The PSP hasn’t had much in the way of new releases; at least on North American shores anyway. That doesn’t mean Sony has completed stopped supporting it however. Today, a much-needed shot of epinephrine is given to the PSP by way of a set of new Dual Packs.

Crystal MacKenzie, Sony’s Associate Brand Hardware Marketing Manager, announced that PSP owners looking to add to their library now have a few more choices, although we spotted them back at E3. New PSP Dual Packs with a retail price of $14.99 will go on sale this week and are available via download on the PSN. The titles included round out a nice choice of classic PSP games: Secret Agent Clank and Daxter, Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow and Killzone Liberation, and Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo.

No further announcements have been made on what to expect in the future, but PSP owners can take comfort that Sony hasn’t abandoned them entirely—and the ability to obtain them in digital form bodes well with the PS Vita on the horizon.

[Source]

© repdetect2 for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | One comment | 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

Naruto Shippuden: Kizuna Drive is the latest production in Namco Bandai’s anime-to-game machine. With the last one received pretty well, how does this next installment hold up?

Kizuna Drive is as hardcore Naruto as you can get. While this means fans of the series will feel right at home here, people with no previous knowledge of the series’ extensive history will feel lost at first. So while the story is entirely original, most of the character development and attachment doesn’t come from this game. At least it does a good job at introducing all the characters. By the time you play through, you’ll most likely be able to put a face to all the characters, so if it gets you interested in the anime, so be it.

If you’re a fan, that’ll probably be the only thing to get you through. For every exciting thing that Kizuna Drive does, it has another feature that holds it back. The combat is rather simplistic, with an Attack button and one Special Attack, but it can be customized all sorts of different ways. While the most used attack will be the standard one, the special attack combo changes depending on when you use it. It’s a different approach to deployability, but in a way it works. But again, for each of its good qualities, it steps back again. Different special attacks or tools can be assigned before every mission, making the game different every single time. But… the environment is almost non-existent. The skins may be different, but they all are just a single plane with no entrance or exit. After the enemies are defeated, a loading screen pops up, then you are dropped into another area. Rinse, lather, repeat.

After the story missions are finished the game is filled with all sorts of Free Missions to continue your journey. Here you can choose your player controlled character as well as your three party members. Each detail is at your disposal to edit and the game is completely at your mercy. But, as before, something just had to be wrong. The free mission portion of the game lacks any sort of direction. The most exciting way to play this game WOULD be with multiplayer, but you still need three other people to fully enjoy it. Partner AI is above-average at best, but it’d probably be a blast to have your buddies team up against a big boss. Without that, it’s just kind of…boring.

Being a Japanophile-centric game, Kizuna Drive gives you the much-loved option to choose your language preferences. I’m no anime aficionado, but if there is one thing that I’ve learned over the years it’s that 90% of all English dubs aren’t very good. I’m sure the actors work very hard at their jobs, but they just don’t seem to have the passion that Japanese actors do. Naruto is famous for it’s rather unpleasant English language track, so this option is definitely quite a luxury.

Naruto Shippuden: Kizuna Drive is an incredibly customizable experience from top to bottom, but it has enough problems to keep it from ever becoming anything. Considering the game’s most compelling feature is multiplayer, it just feels…incomplete. Unless you know you have people to play this game with in close proximity (or on the PS3′s ad-hoc Party), pick this game up only if you’re the biggest of Naruto fans.

PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score + Customizable characters and setups cater to endless play styles - Bland mission structure - Feels boring unless you have people to play with

-

© Corey Schwanz for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us

Square-Enix granted many fans’ wishes when they brought the Japanese-only Final Fantasy IV: The After Years back in 2009 to the Wii. The sequel brings the original characters and their descendants back for another adventure on the Blue Planet and, very soon, not only will PSP owners be able to sink their teeth into it and the original, they’ll also be privy to some new, exclusive content.

In just a few days, Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection will be the topic of choice for Square-Enix’s presentations at this year’s GDC, but one thing revealed early is a special edition due to hit shelves in Europe on April 22nd.

The collection features a presentation fold-out box, a selection of high quality art prints, a piece of unannounced DLC for Dissidia 012 [duodecim], and a PSP screen cloth adorned with an image of Cecil. Check out exactly what you’ll get:

As for what the Dissidia DLC could be, we’re guessing all will be revealed this week as Square-Enix promises we won’t have to wait to long:

We’ll be announcing what exactly the DLC will be in the near future.

No word on whether the special edition will show up stateside, however those looking for the regular version will find it starting April 19th. As for the game itself, the team has optimized the remake for the PSP, updating the 2D art-style to a heightened polish, and including full CG cut scenes. The collection also includes a brand new gameplay scenario that bridges the gap between Final Fantasy IV and The After Years.

Where are our RPG lovers? Is anyone as excited as we are to get their hands on this?

[Source]

© joinsideke for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us

Everyone knows how sales work. They’re mostly done to ship out old content to fill the shelves with new units. As usual, Amazon is doing things a little differently, with their newest sale covering some of the latest and greatest games on PS3 and PSP.

It may not be the holiday season anymore, but that isn’t stopping online retailer Amazon from holding a sale for…no reason. And what is it about? Brand new games. Right now, the company is holding the sale for over one hundred PS3 titles, including recent releases like Mass Effect 2, LittleBigPlanet 2, and DC Universe Online; must-haves like Gran Turismo 5 and Heavy Rain, and tons of other titles. Various PSP titles are on sale too (I can’t suggest Valkyria Chronicles II any more).

Be prepared to mix and match the titles you want, but remember the cheapest title is the one you get for free. So get to buyin!

© Corey Schwanz for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2011. | Permalink | 11 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

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

Full Game Trial

• Borderlands Full Game Trial (Free and exclusive to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Featured Games/Demos

• A Space Shooter For 2 Bucks – Minis (Free for PlayStation Plus Subscribers, regular price $1.99)
• MAG Demo (Exclusive to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Discounted Games

• Alpha Mission (20% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.19, regular price $8.99)
• Art of Fighting (20% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.19, regular price $8.99)
• Baseball Stars Professional (20% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.19, regular price $8.99)
• Fatal Fury (20% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.19, regular price $8.99)
• League Bowling (20% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.19, regular price $8.99)
• Magician Lord (20% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.19, regular price $8.99)
• Metal Slug (20% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.19, regular price $8.99)
• Samurai Showdown (20% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.19, regular price $8.99)
• Super Sidekicks (20% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.19, regular price $8.99)
• The King of Fighters ’94 (20% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.19, regular price $8.99)
• Battlefield 1943 (40% off) (PlayStation Plus price $8.99, regular price $14.99)
• Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 (25% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.49, regular price $9.99)

Updates

• Bomberman Ultra – Sale (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Burn Zombie Burn – Sale (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Worms 2: Armageddon – Sale (PS3) (now $7.99, original price $14.99)
• Novastrike – Sale (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $4.99)
• Stellar Attack – Minis – Sale (PS3/PSP) (now $3.49, original price $4.49)
• Forest Puzzle – Minis – Sale (PS3/PSP) (now $1.99, original price $3.99)
• Vibes – Minis – Sale (PS3/PSP) (now $3.49, original price $5.49)
• 3, 2, 1…Supercrash! – Minis – Sale (PS3/PSP) (now $2.49, original price
• $2.99)
• Football Manager Handheld 2010 – Sale (PSP) (now $15.99, original price
• $39.99)
• Iron Man 2 – Sale (PSP) (now $15.99, original price $19.99)
• Phantasy Star Portable 2 – Sale (PSP) (now $15.99, original price $39.99)
• Sega Genesis Collection UMD Legacy – Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price
• $15.99)
• Valkyria Chronicles 2 – Sale (PSP) (now $15.99, original price $39.99)
• Deadliest Warrior: The Game – Sale (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Afterburner Climax – Sale (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Gunstar Heroes – Sale (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $4.99)
• Sonic Adventure – Sale (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Sonic Adventure DX Upgrade – Sale (PS3) (now $1.99, original price $4.99)
• Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 – Sale (PS3) (now $9.99, original price
• $14.99)
• Blue Toad Murder Files: Episode 1-6 & Advent Theme Bundle – Sale (PS3) (now
• $14.99, original price $26.99)
• Flock – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
• NFL Head Coach 09 – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $14.99, original price
• $49.99)
• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light – Things That Go Boom Pack 2 –
• Permanent Price Change (PS3) (now $3.49, original price FREE)
• Alien Breed: Impact – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $9.99, original price
• $14.99)
• Shank – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
• Chameleon: Legacy – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $3.99, original price
• $4.99)
• Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max Legacy – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $9.99,
• original price $14.99)
• Warriors of the Lost Empire – Permanent Price Drop (PSP) (now $5.99,
• original price $9.99)
• Arctic Adventures: Polar’s Puzzles – Minis – Permanent Price Drop (PS3)
• (now $1.99, original price $4.99)
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 – Onslaught Mode – Permanent Price Drop (PS3)
• (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 VIP DLC – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99) **Only available via in-game Store
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 Shortcut Kit – Assault – Permanent Price Drop
• (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 Shortcut Kit – Bundle – Permanent Price Drop
• (PS3) (now $14.99, original price $19.99)
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 Shortcut Kit – Engineer – Permanent Price Drop
• (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 Shortcut Kit – Recon – Permanent Price Drop (PS3)
• (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
• Burnout Paradise Party Pack – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $4.99,
• original price $9.99)
• Burnout Paradise: All Toy Cars Pack – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now
• $6.99, original price $12.99)
• Burnout Paradise: Big Surf Island – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $6.99,
• original price $12.99)
• Burnout Paradise: Cops and Robbers – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $4.99,
• original price $9.99)
• Burnout Paradise: Legendary Car Pack – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now
• $4.99, original price $7.99)
• Burnout Paradise: Special Boost Car Pack – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now
• $4.99, original price $7.99)
• Burnout Paradise: Toy Car Collection 1 – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now
• $4.99, original price $5.99)
• Burnout Paradise: Toy Car Collection 2 – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now
• $4.99, original price $5.99)
• Dante’s Inferno – Trials of St. Lucia – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now
• $4.99, original price $9.99)

Downloadable Games

• Borderlands ($29.99)
• Risk: Factions ($9.99)
• Blokus ($4.99)
• Alpha Mission II ($8.99)
• Art Of Fighting ($8.99)
• Baseball Stars Professional ($8.99)
• Fatal Fury ($8.99)
• League Bowling ($8.99)
• Magician Lord ($8.99)
• Metal Slug ($8.99)
• Samurai Showdown ($8.99)
• Super Sidekicks ($8.99)
• The King of Fighters ’94 ($8.99)
• Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Season Pass ($14.99)
• Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner (free with Season Pass purchase)
• Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 2: Strong Badia The Free (free with Season Pass purchase)
• Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands (free with Season Pass purchase)
• Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 4: Dangeresque 3 (free with Season Pass purchase)
• Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough (free with Season Pass purchase)
• Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones ($14.99)
• BUZZ! – Quiz Player (free)
• echochrome ii ($14.99)
• MAG ($29.99)
• Eat Them! ($9.99)
• Top Darts ($9.99)

PSone Classic

• Front Mission 3 ($5.99)

Game Demos (free)

• LittleBigPlanet 2 Demo
• Beat Sketcher Demo
• Dead Space 2 Demo
• Mass Effect 2 Demo
• Risk: Factions Trial
• Blokus Trial
• Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 4: Dangeresque 3 Trial

Add-on Game Content

• Splatterhouse: Lost Islands ($1.99)
• Costume Quest: Grubbins On Ice ($4.99)
• R.U.S.E. – The Manhattan Project Pack (free)
• The Fight Lights Out – The Fight Danny Trejo Pack ($1.49)
• ModNation Racers – Far East Track Pack ($9.99)
• LittleBigPlanet – Pirates of the Carribean Promo Pack ($7.99)
• WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2011: Shad, New Attire (free)
• WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2011: WWE Discount Pack 1 ($6.99)
• DJ Hero 2 – Linkin Park Mix Pack ($7.99)
• Super Street Fighter IV Ultra Brawler Pack ($3.99)
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 Vietnam ($14.99)
• Need for Speed Hot Pursuit – Bugatti Veyron Super Sport ($2.99)
• Need for Speed Hot Pursuit – Gumpert Apollo S ($2.99)
• Need for Speed Hot Pursuit – Porsche 911 GT2 RS ($2.99)
• Need for Speed Hot Pursuit – Super Sports Pack ($6.99)
• The Sims 3 – Hairstyles Pack ($9.99)
• The Sims 3 – Ultra Lounge Set Pack ($9.99)

Def Jam Rapstar

• “All I Do Is Win” – DJ Khaled ($1.99)
• “Go Hard” – DJ Khaled ($1.99)
• “I’m So Hood” – DJ Khaled ($1.99)
• “We Run This” – The Runners ($1.99)
• “Who’s That Girl” – Eve ($1.99)
• We The Best Pack ($6.99) – Expand your DEF JAM RAPSTAR library with this pack, which includes the songs: “DJ Khaled – All I Do is Win,” “DJ Khaled – Go Hard,” “DJ Khaled – I’m So Hood,” and the freestyle track “The Runners – We Run This.”

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock

• “Dr. Love” – Kiss ($1.99)
• “Detroit Rock City” – Kiss ($1.99)
• “Rock And Roll All Nite” – Kiss ($1.99)
• Kiss-Mas Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Dr. Love”, “Detroit Rock City”, and “Rock And Roll All Nite” by Kiss. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

Rock Band 3

• “Can’t Get Enough″ – Bad Company ($1.99)
• Dame Aire” – Skizoo ($1.99)
• “Dis-Moi″ – BB Brunes ($1.99)
• “Fantasma″ – Linea 77 ($1.99)
• “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)″ – John & Yoko, The Plastic Ono Band ($1.99)
• “Jerk It Out″ – Caesars ($1.99)
• “Nur ein Wort″ – Wir sind Helden ($1.99)
• “Peut-Etre une Angine″ – Anais ($1.99)
• “Proibito″ – Litfiba ($1.99)
• “Starting to Appreciate” – Tutankamon ($1.99)
• “Verdamp Lang Her″ – BAP ($1.99)

Rock Band Network

• “Appetite” – The Gracious Few ($0.99)
• “Don’t Feel Like That Anymore” – Johnny Cooper ($1.99)
• “Freakshow” – HourCast ($0.99)
• “Hold On” – All That Remains ($1.99)
• “The Touch” – Stan Bush ($1.99)

Bundles

• Borderlands – Add-On Extravasplosion Bundle ($29.99)

Avatars

• Mega Man Legends 2 – Data (Sleeping) Avatar ($0.49)
• Pocket Fighter Avatars (x5) ($0.49)
• Dragon’s Lair Avatars (x9) ($0.49)
• Dragon’s Lair Avatar Bundle ($1.49)
• Disagaea 2 Avatars (x5) ($0.49)
• Disagaea 3 Avatars (x2) ($0.49)
• Disagaea Infinite Avatars (x2) ($0.49)
• Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? – Prinny Avatar ($0.49)
• The Fight Lights Out Avatars (x4) ($0.49)
• Dead Nation Avatars (x2) ($0.49)

Game Videos (free)

• The Tester Season 2 – Episode 8
• The Tester Season 2 – Extra Scenes
• Pulse 12/21 Edition
• Mafia II – Joe’s Adventure Launch Trailer
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 – Vietnam Phu Bai Valley Trailer
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 – Vietnam – Battle For Hastings Trailer
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 – VIP Map Pack 7 Trailer
• Dead Space 2 – Demo Tips Trailer
• Need For Speed Hot Pursuit – Seacrest County Trailer
• Need For Speed Hot Pursuit – Ultimate Cop Trailer
• Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Launch Trailer
• Funky Lab Rat Network Trailer
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – DLC Sizzle Trailer
• L.A. Noire – Trailer 1
• Costume Quest Trailer 1
• Costume Quest Trailer 2
• Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – Animus Project Update 1.0 Trailer
• LittleBigPlanet 2 – Grabinator
• LittleBigPlanet 2 – Controlinator
• Tumble – Accolades Trailer
• The Fight Lights Out – Set Up Trailer
• The Fight Lights Out – Calibration Trailer
• The Fight Lights Out – Gameplay Trailer
• Gran Turismo 5 – Launch Trailer
• Gran Turismo 5 – 2010 GT Awards at SEMA
• Gran Turismo 5 – GT5 Piano Performance by Lang Lang
• PS3 Holiday TV Spot – Fake TV Family
• PS3 Holiday TV Spot – Conundrum
• Eat Them! – Available Now Trailer
• Bluetooth Headset 2.0 Trailer
• Dew Tour – Salt Lake City – Athlete Profile – Jamie Bestwick 2
• Dew Tour – Salt Lake City – Athlete Profile – Paul Rodriguez
• Dew Tour – Salt Lake City – Athlete Profile – Shaun White
• Dew Tour – Salt Lake City – PlayStation® Pro Moments Salt Lake City
• Dew Tour – Salt Lake City – Toyota Challenge Highlights
• Dew Tour – Salt Lake City – Toyota Challenge Highlight – BMX
• Dew Tour – Salt Lake City – Toyota Challenge Highlights – FMX
• Dew Tour – Salt Lake City – Toyota Challenge Highlights – Skate

PS3 Themes

• Epic Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Konsole Kingz Graffitti Flow Theme ($1.99)
• Gassed Theme ($1.99)
• Deep Thought Combo Pack ($2.49)
• Cube Theme ($0.99)
• Shine Theme ($0.99)
• Code Entropy: Alpha Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Code Entropy: Beta Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Code Entropy: Gamma Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Code Entropy Dynamic Theme Pack ($3.99)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies Theme ($1.99)
• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light – Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light – Static Theme ($0.99)

Wallpapers (free)

• Hoard Wallpaper 1
• Hoard Wallpaper 2

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games

• Fatal Fury ($6.99)
• Metal Slug ($6.99)

Game Demos (free)

• Lord Of Arcana Demo

Add-on Game Content

• Piyotama PSP: Christmas Skin (free)

PSP Minis

• Jane’s Hotel – Minis ($3.99)
• A Space Shooter For 2 Bucks – Minis ($1.99)
• N.O.V.A. – Minis ($4.99)
• Forest Puzzle – Minis ($3.99)
• Dr. Minigames – Minis ($2.99)

Game Videos (free)

• The Tester Season 2 – Episode 8
• The Tester Season 2 – Extra Scenes
• Pulse 12/21 Edition
• Valkyria Chronicles 2 DLC Trailer

PSP Themes

• Legends Of War: Patton’s Campaign Theme 1 (free)
• A Space Shooter For 2 Bucks – Minis Theme (free)
• AK47 Digital PSP Theme ($1.99)
• Gold Scar PSP Theme ($1.99)

PSP Wallpapers (free)

• Legends Of War: Patton’s Campaign Wallpaper 1

Next Page: European Update »

© Louis Edwards for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2010. | Permalink | 4 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.

******** In regards to the Sam & Max download error, Jeff Rubenstein has informed me that codes will be sent out to PlayStation Plus Subscribers that have been unable to download the game. ********

North American Update

PlayStation Plus

Full Game Trial

• Prototype Full Game Trial (Free and exclusive to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Featured Beta

• DC Universe Online Beta (free)

Featured Games

• Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse (Episodes 1-5) (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers, regular price $34.99)
• Fieldrunners (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers, regular price $6.99)
• Crash Team Racing (Free to PlayStation Plus Subscribers, regular price $5.99)

Discounted Games

• Marvel Super Hero Squad PSP (PlayStation Plus price $15.00, regular price $29.99)
• Flow PSP (PlayStation Plus price $5.99, regular price $7.99)
• Tomb Raider III PS One (PlayStation Plus price $3.00, regular price $5.99)
• Galaxy Fight – PS One Import (PlayStation Plus price $3.00, regular price $5.99)

Featured Home Item

• Burn Zombie Burn Home Item – Zombie Heads (Free and exclusive to PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Updates

• Um Jammer Lammy – Sale (PS3/PSP) (now $2.99, original price $5.99) **Part of the PlayStation 15th Anniversary Sale
• Superstars V8 Racing – Sale (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)

Downloadable Games

• PROTOTYPE ($29.99)
• LittleBigPlanet – Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves ($5.99)
• X-Men ($9.99)
• Prince Of Persia: Warrior Within HD ($14.99)
• Marvel Pinball ($9.99)

PSone Classic Imports

• Galaxy Fight – PSone Import ($5.99)

Add-on Game Content

• EyePet Clown Pack ($2.99)
• ModNation Racers – Babu Mod ($0.99)
• DJ Hero 2 Old Skool Hip Hop Mix Pack ($7.99)
• Assassin’s Creed Broterhood: Animus Project 1.0 (free)
• nail’d – Detonator Mode and Track Pack ($6.99)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – Costume Pack 1 ($0.99)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – Endor Bonus Mission ($0.99)
• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light – Raziel & Kain Character Pack ($3.49)
• Fist of the North – DLC Pack 4 ($6.99)
• Fist of the North – DLC Pack 5 ($6.99)
• Magic: The Gathering Duels of the Planewalkers DLC (x17) ($0.99)

Rock Band 3

• “Big Shot″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “Captain Jack″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “Only the Good Die Young″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “Piano Man″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “Pressure″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “Say Goodbye to Hollywood″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “The Entertainer″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “The Stranger″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “We Didn’t Start the Fire″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• “You May Be Right″ – Billy Joel ($1.99)
• Bill Joel The Hits: Rock Band Edition ($19.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Billy Joel The Hits: Rock Band Edition. This pack includes “Big Shot”, “Captain Jack”, “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me”, ” Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)”, “Only the Good Die Young”, “Piano Man”, “Pressure”, “Say Goodbye to Hollywood”, “The Entertainer”, “The Stranger”, “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, and “You May Be Right” by Billy Joel.

Rock Band Network

• “Best I Never Had” – The Downtown Fiction ($1.99)
• “Broke Down On The Brazos” – Gov’t Mule ($0.99)
• “Children Of December” – The Slip ($1.99)
• “I Just Wanna Run” – The Downtown Fiction ($1.99)
• “Oceans Between Us” – The Downtown Fiction ($1.99)

Bundles

• Tron: Evolution – Multiplayer Content Pack ($3.99)
• Comet Crash: Bionic Bundle ($11.99)

Avatars

• Mega Man Legends 2 – Data (Running) Avatar ($0.49)
• Pocket Fighter Avatars (x5) ($0.49)

Game Videos (free)

• The Tester Season 2 – Episode 7
• Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Vietnam Hill 137 Trailer
• Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars – Web Doc #1 Trailer

PS3 Themes

• Santa’s Sexy Helpers Theme ($1.99)
• Femaliens Premium Theme ($1.49)
• Atlas Premium Theme ($1.49)

PlayStation Store for PSP

PSP Minis

• I Must Run! – Minis ($3.99)

Game Videos (free)

• The Tester Season 2 – Episode 7

PSP Themes

• Santa’s Sexy Helpers PSP Theme ($1.99)
• Femaliens PSP Theme ($1.49)
• Atlas PSP Theme ($1.49)

PlayStation Comics Store Update

• 2000AD Prog # 1710
• Bone # 9
• Die Hard: Year One #1 – #8
• Ex Machina # 22
• Ex Machina: Special #1
• Ex Machina: Special #2
• Fables # 37
• Flash: Rebirth # 3
• Green Lantern # 19
• Green Lantern Corps Vol. 1 # 1
• The Indifference Engine # 1
• Iron Man: Legacy of Doom (2008) #1 – #4
• JLA #25 & #26
• Kill Shakespeare # 7
• N-Guard # 3
• Planetary # 21
• The Punisher (2001) #5 – #8
• Ratchet & Clank # 3
• Reya # 5
• Sandman # 14
• Superman/Batman # 41
• Supernatural: Origins # 3
• Ultimate Fantastic Four (2003) # 1
• Ultimates (2002) # 1
• Wolverine Origins (2006) #7 – #10
• Wonder Woman Vol. 3 # 13
• Y: The Last Man # 20

Next Page: European Update »

© Louis Edwards for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2010. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us

Are you familiar with that saying “It’s so crazy that it just might work!?” Sure, we hear lots of crazy ideas that are spouted through the rumor mills and some from notable figures from the game industry. One far-fetched idea has been spoken before and we all scoffed at the idea simply because it was, well, crazy. Remember when Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima shared his belief that console gaming will come to an end?  We jeered at it. EA founder Trip Hawkins, voiced the same idea, and the proud console owners (including myself) thumbed our noses at him. However, lately I’ve been giving it more thought and perhaps, they are actually on to something. This idea of a console-less gaming future is so crazy that it just might work! In fact, it could be huge.

Sure, the idea of playing games without a console seems scores and decades away, something that my grandchildren would be immersing themselves in. Certainly, a disc-less gaming industry couldn’t exist in today’s industry with the advent of Blu-ray and physical media.  We see what works, but can’t really envision what “could” work. Think of the Wright brothers: people thought the idea of flying was impossible within their current times.  Nowadays, we are putting people in space! Would the people from the 1900′s believe that space was even achievable, let alone flying? The same could be said for a pure digital gaming world. The technology may not exist now, but we certainly have the capacity and the know-how of establishing a much different gaming future.

How can a console-less gaming industry take-off? More importantly, why should it exist? Simple: the consumers will demand it. Picture the current state of consumers – we all crave convenience. Convenience exists in everything that we do; everything has to be on-the-go. We want speed in delivery, from sending messages to our friends, even zap-frying a pop-tart in mere seconds to beat traffic hour. Currently, that technology of convenience hasn’t been implemented into the gaming biz, not yet at least. For now, we have to hop in our car (or get your parents), go the store, buy the game, run home, pop in the disc, install the base files, and then you finally get to party on your hard-earned purchase. Don’t you think that’s too much work compared to today’s standard of convenience?

Already, we can see some sort of console-less gaming taking off in the smart phone market. Albeit, it’s not very huge yet, but there is something that it has over the console. I’ve said it before: convenience. You don’t have to run to a store and buy physical media to play a phone game.  The purchase and play is done right at your fingertips, and it can all be done within a matter of minutes. Yes, I understand that production values are simplistic compared to console games, but it’s hard to deny that the technology is catching up.

Another huge leap towards pure-mobile gaming is the advent of cloud computing. The birth of OnLive uses cloud computing to handle the processing and rendering of games and only sends the visual data stream back to the end-user. This could potentially take a huge load off smaller compact hardware. The potential for using cloud computing is integral for a mobile gaming network. Netflix and Hulu have also shown that HD video (aka. “large amounts of data”) can be streamed to your living-room, saving you a trip to the video store. Netfilx streaming has also made it to the iPhone, which is another huge leap for convenience in the entertainment business on mobile devices.

Mobile phones are increasingly becoming the largest market for the purchase of casual games. The hardware on these phones is packing more of a punch and storage sizes are increasing. Some of the top phones on the market have an HDMI-out plug to view HD video on your flat-screen TVs.  Wireless networks are also increasing the speeds at which data can be transferred through 3G and 4G networks. Some cities have even begun to petition the FCC to unlock unused UHF/VHF signals to open up a city-wide mega Wi-Fi network. Do you see where this is going? Eventually, nabbing a 1GB file over a 4G network (dare I say 5G?) will be a thing of the past.

So what do you get when you put all of the above technology together?  Answer: one awesome PORTABLE gaming device.

I think Sony has already foreseen this. Earlier this year, they began to seek out talented people with Android experience, which, not surprisingly, lead to rumors of a PSP Phone. But let’s take that rumor a bit further. What if this is just a pre-emptive to the console-less gaming era?

If you’re still having a hard time coming to grips with the idea, then let me paint you a picture. The new Modern Warfare 7 has just been released.  I’m at work, and I don’t have time to go to the store. I flip on my PlayStation X-Droid and hop on the new PSN and purchase MW7 over the city Wi-Fi or 5G network, which will send the 5GB file to my 500GB portable device. Thankfully, I don’t have to wait for the whole download. The developers have ingeniously developed a cloud data platform that allows me to play the game while the remaining files download over the hi-speed network. Awesome, looks like I’ll be able to get some play time during lunch.

After work, I have to go visit a friend, but that’s not a problem. When I get to my friend’s place, I plug in my PSX-Droid to his HDTV via HDMI. We sync up his PlayStation controls to my PSX-Droid via Bluetooth and play a few rounds of MW7 and a few multiplayer sessions over the super network. For a break, we flip on the Netflix streaming app and watch a few episodes of our favorite TV show via the PSX-Droid. It’s now time to go home, so I unplug my PSX-Droid and take it home with me. I play a bit more MW7 on my HDTV via HDMI and my synced Bluetooth controller. When it’s time for bed, I unplug it and complete a few more missions while I’m lying under the covers.

Do you see it now? No matter where you go, your entertainment goes with you, without having to sacrifice any features of the current consoles that we play on today. This system also provides the hardcore gamers with convenience. You could be in the heat of a boss battle, and when it’s time to go to Sally’s birthday party, there is no need to pause and play it later. Rather, just unplug it and play in the car on the way to Sally’s house.

Again, that future is not here yet, but the technology to embrace it seems to be getting much closer.

© Razor for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2010. | Permalink | 23 comments | Add to del.icio.us

The successor to the PSP is shrouded in mystery. Rumors have speculated everything from it being a Sony Ericsson smart-phone, to a gaming iPad like Tablet, to a normal handheld with a touch screen pad on the rear of the unit. One feature that has been mentioned throughout all of these rumors, is the inclusion of Google’s mobile OS, Android. A job listing has popped up on an official PlayStation site looking for an engineer with experience in mobile development, with Android “specifically” being a “plus”.

The job listing requires a plethora of development skills with only a few specifically touching on items of interest.

First, the applicant would have experience with cloud-based computing services such as Amazon Web Services, which Sony uses for different aspects of its PlayStation Network.

Secondly, the job listing is for someone with experience in online gaming.

Lastly, and most importantly, it’s highly desirable for the applicant to have experience in mobile development, specifically with Android, Google’s booming mobile OS built for smart-phones.

Android features an extremely intuitive interface which is able to run apps, play games, listen to music, among other things that would fit perfectly on a successor to the PSP.

Recently, the Executive Producer of the new Mortal Kombat, Shaun Himmerick let slip that they had a PSP2 in-house and was a “pretty powerful” system. Sony’s president of SCE Worldwide Studios, Shuhei Yoshida, also stated recently that Sony is looking into “new technologies” regarding the PSP’s follow up. Let’s hope that Android is indeed one of those new technologies Sony is talking about.

Thanks to Flamboyant for the tip!

© Anthony Severino for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us

During the Tokyo Game Show presentation last week, two new PSP’s were prominently displayed on the floor. Although not as captivating as a PSP2 sighting might have been, the sleek, dual-color makeover that each of the models features is certainly exciting in its own regard.

The two new, limited edition models will be identical to the PSP-3000 in regards to hardware, but visually as different as night from day: one teams a pearl-white with a translucent blue backing, while the other takes a cue from the special edition God of War PSP and pairs a the glossy black with fire red buttons and backing.

They’ll come with a 2GB Memory Stick Duo, and hit shelves in Japan as early as November 18th for 17,800 Yen, or around $200 USD. But if you’re looking to pick up one of these stylish new limited PSPs stateside, you’re probably going to find yourself out of luck. As of now, no word has been passed down that there are plans to sell them abroad, and given the precedent Sony has set with their many colored models seen only in Japan, chances seem slim.

© joinsideke for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2010. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us

On September 9, 1995, the original PlayStation launched in North America forever changing the video game industry. Take a trip down memory lane with an official PlayStation timeline.

© Anthony Severino for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2010. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us

No Heroes Allowed, just announced for the PSP, continues the classic “dungeoneering” gameplay and leads you to destroy the heroes of justice. Taking control of the God of Destruction, you must work for Badman and his daughter Badmella across 33 stages to finally take over the world. Along with new monsters and a new water element to trap your unlucky foes, No Heroes Allowed! introduces a new Dungeon-A-Day mode, which gives you 100 additional daily challenges to build up your skills where you can use in the game as well as with a friend.

That’s right! In a series first, Badman and Badmella will team up together across two PSPs in Co-Op mode to take down gallant adventurers and extend their reach as far as the eye can see. Or you can frustrate your partner by messing up their part of the dungeon. Your choice.

Stay tuned to PlayStation LifeStyle for any more about this PSP gem!

[Source]

© Corey Schwanz for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2010. | Permalink | No comments | Add to del.icio.us

On August 5th, a disaster happened 2,300 feet beneath the surface in a notoriously dangerous copper mine. The mining disaster in Chile has unfortunately trapped 33 men in the depths of the Earth. While the men are in good spirits now, they are more than likely bored down there. Since they can receive supplies from the surface, what better way to save their minds than to send down a few PSPs?

The best estimates put the rescue of the miners at a solid four months away, around Christmas time or thereabouts. Food and toiletries were among the first things sent down to the men in airtight cups, but now that they have regular contact with the surface, they can afford some luxuries. Along with a fresh supply of running water and access to electricity, the disheartened men have been given PSPs to pass the time. Hopefully they will stagger their use of the charging the batteries, because they have at least four months before they will see the light of day.

It brings up the age old question, but with a little twist. If you were trapped in a mine for months with people that you work with, what games would you want to bring with you? My vote is for Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Why? Not only is it a great game, but they have an ample supply of people to play multiplayer! Let us know your choice in the comments below.

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© Corey Schwanz for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2010. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us

Square Enix has been good to PSP fans lately, especially when it comes to The 3rd Birthday. Even though gamescom is behind us, the show’s presence still lingers on, and we have the assets to prove it.

Here are a few in game and CGI screens straight from The 3rd Birthday:

No asset pack is complete without a video. Enjoy the latest trailer released below:

© repdetect2 for PlayStation LifeStyle, 2010. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us