PSP Hacks · Hacks, Cracks, Mods, Homebrew, Utilities

Grab your screwdriver, soldering iron, and loudspeaker… It’s time to pump up the volume like Christian Slater. The PHT (PspHackersTeam) have compiled a [french] tutorial detailing the necessary steps to do just that…

Passing the source URL through Google Translate will help the non-français speaking folk out. Lets just hope that’s accurate enough. So please, exercise caution should you attempt this mod.

- source: pspgen.com

Still beatin’ off to the same ol’ thing? For all the Beats fans out there, why not switch it up with something new…

Now jam your own beats with the PSP game, “Beats.” JBrown has managed to successfully load and play custom compiled BJS files using his new cross-platform app, “Beats off.” The package includes the Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X versions.

Huh, say what? Read our previous coverage on JBrown’s progress.

And on another note…

…FreePlay and I have been desperately trying to figure out the unknown values found in the header of BAR files. From what it looks like, they’re related to the file name, as the manifests always have the same value, but the others change per the name of the folder. If we figure out how to encode our own names, it’ll be possible to add content to Beats as opposed to replacing it.

Instructions for use; see readme.txt. Also, I strongly encourage you visit the source link to enlighten yourself of the current limitations.

Download: Beats Off v0.1

- source: beatsoff.blogspot.com

Mr. Dynamic has released a new version of Bob in: The Ice Age. Same ice age, same story — just compatible with custom firmwares 3.xx. And yes, this is a re-skinned & revamped version of SuperTux.

Anyone who’s a fan of SuperTux will no doubt enjoy Mr. Dynamic’s homebrew reenactment.

Download: Bob in: The Ice Age 2

- source: bobpsp.co.nr

The FuSa project has a new home and a new build available for download. OldPrisoneR and Andy_maN’s combined efforts have paved the road to pure awesomeness. Take advantage of Slim’s TV out support with the use of any cable — composite, component, s-video, d-terminal, etc… And not only that, full screen (at 4×3) too!

Things are a bit buggy; FuSa is beta software. See the README for known bugs and other info.

FuSa 1.0 Build 32:

• Full GTA games series support
• Connection is stable now (You can freely enter menus in GTA :))
• No more extra noise or stammer!
• New settings added
• And more…

Download: FuSa 1.0 Build 32

- source: foosa.do.am

Two more DOS classics ported by developer Deniska; please welcome the PSP-enabled versions of Nicky II and Bermuda Syndrome. Ring a bell? If not -

Nicky II is an Amiga/DOS platformer by Microids published back in ‘93.

Nicky II PSP Screenshot

The sequel to Nicky Boom; this time Nicky must find out who has been removing ladders and blocking off caves in his homeland. The gameplay is essentially platform, with multi-directional maze-like levels. Beating the obstructions requires occasional brainwork — hidden ladders are easy enough to uncover, and there are lots of hidden sections to look for. The levels are colourful, and the game has a cute look making it appear suited to younger players. Mirrors are placed around the levels, which transport you to a random place.

Bermuda Syndrome is a side-scrolling action adventure game from Century Interactive released in ‘95. You’ll need to download the demo or full version to get this working. See README_PSP.txt for info on that.

Bermuda Syndrome PSP Screenshot

You’re a pilot of a B-17 bomber in 2nd World War. After you’re shot down by German fighters, you crash land through some sort of time hole in a strange world, where both dinosaurs and humans live. The first thing you have to do is save a princess; she’s your companion throughout the game.

Note: both these homebrew ports require custom firmware 3.xx. Enjoy!

Credits:

Nicky II:
Alain Lambin - Graphics / Sound / Music
Dominico Manfredi - Original game programming
Gregory Montoir - Cross-platform game engine recreation
DENISKA - PSP port

Bermuda Syndrome:
Century Interactive - Original game creation
Gregory Montoir - Cross-platform game engine recreation
DENISKA - PSP port

Download:
Nicky II PSP
Bermuda Syndrome PSP

- source: deniska.dcemu.co.uk

It’s been awhile since the Z-man touched on this one… Rob_psp’s PSP-PDA v1.3.2 — a collection of PDA derived applications for the Sony hand held; including notepad, a music player, image viewer, address book, calendar, calculator, and clock.

PSP-PDA v1.3.2 changes:

• Fix IR keyboard issue with fw >= 3.80 for FAT PSP (thanks to Angelo)
• Should work properly with psp SLIM and fw 3x

Download:
PSP-PDA v1.3.2 fw 1.50
PSP-PDA v1.3.2 cfw 3.xx
PSP-PDA v1.3.2 source code

- source: ZX-81’s web site

File in style… Yeah, I said it before, so what, wanna fight about it? No, but on the real, Mediumgauge’s PSP Filer is no doubt the best multi-purpose file manager homebrew app —

…for managing both files and directories on your memory stick, UMD drive, and flash0/flash1. PSP Filer also includes a set of integrated applications — rip UMDs directly to your memory stick, view pictures, text & binary files — WAV playback, read-only RAR support… And much, much more…

PSP Filer 5.0 changes:

• added Greek mode.
• fixed a bug that Filer was crashed when it opened some kind of RAR file (probably having a comment).
• fixed a bug that a zipped file made by Mac OS could not be accessed.

Download: PSP Filer v5.0

- source: geocities.jp

Despite all the VAG and BJS talk, this isn’t what you think… J Brown has been hard at work reverse engineering the PSP game, “Beats.”

The often-neglected “Jamming” mode is really what’s up… Once fully hacked — it’s at about 90% now — you’ll be left with quite the portable DJ app.

J Brown’s progress is nicely documented via the source link for those interested. It details the structure of the BJS format, VAG and BAR files, as well features FreePlay’s “unbeat” tool (Windows & Linux) for extracting said BAR files. That also compiles and works on my Mac. So, have fun beatin’ it up, reeeal good.

Download: FreePlay’s Unbeat

- source: beatsoff.blogspot.com

Developer and Homebrew Idol contestant, Hardhat, has released an Internet ranking-enabled version of Resonate.

New readers should know Resonate is a fast-paced undersea rail shooter with one primary objective: become King of the Ocean. And now prove you’re king shit by sharing your high score online. Further enhancements have also made their way into version 0.45 — check ‘em below…

Resonate 0.45 changes:

• added high score upload/Internet ranking
• added new XMB background picture
• added new XMB song from DimensionT
• fixed some crash bugs in the level editor
• filled in some user levels with enemies
• updated credits to list some missed people
• made terrain more continuous
• new level transition effect
• windows level editor included in distro
• level editor includes preview of enemies on screen

Download: Resonate 0.45

- release thread -

Here are some worthwhile updates while I was MIA for most of the weekend: ZX-81’s AFKIM (Away From the Keyboard Instant Messenger) v3.3.4 and custom firmware 3.93 Update #2. The latest CFW update removes Hellcat’s “Savegame Deemer;” that is now distributed separately.

AFKIM 3.3.4 changes:

• Fix issue with ICQ / AOL account icon / login stuff (due to bitlbee server changes)
• Fix IR keyboard issue with fw >= 3.80 for FAT PSP (thanks to Angelo)
• Fix online status issue

CFW 3.93 Update #2:

• Select button probelm on Sony Keyboard has been solved.
• HellCat’s save game deemer has been deleted.

Savegame Deemer:

This is a small CFW plugin that will make the PSP to save any savedata in unencrypted form as well as the usual way.

The unencrypted savedata can then be directly edited with whatever tools you use for tasks like that (mostly a hexeditor, I’d guess ;-) ) and on the next load those (edited) unencrypted data is loaded and off you go :-)

Download:
AFKIM v3.3.4 (fw 1.50)
AFKIM v3.3.4 (cfw 3.xx)
AFKIM source code

CFW 3.93 Update #2
Savegame Deemer

- source: ZX-81’s web site & pspgen.com