Playstation Network Wrap-Up for April 8th, 2010

I apologize for not being around last week. It was a tumultuous week. I ended up attending the funeral for the Install Other OS feature, which was attended by most of the biggest names in the Linux community, including the immortal Richard Stallman. Technically, he didn’t attend so much as stand across the street screaming about how the PS3 was proprietary hardware and how we were contributing to the devil, but we’ll count him. After the moving funeral service, we all got together for a small social event – impressive, considering the questionable hygiene of most of the participants – where we all rehashed the old GNOME vs. KDE debate, coded a whole new OS based on Slackware, and watched someone install Gentoo on an old Kirby vacuum “just for shits”. The highlight was the dart tournament, where we all played on a board with George Holtz’s face on it. It was ultimately a nice way to bury Linux support on the PS3.

A week later, recharged, I’m ready to move on, get my life going again, and get back to business. Unfortunately, it seems Sony can’t get over it’s decision to pull the plug on its feature, as they didn’t give us much this week.

The big news – for sports fans, at least – is the release of the demo for 2010 FIFA World Cup. For non sports fans, they don’t give a shit, but I’m our sports writer, so I say it’s #1 on our list this week. Having played with the demo, I can definitely confirm a few things:

* It plays exactly like FIFA ’10.
* It has some framerate issues
* Goaltenders are stone-dumb, even on Professional (the highest level I could try)
* The presentation’s NICE.
* Every FIFA country is available in the game, and can be qualified with (NICE touch)
* They got rid of Andy Gray
* I really don’t like using a PS3 controller for football, with the trigger buttons not being conducive to constant use.

2010 FIFA World Cup is going to be $50 when it comes out, and based upon the demo… eugh. On the one hand, being able to get Canada to their second World Cup through CONCACAF would be an absolute dream come true for me. On the other hand, I can’t really justify spending $110 plus DLC on football titles in one year, just to have another $60 title come out soon with FIFA ’11. Furthermore, the engine seems to be choking; I’m sure some issues will be fixed by the time the game releases later this month, but there were some serious framerate issues in the demo that can’t be ignored, especially in a game that requires a perfect framerate for performance. I would recommend Gamefly for this one before dropping another $50, unless you’re a hardcore football fan.

Next up on the priority list is the announcement of a *lot* of price drops, both permanent and temporary:

Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99, original price $29.99)
MotorStorm: Arctic Edge Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99, original price $29.99)
BUZZ! Master Quiz Permanent Price Drop (now $15.99, original price $19.99)
LocoRoco 2 Permanent Price Drop (now $7.99, original price $19.99)
Patapon 2 Permanent Price Drop (now $7.99, original price $14.99)
TMNT: Turtles in Time Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Avatar Digital Sale (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Driver 76 Sale (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Tom Clancy’s EndWar: Escalation pack Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Tom Clancy’s HAWX: Russian Falcons Pack Sale (now $2.49, original price $4.99)
Sonic Rivals 2 Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99. original price $29.99)
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99. original price $24.99)

These price updates are, for the most part, much ado about nothing. The only two that turn my head are LocoRoco 2 and Patapon 2. These are both outstanding games, and at $8 each, there is no excuse not to own them. I know people that spend more than that at McDonalds. Everything else is either DLC, not very good, or vastly overpriced; the insinuation that Sonic Rivals 2 is a bargain at $20 wins this week’s Falco Lombardi ‘I Guess I Should Be Thankful’ Award.

This week’s Spring Fever 2010 deal is all related to Killzone. The old PSP title Killzone: Liberation is available for $10, and received generally positive reviews back in 2006. Furthermore, the DLC packs for Killzone 2 – one of the best PS3 titles of 2009 – are all available at a discount. For Killzone fans, this is a great week.

Sony decided to bundle up topatoi for $14. For platformer fans, this might be a good game, especially in its most complete form as of yet. However, casuals and anyone on the fence would be cautioned that the game didn’t perform that well in reviews. For the PSP, we have King of Pool, available for $10. Forgive me for being sceptical, but I’ve been burned by PSN pool games before. I would wait for a demo, or just go with the PS one game Backstreet Billiards. Speaking of PS one games, they released XS Airboat Racing at the usual price. It’s insultingly bad, and only serves to extend the gap between good “classic” games to Virtual Console-like levels.

Unless you’re really, really excited about the Sports Quiz Pack for BUZZ! Quiz World, or love Killzone, this is an exceptionally soft week for the Playstation Network. Enjoy what little of 2010 FIFA World Cup you get in the demo, maybe download Bass for Mega Man 10, and sit tight for another week. Hopefully, Sony will get over their guilt for killing the Install Other OS option last week long enough to give us something to care about next week. Until next time, this is Christopher Bowen, who continues to find new bugs daily in MLB ’10 The Show.

The entire PSN and Comic Store updates are under the cut.


Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99, original price $29.99)
MotorStorm: Arctic Edge Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99, original price $29.99)
BUZZ! Master Quiz Permanent Price Drop (now $15.99, original price $19.99)
LocoRoco 2 Permanent Price Drop (now $7.99, original price $19.99)
Patapon 2 Permanent Price Drop (now $7.99, original price $14.99)
TMNT: Turtles in Time Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Avatar Digital Sale (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Driver 76 Sale (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Tom Clancy’s EndWar: Escalation pack Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Tom Clancy’s HAWX: Russian Falcons Pack Sale (now $2.49, original price $4.99)
Sonic Rivals 2 Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99. original price $29.99)
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99. original price $24.99)

Downloadable Games

topatoi Bundle ($13.99)

topatoi for PlayStation 3 brings your screen to life with classic platforming gameplay over a variety of dynamic levels. Take a journey through the colorful worlds of the Great Tree and Sky Pillar. Unique platform gameplay in a physical, interactive world, as well as great bonus levels playable alone, in split-screen or co-op modes, are all waiting for you in topatoi!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 320 MB

The Tester

The Tester Episode 8
In Episode 8, “Season Finale,” the final 3 contestants (Amped, Cyrus, and Nauseous) face an intense series of mini-challenges involving problem solving, dexterity, PlayStation knowledge and game play. There are no judges, no elimination rounds, and no excuses in this flat-out race to the finish to determine who wins the title of The Tester.

File size: 391 MB (SD) 863 MB (HD)

PSone Classics

XS Airboat Racing ($5.99)
Get behind a wheel as one of 10 different animals and creatures in this wacky and challenging racing game. Do you have what it takes to reach the Gold Cup?
ESRB Rated E
File size: 41 MB

Game Demos (free)

2010 FIFA World Cup Demo
EA SPORTS celebrates the single largest sporting event on the planet with the only official and exclusively licensed videogame for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Take on the challenge of leading your home nation from qualification right through to a virtual re-creation of the final with all the pageantry, drama and excitement of the official tournament.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.05 GB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet Incredibles Costume Kit ($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 dress him as all 5 “Modern Day” Incredibles, Mr. Incredible “Retro”, Syndrome, Frozone, and Edna Mode.
NOTE: To download this Costume Kit, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.

File sizes: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Incredibles Medium Pack ($4.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this Medium Pack for the Incredibles and you’ll get loads of stickers and CREATE materials to create your own Incredibles levels.
NOTE: To download this Medium Pack, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File sizes: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet “The Incredibles” Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this “The Incredibles” costume and you’ll have all of the costume pieces necessary to dress up as everyone in the crime fighting family of the Incredibles!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File sizes: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Syndrome Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this Syndrome costume and begin planning the demise of the Incredibles!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File sizes: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Mr. Incredible Retro Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this Mr. Incredible Retro costume and relive Mr. Incredible’s glory days!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File sizes: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Frozone Costume ($1.99)

The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this Frozone costume and send a chill down the spine of all evil do-ers!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File sizes: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Edna Mode Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this Edna Mode costume and come to the aid of the Incredibles!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File sizes: 1.04 MB

Hustle Kings Crazy Tables: Basement Crazy (free)
Download this pack and head down to the Hustle Kings Basement Bar for a crazy new table that’ll really test your trick shots. Set in every pool hustler’s favorite hangout, this table is anything but relaxing. You’ll need all your skill and concentration working overtime to swerve your way around tricky corners and use the angles to your advantage.

Best of all, it’s absolutely FREE!
File sizes: 45 MB

Just Cause 2 – Chevalier Ice Breaker (free)
Bring on the chaos in Panau!
File size: 2.46 MB

Mega Man 10 Bass Character ($1.99)
Play the game as Bass. Bass can shoot in 7 directions. Some of his abilities differ from Mega Man’s. Not compatible with Rankings or Challenges.
File size: 1.13 MB

Mega Man 10 Special Stage 1 ($0.99)

Gives you another Time Attack Stage to try, including a new Boss at the end! Results will be displayed in the Rankings. Not compatible with Trophies or Challenges.
File size: 1.15 MB

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

  • “The Take Over, The Breaks Over” by Fall Out Boy ($1.99)
  • “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s an Arms Race” by Fall Out ($1.99)
  • “Thnks fr th Mmrs” by Fall Out Boy ($1.99)
  • Fall Out Boy Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Thnks fr th Mmrs”, “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s an Arms Race”, and “The Take Over, The Breaks Over” by Fall Out Boy. 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 – 39 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.

  • “Fire It Up””” Thousand Foot Krutch ($1.99)
  • “Meant to Live””” Switchfoot ($1.99)
  • “Stand in the Rain””” Superchick ($1.99)
  • “Monster””” Skillet ($1.99)
  • “Live Life Loud””” Hawk Nelson ($1.99)
  • “Feel Good Drag””” Anberlin ($1.99)

File sizes: 20 MB – 28 MB (singles)

Game Videos (free)

ModNation Racers Bring the BOOM Trailer
File size: 83 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers BTS: An Overview

File size: 130 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers BTS: Art Design
File size: 202 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers BTS: Race & Shoot
File size: 215 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers BTS: Welcome to UFG
File size: 201 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers RACE! Trailer

File size: 68 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers Tutorial: Character Creation
File size: 345 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers Tutorial: Kart Creation
File size: 173 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers Tutorial: Track Creation
File size: 282 MB (HD)

Just Cause 2: An Island In Chaos Trailer
File size: 88 MB (HD)

Just Cause 2: Demo Out Now Trailer
File size: 85 MB (HD)

Just Cause 2: Freedom and Chaos Trailer
File size: 76 MB (HD)

Just Cause 2: No Ordinary Mission Trailer
File size: 77 MB (HD)

Brink: Official Trailer
File size: 133 MB (HD)

Blacklight: Tango Down Teaser Trailer

File size: 46 MB (HD)

Yakuza 3 Locations Trailer
File size:70 MB (HD)

Yakuza 3 Dev Diary 3
File size: 134 MB (HD)

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Future War Trailer
File size: 94 MB (HD)

Might & Magic Clash of Heroes Announcement Trailer

File size: 44 MB (HD)

3D Dot Game Heroes: Teaser Trailer
File size: 62 MB (HD)

3D Dot Game Heroes: Natural Sword Enhancement Trailer
File size: 46 MB (HD)

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

Iron Man 2: Enemy Factions Trailer
File size: 44 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes

Heavy Rain Crime Scene Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 6.44 MB

The Lord of the Rings Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 7.56 MB

Alice in Wonderland Theme ($1.49)
File size: 7.89 MB

Pixar Up Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.9 MB

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure Theme ($1.49)
File size: 6.25 MB

Lindsay Kaye Premium Theme ($1.99)
File size: 9.23 MB

Music

Flower Soundtrack ($2.99)
File size: 126 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

King of Pool ($9.99)
Join the world of pool sharks and have the opportunity to play in five unique locations. Choose from one of the biggest selections of snooker and pool games available, triumph against your rivals in Career mode, demonstrate your skills in Trick Shot mode, or use Free Play mode to test yourself. Also you can compete with your friend using Multiplayer mode.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 71 MB

PSP Minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Freekscape: Escape From Hell ($4.99)

ESRB Rated E
File size: 46 MB

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

BUZZ! Quiz World U.S. Sports Quiz Pack ($3.99)
Are you the ultimate sports fan? Test your knowledge on America’s favorite past times, Football, Basketball, Baseball and more! This BUZZ! Quiz World PSP quiz pack features hundreds of questions about sports 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: 54 MB

Game Videos (free)

The Tester Episode 8
File size: 165 MB

ModNation Racers Bring the BOOM Trailer
File size: 14 MB

ModNation Racers BTS: An Overview
File size: 21 MB

ModNation Racers BTS: Art Design
File size: 32 MB

ModNation Racers BTS: Race & Shoot
File size: 35 MB

ModNation Racers BTS: Welcome to UFG
File size: 31 MB

ModNation Racers RACE! Trailer
File size: 11 MB

ModNation Racers Tutorial: Character Creation
File size: 55 MB

ModNation Racers Tutorial: Kart Creation
File size: 27 MB

ModNation Racers Tutorial: Track Creation

File size: 45 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

LittleBigPlanet PSP Theme (free)
File size: 672 KB

Lindsay Kaye PSP Theme 3 ($1.49)
File size: 659 KB

Lindsay Kaye PSP Theme 4 ($1.49)
File size: 670 KB

Lord of the Rings PSP Theme ($1.49)

File size: 698 KB


Comic Store Update

  • 2000AD Prog # 1674 – $ 1.99
  • Abyss # 2 – $ 0.99
  • The Amazing Spider-Man (2003) # 551 – $ 1.99
  • The Amazing Spider-Man (2003) # 552 – $ 1.99
  • The Amazing Spider-Man (2003) # 553 – $ 1.99
  • The Amazing Spider-Man (2003) # 554 – $ 1.99
  • The Amazing Spider-Man (2003) # 555 – $ 1.99
  • Atomic Robo Vol.2 # 1 – $ 0.99
  • The Beagle Boys & the Difficult Search – $ 0.99
  • Bill Willingham’s Pantheon # 1 – $ 1.99
  • Donald Duck, Fethry Duck and the Hunt for Champions – $ 0.99
  • Dreamland Chronicles # 4 – $ 1.99
  • The Duck in the Iron Mask # 1 – $ 0.99
  • The Ghoul # 3 – $ 1.99
  • G.I. Joe # 12 – $ 1.99
  • G.I. Joe: Cobra # 7 – $ 1.99
  • G.I. Joe Origins # 12 – $ 1.99
  • Kong: King of Skull Island # 1 – $ 0.99
  • Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows # 3 – $ 1.99
  • Ritual # 1 – $ 0.99
  • Runes of Ragnan # 2 – $ 0.99
  • Star Trek: The Movie Adaptation # 2 – $ 1.99
  • Superduck # 10 – $ 1.99
  • Transformers: Movie Sequel: The Reign of Starscream # 3 – 1.99
  • Transformers: Tales of the Fallen # 5 – $ 1.99
  • Vampire Hunter D Volume 1 # 1 – $ 1.99
  • We Kill Monsters # 5 – $ 0.99
  • Wizards of Mickey # 4 – $ 0.99
  • The X-Men (1963) # 21 – $ 1.99
  • The X-Men (1963) # 22 – $ 1.99
  • The X-Men (1963) # 23 – $ 1.99
  • The X-Men (1963) # 24 – $ 1.99
  • The X-Men (1963) # 25 – $ 1.99
  • Zombies vs Robots: Aventure # 1 – $ 1.99

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