Games for the Road

Forget PMPs, the best thing to kill time while traveling is a handheld gaming console. Whether it's a train commute or a flight abroad, a handheld game console will make the hours fly. If you find it hard to keep up with storylines and complex move lists because of your busy lifestyle, here are some games you can simply pick up and play, without the hassle of a learning curve. Our recommendations cover the two handheld consoles popular today.

Five Favorite Games for the PSP
There's only so much you can do on the PSP, considering it's an all-round portable entertainment unit – but it's games we're talking about in this article. The great thing about the PSP is that you have the option to keep any game on standby if something comes up in the middle of your gameplay, and resume when you're done. This is one reason why we've featured games that have a low learning curve. Let's start with the most obvious choice...

Loco Roco
This is the king of all pick-up and play games. The learning curve is practically zero, given its simple shoulder-button controls, and the fun-factor's way up there. The best part about Loco Roco is that you can even put your PSP on standby any number of times during the level and you'll never feel lost. There's only one way to go! Even with the recently announced sequel, if you're a frequent traveler who's bored out of your wits, this one's definitely the price of admission.

Lumines II
This musical puzzle game will not only keep you engaged during your travels, but also make you look cool among your fellow travelers (and over-the-shoulder peekers). Lumines II takes the Tetris concept to a whole new level, while still keeping the gameplay extremely simple. Also, the bonus music videos will keep you entertained on the go.

Downstream Panic!
Save the fishies, save the world. Or, well, at least the level! While the idea is quite straightforward, this amazing puzzle game has enough meat (seafood, rather) to keep you going level after level, ensuring that the fish get transported to the river without... umm, dying. Hey, it's a lot better than it sounds!

Mortal Kombat: Unchained
There's nothing more pick-up and play than a button-mashing fighting game, but that's not the only reason this game made it to our list. It's excellent mini games like Puzzle Kombat and Chess Kombat that make for great companions on those long journeys. If you're in the mood for a game with a bit more substance, you can always play the Konquest mode. When it comes to content, this game is pure value for money.

Virtua Tennis 3
If you're gonna play a sports game, look no further. Even with a whole bunch of other tennis franchises hitting the PSP in recent times, nothing comes close to being as entertaining as Virtua Tennis 3.