Gaming Blog

If you only read one PlayStation.Blog post this week, make it this one.

More BioShock Trophy Details - Unique trophies and modes surface from Rapture.

Get Your First Platinum Trophy as Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune Trophy Patch is Released - If my PSN friends list is any indication, you people aren’t wasting any time on this one…

Paradise City Choppers, Burnout’s Bikes - The Criterion team continues to support Burnout Paradise (which PS3 Fanboy reports is now found for just $29.99 in a lot of places)

LittleBigPlanet: Pre-order Goodness - Us: Sackboy Kratos? You: Yes, please!

THE EYE OF JUDGMENT World Championships Begin Next Week - get practicing!

Parlez-vous Talkman Travel? Interactive Travel Guide Coming to PSP - on your must list for those travelling to Rome, Paris, or Tokyo.

Qore Episode 3 hits PSN tomorrow - Includes entry into the Resistance 2 beta.

SOCOM: Confrontation Public Beta Info Revealed - Coming next month!

Want into the PlayStation Home Closed Beta Test? Here’s How to Apply - big week for betas, huh? Download the Home theme to apply.

PlayStation Store Update - Qore edition.

PAIN Trophies - OK betas *and* trophies - that’s the theme for this week.

LittleBigNewsSite Announcement!!! - the site has stickers. What more do I need to tell you?

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Behind the Scenes #3 - coming next week!

PLAYSTATION Store Video Content Update - new episodes of Xam’d waiting for you.

Courtesy of David “Point Man” Brothers

• Abigale at Comic-Con - Abigale slides over from the SOCOM.com forums to tell us about her experience at Comic-Con.
• In-Game XMB Isn’t A Threat - I state my position and get some interesting discussion down in the comments.
• Which SOCOM: Confrontation to Buy? - Seth lets us know the variations that SOCOM: Confrontation is going to come in.
• Urban Wasteland or… - Get your vote on! Help pick Urban Wasteland’s name.
• Public Beta Info… No, Really! - Seth announces the public beta.
• Public Beta In Canada - A brief clarification post– Canadians get the beta, as well!
• Sneak Peek: Facial Features - Now you can make the prettiest merc or commando ever with this quick overview of the editable facial features in SOCOM: Confrontation.

Courtesy of Bryan Intihar - Community Manager, Insomniac Games

Bryan’s Blog: The Freight Train and Intern Edition - Long time no talk, everyone! I know it’s been a few weeks since I served a delicious slice of Bryan’s blog pie (well, I hope you think it’s tasty), but I’ve been pretty darn busy. And I’m hardly the only one. The studio is like a freight train right now—we’ve reached our top speed and this train ain’t slowin’ down till we reach our final destination. That would be finishing Resistance 2.

P.S. If you’re planning to attend this month’s Penny Arcade Expo (Aug. 29-31), please swing by the Sony booth and say hello. I’ll be there showing off Resistance 2, which will be playable on several kiosks.

Hi again! The weekend’s here – time for your weekly update of new movie & TV shows on the PLAYSTATION Store.

This week we’ve added new video content from the following television series:

• Combat Zone
• Cops
• Deadliest Catch
• Intervention
• Nip/Tuck
• Xam’d: Lost Memories

We know you enjoy seeing what everyone else is watching, here are our top 20 movie and TV downloads for the week – Drillbit Taylor moves into the top spot:

Have a great weekend!

Hey PS fans, I have another BCR update for you this week. Before we go to the video, I want to address some of the questions you have about the game.

Will the game have trophy support? We’re working on having trophy support available in the near future.

Will there be a demo available at launch? Yes.

Will this game have remote play functionality? Fosho.

How much will it cost? $9.99

When will this game launch? August 14, 2008!

Are the multiplayer and co-op modes offline or online? Offline, but it’s great. (It’s what we play at the office during lunch.)

Ok, I’m sure you have more questions, and as always, I’ll do my best to answer them.

Here’s the Bionic Commando: Rearmed - Behind the Scenes Video #3. (You can find the other 2 videos on the PS Store)

We also have some cool BCR PS3 and PSP themes available around launch. They’re made by the same talented designer who created the award winning Lost Planet theme, Shawn Baxter and optimized by your very own theme expert Noel Silvia. Watch out for them.

Talk to you next week!

First off … thanks for the great comments on our first official LittleBigPlanet post on the blog. We love when the PlayStation community shows its passion for gaming and hope it carries over to LBP. We know you guys have a lot of questions … and over time (please be patient) we’ll get to answering them so you know everything about the game. “How” you ask?

Announcing the LittleBigPlanet NewsSite!

We’re very pleased to launch - what we hope to be - a key destination for anything LBP. We have lots of plans to keep you informed and active, before and after the game launches in October. We also want to take the time to thank all the fans sites out there dedicated to SackBoy and his ever-growing fanbase - you’ll be hearing from us soon …

See you there!

Hello everyone it’s Travis Williams, PAIN Producer, again and I wanted to take some time to tell you about the new PlayStation Network Trophies being added to PAIN Downtown.

The last trophy I ever “earned” was in ROTC. That was way back in High School (tragic I know). So, I have been really excited to see PlayStation 3 trophies make their way into games both old and new. It’s a new way to show your “ePump-a-tude”. PAIN already features internal trophies that make the modes challenging. That’s why it’s so awesome to get to make a whole new set of trophies. Here’s a list of some of the Trophies you will see next month. If the names seem sophomoric or juvenile to you, then you clearly haven’t been playing PAIN enough. That’s kinda “How We Do.”

To answer some questions before they come up…

Q: When will Trophies be available for PAIN?
A: When the Amusement Park ships on 9-4-2008 we will update PAIN to include trophies.

Q: When does Amusement Park ship?
A: Duh

Q: Are Trophies retroactive?
A: Most of the trophy requirements are new so we haven’t tracked your progress until now. Some work you will get credit for.

Q: Are you CRAZY?!
A: Yes… Yes I am.

So here they are…a “somewhat” complete list of PAIN Downtown Trophies. I say “somewhat” because PAIN keeps getting bigger and bigger. There are more trophies for the Amusement Park, but I’ll talk about them some other time.

PAIN Trophies

Gold Trophies

• Affliction Addiction: Get one billion points (Good Luck)

Silver Trophies

• Dude Abides: Use “The Dude” to score 50 Strikes in Bowling

Bronze Trophies

• 10 Mill Club: Get “PAIN in the Park” and “D-Town Destruction”
• Harder Dick’s Balls: Get all of Dick’s Balls in the Block Party Dumpster without resetting
  (Heh heh heh) I really need adult supervision.
• D-Town Destruction: Get 10,000,000 score in PAINdemonium and Aftermath
• Combo Mambo: Get 20x Combo in PAINdemonium, Aftermath, Block Party and Demolition
• Attention Spam: Get every type of PAIN (Groin, Head, Arm, Hand, Leg, Foot and Body) combo in PAINdemonium, Aftermath, Block Party and Demolition

PAIN Add-on Character Trophies

• Trill: Get PAINful Tosser Trophy with Scurv Dogg or Hung Lo
• Grenade-A-Maid: Get Exploded 500 times with any female launchable character.

That’s it for now… We’re going to be releasing a lot of information in the coming weeks about the Amusement Park. New modes, new launchable characters and the brand new PAINLabs. When you have some time mosey on over to www.painps3.com that’s where you’ll get more info on all the new content!

Peace!

Hey, everyone. It’s time again for the PLAYSTATION Store weekly update.

Qore Digital Magazine

Qore Episode 03: August, 2008 ($2.99 Issue, $24.99 Annual Subscription)
Episode 03 of Qore: Presented by the PLAYSTATION Network goes way deep into upcoming games featuring DC Super Heroes and includes an exclusive invitation to the Resistance 2 beta, some great artwork, mini-games and a few other surprises.
File size: 1.34 GB

- Qore Annual Subscribers will be invited to the beta under “Premiere” status and be given early access.
- Qore Ep 03 (single Episode) purchasers will be guaranteed access to the beta at a later date.
- All invitations will be made via email/voucher - the beta WILL NOT be accessed through the Qore download center.
- There will be multiple programs and methods to get access (or a chance to participate) in the Resistance 2 Online Beta. Details to follow.

Add-on Game Content

Snakeball Team Mode ($1.99)
Snakeball is a funky, futuristic sport set in a vibrant arena where you glide across the dazzling disco floor on your hoversnake, collecting balls and scoring goals. Chaotic action and energetic music bring together up to 8 players in entertaining online matches for a fun, unique gameplay experience.
Upgrade to Team Mode today to buddy up and play with friends online or off for team-based gameplay fun!

NASCAR 09 Montreal Track ($3.99)
The Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal is the home of the NAPA Auto Parts 200 in the Nationwide Series. This track is a long winding road course that will test the skills of even the most seasoned driver.
File size: 66.6 MB

NASCAR 09 Skin Pack 1 ($2.49)
A collection of Sprint and Nationwide alternate car skins from the 2008 NASCAR season featuring such paint schemes as Carl Edwards’ Aflac, Dale Earnhardt Jr’s National Guard Camouflage, Kyle Busch’s Snickers, and more.
File size: 12.5 MB

NASCAR 09 Skin Pack 2 ($2.49)
A collection of Sprint and Nationwide alternate car skins from the 2008 NASCAR season featuring such paint schemes as Jeff Gordon’s Pepsi, Kevin Harvick’s Platinum Pennzoil, Kyle Busch’s Pedigree, and more.
File size: 11.7 MB

NASCAR 09 Skin Pack 3 ($2.49)
A collection of Sprint and Nationwide alternate car skins from the 2008 NASCAR season featuring such paint schemes as Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Silver and Black National Guard, Tony Stewart’s Subway, Denny Hamlin’s FedEx Ground, and more.
File size: 12.5 MB

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Interscope Track Pack ($6.25)
“Carcinogen Crush” by AFI, “Tina” by Flyleaf, “Putting Holes in Happiness” by Marilyn Manson, remixed by Nick Zinner For all song credits please visit www.redoctane.com.
File size: 32.6 MB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• “Toxicity” - System of a Down ($1.99)
• “B.Y.O.B” - System of a Down ($1.99)
• “Rescue Me” - Buckcherry ($0.99)
• “Face Down in the Dirt”- Mötley Crüe ($0.99)
• “Life is Beautiful” – Sixx:A.M. ($0.99)
• Crüe Fest Pack 2 ($2.99) - includes “Rescue Me” - Buckcherry, “Face Down in the Dirt” - Mötley Crüe, and “Life is Beautiful” – Sixx:A.M.

File sizes: 26.2 MB - 32.2 MB (singles), 76.4 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

PlayStation Home E3 Video
Take a look at PlayStation Home, the 3D social gaming community that allows PLAYSTATION 3 users to meet, chat, plan, and launch into games.
File size: x MB (SD), x MB (HD), x MB (1080)

The Last Guy Behind The Scenes
You are the chosen one, and it is up to you, a zombie from the Himalayas, the last survivors on earth by leading them to safety through zombie-infested streets in this frantic, addictive game. Go behind the scenes with this developer interview for an insight into the creative and quirky personalities behind the game, as well as a look at their unique studio in the Himalayas, complete with a company goat.
File size: 587 MB (HD)

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
The saga continues in the newest HD trailer for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed which casts players as Darth Vader’s “Secret Apprentice” and unveils new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy.
File size: 253 MB (HD)

Tomb Raider: Underworld Trailer
Face a new level of challenge and choice in this epic tomb raiding adventure. As fearless adventurer Lara Croft explore exotic locations around the world, each designed with an incredible attention to detail delivering a breathtaking high-definition visual fidelity that creates a truly believable and absorbing world
File size: 152 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 E3 Trailer
The Madden NFL 09 E3 Trailer is cut to Rev Theory’s “Hey Yeah”, and touches on just a few of the over 85 new features and enhancements in Madden NFL 09.
File size: 94 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 20th Anniversary Video
Find out all the details around the Madden NFL 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition.
File size: 102 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Adaptability Trailer
Madden NFL 09 is the first sports game that adapts to you! Learn how John Madden tests your skill level. The game teaches you to become a better player if you are new to the game, or if you are a seasoned player the game will add challenges. It adapts to you!
File size: 70 MB (HD)

TNA iMPACT! Head to Head Trailer
“The Phenomenal” AJ Styles goes head to head against The “Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe in Midway’s TNA iMPACT! Wrestling game coming September.
File size: 166 MB (HD)

Dead Space Dev Diary #5: Creating Horror
The Dev team talks about the techniques they use to make Dead Space one of the scariest games of the year.
File size: 309 MB (HD)

Dead Space Animated Comic Issue #4 PG-13
The fourth issue of the six part Dead Space Animated Comic Series created by Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston.
File size: 270 MB (HD)

AST Dew Tour - Greg Lutzka’s Road to Finals
Skate Park athlete Greg Lutzka takes you behind the scenes at the Skate Park prelims on the second stop of the AST Dew Tour, the Right Guard Open.
File size: 86 MB (HD), 142 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour - One on one with James Foster
BMX Dirt competitor James Foster talks to us about his 2007 success, what its takes to have a BMX career and the key to winning at BMX Dirt on the AST Dew Tour.
File size: 97 MB (HD), 160 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour - PlayStation Pro Moments - 2
A Compilation of the best tricks that were thrown down during the finals of BMX Vert, BMX Dirt, Skateboard Park, Skateboard Vert and BMX Park at the AST Dew Tour’s Right Guard Open in Cleveland, OH.
File size: 40 MB (HD), 67 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour - Spinner looks to ‘08
BMX Park rider Mike Spinner talks about his plans for 2008 and his plans to continue to progress the sport.
File size: 119 MB (HD), 196 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes (free)

PlayStation Home Theme
Customize your PS3 with a new PlayStation Home theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Be sure to download this new theme for a chance to participate in the PlayStation Home Beta.
File size: 4.02 MB

PS3 Wallpaper (free)

Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice Wallpaper (x3)
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice Wallpaper.
File sizes: 251 KB - 1.59 MB

Tomb Raider: Underworld Mediterranean Shark Attack Wallpaper
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Tomb Raider: Underworld Mediterranean Shark Attack Wallpaper.
File sizes: 244 KB - 1.05 MB

PLAYSTATION Store for PC

Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There, you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.

Downloadable Games
* Talkman Travel: Rome, Paris, Tokyo ($5.99 ea)

Game Videos (free)
* Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 Videos (x5)
* Home Video

Hope you enjoy!

Today we’re announcing the expansion of our closed beta test for PlayStation Home to begin at the end of the month.

Later today, the PLAYSTATION Store will be updated with a PlayStation Home theme. By downloading the theme, users are submitting an application to join the PlayStation Home Beta test community. We will be using a variety of criteria including activity on the PLAYSTATION Network to determine eligibility for the Beta community. Existing beta testers have automatically qualified to be part of the expanded beta.

We’re really excited about this milestone and want our most loyal fans to be a part of the evolution of PlayStation Home.

In Europe, SCEE is also beginning their expanded closed beta, directly targeting consumers who have been most active on PLAYSTATION Network and PLAYSTATION Store. SCEE will be in email contact with their PSN audience very shortly.

Let us know what you think.

We normally wait until Saturdays to fill you in on the world of SOCOM, but with the news breaking yesterday and today – we thought you might want the goods a bit sooner. You’ve been asking about this for some time, and now we’re happy to share the info: the SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation public beta deploys in September.

Those of you who purchased Episode 1 of Qore (or subscribed) will join the fray Monday, September 8th. Those of you that pre-order the full game can get started a week earlier.

Pre-order from where? How long does the beta last? How many friends can you share your beta with? (Yes, I said “share!”) The good folks at SOCOM.com have the answers you’re looking for.