Japanese PSP December lineup updated, ad blitz to begin

TOKYO--Following the launch of the PSP Web site, Sony Computer Entertainment has updated the release dates for the lineup of December's PSP games on its official shopping site. The updated lineup brings back Bandai's Lumines, Eiyuu Densetsu Gagharv Trilogy, Hudson's Rengoku: The Tower of Purgatory, and Electronic Arts' Need for Speed Underground Rivals to the list of game's with scheduled release dates originally reported by retailers last week. Thus, all games for the handheld now have official release dates, with the exception of Tiger Woods PGA Tour, which may not tee off until 2005.

Although only a handful of retailers are beginning to accept preorders for the limited-quantity PSP, Sony Computer Entertainment will be launching another unique advertising campaign in Japan beginning November 22.

According to Shibuya Keizai Shinbun, the company will be promoting the PSP in Tokyo by showcasing 30 mannequins that will sport the handheld while exhibiting stunned looks on their faces. It seems that this avant-garde ad campaign will be targeted at young, working-age consumers (who have money to burn) rather than kids, because the mannequins will start off by appearing at popular coffee shops and interior showrooms in the fashion district of Tokyo. After this, they will appear in shopping centers and other locations throughout the city.

The official PSP game lineup, as of the present, is listed below.

December 12
Vampire Chronicle: The Chaos Tower (Capcom)
Mahjong Taikai (Koei)
Mahjong Fight Club (Konami)
Minna-no Golf Portable (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Ridge Racers (Namco)
Armored Core Formula Front (From Software)
Rengoku: The Tower of Purgatory (Hudson)
Need for Speed Underground Rivals (Electronic Arts KK)
Lumines (Bandai)

December 16
Dynasty Warriors (Koei)
Dokoemo Issho (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Metal Gear Acid (Konami)
Kotoba no Puzzle Mojipittan Daijiten (Namco)
Kollon (Cyberfront)
Eiyuu Densetsu Gagharv Trilogy: Shiroki Majo (Bandai)

December 22
Puzzle Bobble Pocket (Taito)
AI Series Igo (Marvelous Interactive)
AI Series Shougi (Marvelous Interactive)
AI Series Mahjong (Marvelous Interactive)
December 24
Puyo Puyo Fever (Sega)

December 30
Piposaru Academia: Dossari Saru-gee Daizenshuu! (Sony Computer Entertainment

Game(s) no longer listed for release in December:
Tiger Woods PGA Tour (Electronic Arts KK)