PaRappa the Rapper’s relatively recent remaster is actually an emulated version of the PlayStation Portable release with new textures. Some amazing technical tomfoolery from hackers working with cracked PlayStation 4 consoles has revealed that the rhythm game is running on a UMD disc image, identical to the original handheld release. Further work has enabled code junkies to install and run some other PSP games on the console.
It’s probably safe to assume that Patapon and LocoRoco are using the same technique, leveraging PSP code and then adding 4K textures in to complete the “remaster” illusion. This, of course, opens the door for more PSP ports and emulation; our guess is that the upcoming MediEvil remaster will be based upon the portable re-release as well. Of course that’s not going to go down well with everyone, as many consider that version to be inferior to the original.
It’s fascinating to see this tidbit come to light, though. This means that the PS4 now has both PS2 and PSP emulators – neither of which are being used to their full potential. Yes, there may be limitations in both, and Sony has been trying to add value by retroactively adding Trophies to the titles – but we’d like to see it doing more to leverage its back catalogue, as it has an outstanding body of work that deserves to be resurrected on the PS4.
[source gbatemp.net, via arstechnica.com, eurogamer.net]
Comments 10
Knew it was the PSP version of Parappa after completing it. Wish Sony were more upfront that it wasn't the PS1 version to begin with, the lag on that game was a big turn off.
I fear it will be Medievil Resurrected that is getting remastered cos I was hoping for a Crash style remake.
At least when the PS4 is old and dusty the retro potential on the system will be staggering.
Still this is amusing. I would at least expect it to run natively. At least it runs better than the emulated Jak games...
I wish Sony would use the PS2 and PSP emulation within the console more often.
I was just thinking how much I would like to have Silent Hill 2 and 3 brought to the PS2-to-PS4 program since I only played the technically problematic HD collection of the two on the PS3.
I want 2D castlevania psp, remastered for ps4 with 4k textures
Does this mean we can have Power Stone on PS4!? Make it so, Sony!
I bought a DS back in the days. But thanks to Sony I can now finally say I have a PSP as well!
Understanding that PS3 is very difficult to emulate, I always felt that the PS4 right outta the box should have been able to run the ps2 & ps1 disc libraries!! No excuses!! IMO!
@ZurapiiYohane Same here, those three PSP titles deserve HD ports.
Can the PSTV play digital PSP games that are playable on Vita?
@ZurapiiYohane Right just upscaled thru the PSTV to display on your output TV.
Also I looked into it and only Dissidia and 3rd Birthday are PSTV compatible.
maaaaaaaaannnnnnn i really really really really really really hope they dont go off the PSP Medievil instead of the originals, I will deadset probably cry if that is the case
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