Another Century's Episode's fourth entry, ACE R, was released less than two months back, but Namco Bandai has already announced the next entry. This time, the series is going portable.

Namco Bandai opened an official site today for PSP's Another Century's Episode Portable, which is in development at From Software for release on January 13.

The site provides no actual details on the game, but Famitsu.com was able to put up some of the info and screens that debuted in its print counterpart this week.

ACE P promises some major changes from past titles. Most notably, the game no longer has a scenario. Instead, you'll progress by freely selecting missions. You can select the missions that you want to play, repeating simple missions to hone your skills.

When you clear missions, you'll gain Ace Points. These can be exchanged for new machines to use in battle.

One element does carry over from pace ACE games. In ACE P, you head out on missions with two CPU-controlled mechs at your side. New for the PSP, those two accompanying mechs will be controllable by other players.

The ACE P official site lists the game's multiplayer support as ad-hoc-based co-op. It does not mention a competitive component.

Here's a list of franchises that will be appearing in ACE P:

• Blue Comet SPT Layzner
• Brain Powerd
• The Wings of Rean
• Overman King Gainer
• Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion
• Nadesico The Prince of Darkness
• Aura Battler Dunbine
• Heavy Metal L-Gaim
• Metal Armor Dragonar
• Z Gundam
• After War Gundam X
• Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz
• Gundam Char's Counterattack
• Gundam Seed Destiny
• Gundam OO
• Turn A Gundam
• VS Knight Lamune & 40 Fire
• Macross Plus
• Macross F
• Eureka Seven: Pocket Full of Rainbows

Of these, Gundam OO, VS Knight and Eureka Seven are new to the series.

Namco Bandai is already showing off a pre-order bonus for the game. Order in advance, and you'll get a 24 page A5-size booklet featuring details on the mechs that appear in the game and comments from the staff.

Visit Famitsu.com for additional screens.