Another week, another build release. Slasher has come out with the fourth build of his PlayStation Portable homebrew game Asterz, and this time, he's got video showing off the release.

Asterz is a community-based homebrew game. People can offer up suggestions as to what game elements they want to see in the game, and Slasher tries to accommodate the suggestions into the latest build into the game. Unfortunately, Asterz doesn't have a readme or a changelog in this release, so we're at a loss as to what the new build has compared to the previous build, but the game is easy to pick up and play regardless.

In any case, feel free to watch the video and try out the game. You might find a new title to add to your repertoire of homebrew games.

Download: Asterz Build 4

Less than a week ago, Slasher released the second build of his Sony PlayStation Portable homebrew game Asterz. Earlier, he informed us that the third build is now out so you can sample it.

The Asterz project is intended to be a community effort where people can suggest game elements they want to see. It can be anything from weapons, physics, enemies and what not. Try giving it a spin and see if you have ideas to make it better.

Slasher says that the builds will come constantly to keep in step with the community's demands. This is one of those games you shouldn't miss if you like homebrew because you'll definitely have a say as to how it will end up. You can download it using the link below.

Download: Asterz Build 3

 

Slasher and the rest of Team Duck has come out with the latest build of their game: Asterz. The most exciting thing about the latest version is that it has been made compatible with the PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite.

Our previous coverage of the game tackled the unique development of this homebrew. In case you missed it, the devs have said in no uncertain terms that the community gets to decide what the game will contain. The developers have given word that they are willing to tweak every aspect of the game.

These include weapons, power-ups, enemies, and even the in-game physics to create a game customized to what the general community wants. So download it and try the game out. If you're interested in sharing your ideas, be sure to drop by our PSP Development Forum via the link below.

Download: Asterz Build 2
Visit: QJ PSP Development Forum

Homebrew developer Slasher is making a new game made for everyone and - in a sense - by everyone. The game, temporarily called Asterz, is currently in its most basic stage and Slasher is asking for input from the community to make the game.

Right now the build isn't actually a game just yet and only contains a controllable spaceship set on a starry background. Here's Slasher's description of the game-to-be:

This game is going to be called Asterz. Simple, right? It's pretty basic right now. Use the analog to steer and move, yadda, yadda. Now here's the catch. This game is going to be constantly updated and made the way YOU want it to be.

Tell me things to add. Weapons, powerups, enemies, anything. Tell me if you want physics tweaked, anything at all tweaked. I'll make the options completely able to tweak nearly every aspect of the game so you can get the settings YOU like - then tell me them

This game is going to be molded and shaped the way you want it to. This is a community project and I hope people actually choose to contribute.

The general look is reminiscent of the classic arcade game Asteroids but without the asteroids. The game doesn't necessarily have to end up like Asteroids though, and as Slasher explains in the forums: "It's not to late to change the entire basis of the game. Right now it's not a game, it's more of a base. Now it just needs building blocks!"

If you want to contribute your ideas for the game, visit the PSP Development Forum thread link below.

Download: Asterz
Contribute ideas: QJ.NET's PSP Development Forums

 

Homebrew coder and Team Duck member Slasher given us word here at QJ Central that he has released a theme pack for the popular Slash-N-Flash version 3 for the PlayStation Portable.

In case you're not familiar with the homebrew application, Slash-N-Flash is a generic flashing app that can flash "whatever files your heart desires". While we're on the subject of flashing, let us remind you that whenever dealing with flash0, you've got a risk of turning your PSP into a shiny paperweight (read: A BRICK) so remember to read the readme, back up your flash0, and read the readme again.

Anyway, this theme pack is designed only for those running Slash-N-Flash on CFW 3.52 M33. Slasher notes, "DO NOT FLASH THESE ONTO ANY OTHER FIRMWARE. 3.52 ONLY!" That puts the point across, eh? Well, the theme pack includes six prepackaged and ready to use themes (applecor, circacor, DNA, LargeIcons, textXMB, and vectorix) to beef up the original three included in Slash-N-Flash version 3.

At any rate, check out themes by clicking the link below. Remember to read the readme that comes with the pack for installation instructions and other pertinent info.

Download: Slash-N-Flash v3 theme pack

Remember the homebrew application Slash-N-Flash? It was originally created by Slasher of Team Duck, though we discovered that it had been taken up by Heathy007. It's now up to version 4, a "stabler release with some themes and backups included".

Before anything else, you might have noticed the "Flash" in the title. When you're tweaking with the flash, there is a chance that you or the app WILL BRICK YOUR PSP. So, take the utmost care.

Anyway, Slash-N-Flash, as the original dev Slasher describes it, is a "generic flasher which can flash whatever files your heart desires". In version 4, Heathy007 added themes and backup that are compatible only with firmware 3.30+ though Slash-N-Flash works with 1.50 and other custom FW. Other changes and additions by Heathy007 include:

• XMB Icons Sets
• 01-12.bmp
• Fonts
• What The Network Update Icon Does (update_plugin.prx)
• Waves

Remember to check out the README file before doing anything. Also, it might help if you read the previous releases by Slasher.

Download: Slash-N-Flash v4

 In the aftermath of the UK ban on Manhunt 2 and the Adults Only rating slapped on to it by the ESRB, online whines and moans have echoed across forums questioning the move. One group decided to take it a notch higher with an online petition.

We found the aforementioned petition in petitionspot.com and it does carry a lot of sensible arguments on why the developers and the governments must find a way to appease the consumers. Here's an excerpt from the text:

We know the AO rating carries with it some excessive weight. Weight which many retail chains will refuse to touch while allowing uncut versions of current musical acts, books, and even slasher movies to be released unchecked. And we see this as an inequality. The problem is, as the AO rating gets attached to games, no companies are willing to stand up against the perceived concept that a single year brings with it an understanding that somehow the average consumer did not possess before. The Adults Only rating carries with it a stigma of pornography which pushes many retail chains away. But we are tired of the double standard....

We are not irrational children. We are adults and as such, we should be allowed to choose our media. Be this through the purchasing of a copy of Saw Uncut on DVD, the latest Marilyn Manson CD, a copy of American Psycho on Paperback, or even an uncut copy of Manhunt 2 for the PSP, PS2, or Wii.

So far, the petition has seen a decent number of signatures from across the continents. If you think that the petition is a valid one and you would like to join in, you can do so by following the read URL and signing up.

The name of the homebrew app is Slash-N-Flash, and from that alone, you can assume that it concerns flashing your system. And when you're talking about flashing, it goes without saying that you stand a chance of BRICKING YOUR PSP IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. Be forewarned. The developer, Slasher (of Team Duck), and QJ would like to stress the gravity of using this app at your own risk.

With that said and done, check out the latest version of Slash-N-Flash, the "generic flasher which can flash whatever files your heart desires" homebrew app. When Slasher posted the release on our forums, he indicated that this will most likely be the last version, unless anyone else has other suggestions or if he comes up with some other amazing features. Here's the changelog for Slash-N-Flash v2:

• GUI Implemented (Font, background image, cursor image, sound effects)
• New Theme Option
• Create themes and flash them:
• topmenu_plugin.rco, 01-12.bmp, ltn0.pgf, system_plugin_bg.rco, opening_plugin.rco, system_plugin_fg.rco, photo_plugin.rco, game_plugin.rco, impose_plugin.rco, system_plugin.rco, gameboot.pmf
• Backup your currently applied theme (Goes into the 'backup' folder)
• More destinations to flash to in file browser
• Free up some space in your flash0

We reiterate the importance of taking a look at the readme for instructions and notes, and if still, you have any further questions, you may discuss them in our forums, as linked below.

Download: Slash-N-Flash v2
Visit: PSP Development Forums

Slasher of Team Duck dropped by our forums to give us the lowdown on his Slash-N-Flash program for the PSP. "This is basically a generic flasher which can flash whatever files your heart desires," so explains Slasher on his post.

If you guys are hesitant to use this as it may brick your PSP, by some unfortunate series of events, fear not 'cause he assures that he's made the process as simple and noob friendly as possible. Besides, that's what the Readme is for, so you better go check it out and digest the whole procedure well.

Anyhow, here's the stuff you may very well expect in this version:

• Shows all files located in their corresponding folders
• New FileBrowser Option
• Browse your memstick and flash any file you want to
• Delete any file you want
• USB Mode
• Change the default folder
• ms0:/SlashNFlash/ OR SlahsNFlash/Folders/
• Various error checks to ensure a safe flash
• Preview Mode is back

You would want to go visit the thread as well for a quick rundown of how the app is setup. Have a blast with the Slash-N-Flash!

Download: Slash-N-Flash v1
Discuss: PSP Development Forum

Well, look what we have here. Slasher from Team Duck has dropped by our forums to share with us his Generic Flasher that basically flashes whatever your file you may want to... er... flash. So, here's how it works.

According to Slasher, this application is for just about any custom firmware version, including 3.03 OE-C and 3.10 OE-A. What's here in version 1 are the following:

• Shows all files located in their corresponding folders
• Quick installation method
• Various error checks to ensure a safe flash
• Displays the last installed file

He also planned to add preview support, but he says he kept messing it up. But don't worry, that doesn't mean he won't try to have it on board anymore. Instead, he'll add it later when he's got more time.

Now, as for the installation procedure, you might as well check out the Read me ('cuz it really is important like that) included in the file. Oh, and he gives out this warning: I take no responsibility if you happen to brick your PSP. Use at your own risk. Only Flash files if you know what you're doing.

So there. Hopefully, you do know what you're doing, 'cuz really, there'll be no one else to blame if you do brick your PSP. Clear? That's crystal.

Download: [Generic Flasher v1]
Discuss: [Forum Release Thread]