Empire Interactive has announced that destructive-racer FlatOut will make its debut on the PSP through FlatOut: Head On. It will feature an arcade play style, with nine different game modes, including carnage challenges, full career, destruction derbies, multiplayer party mode and the ragdoll stunt mode. Here’s the deal:

FlatOut: Head On is ready to drop the hammer on the PSP extreme racing genre, bringing high speed destruction and leaving more broken bones and wrecked cars in its wake, than a Richard Hammond Top Gear stunt. From rock-smashing dust ups in arid desert landscapes to down and dirty races through rubbish-strewn city streets, FlatOut’s PSP debut is yet another gritty excursion into racing carnage.

The FlatOut physics engine delivers levels of extreme racing that have yet to be seen on the PSP; get ready for head on destruction that could literally leave you, the track and your car in pieces. Persistent objects like fallen rocks, shopping trolleys and car parts remain on the track from one lap to the next, creating additional obstacles to avoid. The more carnage you create, the more points you score, but the more problems you’ll face. However using this to your advantage will get you even more bonus points by wrecking other vehicles throughout the races With multiplayer WIFI and party gaming modes from wheel to wheel challenges, demolition derbies and the fans’ favourite, the ragdoll stunts, the only reason you’ll stop is if you have no wheels left.

Once again you get to bounce the driver around like a ragdoll in death-defying stunts which leave the driver limp and lifeless. In fact it’s never been more fun to see your driver launched through the windscreen towards various oversized objects (like dartboards and bowling pins) for the pleasure of the crowd - who will be grabbing your PSP from you to show you just how good they are!

The game will feature six locations, 40 tracks and 45 unique car models; more than 36 quick play challenges, 4 player wireless racing, and more. It is scheduled for release early next year.

Designer of such legendary games as Twisted Metal and God of War, David Jaffe has announced that he is leaving Sony to found his own development studio with Incognito Games founder Scott Campbell. Dubbed EAT SLEEP PLAY, the new company has signed a three game deal with Sony that will see them developing exclusively for the PS3 and PSP.

Although his blog post didn’t reveal any of the games they are developing, he does mention that he’s “crazy in love with game #1 already”. They are currently working on a PS2 port of Twisted Metal: Head On, which was released for the PSP. Set for release this Christmas, the game will feature all the content from the PSP title, but running at 60fps and better textures and gameplay tweaks; five to seven levels from a previously unreleased Twisted Metal game; and a documentary on the history of the series. It is pointed out that this is not part of their three-game deal with Sony.

Further information on Jaffe’s projects are expected soon.

Starting July 5, gamers in North America will be able to pick up five PSP games for less. SCEA has announced the launch of the “Greatest Hits” program for the PSP, with the initial selection being five first-party titles: Ape Escape: On the Loose, ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin’ Trails, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee, Twisted Metal: Head On, and Wipeout Pure. These titles will be available for $20.

The announcement also disclosed that nearly 15 third-party titles will be added to the roster in the future.