PSP Review – Super Stardust Portable
On Dec. 4th Super Stardust Portable was released for Download on PSN. For those that have not played Super Stardust HD, basically you are protecting a planet from meteors (made of gold, ice & rock) on top of dealing with smaller enemies and of course bosses. You fly around shooting everything using three different weapons. All three weapons will destroy everything, but they all have their strengths against certain material. You also are supplied with a limited amount of bombs and boost.
Now getting to Super Stardust Portable. If you loved the SSHD you will love this one. The controls will take some time to get used too. The nub moves your ship, the face buttons fire your weapon, X = down, O = right and so on. Now if you combine to buttons say X and O you will shoot at an angle down and to the right. Also with the flame if you hold all four face buttons you will shoot it in a circular motion. The direction pad changes weapons and the triggers are for boost and bombs. This all seems like it will be difficult and compared to SSHD it takes some time learning it, but it actually works quite well and in no time you will be blasting through hundreds of meteors.
You have the same five planets as in SSHD but instead of it zoomed way out to look like you are flying around the globe, it is laid down flat. Now it still works like you are flying around a planet. If you are fighting the boss and you try and fly the opposite way from him you will run in to him eventually. It basically feels like your zoomed in a lot more even though the ship is still relatively small.
The game has some of the same modes. Arcade which you start on planet one and just go through each planet until you complete it. Planet mode where you can just select the planet of your choice and a new mode called Impact. This mode is rather fun. It is like the bomber mode in SSHD where you only have bombs to use, but the catch with this one is you have a new boost called impact boost. Basically its the same boost, but when you use it and hit enemy’s you will continue to boost until you do not hit anything. At that time you can continue flying around using bombs till roughly 10 – 20 sec later when your boost is recharged and you can use it all over again. This concept is a blast and is perfect for short bursts of playing.
In closing if you like SSHD and have a PSP this is a must buy. It is only $9.99 and is well worth the purchase. This should supply hours of intense fast paced fun. Plus, this is a great game for those short bursts of gaming on the bus. I would have rated it higher, but didn’t because the controls will take some time getting used to. Either way, it’s comparable to its PS3 predecessor in terms of fun factor.
PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score
Controls take some getting used to. Perfect for short bursts of gaming, and comparable to PS3 version. |  |
12 Responses to “PSP Review – Super Stardust Portable”
Nice to see the impact boost explained. I am such a trophy whore these days that playing this game without the PSN trophies might not seem worth it. Come on Sony, you know you want to give us PSP trophies now.
I love SS Portable
As SS said, PSP trophies need to be added asap
Does the game support custom soundtracks on the PSP like MLB and Beats?
@Stalking
Not at this time,but I think there will be additional add ons to the game like the PSN title.
It’s a great game by the way and can’t be beat for the money.
Two analog sticks. (Sorry, I had to say it.)
Works fine for me without two sticks..Just messed around through 4 levels and didn’t die once. Need to try everyday shooter next.
Ya I want to get Everyday shooter also. Hopefully it will be my next review. And I didn’t have much issue with only one stick also. it takes some time but not bad
Also I would love to see PSP trophies. You know Sony has to at least be thinking of it
This game is done far too quick and the add ons cost too much.
a 4 for the PSP version? is it that good?
@shadowjin
wasnt the PS3 version a 5? thats not bad score coming from a PSP game
the PSP needs a better looking screen or updated graphics chip.