

Last summer's console action-adventure has been shrink-wrapped for the PSP with smaller levels, a less-then open-ended playing environment and occasionally clunky control. Both titles feature the usual roster of pro-teams, over-the-top moves and sassy back talk.

In comparing the preview versions, "NBA Street Showdown" looks like the sharper title with the PSP's wide screen complementing the shape and width of the basketball courts. "NFL Street 2: Unleashed" and "NBA Street Showdown"Įlectronic Arts's "street" franchises go shrinky-dink for the PSP. Yet another Electronic Arts console port to the PSP, "Need for Speed" brightens up the urban race tracks a bit to facilitate the move to the smaller PSP screen but otherwise the sights, sounds and car tweaker screens are the same. Cards introduce a strategic challenge and besides, the game looks great. I almost spilt my coffee when I discovered that the PSP version of "Metal Gear" turned a stealth-action thriller into a turn-based card game where every action, from walking to shooting, is controlled by the cards in your deck. Who would have guessed that the best game for the Sony PSP is a plain old puzzle game? Techno beats, wireframe graphics and addictive puzzles meld into an experience that will have PSP-lugging commuters missing their bus stops for months to come.

Solid effort on graphics, but the animation - or frame-rate - seems more suited for zamboni racing than sport that prides itself on speed and quick-second decisions. "FIFA 2005" nevertheless scores a goal with excellent commentary and both games deserve an "Ole! Ole!" for an encyclopedic offering of international leagues and teams. Tiny pixels on parade! Translating soccer (or fine, football) has been a challenge for consoles so it was probably hoping for too much to have a PSP version that did not reduce the "beautiful game" to an interactive ant farm.
