Playstation Network Wrap-Up for February 4th, 2010

The past few weeks have been weak for the Playstation Store. For two straight weeks, we had weak updates with little content. Then last week, we had an update with a lot of content, most of which sucked (on that note, expect my Hustle Kings review sometime next week!). This week brings us a bunch of demos, including a couple of high-profile ones, some interesting sales, a new Qore episode, and a new game.

The new game being released is a Tecmo release called Fret Nice. In this, the player takes on the role of a member of a highly popular rock band, who is trying to save the world from… I, uh, guess they can be called bad guys from the Heavy Metal Kingdom (as shown in the introductory video). So it’s a case of Heavy Metal coming to take over modern, progressive rock, or something along those lines? Well shit, if that’s the case, I’m on the side of the bad guys. Either way, Fret Nice is a platformer that can be played with either a guitar controller or the wireless Dualshock pad; as I don’t own a guitar, I used the latter. In practise, the game is Patapon meets Simon Says; depending on what kind of enemy you’re facing, you strum based on the symbol you see (with the R1 or L1 button), with bonus points being given for either getting a “head shot” (there’s a line from your guitar to the enemy; if it hits their head, congrats, you got a head shot) or a “Riff Combo” (hit them while in the air). With my limited gameplay experience, I think I can judge this game an attempt to shoehorn music elements into a control scheme that doesn’t need them. The idea is interesting, but I can tell this game isn’t designed to use a controller, so therefore, it felt awkward to play. I don’t know if this is worth $15, but gamers with Rock Band or Guitar Hero might want to check out the demo. (UPDATE: It appears this used to be a freeware game awhile ago. That makes the $15 price tag seem a little harder to swallow)

There have also been a few price drops. Half Minute Hero has received a permanent price drop, down to $20 from $30. The game is definitely worth it; I had some issues with the game, but the game is much easier to swallow at that price. There’s also a temporary sale on Madden NFL Arcade, though at any price, the game is even less interesting than NHL Arcade, which itself wasn’t worth $10. The big sale, however, is a week-long sale on D3’s PSP titles. The titles in question are as follows:

Ben 10: Protector of Earth Temporary Sale (now $12.99, original price $14.99)
Cube Temporary Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Dead Head Fred Temporary Sale (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient Temporary Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 Temporary Sale (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords Temporary Sale (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
WTF: Work Time Fun Temporary Sale (now $7.99, original price $9.99)

D3 has developed a reputation for releasing quirky, interesting titles at low prices; at the very least, I would recommend checking out PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient and Dead Head Fred, the latter which is an absolute steal at $10. WTF: Work Time Fun might be a good deal for fans of WarioWare games. There’s also Puzzle Quest, but I’d be surprised if anyone doesn’t own that at this point.

In terms of demos, there’s a lot to be had. In addition to the demo for Fret Nice, there’s a multiplayer demo available for Battlefield: Bad Company 2. I played around with this one for about an hour, and though I despise playing shooting games without a mouse and keyboard, I have to admit that so far, this game looks GOOD. There are different teams based on whether or not you’re on the assault, engineering or medic side, and a nice variance of weapons from what I’ve seen so far. Everything is mission based, and though I didn’t have a weapon that could aim for shit until I got a sniper rifle, I had a load of fun. As long as EA holds to their “No SecuROM” pledge, I’ll be looking for this one on PC once it releases.

There’s also a demo for Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce. I haven’t been able to try this yet, but when I reviewed the PSP version, I stated that it was a game that was mostly limited by the PSP’s natural limitations. A release on the PS3 and 360 addresses those issues, and although this game will be all but useless for any 360 owners that don’t have Live Gold, I expect this to be a good game if they fix the balance issues that killed the PSP version. At the very least, good on Tecmo Koei for giving this a shot on a system that can handle it.

There’s also yet another demo for a months-old game, this time in the form of Tank Battles. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, that’s because the game was released before as Battle Tanks. What the hell is with Sony and renaming games on a whim? This is like calling a liberal “progressive”; you can change the name all you want, but it doesn’t change anything in the end. In the end, Tank Battles, or whatever the hell it’s going to be called by the time I post this, can basically be summed up as a competitive, multiplayer version of Tank Battalion with a dose of Warlords thrown in. I won’t bother reviewing the basics – there are months-old reviews up elsewhere for that – but I had fun with the five minute demo I played. I’d like to see that price come down a couple more dollars (it’s $7), but as it stands, it’s not as bad as Metacritic makes it out to be, at least after five minutes.

Finally, there’s Alien vs. Predator, another demo released this week. I haven’t had the chance to play this due to time constraints – it’s almost 2AM, and I have to be dressed in my best clothes and on the road to western Massachusetts in six hours – but Jim Sterling of Destructoid likes it so far. Considering the fact that Jim hates almost everything, this is notable.

Two PSP games saw release for download this week. The first one is After Burner: Black Falcon, an outstanding reboot of the After Burner franchise. The game will run $16, which sounds nice until you realize that Gamestop has an actual, physical copy for $3 less, available online at that. The second one is Armored Core: Silent Line, a port of a seven year old PS2 title that got lukewarm reviews. Mecha fans should check it out, though at $15, the PSP version is $10 more than you would find the PS2 version for at Gamestop, so consider that if you still have a PS2 or backwards compatibility.

Last but not least, Sony has decided to grace our presence with a new Qore episode. In this latest episode, they are giving us a look into Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (apparently, a view we can’t get from the demo they also released), a preview of Yakuza 3 (which will at least make Matt Yeager happy), shots from Resonance of Fate, and – best of all – a look at the top ten trends for 2010 by Playstation: The Official Magazine. Well, drench me with a rainbow ejaculation! I always wanted to pay for the privilege of having Sony’s paid shills tell me what they want me to look out for in 2010! Seriously, I know I was a little rough on it last month, but this is crap. What justifies people subscribing to this show? I swear, Sony just continually takes people for a ride with this. Why, anyone who bought a subscription is–

We know you’ve been anxiously waiting to get your hands on God of War III, and fortunately the wait is almost over. To reward our loyal fan base, the God of War III E3 demo is now available for all current Qore subscribers. You’ll find it listed in this episode’s download center.

— a GOD DAMNED GENIUS.

Until next time, this is Christopher Bowen, who can assure you that crow tastes like shit.

The full update for both the Playstation and Comic Store is under the cut.


Price Updates

Half-Minute Hero Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99, original price $29.99)
Madden NFL Arcade Temporary Sale (now $9.99, original price $14.99)

D3 PSP Game Sale:

Ben 10: Protector of Earth Temporary Sale (now $12.99, original price $14.99)
Cube Temporary Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Dead Head Fred Temporary Sale (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient Temporary Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 Temporary Sale (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords Temporary Sale (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
WTF: Work Time Fun Temporary Sale (now $7.99, original price $9.99)

Qore

Qore Annual Subscription – February 2010 ($24.99)
Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network is a high-definition monthly interactive video production covering the world of PlayStation. Qore provides its audience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to upcoming titles from both the SCE Worldwide Studios and third-party developers across the globe.
File size: 1.44 GB

Qore Episode 21 February 2010 ($2.99)
Episode 21 of Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network infiltrates the Japanese underworld of Yakuza 3, returns to the battlefield of Bad Company 2, becomes mesmerized by Resonance of Fate and previews PTOM’s 10 picks for 2010.
File sizes: 1.44 GB

Downloadable Games

Fret Nice ($14.99)
Fret Nice is a 2D platformer that’ll rock your world. Control your character through funky-fresh stages to explore hidden areas, collect items, and clash note-for-note with outrageous, heavy metal bosses! Rock out by blasting enemies with riff combos and creating your own sounds with each “strum” of a chord! Every play through offers a ever changing sonic adventure!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 194 MB

Game Demos (free)

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Multiplayer Demo
Welcome to the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 multiplayer demo! Experience all-out online warfare in the Port Valdez map. Demo ends February 25th, 2010
ESRB Rated M

File size: 997 MB

Aliens vs. Predator Demo
Three breeds of warrior. Three brutal campaigns. One relentless battleground. Welcome to Aliens vs. Predator, a stunningly-detailed FPS that blends the action and intensity of one of the most popular movie franchises of all time. Whether you stalk your prey as a Predator, evolve into the perfect killing machine as an Alien, or use superior firepower as a Colonial Marine, one thing is certain. This will be a battle for the ages.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.25 GB

Fret Nice Demo
Control your character through the funky-fresh first tutorial stage that introduces you to the rockin’ world of Fret Nice. Use your guitar controller to navigate through this unique 2D platformer.
ESRB Rated E

File size: 194 MB

Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce Demo
Back with a vengeance and for the first time going online with four-player Tactical Action combat. In single-player mode, choose and command up to three AI-controlled officers to fight by your side, or team-up with friends online to infiltrate heavily-armed enemy strongholds, clash with thousand-man armies, or to slay dragons and other massive beasts.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 952 MB

Tank Battles Demo
Take control of your WW2 tank and challenge friends and online opponents in crazy, over-the-top tank battles! Enjoy classic run-and-gun gameplay in over 50 levels of bullet bouncing action. Adapt your strategy to each location as you collect power-ups while dodging enemy fire.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 103 MB

Add-on Game Content

White Knight Chronicles International Edition Makeover Ticket ($4.99)
This ticket allows you to change your White Knight Chronicles character appearance via the [Re-Customize Avatar] option in the game without having to start over.
– You can access this feature from any town’s Logic Stone.
– You must save after changing your appearance, or the changes will be lost.
File size: N/A

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast Revived Warriors Pack (free)
“Dragon Ball: Raging Blast” Character Pack #6 is now available! The sixth release is the “Revived Warriors Pack!” This pack contains Majin Buu, Kid Buu, Broly, Super Gogeta and Super Saiyan 3 Broly! The warriors among all warriors are now resurrected as downloadable characters! Make your own Dragon Ball battle history by fully controlling these fierce fighters!

File size: 116 KB

MX vs ATV Reflex Track Pack 2 DLC ($4.99)
Fast Action calls for Fast Reaction. Continue to test your reflexes with three all new tracks; two Freestyles taking place in an abandoned factory in the heartland and a new inner city Supercross. Additionally some of the latest No Fear gear is included.
File size: 502 MB

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

  • “Kings And Queens” by 30 Seconds to Mars ($1.99)
  • “From Yesterday” by 30 Seconds to Mars ($1.99)
  • “Attack” by 30 Seconds to Mars ($1.99)
  • 30 Seconds to Mars Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Attack”, “From Yesterday”, and “Kings and Queens” by 30 Seconds to Mars. 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: 35 MB – 55 MB (singles), 129 MB (track pack)

Rock Band

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

  • “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy””” Kenny Chesney ($1.99)
  • “On the Road Again””” Willie Nelson ($1.99)
  • “Swing””” Trace Adkins ($1.99)
  • “Me and My Gang””” Rascal Flatts ($1.99)
  • “Suds in the Bucket””” Sara Evans ($1.99)
  • “Gone””” Montgomery Gentry ($1.99)
  • Gone Country Track Pack 3 ($9.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Going Country Pack 03. This pack includes: “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” by Kenny Chesney, “Swing” by Trace Adkins, “Me and My Gang” by Rascal Flatts, “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson, “Suds in the Bucket” by Sara Evans, and “Gone” by Montgomery Gentry.

File sizes: 17 MB – 37 MB (singles), 171 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 2/4 Edition
File size: 294 MB (HD) 474 MB (1080)

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Vehicles & Tracks Network Trailer
File size: 53 MB (HD)

FIFA Soccer 10: Ultimate Team Trailer
File size: 69 MB (HD)

FIFA Soccer 10: UT New User Trailer
File size: 101 MB (HD)

SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 Multiplayer Trailer
File size: 48 MB (HD) 79 MB (1080)

Army of Two: TFD Co-op Office Sniper Trailer
File size: 24 MB (HD)

Army of Two: The 40th Day Launch Trailer
File size: 95 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Single Player Trailer

File size: 60 MB (HD)

Dark Void HD Trailer
File size: 49 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes

White Knight Chronicles International Edition Dynamic Theme 1 ($2.99)
File size: 6.52 MB

Star Trek Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 4.70 MB

Bad Business Theme 2 ($1.99)

File size: 7.02 MB

Azmodeus Dark Angels Premium Theme 3 ($1.99)
File size: 7.79 MB

A Sexy Valentine Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.69 MB

Infected Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.15 MB

Wallpaper (free)

NBA UNRIVALED Wallpaper

File size: 61 KB (SD), 265 KB (1080)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront)

After Burner: Black Falcon ($15.99)
Strap on your jumpsuit and get ready for some high-speed, highly-addictive, explosive aerial arcade action with After Burner Black Falcon. Thirteen prototype jets have been stolen from a top secret military research facility in Nevada by a terrorist cell known as the Black Falcon. As a member of the highly classified Joint Task Force Scramble Team it’s up to you to stop the terrorists and recover the prototype jets before they cramp your style.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 278 MB

Armored Core: Silent Line ($14.99)
In Armored Core Silent Line Portable, the players can build their own mechas with over 450 mecha parts to choose from and try to complete various missions.

New features such as the Ad-hoc function enhance your gaming experience. The game save from Armored Core 3 Portable can be carried over to this game.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 331 MB

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 2/4 Edition
File size: 52 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Star Trek PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 584 KB

A Sexy Valentine PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 337 KB

Infected PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 409 KB


Comic Store Update

  • 2000AD Prog # 1665 – $ 1.99
  • Astonishing X-Men (1995) 1 $ 1.99
  • Astonishing X-Men (1995) # 2 – $ 1.99
  • Astonishing X-Men (1995) # 3 – $ 1.99
  • Astonishing X-Men (1995) 4 $ 1.99
  • Burke & Hare 2 $ 0.99
  • Daredevil (1998) # 94 – $ 1.99
  • Daredevil (1998) # 95 – $ 1.99
  • Donald Duck and the Decisive Penalty # 0 – $ 0.99
  • Donald Duck in: “Gulliver Duck’s Travels” # 2 – $ 1.99
  • Groom Lake # 1 – $ 1.99
  • Groom Lake # 2 – $ 1.99
  • Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft # 6 – $ 0.99
  • Scrooge McDuck and the New Old High Fever # 0 – $ 0.99
  • Star Trek: New Frontier # 1 – $ 1.99
  • Star Trek: New Frontier # 2 – $ 1.99
  • Star Trek: New Frontier # 3 – $ 1.99
  • Star Trek: New Frontier # 4 – $ 1.99
  • Star Trek: New Frontier # 5 – $ 1.99
  • Superduck: In a Galaxy Far Away # 6 – $ 1.99
  • The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 89 – $ 1.99
  • The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 90 – $ 1.99
  • The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 91 – $ 1.99
  • The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 92 – $ 1.99
  • The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 93 – $ 1.99
  • The Incredible Hulk (1999) # 94 – $ 1.99
  • Transformers: All Hail Megatron # 10 – $ 1.99
  • Transformers: Animated – The Arrival # 1 – $ 0.99
  • Transformers: Animated – The Arrival # 2 – $ 0.99
  • Transformers: Spotlight # 11 – $ 1.99
  • Transformers: Spotlight # 12 – $ 1.99
  • Transformers: Spotlight # 13 – $ 1.99
  • Uncanny X-Men (2003) # 480 – $ 1.99
  • Uncanny X-Men (2003) # 481 – $ 1.99
  • Uncanny X-Men (2003) # 482 – $ 1.99
  • Wizards of Mickey: The Secret of the Great Crown # 3 – $ 0.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 20 – $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) 21 $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 22 – $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 23 – $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 24 – $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 25 – $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 26 – $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 27 – $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 28 – $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 29 – $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 30 – $ 1.99
  • Wolverine (2003) # 31 – $ 1.99
  • Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse: Calamari Rising # 10 – $ 0.99
  • X-Men (2004) # 175 – $ 1.99
  • X-Men (2004) # 176 – $ 1.99
  • X-Men (2004) # 177 – $ 1.99
  • X-Men (2004) # 178 – $ 1.99
  • X-Men (2004) # 179 – $ 1.99
  • X-Men (2004) # 180 – $ 1.99

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