If middleware backing is a sign of a platform's health, then Sony's PSP follow up – currently codenamed NGP – would appear to be fighting fit.

The latest toolset to join the platform's roster is Crytek's CryEngine, with SCE Japan lifting the lid on the news via a posting detailing every form of middleware that's pledged support for the platform to date.

Engine acceleration

CryEngine joins another big hitter – Epic's Unreal Engine 3 – on the line up of full NGP compatible game engines.

Both toolsets have delivering graphical grunt at their core, with their support suggesting Sony's claims that NGP titles can offer the same brand of visuals as PlayStation 3 might well be on the money.

Blitz Games' Blitztech, Terminal Reality's Infernal Engine, Trinigy's Vision Engine, and Vicious Cycle's Vicious Engine are all also on board.

In total, 14 different forms of middleware and toolsets have now pledged support – including NaturalMotion's Morpheme 3 animation tools and Scaleform's UI set up - though Develop claims Crytek is set to deliver what's described as a 'custom edition' of the engine exclusively for NGP.

[source: Sony]