This weeks’ release gives Canadians enough reason to go out and seek the recently released PSN prepaid cards if the only other option of paying by credit card is not appealing with you.  Starting with this update, a limited time sale begins offering reduced prices for a slew of titles including PSN exclusives: Pixel Junk Eden, Savage Moon, Crash Commando, and Wipeout HD.  For new titles, Namco Museum Essentials is now up for the price of 10 bucks for 5 retro titles with exclusive connectivity with the new Namco Home destination.  Little Big Planet DLC this week features Ghostbusters costumes to compliment the release of the new Ghostbusters video game and the 25th anniversary of the original movie.  For the PSP, 3 new download only titles are released with the PSP iteration of the classic PC game MYST, the quirky Japanese puzzle game “Holy Invasion of Privacy Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This?”, and a comic book beat’em up with Unbound Saga.  Those still looking for free playable content can look to demos with Namco’s Museum Essentials and for the already released titles in Trash Panic and Fuel.

As for Playstation Home, it’s a busy week with new releases in the Namco Bandai Home Desintation and Buzz! Home space.  In addition, The EA Sports complex also gets updated with new spaces based on Fight Night Round 4 and Tiger Woods ‘10.  Sean C.

Full listing and pricing below:

One Week Sale!  Ends Jul 23rd

WipEout HD (was $19.99, now $14.99!)
Flock! (was $14.99, now $7.49!)
Savage Moon (was $9.99, now $4.99!)
Crash Commando (was $9.99, $4.99!)
PixelJunk Eden (was $9.99, now $4.99!)
Brain Challenge (was $9.99, now $4.99!)
3 on 3 NHL Arcade (was $9.99, now $4.99!)

Downloadable Games

Namco Museum Essentials ($9.99)
Namco Museum Essentials brings the arcades to your living room with five classic games and a brand new arranged Xevious title. Challenge your friends’ high scores and unlock NM Stamps, PlayStation Home rewards and trophies as you re-live the sights and sounds of the 80’s.

PSone Classics PS3 / PSP

Spec Ops: Ranger Elite ($5.99)
Immerse yourself in one of the first realistic military tactical combat simulators to be released. Choose your two-man team from a squad of five highly trained specialists: machine gunner, grenadier, rifleman, close quarters specialist, and sniper. Choose to complete your mission through stealth or all-out assault as you’re in control of an elite team of U.S. Army Rangers.

Game Demos

Trash Panic Demo
Trash Panic adds a whole new element to puzzle video games – waste management! This PS3 system downloadable exclusive will challenge players to be “eco-friendly” in disposing of garbage in a trash bin to prevent overflow. Everyone will enjoy competing against the clock and friends for the highest scores in this fast-paced puzzle game available on PSN.

FUEL Demo
This playable demo offers a taster of one race and one challenge from the full game, as well as the chance to try out Free Ride in a section of the wastelands. FUEL delivers exhilarating, spectacular races, at any time of day in a huge range of vehicles. Experience the dynamic weather system and witness how deadly tornadoes and sandstorms affect the way your race plays out. The landscape may be ravaged but the race is definitely on.

Namco Museum Essentials Trial
Namco Museum Essentials Trial brings the arcades to your living room with four playable classic arcade games . Re-live the sights and sounds of the 80’s with demo versions of Pac-Man, Galaga, DIG DUG and XEVIOUS. Unlock PlayStation Home rewards to customize your Home Avatar.

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet Ghostbusters Costume Pack ($5.99)
To celebrate Ghostbusters The Video Game, get costumes based on your favorite ghost hunting heros, the Ghostbusters! Get the the Ghostbusters’ uniform, Slimer, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, and even a costume based on the Ghostbusters’ “No Ghosts” logo. If you got ghosts running around your level, who ya gonna call?

LittleBigPlanet Ghostbusters Uniform Costume ($1.99)
To celebrate Ghostbusters The Video Game, get a costume based on the Ghostbusters uniform, complete with proton pack and ghost trap! If you got ghosts running around your level, who ya gonna call?

LittleBigPlanet Ghostbusters StayPuft Marshmallow Man Costume ($1.99)
To celebrate Ghostbusters The Video Game, get a costume based on the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man! If you got ghosts running around your level, who ya gonna call?

LittleBigPlanet Ghostbusters Slimer Costume ($1.99)
To celebrate Ghostbusters The Video Game, get a costume based on Slimer! If you got ghosts running around your level, who ya gonna call?

LittleBigPlanet “No Ghosts” Logo Costume ($1.99)
To celebrate Ghostbusters The Video Game, get a costume based the Ghostbusters’ “No Ghosts” logo! If you got ghosts running around your level, who ya gonna call?

Cross Edge Bromidic Pack (free)
Add a few extra items to your inventory with this free pack!

Cross Edge Defense Is Offense Pack 1 (free)
Add a few extra items to your inventory with this free pack!

Cross Edge Defense Is Offense Pack 2 (free)
Add a few extra items to your inventory with this free pack!

Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Desert Armor Set (Men) DLC (free)
Desert Armor Set (for men) – Get this new set of attire to customize your character’s appearance in Edit Mode.

Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Lion Armor Set (Men) DLC (free)
Lion Armor Set (for men) – Get this new set of attire to customize your character’s appearance in Edit Mode.

Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Paladin Armor Set (Women) (free)
Paladin Armor Set (for women) – Get this new set of attire to customize your character’s appearance in Edit Mode.

Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Shaman Armor Set (Women) (free)
Shaman Armor Set (for women) – Get this new set of attire to customize your character’s appearance in Edit Mode.

NCAA Football 2010 Add-Ons (x17) ($1.25 – $12.50)
A variety of add-ons for NCAA Football 2010.

Guitar Hero World Tour
“Anything ‘Cept The Truth” by Eagles of Death Metal ($1.99)
“Cherry Cola” by Eagles of Death Metal ($1.99)
“I Only Want You” by Eagles of Death Metal ($1.99)
Eagles of Death Metal Track Pack ($5.49)
Rock Band
“Dissident Aggressor (Live)”— Judas Priest ($1.99)
“Eat Me Alive (Live)”— Judas Priest ($1.99)
“Prophecy (Live)”— Judas Priest ($1.99)
Judas Priest Pack 01 ($5.49)
“Treat Me Like Your Mother”— The Dead Weather ($1.99)
Third Man Records – The Dead Weather Pack 01 ($5.49) -
“All Going Out Together”— Big Dipper ($0.99)
“She’s Fetching”— Big Dipper ($0.99)
“Younger Bums”— Big Dipper ($0.99)
Big Dipper Pack 01 ($2.99)

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 7/16 Edition
Join host Christina Lee for PULSE presented by the PlayStation Network. This edition features the Namco Arcade Center in PlayStation Home, the demos for FUEL and DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY, details on the PlayStation Store’s Summer Sale, and a look at the new trailer for ModNation Racers.

ModNation Racers Trailer
Alpha Protocol Dev Diary #3
Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood Launch Trailer
Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood Multiplayer Trailer
Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood Oh Mama Trailer

Themes

Burn Zombie Burn! Theme ($1.99)College Football Themes (x10) (Alabama, California, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, and Texas) ($1.99 each)

Wallpaper (free)

Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Cao Pi WallpaperDynasty Warriors 6 Empires Ling Tong Wallpaper
Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Meng Huo Wallpaper
Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Taishi Ci WallpaperDynasty Warriors 6 Empires Yue Ying Wallpaper
Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Zhang He Wallpaper

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games

Holy Invasion of Privacy Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This? ($19.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Become the God of Destruction and protect the evil Overlord Badman from the heroes who seek to capture him and loot his underground kingdom in the name of justice. Put your dungeon-building skills to the test, and create a balanced ecosystem for your monsters to thrive.

MYST ($19.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Enter the Surreal World of MYST. There are no instructions, and you encounter no living beings but soon realize your actions may help individuals who are somehow trapped in a parallel dimension.

Unbound Saga ($14.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Unbound Saga is a 3D side-scrolling brawler set in a satirical comic book universe, where enemies are drawn onto the screen and madcap battles travel from panel to panel through a twisted, post-apocalyptic landscape – break off a weapon and RAGE OFF THE PAGE!

Add-on Game Content
Rock Band Unplugged
“My Curse”— Killswitch Engage ($1.99)
“My Iron Lung”— Radiohead ($1.99)

Game Videos (free)
Pulse 7/16 Edition

As mentioned previously, Namco Museum Essentials and the Namco Bandai Home Desitination have simutaneously released yesterday.  Purchasing the full release of Namco Museum Essentials from the PSN will allow you to play the 5 games included in the release within Namco’s Home retro arcade.  In addition, the new Home destination will offer over 50 items for Home as well as updated media from Namco titles.  Sean C.

Full details below:

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today released NAMCO MUSEUM™ ESSENTIALS, a must-have nostalgic compilation for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system’s PlayStation®Network. Namco Museum™ Essentials brings the ultimate arcade game collection to the PLAYSTATION®3 console! With five classic games and a brand new arranged Xevious title, players can re-live the old-school days of classic arcade gaming with legends including Pac-Man, Galaga and Dig Dug. Namco Museum Essentials is jam-packed with nostalgic favorites and a future classic that will keep you and your friends entertained for hours!
5 Legendary Original Games – Get your arcade fix and play PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug, Dragon Spirit, and Xevious faithfully reproduced with their original graphics and sounds

A Classic Resurrected – The debut of a classic envisioned, Xevious Resurrection offers a new twist, a fresh digitally enhanced look, co-op gameplay and intense shooting action

Get the High Score – Show off your skills in the High Score Attack Mode and compete against the world for the #1 spot

Earn Rewards – Collect stamps and NM Points to unlock Trophies and rewards to use in PLAYSTATION Home to customize your avatar and Club house

Namco Museum Network – Connect with friends and share your play history, challenge your friends’ high score rankings and view their rewards

Additionally, a dedicated NAMCO BANDAI Games PlayStation Home Destination section launched today. This section will serve as the hub for all the company’s latest and greatest downloadable media. Featuring a virtual arcade where players can access a trial version of NAMCO MUSEUM ESSENTIALS, collect over 50 PlayStation Home classic NAMCO and The Idolm@ster™ items, as well as view the latest media and trailers, the site will contain content that guarantees to keep fans returning for more.

SEGA can confirm that Bayonetta will release across Western Markets in January 2010. This follows the Japanese launch of the game dated for later this year on October 29th.

“Bayonetta is an extremely important new IP for SEGA and adds a new level of depth to our growing portfolio. As a result of market analysis we have taken a Publishing decision that January 2010 is the optimum release time in the Western Markets to maximize this exciting new title’s potential,” said Mike Hayes, President and COO for SEGA West.

Bayonetta created a huge buzz at this year’s E3 where it was critically acclaimed by the press, picking up numerous best of show nominations and ultimately winning 1Up.com’s Best Action Game of the convention. This highly anticipated 3D action title developed by PlatinumGames will be appearing at GamesCom in Cologne this August.

Konami just released a Q & A session with superstar developer Hideo Kojima.  The man behind the Metal Gear franchise talks about the upcoming Metal Gear Solid:  Peace Walker for the PSP, the full Kojima treatment it will receive, the labeling of it as the unofficial “MGS5”, and teases about the use of PSP specific capabilities (can we say ad-hoc party?).  In addition, Kojima finally decrypts all the hidden messages on the Kojima productions website leading up to E3.  Sean C.

Official release below:

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today revealed a Q&A session with legendary video game creator and head of Kojima Productions, Hideo Kojima, and new screenshots from the highly anticipated title coming to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system in 2010, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. This latest PSP installment picks up where Metal Gear Solid®3 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system leaves off as players take control of the famed Naked Snake. Taking place in 1974, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker features original game design, story and scenario by Hideo Kojima. The game takes the series in an exciting new direction with its incredible visuals and its unique new game system designed specifically with the PSP in mind.

HIDEO KOJIMA – Q/A

1)    I bet many users had expected the next MGS5 announcement. When did you start this project?

I actually had the plan for this project in mind while working on MPO. Back then, I intended to place the project in the hands of the next generation of creators at Kojima Productions. However, in the end, I felt that it was still a little too early to leave it completely in their hands, so I decided to take the reins.

This game is an MGS5-class game.  I am supervising, designing, producing, directing, and editing this title together with the MGS4 team. Therefore in that sense, “METAL GEAR SOLID” has not ended, and the “METAL GEAR SAGA” continues.

2)    You have been telling for many years that your ultimate theme is “Anti-war and  Anti-nuclear weapon”. Does this theme continue in this title?

Absolutely. The METAL GEAR SOLID series has always featured “Anti-war” and “Anti-nuke” themes. This title is no exception.

In the event of an attack from a neighboring country, I believe that finding a solution through diplomacy is ideal.  However, the fact is that even peaceful countries with no intention of retaliating still maintain armies just for the sake of deterrence.  I am sure there are varied opinions regarding this subject, but I believe that it is our generation’s role to “create peace through discussion.”  What makes things complicated is that the youth of today have been born into a world where the current situation is the norm, so it’s difficult to convey this message. That is why my hope is to have players ponder and learn about why there are people who advocate the “need for armies, military power, and nuclear weapons” so that they may realize “why things turned out the way that they did” while they play this game.

3)    I understand that it is a tactical espionage action game but could you provide  some explanation for bringing this title to the PSP platform? I saw 4 Snakes
in the trailer presented at E3, is this COOP?

The game will be stealth-action based. I can’t reveal too many details yet, but we are implementing features that can only be realized on the PSP platform that I believe everyone can look forward to. The game will be a little different from the METAL GEAR that players have come to know.  However, the story can be replayed numerous times and the game is full of challenges to complete, so I feel that this title will really satisfy players with its long-lasting play time. Just as an example, do you recall the cardboard box at the end of the Peace Walker trailer? In addition to that two-man box, we are preparing a variety of other different cardboard boxes this time around.

To give a little more insight into the game, you can, how shall I say… customize Snake according to your preferences and determine what kind of soldier you will use prior to embarking on your mission. For example there’s heavy gear configurations that make a lot of noise, but that allow you to equip numerous weapons. Or, there are other configurations that won’t allow you to carry many weapons, but will allow you to be light on your feet.  We will be preparing a variety of other types as well. Being able to make decisions and plot a strategy will be one of the really enjoyable features of this title.

We are also working on a “growth feature” as well, where your character evolves. It will be a new type of system, so I hope everyone will look forward to it!

4)    “You’re known for boot camps and on site checks. This time which part would
you like to stress about the reality in terms of game quality?

We conduct research in many ways and then begin game production. In regards to the quality of the game, the main staff of MGS4 are producing it. They are aiming for PS3 quality because they were creating MGS4 on the PS3 not too long ago. In reality it is hard to maintain the same quality as the PS3 but we strive for it and we are expressing this in ways only we can express it in.

5)   Regarding the KJP countdown teaser site, there were several signs as a message,  could you explain what this message is all about?
–
5 = it is an MGS5 class game
S = Snake
巳 ＝snake in Kanji
E = E3
R = Raiden
3 = 3 from 360 and E3
6 = 6 from 360
P and S = PSP and adding 3 makes it PS3
–

Aside from the Snake and Raiden visuals, we featured a total of 10 “symbols” and when all of these are rearranged, they form connections to the announcements that we made at E3.

The first symbols that appeared were the number “5″ and the letter “S” for Snake that represented PW which, to me, is a “5″ class title. “巳” not only hints at the lowercase lettering of “E” for E3, but it is the kanji for the word “snake.”  Also, the symbol that appeared at the very end is the kanji “日” and represents a sunny background and the sunrise that links to RISING.

The “RISING” of “METAL GEAR SOLID RISING” implies “the sun rising,” “the sun shining,” and “the sun shining on Raiden” that was revealed in the visuals on the HP. In addition, “RISING” also represents how “METAL GEAR SOLID” will be taking the next step up.

Going back to the symbols found on the HP, they also link to “the day of 360″ and also to each of the titles that we announced at E3. When each of the symbols are rearranged, I think you’ll be able to recognize E3, PSP, PS3, 360 and others.

July 16, 2009 – Club Fight Night is now open!  The club features content pulled directly from the FIGHT NIGHT Round 4 like the main room, stage and a full sized boxing ring.  The seats and chairs have been replaced with plenty of club type seating, including a VIP booth with a DJ table. 

Club Fight Night will also features a new robot boxing game, where for the first time you will be able to go toe-to-toe with someone on PlayStation Home, which will be available shortly after launch.  The action takes place between two giant mechanical robots at the center of the ring.  Time your punches and go for the other robot’s weak spots.  The game’s simple controls allow everyone to jump in and have some fun.  Winners will also be treated to some exclusive virtual items only available to players who have shown the ability to master this game!

In addition, the Club Fight Night space includes a main room, stage, VIP booth with a DJ table to go along with the boxing ring.  The DJ table serves as the center point for a new Club DJ game and gives gamers a turn to “spin the wheels” and entertain the crowd.  In a stylish environment based on a venue pulled straight from the hit PLAYSTATION 3 game Fight Night Round 4, players take control of the mixing board and pump up the crowd.  The CLUB DJ game is a fun and simple to learn rhythm game based on hitting the correct buttons to the beat of the music. As you score more points your avatar will dance to the music, and the lights in the club will begin to move to your beat. 

The poker tables in EA SPORTS Complex have been so well received that four new Red Tournament poker tables have been added upstairs to handle all the interest.  Since the launch of EA SPORTS Complex, nearly 2 million poker games have been played. 

Players looking for customization options, the EA SPORTS Complex Pro Shop will be available starting July 30.

Attention Brawlers,

Get ready to dust off the Adamantium claws and dig through the sock drawer for Ryu’s headband. Today we’re announcing that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 will be available via PlayStation(R)Network on Thursday, August 13 for $15.

July 16, 2009 – EA SPORTS announced today that Madden NFL 10 has officially gone gold.  To celebrate this development milestone, fans can look forward to two separate opportunities to play Madden NFL 10, on the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, before it is available at retailers nationwide on Friday, August 14^th.

A free Madden NFL 10 demo will be released to Xbox LIVE Silver subscribers and the PlayStation Store on July 30^th, featuring a night game in heavy snow with the Dallas Cowboys visiting the New York Giants.

Reserve Madden NFL 10 at GameStop, and on July 23^rd, receive an exclusive demo featuring four, 5-minute quarters in a Super Bowl XLIII rematch, between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals. Visit GameStop.com or your local GameStop retailer for additional details.

Thousands of retail stores across the country will be conducting midnight openings for the blockbuster launch of Madden NFL 10 on August 14^th.  Check your local Best Buy, GameStop or Wal-Mart for details on participating midnight launch stores near you.

Experience first-hand what it’s like to “Fight for Every Yard” in Madden NFL 10 for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3. With the all-new Pro-Tak animation technology, players have more control over the outcome of each play. Whether driving a running back towards the first down, or battling for a fumble at the bottom of a pile, the play won’t end until the whistle blows.  Add to that the most immersive broadcast presentation and online innovation in franchise history, and Madden NFL 10 captures the authenticity and emotion of the NFL like never before. 

This year, Madden NFL 10 arrives on the Wii with breath-taking visuals that will captivate both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the franchise.  Completely redesigned and built from the ground up, Madden NFL 10 introduces a unique art style that will define the look of sports games on the Wii.  All-new player models embody characteristics of your favorite athletes, plus new larger-than-life stadiums showcase the unique details found at each of the 32 NFL fields.  Madden NFL 10 epitomizes what fun looks like on the Wii, delivering the most social and dynamic experience from the franchise to date.  Quick, exciting game modes ensure that anytime is the right time for Madden NFL 10 on the Wii.

CHANCE TO WIN A TIGER WOODS AUTOGRAPHED GAME COVER IN EA SPORTS OPEN FEATURING THE ALISA CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE AT TURNBERRY

July 15, 2009 – Test your skills on a truly Scottish icon – the Turnberry golf course, a links style course and the host of this year’s British Open.  From July 16-19, gamers and golf fans can jump online using the all-new EA SPORTS Live Tournaments feature and compete in the EA SPORTS Open featuring the Alisa Championship Course at Turnberry which will be played on three platforms, PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and Wii.  A U.S. and UK- based winner will be declared for each of the platforms and awarded a Tiger Woods autographed game cover.  The EA SPORTS Open featuring the Alisa Championship Course at Turnberry will be played on the Tour Pro difficulty setting level.   

A first for the franchise, real-time weather will be reflected on every course, ensuring the in-game experience matches that of the current weather conditions.   The British Open has always been known for its unpredictable weather, so if you’re looking to emulate the playing conditions that the real-life pros are experiencing, log on to EA SPORTS Live Tournaments and select the Play the Pros mode and find out how your score matches up against the actual leaderboard.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 features the all-new EA SPORTS Live Tournaments which allows players to tee it up in daily and weekly tournaments.  It also includes an innovative mode called Play the Pros where you can play alongside actual PGA TOUR pro scores during real-world tournaments.

To see additional information regarding Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10, log on to www.tigerwoods10.com.

New Melees & Playgrounds Await Fans in the “Historic Battle” Game Add-on Pack for “Halo Wars”

UNSC or Covenant legs, mobilize your troops and report for duty at your next assignment in “Halo Wars,” the best selling real-time strategy game on any current generation console. Microsoft and Robot Entertainment expand the field of engagement with four new multiplayer Skirmish maps that highlight key turning points in the UNSC/Covenant war. Take on ruthless A.I. or live opponents in these brand new battlefields with the “Historic Battle” Game Add-on Pack, available on July 21 for 800 MS Points in all Xbox LIVE enabled regions.

“Historic Battle” expands the universe for “Halo Wars” fans with four new multiplayer maps with varied terrains for players to find their competitive edge by using unique features of each map. The four new maps include:

• Barrens (1v1 Map): Difficult terrain channels units into killing zones. The side that controls the Forerunner artifacts will have the advantage.

• Blood River (1v1 Map): Secure base locations on nearby cliffs overlook this naturally red-tinged river. The soldiers that fought over its two narrow crossings gave the river its name, which has since taken on a greater meaning.

• Glacial Ravine (3v3 Map): A snow-topped mountain range forms a natural barrier that cuts this region in half.  Control of the two energy walls at the narrow central pass often determines the outcome of the battle, though clever use of the Sentinel Factories may play a role as well.

• Memorial Basin (2v2 Map): The high ground in the middle offers good cover for infantry, while the generally open terrain transforms organized battle plans into bloodbaths.

“Historic Battle” also adds four new Achievements worth a total of 100 points: 

•         Tour Coming Through: Hot drop 50 squads to your Covenant Leader in a single game on Memorial Basin (30 points)

•         Never Leave a Man Behind: Finish a game with 5000 net resources contributed to your teammates on Barrens (15 points)

•         Drain Cleaner: Kill 20 enemy squads with a continuous Covenant Leader Power on Memorial Basin (30 points)

•         Killjoy: Disrupt 5 active Leader Powers in a single game on Blood River (25 points)

“Halo Wars” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and 16+ PEGI and is available worldwide.