results from this game, I suggest you play it with your best bud, because you can even deliver the trash talk with feeling. If you don't have a best bud, then you might as well start training to be ambidextrous. Use your directional buttons on the left side to control Player 1, while your right hand would be in command of the buttons on the right.

Hopefully, there will be more improvements made to this game, some music wouldn't hurt, or maybe even the two players exchanging courts once in a while.

Log:

Hey guys!

Here is the first working version of Slime Volleyball PSP! It's out of BETA, but it is still not 100% perfect. I am extremely happy with how well it is doing however, two people are able to successfully play multiple games. There is now a menu, credits and easy exit, scoring and much more. Please feel free to comment about how it can be improved, or just your general opinion.

mEo

Download: [Slime Volleyball PSP (Working Version)]

Maybe it's my competitive nature that draws me to puzzles in general, but you'd have to admit the thought of being the only one able to solve a seemingly unsolvable puzzle would stroke your ego the right way. And seriously, who doesn't want to have the bragging rights on anything?

Puzzle games like mEo's Slider PSP, is a common element in computer games. They require some serious thought, strategy and above all, logic. All of that you'll need, if you want to go far in this game.

First off, I would like to commend mEo for a wonderfully written How-to in the Read Me file. I know most people hardly give that little text file a peep, and that's exactly why it's more impressive. He actually took time in writing it. It even comes with detailed diagrams, on not only how to move panels around, but as well as possible scenarios you might encounter within the game.

Honestly, I am quite in a fix whether it's much better to have levels for the puzzles, instead of you choosing how many rows and columns you want. I like the impending challenge a level-by-level gameplay brings on the table, but I also like the flexibility of being able to customize your puzzle.

And while on the topic of customization, I'd have to applaud the fact that, with the image generator included, you can give the game your own touch. And if that isn't enough, the source code for the game is also included.

But, just because the game is good as it is right now, it doesn't mean that there are no room left for improvements. Personally, in the future I would like to see a time trial mode for the game, just to have some variety. Also, I suggest putting in something that would count the number of moves the player made in order to complete the puzzle. Not only will this increase the intensity of the game, but a player can keep track of his progress in the game. This feature could also lead to a scoring system, in the future.

To close, I truly had a wonderful time with this game. If I had all day, I would sit down with the PSP and play this game the whole time. I'd keep an eye on this game's future developments. Kudos to mEo!

Download: [Slider PSP]