Playstation Network Wrap-Up for March 25th, 2010

How hard is it to make a God damn demo?

Microsoft – for all the evil crap they do in every facet of their company, including the XBox division – requires that a demo of every game be made live with the game. This is a good thing! Even though their hard drives were specifically designed to bleed high-margin profit out of people, their Live Gold service is a sham and a ripoff of the highest order, and just buying anything with Microsoft’s name on it – whether it’s a video game or anything else – makes me feel like I just sold myself on a shifty corner, son of a bitch, I could at least try Toy Soldiers before buying it!

Then, there’s Sony and Nintendo. To be fair, at least Sony has demos on their service. Nintendo’s policy is screwing it’s consumers over and not even kissing them first. They gave out demos for Dr. Mario, but you had to get one from a friend who bought the game. Then, they did demos for select titles for a limited time, then pulled the plug on the programme and have said they have no plans to reintroduce it, despite the cries of developers and consu– wait, no, their consumer base pretty much takes what’s given to them with a vacant smile, so at least they can get away with it. They’re the Apple of game companies, because their “base” is hopelessly dedicated to them and they can do no wrong, so hey, why not abuse the privilege?

Sony at least supports demos, which is why it’s exceptionally frustrating when NINE new games go up on both the PS3 and PSP, and yet I’d have to buy each and every one of them to try them out and give my readers an educated opinion on them that goes beyond looking at a few screenshots online (since Sony doesn’t have THAT in the PSN store, either). I thought about it for about five seconds, before I decided that Sony could fuck themselves. Even if I consider myself a responsible journalist, there is no way I’m spending over $100 just because Sony can’t force it’s developers to shit out a five minute demo of their games.

Therefore, this is going to be very similar to my Nintendo wrap-ups which, again, I have to wing it on because of Nintendo’s shitty policy. Furthermore, as I can’t do my job properly now, I’m in what could charitably called “a very bad fucking mood” now. Hang on, folks. This is going to be bumpy.

The first thing that jumps out is the release of episodic adventure/mystery game Blue Toad Murder Files. Each episode is $7.49, but the three-episode bundle is $15, so it’s probably wiser to buy all three of them together and get one of them for free. This seems like a Sam and Max or Monkey Island like game with more of a mystery slant to it, and is interesting for fans of adventure games. I have heard Alex Lucard mention that he’s likely going to review this one, likely for sometime next week, so look forward to that.

We also have Section 8, an FPS developed by TimeGate Studios and developed by struggling publisher Southpeak. At $30, this isn’t too bad; it’s a futuristic FPS with a few third person elements that gives me Dark Void vibes, in a good way. This was a PC release before coming to the PS3, and it’s actually cheaper on the PS3 than on Steam ($35), so that’s something to consider. Also important to consider is the fact that reviews of the PC game were tepid, though a lot of that had to do with the fact that people were calling the game “generic”. Apparently, refining the wheel is less important than making a new one, even if the new wheel ends up a trapezoid. So anyone who wants a serviceable shooter might want to check this out.

Anarchy: Rush Hour is a driving game from Russian company Gaijin Entertainment (???), the same company that brought us X-Blades and IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. That’s a pretty varied CV, but this one seems like a Burnout/Need for Speed wannabe with a very attractive ($8) price point. I’m not sure if it’s worth that money or not because hey, no demos! Finally, we have Hamsterball for $10. If someone can convince me this isn’t a Super Monkey Ball ripoff, I’ll give it more attention.

Also of note is a PS3 exclusive video called God of War III: Unearthing the Legend, which supposedly goes into the actual mythology behind the God of War games, and separates fact from fiction. The good news about this is that it sounds very much like something that one would see on the Discovery Channel, which is a good thing. On the other, it’s $6. Let’s face it: this is a piece of marketing for Sony’s game (as if it didn’t have enough). Not only are they marketing the game, they’re expecting people to PURCHASE their marketing. I don’t know if they’re stupid or shrewd. Maybe they should have spent some of the time they spent on making this on making some fucking demos.

There’s one PS one classic available this week called Perfect Weapon, a beat ’em up from 1996. This game is unabashedly horrible. Remember all those games that wanted to be 3D back in the first generation of Playstation titles, and they sucked, but we played them because they were 3D? This is one of those games. It controls like crap, looks horrible, slows down and chugs at the slightest provocation, and has an asinine, nonsensical story that makes a Steven Segal movie look like an Oscar winner. Even for just $6, this is a totally avoidable game. Where is Suikoden II again? Or Final Fantasy IX?

There are four new PSP games released, only one of which is worth even considering. Cho Aniki Zero is the latest in the cult series being brought over by AKSYS. For those unaware of what Cho Aniki is, picture Gradius, with large, muscular men wearing Speedo shorts that shoot beams out of holes at the tops of their heads. Hell, just read this article to explain everything you need to know about the series. Regardless, Cho Aniki Zero is the latest in the shooter series, and is retailing for $20. As shooting games, Cho Aniki isn’t a personal favourite; I typically prefer top-down shooters, and when it comes to side-scrollers, I much prefer R-Type, Gradius and Parodius. Still, anyone looking for a madcap dose of shooting action and weird Japanese shit should look into this, or past games in the series such as the original PC Engine verison that is on the Virtual Console.

The other three games are re-released PSP games of old. Adventures to Go! is a strategy RPG from Natsume featuring randomly generated dungeons that’s going for $15. It’s important to note that while this sounds promising, reviews of the game were all mediocre, and cited gameplay issues as the number one concern, so advance with caution. That’s more than I could even say for the two Rengoku games, both of which have been released on the service for $12 each. Both games got the absolute shit kicked out of them in reviews, and one is no different than the other; Rengoku 2 has the same issues Rengoku had. Frankly, with as poor as these games performed, I don’t understand why they’re charging $12 for them, unless they think that just having the Konami name on them is going to make them sell. To be fair, it almost worked on me because I’m a Konami whore.

Finally, the first week of the Spring Fever sale started today, with sales on two different shooters: both the PS3 and PSP versions of Everyday Shooter (think Geometry Wars, with an indie rock influence), as well as PS3 game Gravity Crush (Gravitar on steroids) are $5. I wholly recommend both games; hell, I even own Everyday Shooter on both the PS3 AND Steam. If possible, get the PS3 version of that one, because the PSP isn’t as intuitive to play with the lack of a right analogue stick. These games are all on sale until March 31st, next Wednesday.

Lots of different games to play this week, some of them actually looking like games we’d want to purchase. If only there were a system to try a game before it was bought… nah, that’s pants, forget I said that. Until next week, this is Christopher Bowen, who’s likely going to receive a lecture on beating points into the ground when Lucard gets back from vacation.

The full Playstation Store and Comic Store updates are after the cut.


This week’s Spring Fever highlights celebrate Classic Shooters. Find Gravity Crash (PS3) & Everyday Shooter (PS3) & (PSP) for $4.99 (regular price $9.99 each). Offers good through 3/31/10.

Downloadable Games

Blue Toad Murder Files Episode 1 ($7.49)
A murder mystery puzzle adventure from the developers of BUZZ!. Played solo or up to four players locally, can you unravel the secrets of Little Riddle?
Episode 1 of 6.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 420 MB

Blue Toad Murder Files Episode 1-3 Bundle ($14.99)

Purchase episodes 1-3 for a special discounted price. Played solo or up to four players locally, can you unravel the secrets of Little Riddle?
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 895 MB

Anarchy: Rush Hour ($7.99)
Put the pedal to the metal in this no-holds-barred arcade racing game that will challenge even the most experienced virtual drivers! Race across detailed cities modelled on real locations, battling your way through outrageous traffic jams. When the action heats up, an arsenal of adrenaline-powered devices will help you pull off gravity-defying stunts and obliterate your opponents!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 809 MB

Hamsterball ($9.99)

Take control of a hamster-in-a-ball and run the most frenzied race of your life! The clock is ticking and EVERYTHING is out to stop you – with crazy obstacles, unexpected twists and dramatic drops, each level will challenge you in new and inventive ways! Race solo, against a friend, or battle up to six buddies in Sumo Mode. You better buckle up, “Ëœcause this ain’t grandma’s hamster in a wheel.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 262 MB

Wakeboarding HD ($14.99)
Grab your board and hold on tight! Wakeboarding HD drops players into a high-speed, water-filled, arcade experience to maneuver through tracks, perform high-flying tricks, collect bonuses and avoid dangers from exploding mines to bloodthirsty sharks. Show your skills and wreak havoc as the bright and colorful tropical paradise resort transforms into an action-packed extreme playground.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 156 MB

Section 8 ($29.99)

Section 8 is a large-scale, sci-fi first person shooter where fast-paced action meets military strategy in the far reaches of the galaxy. Join the epic battle between the 8th Armored Infantry and the Arm of Orion by taking part in fierce squad-based combat across majestic alien worlds.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 3.54 GB

The Tester

The Tester Episode 6
In The Tester – Episode 6 “Focus, People, Focus,” the remaining five (Amped, Cyrus, Doc, Nauseous, and Star), are evaluated on their individual ability to keep it together under fire. And, to scrutinize if their aim is true, SCEA Managing Producer Kyle Shubel joins the panel to witness who’s in the “ËœKillzone.’
File size: 567 MB (SD) 856 MB (HD)

PSone Classics

Perfect Weapon ($5.99)

Brawl through a myriad of alien moons as Captain Blake Hunter fights for his life. Find those responsible and unleash your fighting skills upon them!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 207 MB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet Sonic Costume, Tails Costume, Knuckles Costume, Dr. Eggman Costume, Werehog Costume ($1.99 each)
Get costumes based on one of the most famous video games ever, Sonic the Hedgehog! Dress Sackboy up in costumes based on Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Werehog, and the evil Dr. Eggman!
File sizes: 1.04 MB (each)

LittleBigPlanet Sonic Costumes and Stickers Kit ($5.99)

Get costumes based on one of the most famous video games ever, Sonic the Hedgehog! Dress Sackboy up in costumes based on Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Werehog, and the evil Dr. Eggman!
File size: 1.04 MB

Hustle Kings Time Savers Pack ($1.49)
Can’t wait to complete Hustle Kings and unlock lots of extras? Don’t worry, download this Time Savers Pack to get instant access to 8 different avatars, 3 cues, 5 ball sets, 1 bonus game pack, and a set of trick shots!
File size: 100 KB

MAG Trooper Gear Pack (free)
When the enemy won’t surrender a position and a polite “excuse me” just won’t do, the Trooper Gear Pack is the ticket to entry. A lethal package of Special Edition Machine Guns, two new uniforms specifically tailored for urban and interior combat and the addition of flashbang grenades to blind and disorient opponents, the Trooper Gear Pack ensures your entry to every party…invited or not.
File size: N/A

Blue Toad Murder Files Episode 2 ($7.49)

Episode 1 required to play. The murder mystery continues with the second installment of the Blue Toad Murder Files. No sooner has one crime been solved when another begins with the burglary of the imposing Riddle Manor. Will solving this bring you closer to the truth?
Episode 2 of 6.
File size: 114 MB

Blue Toad Murder Files Episode 3 ($7.49)
Episode 1 required to play. The crimes in Little Riddle are stacking up, with two murders and a burglary, and the main culprit still at large.
Can you help the Blue Toad detectives with their latest mystery to solve this whodunnit?
Episode 3 of 6.
File size: 361 MB

High Stakes Poker Connelly Card Club ($2.99)

Play to win in High Stakes Poker – now featuring PlayStation Network trophies! Just log in to your game, download the automatic patch and complete your trophy collection! Get stellar hands and power your way through a Championship Season to earn great trophies. Also, purchase the new add-on for $2.99 to challenge a friend or the AI in four new poker styles and gain private access to the Connelly Card Club.
File size: 41 MB

ZEN Pinball Earth Defense Table ($2.49)
Hordes of hostile aliens are attacking Earth! Lead the united forces of Earth against the gigantic Flip-Bot and its minions. The fate of the world is in your hands!
File size: 48 MB

DJ Hero Jay Z Vs. Eminem Pack ($7.99)
Downloadable Mix Pack for DJ Hero featuring Jay-Z and Eminem.
File size: 47 MB

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

  • “Girls, Girls, Girls” by Motley Crue ($1.99)
  • “Sister Christian” by Night Ranger ($1.99)
  • “We Got The Beat” by The Go-Go’s” ($1.99)
  • 80s Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Girls, Girls, Girls” by Motley Crue, “We Got The Beat” by The Go-Go’s, and “Sister Christian” by Night Ranger. 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: 26 MB – 51 MB (singles), 120 MB (track pack)

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

  • “Am I Crazy””” Little Fish (free)
  • “Bang Bang””” Little Fish ($0.99)
  • “Darling Dear””” Little Fish ($0.99)
  • “Outer Space””” Ace Frehley ($1.99)
  • “All-American Girl””” Carrie Underwood ($1.99)
  • “Stop and Stare””” OneRepublic ($1.99)
  • “Blue Spark””” X ($1.99)
  • “The Hungry Wolf””” X ($1.99)
  • “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts””” X ($1.99)
  • “Los Angeles””” X ($1.99)
  • X Pack 1 ($6.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: X Pack 01. This pack includes “Blue Spark,” “The Hungry Wolf,” “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts,” and “Los Angeles” by X.

File sizes: 17 MB – 31 MB (singles), 93 MB (track pack)

Avatars

Heavy Rain Avatars (x14) ($0.49 each)
File sizes: 100 KB (each)

Game Videos (free)

Blue Toad murder Files Video 1
File size: 75 MB (HD)

Resonance of Fate Announcement Trailer
File size: 52 MB (HD)

Yakuza 3 Memories Trailer
File size: 54 MB (HD)

Section 8 Cinematic Trailer
File size: 35 MB (SD) 95 MB (HD) 167 MB (1080)

Section 8 Gameplay Trailer
File size: 16 MB (SD) 50 MB (HD) 83 MB (1080)

Medal Of Honor Extended Release Trailer
File size: 80 MB (HD)

Groovin’ Blocks Game Trailer
File size: 9.27 MB (SD) 34 MB (HD) 47 MB (1080)

Gran Turismo 5 Night Racing Trailer

File size: 38 MB (SD) 112 MB (HD) 190 MB (1080)

Major League Baseball 2K10 Sizzle Trailer
File size: 51 MB (HD)

Media

God of War III: Unearthing the Legend (PS3 only) ($5.99)
File size: 3 GB

PS3 Themes

Heavy Rain Forest ARI Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 3.16 MB

Miss Kawasaki Hook-Ups Theme ($1.99)
File size: 2.39 MB

Section 8 Theme (free)
File size: 3.53 MB

Groovin’ Blocks Theme (free)
File size: 3.38 MB

Nurse Girl Brandi Hook-Ups Theme ($1.99)
File size: 3.18 MB

AK Premium Theme ($1.99)

File size: 7.65 MB

Bare Elements Theme ($1.99)
File size: 3.93 MB

Mega Man 10 Dynamic Theme 1 ($2.99)
File size: 338 KB

Wallpaper (free)

Groovin’ Blocks Wallpaper (x2)
File size: 258 KB – 262 KB (SD) 1.0 MB – 1.2 MB (HD)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Adventures To Go! ($14.99)
It’s adventure served your way! Word on the cobblestone is that the king needs new heroes to keep the kingdom safe. But are Finn Courtland and his band of misfits really what His Majesty had in mind? Take on jobs and battle monsters at Adventures to Go, where daring and dangerous adventures are made to order!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 43 MB

Cho Aniki Zero ($19.99)
Cho Aniki Zero, take your pick of playing as Idaten, Benten, and more! Which Option (partner) will you choose to team up with to save the universe’s protein supply!?
ESRB Rated T
File size: 121 MB

Rengoku: Tower Of Purgatory ($11.99)
Set in a dark and distant future this game places you into the role of A.D.A.M., a battle android fighting your way up a great tower. It’s an intense fighing action. Your mission is to annihilate your enemies while improving your skills and armaments. Featuring strategic weapon configurations, a random level generator, and a competitive wireless multiplayer mode, there can only be one master at the top of the tower!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 159 MB

Rengoku II: The Stairway to H.E.A.V.E.N. ($11.99)
This game, the sequel to RENGOKU: THE TOWER OF PURGATORY, expands upon the series’ trademark fast-paced action and incredible replay value with more than 300 unique weapons, diverse level design and additional multiplayer functionality. Set in a dark and futuristic world, the game tells a story parallel to events of RENGOKU.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 403 MB

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Alien Zombie Death ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 8.38 MB

Add-on Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)

LittleBigPlanet PSP Easter Costume (free)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere.
LittleBigPlanet’s critically acclaimed “PLAY, CREATE, SHARE”
experience, makes its way to the PSP system with a completely new

Sackboy adventure.
Get this free bunny costume from the Easter Theme Pack.
NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 907 KB

LittleBigPlanet PSP Easter Theme Pack ($2.99)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere.
A fantastic new collection of Easter goodies including 4 costumes to
fill out your wardrobe, and 12 great new stickers to make sure your

levels are as fashionable as your Sackboy.
NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 1.13 MB

BUZZ! Quiz World PSP Space Quiz Pack ($2.99)
Isn’t it time a new star was discovered in the universe? Put yourself on the map and test yourself against this Space Quiz! This BUZZ! Quiz World PSP quiz pack features hundreds of questions about outer space 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 “Ëœem Your Trivia!”
File size: 42 MB

Game Videos (free)

The Tester Episode 6
File size: 133 MB

Gran Turismo 5 Night Racing Trailer
File size: 18 MB

Media

Batman: Arkham Asylum Digital Comic: The Road to Arkham (free)
File size: 11 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Miss Kawasaki Hook-Ups PSP Theme ($1.99)
File size: 287 KB

Nurse Girl Brandi Hook-Ups PSP Theme ($1.99)

File size: 331 KB

Vintage Comic Mickey ($1.49)
File size: 628 KB


Comic Store Update

  • 2000AD Prog # 1672 – $ 1.99
  • The Amazing Spider-Man (2003) # 546 – $ 1.99
  • The Amazing Spider-Man (2003) # 547 – $ 1.99
  • The Amazing Spider-Man (2003) # 548 – $ 1.99
  • The Amazing Spider-Man (2003) # 549 – $ 1.99
  • The Amazing Spider-Man (2003) # 550 – $ 1.99
  • Army of Two # 3 – $ 1.99
  • Cancertown: An Inconvenient Tooth # 3 – $ 0.99
  • The Dark # 1 – $ 0.99
  • The Dark # 2 – $ 0.99
  • The Dark # 3 – $ 0.99
  • The Dark # 4 – $ 0.99
  • Dark Mists # 1 – $ 0.99
  • Dark Mists # 2 – $ 0.99
  • Dark Mists # 3 – $ 0.99
  • Dark Mists # 4 – $ 0.99
  • Donald Duck and the Treasure Island # 1 – $ 1.99
  • DoubleDuck # 4 – $ 1.99
  • The Ghoul # 1 – $ 1.99
  • G.I. Joe # 10 – $ 1.99
  • G.I. Joe Origins # 10 – $ 1.99
  • G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes # 4 – $ 1.99
  • Gyro Gearloose and the Irresistible Multi-Magnet $ 0.99
  • Kong: King of Skull Island FREE
  • Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows # 1 – $ 1.99
  • Miss Quackfaster and the Ill-Fated Infatuation – $ 0.99
  • Star Trek: Nero # 4 – $ 1.99
  • Superduck # 9 – $ 1.99
  • Transformers Movie Sequel: The Reign of Starscream # 1 – $ 1.99
  • We Kill Monsters # 3 – $ 0.99
  • The X-Men (1963) # 11 – $ 1.99
  • The X-Men (1963) # 12 – $ 1.99
  • The X-Men (1963) # 13 – $ 1.99
  • The X-Men (1963) # 14 – $ 1.99
  • The X-Men (1963) # 15 – $ 1.99

Posted

in

, ,

by

Tags:

Comments

One response to “Playstation Network Wrap-Up for March 25th, 2010”

  1. […] what happened with Hamster Ball, which I talked about in a piece that I started off with the line how hard is it to make a God damn demo?”. When I mentioned this game, I said I wouldn’t give it any attention unless someone could […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *