Loose Threads: The Pocket gamer PSP2 survey
This is the end, the end, my friend... (oh, and dansk doesn't want a camera with his new PSP)
Before we get on with this week’s topic, we think it only fair to let you know now that it will be the last. We’ve decided to knock Loose Threads on the head for the time being, to make way for our new super secret plan for the forum. Think if it not as a loss, but a renaissance.
Indeed, some of those super secret plans are already well underway. This week we've added a dedicated iPhone section to the forum, which should help unburden the Mobile section from Apple’s attention hungry handset.
We've also implemented a new section for games developers called Direct from the developers. This is where iPhone and Mobile games developers can announce their new titles and post links to where the can be found.
We don’t want it becoming a spam bucket however, so all posts need to be approved by a moderator before they go live. It’s really pretty painless: just click on the button labelled ‘Locked’ and then post as normal.
An admin will then come along and provided you aren’t selling viagra, imitation designer handbags, Chinese herbal medicine or World of Warcraft gold farming services, they will happily approve your post - simple.
In the spirit of the forum’s rebirth, we are also looking to recruit some trustworthy posters who fancy assuming some basic forum admin power. If you're interested, send a PM to me (Fraser) in the forums.
And so, on with this week’s topic *sniff*. Though the forum was busy elsewhere this week, we got but one response for our PSP2 survey. Sony, if you are reading, this is what our dear old friend, danskmacabre thinks the PSP2 should be like:
"Should it have a touchscreen? Yes.
"Should it focus on digital downloads? Yes, but still have availability for a physical medium, (micro SD card or whatever).
"Should it be more open to developers? Yes, would be nice, but I bet they don't do that.
"Should it be more powerful? No, not particularly.
"Should it include a second analogue stick? No, a touchscreen would suffice instead of this.
"Should it step away from media functionality? Yes, I would prefer Sony to focus on it as a gaming machine.
"Should it offer backwards compatibility with the current PSP? Yes.
"Should it be more closely integrated with the PS3? A nice to have, but not really.
"Should it have a camera? Another nice to have, but to be honest, no, fairly pointless."
We pretty much agree with you there dansk. Both the option of PS3 interoperability and a built-in camera are fringe extras if you ask us.
A deeper focus on gaming, a more open environment for developers, a solid digital download service and backwards compatibility with the current PSP would be musts.
Not sure about the touchscreen thing, personally. Though the iPhone and the DS are obviously fantastic, it would be nice if the PSP stuck to its guns.
For my money, a second analogue stick would be a much better way for the console to cement what it’s good at, especially for core Sony licenses such as God of War, Metal Gear Solid, Killzone and Resistance.
Ok, that’s it folks, goodnight and good luck. Thanks to everyone who has commented in Loose Threads in the past, every single one of you is a star!
Stay tuned for more announcements concerning the evolution or our forums soon.