This summer, we're experimenting a bit with the PSP platform. We've got a new game, Fate/Unlimited Codes, coming to PSP but only as a digital product. This is a first for Capcom -- we've released digitial games on the PlayStation Store, to be sure, but this is the first time that we're bypassing traditional retail channels altogether in order to bring you a new game. Fate is awesome, featuring a fighting engine originally developed by 8ing (the guys behind my current favorite, Tatsunoko VS Capcom) and remade for the PSP by Cavia (who have created a number of great games for us, including the Resident Evil Chronicles games for the Wii). Fate is based on a hot Japanese visial novel/anime/manga series that's just starting to make its way over here to North America (Gerald caught a few Fate cosplayers at Anime Expo).

While I am by no means a Fate master player, I've spent some time with it and really enjoy the smart way the game has been changed from the arcade and PS2 versions to the portable platform. The control input system, for example, has switched from standard Capcom fireball/dragon punch/hurricane kick movements to "tap" style movements -- double-tap forward, forward-back, back-forward -- which make much more sense for the PSP's d-pad. It also looks great, with graphics easily on par with anything you'd see on the PS2.

If you're a fan of Capcom games, a fan of fighting games in general, or even an anime fan, Fate is worth checking out when it hits the PlayStation store in early September. But don't believe me, I get paid to be excited about Capcom games: IGN has a big preview up on the game and they also liked it.