Joytron PSP Slim Crystal Skin Case

Joytron is a Korean company which specializes in gaming accessories, and their products are distributed by a company in the USA called Nuri Tech. Among all the accessories for the PSP, one of their shining stars has to be the crystal skin case.

I had my share of testing out various skin cases from Japan, China and now the Joytron crystal skin case from Korea. This is by far the slimmest skin case I ever came across. I think this is an important feature, as it keeps the slim profile of the PSP as much as possible. Most skin cases are rather thick, and I am glad this is different. It is clear too! Crystal clear. At last, PSP fans do not have to put up with smoked rubbery feel of the average skin cases.

One more thing that I like about this case is that it covers the entire PSP. Unlike other skin cases which leaves the back of the PSP exposed for the UMD access, this is what I have been looking for. All in all, I feel this is an innovative case that should be at the top of the list.

The Importance of Screen Protector for PSP

For the PSP, it has a large shiny LCD screen. Unfortunately, it is also the part which is most vulnerable to damage. The screen is highly polished, and without any form of protection, fine scratches will show up in no time. It makes sense to protect your new investment.

Unless you are like me, I did not have a screen protector when I bought my PSP, and within a week, some fine scratches showed up. Alas, it is too late for me. :) Now for the screen protector, there are various grades available and they range from $5 to $10 each. It is not exactly easy to apply the protector on the PSP if you do not have any experience. Many people who are new to this have tried and failed, only to waste their protectors and have to get a new one.

The thing about these protectors is that, the adhesive side is like a dust magnet. If you accidentally put your finger on it, you have pretty much messed it up. Another alternative is to buy at a local PSP retailer and have them apply it for you. That way, you can get it right the first time.

Hori Hard Pouch Review

Hori, a well known brand for PSP accessories sells what they call the "hard pouch". A rather suitable name for it in my opinion, as the outside of the pouch is made of hard rubber fibre. It comes in a range of colours which includes the traditional black and white as well as blue and pink. Pity they do not have a deep red one, to go along with the limited edition deep reds. I know a lot of deep red owners would love it.


Now, more on the pouch. They have a dual zipper design on it. The zippers have a stiched nylon ribbon attached to it to facilitate easier handling especially if you have bigger fingers. Operation of the zipper works fine, but due to the construction of the hard pouch, it may feel a little stiff at times. Not a big issue though.

Opening the pouch up, you will find 2 main compartment areas. First thing you notice is that it is all well carpeted inside, good protection and feels good. The two compartments are seperated by a divider. The top compartment consists of 1 pocket and 2 small meshed pockets. The center divider consists of 3 small pockets for your memory sticks, and the bottom compartment is where your PSP goes.




It is all in all a well designed case. You may notice that the case is rather high profile. I would like a slim case but being able to store more accessories like an extra battery and my earphones in the same pouch, it serves its purpose very well. Even if you have a crystal case or a skin case on your PSP, it will also fit in there fine. I think that is just excellent.

God of War: Chains of Olympus Review

I remembered the 1st God of War game when it was launched for the PS2. It was indeed one of the most exciting action game that I ever came across, and one of my all time favourites. Now it is available on the PSP.

Yes, if you are anthing but aware of what the God of War game brings, you will get gory combat mixed in with a nice mythical storyline with a hint of sex themes. What more can you ask for? In case you are wondering if this is exactly the same game as it was on the PS2, well not exactly. The events are set prior to the first God of War game for the PS2. Kind of like jumping in time backwards to the past.

The controls are great, with a good set of combat skills that grow as you go along. You can upgrade your skill set by collecting red orbs, and powering up in the menu, which is quite neat. With each new skill acquired, it actually has instructions of what buttons to press to activate them. So you will never get lost.

The cut scenes are pretty well done as well, and integrate with the story. From the very first cut scene, it sucks you into the world of Kratos. Very involving. I would say that the levels are well designed as well, with some puzzles along the way which you can solve most of the time. Hints are not that great, and if you ever stuck on a puzzle, you can always check the forums. No big deal here.

It is one of the best looking games on the PSP. I am used to playing this type of action game on the big screen, as on the PSP, although it looked fine, it makes Kratos look so small. Maybe they should have made a zoomed in version of this game for the PSP, especially when combat starts. If you really must play on a big screen, you can hook your PSP up via component cables anyways. All in all, it is a must get for the PSP.

Dragonball Z: Shin Budokai Review (PSP)

The popular Dragonball Z franchise has made it into anime movies, DVDs, several game consoles, and most importantly here to the PSP. Admitedly, it is more popular in Japan and Asian territories than the USA. Maybe the white boys have a different cup of tea? I really don't know.

Like all Dragonball Z games before it, there are no surprises. What you expect to get, that is exactly what you are getting in this PSP title. You get a story mode, a versus mode and a practice.training mode. Each character gets a set of their own unique moves, but true dragonball fans really like the huge finishing moves. Really, that has to be the most satisfying move in each fight round.

Game play is pretty quick and flexible, and it looks good. Although some may call the graphics simplistic, but it is meant to be this way. However, there are just too many loading screens. It is after all adapted from an anime. This game is enjoyable especially if you are pitting against a friend, which can be extremely addictive, and character selection from the 24 characters is plentiful.

I would give it a 8/10 on one of the best fighting games on PSP. Plain senseless fun!


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Price Check For Memory Sticks

As any seasoned PSP owner will tell you, memory sticks are the essence of any PSP. You need them to store all your backup games, photos mp3s and videos. So, it is easy to see why people will want to get the largest capacity possible, only limited by the size of their pockets.

Currently, in Singapore, the standard is the 4GB and 8GB memory sticks, along with the new release of the 16GB memory sticks by Sony. The 4GB sticks and the 8GB sticks from Sandisk are $55 and $100 respectively. Before you rush out to get the 16GB ones, be aware that they cost a whopping $299!

As with the trend of storage media goes, it is best to wait, as prices are bound to topple in a few months. :)