Ghost in the PSP

The popular anime series, already having made a stop on PlayStation 2, is now headed to PSP.

Masamune Shirow's Ghost In The Shell franchise and Sony's PSP seem like a natural fit. The one is a high-tech marvel adored by millions around the world and, well, so is the other. It's no surprise then that the latest franchise tie-in, Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex is headed to the sexy portable later this year.

Based on the anime series of the same name, Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex differs from the recently released PlayStation 2 game by taking advantage of the unique features of the PSP - in other words, expect wireless multiplayer.

Playing as the series' lead characters (the svelte Major Motoko Kusanagi, her partner Batou, rookie Togusa and sniper Saito), you must battle nefarious techno-terrorists hell-bent on bedlam, as terrorists are wont to be. To this end, you'll be able to hack into opponents and also control the Tachikoma tank, modifying it as you progress through the game and sending it out into battle to give you a strategic advantage over the baddies.

Wireless play is one of the core components of the experience and you'll be able to play with up to three other players in your area. This is relegated to local play at the moment - Bandai, the game's creator, has not commented on the possibility of online play.

Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex will be out in the US this summer and will likely be announced for release in Europe later in the year.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games