Playstation Network Wrap-Up for May 12th, 2010

It would have been foolhardy for people to expect another update as amazing as last week’s. No matter what your preferred genre is, there was something for you then unless you weren’t a PSP owner. This week, things come back to normal a bit, though there’s certainly enough goodies this week, especially for racing fans.

The full PS3 release is World of Outlaws Sprint Cars. It looks like a generic rally racing game with sprint cars. That’s about all I can say, but judging by this video, there’s a lot of cars on the track, some floaty physics, and dirt specking up on the camera, until there gets to be too much and it cleans itself off. I’m not sure if this is worth $20, especially with all the top-notch racers we’re going to see soon, one of which I’m going to talk about in a bit. I haven’t had a chance to sample the controls, but judging by this IGN review of the XBox 360 version, there’s not much going on here. Judging by third-hand information and my own eyes, I’d recommend to skip this one, especially with the lack of a demo. I’d advise people that own a 360 to save that money until Wednesday, where they can use it on Rocket Knight instead and still save $5.

The racing game that DOES draw my attention is Split/Second, who’s demo came out today. NOW we’re talking. Having played the demo, I can best describe Split/Second as being similar to Blur, with a healthy dose of a chase movie to boot. It’s a standard racer, with charge points being given for drafting and drifting. These points can be used to interact with the stage, or as most of us would call it, “blow shit up”. You can have helicopters drop things on the people ahead of you, which causes them to fly into the stage and take out others, and everything is nice and sharp. Furthermore, I like the tight controls that didn’t send me sprawling all over the track. I’m impressed, and while I’m not sure this is $60 worth of game, I’m at least willing to put it in my Gamefly queue for when it comes out next week.

Continuing with the racing theme is the PSP demo for the long awaited ModNation Racers. This is a lot closer to Mario Kart than any of the games I’ve talked about so far, with the only real differentiating factor being a boost gauge that fills up based on airtime, tricks, or drafting. Other than that, it’s got standard power-ups, alternate routes, and the usual goodies you’d expect from any other kart racer. I’m not fond of how loose the controls are – I had a hard time staying off the wall – but that could be an issue with the default racer. There’s also a way to create tracks, but I haven’t screwed around with that. I would say, if the demo appeals to you, the game will appeal to you. Personally, this is another one for the Gamefly queue.

There is a full PSP release as well, for Harvest Moon: Hero Of Leaf Valley. I’m not really sure what can be said about Harvest Moon at this point; almost every game in the series has had the same set pieces, with the exception of the inspired but flawed Innocent Life, and there’s not much new to say about the game. The cost is $30, and fans will be interested. I’ve never been able to get into Harvest Moon, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a quality series.

In terms of sales, there are two bundles on sale: a Popcap bundle for $25 that includes five games, and a Midway classic bundle that also includes five games, this time for $15. I’m not really a fan of the fact that these are only bundled; ala cart purchases aren’t supported for discounts, but at least the Midway pack is decent, if a little underwhelming. I guess the Popcap bundle is OK if you’re really into Popcap games, but even $25 seems a bit heavy when we all know Steam is going to go apeshit and put their entire Popcap collection on sale for some insane amount. I own all of these games on Steam because of this, so I can’t really give a firm recommendation on this bundle, even for $25. There are also some sales, listed below, none of which really get my blood going:

Tetris minis Sale (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Zombie Tycoon minis Sale [Also available in French] (now $2.99, original price $7.99)
Section 8 Sale (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
Tokyo Police PS3 & PSP Theme Permanent Price Drop (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Echoes minis Permanent Price Drop (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
Unbound Saga Permanent Price Drop (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Free Gravity Crash Dynamic Theme with purchase of Gravity Crash (Full Game) ($9.99)

Finally, there’s a bunch of DLC this week, including some DLC for Bioshock 2 and an “unlock everything” download for the newly released Skate 3, but what gets me is that Record of Agarest War is STILL getting DLC bundles. That’s impressive – considering they’re all free – and also notable, because the XBox 360 doesn’t have any DLC – paid or otherwise – for this game, despite the fact that they have the more fully-featured version. I’m not sure if there’s a reason for it – if I find out, I will update this piece and let you all know – but all these goodies are making the decision on which version to buy harder than it should be for fans.

That’s it for this week. Racing fans are going to have a field day, whereas fans of other genres still have enough goodies to get them by. Until next time, this is Christopher Bowen, who suddenly has a desire to play the Gamecube version of Mario Kart, despite the fact that he doesn’t like Mario Kart.

The full Playstation Network update is under the cut.


This week Spring Fever celebrates Sony Online Entertainment titles packaged into the following bundles!

PopCap Spring Fever Bundle ($24.99)
Kick off the spring season with all your PopCap favorites brought to you by Sony Online Entertainment! Can’t decide which game you want? Get them all! The PopCap Spring Fever Bundle includes Bejeweled 2, Peggle, Zuma, Heavy Weapon, and Feeding Frenzy 2 Shipwreck Showdown, so get yours now for some crazy unbeatable fun!

ESRB Rated E10+

Midway Spring Fever Bundle ($14.99)
Celebrate spring with all your favorite classic Midway games, brought to you by Sony Online Entertainment and available for one week only! Get ready to re-live all of the classics. The Midway bundle includes Mortal Kombat II, Championship Sprint, Gauntlet II, Joust, and Rampage World Tour!
ESRB Rated E-M

Updates

Tetris minis Sale (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Zombie Tycoon minis Sale [Also available in French] (now $2.99, original price $7.99)

Section 8 Sale (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
Tokyo Police PS3 & PSP Theme Permanent Price Drop (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Echoes minis Permanent Price Drop (now $0.99, original price $2.99)
Unbound Saga Permanent Price Drop (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Free Gravity Crash Dynamic Theme with purchase of Gravity Crash (Full Game) ($9.99)

Qore

Qore Episode 24: May 2010 ($2.99)
Episode 24 of Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network jumps into the action with Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, dukes it out with UFC champ Jens Pulver, takes it to the next level in LittleBigPlanet 2, and returns to PlayStation Home.
File size: 1.73 GB

Qore Annual Subscription: May 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: 1.73 GB

Downloadable Games

World Of Outlaws Sprint Cars ($19.99)
World of Outlaws Sprint Cars is the first game that lets you race on your favorite dirt tracks, against your favorite sprint car drivers or your friends online. Your career will take your across the country to build your racing empire. Win races, win cash and sponsorships to upgrade your car. See if you have the stamina to be the next World of Outlaws Champion..
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.88 GB

Game Demos (free)

Split/Second Demo

In Split/Second you trigger devastating explosions to decimate drivers and change the track!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 752 MB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet: More Animals! – Hippo ($0.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download the the “More Animals!” Hippo Costume today! NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet: More Animals! – Fly ($0.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download the the “More Animals!” Fly Costume today! NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet: More Animals! – Turtle ($0.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download the the “More Animals!” Turtle Costume today! NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet: More Animals! – Peacock ($0.99)

The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download the the “More Animals!” Peacock Costume today! NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet: More Animals! – Costume Pack ($2.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download the the “More Animals!” Costume Pack today and get the Hippo, Fly, Peacock, and Turtle costumes! NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

Bioshock 2: Exclusive Characters ($1.99)
Passion, drama and adventure. Find yours with 2 brave new characters for the multiplayer experience. Mlle Blanche de Glace, the internationally acclaimed actress, or Zigo D’Acosta, one of Rapture’s great sailors.
File size: 101 KB

Bioshock 2: Kill “ËœEm Kindly (free)
What’s your golf handicap? Take this chance to turn your handicap into your enemy’s with this fresh melee mode where every blunt object is a golf club. No putting.
File size: 8.81 MB

Bioshock 2: Rapture Metro ($9.99)
As one of our valued Sinclair Solutions testers, we specially invite you to enjoy the pleasure of Rebirth! But only if you are truly dedicated and fully ranked up. However all testers are eligible for the 6 new maps in Rapture Metro.
File size: 1027 MB

DJ Hero – Domination Mix Pack DLC ($7.99)

Downloadable Mix Pack for DJ Hero featuring Wolfgang Gartner, Danny Byrd, Darude, and Josh Wink.
File size: 62 MB

Lost Planet 2 Map Pack #1 ($4.99)
Download two new battlegrounds in this Map Pack for LOST PLANET 2. In “Helix,” fight in a multilayered NEVEC ocean research facility at the bottom of the ocean. “Back to the Island” brings the new weapons and abilities of LP2 back to Island 902, a remake of the classic map from the original LOST PLANET.
File size: 74 MB

Super Street Fighter IV: Super Shoryuken Costume Pack ($3.99)
Download the second pack of alternate costumes for Super Street Fighter IV! New costumes for Ryu, Ken, Gouken, Dan and Akuma are included. Mix things up with your favorite Shotokan characters! Only available for use with Super Street Fighter IV.
File size: 100 KB

Batman: Arkham Asylum Game Of The Year Edition: Play As The Joker Challenge Map Pack (free)
Become The Joker in Challenge Maps only available on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. Experience a whole new set of unique fighting moves as well as Joker’s demented tricks and gadgets. This downloadable content is for the Game of the Year Edition only!
File size: 107 MB

Batman: Arkham Asylum Game Of The Year Edition: Prey In The Darkness Map Pack (free)
Test your combat and Invisible Predator skills in 2 new locations, the Arkham Pumping Station and the Abandoned Glasshouse. This downloadable content is for the Game of the Year Edition only.
File size: 70 MB

Batman: Arkham Asylum: Crime Alley Challenge Map ($3.49)

Experience the unique FreeFlow combat system in this all new Combat Challenge Map, set in the iconic Gotham location of Crime Alley. You will face 4 consecutive waves of The Joker’s henchmen armed with a range of weapons.
File size: 54 MB

Batman: Arkham Asylum: Dem Bones Challenge Map ($3.49)
Enter this villain’s nightmarish world and experience a unique combat challenge that will test you to the very limits.
File size: 43 MB

Skate 3: Time Is Money Pack ($6.99)
If you are busy, or just plain lazy, Time is Money will unlock all locations, skaters and gear, and Skate.Park objects that can be earned by playing through Skate 3’s career and online modes.
File size: 1.52 MB

Nier: The World Of Recycled Vessel ($6.99)
The diary of Nier’s wife opens a gate to a strange world where an unnamed warrior battles powerful Shades. Engage in 15 nightmarish battles to unlock bonus costumes, weapons, and a special quest.
File size: 470 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Add-On Dungeon 5: Generation 5 Deep Forest Naruvia (free)
An add-on dungeon for generation 5. Embark on one last adventure into the [Deep Forest Naruvia]!
File size: 2.33 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 5: Ellis Kit (free)

We’ve prepared five items that increase your magical power. This powerful kit comes with [Adaka], [Shield Sword], [Bird Eye], [Magic Frame], and [Seed of Happiness]. It’s a must-have for any aspiring sorcerer.
File size: 2.33 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 6: Power Up (free)
Assorted items for increasing one’s stats. It contains two each of [STR Up], [VIT Up], [INT Up], [AGI Up], [LUK Up], and [Max. HP Up] . Train your favorite character with this set.
File size: 2.33 MB

Record Of Agarest War: Points Pack 2: Service Point Pack (free)
A set containing 5,000G and a whole bunch of ability points (50PP, 500TP, and 500EP). This special package has more stuff than the Trial point package.
File size: 2.33 MB

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

  • “Juke Box Hero” by Foreigner ($1.99)
  • “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd ($1.99)
  • “Take the Money and Run” by Steve Miller Band ($1.99)
  • Classic Rock Track Pack 3 ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Juke Box Hero” by Foreigner, “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and “Take the Money and Run” by Steve Miller Band. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.
  • “Face Down” by Alpha Rev ($1.99)
  • “Low Day” by Capra ($1.99)
  • “You’re All I Have” by Snow Patrol ($1.99)
  • Alternative Pop Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Face Down” by Alpha Rev, “Low Day” by Capra, and “You’re All I Have” by Snow Patrol. 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 size: 31 MB – 58 MB (singles), 116 MB – 132 MB (track pack)

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

  • “Breaking The Law (Live)” – Judas Priest ($1.99)
  • “Grinder (Live)” – Judas Priest ($1.99)
  • “Living After Midnight (Live)” – Judas Priest ($1.99)
  • “Metal Gods (Live)” – Judas Priest ($1.99)
  • “Rapid Fire (Live)” – Judas Priest ($1.99)
  • “Steeler (Live)” – Judas Priest ($1.99)
  • “The Rage (Live)” – Judas Priest ($1.99)
  • “United (Live)” – Judas Priest ($1.99)
  • “You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise” – Judas Priest ($1.99)
  • British Steel Live Pack ($14.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: British Steel Live Pack. This pack includes “Breaking The Law (Live),” “Grinder (Live),” “Living After Midnight (Live),” “Metal Gods (Live),” “Rapid Fire (Live),” “Steeler (Live),” “The Rage (Live),” “United (Live),” and “You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise (Live)” by Judas Priest.

Rock Band Network

  • “I’m Made Of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?” by A Day To Remember ($1.99)
  • “Mordecai” by Between the Buried and Me ($1.99)
  • “Remedy” by Seether ($1.99)
  • “Tongue Twister Typo” by Blackmarket ($0.99)
  • “When I Get Home You’re So Dead” – by Mayday Parade ($2.99)

File size: 20 MB – 42 MB (singles), 291 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

God of War 3: Chaos Trailer
Download the GOD OF WAR® III “” Chaos Trailer. IN THE END, THERE WILL ONLY BE CHAOS… 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.

File size: 75 MB (HD), 122 MB (1080)

LittleBigPlanet PSP – Turbo! Level Kit Trailer
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere. Put the pedal to the metal with this massive vehicle-based pack. Race, battle and bounce your way through six completely new levels. And the fun doesn’t stop there, with hundreds more bits and pieces to fill your Popit, you can create turbo-powered vehicular contraptions of your very own.
Download the Turbo! Level Kit trailer today! NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 52 MB

3D Dot Game Heroes – “The Hero Your Hero Could Be” Trailer
Watch this short vignette to find out how awesome your hero could be if he was created in the 3D Dot Game Heroes 3D character editor. Retro chic meets modern sleek in this, the ultimate love letter to retro gamers. Seamlessly fusing new and old, the golden era of gaming is felt in every detail of this adventure.

File size: 35 MB (HD)

Crysis 2: “The Wall” Trailer
Experience the first trailer for Cryteks new genre defining shooter: Crysis 2.
File size: 145 MB (HD 1080)

Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City Network Trailer
The all new trailer for Grand Theft Auto’s highly acclaimed downloadable episodes, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony.
File size: 49 MB (HD)

Kick-Ass Trailer
This Kick-Ass Trailer shows this third-person action fighting game based on the movie of the same name. The game takes the player through different mission areas of New York, facing petty thugs and even powerful mob bosses. The player’s main goal is to bring justice back to the city “” at any cost, including frantic Superhero action.
File size: 72 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes

3D Dot Games Heroes Theme (free)
File size: 2.97 MB

After Burner Climax Premium Theme ($3.99)

File size: 5.43 MB

Gravity Crash Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 1.94 MB

PS3 Wallpaper

Kick-Ass Wallpaper
File size: 402 KB (SD), 1.89 MB (HD)

Kick-Ass Wallpaper 2

File size: 321 KB (SD), 1.55 MB (HD)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Harvest Moon: Hero Of Leaf Valley $29.99
The tranquil town of Leaf Valley is scheduled for demolition! The heartless Funland Corporation is going to bulldoze the town and replace it with an amusement park unless its citizens can find a way to stop them! You’ll need to grow crops, raise animals, and mine ores and gems to help save Leaf Valley and your family farm. With a branching storyline and multiple endings, how you choose to save the town is up to you!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 120 MB

Game Demos (also available from PS3 Storefront) (free)

ModNation Racers PSP Demo
Be among the first to test drive ModNation Racers on the PSP system! In this free demo you’ll experience kart racing for a new generation as you boost, drift, and race your way through two over-the-top tracks using any one of six racers. Plus, get a taste for the game’s revolutionary Create tools with the Track Studio preview! Drive your idea of the perfect track into existence for the included Track Theme, then tweak it and test drive it.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 135 MB

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Busy Sweets Factory (PSP Only) ($1.99)

ESRB Rated E
File size: 5.84 MB

Love Cupid (PSP Only) ($1.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 6.49 MB

Quiz Animania (PSP Only) ($1.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 11 MB

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

LittleBigPlanet PSP – Wilderness 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 these free costumes from the Wilderness Theme Pack. NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 2.51 MB

LittleBigPlanet PSP – Wilderness Theme Pack ($2.99)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere. Download a new set of costumes and CREATE materials to create your own Wilderness levels! The Wilderness Theme Pack includes 5 Costume items, 13 CREATE Materials, 15 Stickers, 1 Music kit, and 1 Background. NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 2.64 MB

LittleBigPlanet PSP – Sackfari Explorers 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 costume from the Jungle Sackfari Explorers Theme Pack. NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 1.35 MB

LittleBigPlanet PSP – Sackfari Explorers Theme Pack ($2.99)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere. Download a new set of costumes and CREATE materials to create your own Jungle Sackfari levels! The Jungle Sackfari Explorers Pack includes 4 Costumes and 12 Stickers. NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 1.46 MB

Game Videos (free)

LitteBigPlanet PSP – Turbo! Level Kit Trailer
File size: 10 MB (SD) (HD)

3D Dot Game Heroes: “The Hero Your Hero Could Be” Trailer
File size: 4.37 MB (SD)

3D Dot Game Heroes: “Dot-Mart” Trailer
File size: 4.16 MB (SD)

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Draganov PSP Theme 1 ($1.49)
File size: 554 KB

Draganov PSP Theme 2 ($1.49)
File size: 539 KB

Disney Princess and the Frog PSP Theme ($1.49) (US only)
File size: 580 KB

PSP Wallpaper (free)

Armored Core: Last Raven Wallpaper 1
File size: 31 KB

Armored Core: Last Raven Wallpaper 2
File size: 30 KB


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