Although the PSP is capable of a clock speed of 333 MHz, it was previously locked at 266 MHz, or about 80% of its processing power, in a presumed attempt to lengthen battery life. After the most recent PSP firmware update, developers are now able to code for the full processor speed. This update will not retroactively affect any previously released titles, but will only apply to those titles currently in development. Games taking advantage of the additional clock speed should be able to run at a higher frame rate, but at the cost of draining the battery more quickly. read more

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PSP Firmware Update Unlocks Full CPU [06. As Ubisoft’s ‘Central Clancy Writer,’ Red Storm’s Richard Dansky, knows, and talks to Gamasutra about the Splinter Cell franchise, his code of ethics for in-game violence, and the biggest issues in game writing today. Veteran developer Rasco discusses the use of Kalman Filtering equations, more often used in airplane navigation systems, to improve the output of the Wii remote’s accelerometer. Following unconfirmed internet reports, a representative from Sony America has told Gamasutra last month’s firmware update has given developers access to the PSP’s full 333MHz CPU speed, after previously being capped at 222MHz. A SCEA rep confirmed to Gamasutra that “developers can now use the full 333mhz CPU speed as of firmware 3. Sony could not confirm that the new policy would affect older PSP titles, including an option for consumers to manually switch CPU modes, saying that “this change affects future software titles/titles in development. read more

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Puzzle Scape is a passable but conventional puzzle game that tries, and fails, to imitate Lumines’ unique sensibilities. Lumines-inspired music and graphics detract from the experience rather than enhance it; inconsistent selection of power-ups; been-there, done-that gameplay won’t hold your interest for long. Puzzle Scape employs pulsing techno music and hallucinogenic artwork in much the same way, but the lack of artistic cohesion in each level makes the gameplay feel oddly disconnected from its presentation. Artist mode is your standard scoring mode, where you play continuously until one of your columns reaches the top of the screen and there’s no room for more blocks to fall. Once you hit the seventh or eighth level within a given theme, Puzzle Scape gets pretty challenging, and it will take you a while to clear your goals and unlock artist mode, let alone earn that elusive gold medal. read more

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