989 Sports Titles: PSP Starting Lineup Announced Company: 989 Sports Every system launch needs its slate of sports titles, and 989 Sports is happy to oblige with not one, but four titles ready for the PSP?s launch this March. Spanning the spectrum, from hockey to soccer, 989 Sports looks to have something for almost every sports fan. Gretzky NHL The NHL might be taking the year off, but that doesn?t mean you have to. Gretzky NHL brings all of the fast-paced skating, precision passing, and hard-hitting checks from the PS2 title to the PSP. Gretzky NHL will let players take part in Quick, Exhibition, and Season modes, as well as a head-to-head wireless online mode, allowing you really take your game anywhere and challenge all comers. Also featured is the Gretzky Challenge, which lets players earn points and try to break Gretzky?s actual NHL records. These points can then be used to purchase hidden items including jerseys and teams from Gretzky?s career, from his days as a member of the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. NBA NBA for the PSP brings all of the action from the court into your hands. NBA?s Full Season mode will include both on- and off-court action including trades, free agent lists, and injuries. Using a skill-based timing mechanism, players need to master clutch shooting in order to win. Add to that spin moves, jukes, pump fakes, and a variety of shot animations, making NBA one of the most realistic NBA titles to hit handhelds. Also included are a variety of mini-games such as a one-on-one challenge, a skills challenge mode, and three-point contests. NBA will also support head-to-head wireless gameplay. MLB What would any sports lineup be without an appearance by America?s pastime? MLB combines in-game player skill with that of gamers to create a fluid gaming experience. The Playmaker Fielding Marker is looking to redefine fielding. The fielder?s fielding attribute rating will determine the size of the zone that surrounds the ball and its eventual landing location. With highly ranked fielders, the ball marker will be displayed sooner and smaller making it easier to judge fly balls. Player attributes will also play a role in the new batter/pitcher interface. MLB will provide a variety of play options including Quick, Season, and Online modes. Wold Tour Soccer From America?s pastime to the world?s, Would Tour Soccer takes the popular franchise to the PSP. Featuring 128 club teams, 86 international teams, and a number of others including classic and all-star, World Tour Soccer is one of the most authentic handheld soccer experiences. Game modes include Quick Start and Exhibition matches, as well as a Cups mode, which allows players to play for any of the seven cups including the World, America?s, and Euro Club cups. During the seven tournaments players can earn tokens and purchase new teams. Challenge mode lets players test their skills, unlocking new challenges with each one completed. World Tour Soccer will also include an Online mode for head-to-head play. -Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker Related Links: 989 Sports SCEA/PlayStation