The PlayStation Store might be hitting up a beauty salon in the near future for what sources are saying is a major makeover. According to website Reg Hardware, the change will move the PSN towards a more image based layout, something like Steam or Xbox Live.

In revamping the store, Sony is apparently trying to clean up the clutter using “an aesthetic layout with logically marked sections and rolodex lists”. With this clean up will come a new live search method to replace the current text-entry form, which you must open in a separate page.

Movie and game sections in the store will also be reworked to look like new. There will supposedly be an IMDB-like database which will highlight key details of each game or movie and allow users to easily navigate to other titles by the same director, actor, game developer or publisher.

It is said that Sony will also bring a ‘deals of the week’ section to make sales easier to find and the store’s background will get a new coat of paint, opting for brighter colors on a black background.

The report also claims that the redesign is going through testing internally. If true, does this sound like something you would like to see Sony do with the PlayStation Store?

[Source]

© Cameron Teague for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 24 comments | Add to del.icio.us

A package of free games and PlayStation Plus membership – which Sony decided to give PlayStation Network users for free due to the PSN outage – entitled the ‘Welcome Back’ package was announced a few weeks ago. Now that the PlayStation Store has finally resumed normal service, Sony has announced that the Welcome Back program is now available.

PlayStation Network members who signed up before the PSN outage – April 20th – can select up to two free games for the PlayStation 3, as well as the PlayStation Portable. These include (for North American users):

• Dead Nation
• inFAMOUS
• LittleBigPlanet
• Super Stardust HD
• Wipeout HD + Fury

PSP selection:

• LittleBigPlanet
• ModNation Racers
• Pursuit Force
• Killzone Liberation

For European PlayStation Network users the Welcome Back package consists of:

• Dead Nation
• inFAMOUS
• LittleBigPlanet
• Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty
• Wipeout HD + Fury

PSP games:

• LittleBigPlanet
• ModNation Racers
• Pursuit Force
• Killzone Liberation

Sony also offered a detailed Q&As on the PS Blog:

When will I have access to the Welcome Back Program?

• The content offered as part of the Welcome Back Program is available for download today and will be available through July 3.

I have both PS3 and PSP. Does this mean I will get 4 games all together?

• Yes, as long as you were a PSN member before April 20, 2011, you’ll be able to receive up to 4 games based on the titles listed above; 2 on each platform.

Are there any limitations to the PS3 and PSP games we are receiving as part of the Welcome Back Program?

• None. These games are yours to keep.

How long do I have to get into the PlayStation Store and receive my content for Welcome Back?

• Access to the Welcome Back content will be expiring on July 3. Once this date has passed, the Welcome Back section in the PlayStation Store will be removed.

When does the 30 days of my PlayStation Plus access expire?

• Your PlayStation Plus 30-day access will expire 30 days from the date you activated it in PlayStation Store.

When will (insert game here) be published?

• Look forward to posts over the coming days that will show what content will be available at that point, or coming soon. We’re planning frequent store publishes offering lots of new content for everyone to enjoy.

I’m getting 30 days of access to PlayStation Plus; can you refresh my memory on what I get with this service?

• From the time you activate your 30 days of PlayStation Plus, you’ll be able to download games and game related content, purchase select store items at a discount, and have access to the exclusive features of Plus. You’ll also be able to get early access to any Plus exclusive Demos and priority Beta invitations that might be scheduled during your 30 days.

Do I get to keep the games in PlayStation Plus forever?

• Content that is free in PlayStation Plus will not be available after your PlayStation Plus time has expired. However, if you decide to join PlayStation Plus, you’ll have access to all of the content you downloaded during your 30 day access for as long as you are a subscriber.

Do I get to keep any games or content I purchased with the PlayStation Plus discount?

• Yes. Any content you purchase at a discount is yours to keep, regardless of your subscription status.

Aside from the games and discounts; does PlayStation Plus offer anything else?

• Yes! PlayStation Plus includes the Online Storage for Game Saves feature, allowing you to backup treasured game saves or access them from another PS3. In addition, you get the Automatic Download feature, which automatically updates your 10 most recently played games while the system is in stand-by mode so you don’t have to wait for updates before playing your games.

What content will be in PlayStation Plus when I activate my 30 days?

• PlayStation Plus content and discounts are regularly updated throughout the month. For up-to-date information on content within PlayStation Plus, please visit the Plus homepage.

Where can I find the Welcome Back content in Home?

• The 100 virtual items can be found in the kiosk in Home’s Central Plaza along with two personal spaces – Dragon’s Lair and the Mansion Garage. A new game – Ooblag’s Alien Casino – will be released soon (June 2011). This game will be 100% free-to-play. As an added bonus, players that access the Ooblag Alien Casino space will be rewarded an active item version of the Ooblag game that can be played in your personal space(s).

So, what are you waiting for? Go download your free games!

© Zak Islam for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 34 comments | Add to del.icio.us

The PlayStation Store has finally come back online following its recent outage, with Sony announcing the news in style by releasing a slew of great content on the Store. However, the company is not done yet: SCEE has detailed a massive PlayStation Store update that is scheduled to go live this Friday.

The PlayStation Blog posted the contents of the upcoming PlayStation Store update for European PSN users.

PlayStation Store (via PS3, PSP and Media Go)

Spring Offers (PS3) - (Offer prices will continue to be available until the 8th June)

• PAC-MAN Championship Edition DX – (was – £7.99/€9.99 now – £3.99/€4.99)
• Worms 2: Armageddon – (was – £11.99/€14.99 now – £6.29/€7.99)
• Worms 2: Armageddon Battle Pack – (was – £3.19/€3.99 now – £1.99/€2.49)
• Noby Noby Boy – (was – £3.19/€3.99 now – £1.99/€2.49)
• Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao – (was – £9.99/€12.99 now – £3.99/€4.99)
• PowerUp Forever – (was – £6.29/€7.99 now – £2.39/€2.99)
• Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer – (was – £6.29/€7.99 now – £3.99/€4.99)
• Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype – (was – £9.99/€12.99 now – £5.10/€6.49)
• Blade Kitten – (was – £7.19/€8.99 now – £3.99/€4.99)
• Space Invaders: Infinity Gene – (was – £7.99/€9.99 now – £3.99/€4.99)
• Ferrari: The Race Experience – (was – £11.99/€14.99 now – £5.49/€6.99)
• Borderlands – (was – £23.99/€29.99 now – £15.99/€19.99)
• Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part One – (was – £12.99/€16.99 now – £7.19/€8.99)
• Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part Two – (was – £12.99/€16.99 now – £7.19/€8.99)
• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light – (was – £9.99/€12.99 now – £5.10/€6.49)
• Blue Toad Murder Files Episode One – (now free)
• Blue Toad Murder Files: Season Upgrade – (was – £8.99/€11.25 now – £7.19/€8.99)
• Premier Manager – (was – £13.99/€17.99 now – £7.19/€8.99)
• HamsterBall – (was – £7.99/€9.99 now – £3.99/€4.99)
• Ricochet HD – (was – £6.29/€7.99 now – £3.19/€3.99)
• Assassin’s Creed II – (was – £23.99/€29.99 now – £17.49/€21.99)
• Voodoo Dice (PS3 version) – (was – £7.99/€9.99 now – £5.49/€6.99)
• Cell Factor: Psychokinetic Wars – (was – £7.99/€9.99 now – £5.49/€6.99)
• Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game + Knives Chau Add-on Bundle – (£7.99/€9.99)

The following PS3 offers will be available from Thursday, 14th April

• God of War HD Collection - (was – £23.99/€29.99 now – £14.99/€19.99)

Spring Offers (PSP):

• Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands – (was – £23.99/€29.99 now – £15.99/€19.99)
• NBA 2K11 – (was – £23.99/€29.99 now – £15.99/€19.99)
• Worms: Battle Islands – (was – £15.99/€19.99 now – £7.99/€9.99)
• Half Minute Hero – (was – £11.99/€14.99 now – £6.29/€7.99)
• Michael Jackson: The Experience – (was – £23.99/€29.99 now – £17.49/€21.99)
• God of War: Chains of Olympus – (was – £14.99/€19.99 now – £7.99/€9.99)
• God of War Ghost of Sparta – (was – £19.99/€24.99 now – £11.99/€16.99)
• ModNation Racers – (was – £21.99/€26.99 now – £11.99/€14.99)
• Twisted Metal: Head On – (was – £14.99/€19.99 now – £7.99/€9.99)

• LittleBigPlanet PSP – (was – £14.99/€19.99 now – £7.99/€9.99)
  • Fruit Salad – Level Kit
  • Heroes In Uniform – Level Kit
  • Jungle Sackfari – Level Kit
  • King Arthur – Level Kit
  • Lurve – Level Kit
  • Metropolis Theme
  • MotorStorm® Hessian – Level Kit
  • Robin Hood Men In Sacks – Level Kit
  • Sack Circus – Level Kit
  • The Canyons Theme – Level Kit
  • The Easter Theme – Level Kit
  • The Gardens Theme Pack
  • The Island Theme – Level Kit
  • The Sack that Time Forgot Level Pack
  • The Savannah Theme – Level Kit
  • The Temples Theme – Level Kit
  • The Wedding Theme – Level Kit
  • The Wilderness Theme – Level Kit
  • Turbo! Premium Level Kit
  • Unidentified Sacking Objects – Level Kit
  • Wild West – Level Kit
  • Yuletide Sack Level Kit

(All LittleBigPlanet PSP billable level kits are now reduced permanently to £0.79/€0.99)

Spring Offers (PS3 & PSP):

• Paper Wars: Cannon Fodder (mini) – (was – £3.99/€4.99 now – £0.99/€1.19)
• Mad Blocker Alpha: ROTF (mini) – (was – £3.99/€4.99 now – £0.99/€1.19)
• Edge (mini) – (was – £3.99/€4.99 now – £0.99/€1.19)
• Space Shooter for 2 Bucks (mini) – (was – £1.74/€1.99 now – £0.99/€1.19)
• Angry Birds (mini) – (was – £2.49/€2.99 now – £1.24/€1.49)
• Rayman (PSone) – (was – £3.99/€4.99 now – £2.99/€3.59)

Trial & Unlock (PS3):

• Hoard (£7.99/€9.99) Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

• Outland (£7.99/€9.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

Full Games (PS3)

• Armageddon Riders (£7.99/€9.99) Rating: PEGI 18

Availability: Not Available in Australia or New Zealand

• Under Siege (£11.99/€14.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

• Space Ace (£7.99/€9.99) Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

• Streets Of Rage 2 (£3.99/€4.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

• Puzzle Agent (£7.99/€9.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

• EA SPORTS MMA (£23.99/€29.99) Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: Not Available in Denmark

Full Games (PSP):

• Gladiator Begins (£23.99/€29.99) Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: Not Available in Australia or New Zealand

• Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus (£23.99/€29.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

minis (PS3 and PSP):

• Buddy Dodge (£2.49/€2.99) Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

• Drums Challenge (£2.99/€3.59) Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

• Zombie Racers (£3.49/€3.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

PSone Classics (PS3 and PSP):

• Final Fantasy VI (£7.99/€9.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All Locales

• Rageball (£2.99/€2.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: Not available in Australia and New Zealand

• Rascal Racers (£2.39/€3.59) Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: Not available in Australia and New Zealand

• Parasite Eve 2 (£5.49/€6.99) Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: Not available in New Zealand

Demos (PS3):

• Virtua Tennis 4 – World Tour Demo, Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All Locales

• The Fight – Stressbuster Demo, Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: Not available in Germany

• inFamous 2 Demo, Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: Not available in Germany and Turkey

• LEGO PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN THE VIDEOGAME Demo, Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All Locales

• No More Heroes: Heroes’ Paradise Demo, Rating: PEGI 18

Availability: Not available in Germany, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and UAE

• Red Faction: Armageddon Demo, Rating: PEGI 18

Availability: Not available in Germany

Demos (PSP):

• Hoard – Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All locales

Add-On Game Content (PS3):

• Blazblue Continuum Shift – ‘Platinum the Trinity’ playable character (£4.79/€5.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All locales

• DIRT 3 – VIP Pass (£6.29/€7.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All locales

• EyePet
  • Kung Fu Panda 2 Costume Pack (free)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All locales

• Dragon Age 2
  • All-Class Item Pack (£3.99/€4.99)
  • Mage Item Pack (£2.39/€2.99)
  • Rogue Item Pack (£2.39/€2.99)
  • Warrior Item Pack (£2.39/€2.99)

(contains the following content also available separately)

Rating: PEGI 18
Availability: All locales

• Hyperdimension Neptunia
  • Compa Booster 2 (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Flower Hat (If) (£0.79/€0.99)
  • If Booster 2 (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Leafy Bow Hq 2 (Compa) (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Neptune Booster 2 (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Black Heart Booster 2 (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Glistening Memorial (free)
  • Green Heart Booster 2 (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Leafy Bow Hq 2 (Neptune) (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Level Cap +200 (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Lost Employee (free)
  • White Heart Booster 2 (£0.79/€0.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All locales

• L.A. Noire
  • Slip Of The Tongue DLC Case (£3.19/€3.99)
  • Naked City DLC Case (£3.19/€3.99)
  • The Badge Pursuit Challenge & Button Man Detective Suit (£1.59/€1.99)
  • Chicago Piano (free)
  • The Broderick DLC Outfit (£0.79/€0.99)
  • The Sharpshooter DLC Outfit (£0.79/€0.99)

Rating: PEGI 18
Availability: Not Available in Croatia and Ukraine

• LittleBigPlanet 2
  • Cinco De Mayo’ Mariachi Costume (free)

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All locales

• Marvel Pinball – Fantastic Four (£1.99/€2.49) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All locales

• Marvel Vs Capcom 3
  • Shadow Battle 04 (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Shadow Battle 05 (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Shadow Battle 06 (£0.79/€0.99)

Rating: PEGI 18
Availability: All locales

• ModNation Racers
  • Score Attack Modes: Orbit and Rage! (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Chain Kill Mode: Bloodbath! (free)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Moon Diver
  • Arctic Theme Pack (£7.99/€9.99)
  • Pixel Pixie Mod (£0.79/€0.99)

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All Locales

• Motorstorm: Apocalypse
  • Remix Pack (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Remix Racing Truck Custom Pack (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Remix Mudplugger Custom Pack (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Remix Musclecar Custom Pack0.79/€0.99)

(contains the following content also available separately)

Rating: PEGI 16
Availability: Not Available in New Zealand

• Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed
  • Legends Pack (£7.99/€9.99)
  • Speedhunters (£7.99/€9.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Mx Vs Atv Alive
  • Motoclub Pro (£6.29/€7.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All locales

• No More Heroes: Heroes’ Paradise
  • Cross Saver + Moto Geek 1 (£0.99/€1.19)
  • Sweet Berry + Moto Geek 4 (£0.99/€1.19)
  • Sweet Berry (£0.59/€0.75)
  • Cross Saver (£0.59/€0.75)
  • Moto Geek 1 (£0.59/€0.75)
  • Moto Geek 4 (£0.59/€0.75)
  • Character Viewer (£0.59/€0.75)

Rating: PEGI 18
Availability: Not Available in New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE

• Red Faction: Battlegrounds – Armageddon Pack (£1.99/€2.49) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All locales

© Zak Islam for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us

Sony Computer Entertainment has announced that the PlayStation Network will soon undergo important maintenance in the United States, as well as European territories.

Both the US PlayStation Blog and European Blog said in a statement:

Starting soon, the PlayStation Network will be inaccessible for several hours for maintenance. The server maintenance performed at this time represents a crucial step in the full restoration for PSN, including the PlayStation Store.

During this maintenance period, users will be unable to sign in to PSN, though those that are already logged in should be able to remain online.

Resumption of full PlayStation Network service is still on track for this week in most regions.

Thank you once again for your patience as we work to return PSN to the highest level of service.

Details on the timing of the US PlayStation Network maintenance is unclear. However, SCEE has posted the time when the European PSN will be taken offline; from 16:30 today until 07:01 on June 2nd BST, European PSN users will not be able to access the following services:

• PlayStation Store on PS3 and PSP
• PlayStation Network Account Management
• PlayStation Network Account Registration
• PlayStation Network sign-in via eu.playstation.com

If a developer’s recent possible hint is to be believed, the PlayStation Store will be back online this Friday.

© Zak Islam for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us

Sony recently confirmed that the PlayStation Network would finally fully resume services by the end of this week, which includes the restoration of the PlayStation Store. However, the company didn’t mention an exact date, leaving many to ponder which day the Store would be back online. If a developer hint is anything to go by, gamers may finally know the exact date the PlayStation Store will be back following its one month outage.

Gamelion, a studio who has developed titles for mobile, home, as well as portable consoles has delivered a strong hint in regards to the exact date the PlayStation Store will be back online. On the developer’s official Facebook page, they posted:

Block Cascade Fusion is coming as Minis for PS3 and PSP to North America on 3rd June 2011!

So, with the date Gamelion’s citing to be June 3rd, it drops a strong indication towards the fact that the PlayStation Store could be back up online this Friday. Also, with Sony stating all services – including the Store – would fully resume by the end of this week, it may very well be this Friday.

Gamelion’s work has spanned across several platforms including the PlayStation Portable, Apple’s iPhones and Nintendo Wii’s WiiWare. Their latest title, Block Casade Fusion is a music puzzle game, similar to the concept of Lumines.

© Zak Islam for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 19 comments | Add to del.icio.us

Sony returned the PlayStation Network back to full authority just about two weeks ago, and it wasn’t long before online games were flooded with bloodthirsty players who waited weeks to return back to the battlefield. However, the PlayStation Store and several other key functionalities have remained unavailable since the disaster last month, which has given reason for doubt. It’s been a day-to-day adventure just waiting for these functions we’ve all taken for granted to come back online, and thankfully this dark chapter in Sony’s saga will be over by the end of the week.

An official news release by Sony has detailed a full return of all PlayStation Network related features by the end of the week. Included are the following, as detailed by the statement:

• Full functionality on PlayStation®Store
• In-game commerce
• Ability to redeem vouchers and codes
• Full functionality on Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3, PSP, VAIO and other PCs
• Full functionality on Media Go

Just in the nick of time. E3 begins next week and it’d be somewhat embarrassing if the PlayStation Network was crippled during the convention. Sony usually posts dozens of E3 media on the PlayStation Store throughout the course of the week, so you can imagine the sense of urgency at the Sony headquarters. It’ll be great to have everything back online, and if it’s all as secure as people are saying it is, then it should have no problem staying up for the years to come.

© jleack for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 28 comments | Add to del.icio.us

Sony recently carried out maintenance on the PlayStation Network, but to gamers dismay it wasn’t due to the PlayStation Store’s return. However, more maintenance for the PSN is incoming and this time hints at the Store’s return.

Sony has issued the following statement on the scheduled maintenance via its EU forums:

PSN Network Maintenance has been scheduled to take places from Tuesday 31st May at 19.00 GMT until Wednesday 1st June 01.00 GMT.

If you attempt to log in during this period you will receive the site maintenance notification page.

If you are already signed in during this period you should be able to stay connected and you will not lose your gaming session (however the above services will still be unavailable).

Sony said that during the maintenance the following services will be unavailable:

• PC Registration
• Console Storefront
• PS3 Account Management
• PS3 Network Account Registration
• PSP Network Account Registration
• Qriocity Account Management

Sony’s decision to date the latest PlayStation Network maintenance for May 31st hints at the PlayStation Store’s return due to its similarity of Sony’s recent statement: when the company updated PS3 owners on the PSN’s last maintenance, they also confirmed that the Store is readying for a return within this month.

© Zak Islam for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us

After stating that the PlayStation Store won’t be up today or tomorrow, Sony also announced scheduled maintenance for the PlayStation Network for today. The PSN has now come back online.

The official Sony PlayStation Twitter account just tweeted:

The PSN maintenance window is now complete and you can now sign back into PSN. Happy gaming!

Earlier, Sony stated that – contrary to “popular rumors” – the PlayStation Store won’t be going online today, or even tomorrow. As of now, Sony only promises a store return of before the end of the month. Prior to Sony’s update on the PlayStation Store’s return schedule, a report of a memo Sony had emailed to PSN developers suggested that the Store would finally be making its return today.

With the maintenance complete, however, it may mean that the final stages of the restoration process are almost finished.

Are you eager to download the Welcome Back packages’ games from the PlayStation Store? If so, which two PlayStation 3 games will you choose upon the Store’s return? Let us know via the comment section below.

© Zak Islam for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 25 comments | Add to del.icio.us

There were recent reports of an email Sony had sent to the PlayStation Network’s developers which indicated that the PlayStation Store would be making a return today. However, Sony has delivered an official statement on the rumors and crushed any hopes of the PlayStation Store going live today…. or even tomorrow.

Sony just released the following statement on their official European PS Blog. James Gallagher, SCEE’s Blog Manager stated that the PlayStation Network will undergo maintenance later on today, but also added a blow to those who were expecting the PlayStation Store to go back online today.

PlayStation Network will undergo routine maintenance today, between 16:00 BST and 00:00 BST. If you wish to play online during the maintenance, please ensure you sign in to PSN before 16:00.

Gallagher then explained the PlayStation Store’s return situation:

The latest information I have on PlayStation Store is that we are aiming to have it live by the end of May. Contrary to popular rumours, it will not be reopening tomorrow but we will let you know here as soon as the date is confirmed.

Additionally, they continued:

We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this essential maintenance.

Gamasutra reportedly had an email they obtained which detailed Sony’s message to developers on the PlayStation Store’s return – it had said the service was aiming to resume today. The official date for the return is still set for “before the end of May”.

© Zak Islam for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 33 comments | Add to del.icio.us

After the intrusion of the PlayStation Network, several developers were losing valuable revenue with one developer even asking users if they should release their PSN game upon its return. Capcom were also affected by the intrusion with the studio saying it may cost them hundreds of thousands, if not millions in revenue. Now, Sony has released the official figures in regards to what exactly the PSN hack will cost them.

Sony has the intrusion of the PlayStation Network will cost the company approximately ¥14 billion, which equates to £106 million/$171 million.

The announcement was made from Sony’s recent financial results for fiscal year ending March 31, 2011. Sony said in a statement:

Based on information currently available to Sony, our currently known costs associated with the unauthorized network access are estimated to be approximately 14 billion yen in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012.

The whole company, meanwhile, expects a net loss of ¥260 billion; equating to £1.9 billion/$3.1 billion. The devastating Japan Earthquake and Tsunami had a larger impact, understandably, on the company. ¥17 billion – £128 million/$207 million – is what the cost was for the operating profits in the financial year.

The PlayStation Network returned to normal services – bar the PlayStation Store’s return – a few weeks ago. The PlayStation Store’s return, meanwhile, is apparently scheduled to go online tomorrow.

© Zak Islam for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 21 comments | Add to del.icio.us

Many PSN users are itching to get their hands on Sony’s free Welcome Back package when the PlayStation Store is looking to make its resurrection this month. While the PlayStation founders may have been financially crippled by the disastrous PSN breach, they are forecasting further financial setbacks with their latest PSN grab-bag marketing.

One developer of the PSN hit Dead Nation, fears that free giveaways may steal the spotlight from some of newer titles that are set to release around the same time. Dead Nation‘s CEO, Ilari Kuittinen fears that their newest PSN title Outland will be “old news.”

The issue is that everyone now gets games for free, so people might just play the free games for a while. By the time they are ready to buy something, Outland is maybe old news.

Aside from that possible situation, it’s possible that many other titles will be feeling the same gamer neglect from the PSN freebies. Because of the PSN Store outage, many titles scheduled for release have been backlogged and are expected to be posted in four bi-weekly releases.

An unnamed source shared his sympathy for the devs of the backlogged content:

As a developer, I feel very sorry for those teams that did try to release their titles during the PSN outage window.

Beyond that, I feel sorry for those that are attempting to launch games in the days following the outage, as there will likely be such a backlog of traffic that it may be hard to be noticed in the flurry of ‘get everything back up and running’

Under Siege’s producer, Filipe Pina, shared his concerns, but also expressed some optimism in their upcoming title.

We are all concerned with the overall situation but we think that despite all the delays and the multiple releases Under Siege will still stand out on its own.

[Source]

© Razor for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | No comments | Add to del.icio.us

Each week Sony brings PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable owners new content, add-ons, games and more. PlayStation LifeStyle catalogs the PlayStation Store updates for the major regions across the globe. Check back every Tuesday and Wednesday to keep up to date with each week’s PlayStation Store Update.

** Note for other regions **

European PSN is updated on Wednesdays and is live now.

North American Update

PlayStation Plus

Featured Games

• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Free and exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers)
• Duael Invaders minis (Free and exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers)

Featured Qore Episode

• Qore April Episode 35 (Free to PlayStation Plus subscribers, regular price $2.99)

Discounted Games

• Stardrone (PlayStation Plus price $4.00, regular price $7.99)
• Hamsterball (Reg Price – $9.99, Sale Price- $4.99, Plus Price $3.99)

4/5 Sale Offers

• Lara Croft: Guardian Of Light (now $7.49, regular price $14.99)
• Angry Birds (now $1.99, regular price $3.99)

Updates

• Hamsterball – Sale – (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Angry Birds – Minis – Sale – (PSP/PS3) (now $1.99, original price $3.99)
• Lara Croft And The Guardian Of Light – Sale – (PS3) (now $7.49, original price $14.99)
• Hannspree Ten Kate Honda SBK Superbike World Championship – Price Change – (PSP) (now $7.99, original price $9.99)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype + Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer Bundle – Price Change – (PS3) (now $14.99, original price $17.99)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Complete Bundle – Price Change – (PS3) (now $12.99, original price $14.99)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype – Price Change – (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $12.99)
• Age of Booty – Price Change – (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Rocketmen: Axis of Evil (Full Game) – Price Change – (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $6.99)
• Rocketmen: Total Uranus Bundle – Price Change – (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
• Wolf of The Battlefield: Commando 3 – Price Change – (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Qore

• Qore Episode 35 – April 2011 ($2.99)
• Qore Annual Subscription – April 2011 ($24.99)

Downloadable Games

• StarDrone ($7.99)
• Red Faction: Battlegrounds ($9.99)

Game Demos (free)

• SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs Multiplayer Beta
• Rush’N Attack: Ex-Patriot Demo
• Red Faction: Battlegrounds Demo

Add-on Game Content

• EyePet Sea Life Pack ($2.99)
• ModNation Racers El Snake-O Mod And Kart ($1.75)
• ModNation Racers El Snake-O Mod ($0.99)
• ModNation Racers El Snake-O Kart ($0.99)
• Test Drive Unlimited 2: Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black Edition ($0.99)
• Test Drive Unlimited 2: Aston Martin V12 Vantage Carbon Black Edition ($0.99)
• Test Drive Unlimited 2: Audi RS 5 Coupé ($0.99)
• Test Drive Unlimited 2: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport ($0.99)
• Test Drive Unlimited 2: Caterham Superlight R500 ($0.99)
• Test Drive Unlimited 2: Chevrolet Camaro Synergy Special Edition ($0.99)
• Test Drive Unlimited 2: Ferrari 612 Sessanta ($0.99)
• Test Drive Unlimited 2: Ford Shelby GT500 ($0.99)
• Test Drive Unlimited 2: Jaguar XKR Speed Pack And Black Pack ($0.99)
• Test Drive Unlimited 2: Pagani Zonda Tricolore ($0.99)
• Mushroom Wars: Online Add-On ($2.99)
• Mushroom Wars : Duplex VII Map ($0.99)
• Mushroom Wars: Duplex VIII Map ($0.99)
• Mushroom Wars : Quadrex III Map ($0.99)
• Mushroom Wars : Quadrex IV Map ($0.99)
• Mushroom Wars : Triplex V ($0.99)
• Hyperdimension Neptunia: Black Heart Swimsuit Costume ($2.49)
• Hyperdimension Neptunia: Green Heart Swimsuit Costume ($2.49)
• Hyperdimension Neptunia: Level Cap +200 ($0.99)
• Hyperdimension Neptunia: White Heart Swimsuit Costume ($2.49)
• Stacking: The Lost Hobo King ($4.99)
• Yoostar 2: Heroes Scene Pack ($6.99)
• Yoostar 2: Ben Stiller Scene Pack ($4.99)
• Yoostar 2: Spartans, prepare for glory! ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: Double secret probation ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: Toga! Toga! ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: What’s the last thing we remember? ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: Slimer attacks! ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: Batwing ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: Keep your paws inside the vehicle ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: Everyone and their mums ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: Why are you dressed as Kick-Ass ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: I’m lookin’ and I’m likin’ ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2 – Make It Out Of Here ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: No brakes! ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: I like my species the way it is ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: Q, you are not God ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: Fight the Gorn! ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: Splendid example of Homo sapiens ($1.99)
• Yoostar 2: I am in command here ($1.99)

Rock Band 3

• “Freeze-Frame” – J. Geils Band ($1.99)
• “Love Will Tear Us Apart” – Joy Division ($1.99)
• “We’re An American Band” – Grand Funk Railroad ($1.99)
• “The Loco-Motion” – Grand Funk Railroad ($1.99)

Game Videos (free)

• Pulse 4/5 Edition
• MLB 11 The Show Torture Trailer
• MLB 11 The Show What a Great Game Trailer
• MLB 11 The Show Pure Pitching Tutorial
• MLB 11 The Show Pure Throwing Tutorial
• MLB 11 The Show Pure Hitting Tutorial
• PlayStation Move Heroes Launch Trailer
• Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One Story Trailer
• Dragon Age II Launch Trailer
• Fancy Pants Adventures Announce Trailer
• Fancy Pants Adventures – The World Of Fancy Pants Trailer
• Gatling Gears Trailer
• Dungeon Hunter: Alliance Trailer

PS3 Themes

• Aid Japan Theme (All proceeds to benefit Japan Society) ($2.00 – $50.00) ($1.49)
• Ar tonelico Qoga Custom Theme “Tree” ($0.99)
• Premier Manager Soccer Babe Themes (x3) ($1.49 each)
• MLB Dynamic Themes (x30) ($2.99 each)
• Sponge Bob Square Pants Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Sports Illustrated 90′s Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Sports Illustrated Swimsuits 2011 Dynamic Theme ($3.99)
• Tokyo Life Theme ($1.49)
• White Cliffs of Dover Theme ($1.49)
• Neon Theme (Free)
• Army ‘Best Ranger’ Dynamic Theme (US Only) (Free)
• Swarm Static Theme (Free)

PS3 Wallpapers (free)

• Best Ranger Wallpaper (US Only)
• Swarm Wallpaper 1
• Swarm Wallpaper 2
• Swarm Wallpaper 3
• Swarm Wallpaper 4

PlayStation Store for PSP
PSP minis

• 3,2,1…SuperCrash! + Dr. MiniGames ($3.99)
• Fish Tank – Minis ($3.99)

Game Videos (free)

• Pulse 4/5 Edition

PSP Themes

• Tokyo Life Theme ($1.49)
• White Cliffs Of Dover Theme ($1.49)

Next Page: European Update »

© Louis Edwards for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us

The PlayStation Store has been feeling a little unusual recently, as we’re all aware, and the doctor says he doesn’t expect a recovery any time soon. That’s good news for us though, as we’re in for a solid four weeks of hot new PSN titles.

Even with the stellar discounts on fan-favorite games voted on over the last week, Sony’s fever has yet to break. Starting next Tuesday and continuing on into the first week of April, the PlayStation Store will be updating with a major PSN title along with a pair of discounted games each week. Next Tuesday, on the Ides of March, Slam Bolt Scrappers will kick off the sickness.

Here’s the breakdown for the following weeks:

Slam Bolt Scrappers – 3/15
Ghostbusters: Sanctum Of Slime – 3/22
Moon Diver – 3/29
StarDrone – 4/5

Sales:
Eat Them- (PSLS Review)
Savage Moon: Hera Campaign
Tetris(PS3)- (PSLS Review)
Top Darts- (PSLS Review)
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light- (PSLS Review)
Worm’s Battle Island – (PSLS Review)

So far, it looks like it’s PSP heavy in terms of discounted games, but with a little arithmetic at the mention of a ‘pair of discounted titles a week’, we could be in for at least two more undetermined titles.

Apparently by “Spring Fever”, Sony means, “Stay inside and well-stocked with a stack of fresh games until we’re certain Spring has arrived.”  So tell us: Is it working?  Have you caught the bug?

[Source]

© joinsideke for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us

It was a sad, sad day when Activision confirmed that it would no longer be supporting the Guitar Hero and DJ Hero franchises with new titles or DLC. However, just because the company has ceased development on these titles doesn’t mean that the already-finished DLC won’t see the light of day, as DJ Hero fans will certainly have something to look forward to in this week’s PlayStation Store update.

Later today, be on the lookout for the Pendulum Mix Pack in the PlayStation Store. This latest batch of DJ Hero 2 DLC will feature three new mixes for “Watercolour,” “Set Me On Fire,” and “Salt In The Wounds”, all taken from Pendulum’s latest album. I can personally attest to the sheer amount of awesome that this group conveys with their music, and I highly recommend it. This latest song pack will run you $7.99 in the PlayStation Store, so be sure to keep an eye out!

For all the latest DLC news, be sure to stay tuned to PlayStation LifeStyle!

[Source]

© Mike Hartnett for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | No comments | Add to del.icio.us

Each week Sony brings PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable owners new content, add-ons, games and more. PlayStation LifeStyle catalogs the PlayStation Store updates for the major regions across the globe. Check back every Tuesday and Wednesday to keep up to date with each week’s PlayStation Store Update.

** Note for other regions **

European PSN is updated on Wednesdays and is live now.

North American Update

PlayStation Plus

Featured Games

• Lead & Gold: Gangs for the Wild West (Free for PlayStation Plus subscribers, regular price $14.99)
• Spyro the Dragon (Free for PlayStation Plus subscribers, regular price $5.99)
• Pipe Madness – Minis (Free and exclusive for PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Discounted Games & DLC

• MX vs. ATV Reflex PSP (50% off) (PlayStation Plus price $15.00, regular price $29.99)
• Tom Clancy: H.A.W.X. 2 – All In One Pack (25% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.49, regular price $9.99)

Featured Themes & Avatars

• Underwater Disco Theme (Free for PlayStation Plus members, regular price $1.49)
• Rival School Avatar Bundle (Exclusive to PlayStation Plus members for $1.99)

Updates

• Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional Character Colors #1 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.49, original price $4.99)
• Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional Character Colors #2 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.49, original price $4.99)
• Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional Character Colors #3 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.49, original price $4.99)
• Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional System Voice Type-C – Sale (PS3) (now $3.49, original price $5.99)
• Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional System Voice Type-K – Sale (PS3) (now $3.49, original price $5.99)
• Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional System Voice Type-M – Sale (PS3) (now $3.49, original price $5.99)
• Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Makoto Additional Playable Character – Sale (PS3) (now $4.49, original price $7.99)
• Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Unlock All Unlimited Characters – Sale (PS3) (now $3.49, original price $5.99)
• Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Unlock Playable Character Mu – Sale (PS3) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
• Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Valkenhayn R Hellsing – Sale (PS3) (now $4.49, original price $7.99)
• Cuboid – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)
• Interpol – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)
• Magic Orbz – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)
• Magic Orbz Extreme Bundle – Sale (PS3) (now $7.79, original price $12.99).
• Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)
• Sky Fighters – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)
• Smash Cars – Sale (PS3) (now $8.99, original price $14.99)
• Wakeboarding HD Dynamic Theme Bundle – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)
• Hamsterball – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)
• Super Stacker Party – Sale (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $6.99)
• Topatoi – Sale (PS3) (now $3.99, original price $7.99)
• Topatoi Bundle – Sale (PS3) (now $6.99)
• Bionic Commando: Rearmed – Sale (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $13.99)
• Uno PSP – Sale (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $7.99)
• Wheel of Fortune – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $14.99)
• 101-In-1 Megamix – Permanent Price Drop (PS3/PSP) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
• Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
• GTI Club Supermini Festa! – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
• Superstars V8 Racing – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)

Downloadable Games

• MicroBot ($9.99)
• TETRIS ($9.99)
• NEOGEO Station PS3 Bundle Pack ($79.99)
• Ricochet HD ($7.99) ** SPECIAL INTRODUCTARY OFFER Normally $9.99 **
• Angry Birds – minis ($3.99)

PSone Classic

• Reloaded ($5.99)
• Arc the Lad III ($5.99)

Game Demos (free)

• MicroBot Demo
• Top Gun Network Demo
• Alien Breed 2: Assault Demo
• Ricochet HD Demo
• Kung-Fu Live Demo

Add-on Game Content

• John Daly’s Prostroke Golf Course Pack 01 (free)
• Cotton Farms: Long par 5’s, unforgiving fairways and challenging greens.
• St Stephens: Rolling, hilly North American course with extensive water hazards.
• Crawford Dunes: North American course with strategic bunkers and winding fairways.
• Almeria Country Park: Crisp, dry course from Southern Europe requiring precision play.
• Fist of the North Star – DLC Pack 6 ($4.99)
• EyePet – Transport Pack ($2.99)

Def Jam Rapstar

• “Money To Blow” – Birdman ($1.99)
• “Pass The Courvoisier, Part II” – Busta Rhymes ($1.99)
• “Laffy Taffy” – D4L ($1.99)
• “Get Your Freak On” – Missy Elliot ($1.99)

Rock Band 3

• “Cry, Cry, Cry″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
• “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
• “Five Feet High and Rising″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
• “Folsom Prison Blues″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
• “I Got Stripes″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
• “I Walk the Line″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
• “Tennessee Flat Top Box″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
• “The Ballad of Ira Hayes″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
• Johnny Cash Pack 01 ($13.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Johnny Cash Pack 01. This pack includes “Cry, Cry, Cry”, “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town”, “Five Feet High and Rising”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “I Got Stripes”, “I Walk the Line”, “Tennessee Flat Top Box”, and “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” by Johnny Cash.
• “Band on the Run” – Paul McCartney & Wings ($1.99)
• “Helen Wheels” – Paul McCartney & Wings ($1.99)
• “Let Me Roll It” – Paul McCartney & Wings ($1.99)
• “Maybe I’m Amazed” – Paul McCartney & Wings ($1.99)
• Celebrating Band on the Run Pack ($6.99) – Build your Rock Band 3 library by purchasing this song game track pack: Celebrating Band on the Run Pack. This pack includes “Maybe I’m Amazed”, “Band on the Run”, “Helen Wheels”, and “Let Me Roll It” by Paul McCartney & Wings.
• Rock Band Pack 01 (free) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Rock Band Free Pack 01. This pack includes “Visions,” by Abnormality “Get Clean,” by Anarchy Club “Night Lies,” by Bang Camaro “Shoulder to the Plow,” by Breaking Wheel “Welcome to the Neighborhood,” by The Libyans “A Jagged Gorgeous Winter,” by The Main Drag “Conventional Lover,” by Speck “Supreme Girl,” by The Sterns and “Rob the Prez-O-Dent” by That Handsome Devil.

Rock Band Network

• “(Do You Wanna Date My) Avatar” – The Guild feat. Felicia Day ($0.99)
• “Bullet With A Name” – Nonpoint ($1.99)
• “Buttersnips” – Periphery ($1.99)
• “Deliver Us” – Andy Timmons ($1.99)
• “Obfuscation” – Between the Buried and Me ($1.99)
• “Rise Above This” – Seether ($1.99)
• “Second & Sebring” – Of Mice & Men ($1.99)
• “The Anthem Of The Angry Brides” – Norma Jean ($1.99)
• “The Waiting One” – All That Remains ($1.99)
• “Wake Up” – Suicide Silence ($1.99)

Avatars

• Rival Schools Avatars (x5) ($0.49)
• The Fight Lights Out Avatars (x2) ($0.49)

Game Videos (free)

• Dead Space 2 – Get Caught Up On Dead Space Trailer
• Dead Space 2 – Chaos Hits The Sprawl Trailer )
• Madden NFL 11 Trailer
• Mass Effect 3 – Announce Trailer
• Modern Combat: Domination – Move Trailer
• Thor – Spike VGA World Premiere Trailer
• Yakuza 4 Story Trailer
• Deus Ex: Human Revolution – HR Upgrades & Augmentations Network Trailer
• Kung-Fu Live Launch Trailer
• PixelJunk Shooter 2 Gameplay Trailer
• Making of TV Superstars – Move
• Making of TV Superstars – Fame
• Making of TV Superstars – Eye
• Gran Turismo 5 Features Trailer
• Journey – Debut Trailer
• SingStar Dance Launch Trailer
• Resistance 3 Game Trailer (VGAs)

PS3 Themes

• Call of Duty: Black Ops Heroes Theme ($1.99)
• Tron: Evolution Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games

• Legends of War: Patton’s Campaign ($19.99)
• Auditorium ($9.99)
• Hot Shots Shorties Blue Pack ($4.99)
• Hot Shots Shorties Red Pack ($4.99)
• Hot Shots Shorties Green Pack ($4.99)
• Hot Shots Shorties Yellow Pack ($4.99)
• Hot Shots Shorties Bundle Pack ($14.99)

Add-on Game Content

• LittleBigPlanet PSP – Friar Tuck Costume (free)
• Toy Story 3: Escape! ($0.99)
• Toy Story 3: Rescue Buzz Lightyear ($0.99)

PSP minis

• Family Games – minis ($3.99)
• M.O.Z.O.X. Space Salvager – minis ($2.99)

PlayStation Comics Store Update

• Batman Beyond Vol. 4 # 1
• The Dreaming # 9
• Ex Machina # 24
• Fables # 39
• Flash: Rebirth # 5
• Fringe: Tales from the Fringe # 1
• God of War # 5
• Green Lantern Corps Vol. 1 # 3
• I Luv Halloween # 8
• The Indifference Engine # 3
• Irredeemable #1 – #8
• JLA #29 & #30
• Legends of the Dark Crystal # 2
• N-Guard # 4
• Planetary # 23
• Reya # 6
• Sandman # 16
• Star Trek: The Manga # 8
• Superman/Batman # 43
• Supernatural: Origins # 5
• Ultimate Fantastic Four (2003) #7 – #11
• Undertown # 1
• Wonder Woman Vol. 3 # 15
• Y: The Last Man # 22
• Zombo # 1

Next Page: European Update »

© Louis Edwards for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us