Trio of new PSP games use new features

Sony Computer Entertainment is experimenting with some new features for the PSP with three of its upcoming titles. According to the latest issue of Famitsu, a trio of games slated for release by SCE on March 9--I.Q. Mania, XI Coliseum, and Bomberman: Bakufuu Sentai Bombermen--will include a number of unique bonuses that take advantage of the handheld's ad hoc and Wi-Fi abilities.

Up until now, PSP owners could only compete against each other over Wi-Fi when both parties owned a copy of the game. However, the three aforementioned games will include game sharing, which allows users to play multiplayer games with only one copy of the game. The only catch is those involved must own a copy of one of the three games. For example, if one gamer owns I.Q. Mania and another owns Bomberman, the two players can play a multiplayer game of I.Q. Mania or Bomberman together.

Aside from being able to cross-connect in ad hoc mode, each game comes with playable demos of the other two games. Although game demos aren't anything special for the PSP, this is actually the first time that three simultaneously released titles will include demos of one another.

Last but not least, all three games will come included with a number of minigames that can be unlocked online. Two minigames will be available by default; a mahjong game, and XI ColoBowl, a bowling game that can be played with up to five people. Additional minigames can be unlocked by downloading wallpapers at a special site by using the PSP's online connection.