eXophase.com, the Gamer's PhasePS3

Crytek Offers CryENGINE 3 Free To Educational Institutions

x3sphere — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:23:45 +0000

Crysis developer Crytek is reaching out to the academic world in a big way, allowing the programmers and graphic designers of tomorrow to get an early head start on creating games powered by its latest cross-platform middleware — CryENGINE 3. As of today, the development solution is now available free of charge to any qualified educational institution, providing the tools necessary to create scalable experiences across all major platforms, namely PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Crytek director of Global Business Development Carl Jones shares his thoughts on the initiative:

Crytek has always been a strong supporter of education – as evidenced by our commitment for many years to share CryENGINE tools with universities. We are continuing that commitment now by releasing the brand new CryENGINE 3 tools to any university in the world, for free! Here at Crytek, we work hard to enable all our licensees to achieve their vision with CryENGINE 3, so we aren’t considering this Educational SDK as a product we “fire and forget” – we will be looking for strong educational partners to work together with Crytek in the future – and we will soon be announcing exciting programmes for students working with CryENGINE 3.

Sounds like a win-win for Crytek. Coupled with the promise of delivering enough grunt for the next-generation, this should greatly aid engine adoption efforts in the long term, making CryENGINE 3 a formidable competitor to similar solutions such as Epic’s widely-used Unreal Engine.

Crytek Offers CryENGINE 3 Free To Educational Institutions - [eXophase.com]

Firmware 3.1 Brings Facebook Integration To PS3

x3sphere — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:48:55 +0000

Sony isn’t one to sit idle in midst of Microsoft’s social networking efforts, as the company has went ahead and announced that firmware 3.1 for PS3 will include Facebook integration. By linking up a PSN profile to a Facebook account, PS3 owners will able to automatically update their news feed with Trophy and PlayStation Store activity. You’ll never miss a beat. The initiative will also give developers the ability to publish game information to news feeds through Facebook’s API.

While Facebook integration is the main highlight of this update, Sony is squeezing in other noteworthy changes as well, including a revamped photo browser and the ability to change the font color of your PSN ID. Check out a video walkthrough of the soon to be released firmware above, courtesy of PSN director Eric Lempel.

Firmware 3.1 Brings Facebook Integration To PS3 - [eXophase.com]

Final Fantasy XIII Dated for March 9 In North America

x3sphere — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Square Enix today finally stamped a date on the North American release of its eagerly-anticipated RPG Final Fantasy XIII. The title, which needs no introduction, is slated to hit Xbox 360 and PS3 on March 9, 2010. Fans can now breathe a sigh of relief.

“We know that our fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installation of the franchise – FINAL FANTASY XIII will exceed all expectations,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. “Coming simultaneously to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for the first time, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be available to all players who are looking for the most immersive gaming experience of 2010.”

Final Fantasy XIII Dated for March 9 In North America - [eXophase.com]

October NPD: Wii Sales Rebound, PS3 Momentum Remains Strong

x3sphere — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:54:01 +0000

October NPD results are in. Nintendo had a strong showing, shifting 506,900 Wii units, no doubt thanks to the $50 price cut that went into effect late last September. Despite an overall slump in sales elsewhere across the spectrum, PS3 sales remained relatively brisk, edging past the Xbox 360 by around 70,000 in total unit sales.

All in all, it was a $1.07 billion month for the video game industry, a 13 percent drop from last year. Much of that decline can be attributed to the hardware sector. Expect things to perk up next month, though, evident by the blockbuster sales of Modern Warfare 2. Front-runner titles like Assassin’s Creed 2 and Left 4 Dead 2 will likely follow in its footsteps. See the full breakdown of hardware and software sales past the jump.

Hardware Units

PlayStation 2 117.8K
PlayStation 3 320.6K
PSP 174.6K
Xbox 360 249.7K
Wii 506.9K
Nintendo DS 457.6K

Top 10 VG Console/Portable SKU’s October 2009

Title Platform Publisher Release Date Units Rank

UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES PS3 SONY Oct-09 537,000 1
WII FIT PLUS* WII NINTENDO OF AMERICA Oct-09 441,000 2
BORDERLANDS 360 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE Oct-09 418,000 3
WII SPORTS RESORT* WII NINTENDO OF AMERICA Jul-09 314,000 4
NBA 2K10* 360 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE Oct-09 311,000 5
HALO 3: ODST 360 MICROSOFT Sep-09 271,000 6
NBA 2K10* PS3 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE Oct-09 213,000 7
FORZA MOTORSPORT 3 360 MICROSOFT Oct-09 175,000 8
KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 DAYS NDS SQUARE ENIX INC Sep-09 169,000 9
FIFA SOCCER 10 360 ELECTRONIC ARTS Oct-09 156,000 10

October NPD: Wii Sales Rebound, PS3 Momentum Remains Strong - [eXophase.com]

Analyst: Modern Warfare 2 Sold 7 Million On Day One

x3sphere — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:55:52 +0000

With an official count of 1.23 million units sold in the UK on launch day, Modern Warfare 2 is well on track to become this year’s biggest entertainment launch, just as publisher Activision said it would.

How is the proper sequel to 2007’s Infinity Ward-developed Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare stacking up in terms of worldwide sales? While exact figures are still unknown, Broadpoint AmTech analyst Ben Schachter surmises that 7 million copies went into the hands of gamers worldwide on day one.

It’s a lofty prediction, but very possible, taking the buzz surrounding this launch into consideration. If true, it’d mean that MW2 nearly doubled the units GTA IV sold on its first day. Quite an impressive feat.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Sold an Estimated 7 Million Copies Day One, says Analyst [GameDaily]

Analyst: Modern Warfare 2 Sold 7 Million On Day One - [eXophase.com]

Capcom Opts To Release Resident Evil 5 Alternate Edition Content As DLC In U.S., Europe

x3sphere — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:00:51 +0000

In a decision swayed by community votes, Capcom today confirmed that it will release the extra content contained within Resident Evil 5 Alternate Edition as DLC in the U.S. and Europe.

First revealed at TGS, this director’s cut version of the game features support for Sony’s upcoming wand motion-sensing controller as well as an extra segment of playable content starring Jill Valentine.

The content will be made available on PSN and Xbox Live Marketplace in Spring 2010. No word on price yet, but we’ll find out once the release date approaches. Additionally, Capcom has yet to detail its distribution plan for PC owners of the game.

Capcom Opts To Release Resident Evil 5 Alternate Edition Content As DLC In U.S., Europe - [eXophase.com]

Borderlands ‘Zombie Island’ DLC Due Out November 24 On 360, PS3

x3sphere — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:17:27 +0000

Developer Gearbox Software today stamped a November 24 release date on the first batch of downloadable content for its open-world RPG Borderlands. Priced at $9.99, it welcomes players to Dr. Ned’s Zombie Island, an eery land inhabited by humans-turned-zombies following the breakout of a virus. It’s up to you to restore peace by finding a cure.

Note that this date only applies to PS3 and Xbox 360. There’s no word yet if PC owners will be able to access this content. We assume they will, but at a later date.

Borderlands ‘Zombie Island’ DLC Due Out November 24 On 360, PS3 - [eXophase.com]

Valve Downplays PS3 Online Community

x3sphere — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:33:08 +0000

Valve has been quite vocal regarding its disdain for the PS3, but it seems a complex CELL architecture is not the only factor that’s driving the famed Half Life developer to keep its distance from Sony.

Speaking in a recent interview with CVG, Valve project manager Chet Faliszek took a sharp hit at Sony’s online community, proclaiming that Xbox Live is “head and shoulders above the PS3.” This apparently is a factor that weighed in heavy when deciding to keep Left 4 Dead exclusive to two platforms only, those being the Xbox 360 and PC.

In hooking up with your friends and the community aspects, I think the Xbox 360 is head and shoulders above the PS3. The 360 and PC are on par, right?

I’d agree that 360 has the edge, but bare in mind that PSN is completely free. Not to mention, Sony has had less time to build up its network. Without playing favorites, we don’t think it’s exactly fair to compare given these points.

Valve: 360 community “head and shoulders above PS3″ [CVG]

Valve Downplays PS3 Online Community - [eXophase.com]

Braid Hitting PSN Next Week

x3sphere — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:04:40 +0000

It’s been a long time coming, but Jonathan Blow’s time-bending platformer Braid will finally make the jump to PS3 next week. Slated to hit the service on November 12, developer Hothead Games is handing the port. A European release is scheduled to follow at a later date.

The PSN version of Braid will be appropriately priced at $14.99, same as its Xbox 360 counterpart.

Braid Hitting PSN Next Week - [eXophase.com]

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack Now $5 On PSN, XBLM This Week Only

x3sphere — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:20:54 +0000

In what we presume is a last ditch effort to move copies of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and associated downloadable content in preparation for the release of its follow-up, Activision has slashed the price on Infinity Ward’s Variety Map Pack, bringing it down to $4.99, a 50 percent reduction. That translates to 400 Microsoft Points on the 360 side of things. The pack was released last year as the final piece of DLC for CoD 4 and features four additional maps, namely Broadcast, Creek, Chinatown and Killhouse.

The reduced price is valid for this week only. To coincide with the sale, Acti is hosting a Double XP weekend from November 6-8 on PSN and XBL.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack Now $5 On PSN, XBLM This Week Only - [eXophase.com]

SCEA: PlayStation Home Bustling With Activity, Still A Top Priority

x3sphere — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:39:53 +0000

SCEE may not feel PlayStation Home is a priority right now, but the opinion of SCEA differs radically. Speaking in response to comments made by Pete Edwards, U.S. PS Home director Jack Buser says the service is currently bustling with activity, with over 200 events and parties hosted in the virtual community since its soft-launch last December. Suffice to say, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen both divisions on separate wavelengths.

In an email communication with Kotaku, Buser labels Home as a “huge priority” on all fronts, noting that “Home’s growth and success is a huge priority for us from a business standpoint, a platform standpoint, a community standpoint, as well as a personal standpoint. Everyone on the team is a heavy user of Home, and we love and use it ourselves nearly every day!”

It’s reassuring to hear that interest in expanding Home is still high on at least one side of the fence. The potential is there, we’d hate to see it go to waste.

SCEA: PlayStation Home Bustling With Activity, Still A Top Priority - [eXophase.com]

God of War III Ultimate Edition Revealed, Carries Hefty $100 Price Tag

x3sphere — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:19:32 +0000

Sony is preparing for the release of God of War III in a way that would make Kratos proud. Today the company revealed its $100 Ultimate Edition offering of the game, which features oodles of premium collectibles and exclusive digital content, sure to appease even the most diehard fan.

The contents of this package are listed below. Beware, it’s quite an exhaustive list.

Exclusive Collectibles

• High-End Sculpted Replica of Pandora’s Box
• Limited-Edition God of War Art Book featuring exclusive art, content and interviews

Exclusive Digital Content (Available via PlayStation Network voucher codes on day of launch)

• God of War Combat Arena containing an exclusive environment and seven challenges
• Premium Kratos Skin – Dominus
• God of War: Unearthing the Legend Franchise Documentary – a full-length movie documentary depicting the history of the God of War franchise
• God of War Trilogy Soundtrack – God of War, II, and III scores from the game (mp3 digital download).
• God of War: Blood and Metal EP – a heavy metal homage featuring original music inspired by God of War (mp3 digital download).

Additionally, Sony is offering yet another means of gaining access to the God of War III demo. Those who pre-order the full game at “select retailers” — either the standard or ultimate variant — will receive a voucher code to download the demo via PSN. Coupled with this incentive, outlets Amazon, GameCrazy and GameStop are all offering downloadable skins that can be used to alter Kratos’ appearance in-game.

God of War III Ultimate Edition Revealed, Carries Hefty $100 Price Tag - [eXophase.com]

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 40 Percent Off On Steam

x3sphere — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:44:57 +0000

In preparation for the imminent launch of Modern Warfare 2, Activision is running a weekend sale on Steam for the previous installment.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare can be now be had for 40 percent off the usual purchase price, bringing it to a total of $23.99. Not a bad deal if you’re one of the few who have yet to play this one. It’ll keep you busy until the sequel hits, that’s for sure.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 40 Percent Off On Steam - [eXophase.com]

SCEE: PlayStation Home No Longer A Priority, At Least For Now

x3sphere — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:59:45 +0000

Remember PlayStation Home? We’re not sure if you log-on the service regularly anymore, but at one point in time, it was a pretty big thing for Sony, being touted as a cross between a virtual world and social network for PS3 owners. Fast forward to today and we rarely hear about it at all, aside from the infrequent addition a new Home space every now and then. Not to mention, updates on the service have been few and far between as of late. Has Sony placed Home on the backburner? It seems so. And for now, the answer is yes, according to director Pete Edwards.

It’s been a long road. We’ve proved there is a market out there and we’ve got a lot of people that spend a lot of time in [Home]. It’s not a priority right now but there is a business model there.

Going forward, it seems we can expect developments to move slow on the Home front, as Sony is clearly placing its priorities elsewhere.

PlayStation Home Not A Business Priority [Edge]

SCEE: PlayStation Home No Longer A Priority, At Least For Now - [eXophase.com]

PlayStation Store Update Thursday: Trick Or Treat

x3sphere — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:27:01 +0000

It’s the PlayStation Store update leading up to Halloween and Sony is celebrating by running a sale on select on select PSN offerings. Super Stardust Portable, echochrome, Myst, Brain Challenge, and Unbound Saga can all be had for 50% off their original purchase price, this week only. Additionally, Manhunt 2 is now available at the permanently reduced price of $19.99.

Elsewhere, Inferno Pool and Hasbro Family Game Night emerge as downloadables on the PS3 front, as does a playable demo of Ratchet And Clank Future: A Crack In Time. On the PSP side of things, Zombie Tycoon and Yummy Yummy Cooking Jam make their to way to the Minis catalog this week, along with UMD legacy titles Mega Man Maverick Hunter X and LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival.

Full listing after the break.

PSP Game Sale

Super Stardust Portable, echochrome, Myst, Brain Challenge, and Unbound Saga are 50% off through November 4th. Manhunt 2’s price has been reduced to $19.99.

Downloadable Games

Inferno Pool ($9.99)
Inferno Pool is a revolutionary, simultaneous multi-player Pool action game, where every ball you pot is dropped onto your opponents table. Battle against your friends locally or compete against the world online. Learn punishing skill shots to unleash Inferno Mode and humiliate your opponents. This is Pool on fire!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 271 MB

Hasbro Family Game Night ($39.99)
Join your host Mr. Potato Head as you play classic Hasbro games as well as exciting new versions. Hasbro Family Game Night features family favorites such as CONNECT FOUR, BATTLESHIP, YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, SORRY! and the all new, SORRY! Sliders.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 264 MB

Game Demos (free)

Ratchet And Clank Future: A Crack In Time – Ratchet Demo
Battle the savage Agorians in this Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time demo, brought to you by Amazon.com! Experience this non-linear level with plenty of areas to explore, weapons to try and new gadgets like the Hoverboots that let Ratchet soar to new heights!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 2.33 GB

Fat Princess Demo
Rescue your beloved princess through teamwork in this comic medieval battle royale. There’s a catch, though—the other team has been feeding her magical cake, making her harder to escort back to your castle. Choose from five distinct character classes and switch at any time to best help your team as you work to save your princess. Download the demo today!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 235 MB

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 Demo
PES2010 is being hailed as the best football simulation and now you can try it for yourself. PES 2010 features incredibly detailed visuals with refined controls and skills. The multiplayer demo also allows players to test new tactical sliders and settings.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 960 MB
Add-on Game Content

PAIN – Celebrity Character Elvira ($1.99)
Introducing PAIN’s first female celebrity, Elvira! The Mistress of the Dark wears her Gothic gown to look her best in her special poses as you launch her in any PAIN environment and mode. And don’t let this campy vamp cast a spell on you with her sassy humor, Elvira’s plenty used to horrifying situations and can surely take some PAIN! Download Elvira today!
File size: 100 KB

Trivial Pursuit Sports Pack ($4.99)
For Sports fans everywhere! Trivial Pursuit enters a new league with hundreds of new questions from the world of Sports.
File size: 37 MB

DJ Hero Extended Mix Pack ($5.99)
Downloadable Track Pack for DJ Hero featuring “All Of Me” by 50 Cent featuring Mary J. Blige vs “Radio Ga Ga” by Queen and “DARE” by Gorillaz vs “Can’t Truss It” by Public Enemy. Please Note: Some mixes may be available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.djhero.com.
File size: 34 MB

Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

* “Gor Gor” by GWAR ($1.99)
* “Beautiful People” by Marilyn Manson ($1.99)
* “Astro Zombies” by The Misfits ($1.99)
* All Hallows Eve Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Gor Gor” by GWAR, “Beautiful People” by Marilyn Manson, and “Astro Zombies” by The Misfits. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

File size: 24 MB – 45 MB (singles), 108 MB (track pack)

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

* “Sundial” — Wolfmother ($1.99)
* “Pilgrim” — Wolfmother ($1.99)
* “Woman” — Wolfmother ($1.99)
* “White Unicorn” — Wolfmother ($1.99)
* “New Moon Rising” — Wolfmother ($1.99)
* Wolfmother Pack 01 ($8.49)- Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Wolfmother Pack 01. This pack includes: “New Moon Rising,” “Pilgrim,” “Sundial,” “White Unicorn” and “Woman” by Wolfmother.
* “Superbeast” — Rob Zombie ($1.99)
* “Dragula” — Rob Zombie ($1.99)
* “Burn” — Rob Zombie ($1.99)
* Rob Zombie Pack 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Rob Zombie Pack 01. This pack includes: “Burn,” “Dragula,” and “Superbeast” by Rob Zombie.
* “Sugarbaby” — Morningwood ($0.99)
* “Best of Me” — Morningwood ($0.99)
* “Rock Me” — Liz Phair ($1.99)

File sizes: 19 MB – 37 MB (singles), 71 MB – 148 MB (track packs)

Game Videos (free)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes – Mastering the Cell Processor
File size: 220 MB (HD)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes – Online Technology
File size: 264 MB (HD)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes -Thinking Like A Dog
File size: 201 MB (HD)

The Saboteur – Irishman In Paris
File size: 83 MB (HD)

NBA 2K10 – Post-Moves Trailer
File size: 37 MB (HD)

Just Cause 2 – Vertical Gameplay
File size: 125 MB (HD)

Just Cause 2 – Panau Trailer
File size: 176 MB (HD)

Just Cause 2 – Announcement Trailer
File size: 81 MB (HD)

Front Mission Evolved – TGS 2009 Trailer
File size: 73 MB (HD)

Dragon Age Origins – Warden’s Calling
File size: 81 MB (HD)

Dragon Age Origins – Dalish Elf
File size: 79 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Squad Story 1
File size: 65 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Squad Story 2
File size: 78 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed II – Dev Diary 1
File size: 132 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed II – Dev Diary 2
File size: 133 MB (HD)

PAIN – Celebrity Character Elvira Trailer
File size: 63 MB (HD)

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Story Trailer
File size: 58 MB (HD)

Themes

Apache Gunship Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.74 MB

German Panther Tank Theme 2 ($1.99)
File size: 5.72 MB

Infantry Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.32 MB

Lingerie Football League: Dallas Desire Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.83 MB

Skull Bash Theme ($1.99)
File size: 2.94 MB

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.37 MB

South Park Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 5.47 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

PSP Minis

Zombie Tycoon ($7.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 54 MB

Yummy Yummy Cooking Jam ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 17 MB

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront)

LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival ($14.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 189 MB

NBA 2K10 ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 932 MB

Darkstalkers Chronicles: The Chaos Tower ($19.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 658 MB

Mega Man Maverick Hunter X ($19.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 413 MB

Crystal Defenders ($9.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 13 MB

Petz Dogz Family ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 61 MB

Petz Hamsterz Bunch ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 25 MB

Petz Saddle Club ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.17 GB
Game Demos (free)

LocoRoco Midnight Carnival Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 188 MB

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Demo
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 183 MB

Crystal Defenders PSP Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 11 MB

Petz Saddle Club Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 171 MB

Add-on Game Content

Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

* “My Old School” — Steely Dan ($1.99)
* “Kool Thing” — Sonic Youth ($1.99)

File sizes: 18 MB – 23 MB

Game Videos (free)

Beaterator – Timbaland Trailer
File size: 19 MB

Beaterator – Intro Trailer
File size: 21 MB

Beaterator – Sessions: Max & Clay
File size: 19 MB

Beaterator – Sessions: Artist Series 1
File size: 8.3 MB

Beaterator – Sessions: Artist Series 2
File size: 11 MB

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier – Story Trailer
File size: 10 MB

Thexder Neo – Launch Trailer
File size: 11 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 storefront)

Apache Gunship Theme ($1.49)
File size: 462 KB

Infantry Theme ($1.49)
File size: 377 KB

German Panther Tanks Theme 3 ($1.49)
File size: 563 KB

German Panther Tanks Theme 4 ($1.49)
File size: 579 KB

Lingerie Football League: Dallas Desire Theme ($1.99)
File size: 501 KB

Skull Bash Theme 1 ($0.99)
File size: 188 KB

Skull Bash Theme 2 ($0.99)
File size: 326 KB

PlayStation Store Update Thursday: Trick Or Treat - [eXophase.com]

Man Blames Silent Hill for Cutting Hospital Power

x3sphere — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:49:06 +0000

It’s one thing to have dreams about assuming the life of a video game character, but taking those actions into reality is another, and is telling of when you’ve overstepped your bounds. That’s what Jan H. did when he shut off the main power switch at Sophia Hospital in the Netherlands last April, blaming his actions on Silent Hill, Konami’s hit survival horror franchise.

A court ruling that wrapped up last Tuesday concluded that the man was not guilty but did suffer from psychosis, which led to the subconscious belief that he was solving a puzzle from the game. As a consequence, he will now undergo psychiatric treatment in order to combat this condition. Luckily patients in the hospital remained unharmed throughout this whole ordeal, which resulted in a 45-minute blackout.

Insane. That’s all we can say.

Man found not guilty after blacking out hospital [24 oranges]

Man Blames Silent Hill for Cutting Hospital Power - [eXophase.com]

GTA IV Episodes Not An Afterthought, Planned From The Beginning

x3sphere — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:24:37 +0000

Speaking in a recent interview with CVG, Rockstar North’s Imran Sarwar stated that both pieces of Grand Theft Auto IV DLC were planned “from the beginning.” Rather than building on top of the expansive world in GTA IV after completion, Rockstar decided to flesh everything out at the start, from concept to creation. Additionally, the aim for Niko’s persona was “to make him feel like a small part of a much larger world.”

Further, Sarwar elaborated on why including the DLC with the retail product was not possible:

“I think if we had it would have been impossible to focus on each separate aspect of gameplay properly, the stories and the gameplay are inextricably linked.

The last episode for GTA IV went live on Xbox 360 this week, The Ballad of Gay Tony.

Rockstar: GTA episodes were “plan from the beginning” [CVG]

GTA IV Episodes Not An Afterthought, Planned From The Beginning - [eXophase.com]

District 9 Blu-ray To Include Playable God of War III Demo

x3sphere — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:56:37 +0000

It may be an unlikely pairing, mixing sci-fi with ancient Greek methodology, but it’s one Sony is banking on to spread word about God of War III. Sony Pictures announced today that the upcoming District 9 Blu-ray disc will feature a playable demo of Kratos’ third outing.

We are thrilled to give consumers not only an incredible high definition presentation of District 9 and the wealth of bonus material about the movie, but also a taste of what is destined to be the biggest video game of 2010. This pairing of the movie and game demo is just another example of what is possible with the Blu-ray format.

What’s more, is that after completing the demo on their PS3, players will be treated to a GoW III making-of featurette.

Bundling games with movies is a rare sight, so this comes as a bit of a surprise. The genre mix leaves us a bit perplexed, too, but we suppose it can’t hurt. Both titles appeal to the same demographic after all.

District 9 Blu-ray To Include Playable God of War III Demo - [eXophase.com]

Sony Stamps November 17 Release Date On God of War Collection, Trophies Revealed

x3sphere — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:28:37 +0000

Sony today stamped a November 17 release date on the God of War Collection, alongside revealing the game’s entire trophy list. For those unaware, the game is a conglomeration of GoW and GoW II remastered in glorious HD on a single Blu-ray disc.

Interestingly, it features not one, but two collectible platinum trophies. Sony really went the extra mile to appease those with a knack for trophy hording with this one.

See the full list over at the PS blog.

Sony Stamps November 17 Release Date On God of War Collection, Trophies Revealed - [eXophase.com]

Insomniac: PS3 Potential Won’t Be Reached Until Another 2-3 Years

x3sphere — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:32:24 +0000

Despite Naughty Dog’s assurance that Uncharted 2 is taking advantage of all the computational power offered by PS3, Insomniac believes there still is room for improvement by way of fine tuning code. Senior community manager James Stevenson reckons it’ll be at least another 2-3 years before the system is fully maxed out.

I still think you’re not going to see the PS3 really maxed out for another two to three years. We’re using all of the PS3 right now, but you can always be more efficient in the way you use it.

Makes us all the more eager to find out what Insomniac’s next project is.

Insomniac: PS3 won’t be maxed out for 2-3 years [CVG]

Insomniac: PS3 Potential Won’t Be Reached Until Another 2-3 Years - [eXophase.com]

Uncharted 2 Exceeding Expectations At Retail, DLC Coming Before Year’s End

x3sphere — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:08:38 +0000

As if anyone expected otherwise, Uncharted 2 is well on its way to cementing its status as one of the top-selling PS3 titles, with developer Naughty Dog revealing that unit sales have “exceeding expectations.” In fact, company creative director Amy Hennig says it is already on track to outsell the original “many, many” times over.

I would definitely say it’s exceeding expectation. Being in the industry for a while you learn to try to manage your expectations because you’d rather be surprised with good news than disappointed. It’s a tough business, but from the early numbers I’ve seen getting reported back it’s exceeded any estimates we had internally, and it’s certainly outsold the first game by many, many times. That and the critical reception so far has been really gratifying.

Hennig further mentioned that the first bout of DLC is coming soon, slated to hit before this year’s end. Without delving into specifics, she noted that the pack will feature new characters and levels content-wise. Bring it on we say.

Uncharted 2 ‘Exceeding Expectations,’ DLC This Year, says Naughty Dog [GI.biz]

Uncharted 2 Exceeding Expectations At Retail, DLC Coming Before Year’s End - [eXophase.com]

PlayStation Store Update Thursday: Trine

x3sphere — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:16:29 +0000

Headlining this week’s PlayStation Store is Frozenbyte’s enchanting fantasy-action puzzler Trine. Joing that is a couplet of PSOne classics, namely Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee and Oddworld: Abe’s Exodus. For those looking to test-drive some PSN titles, Ratchet And Clank Future: A Crack In Time, Critter Crunch, and Dragon Ball: Raging Blast are all available in demo form.

For the frugal deal hunters among us, Lumines Supernova has been permanently marked down to $9.99 while Burnout Paradise and Siren Halloween have received a temporary reduction down to $14.99 and $29.99 respectively.

With 18 newly added UMD legacy titles, portable offerings are also in surplus this week, which should put a grin on the faces of early PSPgo adopters. See the complete list past the break.

Updates

Lumines Supernova Permanent Price Drop (now $9.99)

Burnout Paradise Temporary Price Drop (now $14.99)

Siren Halloween Sale! (full game now $29.99, originally $39.99 – three bundles now $11.99, originally $14.99)

Downloadable Games

Trine ($19.99)
Adventure, Action and Contemplation await you in the world of Trine. Lots of traps and an army of skeletons are waiting to give you a warm welcome! In order to help you complete your quest, you can rely on the talents of a great team: a failed magician, a stingy thief and a knight on the way down. It’s up to you to get the best out of this likeable trio!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 355 MB

PSone Classics: PS3/PSP

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee ($9.99)
In a world filled with danger, carnivores, meat-packing plants, and guards with guns…you’re the skinny guy with no weapons. Download this PSone classic game today to run, jump, hide, and talk your way to safety and try to save your race!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 470 MB

Oddworld: Abe’s Exodus ($9.99)
SoulStorm brewery is using Mudokon tears as a key ingredient in their latest best-selling beverage. Download this PSone classic game now to help Abe save them before they cry themselves into extinction!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 753 MB
Game Demos (free)

Ratchet And Clank Future: A Crack In Time – Clank Demo
Try out the brand new time-based Clank gameplay and puzzles as you explore the Great Clock in this demo for Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time!
This brand new gameplay style gives Clank special “Time” abilities that allow him to solve complex puzzles and stop Dr. Nefarious’ evil plans!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 2.35 GB

Critter Crunch Demo
Critter Crunch is an award winning, arcade-style puzzle game, starring the loveable Biggs. Using his long, sticky tongue to grab critters from vines, he feeds them to each other until they burst, dropping tasty jewels. Players will eat their way through a smorgasbord of levels and gorge on a feast of modes, including Co-op and Versus multiplayer.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 424 MB

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast Demo
Experience the fast and powerful fighting style of the popular Dragon Ball Z series in this brand new demo! Freely control either Goku, Raditz or Piccolo and battle it out in VS. Mode with high-speed, vertical combat. Turn up the intensity with signature moves and Super Attacks and feel the destructive power of your blows as you smash your opponent to bits in one of the game’s large-scale, 3D battlefields.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 358 MB

Add-on Game Content

FIFA Soccer 10 Live Season 2.0 All Leagues ($9.99)
File size: N/A

Lumines Supernova Add-on Bundle ($4.99)
File size: 284 MB

Lumines Supernova Holiday pack ($2.49)
File size: 148 MB

Way of the Samurai 3 – Head & Apparel Items
File size: 102 KB

Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

* “Lay It On The Line” by Triumph ($1.99)
* ”Show Me The Way (Live)” by Peter Frampton ($1.99)
* ”Freeze-Frame” by J. Geils Band ($1.99)
* Classic Rock 2 Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Freeze-Frame” by J. Geils Band, “Show Me The Way (Live)” by Peter Frampton, and “Lay It On The Line” by Triumph. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

File size: 40 MB – 47 MB (singles), 129 MB (track pack)

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

* “Because” by The Beatles ($1.99)
* “Oh! Darling” by The Beatles ($1.99)
* “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” by The Beatles ($1.99)
* Abbey Road Album — The Beatles ($16.99) – Build your library for The Beatles: Rock Band by purchasing Abbey Road (Album).
* “Another One Bites the Dust”— Queen ($1.99)
* “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”— Queen ($1.99)
* “Fat Bottomed Girls” — Queen ($1.99)
* “I Want It All”— Queen ($1.99)
* “I Want to Break Free”— Queen ($1.99)
* “Killer Queen”— Queen ($1.99)
* “One Vision”— Queen ($1.99)
* “Somebody to Love”— Queen ($1.99)
* “Tie Your Mother Down”— Queen ($1.99)
* “Under Pressure”— Queen ($1.99)
* Queen Pack 01 ($15.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Queen 01. This pack includes “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” “I Want It All,” “I Want to Break Free,” “Killer Queen,” “One Vision,” “Somebody to Love,” “Tie Your Mother Down,” and “Under Pressure” by Queen.

File sizes: 17 MB – 42 MB (singles), 247 MB – 387 MB (track packs)

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 10/22 Edition
Join host Christina Lee for PULSE presented by the PlayStation Network. This edition features a peek into Naughty Dog’s exclusive wrap party for UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves, the latest games including Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Trine, Tekken 6 and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. New video releases include titles that will put you in the mood for Halloween, such as Drag Me to Hell, Orphan and Metalocalypse.
File sizes: 269 MB (HD) 451 MB (1080)

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves – Eye of Indra 1
File sizes: 300 MB (HD) 517 MB (1080)

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes: Technology and Gameplay
File size: 272 MB (HD)

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes 2: Story And Art
File size: 294 MB (HD)

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes 3: Making of the Cinematics
File size: 333 MB (HD)

Aliens vs. Predator – Predator Trailer
File size: 61 MB (HD)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Infamy Trailer
File size: 89 MB (HD) 148 MB (1080)

Guitar Hero Van Halen Trailer
File size: 48 MB (HD)

FINAL FANTASY XIII TGS 2009 Trailer
File size: 308 MB (HD)

Dragon Age: Origins Sacred Ashes Trailer
File size: 170 MB (HD)

Dragon Age: Origins Stone Prisoner Trailer
File size: 55 MB (HD)

Dragon Age: Origins Warden’s Keep Trailer
File size: 57 MB (HD)

Summer Dew Tour Videos (x8)
File sizes: 50 MB – 114 MB (HD)
Themes

Hot Pockets PS3 Theme (free) (U.S. Only)
File size: 4.26 MB

School Girls Attack! Hook-Ups Theme ($1.99)
File size: 3.07 MB

Tokyo City Police Hook-Ups Theme ($1.99)
File size: 3.34 MB

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Theme ($1.99) (U.S. Only)
File size: 11 MB

40’s WWII Pinups Theme ($1.99)
File size: 4.18 MB

Beach Theme 2 ($1.99)
File size: 5.78 MB

Zombies On TV Theme ($1.99)
File size: 4.40 MB
Wallpaper (free)

LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival Wallpaper
File size: 28 KB

Hot Pockets PS3 Wallpaper (x3) (U.S. Only)
File sizes: 160 – 263 (SD), 758 KB – 1.23 MB (HD)
PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront)

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories ($19.99)
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.13 GB

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories ($19.99)
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.55 GB

The Warriors ($19.99)
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.55 GB

Lemmings ($15.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 180 MB

Undead Knights ($39.99)
ESRB Rated M
File size: 486 MB

The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 669 MB

Marvel Super Hero Squad ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 1.30 GB

Steambot Chronicles Battle Tournament ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 125 MB

Hammerin’ Hero ($19.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 103 MB

R-Type Command ($14.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 148 MB

Crimson Gem Saga ($29.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 783 MB

Riviera: The Promised Land ($14.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 478 MB

Yggdra Union ($14.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 535 MB

Capcom Puzzle World ($19.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 260 MB

FIFA Soccer 10 PSP (and French version) ($39.99)
ESRB Rated E
File sizes: 1.15 GB – 1.19 GB

Armored Core 3 Portable ($14.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 324 MB

Half-Minute Hero ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 101 MB

WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2010 ($39.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 1.11 GB
PSP Demos (free)

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron Demo
ESRB Rated T
File size: 72 MB

Add-on Game Content

Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com/.

* “All I Want”— The Offspring ($1.99)
* “The Rock Show”— Blink-182 ($1.99)

File sizes: 12 MB – 15 MB
Game Videos (free)

Pulse 10/22 Edition
File size: 51 MB

PSP Themes

LocoRoco Midnight Carnival Theme (free) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 264 KB

Cat Girl Akiko Hook-Ups PSP Theme ($1.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 339 KB

Ice Cream Girls Hook-Ups PSP Theme ($1.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 318 KB

Nurse Girl Nikki Hook-Ups PSP Theme ($1.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 331 KB

School Girl Attack! Hook-Ups PSP Theme ($1.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 324 KB

Tokyo City Police Hook-Ups PSP Theme ($1.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 461 KB

40’s WWII Pinups PSP Theme 1 and 2 ($1.49 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 486 KB – 513 KB

Beach PSP Theme 3 and 4 ($1.49 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 613 KB – 622 KB

Zombies On TV PSP Theme 1 and 2 ($1.49 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 424 KB – 435 KB

Wallpaper (free)

LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival Wallpaper (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 28 KB

PlayStation Store Update Thursday: Trine - [eXophase.com]

Call of Duty: World At War DLC Generates $70 Million In Sales

x3sphere — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:05:19 +0000

DLC is becoming quite a significant revenue stream for publishers. According to analysis conducted by Gamasutra staff writer Matt Matthews, Call of Duty: World at War map pack downloads have reached seven million. Back in August, Activision pegged sales at 6.5 million. With a two month gap, that estimation is rather conservative. And at ten a pop, that’s a cool 70 million in revenue, barring licensing and distribution costs incurred on PSN on Xbox Live.

It’s safe to say we’ll be seeing multiple map packs for Modern Warfare 2.

Analysis: How Call Of Duty DLC Boosts Revenue, Publicity [Gamasutra]

Call of Duty: World At War DLC Generates $70 Million In Sales - [eXophase.com]

New Prison Break: The Conspiracy Screenshots Surface

x3sphere — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:42:53 +0000

The long-winded tale of Prison Break may be over and done with on network television, but developer Deep Silver is still hard at work on a game adaptation dubbed Prison Break: The Conspiracy. Story-wise, it runs in parallel to the events of the original show and from the latest screenshots, actually looks quite faithful to the real thing. Consider us impressed.

Of course, what matters most is gameplay and the fact that TV show adaption generally have a poor track record on the video game front makes us cautiously optimistic. It’d be nice to see Prison Break break the mold, though. We’re just hoping a bulk of the game focuses on season 1, before it delved into the outlandish government conspiracy plot line. When taking the game’s title into account, however, that doesn’t seem likely.

Prison Break: The Conspiracy is due out on Xbox 360, PC, and PS3. A release date has yet to announced.

Prison Break: The Conspiracy Screenshots

New Prison Break: The Conspiracy Screenshots Surface - [eXophase.com]

September NPD: PS3 Leads Console Hardware Sales

x3sphere — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:35:11 +0000

The NPD numbers for September are in and for the first time ever, PS3 is leading the pack in console hardware sales. This is no doubt thanks to the price cut and introduction of a slim model. While the Nintendo DS took reign as the top selling platform, this is still a significant victory for Sony, having outsold both the Xbox 360 and Wii by a fairly large margin.

See it all after the break.

Hardware Units

PlayStation 2 146.0K
PlayStation 3 491.8K
PSP 190.4K
Xbox 360 352.6K
Wii 462.8K
Nintendo DS 524.2K

Top 10 VG Console/Portable SKU’s September 2009
Title Platform Publisher Release Date Units Rank
HALO 3:ODST 360 MICROSOFT (CORP) Sep-09 1.52M 1
WII SPORTS RESORT W/ WII MOTION PLUS WII NINTENDO OF AMERICA Jul-09 442.9K 2
MADDEN NFL 10 360 ELECTRONIC ARTS Aug-09 289.6K 3
MARIO & LUIGI:BOWSER’S INSIDE STORY NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA Sep-09 258.1K 4
THE BEATLES:ROCK BAND* 360 MTV GAMES/ELECTRONIC ARTS Sep-09 254.0K 5
MADDEN NFL 10 PS3 ELECTRONIC ARTS Aug-09 246.5K 6
MARVEL:ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 2 360 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD (CORP) Sep-09 236.0K 7
BATMAN:ARKHAM ASYLUM* PS3 SQUARE ENIX INC (CORP) Aug-09 212.5K 8
GUITAR HERO 5* 360 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD (CORP) Sep-09 210.8K 9
THE BEATLES:ROCK BAND* WII MTV GAMES/ELECTRONIC ARTS Sep-09 208.6K 10

September NPD: PS3 Leads Console Hardware Sales - [eXophase.com]

3D Realms Says Uncharted 2 On Par With Half Life Series

x3sphere — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:50:28 +0000

While the studio behind Duke Nukem has ceased development efforts due to a lack of funding, its founders are still eying the competition. 3D Realms president George Broussard was so impressed with the single player experience of Uncharted 2 that he’s gone and compared it – quite favorably to say the least – to that of the Half Life franchise.

Amazing single player experiences, nearly, if not, on par with Half-Life 1/2. I haven’t felt this giddy over a game series since Half-Life. This is epic badassery right here. Believe the hype.

The praise doesn’t end there. Broussard further proclaims that the title is Game of the Year material, making it a contender for the best action game ever in his book. Those sure are some choice words.

With such glowing reviews from critics, it sounds like Uncharted 2 is shaping up to be a must-buy for any PS3 owner, just like the original before it. Naughty Dog has crafted another hit that will no doubt stand the test of time.

3D Realms Says Uncharted 2 On Par With Half Life Series - [eXophase.com]

PlayStation Store Update Thusday: Eclectic

x3sphere — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:34:07 +0000

Sony serves up an eclectic mix of offerings to the PlayStation Network storefront this Thursday, spearheaded by interactive music experience .detuned. Developed by demoscene group .theprodukkt, it fosters creativity by allowing players to create dynamic artwork by means of manipulating various scenes in a highly stylized experience. Other notable mentions are Mushroom Wars, BUZZ! Junior: Monster Rally, and topatoi: The Great Tree Story.

Additionally, Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty and Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars have been given a temporary price reduction, bringing the two PSN titles down to $9.99 and $4.99 respectively.

And finally, for those disappointed in last week’s offerings on the PSP front, Sony has expanded the list of UMD legacy titles by nine. We’ll take that as an apology. Now available are hits like Midnight Club L.A. Remix, SOCOM Tactical Strike, and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max. See the full list after the break.

Updates

Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty Price Drop, Limited Time Only (now $9.99, regular price $14.99)

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars Temporary Sale (now $4.99, regular price $9.99))

Downloadable Games

.detuned ($2.99)
Developed by .theprodukkt, .detuned is a personalized, interactive music experience which gives you the opportunity to create dynamic artwork in real-time to accompany your XMB music collection. Manipulate the given scene by interacting with and modifying its unique graphics using the DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller. Plus you can change and tweak your own music to accompany the scene.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 53 MB

BUZZ! Junior: Monster Rally ($4.99)
Scare up some mayhem! Buzz! Junior: Monster Rally lets you choose a monster to explore the dark, spooky Monster Mansion. Now for the PlayStation 3 system, BUZZ! Junior: Monster Rally provides 4-way mischievous action and lets players fully customize their Monsters. Join in the monstrous fun through 5 mini-games from the original PS2 game. Compatible with BUZZ! buzzers or PlayStation 3 system controllers.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 467 MB

Mushroom Wars ($9.99)
Mushroom Wars is a fast-paced, accessible single and multiplayer RTS game with a quaint visual style that brings skirmish gameplay to the forefront. Battles of opposing tribes of Mushroom armies take place in close-quarters maps using simple, straight-forward controls against AI or friends. Short campaigns challenge players to take control of key strategic points. Conquest battles require complete annihilation of opponents.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 101 MB

topatoi: The Great Tree Story ($9.99)
topatoi for PlayStation 3 brings your screen to life with classic platforming gameplay over a variety of dynamic levels. Angry barbarians and tricky puzzles will challenge you at every step in the world of the Great Tree, but overcome these obstacles and you’ll unlock an extra fourteen bonus levels!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 204 MB
PSone Classics: PS3/PSP

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation ($5.99)
More moves, more enemies, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation! Experience the game that pushed the PlayStation to its limits! The indomitable Lara Croft returns in one of the most hard hitting and dramatic installments of the classic gaming franchise. How will Lara fare when danger surrounds her from all sides?
ESRB Rated T
File size: 485 MB

Game Demos (free)

NBA 2K10 Demo
Re-live the 2009 NBA Finals matchup with one of the most anticipated games releasing this fall, NBA 2K10. Download the demo today and get a quick look at the franchise that will again set the standard for basketball videogames by delivering an even better basketball experience this year via all-new gameplay components, out-of-this-world graphics, even more realistic Signature Style animations, all-new presentation elements and an unrivalled online system — this season you won’t just play the NBA, you’ll TAKE OVER.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 467 MB

Add-on Game Content

BUZZ! Quiz TV Space Pack ($5.99)
Isn’t it time a new star was discovered in the universe? Put yourself on the map and test yourself against this Space Quiz! The BUZZ!: Space Quiz pack features over 500 new questions about outer space to play in your favorite BUZZ!: Quiz TV and BUZZ!: Quiz World game modes. Download this quiz pack today and turn your party into the ultimate trivia showdown. Challenge friends and family with new questions and “Show ‘em Your Trivia!”
File size: 59 MB

Hot Shots Golf Costume Pack 4 ($2.99)
This Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds bundle includes the costume pack and PS3 theme!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.3 MB

High Velocity Bowling Doug Graves ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add Doug Graves to your High Velocity Bowling roster. Doug is a former pro bowler turned mortuary owner who has a mysteriously powerful throw. But after years of digging graves, arthritis has set in, preventing precise spin control like the good ole days. Download includes Doug’s special Tombstone ball, plus the new Crypt Lane.
File size: 45 MB

High Velocity Bowling Ball Pack: Halloween ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool pack of six custom “Halloween” theme bowling balls.
File size: 5.25 MB

High Velocity Bowling Ball Pack: Planets ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool pack of six custom “Planets” theme bowling balls.
File size: 4.17 MB

Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

* “California Queen” by Wolfmother ($1.99)
* “Cosmic Egg” by Wolfmother ($1.99)
* “Pilgrim” by Wolfmother ($1.99)
* Wolfmother Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Pilgrim”, “California Queen”, “Cosmic Egg” by Wolfmother. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

File size: 39 MB – 47 MB (singles) 124 MB (track pack)

Red Faction: Guerrilla Smasher Pack ($4.99)
Strategic destruction takes center stage in this Red Faction: Guerrilla Smasher Pack that adds a new Wrecking Crew mode and eight new Wrecking Crew maps. Jump behind the controls of an armored Walker and demolish large towers and structures in the new map Repercussion, then sit back and witness the devastating glory as the enemy stronghold crumbles in cascading destruction.
File size: 204MB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

* “Show Me the Way”— Black Tide ($1.99)
* “What’s My Age Again?”— Blink-182 ($1.99)
* “Satch Boogie”— Joe Satriani ($1.99)
* “Surfing with the Alien”— Joe Satriani ($1.99)
* “Icarus – Borne on Wings of Steel (Live)”— Kansas ($1.99)
* “Point of Know Return (Live)”— Kansas ($1.99)
* “Andres”— L7 ($1.99)
* “(We Are) The Road Crew ‘08”— Motörhead ($1.99)
* “The Metal”— Tenacious D ($1.99)
* “More Than Meets the Eye”— Testament ($1.99)
* The Brütal Legend Pack ($2.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: The Brütal Legend Pack. This pack includes: “(We Are) The Road Crew ‘08″ by Motörhead, “The Metal” by Tenacious D, and “More Than Meets the Eye” by Testament.

File sizes: 18 MB – 46 MB (singles) 70 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves – Cologne Gamescom Trailer
File size: 68 MB

Gran Turismo PSP TV Ad: Behind The Scenes
File size: 139 MB (HD) 240 MB (1080)

White Knight Chronicles Quest Trailer
File size: 84 MB (HD) 145 MB (1080)

LocoRoco – Midnight Carnival Trailer
File size: 54 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 10: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the AFL
File size: 41 MB (HD)

Tekken 6 Motivation Trailer
File size: 213 MB (1080)

DJ Hero Jazzy Jeff Trailer
File size: 65 MB (HD)

DJ Hero Grandmaster Flash Trailer
File size: 80 MB (HD)

UNO Trailer (including French and Spanish)
File sizes: 37 MB – 39 MB (HD)
Themes

Cat Girl Akiko Hook-Ups ($1.99)
File size: 3.24 MB

Ice Cream Girls Hook-Ups ($1.99)
File size: 3.00 MB

Nurse Girl Nikki Hook-Ups ($1.99)
File size: 2.92 MB

German Panther Tank ($1.49)
File size: 5.72 MB

Azmodeus Dark Angels 5 ($1.49)
File size: 3.30 MB

Azmodeus Dark Angels Premium Theme ($1.99)
File size: 8.68 MB

Hells Heads ($1.49)
File size: 5.72 MB

Nebula Tunnels ($1.49)
File size: 5.82 MB

Shades Of Autumn ($1.49)
File size: 5.95 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike ($15.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Downloadable version of SOCOM Tactical Strike for the PSP system which originally launched in November, 2007
ESRB Rated T
File size: 874 MB

Manhunt 2 ($29.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
An experiment at a secret research facility has gone catastrophically wrong. Daniel Lamb and Leo Kasper are the only surviving subjects. The Pickman Project will stop at nothing to hunt them down and stop the truth from getting out.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.03 GB

Midnight Club L.A. Remix ($19.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Race at breakneck speeds through the streets of modern-day L.A. in Midnight Club L.A. Remix, the ultimate racing experience for the PSP. Drive the hottest real-world tuners, muscle, luxury and exotic cars and superbikes on the streets today. Customize your vehicle with the best after-market performance parts and custom kits. And exclusive to Midnight Club L.A. Remix, travel to Tokyo to test your skills against the best racers in the world. Street racing with no track and no rules: Welcome to the Midnight Club.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 573 MB

Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition ($19.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
The series that took racing from the tracks to the open urban streets is raising the stakes even higher. Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition is the definitive racing experience for the PSP Portable Entertainment System, delivering an unparalleled level of speed
ESRB Rated E
File size: 952 MB

Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max ($19.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Widely considered to be the best fighting game for the PSP. An improved version of the furious third entry in the Street Fighter Alpha series. Tag out and the second fighter enters performing a jump attack, a move useful for escaping tight situations. Versus battles heat up with the Wi-Fi League Battle Mode that allow a maximum of eight players to duke it out in round-robin mini tournaments.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 199 MB

Astro Boy: The Video Game ($29.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Become the ultimate young robot hero from Astro Boy: The Movie. Use all of Astro Boy’s super powers on the ultimate adventure to save Metro City.
Astro Boy: The Video Game brings gorgeous platforming action and air combat to a new generation. It features hordes of enemies, colossal bosses, and all of Astro Boy’s powers including super strength, flight, arm cannons, drill attacks, and butt machine guns!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 1.18 GB

Harvest Moon: Boy & Girl ($14.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Will it be fate…or destiny? Be the person you want to be in this epic farming adventure! In Harvest Moon: Boy & Girl, you must choose between Destiny (playing as a boy) or Fate (playing as a girl). Whichever you choose, your life, goals, friends, and future family depend on how you help and interact with others in this wonderful world!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 292 MB

Innocent Life: A Futuristic Harvest Moon ($14.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
From the world of Harvest Moon! Advanced robots and computers do the work for people on Heartflame Island, but even this amazing technology won’t save the island from the ancient curse that threatens to destroy it. The spell can be broken if someone can unlock the ancient lands sealed off long ago, but you’re the only one capable of pulling it off. Can you build a thriving farm and reclaim the land before time runs out?
ESRB Rated E
File size: 304 MB

Reel Fishing: The Great Outdoors ($14.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
It’s the most realistic fishing game ever! Sit back, tie on a lure, and cast a line across the tranquil lakes and tumbling streams surrounding the placid Aqua Lodge.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 150 MB

Add-on Game Content

Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

* “Jeremy”— Pearl Jam ($1.99)
* “Headknocker”— Foreigner ($1.99)

File sizes: 16 MB – 21 MB

Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce DLC Pack 6 (free) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Quest Pack #6 – Take on the challenge of four new missions to really test your team’s abilities. Also includes all previous Quest Packs. To learn more about this pack and about Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce go to www.koei.com/strikeforce
File size: 1.13 MB

Game Videos (free)

LocoRoco Midnight Carnival Trailer
File size: 12 MB

GT PSP Producer Interview 2
File size: 11 MB

Gran Turismo TV Ad Behind the Scenes
File size: 22 MB

White Knight Chronicles Quest Trailer
File size: 14 MB

PSP Themes

German Panther Tank PSP Themes 1 and 2 ($1.49 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 501 KB – 516 KB

Azmodeus Dark Angels PSP Theme 9 and 10 ($0.99 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 502 KB – 515 KB

Hells Heads PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 302 KB

Shades of Autumn PSP Theme ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 574 KB

Nebula Tunnels PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 578 KB

Wallpaper (free)

Fate/unlimited Codes Wallpaper 3 (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 124 KB

PlayStation Store Update Thusday: Eclectic - [eXophase.com]

PS3 Slim With 250GB Storage Confirmed for U.S.

x3sphere — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:18:25 +0000

After having its surprise foiled by a prematurely uncovered FCC listing, Sony finally got around to announcing that 250GB touting PS3 Slim today. Priced at $349.99, it offers the same form factor as the previously released 120GB but with double the storage space enclosed in a silver shaded box. Not a shabby deal at all. It’s a great way to prepare for the holiday shopping rush.

Interestingly, though, Sony opted not to bundle any extra games to entice prospective consumers into picking up this package. However, in our eyes, this is a smart move. Bundles have their purpose, but needlessly knocking up the price with extras is a turn off, especially for customers that only want the base hardware. And since many folks will be picking up a PS3 for purposes other than “just” games, this is important.

The 250GB PS3 Slim hits North American store shelves on November 3.

PS3 Slim With 250GB Storage Confirmed for U.S. - [eXophase.com]

No Campaign Co-Op In MW2, Infinity Ward Explains Why

x3sphere — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:07:42 +0000

Developer Infinity Ward has revealed a campaign-based co-op mode for Modern Warfare 2 was originally planned, but was later dropped once discovering that it “ruined the experience” after extensive playtesting. That scrapped mode was later reborn as Spec Ops, a mission based co-op component comprised of levels that IW felt were more tailored towards cooperative rather than solo play.

Speaking to VG247, Infinity Ward community manager Rob Bowling explains:

We did it early on; that’s what Spec Ops started out as, as co-op through story.

But it really broke the cinematic experience, took the immersion out of it, out of the story and the pacing and everything we’d spent so long crafting. It just ruined the experience we were aiming for, so we took it out, kept the single-player for that one player intact and polished it.

Bowling further mentioned that some of the experiences in Spec Ops mode have been taken straight out of single player, but polished for co-op play. Sounds like we’ll be getting the best of both worlds.

Modern Warfare 2 is scheduled to hit November 10.

No Campaign Co-Op In MW2, Infinity Ward Explains Why - [eXophase.com]

CryEngine 3 Now Available To Licensees, Streamlines Multiplatform Development

x3sphere — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:09:09 +0000

German-based developer Crytek announced today that its all-in-one multiplatform development solution, known as CryEngine 3, has reached its final stages of development and is now available to licensees.

Not only is CryEngine 3 being offered as a middleware solution for the current crop of consoles, but Crytek says scalable computation logic has been built in so as to gradually scale in visual quality to upcoming platforms. Providing a “What you see is what you play” toolkit, Crytek is aiming to forever change multiplatform development, truly streamlining it for the first time.

Most interesting is the Live Create feature of the engine, which allows for developers to work with a single editor and see the results in real-time on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 as modifications are made on the code level.

“With CryENGINE 3 we are releasing the best development solution available today and tomorrow. With its scalable graphics and computation it is next-gen ready and with new features like CryENGINE 3 Live Create the best choice for game developers and companies developing serious games applications alike. It is the only game engine solution that enables real-time development and can ensure teams are able to maximise their own creativity, save budget and create greater gaming experiences.” said Cevat Yerli, CEO & President of Crytek.

From the sound of it, this is a massive step forward in game development. While the licensing costs are unknown, it’ll be interesting to see if studios start making the switch from Epic’s widely-used Unreal Engine 3. Crysis 2, one of the first CryEngine 3 powered titles, will hit PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2010.

CryEngine 3 Now Available To Licensees, Streamlines Multiplatform Development - [eXophase.com]

Mushroom Wars Hits PSN Thursday

x3sphere — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:12:25 +0000

Sony announced today that Creat Studios’ zombie mushrooms-laden RTS, aptly dubbed Mushroom Wars, will hit the PlayStation Network storefront this Thurday. Backed by a lush anime-inspired visual style reminiscent of PixelJunk Monsters, players are tasked with commanding an army of minute shrooms and fight against opposing tribes. Adding an extra layer of depth is the game’s upgrade system, enabling players to fortify their base and research new weaponry amidst waging war.

Creat is promising a pick up and play type gameplay style, noting that matches can take place within a span of 5 minutes. For a brief look at gameplay, check out the short trailer above.

Mushroom Wars Hits PSN Thursday - [eXophase.com]

Gory New Splatterhouse Screens Impress

x3sphere — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:48:44 +0000

After going incognito following a sour breakup with now-defunct developer BottleRocket, Namco Bandai’s Splatterhouse reboot is back in the media spotlight with eight new screens that aim to please in the gore department. Unless our eyes deceive us, it’s looking much better than when we last saw it, especially in terms of atmosphere. There’s definitely a homage factor to the original here.

Splatterhouse is slated for a Q3 2010 debut on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Splatterhouse Screenshots

Gory New Splatterhouse Screens Impress - [eXophase.com]

MAG Beta Expands To Pre-Orders

x3sphere — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:40:17 +0000

Sony is intensifying the stress test for Zipper Interactive’s 256-man online shooter MAG, announcing an incentive for its loyal customers. Those who have already reserved the title at any participating GameStop or EB Games for the Canucks out there are guaranteed a voucher code to join in on the fun. If that’s you — time check your email stat.

Additionally, for those applicable, Sony has given out times and dates for beta meetups online, which can be viewed after the break. As the servers are not running 24/7, these meetups are your only chance to play until November 9, from which point those who have pre-ordered can enjoy unlimited beta access.

Monday – Friday:

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
8:00 PM – 12:00 AM EDT

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM CDT

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM MDT
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM MDT

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PDT
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM PDT

MAG Beta Expands To Pre-Orders - [eXophase.com]

Bayonetta PS3 Versus 360 Comparsion Reveals Visual Difference

x3sphere — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:00:11 +0000

If you’re up in arms about deciding which platform to pick Bayonetta up on, perhaps this comparison video courtesy of GameTrailers will make things a little easier. On PS3, the action romp appears to suffer from less vibrant textures and slight visual tearing in certain sequences. Not a huge difference, but visually, its Xbox 360 counterpart is without a doubt superior. Suppose the saying that not all multiplatform games are created equal rings true in this case.

Now considering this comparison video is based on a demo of Bayonetta, there is hope that the level of visual acquity will be equal on both platforms by early next year, when the title is scheduled to hit retailers. That’s assuming development hasn’t already wrapped up, of course.

See the clip after the break.

Bayonetta PS3 Versus 360 Comparsion Reveals Visual Difference - [eXophase.com]

Report: Activision Shutters Shaba Games

x3sphere — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:08:16 +0000

According to a Edge report, Activision has closed Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows developer Shaba Games, leading to the termination of at least 30 jobs. While the closure has yet to be officially confirmed, one industry source suggests that underwhelming performance of Guitar Hero 5 led to the decision.

For being as hyped as it was, Web of Shadows was far from what we’d call a quality product. Still, it’s always tough hearing of people losing their jobs. To those affected, good luck.

Report: Activision Shutters Shaba Games - [eXophase.com]

New Prince of Persia Title ‘The Forgotten Sands’ Trademarked

x3sphere — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:06:32 +0000

Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner has filed a trademark for Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, categorized under the area of gaming. First spotted by superannuation, this discovery has led to speculation that the title is being developed as a tie-in to the upcoming Prince of Persia motion picture film due for release in 2010.

No official word yet, but considering the obvious similarity between the names, this assumption certainly sounds plausible enough to us.

New Prince of Persia Title ‘The Forgotten Sands’ Trademarked - [eXophase.com]

Moonshot Games Has Liftoff, Comprised Of Ex-Bungie Staff

x3sphere — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:06:29 +0000

Former Bungie staffers Michel Bastien, Damián Isla, and Rob Stokes have announced the formation of Moonshot Games, a new development outfit based in Seattle and Boston.

Straying away from multi-million big-budget efforts, the studio will primarily focus on “high-quality downloadable games,” bringing years of experience with high quality AAA experiences to the table. Managing director Michel Bastien previous served as project lead of Halo 2 and Halo 3 while Director of Technology Damián Isla headed up AI and gameplay engineering duties back at Bungie. Rounding out the team is Rob Stokes, who led mission design duties on the Halo franchise.

Taking the studio’s prestigious origins into account, we’re anxiously looking forward to see what materializes from Moonshot.

Moonshot Games Has Liftoff, Comprised Of Ex-Bungie Staff - [eXophase.com]

PSN Expands To Amazon

x3sphere — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:14:50 +0000

Online retailer Amazon has joined forces with Sony to offer select offerings from the PlayStation Store. Purchase a title through Amazon and you’ll be instantly sent a voucher code with which you can redeem on your platform of choice.

What’s the advantage of going through Amazon rather than using the PS store directly? One word: convenience. Alternatives are always welcome and it’s nice being able perform PSN transactions straight from your browser. We can only hope Amazon will begin to stock up on more titles in the near future. This initiative also opens up the possibility of gifting, as purchased voucher codes can be sent to another party after purchase.

In celebration of its newfound alliance, Amazon is offering incentives to pick up PS3 and PSP hardware for a limited time only. Those who pick up a PSP-3000 unit will receive a $15.99 credit towards any game in the PSN store, while PS3 Slim buyers will receive $9.99 in credit. A nice little bonus.

Check out the store here

PSN Expands To Amazon - [eXophase.com]

Activision Was Opposed To Taking Call of Duty Outside World War II

x3sphere — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:12:33 +0000

In what we can only call shocking, Infinity Ward head Vince Zampella revealed to the Official PlayStation Magazine that publisher Activision was originally opposed to the idea of moving the Call of Duty outside World War II. For its part, the mighty Acti thought such a move was a huge creative risk at the time, going by internal marketing research, and instead wanted to play it safe by taking the rehash route and churn out more of the same.

In what we can only call shocking, Infinity Ward head Vince Zampella revealed to the Official PlayStation Magazine that publisher Activision was originally opposed to the idea of moving the Call of Duty outside World War II. For its part, the mighty Acti thought such a move was a huge risk at the time, going by internal marketing research, and instead wanted to play it safe by taking the rehash route and churn out more of the same.

Wow. It goes without saying, sometimes risks pay off big, and this is undeniable proof. Good thing Infinity Ward stuck to its guns.

Activision “didn’t want Modern Warfare” [CVG]

Activision Was Opposed To Taking Call of Duty Outside World War II - [eXophase.com]

PlayStation Store Update Thursday: Digital Downloads Ahoy

x3sphere — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:59:58 +0000

With over 100 digital titles to choose from, this week’s North American PlayStation Store update is all about the PSP. A cornucopia of content went up today and while majority of the storefront additions are UMD legacy titles, there’s plenty of new, original offerings as well, such as THEXDER NEO. Let’s not forget the newly launched PSP Minis section either, which opens its gates with seven all-new titles.

Despite being primarly focused on PSP, Sony still manages to appease content hungry PS3 owners as well, with Digger HD and UNO making their debut as digital downloads. Headlining the add-on content segment is Operation: Anchorage and The Pitt DLC for Fallout 3, in addition to a bevy of LittleBigPlanet costume packs.

Either way you look at it, this is one of those rare updates that manage to make everyone happy, covering all bases. Kudos to Sony. See the full list of offerings past the break.

Updates

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords PSP Temporary Price Drop (now $7.99)

Cube Temporary Sale (now $4.99)

Dead Head Fred Temporary Price Drop (now $7.99)

PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient Temporary Sale (now $4.99)

PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 Temporary Price Drop (now $7.99)

WTF: Work Time Fun Temporary Sale (now $4.99)

Prinny: Can I Really be the Hero? Temporary Sale (now $9.99)

Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! Temporary Sale (now $9.99)

TV Show King Permanent Price Drop (now $7.99)

Qore

Qore Annual Subscription: October 2009 ($24.99)
Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network is a high-definition monthly interactive video production covering the world of PlayStation. Qore provides its audience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to upcoming titles from both the SCE Worldwide Studios and third-party developers across the globe.
File size: 1.44 GB

Qore Episode 17: October 2009 ($2.99)
File size: 1.44 GB

Downloadable Games

Digger HD ($9.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 92 MB

UNO ($9.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 255 MB
PSone Classics: PS3/PSP

Jumping Flash! 2 ($5.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 269 MB

Um Jammer Lammy ($5.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 512 MB

Nuclear Strike ($5.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 476 MB

Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko ($5.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 259 MB
Game Demos (free)

Brutal Legend Demo
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.58 GB

Need For Speed Shift Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 854 MB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet Watchmen Costume Pack ($5.99)
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Nite Owl Costume ($1.99)
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Ozymandias Costume ($1.99)
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Rorschach Costume ($1.99)
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Silk Spectre Costume ($1.99)
File size: 1.04 MB

Fallout 3: Operation: Anchorage ($9.99)
File size: 453 MB

Fallout 3: The Pitt ($9.99)
File size: 601 MB

Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

* “Avon” by Queens of the Stone Age ($1.99)
* “How to Handle a Rope” by Queens of the Stone Age ($1.99)
* “Mexicola” by Queens of the Stone Age ($1.99)
* Queens of the Stone Age Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Avon,” “How to Handle a Rope,” and “Mexicola” by Queens of the Stone Age. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

File size: 34 MB – 49 MB (singles) 117 MB (track pack)

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

* “U Suck” — Just Kait ($0.99)
* “Knight on the Town”— Kula Shaker ($1.99)
* “Hey Dude”— Kula Shaker ($1.99)
* “So Cold”— Breaking Benjamin ($1.99)
* “I Will Not Bow”— Breaking Benjamin ($1.99)
* “The Diary of Jane”— Breaking Benjamin ($1.99)
* Breaking Benjamin Pack 1 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this pack featuring “The Diary of Jane,” “I Will Not Bow,” and “So Cold” by Breaking Benjamin. Some tracks in this album are instrument-only and cannot be played by vocalists. Please make sure you have the latest Rock Band update.
* “A Looking in View”— Alice in Chains ($1.99)
* “Check My Brain”— Alice in Chains ($1.99)
* “No Excuses”— Alice in Chains ($1.99)
* “Rooster” Alice in Chains ($1.99)
* “Would?”— Alice in Chains ($1.99)
* Alice in Chains Pack 1 ($8.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this pack featuring. “A Looking in View,” “Check My Brain,” “No Excuses,” “Rooster,” and “Would?” by Alice in Chains. Some tracks in this album are instrument-only and cannot be played by vocalists. Please make sure you have the latest Rock Band update.

File sizes: 23 MB – 58 MB (singles) 84 – 192 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

Gran Turismo – Jay Leno Interview
File size: 245 MB (HD)

Gran Turismo PSP – TV Ad
File size: 26 MB (HD) 49 MB (1080)

Lost Planet 2 TGS 2009 Trailer
File size: 163 MB (HD)

FIFA Soccer 10: Live Season 2.0 Tutorial
File size: 95 MB (HD)

WET Video Short 2
File size: 134 MB (HD)

WET Video Short 3
File size: 135 MB (HD)

WET Video Short 5
File size: 133 MB (HD)

Shatter Behind the Scenes – Gameplay
File size: 162 MB (HD)

Shatter Behind the Scenes – Sounds
File size: 211 MB (HD)

Shatter Behind the Scenes – Visual
File size: 198 MB (HD)

Need for Speed SHIFT: Driver Film – Vaughn Gittin
File size: 94 MB (HD)

Need for Speed SHIFT: Track Film – Laguna Seca
File size: 82 MB (HD)

Need for Speed SHIFT: Track Film – Road America
File size: 90 MB (HD)

Themes

Gran Turismo PSP Theme (free)
File size: 461 KB

The King of Fighters XIII Custom Themes (x5) ($1.49 each)
File size: 5.64 MB 5.81 MB

B17 Flying Fortress Theme 2 ($1.99)
File size: 4.19 MB

Focke Wulf German Fighter Theme ($1.99)
File size: 3.98 MB

Electric Tattoo Theme ($1.49)
File size: 4.74 MB

Mistresses of Halloween Theme ($1.49)
File size: 4.84 MB

Sorority Girls Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.46 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

*Visit www.esrb.org for rating information.

SCEA

* Gran Turismo PSP ($39.99)
* God of War Chains of Olympus ($15.99)
* Secret Agent Clank ($31.99)
* LocoRoco 2 ($15.99)
* PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe ($19.99)
* Daxter ($15.99)
* Resistance Retribution ($31.99)
* MLB 09 The Show ($31.99)
* MotorStorm Arctic Edge ($39.99)

505 Games

* IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey ($29.99)

ACTIVISION

* Cabela’s African Safari ($14.99)
* Rapala Trophies ($14.99)
* Gun Showdown ($14.99)
* SWAT: Target Liberty ($19.99)
* Crash Tag Team Racing ($14.99)
* Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts: Ultimate Challenge ($14.99)
* Crash: Mind Over Mutant ($29.99)
* Crash of the Titans ($19.99)
* Activision Hits Remixed ($14.99)

Aksys Games

* Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus ($24.99)

Atari

* Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai ($14.99)
* Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai Another Road ($14.99)

Atlus

* Shin Megami Tensei: Persona ($39.99)

Capcom

* Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded ($19.99)
* Monster Hunter Freedom Unite ($29.99)

Codemasters

* Dirt 2 ($29.99)

Crave Entertainment

* Pinball Hall of Fame ($9.99)
* Puzzle Challenge: Crosswords and More! ($4.99)
* Brunswick Pro Bowling ($9.99)

EA

* The Sims 2 ($14.99)
* The Sims 2 Castaway ($9.99)
* The Sims 2 Pets ($9.99)
* Need For Speed Underground Rivals ($14.99)
* Need For Speed Most Wanted ($19.99)
* Need for Speed SHIFT ($39.99)
* Need For Speed ProStreet ($19.99)
* Need for Speed Carbon ($19.99)
* Medal of Honor Heroes ($19.99)
* Fight Night Round 3 ($19.99)
* G.I.JOE The Rise of Cobra ($39.99)
* Madden NFL 10 ($39.99)
* Scrabble ($19.99)
* Medal of Honor Heroes 2 ($19.99)
* Burnout Legends ($19.99)
* Burnout Dominator ($14.99)
* Lord of the Rings: Tactics ($9.99)
* Def Jam Fight For New York: The Takeover ($9.99)
* Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 ($39.99)
* NCAA Football 10 ($39.99)

KOEI

* Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce ($29.99)
* Warriors Orochi 2 ($29.99)

LucasArts

* Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings ($19.99)
* LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventure ($19.99)
* Thrillville: Off the Rails ($19.99)
* Star Wars: Battlefront Renegade Squadron ($19.99)
* Star Wars: Battlefront II ($19.99)
* Star Wars: The Force Unleashed ($19.99)

Midway

* Mortal Kombat: Unchained ($19.99)
* Hot Brain ($14.99)

Namco Bandai

* SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny ($39.99)

NIS America

* Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light ($4.99)
* Mana Khemia: Student Alliance ($14.99)
* Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness ($14.99)
* Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days ($29.99)
* Prinny: Can I Really be the Hero? ($9.99)
* Dragoneer’s Aria ($14.99)

Playlogic

* Obscure: The Aftermath ($29.99)

Rockstar Games

* Beaterator ($39.99)

SEGA

* Alien Syndrome ($15.99)
* Super Monkey Ball Adventure ($15.99)
* Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars ($15.99)
* Iron Man ($19.99)
* Sonic Rivals ($15.99)
* Sonic Rivals 2 ($29.99)
* Full Auto 2: Battlelines ($15.99)
* Sega Genesis Collection ($15.99)
* Crush ($15.99)

SNK PLAYMORE

* The King of Fighters Collection ($19.99)
* Metal Slug Anthology ($19.99)
* SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 ($19.99)
* Samurai Showdown Anthology ($19.99)

SQUARE ENIX

* THEXDER NEO ($9.99)

THQ

* Avatar: The Last Airbender ($19.99)
* Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights ($19.99)
* SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger ($19.99)
* MX vs ATV Untamed ($19.99)
* WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2009 ($19.99)

Ubisoft

* Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs ($29.99)
* Tom Clancy’s EndWar ($29.99)
* Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas ($19.99)
* Prince of Persia Revelations ($9.99)
* Prince of Persia Rival Swords ($14.99)

Warner Bros. Interactive

* 300: March To Glory ($14.99)
* Justice League Heroes ($14.99)
* Lego Batman The Video Game ($19.99)

PSP minis (also available from PS3 storefront)

Alien Havoc ($4.99)

Tetris ($9.99)

Hero of Sparta ($6.99)

Brainpipe ($4.99)

Fieldrunners ($6.99)

Sudoku ($4.99)

Funky Punch ($4.99)
Game Demos (free)

Undead Knights Demo
File size: 486 MB

Add-on Game Content

Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

* “Monkey Wrench”— Foo Fighters ($1.99)
* “Lonely as You”— Foo Fighters ($1.99)

File sizes: 18 MB – 20 MB

Game Videos (free)

Gran Turismo – Jay Leno Interview
File size: 43 MB

PSP Themes

Gran Turismo PSP Theme (free) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 424 KB

Sorority Girls PSP Theme ($1.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 540 KB

Mistresses of Halloween PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 408 KB

Electric Tattoo PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 368 KB

Focke Wulf German Fighter PSP Theme (x2) ($1.49 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 494 KB – 572 KB

B17 Flying Fortress 2 PSP Themes (x2) ($1.49 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 526 KB – 571 KB
PSP Wallpaper (free)

Fate/Unlimited Codes Wallpaper 2
File size: 100 KB

*Note – Some PSP games require the 6.1 firmware update in order to function properly.

PlayStation Store Update Thursday: Digital Downloads Ahoy - [eXophase.com]