{"id":74487,"date":"2020-09-06T12:34:27","date_gmt":"2020-09-06T16:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprowrestling.com\/?p=74487"},"modified":"2020-09-06T12:34:27","modified_gmt":"2020-09-06T16:34:27","slug":"revisiting-wrestling-video-games-psp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2020\/09\/06\/revisiting-wrestling-video-games-psp\/","title":{"rendered":"Revisiting Wrestling Video Games (PSP)"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to handheld gaming, the name that immediately comes to mind is Nintendo. From its series of Game and Watch devices dating back to the 1980s to the Nintendo 3DS, the company’s portable offerings were arguably just as important as the ones they provided via home consoles. This isn’t to say that competition didn’t exist. Over the years, the likes of the Sega Game Gear and Atari Lynx found their way into the fray. However, our focus in this piece will be Sony’s first true handheld outing. Let’s take a look at the PSP, the PlayStation Portable, and the wrestling video games that followed.<\/p>\n

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Photo \/ Sony<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The PlayStation Portable (PSP)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The year was 2004. The Nintendo DS had just released that November and was slowly but steadily building momentum. While it took time for this new system to truly become legendary, Nintendo remained king of the handheld market. This was one of the reasons why the reveal and eventual release of the Sony PlayStation Portable was noteworthy. During this seventh generation of gaming, it seemed like Nintendo had some sizable competition in the form of the PSP.<\/p>\n

One of the reasons the PSP caught the attention of many was its versatility. Ultimately, the DS was primarily a gaming system; it couldn’t be used to listen to music or watch movies, to name a few examples. The PSP had its own library of games, but what made it stand out was its various multimedia features. It also came with a sleek interface, making it feel that much more like a miniature computer. From the get-go, the PSP was met with praise.<\/p>\n

\"Sony
Photo \/ Sony<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It also didn’t hurt that the PSP came with a number of strong titles. \u201cDaxter\u201d was one of the first big hits for the platform, but it also had installments in established series including \u201cGod of War\u201d and \u201cMetal Gear Solid.\u201d Physical media came in the form of universal media discs, whereas DS media came as smaller game carts. The PlayStation Network allowed users to expand their libraries with titles ranging from original software to PlayStation classics. Compared to the DS, the PSP appeared cutting edge. Nonetheless, the DS thrived in the handheld market while the PSP slowly but surely fizzled out.<\/p>\n

There were multiple sticking points that worked against the PSP. Such downsides included the UMD format, which not only made games load slower but rendered development trickier. It also suffered from shoddy marketing, including the infamous commercial with the cartoon squirrels<\/a>. Lastly, while Sony was a big company, it didn’t have the same customer loyalty Nintendo built throughout the years. These were just a few reasons the PSP failed against the DS, though the former became incredibly popular in regard to homebrewing.<\/p>\n

Much like video game systems discussed in the past, the PSP had its own array of wrestling video games. While these may not have been as popular as the titles found on Sony’s home consoles, they are worth discussing nonetheless. In fact, gamers that still have their PSPs may want to look into these titles if the prices are right. Without any further delay, let’s get into some of the most memorable wrestling games on Sony’s first portable system.<\/p>\n

\"Def
Photo \/ Electronic Arts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Def Jam Fight for NY: The Takeover<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Last month, in our look at wrestling video games on the Playstation 2<\/a>, we covered \u201cDef Jam: Fight for NY.\u201d The \u201cDef Jam Vendetta\u201d series was an interesting take on wrestling and fighting games in general, bringing popular figures from the world of hip hop together to fight it out. The series was so popular that it found its way to various platforms, including the PSP. This brings us to the series’ only portable outing. \u201cDef Jam Fight for NY: The Takeover\u201d was published by Electronic Arts and released in late 2006.<\/p>\n

One of the notable aspects of \u201cDef Jam Fight for NY: The Takeover\u201d is presentation. Despite being on the PSP, Electronic Arts didn’t have to sacrifice much in the way of graphics. Furthermore, it plays as smoothly as fans of the series would expect. The game’s combat was amped up and included various venues. It also included a creation mode for those looking to use their own original fighters, though it boasted a solid roster out of the gate. Such recognizable names included Method Man, Ludacris, and Busta Rhymes.<\/p>\n

Much like with \u201cDef Jam Vendetta\u201d games of the past, this isn’t a typical wrestling romp. In fact, it prioritizes fighting and brawling, which may be of interest to those looking for something out of the ordinary. This is especially true for players heavily involved in hip hop culture. When it comes to wrestling video games on the PSP, \u201cDef Jam Fight for NY: The Takeover\u201d is an underrated gem that deserves a look.<\/p>\n

\"WWE
Photo \/ THQ<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

WWE All Stars<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Speaking of games that have been touched on in the past, enter \u201cWWE All Stars.\u201d A couple of weeks ago, I touched upon this in my look at wrestling video games on the Nintendo DS and 3DS systems. \u201cWWE All Stars\u201d made its way across numerous platforms, but given the technical limitations of portable systems, I always found these versions to be the most interesting. How can developers fit these console experiences onto comparatively limited hardware?<\/p>\n

\u201cWWE All Stars\u201d holds the distinction of being the final wrestling video game to be released on the PSP and what a way for this run to end. Where this game gets things right is in how it plays. \u201cWWE All Stars\u201d is a smooth experience that embraces the outlandish aspects of professional wrestling. With wrestlers performing incredible leaps and bone-crushing maneuvers, \u201cWWE All Stars\u201d can best be described as an arcade game in the palm of your hands. Check out my look at wrestling games on the DS and 3DS for further insight.<\/p>\n

It can’t be denied that there were sacrifices made to the PSP version of \u201cWWE All Stars.\u201d Visually, it simply doesn’t compare to the home console versions. It also lacks substantial multiplayer options; online play was a no-go when this PSP title released. With that said, \u201cWWE All Stars\u201d provides an identical gaming experience for those on the go. Give this title a look if you’re interested in a deviation from the standard wrestling game formula.<\/p>\n