I had every intention of posting this earlier, but the Homebrew Idol after-party in #area-51 got pretty wild leaving me incapacitated. So I’ll get straight to the point…

MK2k took home the Idol crown yesterday and in return left us with a little somethin’ somethin’ — the all-new Stakker PSP Idol Edition.

Stakker Idol Edition:

1. MP3 playback also from ms0:/PSP/MUSIC
2. Crash regarding the loading and listing of mp3 files (hopefully) fixed
3. In-Game platform is a bit higher now, loosing a level because of dropping a block too fast is less likely now (but still can happen)
4. Anti-Cheat implementation (play the game, don’t take it apart :-P)

Enjoy. And again, congratulations MK2k.

Download: Stakker PSP Idol Edition

- release thread – mk2k.net

Update: MK2k would like to say a few words –

During last week I had the one or other thought about what I would do if Stakker would actually make it top place, and I decided to not take all the CDN 500. I would like to donate parts of that to other people:

InsertWittyName ($100): Donation as an appreciation for the big amount of help and support. Best regards from MK2k.

Hardhat/Team Sushi ($50): Donation as an appreciation for the obvious hard work on Resonate, have a good beer guys! Best regards from MK2k.

DJ Runningman ($50): Stakker PSP incorporating the tune “Warped Sense of Humour” has won in a competition, here is a share of the winning prize for an outstanding tune with best regards from MK2k.

The results are in amigo. What’s left to ponder? First and foremost, PSP-Hacks would like to thank each and every developer who contributed to the success of Homebrew Idol. Furthermore, I gotta give props to PSDonkey for his efforts in holding down the competition and spreading word. Thanks dude.

So, lets get down to business…

Recap of Homebrew Idol contestants and their ‘brew:
(in no particular order)

1. NIGathan: NIGathan’s Shootuh
   “NIGathan’s Shootuh” is the third self-titled shooter entered into Homebrew Idol. This fast-paced shooter centers your ship in a whirlwind while enemies attack from right to left. Use the slow-mo meter to maneuver enemy fire and increase your own shot accuracy. Very cool and definitely belongs in the competition.
2. CK: Ruckus DJ MOD LE
   CK’s modded version of Captain Dan’s Ruckus. Mix your own MP3 tracks with various DJ techniques — adjust the tempo, pitch-bend, create loops, etc… It’s a good time but not quite what I was looking for.
3. slicer4ever: PSPBilliards
   slicer4ever initially entered the contest with Pixel Attack; however, PSPBilliards later took its place. First time witnessing an 8 & 9-ball pool game in fine homebrew form, and I must say, I’m quite impressed by it. Good choice and mathematical skills, slicer. I’m anxious to see future iterations.
4. hardhat: Resonate
   Another shooter — in fact, it’s a 3D rail-shooter. Hardhat’s shooter puts a unique twist on things. Starting as a Zooplankton, you’ll remain undersea and eventually evolve into a Thresher Shark as you unleash chaos throughout the ocean. Play it, enjoy it — you’ll understand and dig the “rail-shooter” concept.
5. snowmydog: Pipeline
   One kick ass remake of the popular game, “Pipe Mania.” Same concept, same great fun. Build a free-flowing pipe from start to end before time is up and water begins to flow. Although Pipeline didn’t blow my face off, considering I’ve seen/played it before, it’ll still provide for hours of entertainment.
6. Playboy: Playboy’s Shooter
   Entered later in the competition is Playboy with Playboy’s Shooter. With the look and feel of a classic arcade-style shooter, this one still needs a bit of work. You’ll quickly beat all 5 levels with little frustration. No doubt later versions will show improvement.
7. XlaiR: Castle Wars PSP Beta
   A small yet enjoyable turn-based card game of strategy and timing. Destroy the enemy’s castle while at the same time protecting your own. Castle Wars is based off the flash game. Google it, you’ll see what’s up.
8. Pirata Nervo: NervOS
   Pirata Nervo has certainly shined through with NervOS. It’s probably the most improved/enhanced shell replacement since the iR Shell days. And it’ll only get better. If second place existed, NervOS would take it.
9. MaxTheBest: Protect Me
   The only PRX plugin submitted for Homebrew Idol. Protect Me simply protects your PSP from unauthorized use by forcing a password prompt before accessing the XMB. Unsuspecting folk wouldn’t know any better; however, fluent PSP hackers know exactly what it takes to disable the plugin, rendering it ineffective. Nevertheless, it serves its purpose. Kudos Max.
10. The Underminer: PReSS
    No doubt the preferred RSS reader for the PlayStation Portable. PReSS features an already populated catalog of feeds. It also stores the RSS feeds on your memory stick for immediate offline access. Add your own personal feeds, stream audio, skin the interface, do it all from one easy-to-use homebrew app.
11. Cpasjuste: MyPspMenu
    Cpasjuste’s shell replacement shows true potential as MyPspMenu presents a beautiful and nicely organized interface. Right from the get-go it supports all major functions you’d expect in a shell. It’s borderline toss-up between this and NervOS.
12. Sangheili: PSP Pileup
    As I said before, the homebrew reenactment of the game you’ve likely spent many pissed off hours in front of… Not to be confused with MK2k’s Stakker, PSP Pileup mimics the arcade game, Stacker. Pile bricks to the top, rack up points, and unlock the mini-games.
13. Brick: Rythm Engine: Rythm Box Mod
    Another shooter totally different from any other… RE:RBM is a rhythm-based shooter where you must remain in-sync with the beat. Do that by bouncing off the flashing walls and blowing-up perpetrators simultaneously. Take your time, you’ll need to adapt to RE:RBM’s style of game play.
14. MK2k: Stakker
    Ah, ha! Probably the most well crafted homebrew game in this year’s Homebrew Idol. The “Chipmunk” physics-driven game play adds a real challenge and sense of strategy while you compete for the top spot online. I spent the most time feeding my addiction with this one.
15. Birdman: Birdman’s Shooter
    Birdman’s Shooter actually influenced Playboy’s Shooter. You’ll notice the similarities and differences between the two; however, Birdman’s Shooter is undoubtedly more mature and ready for prime time. If you’re a fan of shooters like myself, you’ll find satisfaction in Birdman’s.
16. Royale: PSP Maps
    PSP-Maps is one of my favourite and most-used homebrew apps for the PSP. If it wasn’t for the Homebrew Idol rules, “update your existing homebrew/plugin to feature something new that will blow mine and everyone else’s face off” — PSP-Maps would probably take the cake. Unfortunately the additions/updates weren’t that mind-blowing; but the app in itself still kicks tremendous ass. Check it out.
17. titch.ryan: Light Cycle Clone
    A clone of “Tron.” Sadly Light Cycle Clone doesn’t live up to my expectations. The AI is somewhat lacking and with two-player mode, you share the same PSP. Should the AI improve and 2-player network support (Ad Hoc or WiFi) be introduced, we’d be in a whole different ball game.
18. jbastos: Xadrez (3D Chess)
    I love Chess, even though I suck. And it’s unfortunate this is another case of weak AI. Despite that, the 3D rendering and camera perspective is nicely done. If you were to take Xadrez’ sexy presentation and GNU Chess’ AI, the result would be something spectacular.
19. Deniska: BINIAX2PSP
    Densika never fails to portray his talent and skill… In this PSP adaptation of Jordan Tuzsuzov’s BINIAX2 puzzle game, you must rely on your logic and reaction time to stay on the board. BINIAX2PSP packs 3 different game modes: time based, pure tactical, or challenge a friend in multi-player. Another homebrew game well deserving of its spot in the competition.

As you can see, over the last 2 months we received several diverse and terrific entries, all unique in their own way. Unfortunately, we can only crown one developer the Idol of Homebrew.

So without further ado… The winner is…

*Drum Roll*

…MK2k for his homebrew, Stakker. *Applaud.* MK2k will take home the first-ever Homebrew Idol trophy. The trophy being $500 and PSDonkey’s fully hacked PSP Phat with 2GB card, charger, and case. It’s all yours man, you deserve it.

But wait! We’re not done quite yet… Because you devs are so awesome, we feel you shouldn’t go home empty handed. So we’re going to give all contestants a complimentary $50 for their participation in Homebrew Idol — subject to PayPal only. To claim your earnings, send an email to homebrewidol@psp-hacks.com leaving your PayPal address in the body. Note: please email from the same address used when you submitted your homebrew entry.

And once again thanks to everyone who made Homebrew Idol a smash hit.

And here we have the final entry in Homebrew Idol — NIGathan’s Shootuh version 1.0. Blast, kill, and stay alive as you warp through outer space at breakneck speeds.

I must warn you though; if you suffer from epileptic seizures, you may wish to steer clear of NIGathan’s Shootuh. Otherwise, get down with the get down.

Also, NIGathan’s OSLib tutorial thread is worth checking out, if you’re interested in the code behind the ‘brew. And for the hefty v1.0 changelog — see NIGathan’s release thread.

Download: NIGathan’s Shootuh v1.0

- release thread -

Make some noise with CK’s modded version of Captain Dan’s “Ruckus.” Musically manipulate your own MP3 tracks using Ruckus’ featured DJ techniques.

Now all you need is mootoo’s Super Sound Mod… Watch that following the “more” link below.

Ruckus Mod LE (Loop Edition) v1.1 features:

• playback mp3 (of course) BUT at variable speed
• playback speed from -100.00% (seen only as -00.00%) /still/ to +100.00% (+00.00%) /double speed/ in as little as 0.01% steps (can increase)
• fast and/or precise tempo adjustment; fast speed reset
• pitch-bend by analogue stick with dead-zone (adjustable -3% to +3% or -10% to +10%)
• support CUE and the so called CUE-preview (or CUE-play)
• embedded usbhostfs support
• remain/elapsed time display, near-the-end warning (flashing)
• basic loop support (relatively accurate – timebase error<1/40sec at 0% tempo)
• long filename scroll at browser “window”
• support mp3s up to size 20MB (on “fat” psp / not tested on slim)
• compatible with 3.90 M33-3 in 3.90 mode as also as 1.50 mode

Download: Ruckus MOD LE v1.1

- source: smfinc.web.elte.hu

(more…)

Geoffrey? Break out Lucille. Here’s a first… 8-ball & 9-ball in fine PSP homebrew form. Coming from slicer4ever and destined for Homebrew Idol — PSPBilliards.

Some things/bugs you should be aware of:

• balls sometimes glitch around (I have a theory as to why but tracking it down is the hard part)
• credits screen not fully implemented
• L and R do not work; I know it said to select next ball, but it wasn’t at the top of my get done before competition list, so sorry.

With that in mind, check back for updates. Nice work, slicer.

Download: PSPBilliards

- release thread -

Prepare to be resonated with Hardhat’s Resonate v0.57.

Resonate is a distinctive fast-paced rail-shooter putting you undersea initially as a Zooplankton. Your goal: evolve from your heterotrophic state into a mean ass Thresher Shark and own the ocean.

I should mention Resonate v0.55 was submitted for Homebrew Idol. This article covers both that release and the post-competition release.

version 0.57:

• fixed boss damage visualization

version 0.55:

• new compo title screen with water drop special effect
• new main level which is easier for Meyitzo but still interesting
• now fight against the tall ship of doom to free the sea (boss fight)
• moved old main level to version0_45
• Intel Mac level editor now available
• added model preview in the level editor
• increased the number of supported enemies to 512
• increased the memory used by the CFW build to 20MB for bigger sounds, etc.

Download: Resonate 0.57

- release thread -

Snowmydog returns with the beautifully crafted remake of Pipe Mania.

In Pipeline you’re tasked with the responsibility of a [good looking] plumber. You must build a free-flowing pipe from start to end before time runs out and the taps turn on. So act fast, otherwise you’ll look quite the fool with water all over the place.

Pipeline v0.3 changes:

• New levels added (total 43 levels)
• Full featured level editor
• <About> screen now working
• When clear all levels, ending screen now working correctly
• Known bugs fixed

Download: Pipeline v0.3

- release thread -

Homebrew Idol welcomes Playboy and his self-titled space shooter.

For the moment Playboy’s Shooter features 5 levels; 5 levels you’ll try over and over until you finish. Then we play the new release waiting game. Playboy notes the main menu and audio is still in development. So check back for future releases real soon.

Download: Playboy’s Shooter v1.0

- release thread -

Another for Homebrew Idol… XlaiR’s “Castle Wars.” If you’re familiar with the flash-enabled version, then you already know what’s up. Otherwise, Castle Wars is an enjoyable turn-based card game. You and another player, or the CPU, both start with a castle, a fence, and 8 cards. Use those cards strategically to protect yours and eliminate the enemy threat. It’s kill or be killed.

And so you know, we’re no longer accepting Homebrew Idol submissions. I currently have a backlog of entries waiting to be posted; these entries were submitted by the deadline date. You’ll see yours soon.

Castle Wars Beta 2 changes:

• Added: Moving clouds
• Added: Logos
• Added: Stats at end of game
• Added: Random AI
• Added: Screenshot (Total of 9, after that they will be overwritten!)
• Added: In-Game Menu
• Fixed: The player must now confirm the game before starting.
• Fixed: A couple of minor bugs.

Download: Castle Wars PSP Beta 2

- release thread -

- source: k0s4.wordpress.com

Pirata Nervo takes NervOS to whole new lengths with version 2.0.5. Now giving the end user the ability to script and create their own set of tools/apps for use within the NervOS shell. The scripting engine is currently in the preliminary stages; check this link for scripting functions and other related NervOS documentation.

NervOS 2.0.5 changes:

• Added new icons to menu (main: Applications | sub: Calculator, Text Editor, Web Browser and USBHostFS)
• Fixed 2 bugs in recovery menu.
• Improved Calculator
• Fixed memory issues
• From now on, file browser displays ICON0.PNG when you are highlighting a PBP/CSO/ISO file
• Removed NervOS Boot PBP and replaced by Main PBP.
• Added Scripting System – this scripting system was made by me and it is still under creation, a lot of functions will be added on future releases and the parser will be improved.

Download: NervOS 2.0.5

- release thread -