Hands-on: Super Stardust Portable
by Andrew Yoon 
{ Jul 21st 2008 at 2:45PM }
What is Super Stardust Portable? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like. It's a PSP version of Super Stardust HD, ready to play anywhere you go. The PSN download-exclusive title is making the big jump from PS3 to PSP, and Housemarque (developers of the original SSHD) have succeeded in creating an authentic Stardust experience for the handheld.
There are obviously going to be two big questions on everyone's mind regarding SSHD. Firstly, the controls. PSP may not have a second analog stick, so how will this work? Well, you simply use the face buttons to shoot in the direction you'd like. It may take a little while to get accostmed to, but SSHD vets will be boosting, bombing and shooting in no time. (ProTip: To do a circular attack with the Gold Melter, press all the face buttons at once.) Secondly, the graphics. While the visuals are obviously toned down from the PS3, the PSP version is able to render a surprising amount of enemies on screen while maintaining a silky smooth framerate. It may not be PSP's best looking game, but for a quick pick-up-and-play title, SSP offers more than enough detail.
Gallery: Super Stardust Portable
Surprisingly, the team at Housemarque has added all the content featured in the subsequent SSHD expansions into the PSP game. Expect the terrifying red enemies which will fill the entire screen in a matter of seconds. Thankfully, there are also nukes at your disposal, which sends a shockwave through the entire planet, destroying everything in its path.
For those that are unfamiliar with Super Stardust HD, be aware that the original PS3 game earned such an overwhelming response from fans for a reason. Navigating your ship around an endless stream of falling asteroids and enemies is just good old fashioned fun. The careful balance of weapons and bombs adds a bit of strategy to an otherwise reflex-driven game. Check out PS3 Fanboy's review to find out more about the original.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Extinction @ Jul 21st 2008 3:00PM
Please add the option to let the analog act as aiming and the buttons act as moving! Along with ad-hoc multiplayer, trophies and custom soundtracks!
bryansurvive @ Jul 21st 2008 4:28PM
i was thinking the same thing. except the custom tracks.but i agree as well.
bryansurvive @ Jul 21st 2008 3:02PM
i like it and dont at the same time. i cant wait to hear more about this. whats the release date on this?
Jimmijam @ Jul 21st 2008 3:46PM
Perfect for a portable title! Just enough of a quick play on my commute, looking forward to it.
BTW, is there any ad-hoc or infrastructure on this thing? On the PS3, there's the co-op mode and, of course, the ridiculous rankings.
Kiltman67 @ Jul 21st 2008 4:28PM
Bit nervous about how the controls are going to turn out and if they'll be able to get anywhere near analog like with the face buttons. Everyday Shooter always stood out to me as a great game spoiled by clunky controls and I suspect this'll be the same.
cafecito @ Jul 21st 2008 4:36PM
Yeah I'm worried about the same. Dunno how they'll deal with the controls. Surely analog for movement and face buttons for shooting (or viceversa). Either way, doesn't sound that great, but guess we'll have to wait-n-see.
Hashbrown Hunter @ Jul 21st 2008 5:06PM
So...this is going to be a downloadable game right?
Xtechnolgy @ Jul 21st 2008 5:32PM
looks good i might buy this if the controls turn out good
Alien @ Jul 21st 2008 6:05PM
Yeah its DL , but I dont care , Beats was DL to and it was extremly cool :D
omf @ Jul 21st 2008 7:33PM
DL is good - the game will start up much faster than if it were on UMD.
Alien @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:07AM
Yeah , the load times are minimal compared to UMD titles :)
Daniel @ Jul 21st 2008 7:24PM
I dunno, I wasn't too impressed with SSHD myself, don't see the greatness of it. I bought it for trophies but only earned 3 as I got bored fairly quickly with the title. Doubt I'll be interested in the PSP version either.
Lipton of Starfeeder @ Jul 25th 2008 12:27AM
OMG do want! Only game I like on my PSP is Luminous I & II.. till now