eXophase.com, the Gamer's PhasePSP

PlayStation Store Update Thursday: LittleBigPlanet Birthday Bash

x3sphere — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:36:49 +0000

It’s been a whole year since LittleBigPlanet hit store shelves, and in celebration Sony has offered up a pair of free costumes for your virtual Sackboy as part of this week’s PlayStation Store update.

Other notable pieces of content this week include Military Madness: Nectaris, Numblast, and a playable demo of Trine. On the PSP front, Dissidia Final Fantasy finally makes the jump to digital format. Eidos’ couch-potato lizard Gex also makes an appearance in his self-titled debut as a PSOne classic.

See the full list of content after the break.

Updates

Mercury Bundle 2 Sale – Includes Archer Maclean’s Mercury and Mercury Meltdown (now $9.99)
This is Shane Bettenhausen from Ignition Entertainment with a quick heads-up about a killer PlayStation Store promotion that kicks off today. For a limited time, you’ll be able to snag two great PSP games–the classic Archer Maclean’s Mercury and its supercharged sequel, Mercury Meltdown—for the shockingly low total of only $9.99. Check out this video!

TV Show King Price Drop (now $6.99)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine Weapon X Arena Pack Price Drop (now $4.99)

Qore

Qore Episode 18: November 2009 ($2.99)
Episode 18 of Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network gets creative with ModNation Racers, goes behind the scenes at ILM and takes a closer look at Star Trek on Blu-ray, and revisits the world of Assassin’s Creed II.
File size: 1.63 GB

Qore Annual Subscription: November 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: 1.63 GB

Downloadable Games

Military Madness: Nectaris ($9.99)
The Military is back for a new generation of recruits! The classic turn-based strategy series Military Madness, a.k.a. Nectaris, is exploding onto PlayStation Network. With an all-new graphical barrage, an all-new commander unit, online team and vs. multiplayer, and a platoon of other new features, this is the maddest game in the series yet!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 95 MB

Numblast ($4.99)
Prepare yourself for a number puzzle game that’s easy to play, totally addictive and laced with dreamlike, surreal undertones: are you ready for Numblast™?
ESRB Rated E
File size: 330 MB

PSone Classics: PS3/PSP

Gex ($5.99)
Gex, the lovable couch-potato lizard, has been sucked into the wild worlds of the media dimensions! Help him escape in this classic side-scroller from Crystal Dynamics.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 121 MB

Game Demos (free)

Trine Demo
Download the Trine demo which contains the first two levels. You can play in solo or with friends in co-operation. Adventure, Action and Contemplation await you in the world of Trine. Lots of traps and an army of skeletons are waiting for you!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 234 MB

Military Madness: Nectaris Demo
The Military is back for a new generation of recruits! The classic turn-based strategy series Military Madness, a.k.a. Nectaris, is exploding onto PlayStation Network. This demo features four single-player campaign maps and local multiplayer for 2 people on one 2-player-specific multiplayer map. The full game also showcases online team and vs. multiplayer and a platoon of other new features, making this the maddest game in the series yet!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 95 MB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet Anniversary Costume (free)
A special new costume for Sackboy!
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Spaceman Costume (free)
A special new costume for Sackboy!
File size: 1.04 MB

Dragon Age: Origins Stone Prisoner ($14.99)
Shale, a recruitable party member and one of the few golems that remain in the world, may prove to be the Grey Wardens’ most effective weapon.
File size: 178 MB

Dragon Age: Origins Warden’s Keep ($6.99)
Two centuries ago, the Grey Wardens were expelled from Ferelden amidst a storm of blood and betrayal. Now comes a chance to unearth their lost fortress at remote Soldier’s Peak, to unravel the mystery behind its fall, and finally reclaim it for the order!
File size: 102 MB

Brutal Legend Tears of the Hextadon Map Pack (free)
Tears of the Hextadon Map Pack expands the addictive Brütal Legend multiplayer experience with two new maps. In “Circle of Tears”, vile waters have carved a rough-hewn circular battlefield into a forsaken land that players must circumvent to destroy their opponent. In “Death’s Fjord”, players find themselves on an icy mountain pass. A dense cluster of fans lie below, waiting to be harvested by those brave enough to capture them without cover from enemy attack. BONUS: includes a free axe, the Blade of Ormagöden.
File size: 100 KB

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Character and Mission Pack ($9.99)
The Largest Army of Super Heroes is back! Jump into the heart of battle with 5 all-new playable characters to add to your Super Hero roster! Discover new fusions and alternate costumes for Carnage, Psylocke, Magneto, Cable and Black Panther. Then, unleash massive power and destruction with 4 all-new missions!
File size: 122 MB

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Character Compatibilty Pack (free)
Allows the player to play with friends who have downloaded the “Character & Mission Pack.”
File size: 122 MB

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Juggernaut Playable Character ($1.99)
The Largest Army of Super Heroes is back! Jump into the heart of battle with this new exclusive character; the one, the only, the gargantuan, unstoppable force JUGGERNAUT! Unleash massive power and destruction with Juggernaut and the rest of your team!
File size: 17 MB

topatoi: Arcade Style Pack (free)
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!
File size: 5.49 MB

Way of the Samurai 3 Weapons DLC (free)
Fun & crazy, exclusive weaponry content for your character!
File size: 102 KB

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

* “Best of You”— Foo Fighters ($1.99)
* “The Pretender”— Foo Fighters ($1.99)
* “Wheels”— Foo Fighters ($1.99)
* “Word Forward”— Foo Fighters ($1.99)
* Foo Fighters Pack 03 ($6.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Foo Fighters Pack 03. This pack includes “Best of You,” “The Pretender,” “Wheels,” and “Word Forward” by Foo Fighters.
* “Fake Friends”— Joan Jett & the Blackhearts ($1.99)
* “About a Girl”— Nirvana ($1.99)
* “Blew”— Nirvana ($1.99)
* “School”— Nirvana ($1.99)
* Nirvana Bleach Pack ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Nirvana Bleach Pack. This pack includes: “About a Girl,” “Blew,” and “School” by Nirvana.

File sizes: 16 MB – 37 MB (singles), 60 MB – 135 MB (track packs)

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 11/5 Edition
Join host Christina Lee for PULSE presented by the PlayStation Network. This edition features Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier, Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron, LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival and Numblast. Video releases include Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, The Proposal, and anime favorite Naruto Shippuden Uncut.
File sizes: 254 MB (HD) 426 MB (1080)

God of War Collection Trailer
File sizes: 90 MB (HD) 144 MB (1080)

PlayStation 3 TV Commercial – “Candle”
File sizes: 22 MB (HD) 36 MB (1080)

PlayStation 3 TV Commercial – “Montage”
File sizes: 23 MB (HD) 37 MB (1080)

Assassin’s Creed 2 Dev Diary 4
File sizes: 138 MB (HD)

Dragon Age: Origins City Elf Origin Trailer
File size: 65 MB (HD)

Dragon Age: Origins Dwarf Commoner Origin Trailer
File size: 68 MB (HD)

Dragon Age: Origins Mage Origin Trailer
File size: 53 MB (HD)

Numblast Trailer
File size: 114 MB (HD)

NIER TGS 2009 Trailer
File size: 65 MB (HD)

Themes

Tekken 6 – Returning Characters Theme (free)
File size: 30 MB

Tekken 6 – The Fight Card Theme (free)
File size: 5.91 MB

Tekken 6 – The New Faces Theme (free)
File size: 12 MB

Family Guy Theme ($1.99) (U.S. only)
File size: 2.86 MB

Roadkill Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.27 MB

DarkMatter Quadrilogy Theme Pack ($5.99)
File size: 24.72 MB

Wallpaper (free)

FIFA Soccer 10 Wallpaper
File size: 692 KB

Let’s FIFA 10 Wallpaper
File size: 1.36 MB

FIFA Soccer 10 Blanco Wallpaper
File size: 1.23 MB

FIFA Soccer 10 Rooney Wallpaper
File size: 1.19 MB

FIFA Soccer 10 Rooney Wallpaper 2
File size: 892 KB

Tekken 6 Alisa Wallpaper
File size: 1.39 MB

Tekken 6 Asuka Wallpaper
File size: 1.54 MB

Tekken 6 Hwoarang Wallpaper
File size: 1.45 MB

Tekken 6 Jin Wallpaper
File size: 1.64 MB

Tekken 6 Kazuya Wallpaper
File size: 1.23 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront)

Ben 10 Alien Force ($19.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 708 MB

Ben 10: Protector of Earth ($14.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 578 MB

Crimson Room: Reverse ($7.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 114 MB

Class of Heroes ($39.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 143 MB

Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground ($14.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 62 MB

Creature Defense ($7.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 33 MB

Numblast PSP ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 36 MB

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron PSP ($29.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 963 MB

Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes ($29.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 953 MB

Dissidia Final Fantasy ($39.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 1.22 GB

Ghostbusters The Video Game PSP ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 570 MB
Game Demos (free)

MotorStorm Arctic Edge Demo (free)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 48 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.

* “Toxicity”— System of a Down ($1.99)
* “Waking the Demon”— Bullet for My Valentine ($1.99)

File sizes: 17 MB – 19 MB
Game Videos (free)

Pulse 11/5 Edition
File size: 48 MB

PlayStation 3 TV Commercial – “Candle”
File size: 3.52 MB

PlayStation 3 TV Commercial – “Montage”
File size: 3.57 MB

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars “Out For Revenge” Video
File size: 13 MB

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Trailer
File size: 9.68 MB

Numblast PSP Trailer
File size: 18 MB

2 for 1 Mercury Bundle Trailer
File size: 15 MB

PSP Themes

Lemmings PSP Theme (free) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 446 KB

DarkMatter Quadrilogy PSP Theme Pack ($4.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 3.75 MB

Roadkill – Animal PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 519 KB

Roadkill – Human PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 417 KB

PlayStation Store Update Thursday: LittleBigPlanet Birthday Bash - [eXophase.com]

PReSS v0.41 – Portable RSS Reader For PSP

x3sphere — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:07:38 +0000

After a lengthy hiatus, homebrew developer The Underminer has returned with a minor update to PReSS, a standards compliant image and text based RSS reader for the PSP, sporting a variety of secondary features such as MP3 playback and the ability to download MP4 and AVC files directly from supported feeds.

Version 0.41 incorporates various bug fixes, notably fixing a crash that would occur when updating a feed.

Download PReSS v0.41

PReSS v0.41 – Portable RSS Reader For PSP - [eXophase.com]

Game Categories v9.0: Organize Homebrew On PSP

x3sphere — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:39:43 +0000

Homebrew developer Bubbletune has rolled out an update to custom firmware plugin Game Categories. Featuring three separate modes to display content, which can be toggled on-the-fly, it allows users to tidy up their PSP’s GAME folder through means of organization by easily categorizing applications and games.

Version 9.0 adds an additional display mode, dubbed “Content Browser.” When selected, this mode displays only the ICON0.PNG when scrolling through files.

Download Game Categories v9.0

Game Categories v9.0: Organize Homebrew On PSP - [eXophase.com]

Localized Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Demo Inbound

x3sphere — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:11:32 +0000

The latest Kojima Productions Report podcast contained an juicy nugget of information regarding Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, notably that a localized demo is on the way. While there have been two demos floating about since TGS, both are entirely in Japanese, making us those of us not fluent in a second language resort to guesswork.

In regards to a release date, a timeframe for the demo was not given, but expect it soon. If you can’t wait, there’s always the option of hopping on the Japanese PlayStation Store and downloading it there.

Directed by Hideo Kojima himself, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is slated for a 2010 release exclusively on PSP.

Localized Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Demo Inbound - [eXophase.com]

PSPgo First Day Sales Total 28k In Japan

x3sphere — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:29:54 +0000

According to market data provided by Famitsu parent Enterbrain, the PSPgo sold 28,275 units on its first day. A respectable figure despite the higher price tag, but looking back, both the DSi and PSP-3000 mustered up far more sales in the same timeframe. Then again, the go was released on a Sunday, which is considered extremely rare for a hardware launch in Japan. Before passing final judgment we’ll have to wait for first week sales to see how the go stacks up against its predecessors in terms of popularity.

Enterbrain Shares PSP go First Day Sales [Andriasang]

PSPgo First Day Sales Total 28k In Japan - [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]

PSP-4000 To Include UMD Drive

x3sphere — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:25:34 +0000

According to developer talk recounted by Edge at this year’s Tokyo Game Show, Sony’s next PSP iteration will include a UMD drive, despite the company’s renewed focus on digital distribution. It was originally assumed by many that the PSPgo was Sony’s first step towards moving to a digital only platform but recent murmurs out of Tokyo suggest that this is not the case.

Specifically, Edge says several prominent developers remain “convinced” that UMD will play a leading role going forward, with digital taking the backseat for the foreseeable future. This, coupled with the fact that Sony is not mandating that third-party studios release titles digitally leads us to believe that the day when physical based media is fully abandoned in the portable space isn’t coming anytime soon.

PSP-4000 To Support UMD? [Edge]

PSP-4000 To Include UMD Drive - [eXophase.com]

Monster Hunter Spinoff Hitting PSP

x3sphere — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:25:36 +0000

By way of a Famitsu report, it has been confirmed that Capcom is continuing its Monster Hunter development efforts on PSP, this time in the form of a spinoff rather than a main entry.

The game’s title loosely translates to “Monster Hunter Diary Poka Poka Airu Village.” While details are scant, a brief teaser was shown at the Monster Hunter finals event in Japan, seemingly indicating an art style shift as evidenced by the creature shown on-screen. Although official details from Capcom are still forthcoming, this could very well be an entirely new take on the franchise — more casual friendly perhaps?

Monster Hunter Spinoff Hitting PSP - [eXophase.com]

SNES9X Euphoria R2.1

x3sphere — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:10:51 +0000

Hot off the heels of his initial release, homebrew developer Zack is back with an update to his performance-tuned SNES emulator SNES9X Euphoria. In addition to resolving compatibility issues with GEN firmware, build R2.1 is focused largely on bug fixes and code cleanup, which Zack notes may have resulted in a slight speedup. Catch the full changelog past the break.

* Bug where you couldn’t have more than 200 roms in the ROMS folder or the emulator would crash is now fixed. (I tested with 800 roms in there)
* Bug where the emulator would freeze then hard-power-off your PSP after trying to load more than 3 roms is now fixed. (I tried loading rom after rom at least 12 times with no issues)
* Bug where you couldn’t return to the menu after running a game is now fixed. (thank god lol)
* Bug where emulator would hard-power-off PSP when exiting rather than return to the Xmb is now fixed (both in file menu and main menu)
* Bug where the emulator wouldn’t start on Gen firmware fixed (tested by myself on 5.50GenC and Cmbeke on 5.50GenB)
* Possible minor speedups from code cleanup.
* Removed the intro screen for now. (will be configurable in the next build)
* Added the latest version of the snesadvance.dat file (Adds more speedhacks)

Download SNES9X Euphoria R2.1

Release Thread / RetroEMU

SNES9X Euphoria R2.1 - [eXophase.com]

Prinny Sequel Incoming On PSP

x3sphere — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:41:21 +0000

Prinny’s heroic efforts have not gone unrewarded. Developer Nippon Ichi announced today that the lovable penguin mascot, formerly only known as a secondary character in the Disgaea series, will continue his road to stardom and return in a second outing on PSP.

Unfortunately, Nippon Ichi is staying coy on details for the time being, revealing only a portion of the game’s title as pictured above. For whatever reason, part of it is covered in question marks. We’d expect the sequel to expand on the simplistic yet addictive gameplay of the original while keeping the difficulty meter high to the point of frustration. That’s how we like it, dood.

The announcement coincides with the announcement of a “Best Prince” budget version of the original Prinny title. This re-release will hit Japanese store shelves on November 26, carrying a reduced price tag of ¥1,980 on UMD and ¥1,500 on PSN.

特攻ACT『プリニー』低価格版は11月26日に発売！『プリニー2』の制作も発表!! [Dengeki Online]

Prinny Sequel Incoming On PSP - [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]

PSPgo A No Go In Australia, Firmware Update Bringing E-Book Support ‘Soon’

x3sphere — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:57:40 +0000

While Sony seems relatively pleased with the retail performance of PSPgo in Europe and the US, things seem to be moving at a snails pace in Australia. In a week following the handheld’s debut, industry sources say that slightly more than 1000 units were shifted. By contrast, the PS3 Slim moved more than 10,000 units in a week.

Sony is expecting things to pick up, however. SCE Australia manging director Michael Ephraim says a firmware update is due out “soon” that promises to enhance the media capabilities offered by the go, allowing end users to view e-books. Additionally, various comic books will be purchasable from the PlayStation Store. This initiative was already confirmed for Japan, but nice to have official word for other regions as well.

PSP Go a no-go as Sony struggles for sales [The Age]

PSPgo A No Go In Australia, Firmware Update Bringing E-Book Support ‘Soon’ - [eXophase.com]

Q Games Contemplates Pulling PSP Support Over Dismal PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Sales

x3sphere — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:40:32 +0000

Piracy is dampening Q Games’ faith in the PSP as a viable platform, with company founder Dylan Cuthbert expressing intent to drop support for the handheld entirely in a Twitter tweet.

Apparently, sales of their latest offering – PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe – an enhanced port of the cult hit PS3 classic on PSP, aren’t up to par. However, BitTorrent downloads are depressingly sky high, which is leading Q Games as a whole to question the value of investing further in PSP projects.

I don’t think we’ll port anything else to the PSP, we have to see how PJMD does as there’s a *lot* of piracy.

It’s a shame, but not entirely unexpected. As a platform, the PSP has been hit hard by piracy over the years, and with subsequent firmware updates doing little to alleviate the problem, it doesn’t look like Sony will ever be able to pull through and topple the pirates. Until PSP2, that is.

Still, Cuthbert’s statements bring into question the sales of PSN titles. Currently at number five on the PS Store sales charts, if PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe is performing poorly, it makes us wonder what the sales are like for titles that rank lower.

Q Games Contemplates Pulling PSP Support Over Dismal PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Sales - [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]

SNES9X Euphoria R1 for PSP

x3sphere — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:58:04 +0000

SNES emulation on PSP is back in the limelight as homebrew developer Zack has announced the release of his latest project, SNES9X Euphoria R1. Building off the already robust codebase of SNES9xTYL, it is focused on pure optimization, aiming to increase overall emulation performance.

Zack reports of significant frame rate gains in Kirby Super Star, one of the more demanding SNES titles, recording 50 FPS average. The previous Ruka build usually managed 30 FPS or less on the same title. That’s quite a substantial increase and should push most games into the playable category, even at lower frameskip values.

Additionally, Zack notes that future revisions of the emulator will incorporate changes from the latest SNES9X revision, that being 1.51, to further enhance performance and stability. We’re looking forward to it!

Download SNES9X Euphoria R1 / Release Thread

SNES9X Euphoria R1 for PSP - [eXophase.com]

Sony Not Mandating That Third Parties Release PSP Titles On PSN

x3sphere — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:32:24 +0000

It has come to light that Sony is not mandating that third-party development studios release their UMD titles on PlayStation Network. According to PSN director Eric Lempel, Sony is merely encouraging studios to go digital. While most are on board, it’s a little nerve-wracking to invest in a PSPgo and not have the assurance that all titles going forward will be made available digitally.

It’s up to individual third parties to decide if and when to publish their UMD releases on PSN. Most, if not all, are on board, as this is a revenue opportunity for them.

It’s great that Sony gives publishers freedom on the PlayStation Store, but honestly, this is one area where the line needs to be drawn. If Sony is serious about embracing digital distribution, it should be mandated that UMD titles are released on PSN going forward, whether you are a first, second, or third-party publisher — no questions asked.

Third parties not required to release PSP games on PlayStation Store [Joystiq]

Sony Not Mandating That Third Parties Release PSP Titles On PSN - [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]

Kojima Says Peace Walker Will Make People Want A PSP

x3sphere — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:06:25 +0000

If Hideo Kojima’s expectations pan out for Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Sony is going to be very, very pleased. Speaking to Famitsu, he mentions that a certain aspect of the game will make people want to rush out and pick up a PSP, albeit vaguely:

I’m putting everything I want to do on a portable console into this game,” said Kojima. “I haven’t announced this yet, but there’s another feature in here that will surprise people, to the point where they’ll want to go out and buy a PSP right now!

As usual, there’s no shortage of teasing from Kojima. While we have no doubt Peace Walker is destined for system seller status, it sounds like Kojima’s team is aiming to raise the quality bar even further. The wait is on to find out what this “surprise” is.

Kojima Discusses Cutscenes, Metal Gear’s Future [1UP]

Kojima Says Peace Walker Will Make People Want A PSP - [eXophase.com]

Retailers Hint At Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Delay

x3sphere — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:00:49 +0000

It appears Konami’s survival horror title Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, a reboot of the first SH entry, will drop outside the Halloween release window.

Numerous retailers are now hinting at a holiday release, with GameStop pegging down a December 8 date. Online outlet GameFly is listing an even further out December 31 date for the PSP and PS2 versions. Oddly enough, according to their site, the Wii version is still on track for November 26. In all likelihood that’s probably an error. If history is any indication, we’d side with GameStop’s dates as they seem to be the most accurate. Take it as pure speculation for now though, as Konami has yet to officially confirm a delay.

Retailers Hint At Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Delay - [eXophase.com]

ESRB Approval A Significant Cost Hurdle for PSP Minis

x3sphere — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:09:48 +0000

With the launch of a App Store-esque “Minis” section on the PlayStation Store, Sony has given smaller, independent developers an incentive to create games for the PSP. Not only are the costs of entry lower, but studios are allowed to set their own pricing. At face value, yes, this is appealing to start-ups, but it’s not that cut and dry – at least in the US.

One cavet to the program is receiving ESRB approval. In the US, getting a rating stamped on your game costs $2500, apparently, and Sony mandates that each title goes through this process. This is in stark contrast to the iPhone and iPod Touch platform, which does not require having to funnel content through a third party organization for screening purposes. In a recent interview with Gamasutra, Fieldrunners dev Sergei Gourski shed light on this particular topic:

Having game development experience is a must. You have to invest some money into dev kits and into getting ratings for your game. The costs of ratings such us ESRB is significantly more then we had realized.”

This could very well explain why we’ve seen certain developers employ higher pricing ceilings than originally expected on Minis, so as to offset the cost of ESRB approval.

Devs Size Up PSP Minis Development Vs. App Store Games [Gamasutra]

ESRB Approval A Significant Cost Hurdle for PSP Minis - [eXophase.com]

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Hits PSP, PS2 November 3

x3sphere — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:26:35 +0000

Sony announced today that the dynamic duo of Jak and Daxter will make their return in The Lost Frontier on November 3 for PSP and PS2.

While creator Naughty Dog has traditionally handled the series, High Impact Games took the helm on this one, best known for Secret Agent Clank and the PS2 port of Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters.

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Hits PSP, PS2 November 3 - [eXophase.com]

PlayStation Store Update Thursday: Critter Crunch

x3sphere — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:35:43 +0000

This week’s PlayStation Store update invites gamers to chow down with the release with Capybara Games’ high-anticipated Critter Crunch. Add-on content is aplenty, with DLC for Dirt 2, Fallout 3, and LittleBigPlanet making the rounds this week. On the PSP front, NBA 10 The Inside and NBA Live 10 are now available as digital downloads, along with additional Rock Band tracks and PSOne classic Pandemonium.

Yes, the PSP offerings are lacking in this update, but considering Sony just rolled out over 100 games last week, we can forgive them. Just this once, though. Things better pick up next week.

Full content listing is past the break.

Downloadable Games

Critter Crunch ($6.99)
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

PSone Classics: PS3/PSP

Pandemonium! ($5.99)
Travel through a colorful world of magic, adventure, and danger as you cast spells, change shapes, and cause all kinds of Pandemonium!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 83 MB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet Original Music Pack 1 ($3.99)
Liven up your creations with three new interactive music tracks and a cool collection of musical notation stickers – allowing you to create your own musical scores in LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds Of Prey Mission Pack ($9.99)
Soar over Europe in the legendary fighter-bomber – Republic P-47D Thunderbolt!
File size: 192 KB

DiRT 2 Trust Fund ($4.99)
Why wait? Unlock all vehicles, liveries and upgrades instantly with the DiRT2 Trust Fund Pack. Download now and experience 35 killer rides and access all upgrades and 93 liveries.
File size: 370 KB

DiRT 2 Access All Areas ($4.99)
Unlock every DiRT2 World Tour event and track with the Access All Areas Pack! Get VIP entry to 100 events set on 41 tracks. You’ll also gain exclusive access to X-Games events with their electric atmosphere, outrageous courses and intense competition.
File size: 370 KB

Fallout 3 Mothership Zeta ($9.99)
Defy hostile alien abductors and fight your way off of the massive Mothership Zeta, orbiting Earth miles above the Capital Wasteland. Mothership Zeta takes Fallout 3 in an entirely new direction – outer space. Meet new characters and join with them in a desperate bid to escape the Aliens’ clutches. To use this download, you will need Fallout 3 with product code BLUS-30185.
File size: 400 MB

Fallout 3 Point Lookout ($9.99)
Point Lookout opens up a massive new area of the Wasteland – a, dark, murky swampland along the coast of Maryland. So hop on the ferry to the seaside town of Point Lookout, for the most mysterious and open-ended Fallout 3 DLC adventure yet. To use this download, you will need Fallout 3 with product code BLUS-30185.
File size: 534 MB

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

* “Everybody Wants You” by Billy Squier ($1.99)
* “The Stroke” by Billy Squier ($1.99)
* “When She Comes To Me” by Billy Squier ($1.99)
* Billy Squier Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “The Stroke”, “Everybody Wants You”, “When She Comes To Me” by Billy Squier. 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 – 43 MB (singles) 124 MB (track pack)

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

* “Head Over Feet”— Alanis Morissette ($1.99)
* “Ironic”— Alanis Morissette ($1.99)
* “Handlebars”— Flobots ($1.99)
* “Dance Epidemic”— Electric Six ($1.99)
* “Gay Bar”— Electric Six ($1.99)
* “I Don’t Like You”— Electric Six ($1.99)
* Electric Six Pack 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Electric Six Pack 01. This pack includes: “Dance Epidemic,” “Gay Bar,” and “I Don’t Like You” by Electric Six.
* “Many Shades of Black”— The Raconteurs ($1.99)
* “Salute Your Solution”— The Raconteurs ($1.99)
* “Steady As She Goes”— The Raconteurs ($1.99)
* The Raconteurs Pack 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: The Raconteurs Pack 01. This pack includes: “Steady As She Goes,” “Many Shades of Black,” and “Salute Your Solution” by The Raconteurs.

File sizes: 18 MB – 38 MB (singles) 71 – 79 MB (track packs)

Tiger Woods PGA Tour: Riviera Golf Course ($7.50)
This 18-hole course in Southern CA features the longest tees for a par of 71. The finishing hole is a world-famous par 4 that plays at an elevated fairway, then requires a long second shot to a narrow green. The Riviera remains one of golf’s few genuine classics.
File size: 233 MB

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 10/8 Edition
Join host Christina Lee for PULSE presented by the PlayStation Network. This edition features a special giveaway of the UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Fortune Hunter Edition, which includes a replica of the Phurba Dagger Artifact, a host of downloads and more!
File size: 261 MB (HD) 439 (1080)

Gran Turismo PSP Launch Trailer
File size: 99 MB (HD)

Gran Turismo PSP Producer Interview 2
File size: 58 MB (HD)

Need For Speed: Shift Driver Film Andrea Bertolini Trailer
File size: 98 MB (HD)

Need For Speed: Shift Track Film Willow Springs Trailer
File size: 78 MB (HD)

Burn Zombie Burn – In Space Trailer
File size: 36 MB (HD)

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs Trailer
File size: 19 MB (HD)

NBA 2K10 Momentus Trailer
File size: 35 MB (HD)

NBA 2K10 Signature Play Trailer
File size: 74 MB (HD)

NBA 2K10 Gameplay Trailer
File size: 47 MB (HD)

Summer Dew Tour 09 Portland Videos (x8)
File sizes: 54 MB – 113 MB
Themes

Dark Elves PS3 Theme ($1.49)
File size: 4.97 MB

Halloween Vampires PS3 Theme ($1.49)
File size: 2.55 MB

Creature Creations PS3 Theme ($1.99)
File size: 4.81 MB
Wallpaper (free)

Fate Unlimited Codes Wallpaper 3
File size: 766 KB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games

NBA 10 THE INSIDE ($29.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
THE INSIDE Just Got Better! Just like Brandon Roy, NBA 10: THE INSIDE keeps improving. The “#1 Rated NBA Sim on the PSP – 3 years in a Row”, THE INSIDE returns with all new modes, new quests and new mini-games making this a Triple Threat on the PSP system.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 573 MB

NBA LIVE 10 ($39.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Building off last year’s game, NBA LIVE 10 offers new gameplay improvements that make basketball even more exciting and fun-to-play on the PSP. New passing and shot features and a fixed play call system gives you more control over how the game is played. Where ever you go with NBA LIVE 10 you can become a pro.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.18 GB

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.

* “Know Your Enemy”— Green Day ($1.99)
* “Red Barchetta”— Rush ($1.99)

File sizes: 16 MB – 25 MB
Game Videos (free)

Pulse 10/8 Edition
File size: 47 MB

Gran Turismo PSP Launch Trailer
File size: 16 MB

PSP Themes

Dark Elves PSP Themes 1 and 2 ($1.49 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 623 KB – 640 KB

Halloween Vampires PSP Themes 1 and 2 ($0.99 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 353 KB – 360 KB

Light and Shadows Theme – Light ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 511 KB

Light and Shadows Theme – Shadows ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 455 KB

Pirates Booty PSP Theme – Dopey Dick ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 477 KB

Pirates Booty PSP Theme – Captain Blue Beard ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 537 KB

Ele’ gals – Green ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 183 KB

Ele’ gals – Orange ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 184 KB

PlayStation Store Update Thursday: Critter Crunch - [eXophase.com]

SCEA: PSPgo Catapults Hardware Sales, PSN Transactions In US

x3sphere — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:32:21 +0000

Although the ultra portable PSPgo has received mixed reactions in the enthusiast press, it appears that the handheld is becoming a hot item at retail, if early launch sales are any indication. According to SCEA corporate communications director Patrick Seybold, the go has managed to spark interest in the platform as a whole, netting a 300 percent increase in overall sales within a span of three days.

The launch of PSP Go has generated strong consumer interest in the overall PSP platform and the PlayStation Network’s digital content offering.

Offering more insight on PSN momentum, Seybold noted that PSN transactions also saw a considerable boost during the same timeframe, with sales of digital offerings up 200 percent. While we’d still like to see hard sales figures, it sounds like the PSPgo is off to a steady start, which points towards a bright future for digital distribution in the portable space.

PSP Go Launch Boosts U.S. PSP Sales 300 Percent In First Three Days [Gamasutra]

SCEA: PSPgo Catapults Hardware Sales, PSN Transactions In US - [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]

Get Ready For A Barfstravaganza With Critter Crunch This Thursday On PSN

x3sphere — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:59:11 +0000

Table manners are a thing of the past this week on PSN, as developer Capybara Games announced today that its barf-filled puzzle outing Critter Crunch is hitting the storefront this coming Thursday in all its technicolor glory.

Assuming the role of a hungry yet adorable creature, players are tasked with the appetizing challenge of engulfing as much food as possible and then vomiting it out into other critter’s mouths, Easy enough, right? Just be careful not to overstuff yourself. It’ll carry a budget appealing price of $6.99, slightly less than the going rate for most PSN efforts. Assuming the gameplay is as fun and addictive as it looks, this is certainly one you may want to jump on, if only for the sheer enjoyment of being able to barf in a video game.

A short gameplay trailer is provided above courtesy of Capy.

Get Ready For A Barfstravaganza With Critter Crunch This Thursday On PSN - [eXophase.com]

LittleBigPlanet PSP Drops November 17

x3sphere — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:39:22 +0000

Update: Sony just got back with us and confirmed that the November 17 date applies to both UMD and PSN.

Now the tagline of play, create, share will soon ring true anywhere as Sony has pegged a November 17 release date on the portable version of Media Molecule’s hit platformer LittleBigPlanet. Crafted exclusively for PSP, this installment features a completely new adventure. Sony did not specify if that date will also coincide with availability over PSN, but we’ve sent in a query to ask them.

Ensuring that nothing is lost in the transition, Media Molecule is focusing on what LittleBigPlanet was originally lauded for, that being its community. As such, the PSP take comes complete with a built-in level editor that allows players to share their creations with friends over the internet, just like its PS3 brethren.

LittleBigPlanet PSP Drops November 17 - [eXophase.com]

PSPgo Meeting Sales Expectations In UK

x3sphere — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:20:24 +0000

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today revealed that the recent launch of PSPgo has been a success in European territories, boosting overall hardware sales of the brand by 120 percent over the previous week beside its UMD-touting cousin, the PSP-3000. No hard numbers, unfortunately, but this gives a vague indicator of retail performance. And, to Sony, expectations are being met:

PSPgo has performed in line with our expectations, driving 100 per cent incremental volume for the category and has benefited the broad PSP portfolio with PSP-3000 also enjoying a big lift.

Steady sales are always a good thing, but retail performance of the handheld has yet be gauged stateside and of course a launch in Japan is not scheduled until next month. With SCEA having released a Gran Turismo PSP-3000 bundle on the day of the go launch, we have a feeling that did not help numbers. If you’re a consumer, it’s clear which package offers more in the way of value proposition. Maybe too clear.

Sony: PSPgo sales “in line with expectations” [GI.biz]

PSPgo Meeting Sales Expectations In UK - [eXophase.com]

PSPgo Hacked, Says Hello World

x3sphere — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:06:22 +0000

While Sony went to great lengths towards preventing a repeat of the Pandora battery hack on PSPgo, they evidently forgot to patch up some existing security vulnerabilities on the software side. Mere days after the launch of the new hardware, homebrew developer FreePlay has managed to run unsigned code on it. Above is a video clip showing off his efforts in the form of a hello world proof of concept.

Taking advantage of modified save data files, the exploit is restricted to user mode, meaning modifying existing files on flash is out of the question. That means no custom firmware, kids. Still impressive nonetheless and perhaps a bit embarrassing for Sony’s engineering crew, considering how quick this feat was pulled off. Now, here’s the kicker: FreePlay has no plans to share this one with the public, but at least you can rest easy knowing that homebrew code can be run on the go.

PSPgo Hacked, Says Hello World - [eXophase.com]

PSP Filer 6.2

x3sphere — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:32:49 +0000

Despite being missing in action for awhile, homebrew developer Mediumgauge has returned, and he’s back with a bang: releasing an update to his popular file management application PSP Filer, now at version 6.2. This is a multi-purpose solution to your organizational needs on PSP, providing functionality that goes beyond that of the XMB, such as the ability to view text files and extract compressed file archives.

Labeled as a minor update, it fixes a bug that resulted in a crash when RAR format archives were opened for viewing from within the file browser. Download the updated release below.

Download PSP Filer 6.2 / Donate to Mediumgauge

PSP Filer 6.2 - [eXophase.com]

Trine Hits North American PS Store October 22

x3sphere — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:44:21 +0000

It’s about time. Frozenbyte’s enchanting platformer Trine will finally see a North American release on the PlayStation Store later this month, October 22 to be exact, the Finnish-based developer confirmed today.

Since its initial debut on PC, the title has received heaps of praise from critics, particularly in regards to its PhysX-powered physics engine that allows players to manipulate surrounding objects to overcome obstacles and puzzles.

Trine Hits North American PS Store October 22 - [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]

Update: PSP Firmware 6.10 Available

x3sphere — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:47:37 +0000

Update: As promised, firmware 6.10 is now available and can be downloaded at the link below or via Network Update.

In preparation for tomorrow’s launch of the PSPgo, Sony has announced that firmware 6.10 will soon be available on Network Update.

This update is primarily focused on improving compatibility with select PSN titles and features several Media Go enhancements. Additionally, starting with 6.10 tethering will be supported on the PSPgo. Essentially, this means owners of the handheld can use any Bluetooth mobile device as a source of internet connectivity, such as a mobile phone.

Sony’s proprietary music mood and tempo detector known as SensMe is also making its debut in 6.10. The application can automatically scan and evaluate tracks that have been transferred to a PSP through Media Go.

Download PSP Firmware 6.10

Update: PSP Firmware 6.10 Available - [eXophase.com]

SCEE: PSPgo To Drive PSP-3000 Sales

x3sphere — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:02:30 +0000

The PSPgo hits store shelves tomorrow and while it has generated a great deal of interest primarily due to being a digital distribution only platform, the relatively high price point is dissuading many consumers from purchasing. SCEE product manager Claire Backhouse isn’t worried, however, as she points out consumers who can’t afford plunking down $250 for the go may opt to pick up a 3000 instead, where the value is unquestionably higher.

We were very aware of concerns when we went into it and I actually expected a lot more negative responses than we actually got. They were really quite fine with it. They see it as a way of getting people into the store because it’s new interest, a new product. And they’ve had such strong sales as well of PSP 3000 almost off the back of it. If you bring out a new product, people aspire to that but they might not buy it, they might buy the PSP 3000 instead. Especially if they’re part of a family – dad might buy the PSPgo but the kids might get PSP 3000s. I think that works quite well for us.

You have to wonder whether or not this was Sony’s end game. Aesthetically, the PSPgo is definitely more of an eye-catcher than the original PSP, but when budget-minded consumers see the price point, they may end up settling for a 3000. Intentional or not, it’s a marketing strategy that will almost certainly work in Sony’s favor.

PSPgo – Sony’s plan for its new handheld [GI.biz]

SCEE: PSPgo To Drive PSP-3000 Sales - [eXophase.com]

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Debuts This Thursday

x3sphere — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:36:48 +0000

Sony has confirmed that PSP title PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe will make its digital debut this Thursday on October 1 to coincide with the launch of PSPgo.

Staying true to its deluxe moniker, the Q Games-developed title expands on the original tower defense effort previously seen on PS3 with all-new levels, enemies, and online chat via “TikiSpeak” in lobbies. Weighing in at around 69MB, PSP owners looking for a quality pick up and play title with a blend of addictive strategy elements should have their sights set on this one.

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Debuts This Thursday - [eXophase.com]

Internal Memo Reveals Sony’s Intent To Sell PS2 Games Over PSN, Motion Control Dated In Japan

x3sphere — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:54:08 +0000

A candid recount of an alleged private meeting between SCEA and Sega appeared on Sega’s public asset FTP earlier today. The companies talked digital distribution, revealing Sony’s long-rumored intent to publish emulated PS2 titles over PSN. Sega was also approached with the idea of bringing over classic Dreamcast titles to PSN. The memo notes that in exchange for exclusivity, more marketing support would be provided.

On the topic of motion control, a Spring 2010 release date was once again reiterated in this meeting for Sony’s wand-based motion controller. Interestingly, however, a March 2010 date was specifically mentioned for Japan.

Keep in mind this was apparently a business meeting between the two parties and as such none of the ideas exchanged may come to fruition, but the possibility is now out there. See the full memo in all its entirety past the break, which also discusses the prospect of selling import titles directly over PSN.

Sony PS3
SCEA reiterated plans to sell 13 million PS3s this year
Big announcement back half of year they can’t talk about (potentially price cut of PS3 to reach hardware goals)
SCEA commented on indexing between PS3 and 360 SKUs, should be around 2:1 to garner most favorable treatment.

Motion Controller
Spring 2010 launch (March in JP)
No bundle/pricing details yet, should come Sept 1
Plan on selling 4-5MM units WW
SCEA agreed to provide a list of Sega IP that would work well with the motion controller, Virtua Tennis was an example
Motion Controller support allows easy way to differentiate PS3 SKU
Other differentiation opportunities include PSP/PS3 interoperability – think of features that would make users want to buy both PS3 and PSP SKUs.

Alpha Protocol
Michael Foster, product evaluator, said AP felt barely RPG. Initial level too challenging for players. “Mass Effect felt more RPG.”
Review notes sent to John Merlino a few weeks prior. After meeting Gerald mentioned AP is a high priority for his team.

Planet 51
Sell in of PS3 SKU – SCEA noted that other movie titles on PS3 had underperformed as well (inc. Transformers) this cycle.
Dyer suggests contacting Susan at Walmart and asking what she wants in the pack to sell this SKU (movie tix etc)
Other possibilities are Hybrid movie disc (BD 25 or 50 with Game and Movie on same disc).

Bayonetta
Collectors edition with Bayonetta Action Figure
Novo recommended launching PSN demo around Xmas based off a Jan 5th Ship date with 2-3 week run out to launch.
3-4 weeks is usually ideal demo timing with fresh content every week leading up to launch (trailers, insider video about PG heritage, video blogs).

Vancouver 2010
HOME, Olympic destination would garner a lot of positive attention from SCEA
Should be doing same with Bayonetta, Marvel etc. Easy to launch in all territories.
HOME merchandizing opportunities (clothes etc).

Sonic Racing
Open to DLC to differentiate PS3 SKU – not ratchet and clank but other characters
maybe characters from Rare or Fable universes

Yakuza
Could put Japanese games directly on PSN for download in a special Japanese Import section (pricing $9.99 to $39.99 for full game).
Might need to localize menus at least with subtitles.
SCEA interested in helping on MKTG side if they can have period of exclusivity.

AVP
Another great HOME candidate
AVP avatars
Hybrid BD disc with movie

Iron Man 2
Great candidate for HOME space – explore Tony Stark’s lab etc.
Should have one for Marvel in general.

PSU2
Could do bundle at GameStop with PSP 30-35K units on UMD, Go, or both.

Valkyria 1937
Could bundle with PSP as well.

Vanquish and Aliens: CM
Opportunity for PS3/PSP interoperability (see Eidos Batman, Army of Two, Assassin’s Creed for good examples).
If we offer that SCEA would be really interested in having us at their booth next E3.

Thor
SCEA would like a look at the code soon.

Sonic Anniversary
Could put out collectors edition with all old sonic games on one BD disc.
“Best of Sonic” for around $99.
SCEA would love PSN exclusive power ups/different game modes (like Castlevania’s flip it over/backwards)

PS2 emulator for PS3 (confidential)
SCEA wants to sell all PS2 titles on PSN (GTA Vice City/Sonic/etc)
For co Marketing money show PS3 controller on TV ads – similar to EA Madden Spots, NCAA, etc…

London Olympics
Perfect opportunity for Motion Controller integration.

DC Digital Titles
If we provide a list of DC titles SCEA will let us know which ones they’re interested in having exclusively.
If we give them a long period of exclusivity they’ll give us more marketing support.

PSP Titles
For SKU differentiation it’s best to offer features that are slightly different from PS3 version.
Titles that are coming up on PSP are Assassin’s Creed II, GTA China Wars, Resident Evil, Little Big Planet – all massive franchises.
SCEA has a specific PSP deck which they can send up with their hardware director for a chat.

Internal Memo Reveals Sony’s Intent To Sell PS2 Games Over PSN, Motion Control Dated In Japan - [eXophase.com]

PSN Boss: WiFi Support, DLC for Future PSP Minis Not Ruled Out

x3sphere — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:01:42 +0000

Although comments made by SCEA senior account manager Justin Cooney painted a bleak picture for the possibility of WiFi support and DLC with PSP Minis, PSN boss Eric Lempel clarified the situation today, letting us breathe a sigh of relief.

The long and short of it is that while both features are out of the question right now, that could very well change going forward. Essentially, Sony wanted to debut with a solid foundation, making it easy for smaller devs to jump on board. As time goes on, we may see an expansion of the Minis program and a subsequent loosening of requirements, giving studios more in the way of freedom.

So you can patch Minis, but we won’t have multiplayer functions in the beginning. Basically, to get these developers on board, and to make it easier to test and get it through the pipeline, we won’t be allowing that functionality for the first stage of Minis.

It’s something we will consider in the future.

Glad that’s cleared up.

Future PSP Minis could support DLC, multiplayer [CVG]

PSN Boss: WiFi Support, DLC for Future PSP Minis Not Ruled Out - [eXophase.com]

Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake Packs 50 Percent More Content Over PS3 Counterpart

x3sphere — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 03:57:58 +0000

Sony is tipping the scale in favor of value with the PSP iteration of Fat Princess. Under the guidance of IP creator Titan Studios, developer Super Villian is going the extra mile to make Fistful of Cake a must-have title, even for those who already had their fill of cake with the PS3 installment. During a holiday showcase event held earlier this week, Sony revealed that it will include “50 percent more content” over that of its console brethren. Delicious.

Reportedly, content being added into the fold consists of new game modes, one of which sees players scrambling to repair busted hat generators at the beginning of a match. Another mode takes the princess out of the equation, tasking players with the duty of delivering a ticking bomb to their opponents’ base.

Makes us wonder if any of these extra modes will hit the PS3 by means of DLC down the road. We’ll see. Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake is scheduled for a PSN release later this year.

Fat Princess bulks up on content for PSP debut [Joystiq]

Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake Packs 50 Percent More Content Over PS3 Counterpart - [eXophase.com]

Sony Says No To WiFi Multiplayer, DLC for PSP Minis

x3sphere — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:28:29 +0000

We know of the 100MB size limit that titles under the PSP Minis banner must adhere to, but it appears there are more restrictions in the content department, if comments from SCEA senior account manager Justin Cooney are anything to go by.

Cooney says no form of WiFi multiplayer component is allowed, nor is downloadable content. Additionally, software updates are also a no-no, meaning quality assurance testing will likely be more stringent as opposed to a standard PSN effort.

When you look at it from a testing perspective, you have to do more QA. [Allowing those features] would defeat the purpose of having a dedicated service for smaller content.

From our perspective, if we’re going to reduce the time it takes to get through our internal process, it helps that we don’t have to check multiplayer features.

The first serving of Minis are slated to hit the PlayStation Store on October 1 to coincide with the launch of PSPgo.

GDC Austin: PSP Minis Drop Features To Hasten Approval Time [Gamasutra]

Sony Says No To WiFi Multiplayer, DLC for PSP Minis - [eXophase.com]