LucasArts unveils PSP triForce: LEGO Star Wars II, Thrillville and Traxion

We're not huge fans of bringing you news stories without screenshots, but LucasArts' official E3 announcement of its PSP range is worthy of the 'words first, images later' treatment.

We've previously previously disclosed LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy but for the benefit of those who may have been on another galaxy, here's a quick recap.

Sequel to the hugely popular game published last year, the game continues the franchise's cheeky-yet-faithful take on the Star Wars universe by combining the unique dynamic of LEGO with favourite film moments from Episodes IV, V, and VI of George Lucas' space saga.

Much like the way the second trilogy remains the better half of the Star Wars sextuplet (assuming you manage to blank out the whole Ewok affair, of course), this version improves on its predecessor by enabling characters to get in and out of vehicles as well as ride the films' many weird and wonderful creatures.

Other additions include free-roaming vehicle levels, playable mini-kit vehicles, new character specific attacks and manoeuvres, the ability to switch ships at will in Free Play mode and an adaptive difficulty option to ensure the game is enjoyed by as wide an audience as the films.

You're also able to mix and match the body parts of around 50 playable characters (the permutations go into the millions, apparently) in order to create a unique hero – don't worry, George won't sue.

Developed by Traveller's Tales, the studio behind the console versions (and, crucially, the one also responsible for the highly praised original game), LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy is scheduled to strike back alongside the two-disc DVD releases of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (featuring both the original theatrical release and the 2004 digitally remastered version) on September 12th.

The DS and GBA versions, developed by Amaze Entertainment, are also due that day.

If the Force doesn't do it for you, however, save yourself some psychiatrist fees and visit Thrillville this autumn for potential treatment instead. In fact, make it a family therapy session because this has something for everyone – it's part simulation and part party games, resulting in a social gaming experience anyone can enjoy.

The idea to create a theme park, but unlike many of the PC simulations of this type, this one doesn't limit the fun to your virtual visitors. In Thrillville you get to enjoy the attractions, too – build, customize and test the greatest sick-inducing roller coasters ever conceived, play dozens of classic arcade mini-games, or create and try out any of the 75-odd rides, such as merry go rounds, trains, go-kart tracks, minigolf courses, carnival rides, bumper cars and more.

It's easy, too. The construction interface has been specifically designed for console use and is straightforward enough to be accessible by gamers of all ages, not just those with a degree in structural engineering. And once your creation is complete, you can take a tour of the park on foot, interacting with visitors to ensure they've having a good time – a first for this type of game.

Another first is a PSP-exclusive LucasArts title, which is exactly what Traxion is. In this, music controls the action. The game features dozens of mini-games (for instance, an interactive fireworks display, a rhythm-based fighting session, or a musical puzzle game) and comes pre-loaded with a selection of tracks from leading artists, but it is also fully compatible with every MP3 file on your Memory Stick. And because of Traxion's music analysis ability, the tunes effectively alter the way the games are played – change your music and you change your game, resulting in highly personalised experiences.

In the past this type of game suffered from certain limitations, but the concept continues to hold great promise so we're very keen to see how this one – due in September – plays out.