The 3rd Birthday launches today on UMD and via PSN! While your PSP may still be hot from Dissidia 012[duodecim] Final Fantasy, you should definitely add The 3rd Birthday to your “play” list. It has all of the makings of a game that ensures my PSP is rarely idle: Awesome graphics, gameplay that’s gets as deep as I want it to be, teleporting (“overdive” system), plus I love games that get the shooting mechanics right on a PSP. Hope you have as much fun as I predict I will! :)

A few quick bits of info and then onto the gorgeous launch trailer!

• A true action-RPG hybrid: Resist the Twisted’s vicious onslaught in a third-person shooter, with a heavy dose of character progression and customization.
• Strategic gameplay: The new Overdive System gives players a tactical advantage as they make split-second decisions on the battlefield.
• All-star production staff: Including producer Yoshinori Kitase (Final Fantasy series), director Hajime Tabata (Crisis Core – Final Fantasy VII -), character designer Tetsuya Nomura (Kingdom Hearts series), art director Isamu Kamikokuryo (Final Fantasy XIII) and music by Yoko Shimomura (Kingdom Hearts series).

The 3rd Birthday is rated M (Mature) and available for $29.99. Special note for Lightning/Aya Brea fans: The package release includes a code to unlock Lightning’s Aya Brea costume in Dissidia 012[duodecim] Final Fantasy. To avoid any confusion, this is different than Aya’s Lightning costume in 3rd Birthday. But you’re gonna have to work hard for that. No special codes, you’ll have to figure out how to unlock that in-game extra yourself!

But first: what is an EX Burst? EX Burst is equivalent of a super move in a game like Street Fighter. Each character has a special move which you’ll recognize from their original game. During the EX burst, you’ll have to input several button cues but each is customized for each unique character. For example, Tifa’s EX Burst features the same slot reels for her Limit Break in Final Fantasy VII. For Tidus, you’d have to align the cursor in the target zone like his Overdrive attack in Final Fantasy X. For Squall, you’ll have to pull the trigger just like in Final Fantasy VIII. The more successful you are with the button cues, the more devastating the attack.

The EX system is actually more than a special move because, during battle, you’ll have to fill up a meter called the EX gauge. Once it’s full you can activate EX mode, your character will be stronger for a limited time. You can also use the EX system to get yourself out in a tough situation. When being attacked if you activate the EX gauge, you can engage EX Revenge, which is a newly added system in DISSIDIA 012[duodecim]. While in EX Revenge, time is slowed around you giving you chance to get even.

Hope you enjoy the videos (you can watch two more here) and DISSIDIA 012[duodecim]! It’s available for the PSP starting tomorrow.