Yes, you’ve read that right: hackers have successfully downgraded v2.5/2.6 PSPs to v1.5, allowing users to run homebrew applications as well as illegal ISO games.

Note: the “downdater” requires an original copy of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories to work.

Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy XII for the PS2 will ship across North America on October 31. In addition to the regular edition, a limited “Collector’s Edition” will be available exclusively at GameStop and EBGames stores, containing a bonus DVD offering Japanese and American promotional trailers, developer interviews, an art gallery and featurettes focusing on highlights of the popular franchise. The regular version will retail for $50, with the Collector’s Edition going for $60.

As war looms on the horizon, the mighty Archadian Empire begins a campaign to subjugate its neighbors. The small kingdom of Dalmasca shares their fate, and it is here that our tale begins.

Two years after the fall of Dalmasca, the citizens are without guidance and direction. In the capital city of Rabanastre, the denizens gather and await the introduction of Archadia’s new consul. To Vaan, a young man living on the streets of Rabanastre, the Empire is a hated enemy who took the life of his brother, the only family he had left. In an effort to exact revenge, Vaan hatches a plot to break into the palace and steal from the occupying imperials. There, he gets more than he bargained for as he runs into Princess Ashe, the sole surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne. Together, the two will embark on an incredible journey through Ivalice, tracing the mysteries behind the Archadian Empire’s invasion. The choices they make will determine the very fate of the world.

Those who have bought Titan Quest, and having problems with it, can look forward to a patch this Wednesday, according to a post on the game’s forums. The update will include improved multiplayer stability and performance among its key improvements.