Dead Head Fred

Hironobu Sakaguchi created the first Final Fantasy role-playing game for the Nintendo Entertainment System in an effort to save developer Square from bankruptcyhence the name. That was back in 1987. Over twenty years later, the Final Fantasy series has become one of the most beloved franchises in video game history, with fourteen main titles and at least an equal number of spin-offs. PSP gamers in particular have their pick of the litter when it comes to delving into this iconic series.If you’ve never experienced the original games before, but are a fan of long quests, expansive exploration, and engaging stories, check out the PSP remakes of Final Fantasy I and Final Fantasy II. These special 20^th anniversary editions include remixed graphics and soundtracks, along with full-motion-video scenes. The first title includes dungeons that first appeared in the Dawn of Souls port for the Game Boy Advance. In addition, hardcore gamers will appreciate the new Labyrinth of Time dungeon, which is a timed area full of brutally powerful enemies in which your characters’ health is constantly drained.Final Fantasy II, the first sequel to the original, was originally unreleased in America, and the later Japanese game Final Fantasy IV was originally released as FF2 on the North American continent. It first appeared in America on the Playstation, but it’s still worth a look for PSP players, as it introduces many characters that recur throughout the franchise, including the chocobo mounts and the airship pilot Cid. This game again features never-before-seen dungeons with new equipment and enemies.The PSP is also home to an entirely new sub-franchise in the Final Fantasy series, which started with 2009′s Dissidia: Final Fantasy. This game contains elements of fighting and action-RPG gamesno taking turns here. However, players can also use special skills and utilize traps around the battlefield to get the upper hand on their opponent. Players in Western countries have the option of choosing to remove all RPG features and playing the game as a pure fighting title. Dissidia is available both on UMD and on the Playstation Network for download via wireless internet service. The title has proven so popular that a sequel, Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy, is set for release in 2011. Read the rest of this entry »

There have been several great games that have been released for the Sony PlayStation Portable (hereto referred as the PSP) console released. One I have been playing recently is the Strategy RPG known as “Tactics Ogre:Let Us Cling Together”. Fans of the classic title “Final Fantasy Tactics” may be familiar with the systems used in the game already as they use a very similar interface and their game design was handled by the legendary Yasumi Matsuno. However, even the most seasoned players may need help with the Read the rest of this entry »

When the PSP lauinched Nintendo knew that they finally had a competitor that was going to give them a run for their money. The Playstation Portable churned out title after title of games worthy of every gamer’s wallet. Today we present a list to you of five gamers that no gamer should miss for the Playstation Portable.We are going to start the list of with Final Fantasy Tactics for the PSP, a brand new adventure starring the Final fantasy crew that you’ve come to know and love. Updated graphics, great gameplay, hours of enjoyment.The second game in the list is Lumines,http://www.gamespot.com/psp/puzzle/lumines/, a puzzle game from one of the greatest minds in puzzles. A completely new type of game that has been compared favorably to Tetris, no true gamer should miss this title.Another game deserving of this spot is the God of War title for the PSP. God of War has quickly become one of gamer’s favorite franchises and it shines on the portable system.The fourth game is Patapon,http://www.patapon-game.com/. It’s a music platformer with cell shaded graphics! This gem is considered a masterpiece.The final game in the list in the Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops title. An instant classic that resonated with all the fans.

Though the Kingdom Hearts series draws most of its characters from Disney’s long history, it also has its fair share of originals. In the new Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep PSP title, we get a glimpse into the origins of some of those characters, including a major series antagonist. Game director Tetsuya Nomura calls the title the “Episode 0″ of the series. Unlike when some directors have returned to their babies, though (cough George Lucas cough), this new version manages to build on the original with new technology and graphics while also retaining the charm of the first entries. Read the rest of this entry »

At “Dead Head Fred,” we’re always interested in games with unique playing styles, stories, and characters. While a screenshot of the original “Half-Minute Hero” (“Hero 30″ in Japan) wouldn’t let you know you’re looking at anything other than a traditional Japanese RPG, the gameplay was actually something very special. If you missed it the first time around, you’ll get another chance with the release of a sequel this November.The original “Half-Minute Hero” had several distinct modes, all built around the 30-second theme. In “Hero 30 Mode”, the gameplay will be familiar to anyone who’s ever played “Final Fantasy” or “Dragon Quest,” except that battles take place automatically. That’s because you have only 30 seconds to get powerful enough to defeat the level’s boss, and time only pauses when you enter a town. Read the rest of this entry »