Last week’s PSN update was dominated by one big name: Yakuza 3. The demo was good, though the fighting engine pissed me off some. Since then, there’s been a spot of bother about the game, with the word that Hostess Clubs, as well as a couple of other cultural items, were removed from the game. This upset a few people – I was mildly annoyed – but even that was mild compared to the controversy created by the other big-name release on the PSN.
This week, the only controversial bit seems to be what’s missing. For everyone else, we have two big-name demos – one for people who didn’t go to E3 and don’t have Qore, the other for people who didn’t buy the respective game already – as well as a couple of other demos, a couple of new releases, and FINALLY, a true PS one “Classic”.
We’ll start with the demos, and for anyone that wasn’t a Qore subscriber, the God of War 3 E3 Demo is available. Having played it finally, I think I can criticize the pacing of the… oh, what the hell am I talking about. It’s GOD OF FUCKING WAR. The demo provided exactly what I expected it to: a bunch of skeletons to beat up on, lots of blood, and some FUCK YEAH moments, all in what is supposed to be the first stage of the game. What’s more funny is that this past couple of months have seen a bunch of releases that ape the God of War gameplay so blatantly they might as well be paying royalties, so it’s nice to see the king come in and sweep the pretenders aside, pretenders such as Bayonetta, Dante’s Inferno and… HEY! Speaking of God of War ripoffs, the demo for Darkstalkers is out! They decided to grace us with the demo a whole month after the game was released, but that’s OK, we’ll take this opportunity to show how much better of a game God of War is anyway.
I would use this opportunity to talk about how God of War ripped off it’s gameplay from Rygar: The Legendary Adventure, but even though it’s 4AM EST I can half the staff trying to kill me telepathically. In fact, I think Aaron’s going to kill me for real. I think I’ll pass this time.
A third demo was released for a game called DiggerHD. This is an IBM compatible PC game from 1983 made by a Canadian developer named Rob Sleath, back when a lot of games were written by one person, and back when “IBM Compatible” meant something (back then, there were a lot of different types of home computer that all ran their own code, and emulators and virtual machines were decades from being realized, meaning that if you had an IBM, you had to buy IBM compatible software; same with Macintosh, or Commodore. It was worlds different from today, where Windows is really the only gaming option). Unfortunately for us in 2010, in 1983, it was exceptionally common, in the days before copyright law was seriously looked into to protect intellectual property, to have imitators of more common games floating around. In the case of Digger, I’m almost certain I’ve played it before in some other form… ah, yes, I have. I remember when this game was called Mr. Do!. It plays exactly the same – gather items to complete stages, drop big objects on your enemies, don’t get hit – as Mr. Do! did. Sadly, Mr. Do!, even in the 80s, was one of those games that got lots of playtime only by people that were trying to beat their top scores, and neither it nor Digger have aged well AT ALL. Download the demo and play a few stages, because that’s all you really need to play of the game, unless I’m missing about nine modes that aren’t in the demo.
Our last demo is for the PSP game Eye of Judgement Legends. I never played the PS3 version, and we sadly don’t have a review of it, but after taking it’s sweet time getting to an actual card battle, it showed itself to be a somewhat interesting trading card game (TCG). I’m not really into trading card games much – my first and last one was the Pokemon game for the Game Boy Colour – but anyone that is into TCGs probably owns the PS3 version of Eye of Judgement, and is counting the days to the release of the actual PSP game. I’m not entirely sure that this game is going to convert anyone – it’s got a bit of a learning curve – but anyone with the space on their UMD should check it out, as the demo saves gameplay for the regular game.
If anything, the only thing sticking out this week is the demo we didn’t get. MLB ’10: The Show was supposed to have a demo released today, which didn’t show up. This means that the demo for the game is going to come out the same time as the PS3 demo for Major League Baseball 2K10: next Thursday, or two days after release. Normally, this is cause for scepticism, but the developers have let us know that the demo is in, it just hasn’t been put up by Sony. Why it hasn’t been put up is beyond me, and frankly, I don’t care: what better chance is there going to be to show everyone the new features that are in the game? It’s never excusable to release a demo of a game after release date, especially when your competitor released one on the 360. The fact that 2K10 improves on a lot of things from last year puts that much pressure on The Show, which to be fair, was my second choice for Sports Game of the Year. The fact that a lot of people noticed is also indicative that maybe Sony should take a little better care of their fans; they (and by “they”, I also mean “me”) obviously love the game, so don’t take them for granted.
We also have a few price updates, including a nice sale on a remade classic:
* Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix Sale, One Week Only! (now $7.49, original price $14.99)
* Hero of Sparta PSP mini Permanent Price Drop (now $4.99, original price $6.99)
* Let’s Golf PSP mini Permanent Price Drop (now $4.99, original price $6.99)
* Warhawk Sale, Ends on 3/11 (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
* Warhawk Booster DLC Bundle, End on 3/11 (now $9.99, regular price $15.99)
* Warhawk Fallen Star, Broken Mirror, & Omega Dawn DLC Sale, Ends on 3/11 (now $4.99, original price $7.99)
SSFIITHDR is an absolute must-buy at that price. I’m not aware of the minis – I don’t play them, if I want cheap games I’ll get the same games on the iPhone for less money – but I’m also not aware of Warhawk, either. I’ve downloaded the demo and I’m going to try it, but half off is a nice price for any game, and reviews seem positive. I might actually pick that up if I like the demo enough.
A new game was released for the PS3 system: Greed Corp. is a tactical, turn-based strategy game for up to four players, that pits each player as a corporation that is bleeding the land of it’s natural resources, and trying to take over the whole territory before the land under them collapses. The whole premise of the game contains some pretty wry humour, and the game itself plays like any other hexagonal TBS. I’m still not sure entirely of how the rules work – I only played the demo on XBLA – but the game seems to have some deep ideas, and initial reviews are positive. At the very least, XBox users should check out the demo to see if this whets their appetite.
On the PSP, two games were released. I chronicled echoshift a couple of weeks ago, and said at the time that I thought the game was pretty good based off of the demo, but not worth more than $20. The good news is that echoshift is only being sold for $14.99. I REALLY like that price point! At just $15, there’s a lot of gameplay to be had in this game, and the prospect of future DLC gives the game even more replayability. I think I feel comfortable giving this one a recommendation for puzzle fans or people that liked Braid. Also available is GTI Club Supermini Festa!, via Konami. I have no clue, in all honesty, how this plays; I never played the arcade game, and not only have I not played even a demo for the PSP, when I was on the PSP network earlier, I didn’t even see this game up there. That might have been an oversight, but I had to do a double-take when I saw this on the update because I almost forgot it, that’s how much it slipped in.
I’ve saved the best for last: our one PS one game. They call them PS one Classics, though lately, there hasn’t been much classic about them; it’s either been ported over PC games such as Magic Carpet, or generic crap too numerous to mention. We finally have a game that is truly a classic: Grandia. I really won’t spend much time talking about this game, because Alex talked about it at length back in 2004 (scroll down to #20, or Ctrl-F for “Grandia”). My initial reaction was frustration that this is a $10 game; after all, Sony knows how to bleed it’s customers for every dollar they can for any game that people actually want to play. However, the game has been upwards of $40 on the third-hand market for years now, and that price isn’t coming down anytime soon. Considering that, I can give this game a full recommendation.
That’s all for this week. Grandia is a must-buy, SFII Turbo HD Remix is a must-buy for the next week, and the demos are great. In terms of updates, this was a very good one. Until next time, this is Christopher Bowen, and my Rygar reference has reminded me of the horrors that Tecmo has brought upon the name. I’m going to cry like a bitch now.
The full Playstation and Comic Store updates are below the cut.
Price Updates
- Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix Sale, One Week Only! (now $7.49, original price $14.99)
- Hero of Sparta PSP mini Permanent Price Drop (now $4.99, original price $6.99)
- Let’s Golf PSP mini Permanent Price Drop (now $4.99, original price $6.99)
- Warhawk Sale, Ends on 3/11 (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
- Warhawk Booster DLC Bundle, End on 3/11 (now $9.99, regular price $15.99)
- Warhawk Fallen Star, Broken Mirror, & Omega Dawn DLC Sale, Ends on 3/11 (now $4.99, original price $7.99)
Downloadable Games
Greed Corp. ($9.99)
Why share when you can have it all? Greed Corp is an online multiplayer strategy game in which you battle for dominance over a world once rich in resources. In order to prevail, you must exhaust all remaining resources to build an army, and use the depleted collapsing terrain to your advantage. An extensive campaign mode and multiple unlockables prepare you to take the battle online.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 300 MB
The Tester
The Tester Episode 2 “Communication Breakdown” (free)
Legendary game designer David Jaffe joins the panel to evaluate the gamers in their first team challenge testing their ability to communicate (using human hamster balls, blindfolds, and a bullhorn).
File size: 302 MB (SD) 809 MB (HD)
PSone Classics
Grandia ($9.99)
Take the role of Justin, a young boy obsessed with becoming a great adventurer, who inherits a magic stone that leads him on an epic journey to uncover the mystery of a long lost civilization in this classic RPG. Meet an exciting cast of characters who join you along the way and unravel the mysteries of this ancient legend. Download this critically-acclaimed PS one RPG and experience the epic adventure today!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 851 MB
Game Demos (free)
God of War III Demo
God of War III finds Kratos raining carnage and destruction upon the Gods who have betrayed him and the entire Ancient Greek world. Armed with his deadly double-chained blades, Kratos will take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles on his merciless quest to destroy Olympus and the mighty Zeus himself.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 2.61 GB
Darksiders Demo
Battle through the complete first dungeon of Darksiders, with over 90 minutes of gameplay. Take on Hell’s demon hordes, explore the catacombs of the forsaken Twilight Cathedral, and face off against the hideous Bat Queen, Tiamat.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.35 GB
DiggerHD Demo
DiggerHD updates the 1980’s PC classic with a next-generation, 21st Century facelift while maintaining classic gameplay. Control the feisty little construction vehicle and burrow its way through the perils of an underground world. Players dig through the dirt to create paths, collect jewels and coins, avoid monsters and falling bags of gold in single and multiplayer modes. Try this free demo version now!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 49 MB
Add-on Game Content
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Drake’s Fortune MP Map Pack ($3.99)
Return to the locations that made UNCHARTED: Drake’s Fortune so great with The “Drake’s Fortune Multiplayer Map Pack” for UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves online multiplayer modes.
File size: 157 MB
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Drake’s Fortune MP Skin Pack ($2.99)
The “Drake’s Fortune Multiplayer Skin Pack” includes six classic character skins as they appeared in UNCHARTED: Drake’s Fortune.
File size: 312 KB
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Drake’s Fortune MP Pack (bundle) ($5.99)
Grab the “The Flooded Ruins” and “The Facility” maps, as well as six classic character skins as they appeared in UNCHARTED: Drake’s Fortune. Play as Drake, Elena, Eddie Raja, Atoq Navarro, Gabriel Roman, or mercenary grunt Javier.
File size: 157 MB
LittleBigPlanet White Knight Chronicles Costume Pack ($5.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this Costume Kit to add four White Knight Chronicles outfits to your collection: Leonard, the White Knight, the Black Knight and the Dragon Knight.
NOTE: to download this Costume Kit, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB
LittleBigPlanet White Knight Chronicles Black Knight Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this additional costume to really stand out from the crowd!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet
File size: 1.04 MB
LittleBigPlanet White Knight Chronicles Dragon Knight Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this additional costume to really stand out from the crowd!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet
File size: 1.04 MB
LittleBigPlanet White Knight Chronicles Leonard Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this additional costume to really stand out from the crowd!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet
File size: 1.04 MB
LittleBigPlanet White Knight Chronicles White Knight Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this additional costume to really stand out from the crowd!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet
File size: 1.04 MB
Borderlands Secret Armory ($9.99)
The Secret Armory of General Knoxx is an addon pack for Borderlands that adds new guns, new Class Mods, new vehicles, new missions, new enemy types, and increases the level cap to 61. In other words…best addon ever. Of all time. Forever. The End. ELEVEN!
File size: 1.65 GB
Dante’s Inferno Animated Film Dante Costume ($1.99)
Dress Dante as one of the heroes from Starz Media’s animated feature film based on EA’s Dante’s Inferno video game.
File size: 6.15 MB
FIFA 10 Ultimate Team (English, Spanish, French) ($4.99 each)
Build your own Ultimate Team with all your favorite football stars, choose to manage one or multiple squads & then compete in dynamically updated online tournaments.
File sizes: 670 MB – 676 MB
Operation Flashpoint Dragon Rising Overwatch Pack ($4.99)
Download the “ËœOverwatch’ DLC pack for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, featuring two new game-changing multiplayer modes and Fire Team Engagements (FTEs) – Friendly Skies and Hostile Takeover.
File size: 6.77 MB
Valkyria Chronicles Challenge of the Edy ($4.99)
Experience an enthralling new chapter in the critically acclaimed tactical RPG, VALKYRIA CHRONICLES, with an exciting expansion pack! Join the members of the Edy Detachment as they venture through 6 new maps of unique skirmish battles, each designed to feature a different soldier class; the scout, lancer, sniper, engineer, shocktrooper and the tank.
File size: 84 MB
Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.
- “Can You Take Me” by Third Eye Blind ($1.99)
- “Losing a Whole Year” by Third Eye Blind ($1.99)
- “Never Let You Go” by Third Eye Blind ($1.99)
- Third Eye Blind Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Can You Take Me”, “Losing A Whole Year”, and “Never Let You Go” by Third Eye Blind, Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.
File sizes: 33 MB – 42 MB (singles), 108 MB (track pack)
Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.
- “Distracted””†KSM ($1.99)
- “Walking on the Moon””†The Police ($1.99)
- “Heartkiller””†HIM ($1.99)
- “Ode to Solitude””†HIM ($1.99)
- “Wings of a Butterfly””†HIM ($1.99)
- “Just For Tonight” – One Night Only ($1.99)
- “The Dope Show” – Marilyn Manson ($1.99)
- HIM Pack 1 ($5.49)- Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: HIM Pack 01. This pack includes “Heartkiller,” “Ode to Solitude,” and “Wings of a Butterfly” by HIM.
File sizes: 26 MB – 32 MB (singles), 89 MB (track pack)
Game Videos (free)
PlayStation 3 TV Commercial – “Grandma”
File size: 23 MB (HD) 37 MB (1080)
MLB 10: The Show Reveal Trailer
File sizes: 60 MB (HD) 100 MB (1080)
SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 Launch Trailer
File size: 70 MB (HD) 118 MB (1080)
File size: 22 MB (HD) 36 MB (1080)
MAG: How To – Leadership Overview
File size: 70 MB (HD) 118 MB (1080)
MAG: How To – OIC
File size: 70 MB (HD) 118 MB (1080)
File size: 58 MB (HD) 97 MB (1080)
MAG: How To – Squad Leader
File size: 57 MB (HD) 97 MB (1080)
Yakuza 3 Dev Diary 1
File size: 143 MB (HD)
Dragon Age: Origins Awakening Trailer
File size: 61 MB (HD)
War Machine Trailer
File size: 42 MB (HD)
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing All-Star Moves Trailer
File size: 43 MB (HD)
PS3 Themes
MLB 10: The Show Themes (Diamondbacks, Orioles, Red Sox, Rockies, Dodgers, Yankees, Padres, Giants, Rays, and Blue Jays) (free)
File sizes: 2.56 MB – 2.61 MB
MAG SVER Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 6.25 MB
MAG Raven Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 2.55 MB
MAG Valor Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 5.42 MB
Abstracted Theme ($1.49)
File size: 8.48 MB
Irish Flags Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.57 MB
Wallpaper (free)
Madden NFL 11 Contest Wallpapers (x3) (Drew Brees, Jared Allen and Reggie Wayne)
File sizes: 325 KB – 337 KB (SD) 1.70 MB – 1.81 MB (HD)
PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)
echoshift ($14.99)
echoshift redefines puzzle games with a new game play mechanic that challenges you to manipulate time and be in multiple places at once! Solve puzzles by layering your decisions to push switches, bridge gaps, and more. You’ll have to think quickly and use your past decisions in this artistically stylized world, available exclusively on the PSP system.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 148 MB
GTI Club Supermini Festa! ($29.99)
GTI Club Supermini Festa! shifts its way to download on the PSP and PSPgo systems! Staying true to the original racing frenzy of the award-winning arcade game, players will race through the cityscapes of France, the UK, Italy, USA and Japan. Tackle a wide variety of driving conditions in the ultimate race to the finish!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 188 MB
PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)
Retro Cave Flyer ($4.99)
File size: 16 MB
The Terminator ($6.99)
File size: 11 MB
Age of Zombies ($4.99)
File size: 21 MB
PSP Game Demos (free)
The Eye of Judgment Legends Demo
File size: 397 MB
Add-On Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)
BUZZ! Quiz World PSP Comedy Pack ($2.99)
From the world famous National Geographic archives comes the ultimate African wildlife quiz. This BUZZ! Quiz World PSP quiz pack features hundreds of new questions about African wildlife to play in any of your favorite BUZZ! Quiz World PSP game modes. Download this quiz pack today and turn your party into the ultimate trivia showdown. Challenge friends and family and “Show ‘em Your Trivia!”
File size: 68 MB
Metal Slug XX Leona Playable Character ($0.99)
Leona Heidern from THE KING OF FIGHTERS series joins Marco & Co. in battle! In terms of close quarters combat, Leona is the most talented of the seven characters. Not only is she a master of CQC, but she is also second to none in handling firearms.
File size: 1.1 MB
Game Videos (free)
The Tester Episode 2
File size: 129 MB
SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 Launch Trailer
File size: 11 MB
PlayStation 3 TV Commercial – “Grandma”
File Size: 3.29 MB
PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)
MLB 10: The Show PSP Themes (Diamondbacks, Orioles, Red Sox,Rockies, Dodgers, Yankees,Padres, Giants, Rays, and Blue Jays) (free)
File sizes: 587 – 598 KB
Irish Shamrock Flag PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 427 KB
Irish Flags PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 408 KB
Comic Store Update
- 2000AD Prog # 1668 – $1.99
- 2000AD Prog 2010 Christmas Mega-Special – $6.99
- Burke & Hare # 3 – $0.99
- Donald Duck in: “Gone With The Wind” # 1 – $0.99
- DoubleDuck # 3 – $1.99
- Locke & Key: Head Games # 3 – $0.99
- Magica De Spell and the Enchanted Party – $0.99
- Scrooge McDuck and the Unpredictable Sniff-O-Meter – $0.99
- Superduck # 7 – $1.99
- The Avengers (1963) # 1 – $1.99
- The Avengers (1963) # 2 – $1.99
- The Avengers (1963) # 3 – $1.99
- The Avengers (1963) # 4 – $1.99
- The Avengers (1963) # 5 – $1.99
- The Avengers (1963) # 6 – $1.99
- The Avengers (1963) # 7 – $1.99
- The Avengers (1963) # 8 – $1.99
- The Avengers (1963) # 9 – $1.99
- The Avengers (1963) # 10 – $1.99
- The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 107 – $1.99
- The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 108 – $1.99
- The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 109 – $1.99
- The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 110 – $1.99
- The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 111 – $1.99
- The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 112 – $1.99
- Transformers # 1 – $1.99
- Transformers: All Hail Megatron # 13 – $1.99
- Transformers: Animated – The Arrival # 5 – $0.99
- Transformers: Animated – The Arrival # 6 – $0.99
- Transformers: Spotlight # 17 – $1.99
- Transformers: Spotlight # 18 – $1.99
- Transformers: Spotlight # 19 – $1.99
- Uncanny X-Men (2003) # 489 – $1.99
- Uncanny X-Men (2003) # 490 – $1.99
- Uncanny X-Men (2003) # 491 – $1.99
- We Will Bury You # 1 – $1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 44 – $1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 45 – $1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 46 – $1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 47 – $1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 48 – $1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 49 – $1.99
- Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse: Down The Pub # 13 – $0.99
- X-Men (2004) # 193 – $1.99
- X-Men (2004) # 194 – $1.99
- X-Men (2004) # 195 – $1.99
- X-Men (2004) # 196 – $1.99
- X-Men (2004) # 197 – $1.99
- X-Men (2004) # 198 – $1.99
- X-Men: Phoenix Warsong (2006) # 1 – $1.99
- X-Men: Phoenix Warsong (2006) # 2 – $1.99
- X-Men: Phoenix Warsong (2006) # 3 – $1.99
- X-Men: Phoenix Warsong (2006) # 4 – $1.99
- X-Men: Phoenix Warsong (2006) # 5 – $1.99
Leave a Reply