This is one of those weeks that just pisses me off.
Seriously, I don’t mind a bad content week. Even if that was the case this time around, they happen, and really, last week’s update was so awesome that it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. Besides, it’s not like Sony’s pulling a Nintendo and forgetting a good 33% of their downloadable market, and simultaneously But then I see a bunch of stuff on the network that reminds me of how badly we’re going in terms of paying more money for less content. The second hand market is dying, and the only thing people can do is to continue blindly forking money over like sheep. It’s the kind of week that pisses me off specifically because of the implications on the future, not so much because the content is bad.
Now that I’m sufficiently in a bad mood, let’s plant on a fake smile and plow through this shit one more time.
Despite the negativity of that opening, we actually have a positive game to start out with. Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype is the sequel to 2008’s Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer, and the best way I can describe it is “R-Type in bullet hell”. It’s a very pretty side-scrolling shooter, and while it’s not for novices, the first game was outstanding, and the second game looks just as good. It’s $13, and the first one is $10. They’re both worth the price for sh’mup fans.
There’s also Super Stacker for $10, which I can best describe as a video game version of Jenga. The object is to stack objects as high as you can. It sounds simplistic, but there’s 100 levels to play, so there’s some replayability here. Unfortunately, there’s no demo so I can’t really verify anything; check back in about two months for a demo. Kinda like 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 convince me that it was more than a second rate knockoff of Super Monkey Ball. I’ve tried it, and sure enough… it’s a second rate knockoff of Super Monkey Ball. Next!
There are two other demos out. The one that really got my attention was PixelJunk Shooter. I’d not tried it before because I’m allergic to buying games without being able to try them, but now that I’ve tried it, I might have to. For those that don’t know how the game works, you’re a ship that’s looking to get drillers out of strange planets, which are being mined for their natural resources as humans continue to act like locusts and destroy everything they touch. It’s got a simple play mechanic – right stick aims, left stick flies – but this is combined with some great interactivity with each planet, and a heat gauge that could melt your ship. A lot of thought went into this game, and I enjoyed the demo thoroughly. Though I’m confused… this game’s been out since mid December. Why are they coming out with a demo now?
“For those that haven’t already heard, PixelJunk Shooter 2 is in full production, full steam ahead, anchors away and all that…commotion to that order” (source)
Oho. You cheeky bastards.
Finally, we have a demo for Green Day: Rock Band. I’m not sure when these three punk kids who made the Dookie album became so mainstream, but whatever, we’ll roll with it. I didn’t try this demo because it’s pointless for someone who owns no Guitar Hero peripherals to try a demo of a Rock Band game, so safe to say, this is a good one for Rock Band owners, and not much else. It needs to be mentioned, however, that this demo expires on July 13th.
We have two new games for the PSP. The first is Hexyz Force, which I previewed a couple of weeks back. I don’t really see the need to repeat myself here, but needless to say, fans of old-school JRPGs should be excited for this one. I know I am, and once we receive our review copy, I’m going to dig in. The second game is ModNation Racers PSP, which I was critical of a couple weeks ago when I played the demo. However, remember when I mentioned that this was “one for the GameFly queue”? Yeah, uh, forget that, because also available this week is the code that will be necessary for PIRATES (or anyone who buys the game used, naturally) to play the game online, or do anything requiring the internet. The cost of this online pass? FIFTEEN MOTHERFUCKING DOLLARS. OK, enough of this shit. It’s one thing when companies steal EA’s idea of Project Ten Dollar and charge money to take their games online if bought secondhand. I don’t like it, but I’m fine with it when they tell people, before the game comes out, that they have to do things this way. After all, the $5 code that THQ is requiring to play UFC Undisputed ’10 online, we had a lot of advanced notice on, and $5 doesn’t make a used game more expensive than new. Not only is the $15 Sony is charging for an online pass for a game that virtually requires online access obscene, but once again, they didn’t tell us ahead of time. “Oh, that? Yeah, we’re trying it. It’s in trial. Shut up, guinea pig. Back in your place”. What, should I be thankful that this pass only costs $15, instead of $20?
In short: ModNation Racers for PSP sucks to begin with – the controls are way too loose – and now it’s a shitty product as well. Furthermore, at this point, I have to consider any SCEA PSP game toxic now. They’re not going to be honest about what we’re buying.
Of course, the PS3 version is already seeing mods come out, including some nice little cross-promotion between MNR and Sony’s other big “mod” title, LittleBigPlanet. This is perfect for people that like ultimately paying over $100 for one game.
A PS one “Classic” came out as well, called Delta Force: Urban Warfare. The game itself isn’t even really worth a mention – it’s one of those crappy, low-budget games that came out well into the PS2’s lifespan when the only companies making PSX games were either small publishers or EA Sports – but I mention it here because this is the first classic game I can think of on the PSN that is mandated as being only for the PS3. Know that if you buy this game, you will not be able to take it on the go. I’m not sure why, though the first thing that comes to mind is that they integrated right analogue stick control into the game, which is an admitted nice touch. However, the game is crap to begin with, and I’m not throwing $6 down the tubes to find out.
The Spring Fever sale indicates this is Prince of Persia week, which means that Prince of Persia Classic is on sale for 50% off at $5. Three other games – Heracles Chariot Racing, Wakeboarding HD and Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars: Battleball Arena – are all 50% off as well. None of them are even worth the reduced price.
In terms of content, this is a decent week; some good demos, and a good new PS3 game are all nice. But I can’t avoid the soapbox when I see that it costs almost as much to take a game online as it does to buy it used nowadays, and I hate being lied to. I also don’t like that $60 doesn’t buy a new game anymore. Maybe that makes me an asshole – I’m sure I’ll hear it if it does – but at least I’m an asshole with principles. Until next time, I’m Christopher Bowen, who’s just going to go and play some old NES games and think back to a time when I was too ignorant to care about this shit.
The full Playstation Store update is under the cut.
This week Spring Fever highlights the Prince of Persia franchise. 50% off Prince of Persia Classic ($4.99 now; regular $9.99). Offer good through Monday, 5/31.
Updates
Heracles Chariot Racing Permanent Price Drop (now $2.99, original price $4.99)
Wakeboarding HD Sale (now $7.49, original price $14.99)
Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars: Battleball Arena Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Downloadable Games
Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype ($12.99)
Twenty years after the Virus Wars, you return to Gota IV as part of the newly formed Söldner-X defense force. Your target: to free the galaxy from the D’aarg, a technologically superior race that is threatening mankind. Staged across seven unique action-loaded levels, Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype delivers a must-have shoot ’em up experience, blending classical gameplay with astonishing audio-visuals.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.49 GB
Who doesn’t love to play with blocks? Super Stacker is a physics puzzle game where you need to stack your blocks and keep them aloft until the timer say so! Sounds easy enough, but with 3 different play modes and over 120 puzzles you’ll have to prove you are a Super Stacker!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 76 MB
PSone Classics
Delta Force Urban Warfare ($5.99)
Playable on PS3 only (Disponibles sur PS3 seulement) After a series of successful terrorist bomb attacks and failed Delta Force operations in South America, it becomes apparent that unrelated terrorists groups are beginning to work together. Suspecting some greater cause, and unsure of who can be trusted, the Director of the CIA requests that John Carter, an experienced Delta Force operative, work alone and undercover to eliminate this threat.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 112 MB
Game Demos (free)
Green Day: Rock Band Demo
Experience Green Day like never before – as part of the band. Perform guitar, bass, drums, vocals (including 3-part harmonies) using the award-winning Rock Band technology. There are two songs available in this demo. Demo expires on July 13th.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 238 MB
Hamster Ball Unleashed Demo
Hamsterball Free Demo! 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: 126 MB
PixelJunk Shooter Demo
Download the PixelJunk Shooter Demo! Pilot a subterranean exploration vehicle to explore the interior of diverse cave-like complexes. The player must affect the surrounding and dynamic terrain to safely rescue survivors scattered about the cavernous environment. Both environmental elements and enemies, including bosses will attempt to hamper the player’s progress.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 55 MB
Add-on Game Content
Lost Planet 2 – Monster Hunter Armor
The ultimate Rathalos armor from the popular Monster Hunter series is now available as a customization option! Now you and your teammates can go hunting, Monster Hunter style, in Co-op Campaign mode for the most dangerous game on E.D.N. II Ҡgiant enemy Akrid!
File size: 3.65 MB
Super Street Fighter IV: Super Femme Fatales Costume Pack ($3.99)
Download the third pack of alternate costumes for Super Street Fighter IV! New costumes for Chun-Li, C.Viper, Sakura, Rose and Cammy are included. Make these gorgeous and dangerous femme fatales even more stunning! Only available for use with Super Street Fighter IV.
File size: 100 KB
BUZZ!: World Soccer Quiz ($5.99)
Test your knowledge on the world’s most popular sport, soccer! Start your own trivia tournament about players from around the world and see who will be crowned champion of this BUZZ!: World Soccer Quiz pack. This pack features hundreds of new questions to play in your favorite BUZZ!: Quiz TV and BUZZ!: Quiz World game modes for your PlayStation 3 system. Download this quiz pack today and turn your party into the ultimate trivia showdown.
File size: 51 MB
LittleBigPlanet – ModNation Racers Pack ($1.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download the the ModNation Racers Pack today and get a costume for SackBoy of the hero of ModNation Racers “Tag”Â! Also included in the pack are 20 ModNation Racer’s themed stickers to decorate your levels! NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB
ModNation Racers: Van Man Mod ($0.99)
Put some throwback style into your ModNation Racers repertoire! If you want to relive the days of denim and afros, this Van Man Mod pack lets you deck yourself out with a retro twist. This ModNation Racers Van Man Mod pack includes a fully-designed Mod, as well as several related parts and accessories for you to Create with in the Mod Studio. Download this pack today!
File size: 100 KB
ModNation Racers: Super Nova Kart ($0.99)
This Super Nova Kart will have you cruising around the tracks looking calm and relaxed during the over-the-top karting action in ModNation Racers! This ModNation Racers Super Nova Kart pack includes a fully-designed Kart, as well as several related parts and accessories for you to Create with in the Kart Studio. Download this pack today!
File size: 100 KB
ModNation Racers: Van Man Mod & Super Nova Kart Bundle ($1.75)
Van Man may look like a passive racer thanks to his retro style and relaxed Super Nova Kart, but don’t be fooled! Van Man knows how to speed his wheels ahead to the finish line without busting his denim! This ModNation Racers Van Man Mod AND Super Nova Kart pack includes a fully-designed Mod, Kart, as well as several related parts and accessories for you to Create with in the Mod and Kart Studios. Download this pack today!
File size: 200 KB
Burn Zombie Burn! Strategy Guide – Skinny App ($1.49)
Burn Zombie Burn! Hints and Tips from the doublesix games team including unlockables is now available through this Strategy Guide. To survive you must shoot, burn and explode as many zombies as possible before they overwhelm you. Burn Zombie Burn! is a third-person shoot “Ëœem-up in the classic coin-op tradition but with all new mechanics.
File size: 55 MB
Just Cause 2: Black Market “ËœBoom’ Pack ($1.99)
A whole pack of must-have downloadable content to help you to cause maximum chaos by land, sea and air.
File size: 2.69 MB
UFC Undisputed 2010 Online Unlock ($4.99)
Gain access to UFC Undisputed 2010’s all-new Online Camps feature where you can form fight camps and leagues to participate in ranking and champion tracking systems. This will also unlock the Online Exhibition and Online Leaderboard features. Join forces, train like real-life UFC fighters and go online to compete against other camps in the virtual UFC world.
File size: 2.54 MB
Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 9: Rust Kit (free)
A rusty, three-piece set that contains [Rusty Sword], [Rusty Bracelet], and [Rusty Ring]. I hope you’ve had your shots…
File size: 2.33 MB
Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 10: Sexy-Kitten Kit (free)
It contains the very sexy [Black Frame], [Black Bustier], [Angel Halo], and [Angel Wing]. Try and equip your favorite girl with them.
File size: 2.33 MB
Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 13: Four-Gods Kit ($0.99)
Four Gods’ four-piece set. Contains [Seiryu’s Sword], [Genbu’s Gauntlet], [Byakko’s Bracelet], and [Suzaku’s Ring]. You might be blessed with the Yellow Dragon’s aegis if you equip them all.
File size: 2.33 MB
Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 14: Meu+ Koron Kit ($1.99)
Contains [E.O.M.], [Tenma Sword], [Lollipop Stick], and [Floating Stone]. Become a hero and save the world, or make it rain takoyaki. It’s all up to you!
File size: 2.33 MB
Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.
- “7 Things” by Miley Cyrus ($1.99)
- “Falling Down” by Selena Gomez ($1.99)
- “Here We Go Again” by Demi Lovato ($1.99)
- Band Hero 1 Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “7 Things” by Miley Cyrus, “Falling Down” by Selena Gomez, and “Here We Go Again” by Demi Lovato. 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: 33 MB – 37 MB (singles), 103 MB (track pack)
Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.
- “(Reprise) Sandblasted Skin” – Pantera ($1.99)
- “10’s” – Pantera ($1.99)
- “13 Steps To Nowhere” – Pantera ($1.99)
- “Drag The Waters” – Pantera ($1.99)
- “Floods” – Pantera ($1.99)
- “Living Through Me (Hell’s Wrath)” – Pantera ($1.99)
- “Suicide Note Pt. II” – Pantera ($1.99)
- “The Great Southern Trendkill” – Pantera ($1.99)
- “The Underground In America” – Pantera ($1.99)
- “War Nerve” – Pantera ($1.99)
- The Great Southern Trendkill (Album) ($15.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: The Great Southern Trendkill (Album).
Rock Band Network
- “A Little Faster” by There For Tomorrow ($1.99)
- “Being Here” by The Stills ($0.99)
- “Juke Joint Jezebel” by KMFDM ($1.99)
- “The Complexity Of Light” by Children of Nova ($1.99)
- “We Are Not Anonymous” by Unearth ($0.99)
File size: 16 MB – 44 MB (singles), 363 MB (track pack)
Avatars
PAIN Avatars (x10) ($0.49 each)
File size: 100 KB (each)
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Avatars (x10) ($0.49 each)
File size: 100 KB (each)
UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Avatar Pack (x2) ($1.49 each)
File size: 500 KB (each)
Super Street Fighter IV Avatars (x4) ($0.49 each)
File size: 100 KB – 125 KB
Game Videos (free)
Bioshock 2 – Kill “ËœEm Kindly Trailer
File size: 50 MB (HD)
Bioshock 2 – Rapture Metro Trailer
File size: 76 MB (HD)
True Crime Hong Kong Reveal Trailer
File size: 58 MB (HD), 96 MB (1080)
3D Dot Game Heroes Minigame Rap Trailer
File size: 32 MB
Iron Man 2 – Launch Trailer
File size: 70 MB (HD)
Iron Man 2 – Prologue Trailer
File size: 120 MB (HD)
ModNation Racers: Spotlight: Jesse Hernandez
File size: 163 MB (HD), 275 MB (1080)
ModNation Racers: “The Starting Gate” Trailer
File size: 80 MB (HD), 134 MB (1080)
ModNation Racers: Kevin Butler Commerical
File size: 24 MB (HD), 38 MB (1080)
The Fight: Lights Out Video
File size: 110 MB (HD) 189 MB (1080)
Sport Champions – Zindagi Games Video
File size: 118 MB (HD), 204 MB (1080)
PS3 Themes
Mafia II: Official Theme (free)
File size: 4.05 MB
Wallpapers
Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Wallpaper 1
File size: 99 KB (SD), 484 KB (1080)
Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Wallpaper 2
File size: 149 KB (SD), 708 KB (1080)
Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Wallpaper 3
File size: 206 KB (SD) 849 KB (1080)
Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Wallpaper 4
File size: 228 KB (SD), 1.06 MB (1080)
PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)
Hexyz Force ($29.99)
An unrivaled value for your PSP (PlayStation Portable) system! With graphics, animation and load times all optimized for the PSP system, this classic-styled RPG crams even more value into the game by offering gamers two epic storylines in one game. Play as Cecilia, a young Cleric who is handed great responsibility, or Levant, a gallant knight who is swept up in a war that spans empires. Fate has chosen its champions, now it is your turn.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 564 MB
It’s creative kart racing on the go! ModNation Racers PSP lets you create your own racing experiences anywhere you go. With unparalleled creative tools, make your own characters, customize karts, and design tracks on the fly. Test your racing skills in single player mode and race against a wacky yet fierce cast of characters on over-the-top tracks! Challenge others both online and offline, then share creations for endless fun. Download it now!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.06 GB
Pinball Heroes Bundle 2 ($9.99)
Slamming back into your PSP system is the all new Pinball Heroes Bundle 2! Featuring 4 all new tables from your favorite PlayStation games: ModNation Racers, Fat Princess, WipEout and MotorStorm!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 98.3 MB
PSP Minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)
VT Tennis – Minis ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 27 MB
Robin Hood: The Return Of Richard – Minis ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 53 MB
Add-on Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Sack Circus Extravaganza 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. Start clowning around with this crazy new clown costume. Download this free costume from the Sack Circus Extravaganza Pack. NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 1.46 MB
LittleBigPlanet PSP – Sack Circus Extravaganza Pack ($2.99)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere. The extraordinary Sack Circus Extravaganza Pack offers 4 fantastic costumes, and 12 great new stickers to give your levels all the razzmatazz they need. NOTE: Manual Update required
File size: 1.5 MB
BUZZ! Quiz World: World Soccer Quiz ($2.99)
Test your knowledge on the world’s most popular sport, soccer! Start your own trivia tournament about players from around the world and see who will be crowned champion of this BUZZ!: World Soccer Quiz pack. This pack features hundreds of new questions about soccer to play in any of your favorite BUZZ! Quiz World game modes for your PSP or PSPgo system. Download this quiz pack today and turn your party into the ultimate trivia showdown.
File size: 32 MB
ModNation Racers PSP Online Entitlement ($14.99)
The Online Entitlement is used to activate the Online and Infrastructure features of the ModNation Racers game for the PSP system. For those purchasing the game second-hand, the entitlement will also need to be purchased and entered into a PSN account prior to activating the Infrastructure and Online features.
File size: N/A
Game Videos (free)
3D Dot Game Heroes Promo #5 PSP Trailer
File size: 4.37 MB
ModNation Racers: Spotlight: Jesse Hernandez
File Size: 27 MB
ModNation Racers: “The Starting Gate” Trailer
File Size: 13 MB
ModNation Racers: Kevin Butler Commercial
File Size: 3.63 MB
PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)
UFC PSP Theme (US Only) ($1.49)
File size: 547 KB
Non-Game Themes: Nightmare Before Christmas ($1.49)
File size: 437 KB
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