BREAKING NEWS: Wing Commander for the PSP! (August 14, 2006)

Bandit LOAF · 08-13-2006, 16:00

Think you don't need a PSP? Well, think again! GameSpot is reporting that Electronic Arts will release a new compilation of games for the Sony PSP gaming system. "EA Replay" will include fourteen Origin-developed games, including Ultima VII, Wing Commander and The Secret Missions! The pack is scheduled for an October 3rd release, priced at $29.99. In all likelyhood, these are ports of the SNES versions of these games -- so get ready to take on some Green Salthi!

GameStop has a listing for the product here, and it includes a very detailed description:

Quote:

Step back to the dawn of console gaming's golden age with this collection of classics. Play hits from Road Rash, Strike and other legendary series in the first EA compilation of classic handheld games. Go head-to-head with friends in multiplayer mode on select titles. You can even unlock original game art, play in widescreen or normal mode, and save any game at any point. Take fun with you - anytime, anywhere!
[*] Ultima: The Black Gate: Solve the mystery that has befallen Britannia before its manifestation is complete! [*] Wing Commander: Lead your elite Tiger's Claw squadron against the forces of the Kilrathi Empire. [*] Wing Commander: Secret Missions: Come face to face with the ultimate threat to mankind, a weapon capable of destroying entire planets!

If you're like me, you'll be shopping for a new game system tomorrow. The core version currently retails for $199 (Amazon) and the standard bundle sells for $250 (Amazon). The fact that Electronic Arts is again interested in making these games available at retail is amazing news for fans... news which is almost more exciting than the fact that we'll be able to play these classics in a whole new way!

--
Original update published on August 14, 2006

LeHah · 08-14-2006, 18:21

And here I was at the mall today, looking into buying a Nintendo DS. Goddamn it, now I'll have to get both.

Foxtrot · 08-14-2006, 18:55

this is great new for WC. this is the 1st official release of a WC game since WCP for the gameboy right ? this might be an indication that flight sims can make it big on the portable consoles ( since they use lesser resourses than FPS and other types ) that was the reason why games like WC held the upper hand in the 90's, they gave more for lesser hardware in comparison to FPS games. we might even be seeing the reseruction of flight sims again................

enough excitement for me. time to suit up and play some secret opps !

MajorCamKollent · 08-14-2006, 18:59

Holy crap, I just woke up from a nap and thought I was still asleep dreaming. THis is excellent news for Wing Commander. We all knew something like this was coming, and now it has finally arrived. We're just a few steps closer to having a new Wing Commander Game.

Rock on.

Dougly · 08-14-2006, 19:20

This makes me happy. So very, very, very happy.

I personally have always preferred playing games on my PC. So, I think that I'll stick with DosBox for right now. Still, it's always fantastic news when a Wing Commander game is being sold again. It gives me hope.

I'd love to see an idea that was mentioned in another thread - releasing a Wing Commander collection that would include WC1-WCP, both of the Privateers, and WC Armada, all "re-vamped" to run on newer computers without problems - become reality.

That's probably just a pipe dream. But maybe this release for the Sony PSP makes it just a little more likely?

Dyret · 08-14-2006, 19:20

Wow, I guess that proves that WC IZ sOE DeAD jerkhole wrong. This is amazing news. Now Dyret is very, very happy.

Lt.Death100 · 08-14-2006, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyret

Wow, I guess that proves that WC IZ sOE DeAD piehole wrong. This is amazing news. Now Dyret is very, very happy.

I share your happiness!

Ijuin · 08-14-2006, 20:04

I hope that this package is popular enough that EA will consider re-releasing WC2/SO for the PSP as well. It would probably be too hard to squeeze WC3 onto a single disk though without cutting out lots of video--and I don't know the chances of a two-disk PSP game selling too well.

Worf · 08-14-2006, 20:18

Looks like I'll have to pick up a third PSP. No way I'm gonna upgrade my two 1.5 PSPs for this...

Starman · 08-14-2006, 20:20

Hopefully this turns out to be true, if so I'll be picking up a PSP in a few months

Sarty · 08-14-2006, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ijuin

I hope that this package is popular enough that EA will consider re-releasing WC2/SO for the PSP as well. It would probably be too hard to squeeze WC3 onto a single disk though without cutting out lots of video--and I don't know the chances of a two-disk PSP game selling too well.

Actually they could port every game all the way through Prophecy with full video to the PSP. Those UMD's can hold 1.8 gigs. That would be pretty cool.

ChrisReid · 08-14-2006, 21:32

In 2003, Prophecy Advance gave a lot of fans hope that Wing Commander could and would have a bright future ahead. The game turned out great and sold well. It was so good, that people might not have thought about how it was developed and published by third parties contracting out for EA's licenses.

Now we've moved on to the next level here. This new PSP compilation will actually be published by Electronic Arts itself. EA knows that there is a fan base for these games, and now they've directly taken the lead on production of this set. And don't forget the partnership that was announced a few months ago. EA will also be rereleasing Wing Commander Privateer via the GameTap service soon.

A couple years back, we ran a poll that asked which two WC games fans would most like rereleased after Prophecy Advance. Wing Commander 1 and Privateer topped this survey, and now we're actually getting those two games.

This is a great time to be a Wing Commander fan. Get Ready!

AD · 08-14-2006, 22:47

This is unbelievably great news.

If its a success and they decide to also release a ported wc2 (though unlikely because it was never released for snes if that's what these new ones are) I would hope they include SM2 in that compilation (along with SO1 and SO2). It makes sense as SM2 is really a prologue to WC2.

Manboy · 08-15-2006, 00:25

Awesome.

Now all I need is cash!

Howard Day · 08-15-2006, 01:12

This is awesome! Good thing I've got one of these puppies...I can't wait. Gonna be interesting trying to control it...wanna bet they use the analog thumb..padthingie. for steering, and the d-pad buttons for weapon selection, comm options, and ejecting? That just might make it work.. though I'm hardly the expert.
Just can't wait. Can't wait.

Maj.Striker · 08-15-2006, 04:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Howard Day

Gonna be interesting trying to control it...wanna bet they use the analog thumb..padthingie. for steering, and the d-pad buttons for weapon selection, comm options, and ejecting? That just might make it work.. though I'm hardly the expert.

Exactly my thoughts. It's a shame I just sold my PSP though...fortunately I have a friend who never plays his so I'll just tap him.

Dundradal · 08-15-2006, 06:18

SOB now I have to buy another system...and I just got my 360!

Dragon1 · 08-15-2006, 07:33

Wow! I didn't ever realize just how cool the PSP was until I started shopping for one. I thought it was just another Gameboy or Game Gear. This thing is like a mini-PS2.

Dran · 08-15-2006, 08:16

Awsome.

Zapatero · 08-15-2006, 08:44

Great - I needed an excuse to start using my PSP again... I'll have to look into what the UK release date is.

Quite spooky as I bought WC SNES on ebay only last week.

Richie, Stargamer.net

QuailPilot · 08-15-2006, 09:23

This is probably the only game I get for a PSP if I get one.

I would have even loved it more if the Crusader Games with with this compilation.

Well Im going PSP shopping see ya.

st3lt3k · 08-15-2006, 11:52

Some think that a PSP price cut could be on the way in the next few months:
PSP price cut might be imminent

BrynS · 08-15-2006, 12:20

Excellent news!

Loaf, is the attached image a mockup that you put together or from someone within EA?

-Bryn

maniac89 · 08-15-2006, 12:55

I always wanted to see a Playstation port of wing commander, hope fully they'll to the same for more!!!

The Maniac

KrisV · 08-15-2006, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrynS

Excellent news!

Loaf, is the attached image a mockup that you put together or from someone within EA?

-Bryn

That PSP is displaying JPEG screenshots from PC WC1.

Ijuin · 08-15-2006, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarty

Actually they could port every game all the way through Prophecy with full video to the PSP. Those UMD's can hold 1.8 gigs. That would be pretty cool.

And WC4 takes up over three gigabytes (six CD's), while WC3 takes up four CD's (more than 2.0 gigabytes). Either one would need to either have additional video compression or else span two UMD disks.

BrynS · 08-15-2006, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ijuin

And WC4 takes up over three gigabytes (six CD's), while WC3 takes up four CD's (more than 2.0 gigabytes). Either one would need to either have additional video compression or else span two UMD disks.

Not necessarily. PSP videos can be up to 480x272 pixels in size and with either PSMF H.264 or another MPEG-4 codec should be able to compress WC3 and WC4 PC-CD footage at comparable quality at a fraction of the original bitrate, so assuming a reworked game engine didn't consume too much space, I would think WC3 at least would be able to fit on one UMD.

A PSP version of WC4 DVD could probably be spanned across two UMD discs with resampled FMV (down to the PSP's native resolution) footage and perhaps even one with some compression trickery.

Cheers,

Bryn

08-14-2006, 18:21	#2
LeHah 212th Special Ops, "The Old Man's Eyes And Ears" Join Date: May 2000 Location: Blackmane System Posts: 7,153	And here I was at the mall today, looking into buying a Nintendo DS. Goddamn it, now I'll have to get both. __________________ Gleaming shell of an outworn lie; fable of Right divine -- You gained your crowns by heritage, but Blood was the price of mine. The throne that I won by blood and sweat, by Crom, I will not sell For promise of valleys filled with gold, or threat of the Halls of Hell!

08-14-2006, 18:55	#3
Foxtrot 2nd Lieutenant Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada Posts: 83	this is great new for WC. this is the 1st official release of a WC game since WCP for the gameboy right ? this might be an indication that flight sims can make it big on the portable consoles ( since they use lesser resourses than FPS and other types ) that was the reason why games like WC held the upper hand in the 90's, they gave more for lesser hardware in comparison to FPS games. we might even be seeing the reseruction of flight sims again................ enough excitement for me. time to suit up and play some secret opps ! __________________ "After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true." - Cmdr Spock

08-14-2006, 18:59	#4
MajorCamKollent My ride Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hindman, KY Posts: 243	Holy crap, I just woke up from a nap and thought I was still asleep dreaming. THis is excellent news for Wing Commander. We all knew something like this was coming, and now it has finally arrived. We're just a few steps closer to having a new Wing Commander Game. Rock on. __________________ K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) The CIC staff are my heroes.

08-14-2006, 19:20	#6
Dyret Super Carrot! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Norway Posts: 2,098	Wow, I guess that proves that WC IZ sOE DeAD jerkhole wrong. This is amazing news. Now Dyret is very, very happy. __________________ Glory to the many

08-14-2006, 20:04	#8
Ijuin Lieutenant General Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Tokyo, Japan Posts: 1,545	I hope that this package is popular enough that EA will consider re-releasing WC2/SO for the PSP as well. It would probably be too hard to squeeze WC3 onto a single disk though without cutting out lots of video--and I don't know the chances of a two-disk PSP game selling too well. __________________ Those who live by the sword...get shot by those who live by the gun.

08-14-2006, 19:20	#5
Dougly 2nd Lieutenant Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 130	This makes me happy. So very, very, very happy. I personally have always preferred playing games on my PC. So, I think that I'll stick with DosBox for right now. Still, it's always fantastic news when a Wing Commander game is being sold again. It gives me hope. I'd love to see an idea that was mentioned in another thread - releasing a Wing Commander collection that would include WC1-WCP, both of the Privateers, and WC Armada, all "re-vamped" to run on newer computers without problems - become reality. That's probably just a pipe dream. But maybe this release for the Sony PSP makes it just a little more likely?

08-14-2006, 20:18	#9
Worf Brigadier General Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,285	Looks like I'll have to pick up a third PSP. No way I'm gonna upgrade my two 1.5 PSPs for this...

08-14-2006, 20:20	#10
Starman Cadet Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Essex, United Kingdom Posts: 62	Hopefully this turns out to be true, if so I'll be picking up a PSP in a few months __________________ "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) / Admiral Geoffrey Tolwyn (2612-2674) Got some news0r?

08-14-2006, 21:32	#12
ChrisReid Super Soaker Collector Administrator Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Posts: 9,786	In 2003, Prophecy Advance gave a lot of fans hope that Wing Commander could and would have a bright future ahead. The game turned out great and sold well. It was so good, that people might not have thought about how it was developed and published by third parties contracting out for EA's licenses. Now we've moved on to the next level here. This new PSP compilation will actually be published by Electronic Arts itself. EA knows that there is a fan base for these games, and now they've directly taken the lead on production of this set. And don't forget the partnership that was announced a few months ago. EA will also be rereleasing Wing Commander Privateer via the GameTap service soon. A couple years back, we ran a poll that asked which two WC games fans would most like rereleased after Prophecy Advance. Wing Commander 1 and Privateer topped this survey, and now we're actually getting those two games. This is a great time to be a Wing Commander fan. Get Ready!

08-14-2006, 22:47	#13
AD Finder of things, Doer of stuff Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 2,832	This is unbelievably great news. If its a success and they decide to also release a ported wc2 (though unlikely because it was never released for snes if that's what these new ones are) I would hope they include SM2 in that compilation (along with SO1 and SO2). It makes sense as SM2 is really a prologue to WC2. __________________ "I saw a monster come with speed, Its face of grimmliest green, On human beings used to feed, Most dreadful to be seen." - Excerpt from Horrors, Lewis Carroll, 1850

08-15-2006, 00:25	#14
Manboy 1st Lieutenant Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Sydney , Australia Posts: 249	Awesome. Now all I need is cash! __________________ Go bannana! - Ralph Fight ot Flight?

08-15-2006, 01:12	#15
Howard Day Pioneer Art Monkey Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Eugene, OR, USA Posts: 687	This is awesome! Good thing I've got one of these puppies...I can't wait. Gonna be interesting trying to control it...wanna bet they use the analog thumb..padthingie. for steering, and the d-pad buttons for weapon selection, comm options, and ejecting? That just might make it work.. though I'm hardly the expert. Just can't wait. Can't wait.

08-15-2006, 06:18	#17
Dundradal Rampant since 1994 Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Installation 00 Posts: 3,568	SOB now I have to buy another system...and I just got my 360! __________________ "To you, we are deeply grateful, and release what little hold we might, as Durandal, have had on your soul. Go." - Final Terminal Message Marathon Infinity

08-15-2006, 07:33	#18
Dragon1 Major Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 519	Wow! I didn't ever realize just how cool the PSP was until I started shopping for one. I thought it was just another Gameboy or Game Gear. This thing is like a mini-PS2.

08-15-2006, 08:16	#19
Dran Nothing is written here Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 191	Awsome.

08-15-2006, 08:44	#20
Zapatero Cadet Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2	Great - I needed an excuse to start using my PSP again... I'll have to look into what the UK release date is. Quite spooky as I bought WC SNES on ebay only last week. Richie, Stargamer.net

08-15-2006, 09:23	#21
QuailPilot Major Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: TSGS Wolfenstien Posts: 580	This is probably the only game I get for a PSP if I get one. I would have even loved it more if the Crusader Games with with this compilation. Well Im going PSP shopping see ya. __________________ Here comes a Quail YEEEHAAW! "What dirty, filthy mind you got." Humphrey Bogart Owner of www.freewebs.com/quailpilot/

08-15-2006, 11:52	#22
st3lt3k I can have an avatar now Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 164	PSP price cut? Some think that a PSP price cut could be on the way in the next few months: PSP price cut might be imminent

08-15-2006, 12:20	#23
BrynS Mr Kat says... Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: TCS Victory Posts: 480	Excellent news! Loaf, is the attached image a mockup that you put together or from someone within EA? -Bryn __________________ "Your work is both good and original. Unfortunately the part that is good is not original and the part that is original is not good." - Samuel Johnson

08-15-2006, 12:55	#24
maniac89 I love Wing Commander: Prophecy Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: T.C.S. Midway Posts: 324	I always wanted to see a Playstation port of wing commander, hope fully they'll to the same for more!!! The Maniac __________________ The Wing Commander: Prophecy Movie Project