Sony PSP: games round-up and interview

On the eve of the launch of the new PSP Slim and Lite, due for launch this September, we revisit all the reasons why the PSP is such a great piece of kit, in case you needed any more convincing. To back up our views, we've been talking to Phil Owen, lead programmer on Juiced: Hot Import Nights (and self-confessed friend of the PSP) about developing for the PSP and why he rates it as a handheld console. Plus, we have a round-up of our top five games that every PSP owner should have on their shelves. See if you agree with us - read our feature on the PSP now!

Click here to read the full Sony PSP games round-up and interview now!

Sony PSP games round-up and interview
We here at HGZine love the PSP. Of course, being a handheld games mag we’re going to be slightly biased, but it really is a cracking bit of kit. It’s got some superb games, it looks the business, and if you’re so inclined you can use it as a movie player, an MP3 player or as a way to display your digital photos.
Yet, for some reason the PSP is constantly overlooked by sections of the gaming press, with reviews of its software conspicuously low-key in most multi-format magazines and sites, while it seems to be heavily criticised in certain corners of the net.
So just why is the PSP the most underrated console around? We spoke to Phil Owen of Juice Games, lead programmer on forthcoming THQ title Juiced: Hot Import Nights and selfconfessed PSP fan, to ask his opinions...
The PSP seems to get a bit of a bad press in general – why do you think that is?
I don’t know to be honest. The criticisms levelled at the PSP – like the price, and quantity and quality of games – I feel are a tad unfair, especially when you hear the positive feedback from people who actually own a PSP. Historically, the handheld market has been dominated by Nintendo. Because of this, when the PSP was released I think some thought it was doomed to failure, but that isn’t the case at all.