PSP's Ad Hoc Party Finally Coming To The US

Gorvi · 11-13-2009, 10:08 AM

Sony put Ad Hoc Party out in Japan originally last November, and ever since then PSP owners in the know have been wondering when they'd stop dragging their feet and put it out in the West. An explanation of what Ad Hoc Party is and how it works from the PlayStation Blog:

Quote:

So, how does adhocParty work? PSP titles with adhoc mode traditionally require you to play within close proximity to each other. AdhocParty takes advantage of the interoperable capabilities of the PSP and PS3 systems. It enables you to play games featuring Ad Hoc mode, such as Gran Turismo and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, over the Internet through the PS3. Your PSP connects to the PS3 via Wi-Fi, allowing you to chat online with fellow gamers in North America before jumping into competition from the comforts of each of your respective living rooms.

In addition to all of its competitive and social gaming features, adhocParty for PSP supports voice chat through the Wireless Headset or PlayStation Eye, offering you a complete and immersive gaming experience only available on the PlayStation platform.

We don't have a date yet, so hopefully "soon" means by the end of the year. The system already works with the US versions of many games as it is, but so far the barrier to using it has been that the entire application is in Japanese. Thankfully, that will soon change.

Suave Peanut · 11-13-2009, 10:17 AM

I preemptively challenge you all to Dissidia!

Gorvi · 11-13-2009, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suave Peanut

I preemptively challenge you all to Dissidia!

My Firion will destroy you.

txshurricane · 11-13-2009, 10:20 AM

That is good news.

Mike Kelehan · 11-13-2009, 11:38 AM

But... but... the PSP can already access my WLAN. How does putting TWO PS3s into the operation make it better?

Gorvi · 11-13-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Kelehan

But... but... the PSP can already access my WLAN. How does putting TWO PS3s into the operation make it better?

It's allowing you to play games that were before only local multi over the internet while at the same time adding voice chat to all of those games. It works a ton of games, it doesn't seem like the devs have to do anything really on their part.

ElektroDragon · 11-13-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gorvi

It's allowing you to play games that were before only local multi over the internet while at the same time adding voice chat to all of those games. It works a ton of games, it doesn't seem like the devs have to do anything really on their part.

I know... its a fantastic idea! If only Nintendo had the foresight to do this with the DS when the Wii came out. Then again, Wii uses "friend codes". Nevermind. I still have no Wii friends as a result.

Spigot · 11-13-2009, 01:38 PM

About bloody time. It still baffles me that so many of these primarily multiplayer games end up being adhoc only.

I mean, I understand the reason based on how Japanese commuter culture is, but it's nice to see it be adapted for those of us over here who don't cram into a subway every day.

Mike Kelehan · 11-13-2009, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gorvi

It's allowing you to play games that were before only local multi over the internet while at the same time adding voice chat to all of those games. It works a ton of games, it doesn't seem like the devs have to do anything really on their part.

Right, I get what it does. But, why can't all PSP games support Wi-Fi, then? I always assumed it was because the latency was unacceptable, but if this works, then I don't get it.

Deadend · 11-13-2009, 04:03 PM

It's a fancy looking VPN tool as far as I can tell. there were a few things that could do this back in the days before Xbox Live, I think was X-link kai was the name of one?

Cool that Sony is doing an official version.

Telefrog · 11-13-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Kelehan

Right, I get what it does. But, why can't all PSP games support Wi-Fi, then? I always assumed it was because the latency was unacceptable, but if this works, then I don't get it.

One solution requires gamers get a PS3 to use it, the other requires nothing more than any old wifi.

J Arcane · 11-13-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Kelehan

Right, I get what it does. But, why can't all PSP games support Wi-Fi, then? I always assumed it was because the latency was unacceptable, but if this works, then I don't get it.

Because not all developers wish to extend the effort to support full infrastructure mode. It means running dedicated servers, matchmaking, etc.

Same reasons why a DS game wouldn't support online, despite also being capable of it.

Purple Santa · 11-13-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spigot

I mean, I understand the reason based on how Japanese commuter culture is, but it's nice to see it be adapted for those of us over here who don't cram into a subway every day.

So are you planning to cram into your car and play online?

Well we have Dissidia as the first suggestion for a game get together. Any other suggestions? PSP gaming night...

Spigot · 11-13-2009, 09:50 PM

Screw Dissidia. I want to play some goddamn Monster Hunter Freedom 2!

11-13-2009, 10:17 AM	#2
Suave Peanut légume de bon air Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 3,063 Blog Entries: 6	I preemptively challenge you all to Dissidia! __________________ • PSN : Steam : XBL • <!--suavepeanut.net>

11-13-2009, 10:20 AM	#4
txshurricane Get Yer Guns Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 695	That is good news. __________________ Gamertag: Van Lingo Editor Co-Optimus.com www.twitter.com/txshurricane

11-13-2009, 01:38 PM	#8
Spigot Turn Me Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Acton, Ontario Posts: 6,866 Blog Entries: 103	About bloody time. It still baffles me that so many of these primarily multiplayer games end up being adhoc only. I mean, I understand the reason based on how Japanese commuter culture is, but it's nice to see it be adapted for those of us over here who don't cram into a subway every day. __________________ Like obscure games? Check out Turning The Spigot every Sunday for hidden gems!

11-13-2009, 09:50 PM	#14
Spigot Turn Me Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Acton, Ontario Posts: 6,866 Blog Entries: 103	Screw Dissidia. I want to play some goddamn Monster Hunter Freedom 2! __________________ Like obscure games? Check out Turning The Spigot every Sunday for hidden gems!

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11-13-2009, 11:38 AM	#5
Mike Kelehan Colonist Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ellicott City, MD, USA Posts: 2,471	But... but... the PSP can already access my WLAN. How does putting TWO PS3s into the operation make it better?

11-13-2009, 04:03 PM	#10
Deadend Drinks Because He Is Win Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Detroit Area, MI Posts: 1,974 Blog Entries: 2	It's a fancy looking VPN tool as far as I can tell. there were a few things that could do this back in the days before Xbox Live, I think was X-link kai was the name of one? Cool that Sony is doing an official version.