Prinny has my blood pressure flying through the roof and, almost, my PSP. Big Bang Mini is another great addictive, sometimes difficult game. Both are great, fast handheld games, and I'm glad a noteworthy platformer finally came out on the PSP. I hope other handheld developer's take cues from and make more action platforming wonders. I keep getting the Castlevania titles for DS (btw finally beat Order of Ecclesia the other day--as always, great game--large cavern nearly popped my vein as well), but I keep hoping for an original PSP title of the same, SotN style. The Chronicles release just showed me the potential of the whole thing. I wouldn't even mind if they stuck to 2d sprites; they'd be higher resolution.

To relax after these action titles, I got Flower, which I thorouhgly enjoy. Just flying around is oddly satisfying. I can hardly describe the game, but it is a wonderful escape from the blood bathed levels of FEAR 2.

I made the mistake of buying Ninja Gaiden DS and played it during my game time instead of Crisis Core, which is my "game to beat" at the moment. I've done about 5 levels and am thoroughly impressed by the stylus controls, the graphics, etc. The story isn't anywhere near as great as Crisis Core, of course, but it leaves my palms all asweat and my heart thumping so good so good. Sadly, that taste of ninja action might wain my patience away and make me rush through Crisis Core -- in which I now have just squashed the second, more goldish, more hugish, iteration of Bahamut. I scored a Lucky Star thing that made all my hits go Critical, and then scored and stacked a crapload of those critical hits with Octoslash that took out most of his life. My luck made that battle too easy. I was expecting more sweat and tears from the historic FF dragon. I won't complain when I go back to him in some mission and get his summon materia finally.