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Buyer's Guide: PlayStation Network

by Andrew Yoon { Dec 23rd 2009 at 1:30PM }

It looks like someone got a PSN gift card for the holidays! So, what are you going to buy? Whether you've got a PS3 or a PSP, a $20 or $50 card, there are many options to choose from in the PlayStation Store. From the Trophy Hunter to the Movie Buff, we have recommendations for you:

PS3

The Hipster | The Movie Buff
The PixelJunkie | The Retrobutionist
The Speed Demon | The Strategist
The Trophy Hunter | DLC Essentials

PSP

Comic Collector | The Music Maker
The Movie Buff | The PixelJunkie
The Retrobutionist | PSP Essentials

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Namco announces digital distribution expansion plans for back catalog

by Ben Gilbert { Dec 23rd 2009 at 12:01AM }

We know, we know -- you've spent the better part of today searching the internet for all those Namco classics no longer playable on the futurebox of choice in your living room. Thankfully, Namco Bandai just this morning announced intentions to "increase its digital distribution presence," effectively eliminating your wasted time problem.

Aside from the news that two Katamari-based titles are headed to Xbox 360 and PlayStation Portable (Beautiful Katamari in "Q1 2010" and Me & My Katamari on December 22, respectively), today's communication did little for news on what else we can expect from the Japanese publisher on the digital front. That being said, the company specifically pointed out future titles heading to not just Xbox 360, but also a bolstering of titles in the PSone and PSP catalogs on the PlayStation Network. It appears as though we won't be hearing about other titles just yet, though, as the company said, "More titles to be announced in the coming months." But hey, at least you can stop all that internet scouring now, right?

Sega games & DLC discounted 40% on PSN today

by Andrew Yoon { Dec 22nd 2009 at 5:30PM }

Sega has unwrapped a special holiday treat for PlayStation Network users today. Until January 7, all Sega downloads for PS3 and PSP from the PlayStation Store will be marked down 40 percent. Yes! That Sonic Unleashed DLC is finally within reach!

In all seriousness, this is a prime opportunity to stock up on some decent PSP games, like Crush ($9.59). Or, haven't nabbed the Valkyria Chronicles DLC yet? Now you have no excuse! The full list of discounted games and add-ons is posted after the break.

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PlayStation Network begins '12 Days of Christmas' sale today

by Andrew Yoon { Dec 17th 2009 at 3:15PM }

Starting today, the US PlayStation Network will be featuring a special sale across its Video Store. The "12 Days of Christmas" sale will discount various titles from the entire library. Highlights include $1 movies, like Street Fighter Alpha and Hellboy, and $1 episodes of UFC classics. For $2, you can download Saw and Silent Hill or movies from "Santa's Naughty Movies." Don't worry, we won't judge you.

Check out the entire 12 day sale schedule after the break.

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Sony's Koller calls 'motion control, 3D gaming, PSN' focal points of 2010

by Ben Gilbert { Dec 16th 2009 at 12:45PM }

After a strong 2009, Sony plans to focus its efforts in the coming year on some new initiatives -- notably the still unnamed and, with a "Spring 2010 release," curiously under-promoted PlayStation Motion Controller, 3D games, and the PlayStation Network. In a recent GamePro interview, Sony marketing head John Koller said the company will be focusing on these "three big pillars" going forward, and detailed its plans to expand on each. "I think the areas that are going to be really critical to our success will be family games, as well as shooters and sports games ... they're areas that quite honestly, I think Project Natal and the Wii are going to have trouble matching," he said of the company's motion controller plans.

Without getting too specific, the PlayStation Network will apparently be seeing the addition of "a number of very critically demanded features" in the coming year, while the company strives to reach day-and-date release parity between UMD-based PSP games and their digital counterparts from third-party devs on PSN. He even teased the concept of "placing you as a consumer into the game physically" -- an idea he called "the Holy Grail of gaming." We get the feeling 2010 is going to be kind of a weird year, folks.

Shoot on sight: PixelJunk Shooter's first level

by Xav de Matos { Nov 26th 2009 at 6:30PM }

For those anticipating the release PixelJunk Shooter, VG247 has footage of the first level in action to whet your appetite. Or drive you bonkers because you aren't the one playing it. Clocking in at around 12 minutes, the video gives you a taste of the game's unique blend of shooting and puzzle solving.

Sadly the game isn't set to hit the PSN until December 10, according to VG247. So for now, all we can do is wait... and dream of a brighter future. Check out the game in action after the break.

Gallery: PixelJunk Shooter

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Critter Crunch dev praises Sony's support of indie games

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 20th 2009 at 6:30PM }

"They support the living sh*t out of it, and they support it really well," Capybara's Nathan Vella told Gamasutra when talking about Sony's free PhyreEngine. "Any of the parts that are inside Phyre that we didn't know how to fix or we had an issue with, they would fix it for us in a day. Overall, I think Sony's doing a lot of right stuff for small independent developers."

Vella's praise echoes similar sentiments from other PSN developers, like Shatter's Mario Wynands. In addition to free development tools, Vella noted other benefits by partnering with Sony. Critter Crunch was promoted heavily on the PlayStation Network via the PlayStation.Blog, Pulse and banners on the PlayStation Store. Most importantly, though, Sony "treated us like we weren't a small nobody developer from Toronto."

In spite of Sony's best intentions, though, Vella notes that sales aren't quite where they should be on the PSN. "It's still a fraction of what XBLA is doing, and we know that," he admitted. "But that's okay for us because they let us do what we wanted to do." Apparently what they want to do now is work on a zombie game.

Blue Toad Murder Files first trailer warns of big mystery in Little Riddle

by Ben Gilbert { Nov 19th 2009 at 5:40PM }

In addition to the LucasArts adventure game renaissance and Telltale Games' continued efforts in the genre, Relentless Software is bringing a new episodic adventure series to the PlayStation 3's digital distribution service this December titled Blue Toad Murder Files. Aside from the handful of screenshots we got with the game's December 17 release date announcement last month, we had yet to see it in video form until the Euro PS Blog put up a video earlier today.

The game's developer promises two more trailers before it releases in a few weeks, but we suggest you head after the break and check out this one right now. Beyond getting a look at the game's art style in action, it features a British narrator repeatedly saying "Muuurder." How could you go wrong?

Gallery: Blue Toad Murder Files

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Sony to release 'non-game' dev kits in Q2 2010

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 19th 2009 at 12:15PM }

Already, various non-game applications can be found on both the PS3 and PSP. From Skype to VidZone, the XMB now plays home to a variety of services. Going forward, it appears Sony will open the PlayStation platform further with the introduction of "non-game" development kits in the middle of next year.

Last night's 6.20 firmware update for PSP lays down the framework for additional non-gaming content. The PSP update adds a new category to the XMB called "Extras," which allows users to launch the web browser to download third-party apps on the PSP. The PlayStation Network Digital Comics Reader is the first official "Extra" to appear on the XMB, with more sure to come in 2010.

A wide release of non-game dev kits may attract the active homebrew community to release official programs on the PSP and PS3. We'll be chatting with SCEA soon to get further details. Until then, we'll be dreaming of a native YouTube application for our PSPs.

[Via VG247]

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PSA: PlayStation Video Service expands to Europe today

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 19th 2009 at 6:00AM }

It's been over a year since Sony America and Japan debuted video delivery services for the PlayStation Store. Today, the long-delayed feature finally makes its way to Europe. The service will launch in France, Germany, Spain and the UK today, with other countries to follow in 2010. Downloads will be available directly from the PS3 and PSP, with rentals starting from €1.99, and movie purchases starting from €7.99.

For a limited time, the PlayStation Store will be running a special promo. Anyone that purchases Angels and Demons from the newly launched service will get a free copy of The Da Vinci Code. New registrants of the PlayStation Network will also be able to get a free download of Transformers if they create an account before November 30.

"The launch of the PlayStation Network video delivery service extends our entertainment offering and provides consumers with another way to access their favorite movies, whether at home or on the go," SCEE's Andrew House wrote in a press release. SCEE's Jem Alexander also shared his enthusiasm with us, saying the service will be "amazing" and that "biscuits are brilliant."

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Happy 3rd birthday, PlayStation 3!

by Ben Gilbert { Nov 18th 2009 at 2:45PM }

We can hardly believe that it's been three whole years since we first enjoyed the splendor of the PlayStation 3 in our own homes. Sure, there weren't a million fantastic games for the console right at launch, and there were a few issues at some stores with poor crowd management, but here we are three years later with a heap of great memories. Remember that nightmare inducing baby ad? How about Sony's response to PlayStation Home being leaked?

These days, we have hilarious commercials, a smattering of great exclusive games both on disc and through the PlayStation Network – hell, the system even lost some weight (and half its original price)! We're spending the day celebrating the PS3s lifespan by ... folding proteins like mad! If you're so inclined to join along, we've got this convenient 300 person strong team set up. It's a celebration foldathon, folks – ya dig?

Peggle and Peggle Nights coming to PSN on Nov. 19

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 16th 2009 at 8:00PM }

With the exception of Tetris, Blast Corps and Mischief Makers, Peggle is arguably the best game ever created. This Thursday, November 19, PS3 owners will be able to find out why, thanks to the simultaneous release of Peggle and Peggle Nights on the PlayStation Network.

Sure, it's been a long time coming, but the PS3 will have one exclusive feature to make up for the delayed release: Built-in YouTube support. With this feature, players will be able to upload and share replays directly from the PS3. If you've played Peggle before, you know you're bound to have some "OMG did that really happen" moments you'll want to save forever.

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First Brutal Legend DLC dated Nov. 3, initially free on PS3

by Ben Gilbert { Oct 27th 2009 at 11:41AM }

EA announced today that the "first DLC" (that means there'll be more, right?) for recently released Brütal Legend will be arriving November 3 and November 5 on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, respectively. Named "Tears of the Hextadon," the two, totally not RTS maps ("Circle of Tears" and "Death's Fjord") will set you back 400

($5) on Xbox 360. If you're a PS3 owner, however, the map pack will be free of charge for the first two weeks. "We love the PS3," EA's Brent Dady said over on PlayStation Blog, speaking on the publisher's decision to offer the DLC for free on PSN until November 19.

Those who get the DLC on either console will also get a free in-game axe -- the intimidating "Blade of Ormagöden." We suggest you start looking for the game's creative lead Tim Schafer, who claims in the release that he plays online "every night." Get him Joystiq Biomass! Get him.

Gallery: Brutal Legend

Banned PSN player appeals court decision, sues Sony again for $180k

by Andrew Yoon { Oct 27th 2009 at 9:21AM }

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Erik Estavillo made headlines in the gaming blogosphere last summer for his $55,000 lawsuit against Sony, launched in retaliation for being banned from the PlayStation Network. As predicted, the judge dismissed his case after determining the First Amendment did not apply to Estavillo's claim.

Estavallo isn't going to be stopped by a mere district judge's ruling, though. In addition to filing an appeal, Estavillo is also filing another lawsuit against Sony -- this time, a civil suit seeking $180,000 in damages; more than three times the amount of his original, dismissed suit. According to GamePolitics, Estavillo will once again opt out of using a lawyer, choosing to represent himself for both upcoming cases. We wish Estavillo the best of luck.*

*Ed.'s Note: While we'd normally end on a punchline, our fear of irrational and baseless lawsuits prevents us from doing so.

Netflix is coming to the PS3 [update]

by Andrew Yoon { Oct 26th 2009 at 12:19AM }

So this is why Netflix's stock went soaring. After countless rumors, Netflix's streaming service is finally coming to the PlayStation 3. Even better: it'll be free for PlayStation Network members that have a Netflix account. According to the press release, "Netflix expects to begin streaming via the PS3 system next month at no additional cost to Netflix members in the United States who have a PS3 system."

It looks like you'll also be able to manage your Netflix streaming queue directly from your PS3; no need to have accessed the site via computer first. It'll be interesting to see how Microsoft responds to the loss of Netflix exclusivity -- perhaps it will open up the service to free Xbox Live Silver accounts? And will Nintendo ever join the fray?

Update: Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities noted that the Blu-ray disc required for Netflix playback on the PS3 may circumvent exclusivity clauses instituted by Microsoft. "We believe that the exclusive arrangement limits Netflix's ability to appear on the 'dashboard' for the PS3 or the Wii." Additionally, Pachter believes Netflix streaming will expand to Nintendo's console next year. "We anticipate that a similar arrangement will be announced for the Wii in the next 12 months."