PSP Players Vs. PS2 Players – “STACKED” Features Unique Console-to-Handheld Connectivity

by Louis Bedigian

“You can play with any combination of PSPs and PS2s with up to 9 players at the table.” 

It had to happen eventually. Sony’s powerful handheld is in millions of homes, PlayStation 2 is still going strong – why not bring the two together and make something beautiful? Using the PSP as a controller on the PS2 was one idea, but that’s been tried on other consoles with less-than-stellar results. What the PSP and PS2 need is something more original, something that lets players enjoy the unique features of both platforms.

BattleBorne Entertainment, Inc., has just the right idea: PSP/PS2 interoperability. In other words, while playing the forthcoming PSP and PS2 title STACKED, gamers can compete with each other using either system. 

How is this possible? How does it work? Where will it lead? STACKED Programmer Aaron Rose tells us everything we need to know.  

STACKED is the first of its kind, offering PSP/PS2 interoperability. Tell us more about this.

Aaron Rose: There are really two parts to it. First off, you can create and save your own poker persona by choosing from the many character options and continue to build your character’s skills on both platforms by transferring the characters saved game file through the use of a USB cable.  Most importantly, you can play against each other online. You can play with any combination of PSPs and PS2s with up to 9 players at the table. Interoperability will also allow you to transfer your saved game progress back and forth between the PS2-PSP.

How are the systems able to link up in multiplayer? I'm guessing that for PS2 it's via a broadband Internet connection, and for PSP you use Wi-Fi. Is that correct? 

AR: You’re exactly right. The PS2 and PSP must have internet access for multiplayer connectivity, though the PSP version has both infrastructure and ad-hoc multiplayer connectivity features, currently no other PSP title has this feature. 

Aside from the mobility advantage, what's different about playing STACKED on PSP versus the PS2 version?

AR: Both versions of the game look great and the game play is the same. The one big difference is that with PSP, it’s much easier to have a quick game with your friends (or even strangers) because of the ad hoc play mode – no need to cart the PS2 with you or need for separate televisions.

As a player, what do I have to do to link up with someone using the opposite system? Will there be an icon or something to indicate which players are which when I sign online?

AR: Each unit needs to be connected to the Internet; once connected the player will need to create unique character identity and password which is registered and saved on the server. Each player profile is saved to the server and can be accessed from either the PS2 or PSP. Once the player is registered online there’s a simple menu based system allowing you to choose between cash games, single table tournaments, multi-table tournaments, etc. But from the player’s perspective, they will not be able to tell if the other players are using PSP or PS2.

How many people can play simultaneously? Is there a limit to how many can use different systems?

AR: There are two answers to this question. First, for ad hoc mode on PSP, cash games and single table tournaments on either platform, the natural limit will be 9, since that’s the most who can sit at one table. Any more and you are into a multi-table tournament, which will require internet access. For multi-table tournaments, the system can technically handle thousands of people simultaneously. However, given the length of time that it takes to complete large tournaments, time constraints will likely put a limit to the number of players in any single tournament. As the community builds, we’ll use their feedback in determining what that limit is.

Making home consoles compatible with each other is hard enough - were any unexpected challenges presented when trying to make the PSP and PS2 versions compatible?

AR: There were certainly unexpected challenges, though Demonware’s support has been fantastic throughout the development. 

Do you think the technology you used to link the PSP and PS2 systems can be used for other kinds of games?

AR: Yes, Demonware has a great solution to link PSP and PS2 together.

Now I'd like to learn more about the single-player experience. What's the exclusive learning artificial intelligence system all about?

AR: The AI system is something truly unique to STACKED. Myelin has an exclusive license to this system, which has been developed over the last ten years by the Artificial Intelligence Department at the University of Alberta. Anyone can reference a book to check their chances of winning a hand based on visible cards. This system is unique in that it accounts for play styles. So not only is it accounting for visible cards and bets, but it’s trying to measure the player up. All of the characters at the table and in tournaments are controlled by this AI and are actually competing with each other. So they will change their play style as the game draws on and can even be bluffed or drawn out.

Which types of poker is STACKED going to support online and offline?

AR: Daniel Negreanu is considered one of the masters of Texas Hold ‘Em Poker and that is the only poker game offered. 

Can you tell us about the different game modes you plan to offer?

AR: There will be both online and offline play. Offline, you can play career mode or quickplay or LAN games. Within each of these, you can play cash games, single table tournaments and multi-table tournaments. In career mode, you accumulate points and improve your skill and ranking.  You can also win a token that qualifies you for entry into the MTV Stacked Masters (the STACKED sanctioned events).

Online, you can join or create cash games, single table tournaments and multi-table tournaments.  These can be public games, where anyone can join or you can participate in private games, where you invite or are invited, by people on your friends list. It is through online play that you build up your bankroll that will enable you to participate in the MTV Stacked Masters. The more you play and win, the greater your bankroll, and the higher the position that you will earn on the leaderboards.

There is also the ability to customize your character and the different casino environments, providing the player with a wide and deep experience with Hold ‘Em. 

How will Player of the Year Daniel Negreanu educate players, whether they're new to the game or have been playing it for several years?

AR: Daniel has provided over 30 minutes of video tutorials for STACKED, his knowledge of poker is so extensive that everyone from a novice to an expert will learn to play Texas Hold’em like a pro. Daniel also offers “PRO TIPS” during gameplay. These tips are his advice based on his professional expertise and the AI is sourcing a tip that is most relevant to your situation.

Let's talk about the game's presentation. There seems to be a lot of 3D characters - is there any dialogue? Any form of character development, or even a little trash talking, during single-player games?

AR: The detail of the 3D environments and 3D characters make this game truly unique. During gameplay there’s plenty of trash-talk being tossed out based on players’ reactions and time taken between plays. A highlight of the game is the ability to give facial expressions during the hand.  There’s a menu bar that will allow you to smile, frown and go to a camera that allows you to watch/view other players expressions during the game. 

Can players chat with each other in multiplayer, either with voice or text?

AR: Yes, you can text your friends and other players during the game. From the menu bar, you select text message and a keyboard pops up. Type your message and send. 

Does the PSP version have any content and/or features not found in the PS2 version or vice versa?

AR: The PSP and PS2 games are identical.

Thank you for your time.