Dead Head Fred

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. (more…)

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. (more…)

At its E3 press conference last month, Sony emphasized its continuing support for the PSP and introduced a new mascot, the 12-year-old character Marcus Rivers. But of course the most attention was lavished on the games coming out before next year. What can players expect? Read on to find out. (more…)