Update: Everything checks out… Congratulations, oZmighty — the PSPgo is all yours. Email your shipping info if you haven’t already.

All right… First, thanks to everyone who participated in the Dashhacks “tagging” (and I use that term loosely) contest. Five fortunate folk, who will receive a PSPgo (PSP-N1001), were chosen based on creativity and pure awesomeness.

Tweeted were several entries — some super awesome, some awesome, some questionable… But whatever the case — you’re all winners. That’s right — just for sending something in you may claim a free Dashhacks T-shirt. Please email admin @ dashhacks (.com) with your twitter name, your address, desired size (L or XL only), and whether you want white on black or black on white.

Now for the PSPgo winners:

1. xctive [ 1 2 ]
2. roth77 [ 1 2 3 4 ]
3. vlad_drakul [ 1 2 3 ]
4. systom [ 1 2 3 4 ]

Congratulations guys, and girls.

You can view all entries by clicking here.

But wait… That’s only 4. Yeah, I know this… My colleagues and I are here deadlocked… So we’re entering sudden death. Let me give you a little background info:

Twitterer contestant, acessage, sent this in… At first glance it’s somewhat believable; however, upon further investigation this Atom Smasher’s Road Construction Sign Generator turned up. Declared a winner, but as we sit here and discuss, some believe the win should be retracted.

Tsk tsk…

With that said: we’ve compiled a small list of people who actually went out(side) and did something… Not that we don’t appreciate the photoshops — they’re cool too.

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The sudden death showdown will run for exactly 24 hours. Whoever takes in the most votes takes home the PSPgo. That simple.

View All Entries

Thanks again.

And you may want to keep following us for future events.

– Dashhacks.

Update: All right… We listened, we discussed it, your feedback is important to us, and with that said, we’re opening this competition up to the world. The whole triple W… So wherever you are from, we’ll ship the PSPgo to your door. More below.

Of course you do… Dashhacks ain’t boycottin’ nothin’. We’re giving away 5; count ‘em – that’s 5 PSP GOs. And here’s how to get one:

1. Follow Dashhacks on Twitter; And while you’re at it, may as well become a Dashhacks Facebook Fan too;
2. Grab your preferred tools of the trade, get outside, and represent by tagging* Dashhacks somewhere — a filthy bathroom stall, a bridge, by the freeway, out the window down the side of a building, in an alleyway, wherever… The most creative displays of anything Dashhacks related — website URLs, the Dashhacks logo, etc. — will be favoured;
3. Take a picture, go home, log into Twitter, @dashhacks your masterpiece, and hope for the best.

You will be judged on creativity and pure awesomeness. The first 5 to make us say “shit yeah” win. The rest of you – some of you, those who have entered before the end date – will receive Dashhacks t-shirts. The contest ends as soon as the top 5 are chosen.

Eligibility information: Canadian or United States residents who are 18+ years of age. That’s it.

* Tagging Guidelines / Disclaimer:

• Please be respectable. Don’t spray paint your neighbour’s house or anything like that. Such entries will be dismissed.
• Banners, big big banners are accepted. A banner that can be draped over something and removed with ease, something not so permanent. Canvas style. Tag that – put it somewhere. Ya know?
• Don’t get it twisted: Dashhacks is not promoting and does not promote vandalism. If you get handcuffed, beaten, and dragged away because you were being “creative” somewhere or “crafting” something questionable – that’s on you.

Questions or concerns? Leave a comment.

All right, first things first… Congratulations to all the Homebrew Idol 2 contestants. All developers did an outstanding job with crafting their 3D-enabled homebrew. So let me do a quick round of shout outs to each and every dev. (in no particular order): hardhat, Slippy, pspflashsystem, SG57, Brick, Calv!n (I’m really looking forward to Zombie Desert updates), Xfacter, Code Tactics, HyperHacker, and Greg “xigency” Tourville.

Now lets get down to business. We deviated from last years voting system where I was the one and only person responsible for deciding the developers’ fate. This year we voiced the opinion of the public as well as the forum staff. This spreadsheet explains all that.

So without further ado — The Homebrew Idol 2 winners:

1. SG57 with Light Cycle 3D
2. Brick with PSPMarble: Orchestra SensatioN
3. Xfacter with Battlegrounds 3

Again — props to everyone who participated… The top 3 — check your private forum messages, you’ll be hearing from me shortly.

Homebrew Idol 2 wouldn’t have been possible without the help of PSdonkey, Street Fighter 4 master yoko_kyuubi, oyabun, BCman, and pirata nervo. Kudos team, thanks again.

Tune in next season –
Same Dashhacks Time; Same Dashhacks Channel.

- Homebrew Idol 2 (HBI:2) Recap -

Prepare yourself — you’re about to experience some of the most well crafted and coolest homebrew to date, I’m talking Homebrew Idol 2… So get up off your chair or couch and give these fine developers a round of applause. Check it…

Listed in no particular order are the final entries for Homebrew Idol 2:

(click the title for the forum thread; image for a larger screenshot)

Chronicles by xigency

Hardhat’s Battle Arena by hardhat

faintRedux by Slippy

labKillHomer3D by pspflashsystem

Light Cycle 3D by SG57

PSPMarble by Brick

Zombie Desert by Calv!n

Battlegrounds 3 by Xfacter

Apollonia v0.04a by Code Tactics

Luna by HyperHacker

Official HBI:2 voting is underway and you may participate right here. You will need to be a registered forum user for your vote to count.

Download:
Homebrew IDOL 2 Download Pack (All Entries)

Individual Downloads:
(coming soon…)

The Homebrew Idol 2 mailbox is filling up… For those who wish to participate and have yet to submit their homebrew creation, the deadline is tonight at midnight — June 7th 11:59 PM (or 23:59) EST. We’ll also accept entries submitted on the hour. Submit your homebrew to homebrewidol@psp-hacks.com and start a thread in the PSP Programming Forum; please leave behind the appropriate details.

So this is how it’s going down… A bundle pack of all HI:2 entries will be distributed amongst the forum/staff members. Given is 5 days to play, test, and report any bugs encountered. Bugs are to be reported in each individual forum release thread. Find them here. Should the developer decide they may use this time to fix any reported issues.

Official voting begins June 13th and will be open to you, the reader. At that point all entries will be available to download from this here front page. Voting ends June 15th and stay tuned when we announce the Homebrew Idol 2 winner on the 16th. If you care to get an early start — visit the Development Forum.

Good luck!

Two things: 1) Homebrew Idol 2 is in full effect; 2) Dashhacks will be laying it down at E3 this year. With that said, in effort to avoid hectic & conflicting schedules, the deadline for your submission into Homebrew Idol 2 has been extended to June 7th. This will provide ample time to publish, review, and vote on Homebrew Idol 2 entries. And believe me — some of the upcoming ‘brew is going to kick serious ass.

All final entries must be submitted by Midnight June 7th via email to homebrewidol@psp-hacks.com, and posted here in our forums with the thread appropriately titled, “[Homebrew Idol 2] <Your Entry>.”

Furthermore, developers have been contributing and providing great insight to aid in the development of your 3D app or game. See here, here, and most importantly, here.

Lastly, the prizes –

1. First place winner will be rewarded with $1,000 CAD (Paypal only).
2. Second place will receive a new Xbox 360 donated by Yoko_kyuubi.
3. Third place is another cash reward of $250 CAD (Paypal only).

And finally — See you at E3 when we put an end to all those PSP2/PSP-4000 rumours. Holler if you’re in LA.

More Homebrew Idol 2

We’re back! It’s Homebrew Idol 2 all up in this piece — more homebrew & more prizes comin’ comin’ atcha… Last year MK2k took home the Idol top spot, this year — it could be you! Developers, coders, and programmers — this is your time to shine…

Homebrew Idol 2 rules:

1. Your submission must incorporate 3D rendering, or at least the visual 3D concept (i.e. Ray Casting). We recommend using the LTE Studios Engine or the Raptor 3D Game Engine, or whatever you’re comfortable with.
2. One (1) entry per user; although, like last season, you may change or submit a new entry at any time, rendering your previous submission null. You may also update your entry as many times necessary before the contest’s end.
3. You must submit your entry to the PSP Programming Section of our forums with the thread title “[Homebrew Idol 2] <Your Entry>”. As well, email homebrewidol@psp-hacks.com with entry details — name, brief summary of your entry, author, etc…
4. Source code. You may choose to include your source code for educational purposes; however, it is not mandatory. If you include your source code, remember that you are the sole owner of your code and we will not take possession or use your code without your given permission.
5. You must include a new PSP-Hacks Homebrew Idol 2 splash screen somewhere in your program — preferably at startup — incorporating the new Dashhacks logo (feel free to change the colour as you see fit).
6. All entries must be received by 12:00AM EST (midnight) May 31st, 2009.

Now the good stuff; the prizes:

1. First place winner will be rewarded with $1,000 CAD (Paypal only). That’s right $1,000 bucks courtesy of Dashhacks Inc. and PSDonkey.
2. Second place will receive a new Xbox 360 donated by Yoko_kyuubi.
3. Third place prize has yet to be determined and will be updated soon.

Yours truly was the only judge with the power to crown last year; this year things are a little different… Our staff members will be responsible for selecting the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Homebrew Idol 2 policies and rules are subject to change at any time. We’ll keep you posted should that happen. Until then — good luck and have at’er!

Questions, comments, concerns — please leave ‘em here.

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.

Today is the final day for Homebrew Idol contestants to submit their homebrew creations. The deadline: May 31st, 11:59 PM (EDT).

All entries will be reviewed and officially judged, by yours truly, throughout the next week period. The winner will be announced Sunday, June 8th. So stay tuned for that.

More Homebrew Idol after this short commercial break.

While we’re at the common standstill, which seemingly occurs every couple of weeks, I’ll share a little PSP Hacks Homebrew Idol update with y’all… The deadline was April 30th; however, as MK2k says, “good software takes time.” So in effort to meet the needs of developers, we’ll extend the contest further… Currently we have two entries — Pirata Nervo’s NervOS and MK2k’s Chipmunk Physics port / demonstration.

If you have the skills to code and you wanna clock some extra dough, see here for complete contest details. The new deadline… Ah, well… Another month — May 31st… How’s that sound?