Hello Everyone,

I've taken up the task of continuing the Nethack homebrew for the PSP, released a while ago by the honorable VMU.

DCEmu.uk will be the first to get the files!

I've been working on this baby for quite a while now and I think its time to do a release.

The game is now playable up to a certain extend. You still cannot enter text required for Wishing, Engraving or naming stuff. Expect this to work in the next update though

You can change your name and other character settings by editing the .nethackrc file found in PSP/GAMES/NetHack/. But be careful because some settings may affect the game play and you may find yourself in a configuration I did not test yet and that you don't have any graphic interface to help you.

== NEW Button Configuration ==

-- default buttons
[UP] = North / Menu UP
[DOWN] = South / Menu Down
[LEFT] = West
[RIGHT] = East
[DOWN]+[LEFT] = South-West
[DOWN]+[RIGHT] = South-East
[UP]+[LEFT] = North-West
[UP]+[RIGHT] = North-East
[CIRCLE] = Same as the 'Enter' key (Confirm Menu selection)
[SQUARE] = List previous message
[CROSS] = Same as the 'Space' key (Select Menu item)
[TRIANGLE] = Same as the 'Escape' key (Cancel Menu selection)
[SELECT] = See the Inventory
[START] = Special Context Menu which enables these actions:
'a' = Apply
'b' = Eat
'c' = Kick
'd' = Pickup
'e' = Wear
'f' = Wield
'g' = Put On
'h' = Drop
'i' = Drop All
'j' = Remove
'k' = Take off
'l' = Read
'm' = Pay Bill
'n' = Quaff (drink)
'A' = (Extended Command) Chat
'B' = (Extended Command) Dip
'C' = (Extended Command) Enhance
'D' = (Extended Command) Force
'E' = (Extended Command) Invoke
'F' = (Extended Command) Loot
'G' = (Extended Command) Offer
'H' = (Extended Command) Pray
'I' = (Extended Command) Rub
'J' = (Extended Command) Sit
'K' = (Extended Command) Turn Undead
'L' = (Extended Command) Untrap
'M' = (Extended Command) Wipe

-- alternate button set when TOP LEFT button pressed.

[TOP LEFT]+[UP] = Fast North
[TOP LEFT]+[DOWN] = Fast South
[TOP LEFT]+[LEFT] = Fast West
[TOP LEFT]+[RIGHT] = Fast East
[TOP LEFT]+[DOWN]+[LEFT] = Fast South-West
[TOP LEFT]+[DOWN]+[RIGHT] = Fast South-East
[TOP LEFT]+[UP]+[LEFT] = Fast North-West
[TOP LEFT]+[UP]+[RIGHT] = Fast North-East

[TOP LEFT]+[CROSS] = Open
[TOP LEFT]+[SQUARE] = Search
[TOP LEFT]+[TRIANGLE] = Close
[TOP LEFT]+[CIRCLE] = Pick Up
[TOP LEFT]+[SELECT] = Display useful information
[TOP LEFT]+[START] = Save your game & Quit

-- alternate button set when TOP RIGHT button pressed.

[TOP RIGHT]+[UP] = Go Up the stairs
[TOP RIGHT]+[DOWN] = Go Down the stairs

[TOP RIGHT]+[CROSS] = Throw
[TOP RIGHT]+[SQUARE] = Zap wand
[TOP RIGHT]+[TRIANGLE] = Cast Spell from Spell book
[TOP RIGHT]+[CIRCLE] = Fire ammo placed in the Quiver
[TOP RIGHT]+[SELECT] = Select Quivered Item
[TOP RIGHT]+[START] = Exchange weapon with alternate

-- alternate button set when TOP LEFT and TOP RIGHT button pressed.

[TOP LEFT]+[TOP RIGHT]+[CROSS] = Teleport
[TOP LEFT]+[TOP RIGHT]+[SQUARE] = List Known spells
[TOP LEFT]+[TOP RIGHT]+[TRIANGLE] = Show what type of thing a visible symbol corresponds to.
[TOP LEFT]+[TOP RIGHT]+[CIRCLE] = Known discoveries
[TOP LEFT]+[TOP RIGHT]+[SELECT] = Toggle ASCII / Graphic mode
[TOP LEFT]+[TOP RIGHT]+[START] = Switch to explorer mode

Still to do :
-------------
- A contextual menu for the 'Inventory' screen
- Display the damage made by the player
- Disable calling the context menu more than once.
- Fix Diagonal movements, they are still difficult to achieve
- Split the contextual menu in two columns
- Keyboard interface for text prompts (Wishing, naming items, etc.)
- Re-enable mouse for scrolling or find a way to display menu that are too long
- Re-enable the top-ten listing when dying or quitting
- Remove the perm_lock feature, as it can cause problems on the PSP when crashing
- Enable scrolling when in ASCII mode

- Any other suggestions?

So as you can see, there was a lot done, but there is still much to do for a fully functional Nethack. But still, with this version, I managed to get to the bottom of the mines and back.

Expect more frequent updates.

Pawa

Download and Give Feedback Via Comments ...

New release of the popular PSP Homepage Studio
The popular PSP Homepage Studio has just released a new version of the software. The new version has a cleaner interface and extended functionality. The software is now also available for downloading. The coolest new feature of PSP Homepage Studio is ‘Extras’. Extras is plug-in that gives additional functionality like RSS-feeds etc. New Extras will be added frequently, and you don’t have to upgrade the software itself when new Extras arrive. Just activate them on http://www.mypsphomepage.com, and they automatically appear in PSP Homepage Studio the next time you run the software.
Go to http://www.mypsphomepage.com for more information ...

News from IGN

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced 300: March to Glory, a PSP game based on the film 300, which itself is based on a Frank Miller graphic novel. The movie features a highly stylized production design, similar to Sin City, and the game, in development at Collision Studios, will conform to the style of the film.



"We are working with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to ensure 300: March to Glory captures the look and action of the film while making it fun to play on the PSP system," said Philippe Erwin, Executive Producer for Collision.

A war movie retelling the ancient Battle of Thermopylae, the title refers to the 300 Spartans who fought to the death against the Persian army.

"The 300 film based on Frank Miller's graphic novel offers continual action and an intense storyline that lends itself to be a striking videogame," said Warner Bros. Senior VP Jason Hall. Collision Studios believes the movie's story promises a visceral game experience focused on action and combat. Players take the role of King Leonidas, who in the film is played by Gerard Butler, The Phantom in 2004's Phantom of the Opera.

300: March to Glory will launch simultaneously with the film's release in 2007. ...

Heres a list of features etc about the New Super Mario Bros Game for DS:

Features

- Run, jump, and stomp your way through raging volcanoes, tropical islands, snowcapped peaks, and unimaginable challenges!

- Grab a Mega Mushroom and grow to incredible proportions, or smash through your foes in a blue Koopa shell!

- Challenge a friend to a wireless face-off on specially designed levels, or play up to three friends in a ton of Touch Screen minigames.


New Worlds!

New Super Mario Bros. features eight all-new worlds, each filled with extra levels, hidden paths, and secrets galore. It's possible to complete the game without visiting every world, which means you'll have to track down many alternate exists to visit every nook and cranny in the game.

New Power-Ups!

You'll find classic power-ups like the Super Mushroom and the Fire Flower in the game, and there are some all-new power-ups that let Mario explore the Mushroom Kingdom like never before.

Super Mushroom

Mario's most basic power-up doubles his size and grants him the strength to smash through blocks. It also allows him to survive a single enemy hit.

Fire Mario

The Fire Flower transforms Mario into Fire Mario, allowing him to throw fireballs that bounce along the ground and can damage or destroy most foes.

Mega Mushroom

Grab a Mega Mushroom to make Mario grow to colossal size for a short time. Mega Mario can smash enemies, blocks and even pipes simply by running into them.

Mini Mushroom

Snag a Mini Mushroom to shrink Mario down to micro size. In this teeny form, Mario can go into small pipes and travel down tiny paths. Plus, he's so light that he can perform floating jumps and run on water.

Koopa Shell

When Mario picks up a special blue Koopa shell, he'll transform into Shell Mario. Shell Mario can smash through enemies and blocks like a Koopa shell, and also swim more quickly underwater.

New Moves!

New Super Mario Bros. expands Mario's arsenal of moves to include some very powerful advanced techniques. If you want to uncover every secret in the game, you'll have to master them all.

Ground Pound

Known in some circles as the utt bounce, this move allows Mario to pound the ground from above. This technique can be used to attack enemies or to break bricks.

Special Jumps

Mario can gain new heights by performing double and triple jumps similar to those found in Super Mario 64.

Wall Jump

Mario's new wall jumping ability is probably the most-used new move in the game. You'll have to use this technique to reach hidden items, and it can save your life if you accidentally fall into a pit.

New Multiplayer!

There are two multiplayer modes in New Super Mario Bros. -- Mario vs. Luigi and Minigames. In Mario vs. Luigi mode, it's brother vs. brother in a race for Stars. The goal of the game is to collect the Stars that appear throughout the stage at timed intervals. If your brother gets a Star first, don't worry. Any time you damage your bro, he'll drop one of his Stars and you can claim it for yourself. This mode is available for two players, and you only need one game card to play.

The Minigames mode offers a wide variety of simple touch-screen activities. You can challenge them solo, or use them as the basis of a minigame tournament for up to four players. The minigames may be simple, but they're surprisingly fun when you're putting your skills to the test against your friends.

Bottom Line

The great thing about New Super Mario Bros. is that it takes everything that was so spectacular about the original series and takes it to the next level. The new moves and power-ups are awesome, and it's hugely satisfying to find hidden item blocks and other secrets scattered throughout the game. The replay value is through the roof, especially with the addition of the Mario vs. Luigi multiplayer mode. Never before has New been so dramatically understated. ...

Heres a list of features etc about the New Super Mario Bros Game for DS:

Features

- Run, jump, and stomp your way through raging volcanoes, tropical islands, snowcapped peaks, and unimaginable challenges!

- Grab a Mega Mushroom and grow to incredible proportions, or smash through your foes in a blue Koopa shell!

- Challenge a friend to a wireless face-off on specially designed levels, or play up to three friends in a ton of Touch Screen minigames.


New Worlds!

New Super Mario Bros. features eight all-new worlds, each filled with extra levels, hidden paths, and secrets galore. It's possible to complete the game without visiting every world, which means you'll have to track down many alternate exists to visit every nook and cranny in the game.

New Power-Ups!

You'll find classic power-ups like the Super Mushroom and the Fire Flower in the game, and there are some all-new power-ups that let Mario explore the Mushroom Kingdom like never before.

Super Mushroom

Mario's most basic power-up doubles his size and grants him the strength to smash through blocks. It also allows him to survive a single enemy hit.

Fire Mario

The Fire Flower transforms Mario into Fire Mario, allowing him to throw fireballs that bounce along the ground and can damage or destroy most foes.

Mega Mushroom

Grab a Mega Mushroom to make Mario grow to colossal size for a short time. Mega Mario can smash enemies, blocks and even pipes simply by running into them.

Mini Mushroom

Snag a Mini Mushroom to shrink Mario down to micro size. In this teeny form, Mario can go into small pipes and travel down tiny paths. Plus, he's so light that he can perform floating jumps and run on water.

Koopa Shell

When Mario picks up a special blue Koopa shell, he'll transform into Shell Mario. Shell Mario can smash through enemies and blocks like a Koopa shell, and also swim more quickly underwater.

New Moves!

New Super Mario Bros. expands Mario's arsenal of moves to include some very powerful advanced techniques. If you want to uncover every secret in the game, you'll have to master them all.

Ground Pound

Known in some circles as the utt bounce, this move allows Mario to pound the ground from above. This technique can be used to attack enemies or to break bricks.

Special Jumps

Mario can gain new heights by performing double and triple jumps similar to those found in Super Mario 64.

Wall Jump

Mario's new wall jumping ability is probably the most-used new move in the game. You'll have to use this technique to reach hidden items, and it can save your life if you accidentally fall into a pit.

New Multiplayer!

There are two multiplayer modes in New Super Mario Bros. -- Mario vs. Luigi and Minigames. In Mario vs. Luigi mode, it's brother vs. brother in a race for Stars. The goal of the game is to collect the Stars that appear throughout the stage at timed intervals. If your brother gets a Star first, don't worry. Any time you damage your bro, he'll drop one of his Stars and you can claim it for yourself. This mode is available for two players, and you only need one game card to play.

The Minigames mode offers a wide variety of simple touch-screen activities. You can challenge them solo, or use them as the basis of a minigame tournament for up to four players. The minigames may be simple, but they're surprisingly fun when you're putting your skills to the test against your friends.

Bottom Line

The great thing about New Super Mario Bros. is that it takes everything that was so spectacular about the original series and takes it to the next level. The new moves and power-ups are awesome, and it's hugely satisfying to find hidden item blocks and other secrets scattered throughout the game. The replay value is through the roof, especially with the addition of the Mario vs. Luigi multiplayer mode. Never before has New been so dramatically understated. ...

File these under the heading “Ummm… Duh?” iPodGear has some shots of real and counterfeit iPod shuffles and Nanos. While they wouldn’t fool anyone who has actually seen a Nano or Shuffle in their lives, it seems that someone has put a load of effort into making sure they are ripping of the ignorant with just the right amount of panache.

While the fake Nano, shown above, won’t fool anyone, the Shuffle box is pretty convincing.

http://www.ipodgear.com/2006/04/coun...d-shuffles.php ...

Article of interest from Gamespot::

Japanese news site Impress reports that Final Fantasy XI development team leaders let slip some tidbits on their next-gen plans. While talking up Treasures of Aht Urhgan--the game's latest expansion--FFXI producer Hiromichi Tanaka commented that his team is now working on a new massively multiplayer online role-playing game for Windows Vista and PlayStation 3. He also shared his thoughts on porting games to new hardware, including bringing FFXI to the PS3 as well as the PSP.

Tanaka didn't provide any details on his as-yet untitled game for Vista and PS3, perhaps holding something back for a formal announcement at E3 in May. However, he did make some interesting comments about developing for the Xbox 360 versus the PlayStation 3.

The Xbox 360 operating system shares enough similarities with Windows, he said, so that porting the Windows version of FFXI to the 360 was a fairly quick task. A PS3 version of FFXI, on the other hand, would require redeveloping the game almost from scratch, a process that Tanaka estimated would take two or three years.

As a result, FFXI will emphatically not be a launch title for the PS3. In fact, Tanaka did not commit to bringing out FFXI for the PS3 at any time. He feels that the resources required to port the game to PS3 might be better invested in a new game that's built from the ground up for next-gen hardware--but his team has yet to make a final decision one way or another.

Asked about FFXI on the PSP, Tanaka notes that although a fully playable version of the game is probably not realistic, he could envision enabling some functions--like auctions and chat--for PSP users. However, his team has not had time to work on a handheld version of the game, and without evidence of overwhelming user demand, it seems unlikely that it will happen. ...

D3Publisher of Europe Ltd. (D3PE), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software today announced its first game for the NintendoDS™ will be based on Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) hit animated series Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumiTM. The game is set for a September 2006 release. D3PE recently announced the release of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: Kaznapped for the Nintendo Game Boy® Advance in May 2006.

"We continue to be impressed with the outstanding ratings performance of the Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi show," said Nick Clarkson, PR and Marketing Manager for D3PE. "Cartoon Network's commitment to the franchise, both on-air and with consumer products, solidified our decision to move forward with an all new DS version of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi in September 2006."

"Kids today not only enjoy but, frankly, expect to find their favorite character properties available to them on multiple entertainment platforms," added John Friend, senior vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises. "D3Publisher has proven to be an exceptional creator and marketer of innovative electronic games based on a variety of original characters. We're very excited to see how they will translate Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi's musical, comedy and fantasy action elements into their first-ever NintendoDSTMrelease."

Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi for the NintendoDSTM introduces a brand new gaming genre – the 'Rock 'n' Roll Brawler' – targeted primarily for kids 6-11. This action packed adventure allows players to call upon the powers of rock and roll to defeat their enemies as they travel the globe using only their instruments as weapons! With the NintendoDSTM, action is presented on the upper screen while the actual control takes the form of a guitar located on the Touch Pad, and players can enjoy the action solo, or with 2-Player WiFi cooperative mode. Other game features of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi for the NintendoDSTM include:

Familiar locations from the TV episodes, where players fight off crazed fans, talent suckers and other bands.

A chance to earn popularity points with the fans as well as gifts by rocking out on stage.

Upgrades to guitars and accessories at shops found in each level that unlock new combos.

Quirky mini-games such as make your own sushi, which Ami and Yumi can eat or feed to their pet cats. ...

D3Publisher of Europe Ltd. (D3PE), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software today announced its first game for the NintendoDS™ will be based on Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) hit animated series Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumiTM. The game is set for a September 2006 release. D3PE recently announced the release of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: Kaznapped for the Nintendo Game Boy® Advance in May 2006.

"We continue to be impressed with the outstanding ratings performance of the Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi show," said Nick Clarkson, PR and Marketing Manager for D3PE. "Cartoon Network's commitment to the franchise, both on-air and with consumer products, solidified our decision to move forward with an all new DS version of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi in September 2006."

"Kids today not only enjoy but, frankly, expect to find their favorite character properties available to them on multiple entertainment platforms," added John Friend, senior vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises. "D3Publisher has proven to be an exceptional creator and marketer of innovative electronic games based on a variety of original characters. We're very excited to see how they will translate Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi's musical, comedy and fantasy action elements into their first-ever NintendoDSTMrelease."

Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi for the NintendoDSTM introduces a brand new gaming genre – the 'Rock 'n' Roll Brawler' – targeted primarily for kids 6-11. This action packed adventure allows players to call upon the powers of rock and roll to defeat their enemies as they travel the globe using only their instruments as weapons! With the NintendoDSTM, action is presented on the upper screen while the actual control takes the form of a guitar located on the Touch Pad, and players can enjoy the action solo, or with 2-Player WiFi cooperative mode. Other game features of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi for the NintendoDSTM include:

Familiar locations from the TV episodes, where players fight off crazed fans, talent suckers and other bands.

A chance to earn popularity points with the fans as well as gifts by rocking out on stage.

Upgrades to guitars and accessories at shops found in each level that unlock new combos.

Quirky mini-games such as make your own sushi, which Ami and Yumi can eat or feed to their pet cats. ...