Time again to check the PSN Store. But, of course, before we can we must update our firmware once again. At least version 3.50 gives us something (as opposed to the hack-killing 3.42). Specifically, we can now play 3D blu-ray discs – assuming you have a 3DTV.
Once your update is done there is actually a lot to see this week. Starting with the continuing celebration of the 15th Anniversary there is a free avatar and a discount to the PSOne Classic International Track & Field ($2.99).
Moving on to Sony’s new motion controller, Move, there is a selection of new videos, demos (Kung Fu Rider, Sports Champions and Eyepet) and updates to older PSN titles. It seems Planet Minigolf, Hustle Kings and High Velocity Bowling are now Move-compatible. Note that the free update to High Velocity Bowling is available only for Plus members.
Fans of Japanese games will be excited to see the new section of the store, Japanes PS One Imports. The first two games available in this area are Cho Aniki and GaiaSeed. both are $5.99 ($3.00 for Plus members).
If you’re shopping for a new downloadable game there are a few options. First, the sequel to DeathSpank is out. Subtitled Thongs of Virtue ($14.99), this game has a demo option if you want to test run it first. But if you download by the 27th you get the Mountain Dungeon and Tankko the Warrior multiplayer add-ons free. Also sporting a pre-buy demo is Blade Kitten ($14.99). I think this is an action RPG starring a sword-wielding cat and I have to admit, I am intrigued. Other new games are the Dreamcast port Sonic Adventure ($9.99) and Swords and Soldiers ($9.99, Plus exclusive).
Games that are not available on PSN right now are still making a showing in demo form. If you’ve been looking to test out DJ Hero 2, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West or NBA Elite 11 now is your chance. I’ve been sort of following Odyssey and I’m getting that demo.
The major news this week on the store is in the add-ons department. Rock Band has an extensive list of DLC on sale. If you’ve had your eye on any songs or packs I strongly suggest you check this out. Mega Man 10 has bundled Endless Attack Mode, Bass Mode and Special Stages 1, 2 and 3 for $4.99. New add-ons are plentiful:
- EyePet Farm Animals Pack – $2.99
- EyePet Race Car Driver Pack – free
- ModNation Racers Nathan Drake Mod and Kart (previously a pre-order exclusive) – $1.99
- Red Dead redemption Liars and Cheats Pack – $9.99
- Skate 3 San Van Party Pack – $6.99
- Clashof the Titans: Zeus’ Challenge Quest Pack – $1.99
- Sonic Adventure DX Upgrade – $4.99
- Planet Minigolf Stronghold Island – $2.49
- Gladiator Begins: Animal Gladiator, Animal Print, Crown, Cursed Panoply – all free
- Rock Band DLC ([L]=LEGO RB Compatible)
- Snoop Dogg Pack 1 (finally bundled) – $13.49
- Bob Marley Legend (album) – $19.99, songs are $1.99/ea (Buffalo Soldier, Could You Be Loved, Exodus, I Shot the Sheriff, Is This Love[L], Jamming, No Woman No Cry[L], One Love/People Get Ready, Redemption Song, Satisfy My Soul[L], Stir It Up, Three Little Birds[L], Waiting in Vain[L])
- RBN ($1.99/ea unless otherwise noted)
- Chelsea – The Summer Set ($0.99)
- Crash Years – The New Pornographers
- Packet Flier – Terror Horse
- Riot Act – Exodus
- Step Up (I’m On It) – Maylene & The Sons of Disaster
An odd little piece that doesn’t fit anywhere is Dead Rising 2. This highly anticipated game launches on Tuesday but there are already several pieces of “DLC” available. Basically, if you haven’t pre-ordered this game from the same place your friends have you will have different exclusive costumes and content. The free DLC available lets you all play together anyway.
In lighter fare there’s a decent update to avatars, premium and non-premium themes and videos.
- Premium Themes
- EyePet Summer Dynamic – $2.99
- Kung Fu Rider Dynamic – $2.99
- Sports Champions – $2.99
- Mega Man 10 Bundle (1, 2 and 3) – $5.99
- NCAA Dynamic – $2.99/ea (Army, Auburn, Michigan State, Ohio State, USC, U. of Michigan, U. of Wisconsin)
- Free Non-Premium Themes
- Sports Champions General
- Sports Champions Individual Sports (Archery, Table Tennis, Gladiator Duel, Disc Golf, Bocce, Beach Volleyball)
- PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap Wallpaper 3
- Avatars
- Sports Champions Bundle – $2.99 or $0.49/ea (Belle, Boomer, Connor, Dallas, Rin, Kenji, Kat, Jackson, Giselle, Tatupu)
- Mega Man 10 – $0.49/ea (Commando, Dr. Wily, Sheep Man)
- Videos
- Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 Trailer
- Shaun White Skateboarding Transformation Trailer
- Medal of Honor Trailers: the Catalyst, Consulting, Hammer and Scalpel, The Mission, Singleplayer, The Wolf Pack Trailer
- ModNation Racers Artist Spotlight: Tanner vs. Tyler
- TV Superstars Trailer
- Bulletstorm Announce Trailer
- Mafia II: Developer Diary #4
- Mass Effect 2 Announcement Trailer
Finally, only because I don’t where to include this, is a free download called PlayMemories. This looks like some sort of interactive slideshow and allows for 3D viewing and multi angle photos.
That’s your update folks. Log on and enjoy. I’ve got a few things downloading as I finish this up.
P.S. I just noticed Androidika on my Friends list. He’s playing Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. I am officially jealous.