I’m going to let our readers in on a little secret: trying to do these things in a reader-friendly manner is a pain in the ass.
I do two weekly wrap-ups: this one, and the Nintendo Wrap as well. Each one carries it’s own set of issues. The Sony piece usually gets done in a timely manner, but that’s because I often stay up all night working on it. To get the Playstation piece done, I have to wait until Sony updates, which is often very late at night on the East Coast, download any demos that there are to try, occasionally purchase a game that I’m going to review (like Hustle Kings), try the demos to be able to give impressions, and finally write, lay-out and edit the piece. All told, it’s about four to six hours of work every Thursday night, in addition to my other duties behind the scenes. I should probably be thankful, because at least Sony does demos. Nintendo doesn’t give ANY demos out, and I’m certainly not spending upwards of $60 a week to purchase and try out every single game on their service with no guarantee that they’re good – if anything, considering the Wii’s good to shit ratio, I’m pretty much guaranteed to waste money on that deal – so the best I can hope for is to watch any kind of media I can get my hands on and make a somewhat educated guess about whatever’s out there. It forces me to do the exact OPPOSITE of what I like to do: judging a book on it’s cover.
But at least Nintendo updates at a decent time. Last night’s PSN update came in at about 9:15 PM EST, which is stupifyingly late. To make matters worse, I had to get up super early that morning, so there was no way to get a timely piece out and not have it suck. Therefore, it’s the late, late edition of the Playstation Network Wrap-Up, which is funny, because last night’s update was about as bare-bones as these things get.
The big news is a game that’s been out for a week and a half on the Wii: Mega Man 10. I’ve stated my opinion on this title before, but besides the fact that I sometimes think too much, it’s still a very good game, and for fans, it’s definitely worth the $10. I haven’t tried Easy Mode yet, nor do I really intend to, but the option’s there for newcomers, I guess. However, I’d tell people interested in Easy Mode to just try Mega Man 2 instead, as it’s the easiest of the “retro” Mega Man titles. For those that still need convincing, there’s a demo of the game available, which actually makes me laugh a bit – for an old-timer like myself, that’s the last thing you need to demo – but at the very least, it provides a taste of the gameplay for people who either aren’t convinced the game’s worth $10 yet, or who can’t afford it at this time.
Also available for release – in both full and demo modes – is Feeding Frenzy 2 Shipwreck Showdown. If this game seems familiar, it’s because it’s been out since 2006 on PC, and since 2008 on the 360. For those that don’t know how the game is played, you’re a small fish, and have to eat smaller fish until you get big and can eat bigger fish, until you clear a stage. In short, it’s a more user-friendly version of the old Williams game Bubbles. It’s $10, which is the same price as on PC and 360, so if you haven’t gotten this game yet, it’s worth at least a look at the demo, though I thought the demo’s controls were a little too touchy for my tastes.
Two PSP games are available for download. The first is THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS – yes, all caps, apparently – at $30. I talked briefly about this one when the demo came out back in February, and it looks to be a decent pick-up for TCG fans. The second game is actually a bit of a novel idea: Rock Band Unplugged Lite, a $5 version of the regular PSP game that comes with a few songs, meant for people that like to download DLC titles. I like the way Harmonix is giving choice to people; they’re saying “you can buy our full price selection which comes with a lot of songs, or you can get a starter pack and go from there”. Both versions are full featured – you’re not buying a demo for $5 – so I like the flexibility of it for Rock Band fans. I would like it if the songs were a little less expensive – $2 a song is a lot – but that’s a personal trait, and it’s been proven that fans of the music genre don’t care. At least they won’t until Activision kills the genre for good.
There are also a few price drops this week. They are as follows:
* Chessmaster: The Art Of Learning Sale (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
* Tom Clancy’s EndWar Sale (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
* Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 Sale (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
* Cellfactor: Psychokinetic Wars Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
* Far Cry 2 Fortunes Pack Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
* Tom Clancy’s: HAWX: Supremacy Pack Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
* Age of Booty Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
I’m not a big fan of Tom Clancy games – not that they’re not good, they’re just not my bag of tea – but EndWar for $15 seems like an outstanding deal. For chess fans, don’t discount Chessmaster for $10, either; I bought the UMD version a while back during one of Gamestop’s massive sales, and haven’t regretted it. I still suck at Chess, but at least this game helps me along as much as humanly possible.
Sadly, that’s… about it in terms of big-name stuff. There’s a new Qore episode that has a couple of perks in terms of dynamic themes, but other than that, this is a very light update. Still, Mega Man 10 is nice for people that won’t be getting it on the Wii, and EYE OF JUDGEMENT is a good TCG for people that don’t like messing with actual cards. Until next week, this is Christopher Bowen, who’s going to infiltrate Grace Chen’s office and move her clock ahead three hours so she actually starts updating at a time before normal people are getting ready for bed.
The full Playstation and Comic Store updates are below the cut.
Price Updates
- Chessmaster: The Art Of Learning Sale (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
- Tom Clancy’s EndWar Sale (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
- Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 Sale (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
- Cellfactor: Psychokinetic Wars Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
- Far Cry 2 Fortunes Pack Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
- Tom Clancy’s: HAWX: Supremacy Pack Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
- Age of Booty Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Qore
Qore Episode 22: March 2010 ($2.99)
Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network is a high-definition monthly interactive video production covering the world of PlayStation. March’s Episode 22 provides in-depth coverage of Final Fantasy XIII, explores the film noir-inspired world of Dead to Rights: Retribution, returns to Lost Planet 2 and talks with comic book legend Marv Wolfman about writing the God of War graphic novel. Annual subscribers can access a dynamic Heavy Rain theme, and all purchasers can download a Dead to Rights: Retribution theme.
File size: 1.53 GB
Qore Annual Subscription: March 2010 ($24.99)
Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network is a monthly interactive video production covering the world of PlayStation. Qore provides its audience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to developers and their games, from both the SCE Worldwide Studios and the third-party community, where the audience member can freely navigate through the content.
File size: 1.53 GB
Downloadable Games
Mega Man 10 ($9.99)
The original 2D classic Mega Man returns in a new adventure! This latest Mega Man title continues to bring the series back to its old school roots with retro action, platform game play and classic 8-bit style graphics and sound. Rediscover the Mega Man experience with classically inspired new boss characters, each with their own unique weapons and vulnerabilities.
ESRB Rated E
File Size: 143 MB
Feeding Frenzy 2 Shipwreck Showdown ($9.99)
Become the biggest fish at the top of the food chain with Feeding Frenzy 2 Shipwreck Showdown, now on the PlayStation Network! Start as the little fish in the ocean and get your “Ëœeat’ on! Feast upon fish smaller than you and you’ll grow bigger and bigger. Avoid predators, or you’ll become THEIR meal. Feeding Frenzy 2 features 60 levels of underwater fun and above water challenges and local multiplayer Party Games and Frenzyfest modes
ESRB Rated E
File size: 545 MB
The Tester
The Tester Episode 4
So, what better way to take people out of their comfort zone and assess their creativity than with a surprise live-action role play? That’s right, things definitely get dramatic this week as the remaining 7 gamers use random props, their wits and sheer guts to entertain and impress the panel.
File size: 334 MB (SD) 952 MB (HD)
Game Demos (free)
MLB 10 The Show Demo
Experience a taste of The Show!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 2.9 GB
Feeding Frenzy 2 Shipwreck Showdown Demo
Become the biggest fish at the top of the food chain with Feeding Frenzy 2 Shipwreck Showdown, now on the PlayStation Network! Start as the little fish in the ocean and get your “Ëœeat’ on! Feast upon fish smaller than you and you’ll grow bigger and bigger. Avoid predators, or you’ll become THEIR meal. Feeding Frenzy 2 features 60 levels of underwater fun and above water challenges and local multiplayer Party Games and Frenzyfest modes.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 56 MB
Mega Man 10 Demo
The original 2D classic Mega Man returns in a new adventure! This latest Mega Man title continues to bring the series back to its old school roots with retro action, platform game play and classic 8-bit style graphics and sound. Rediscover the Mega Man experience with classically inspired new boss characters, each with their own unique weapons and vulnerabilities.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 143 MB
Add-on Game Content
MAG Raven Industries – Spyder Uniform (free)
Stealthy yet defensive, Spyder defense materials are designed by Raven Industries top field weapons researchers. Our materials increase our operatives’ ability to dominate against lesser-equipped foes.
File size: N/A
MAG S.V.E.R. – Hazard Uniform (free)
Hazard is our way of life. S.V.E.R. operatives live for the chance to achieve the honor we deserve. The Hazard design is ideal for instilling the fear we are so used to administering on the battlefield.
File size: N/A
MAG Valor Company – Bulldog Uniform (free)
For a Valor Company operative, donning the battle tested Bulldog uniform communicates a level of preparedness and induces intimidation in the enemy.
File size: N/A
Resident Evil 5: Untold Stories Bundle ($12.49)
This bundle pack features “Lost in Nightmares” and “Desperate Escape”Â, two new episodes not available in the original version of Resident Evil 5. In addition, there are 8 new playable for The Mercenaries Reunion, as well as two new costumes for both Chris and Sheva.
File size: 952 MB
Dragon Age Origins: Return To Ostagar ($4.99)
Your memories of the battle of Ostagar will haunt you for years to come. It laid waste to your order and claimed the lives of many great men and women, including the brash young King Cailan and your mentor, Duncan. The time has come for the Grey Wardens to make their return to Ostagar and exact their revenge upon the darkspawn.
File size: 112 MB
GRID Prestige Pack ($9.99)
The Prestige Pack for GRID adds 10 sensational high performance cars to the game and a brand new race track, the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, Australia.
File size: 260 MB
BioShock 2 Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack ($4.99)
Opportunity Awaits! Expand your BioShock 2 multiplayer experience with a rank increase to 50 with Rank Rewards including a 3rd set of weapons upgrades. Plus, enjoy 20 new Trials, 2 new playable characters and 5 new Masks. Yes! We’d thought you’d like the sound of that!
File size: 103 KB
Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.
- “Do What You Want” by OK Go ($1.99)
- “Get Over It” by OK Go ($1.99)
- “Here It Goes Again” by OK Go ($1.99)
- OK Go Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Here It Goes Again”Â, “Do What You Want”Â, and “Get Over It” by OK Go, 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: 31 MB – 35 MB (singles), 96 MB (track pack)
Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.
- “Fell in Love With a Girl”ӠThe White Stripes ($1.99)
- “Seven Nation Army”ӠThe White Stripes ($1.99)
- “You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You’re Told)”ӠThe White Stripes ($1.99)
- The White Stripes Pack 2 ($5.49) “†Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: The White Stripes Pack 02. This pack includes “Fell in Love With a Girl,” “Seven Nation Army,” and “You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You’re Told)” by The White Stripes.
- “Decent Days and Nights”ӠThe Futureheads ($1.99)
- “Hounds of Love”ӠThe Futureheads ($1.99)
- “Walk Away”ӠJames Gang ($1.99)
- “All of This”ӠShaimus ($0.99)
- “Tie You Down”ӠShaimus ($0.99)
- “The Hockey Theme”ӠNeil Peart ($0.99)
- Roadrunner Records Pack 1 ($8.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Roadrunner Records Pack 1. This pack includes: “Clouds Over California” – DevilDriver, “Constant Motion” – Dream Theater, “My Curse” -Killswitch Engage, “Aesthetics of Hate” – Machine Head , and “Sleepwalker” – Megadeth.
File sizes: 6.61 MB – 28 MB (singles), 60 MB (track pack)
Game Videos (free)
Gran Turismo 5 and NASCAR Trailer
File size: 149 MB (HD) 243 MB (1080)
ModNation Racers “Build It” Trailer
File size: 65 MB (HD) 110 MB (1080)
THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS Trailer
File size: 69 MB (HD) 108 MB (1080)
Feeding Frenzy 2 Shipwreck Showdown Trailer
File size: 13 MB (SD) 46 MB (HD) 60 MB (1080)
Super Street Fighter IV New Features Network Trailer
File size: 98 MB (HD)
Super Street Fighter IV New Modes Network Trailer
File size: 118 MB (HD)
Super Street Fighter IV TGS 2009 Announcement Network Trailer
File size: 99 MB (HD)
FIFA Soccer 10 Returning Tutorial Network Trailer
File size: 119 MB (HD)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes Launch Network Trailer
File size: 77 MB (HD)
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Launch Network Trailer
File size: 56 MB (HD)
Yakuza 3 Characters Network Trailer
File size: 63 MB (HD)
Yakuza 3 Dev Diary 2 Network Trailer
File size: 144 MB (HD)
PS3 Themes
MLB 10: The Show Themes (x9) (Braves, Marlins, Angels, Mets, Athletics, Phillies, Mariners, Rangers and Nationals) (free)
File sizes: 2.54 MB – 2.75 MB
Feeding Frenzy 2 Shipwreck Showdown Theme (free)
File size: 2.09 MB
Atomic Blast Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.45 MB
Darksiders Theme (free)
File size: 4.39 MB
Wallpaper (free)
Grandia Wallpaper (x3)
File sizes: 100 KB – 350 KB (SD) 196 KB – 861 KB (HD)
Section 8 Wallpaper (x4)
File sizes: 74 KB – 96 KB (SD) 254 KB – 358 KB (HD)
Topatoi Wallpaper
File size: 227 KB (SD) 830 KB (HD)
PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)
THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS ($29.99)
THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS packs a vast world of magic, mystery and strategic battles in your hands! Discover a fantastic journey through a new Story Mode full of intense digital card battles. Collect 300+ cards of creatures and spells that you duel with and trade to save a world! Each card has unique traits and must be chosen wisely to win battles against the computer, or head-to-head online against other players.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 568 MB
Rock Band Unplugged Lite ($4.99)
Rock Band Unplugged creates a full band experience in the palm of your hand by mixing beat match gameplay with key elements from the Rock Band series. Try out the entire game in this full featured, reduced song version, including five top hits. Purchase more songs in the fully-featured in-game music store. For more details, visit http://www.rockband.com/games/unplugged.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 428 MB
PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)
Rocket Racing ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 26 MB
Game Videos (free)
The Tester Episode 4
File size: 146 MB
THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS Trailer
File size: 11 MB
Gran Turismo 5 and NASCAR Trailer
File size: 24 MB
PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)
MLB 10: The Show Themes (x9) (Braves, Marlins, Angels, Mets, Athletics, Phillies, Mariners, Rangers and Nationals) (free)
File sizes: 587 KB – 602 KB
Atomic Blast PSP Theme ($1.49)
File sizes: 414 KB
Comic Store Update
- 2000AD Prog # 1670 – $ 1.99
- Archie & Friends # 137 – $ 1.99
- Betty & Veronica # 1 – $ 1.99
- Donald Duck and the Vacation Chain # 0 – $ 0.99
- Donald Duck in: “Gone With The Wind” # 3 – $ 1.99
- Dreamland Chronicles # 2 – $ 1.99
- G.I. Joe # 8 – $ 1.99
- G.I. Joe Origins # 8 – $ 1.99
- G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes # 2 – $ 1.99
- Locke & Key: Head Games # 5 – $ 0.99
- Marvel Knights (2000) # 11 – $ 1.99
- Marvel Knights (2000) # 12 – $ 1.99
- Marvel Knights (2000) # 13 – $ 1.99
- Marvel Knights (2000) # 14 – $ 1.99
- Marvel Knights (2000) # 15 – $ 1.99
- Scrooge McDuck and the Coin-Eating Plant # 0 – $ 0.99
- Star Trek: Nero # 2 – $ 1.99
- Superduck # 8 – $ 1.99
- Transformers: All Hail Megatron # 15 – $ 1.99
- Transformers # 3 – $ 1.99
- Transformers: Tales of the Fallen # 2 – $ 1.99
- Transformers: Tales of the Fallen # 3 – $ 1.99
- We Kill Monsters # 1 – $ 0.99
- Wizards of Mickey # 4 – $ 0.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 56 – $ 1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 57 – $ 1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 58 – $ 1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 59 – $ 1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 60 – $ 1.99
- Wolverine (2003) # 61 – $ 1.99
- The X-Men (1963) # 1 – $ 1.99
- The X-Men (1963) # 2 – $ 1.99
- The X-Men (1963) # 3 – $ 1.99
- The X-Men (1963) # 4 – $ 1.99
- The X-Men (1963) # 5 – $ 1.99
- X-Men: Phoenix Endsong (2004) # 1 – $ 1.99
- X-Men: Phoenix Endsong (2004) # 2 – $ 1.99
- X-Men: Phoenix Endsong (2004) # 3 – $ 1.99
- X-Men: Phoenix Endsong (2004) # 4 – $ 1.99
- X-Men: Phoenix Endsong (2004) # 5 – $ 1.99
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