New video streaming technology coming with Xyanide Resurrection on PSP

The PSP's rather limited control set-up has been equally loved and loathed since gamers got their hands on it. Indeed, stoically tolerated and loathed might be a more accurate description.

Shooters have suffered most at the hands of the PSP's single analogue joystick, and so it will be interesting to see whether Playlogic's old-school Xyanide Resurrection will trigger a re-evaluation of the PSP's shoot-em-up credentials, or else have shooter fans reaching for their shotguns.

On the Xbox, see, the game used the console's two analogue sticks in the manner of cult shooter Geometry Wars: one stick to move you around, the other stick to control the direction of your fire. It's not easy to see how this can be seamlessly translated to PSP.

But another notable feature of the Xbox game, its streaming video backdrops, has apparently made the transition.

Claiming to employ 'new technology never seen before on the PSP or any other handheld', Playlogic says that the high quality interactive video backdrop will integrate seamlessly with the real-time cannon fodder on-screen, giving the game the same audiovisual feel as Xbox Xyanide.

The game's branching storyline (yes, it's a shooter with a decent plot) takes you and your upgradeable vessel through 15 levels and five worlds – featuring some 30 mid-and end-of-level bosses – and there are four difficult settings to ensure you manage to get to the end, however poor you are.

There will also be competitive and co-operative wi-fi multiplayer modes.

Xyanide Resurrection is due out in spring. Click 'Track It!' for the story to be resurrected in your email box just as soon as we hear more.