After reading Andrew gush over SOCOM: Tactical Strike like a schoolgirl with her first crush, it's hard not to be intrigued at Sony's upcoming tactical shooter. To add to that excitement are these new gameplay videos, which, not only feature the game's impressive squad-based gameplay, but also its multi-language voice acting for our international friends out there. Pretty cool stuff.

After most of our more outspoken readers were pretty disappointed with Bomberman Land's maniacal math mini-game, we present you with the latest multiplayer offering from Hudson Soft. In Free Throw, players shoot basketballs while attempting to pop balloons to maximize points. What do you say, loyal readers? Does this mini-game seem more interesting?

A new firmware update is available for the PSP. Version 3.72 doesn't seem to add much functionality, other than expanding support for PlayStation Network titles. All in all, a pretty lackluster update - those without a PS3 needn't even bother. Sure, Sony could have snuck in some extra secret stuff, but we're betting not. If you want it, however, go and get it. A PS3 update is expected soon and PSP v3.72 does lend credence to that theory. We're remaining cautious, however. We'll let you know more as it happens.

[UPDATE] The EU PlayStation website has confirmed that firmware v3.72 also has support for the PS3's Remote Start feature which will be included with PS3 firmware v2.00.

You know what really stinks? When you're showing off your PSP to a friend, but they laugh and say "you must be very greasy, as there are fingerprints all thereabouts on your handheld gaming device!" This can be a problem that follows you for the rest of the day. Luckily, Divineo has a solution for you in the Ultra Slim Guard Skin Advance for PSP -- it protects your PSP from dust and scratches, as well as some fingerprinting, assuming you don't try to use the PSP as a touch screen. The skin surprisingly leaves all your connections open, even the UMD drive. For about $7, it seems like a decent deal if you're worried about getting your PSP scratched, or if you've got butterfingers.

[via DCEmu]

You've seen the footage: the edited Manhunt 2 features toned-down kill sequences. Yes, they're still violent, but they had to be distorted in order to lessen the visceral impact. In spite of the changes, we think Rockstar did a fantastic job of still conveying the sadistic nature of a serial killer.

But that's not the only thing that's changed about Manhunt 2. A scoring system, which rewarded players for performing the most difficult (and most extreme) kills, has been removed. In an interview with MTV, developer Jeronimo Barrera noted that: "The scoring was a hold-over from the first game, and when we had the opportunity to make edits because of the rating, we decided to remove it ... We felt it flowed better without a score screen between levels."

With the game's release firmly set for launch this week, the developers are glad that people will finally have a chance to play their game. They certainly couldn't have anticipated the amount of controversy the game would receive: "There are conversations to be had about this game - intelligent conversations," he said. "That's what we want to do: get people interested in those [things], rather than ban this game because of X, Y and Z."

The upcoming PSP-exclusive Aliens Versus Predator game is based on the upcoming movie, Requiem. We had a chance to chat with Rebellion's Tim Jones, Head of Design, on why they keep on developing for Sony's handheld and what fans of the original PC classics can look forward to in this surprising "sequel," of sorts.

The question on everyone's mind is: why make it a PSP exclusive?
It was ultimately a question of logistics. The opportunity came up to do a tie-in game for the movie which had a fixed release date of Christmas 2007 and it really wasn't possible to develop a game for another platform in the time available -- especially since the game has to be complete and ready to hit the shelves well in advance of the movie release.

Rebellion has been working on a lot of PSP-exclusive projects lately, most notably Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron. What's so appealing about the PSP?
The PSP has a beautifully sharp and colorful screen and an incredible amount of processing power squeezed into such a small piece of mobile hardware. We have had considerable success developing for it at Rebellion and have a great deal of affection for the platform.

So what's going on with WipEout Pulse? Ever since Pure, people have been hungry for more high-speed futuristic racing. Sony Liverpool is determined to repeat the success they had with Pure, according to an interview they had with PocketGamer. What are they going to do to ensure this success? Read on, dear friends, read on.

• The formula won't get changed around too much, but certain things will get altered based on feedback received from Pure, such as an infrastructure for online gaming. Expect one this time around!
• Race progression has gotten a more nonlinear facelift: "The Race Campaign mode is a mix of all seven race event types. Basically each grid has a points target which, when reached, unlocks the next grid and so on." If you stink at one mode, you can usually move around on the grid to a race with a different event, so you'll never get stuck. But if you want all gold medals, that's another story ...
• Three skill levels can be adjusted on the fly.
• The twelve reversible tracks at the outset of the game are just a hint at what's to come -- expect lots of downloadable stuff down the line.

It seems like the title is generally going to remain the same, but get enough tweaking to give even the hardest of core racing fans something to grin about. The proposition about downloadable content is still veiled in secrecy, but your game will apparently grow considerably. We'll deliver more info on the game as it nears its release in December.

Hidden in the depths of the Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron UMD is a special preview for the upcoming Star Wars: Force Unleashed. In this PSP action game, you'll gain control of the many powers of the Dark Side. Shoot lighting out of your hands, and use the Force to throw your enemies out of your way.

The video reveals that the PSP version will feature exclusive levels not found in the console versions, such as Cloud City. You'll be able to continue your Jedi training in the Jedi Temple. The game will be meant for "Quick Play," with tons of new options exclusive to Sony's handheld.

With tons of physics, a solid graphics engine, and loads of new features, we're newly excited for the PSP version of this new Star Wars adventure. Expect to find out more before the game's release in 2008.

Konami finally released Rondo of Blood to the global audience -- the one Castlevania that eluded us (legally) for many years. It's the title that takes place four years prior to Symphony of the Night, making the two essentially part of a chronicle. Thus the title Dracula X Chronicles -- a 3-in-1 deal with the original RoB, the new 3D/2D remake, and SotN all in one place. Sounds like the definitive collection for a Castlevania fan, right?

For the most part, it is. You get the best of both worlds -- the classic Castlevania gameplay that veteran gamers will immediately recognize from Rondo of Blood, and the revamped gameplay Symphony of the Night brought to the stage with multiple weapons, skills, leveling up, and the castle map. However, getting to experience everything this game has to offer can sometimes be a chore and once done, there's little left to keep you around. That said, everything up until that point is well executed and incredibly enjoyable, if sometimes infuriating.

This week's big releases are the uber violent and highly criticized Manhunt 2 and finally Nippon Ichi's Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness. Unfortunately for our European and Asian brothers, there's not much in the way of new software this week.

US Games

• Ben 10: Protector of Earth
• Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness
• Manhunt 2
  

EU Games

• Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes

Asia Games

• No new releases

While there isn't a lot to go around in any region, don't be sad because Silent Hill Origins and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops + will hit in a few weeks.

You did enter our Square Enix Store contest on PSP Fanboy right? Of course, maybe you don't want to win a Final Fantasy VII figurine (pictured, above). Or, maybe you really don't want a Chocobo. Heck, a free copy of Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions probably doesn't float your boat. That's okay!

We have tons of winners this week. Congrats to Lars, Deviation and mondomondoman on winning a Ratchet & Clank fan pack, which includes a limited edition poster, t-shirt and concept art. And now, the news:

Interviews

• Secret Agent Clank (PSP)
  Exclusive! The first real details on the brand new PSP-exclusive Ratchet & Clank game.

Downloads

• PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 8
  Viking: Battle for Asgard wallpapers. For download on PS3 and PSP.
• Welcome to Helios: a brand new God of War level
  Premiere! Brand new Chains of Olympus screenshots you won't find anywhere else.
• Warhammer 40,000 Squad Command
  Playable demo for PSP.

Previews & Reviews

• Crash of the Titans (PSP)
  Review: "Shows his lessened aspirations in a game that's incredibly by-the-numbers."
• Eye of Judgment (PS3)
  Review: "It is also one of the best CCGs to come along in ages."
• NBA 2K8 (PS3)
  Review: "Casual basketball fans should definitely approach the title with caution."
• SOCOM: Tactical Strike (PSP)
  Preview: "An easy contender for Game of the Year on any platform."
• SWAT: Target Liberty (PSP)
  Review: "Neither tactical enough to be a thinking man's shooter, nor action-packed to be a fun arcade shooter."

PS3 Headlines

• More Metal Gear Solid 4 figures spotted
  Who knew Raiden would ever be cool?
  
• 40GB pre-orders go on sale
  New price-reduced systems available later this week.
  
• Motorstorm patch version 3.0 now available
  Adds rumble, fixes issues.
  
• Whoops, print your own Eye of Judgment cards
  Card collectors around the world cry.
• PES 2008 features serious lag on PS3
  More first-generation port woes.
• Sony registers new trademarks, possibly PSN games
  Hopefully, they're more like fl0w than Super Rub a Dub.
• Ratchet & Clank comes bundled with annoying (but fixable) glitch
  Your hard drive needs some scrubbing.
• Michael Bay: 'Blu-ray is where my money is'
  Maybe it's because his movies are HD DVD exclusive?

PSP Headlines

• Wait, is Hot Shots Golf supposed to look this good?
  PSP sequel is sporting some impressive new tech.
• Homebrew brings PSP to the blind
  Includes facial recognition software, and navigation tools.

PS3 Videos

• Nobi Nobi Boy video makes debut, but no sense
  From the creator of Katamari Damacy.
  
• Magic happens when PS3 is injected with nectar
  The price just keeps on dropping ...
• Never too stupid: Blu-ray disc battles microwave
  The victor should be pretty clear.
• Unreal Tournament trailer reveals 'story'
  Now you have a reason to <UT announcer>headshot </UT announcer>.
• Insomniac developers talk Ratchet & Clank Future
  Let's hope those rave reviews aren't going to their heads.

PSP Videos

• Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 improves on predecessors
  LOL, are the load times gone?

Also featured: Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness, Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles, Rock Band, Conan

Every week, PSP and PS3 Fanboy will bring you new backgrounds for your Sony consoles, in resolutions up to 1080p. Download them directly to your PS3 by accessing PS3 Fanboy on your system. Download PSP wallpapers directly to your PSP by accessing the site wirelessly at m.pspfanboy.com.

This weekend, we're focusing on Sega's upcoming PS3 title Viking: Battle for Asgard.

It's pretty hard to describe, this video. While we understand the concepts of "King of the Hill", the video really confuses us as to how it'll all play out in the end. No matter, we're more interested in Tag Mode -- something that seems a natural fit for the Sonic universe. The mode plays exactly as it sounds: you tag an opposing player, giving them the "bomb" and they chase someone else down to tag them. Since Sonic games are always built on speed, we expect that mode to have a little more playability than sitting on the top of a hill. Seriously, Sonic doesn't like standing still. He taps his feet and glares angrily at you.

The original PSP Wipeout Pure remains one of the best games on the system, and Pulse looks to improve upon an already impressive foundation. This new trailer is unfortunately sized for this web window. However, go to GameTrailers, download the HD version and you'll see the game in the full visual splendor it deserves.

[Thanks, Hashbrown_Hunter!]