I like easy weeks. Most weeks, I have a lot to talk about, good or bad. This is one of those weeks where I can’t really get too excited about anything, despite the fact we have a very big-name PSP release. Niiiiiiiice and easy… which I like, considering I started this last night, came back into it today at 4PM, and decided to wipe my entire article going in. Perfectionists, unite!
Related to my sleep issues: be wary of Claratin. I took one of those last night, passed out at about 3AM with every window open, and didn’t move until 2PM. Thank goodness for self-employment. On a positive note? I can breathe again!
The most hyped release for the PS3 is Joe Danger, for $15. There’s no demo for this, but I don’t think we really need one because judging by trailer videos, I’m very comfortable in calling this “Excitebike 2010. This is what would have happened if the old Game Boy game Motocross Maniacs didn’t suck. At the very least, it looks like a fun time, and though one could kill it for being little more than an Excitebike wannabe, I once called Trials HD “Excitebike for sadists”, and that didn’t stop it from being extremely fun.
LATE-ADDITION EDIT: The only site who’s reviews I trust as much as our own – Ars Technica – just put out a review, and recommended it. “At first glance Joe Danger may look simply like a modern take on Excitebike, but it’s much more than that.” Well, then!
Second, the PSN is graced with a combat racing game that has been out on the PC for awhile, and is also twice as expensive as the PC version: Death Track: Resurrection. Resurrection is the spiritual successor to the original Death Track, which was an extremely ahead of it’s time first person driving/combat game for the PC in 1989. However, the new game – which is now over two years old – didn’t perform well in reviews, and the PC version is available for $7, which is less than half the cost of the PSN’s $15 version. This one’s an easy pass, if you ask me.
Next, we have what looks to be a big week for Sam & Max on the service. First, we have the first episode of Sam & Max: The Penal Zone for $9, which The Notorious M.A.S. reviewed for us last month. He gave it a nice write-up, but actually recommended the console controls because of how poorly the game played on the PC. For an episodic game, the cost seems a bit on the high side, but the Sam & Max games are almost always top-shelf. Secondly, there’s a sale on the season entitlement for Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, bringing the price down to $25, from $35. This seems like a great deal, but I’m hearing alarm bells. The PSN made a big deal out of a $5 sale for the package, and also out of keeping the package together; this is the first time you can’t buy Sam & Max games separately. Now, after the big push to get early buyers, they’re dropping the price to below that level? For one, it seems like a “fuck you” to the early adopters; I’d be pissed if I bought the package early. Secondly, it makes me wonder just how poorly this set is selling. I don’t know if it’s because you can’t buy them separately or if the market just doesn’t care about Sam & Max anymore, but whatever it is, it’s disconcerting.
Finally, we have Voodoo Dice, which I wrote about here. This is the third system it’s seen a release for, and if you only own a PS3, you can at least try the demo.
On the PSP, they unleashed the hounds! The first game we see is Metal Gear: Peace Walker for $40. This is the second PSP Metal Gear game that’s been a part of the series canon, and takes place after Snake Eater, apparently because Naked Snake has become the new Solid Snake. I normally balk at PSP versions of bigger names, but this game has reportedly seen as much development time and personnel as MGS4, so at the very least, it seems to be a AAA PSP title. However, these games also have a history of sharp price downturns, so if you want it, grab it, but if you’re on the fence, holding off a few months might save you $20. Either way, Ashe Collins will be reviewing this title.
Secondly, we have Metal Slug XX, which is also known as Metal Slug 7. This one’s been reviewed twice; Lucard reviewed the original DS version, and Ashe reviewed the PSP game. They both enjoyed the game, and recommend it to Metal Slug fans. I will warn anyone going in that if you’re looking for anything innovative, you’re going to be disappointed, but to be fair, the last few “innovative” Metal Slug games were disappointing. Jesus, I think I’m the only person other than Lucard that still OWNS those games. Neo-Geo Pocket fans, represent!
Finally, Disgaea Infinite is out for $20. This is categorized as a visual novel by NIS, though I’m… not really sure what to call it by looking at the trailer video. It’s weird; it’s got all of the personality one would expect from a Persona game, some combat, and a completely cracked out story. In short, they turned a niche franchise into an even more niche franchise. It’s unreal! Then again, this is why we love NIS. As for the game itself, Alex will be reviewing this.
For the PS one, we have Bloody Roar, a poor man’s, furry-inspired Tekken. If you want a really good 3D fighting game for the PSX, track down a cheap copy of Tekken 3.
Sale-wise, we have a lot of things on sale, in addition to the Sam & Max season:
Stand O’ Food Permanent Price Drop (now $2.99, original price $4.99)
Manhunt 2 Permanent Price Drop (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
The Warriors Permanent Price Drop (now $14.99, original price $19.99)
Dissidia Final Fantasy Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Greed Corp. – Sale (now $5.99, original price $9.99)
The two big names here are Greed Corp. (a decent little strategy game with some elements of tabletop games like Catan) and Dissidia. We reviewed Dissidia a while back, and honestly, this is the price to get it at. I wasn’t a huge fan of it – I didn’t like the combat, and the story sounded like some horrible fanfiction crossover idea – but it’s still a pretty good game, and definitely worth $20.
That’s it for this week. It’s a great week to be a PSP owner, and Joe Danger looks good for $15. Until next time, this is Christopher Bowen, who is STILL groggy, and it’s 10PM! What the FUCK is in that stuff!?
The full Playstation Network update is below the cut.
Updates
Stand O’ Food Permanent Price Drop (now $2.99, original price $4.99)
Manhunt 2 Permanent Price Drop (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
The Warriors Permanent Price Drop (now $14.99, original price $19.99)
Dissidia Final Fantasy Permanent Price Drop (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Sam And Max – The Devil’s Playhouse – Full Season Service Entitlement – Sale (now $24.99, original price $34.99)
Greed Corp. – Sale (now $5.99, original price $9.99)
Qore
Qore Episode 25: June 2010 ($2.99)
Episode 25 of Qore: Presented by the PlayStation®Network returns to action with Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, talks sequels with 2D gaming gurus Q Games, rocks out with Green Day Rock Band, and joins Perseus in the Clash of the Titans.
File size: 1.49 GB
Qore Annual Subscription: June 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: 1.49 GB
Downloadable Games
Death Track: Resurrection ($14.99)
Death Track: Resurrection introduces high speed vehicular chaos as players battle using 10 futuristic vehicles, all with upgradable parts and weapons. Death Track takes place in 10 post-apocalyptic city tracks including New York , Paris, Bangkok, London, Moscow, Tokyo and more. Players can enter this world alone or with a friend using split-screen, or join a game with 8 other drivers to really crank up the mayhem.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 2.02 GB
Joe Danger ($14.99)
Download and play the death-defying thrill-ride starring Joe Danger, the Master of Disaster! Race, ride and defy death to thrill the crowd and break world records! Combo, boost and pull ludicrous stunts to fill Stadiums and put Joe back on the podium. Race against your friends or take on your rivals. Play in the sandbox to make and share your own Stunt Spectaculars. Exclusively on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 261 MB
Sam & Max Episode 1: The Penal Zone ($8.99)
Wield psychic powers against fearsome foes in this epic comedy saga. The game starts with a bang in Episode 1 as intergalactic gorilla invader Skunk’ape sets his sights on Max’s newly discovered mysterious powers. While mastering these abilities – future sight, teleportation, shape shifting, mind reading – and investigating their source, Sam & Max must fend off Skunk’ape and get him banished to The Penal Zone.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 524 MB
Voodoo Dice ($9.99)
Roll the dice in a mystical world filled with exploration, puzzle-solving, and adventure. Voodoo Dice is an innovative, challenging puzzler that plays with your mind as you solve puzzles in unique and interesting ways.
Encounter a funny and original universe, with great style and vibe, to defeat your enemies and solve enigmas.
Travel through 60 single-player and 20 multiplayer levels in a quest to conquer the voodoo universe!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 131 MB
PSone Classics
Bloody Roar 2 ($5.99)
Transform and do battle as a human-animal hybrid in this classic 3D fighting game! Put your strength to the test and fight your way to the top! Download this PS one Classic today!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 312 MB
Game Demos (free)
Voodoo Dice Trial
Roll the dice in a mystical world filled with exploration, puzzle-solving, and adventure. Voodoo Dice is an innovative, challenging puzzler that plays with your mind as you solve puzzles in unique and interesting ways. Voodoo Dice will win you over with its addictive gameplay and hundreds of paths to victory in this trial! Go further with 60 exciting single-player and 20 challenging multiplayer levels in the unlocked version.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 131 MB
Add-on Game Content
The dynamic and tricked-out multiplayer racing excitement intensifies in the Smash Cars: Virus Run Add-On Pack. The new Split Screen feature lets players race their RC car against a friend as they twist, turn, grind, and perform tricks as only Smash Cars can! Plus, the new Virus Run six-player online mode presents new rules, new races and a cool new playground location, featuring a skate park and half pipe.
File size: 2.17 MB
Burn Zombie Burn In Space DLC ($2.99)
Space… the final frontier? Join our hero Bruce on his continuing mission to rid the Galaxy of the Zombie menace!
File size: 21 MB
Hustle Kings – Snooker Game Pack ($2.99)
It’s time to make your big break with the Snooker Game Pack for Hustle Kings, featuring new cues, balls, and tournaments to test your skills.
To use this download, you will need Hustle Kings. Download Snooker Game Pack for Hustle Kings today!
File size: 66 MB
Super Street Fighter IV: Super Challengers Pack 2 ($3.99)
Download the fourth pack of alternate costumes for Super Street Fighter IV! New costumes for Juri, Ibuki, Cody, Adon and T.Hawk are included! Create a new legend with these new costumes! Only available for use with Super Street Fighter IV.
File size: 100 KB
Skate 3 – Maloof Money Cup 2010 NYC Pack ($4.99)
Compete in one of skateboarding’s biggest annual contests. For the first time ever, the Maloof Money Cup travels East to New York where you’ll skate the course and battle with some of skating’s heaviest hitters in fierce competition for the ultimate purse.
File size: 60 MB
Death Track: Resurrection – Hari 108 ($0.99)
Do you want to be the fastest and best-armed player on the track? Then this exclusive car is for you! As one of the best vehicles in the game, it will allow to you to pass others with ease, destroy opponents with impunity and be the best competitor on the track! Don’t take our word for it, though; buckle in and find out for yourself!
File size: 134 KB
LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain – Ethan Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Ethan Mars from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB
LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain – Jayden Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Norman Jayden from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB
LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain – Madison Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Madison Paige from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB
LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain – Origami Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like the Origami piece from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB
LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain – Shelby Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about SackBoy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Scott Shelby from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB
LittleBigPlanet: Heavy Rain Costume Pack ($5.99)
Download this costume today and dress up your Sackboy to look like your favorite characters from the PlayStation 3 thriller, Heavy Rain. Includes Norman Jayden, Madison Paige, Ethan Mars, Scott Shelby, and the unique Origami costume. Plus, the Costume Kit includes over 60 stickers to decorate your own levels. NOTE: To download this Costume Kit, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB
ModNation Racers: Vamp Mod ($0.99)
Start your next ModNation Racers race as Vamp! Kart around with the attitude of a an immortal vampire, and add an undead twist to your races. Vamp includes several Mod accessories for you to Create with in the Mod Studio including a Gothic Jacket, Vampire Hairdo and Cape! Download this pack today!
File size: 100 KB
ModNation Racers: Vamp’s Kart ($0.99)
Vamp’s Kart will have you cruising around ModNation Racers setting fear into the hearts of your competition with a dead serious kart! Vamp’s Kart includes a fully-designed Kart body, as well as Kart parts for you to Create with in the Kart Studio including a Casket Body, Casket/Pillow Seat, and Wooden Stake ornament. Download this pack today!
File size: 100 KB
ModNation Racers: Vamp Mod and Vamp’s Kart Bundle ($1.75)
Vamp is ready to tear up the race track with his frightening kart and a style that will surely get your blood flowing! This ModNation Racers Vamp Mod AND Vamp’s Kart bundle 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
Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 17: Death Kit ($2.49)
This kit might have everything you need to send someone to hell. Contains [Halper Scythe], [Alfa Beld Spear], [Gate of Hell], and [Mighty Ring].
File size: 2.33 MB
Record Of Agarest War: Item Pack 18: Virgin Kit ($2.49)
This is the exact opposite of the sexy kitten kit. Contains [S. V. Rouge], [Langguth Sword], [Princess Bustier], and [Princess’s Tiara]. It’s a bit of a shame that it’s not as revealing… Which one would you prefer?
File size: 2.33 MB
Record Of Agarest War: Points Pack 7: Additional TP ($6.99)
This will increase your TP by a mind-boggling 30,000TP! TP can be exchanged for items and skills at an [Adventurer’s Guild]. Since TP is obtained according to the maximum number of hits, this is recommended for those who are struggling to deal hits!
File size: 2.33 MB
Tiger Woods (x50) ($0.99 – $9.99)
File size: 101 KB – 137 MB
DJ Hero: 2 Mix! (free)
DJ Hero is giving you a taste of the never before heard mixes that will be released with DJ Hero 2 this October! For a limited time only, download “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga ft. Colby O’Donis vs. “Ghosts “Ëœn’ Stuff” by Deadmau5. This one is on us! But you gotta get it by June 14th and then it’s gone until DJ Hero 2 releases this Fall. For all song credits please visit www.djhero.com.
File size: 14 MB
Guitar Hero
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.
- “God Save The Queen (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
- “Il Canto Degli Italiani (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
- “La Marseillaise (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
- “Lied Der Deutschen (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
- “Marcha Real (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
- “The Star-Spangled Banner (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette (free)
- The National Anthem Pack Pack (free) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “God Save The Queen (GH Version),” “Il Canto Degli Italiani (GH Version),” “La Marseillaise (GH Version),” “Lied Der Deutschen (GH Version),” “March Real (GH Version),” and “The Star-Spangled Banner (GH Version)” by Steve Ouimette. 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: 22 MB – 28 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.
- “Cherry Waves” – Deftones ($1.99)
- “Hole In The Earth” – Deftones ($1.99)
- “Minerva” – Deftones ($1.99)
- Deftones Pack 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Deftones Pack 01. This pack includes “Cherry Waves”Â, “Hole In The Earth”Â, and “Minerva” by Deftones.
- “The Great Escape” – Boys Like Girls ($1.99)
- “Rock Ready” – Crown Of Thorns ($1.99)
Rock Band Network
- “Collapsing” by Demon Hunter ($1.99)
- “Don’t Let Me Down (Slowly)” by The Main Drag ($1.99)
- “Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse” by of Montreal ($1.99)
- “Mechanical Love” by In This Moment ($1.99)
- “The Mob Goes Wild” by Clutch ($1.99)
File size: 29 MB – 43 MB (singles), 108 MB (track pack)
Music
Official ModNation Racers Soundtrack ($7.99)
File size: 90 MB
Game Videos (free)
Dante’s Inferno – Trials Of St. Lucia Walkthrough Trailer
File size: 166 MB (HD)
Joe Danger Trailer
File size: 61 MB (HD)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – Announce Trailer
File size: 90 MB (HD)
Red Dead Redemption – Official Launch Trailer
File size: 88 MB
PS3 Themes
Wakeboarding HD Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 877 KB
ACR Premium Theme ($1.99)
File size: 7.87 MB
PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker ($39.99)
The world-renowned stealth-action series returns in a new chapter hand-crafted by Hideo Kojima himself! The year is 1974. Join “Snake,” (a.k.a. Big Boss), in pursuit of a mysterious armed force that threatens peaceful Costa Rica – “A Nation without a Military.” Experience the thrill of cooperative stealth on your PSP system and the legendary gameplay that is METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER!
ESRB Rated
File size: 1.38 GB
Metal Slug XX ($19.99)
The excitement of the arcade comes to your PSP (PlayStation Portable) system with the series’ uncompromisingly crazy “run-and-gun” gameplay and a 2-player ad hoc mode that lets you and a friend take on the challenge together! Classic characters Marco, Tarma, Fio, Eri, Ralf, and Clark return once again to take on General Morden and his new and improved Rebel Army.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 166 MB
Disgaea Infinite ($19.99)
Wrongly accused for the failed assassination of Overlord Laharl, a lone Prinny sets off on a quest through time to clear the Prinny Squad’s name. Possess characters, control their minds, and solve the Netherworld’s most bizarre mystery of exploding pudding!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 154 MB
PSP Minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)
Lock “ËœN Chase – Minis ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 2.58 MB
Cubixx – Minis ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 29 MB
Vibes – Minis ($5.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 60 MB
Add-on Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)
SOCOM Fire Team Bravo 3: Korean 707 SMB (free)
Download the new Korean 707 SMB Multiplayer Character + MK5KA4 Compact SMG for use in multiplayer.
File size: 823 KB
SOCOM Fire Team Bravo 3: British Special (free)
Download the new British Special Air Service Multiplayer Character and AS50 Sniper Rifle for use in multiplayer.
File size: 839 KB
SOCOM Fire Team Bravo 3: German Kommando (free)
Download the new German Kommando Spezialkrafte Multiplayer Character and F2K Improved Assault Rifle for use in multiplayer.
File size: 842 KB
SOCOM Fire Team Bravo 3: Australian Special (free)
Download the new Australian Special Air Service Regiment Character and TAR 21 Improved Assault Rifle for use in multiplayer.
File size: 883 KB
Game Videos (free)
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable Opening Movie Trailer
File size: 11 MB
PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)
Pinball Heroes: ModNation Racers PSP Theme
File size: 531 KB
Pinball Heroes: WipEout HD Fury PSP Theme
File size: 470 KB
ACR PSP Theme 1 ($1.49)
File size: 509 KB
ACR PSP Theme 2 ($1.49)
File size: 527 KB
PSP Wallpaper (free)
Armored Core Last Raven Wallpaper 3
File size: 48 KB
Armored Core Last Raven Wallpaper 4
File size: 51 KB
Armored Core Last Raven Wallpaper 5
File size: 67 KB
Leave a Reply