Dance Dance Revolution on PSP leaves DS puzzled

Here I am, back again for more homebrew tomfoolery. If you haven't caught the column before, this is where I lay out the latest and greatest releases to hit the bru scene. These are games and applications coded in various bedrooms across the world, and can only be run if you have the appropriate hardware.

After enjoying Ka-Boom on DS so much last week, I am sticking with the same developer, Stravingo, for this week's update. I've been playing a pure puzzling game that in some ways is derivative of a variety of commercially available games. But in other, significant ways it delivers a unique experience, and one that probably wouldn't have had such a pure airing through commercial means.

Setsuzoku no Puzzle , then, provides a miniature case study on the delivery of one very pared down interaction. The simple notion of linking two matching elements makes for a surprisingly addictive experience.

Once I had downloaded and performed the appropriate DLDI patch and copied to the root of my homebrew card, I spent a fair few happy hours linking my way through each puzzle. What's more, this latest version (currently 0.3) now provides three difficulty modes, each with 20 different patterns. Not only that but, like Ka-Boom, there's the possibility to save a high-score table not only on the DS but also online. So you can get thoroughly demoralised by how much better everyone else in the world is at the game.

Not one to be left sat in a corner feeling sorry for itself, the PSP also provided some good simple fun this week. Recognising a powerful compulsion for some rhythm-action antics within me, I have been keeping an eye out for a Dance Dance Revolution-style game for a while. PSP Revolution has been around for some time but its latest version makes it a viable gaming option. While commercial beat-based games have mostly moved on from this ageing yet winning formula, it's great to return to a pure DDR-esque environment for some classic '90s gameplay.

Simply download the zip file from here and get it installed as follows:

• Firmware 1.0: Copy contents of 1.0 folder to your "pspgame" folder
• Firmware 2.0: Copy contents of 2.0 folder to your "pspgame" folder
• Firmware 3.x: not yet supported
• Extra Songs: To install additional songs, copy them into pack folders in the "pspgamepsprsongs" folder

If you are familiar with DDR rhythm-action games you shouldn't have any trouble getting to grips with the action. I think you'll agree it's a pretty professional game, not least as a result of the great audio and visuals. I particularly like the dynamic background changes, song preview and the improved grading and scoring system.

So there we have another couple of homebrew games for you. Combine these with the great commercial pocket gaming titles and that should keep you entertained for a while. Time it right and once you've exhausted their appeal it'll be time for another weekly homebrew update. Catch you then.