Normally, we update our readers on PlayStation release content every Thursday alongside the routine PlayStation Network updates. However, due to the upcoming holidays, the PSN has been updated early with a number of notable offerings, so we've added an addendum to this week's update.
This particular update focuses only on PlayStation Network releases. If you happened to miss part one - make sure to check it our retail release info as well as our reaction to the Gran Turismo 5: Time Trial Challenge Demo, among other offerings on the PSN.
As for this week, the LittleBigPlanet "Pirates of the Caribbean" level kit and costumes have officially been released - along with the long awaited "Water" gameplay mechanic. The level kit, as we previously reported, includes both the water add-on for level creation as well as several "Pirates of the Caribbean" themed levels (similar to the Metal Gear Solid pack), and will set players back $5.99. In addition, "Pirates of the Caribbean" themed costumes are also available for $1.99 each or as part of a costume bundle for $5.99. The level kit is a definite buy for any LittleBigPlanet fans who create their own levels, enjoy the depth of official Media Molecule created content, or actively hunt for trophies (as the level kit adds eleven new trophies - two of which are silver).
Also new to the store this week are the long-awaited PSN "Premium Avatars" which aren't as exciting as they might sound. The first batch of premium avatars are all related to LittleBigPlanet and offer a variety of options: from a basic Sackboy picture to Christmas themed pictures. The key word here is pictures - as "Premium Avatars" don't move or perform any other features previously speculated on the blogosphere. They are merely new pictures for display on your profile: basically, the term "Premium Avatars" translates into avatars that do not come free with the PS3 OS. It's not that the avatars aren't good, and they're certainly priced fairly at $.49 a piece, it's just that in the end they were somewhat anticlimactic - given the amount of time it took to get them into the hands' of PS3 owners.
In addition to new content, a number of featured titles have been discounted for the holidays, so make sure to check out the sales for any titles you might have passed on at a higher price-point. The PixelJunk 3-in-1 Pack (PixelJunk Racers, PixelJunk Monsters, and PixelJunk Eden) should be particularly tempting for anyone currently enjoying PixelJunk Shooter.
Here is the Full List of Release Information:
Dec. 22nd PlayStation Store Update - PS3:
PSN Game Sale
In addition to the SEGA game sale detailed earlier, the following games are on sale until January 7, 2010 unless otherwise noted.
- Bomberman Ultra — $4.99 (revert to regular price on 1/7/10
- Worms — $9.99
- Topatoi — $4.99
- Armored Core 3 Portable — $9.99 (revert to regular price on 1/21/10)
- Scrabble — $13.99
- NFS Underground Rivals — $10.49
- NFS Carbon — $13.99
- NFS Most Wanted — $13.99
- NFS ProStreet — $13.99
- GI Joe — $27.99
- Sims 2 — $10.49
- Commander’s Challenge — $6.99
- Battlefield 1943 — $10.49
- Hasbro Family Game Night — $29.99
- Burnout Paradise Ultimate Bundle — $20.99
- ZOMBIE TYCOON — $4.99
Downloadable Games
Battle Fantasia ($19.99)
Battle Fantasia immerses you into a fantasy world of 12 unique and fun to play characters!
Polar Panic ($9.99)
Play through 50 challenging levels and battle Mr. Big in Story Mode. Work your way through all 50 of the fiendish block based puzzles. Survive against never ending waves of trappers in Survivor Mode. Play on your own or with 2-4 players against the trappers and each other in Kills, Points or Last Man Standing variations.
PixelJunk 3-in-1 Pack (Bundle) ($19.99)
Try the slot-car mayhem of PixelJunk Racers, defend your serene forest in PixelJunk Monsters (now also for PSP!), and let the beats consume you as you swing, jump and soar through the swaying gardens of PixelJunk Eden.
PSOne Classics
Wing Commander IV ($5.99)
Game Demos (free)
MAG Public Beta (Note: the beta isn’t playable until Jan 4)
LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues Demo
Indy returns in his greatest LEGO adventure yet! Play ALL-NEW levels from The Original Adventures & your favorite new moments from The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, all in the tongue and cheek world of LEGO… Or for the first time, create your own levels, for a true one-of-a-kind experience! New levels, vehicles, characters and modes like two player split-screen, will let you build and battle your way out of trouble like never before!
Peggle Demo
Have you got the Peggle fever? Try the demo now to experience the ultimate pinballesque adventure! Unlock the full version to indulge your love for bouncing balls and firework effects by becoming a Peggle Master through 55 levels and 75 challenges. Want to host your own Peggle party? Jump into a local battle or connect online to tackle multiplayer, duel and party modes!
Polar Panic Demo
Play through 50 challenging levels and battle Mr. Big in Story Mode. Work your way through all 50 of the fiendish block based puzzles. Survive against never ending waves of trappers in Survivor Mode. Play on your own or with 2-4 players against the trappers and each other in Kills, Points or Last Man Standing variations.
Add-on Game Content
LittleBigPlanet
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
- LittleBigPlanet Pirates of the Caribbean Will Turner Costume ($1.99)
- LittleBigPlanet Pirates of the Caribbean Tia Dalma Costume ($1.99)
- LittleBigPlanet Pirates of the Caribbean Sack Sparrow Costume ($1.99)
- LittleBigPlanet Pirates of the Caribbean Elizabeth Costume ($1.99)
- LittleBigPlanet Pirates of the Caribbean Davy Jones Costume ($1.99)
- LittleBigPlanet Pirates of the Caribbean Barbossa Costume ($1.99)
- LittleBigPlanet Pirates of the Caribbean Costume Pack ($5.99) — Download this Costume Kit to dress him as six of Pirates of the Caribbean characters — Jack Sparrow, Barbossa, Elizabeth Swann, Will Turner, Davy Jones and Tia Dalma.
- LittleBigPlanet Pirates of the Caribbean Level Kit ($5.99)
PAIN: Kato-san Character (free)
The Editor-In-Chief of Japan’s “Famitsu” magazine is clearly a high-flyer it comes to gaming. In fact, he’s so into games, that he’s now into PAIN. That’s right, boys and girls, we are pleased to welcome Katsuaki Kato to the launcher. Launch him, Ooch him, smash him, and crash him — he just keeps coming back for more. With his own real voice —over in Japanese, Kato-san’s character makes a fantastic addition to the PAIN family. Plus, he’s FREE!
Dragon Ball: Raging Blast Ginyu Force Pack (free)
“Dragon Ball: Raging Blast” Character Pack #3 is now available! The third release is the “Ginyu Force Pack!” This pack contains Captain Ginyu, Recoome, Burter, Jeice and Guldo!
Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack Bundle ($24.99)
Guitar Hero 5
- “Our Song” by Taylor Swift ($1.99)
- “New” by No Doubt ($1.99)
- “Harder to Breathe” by Maroon 5 ($1.99)
- Celebrity New Year’s Track Pack ($5.49) — Downloadable Track Pack featuring ” Modern Day Delilah”, “Lick It Up “, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.
- Hark The Herald Angels Sing By Steve Ouimette (free)
Karaoke Revolution 2009
Expand your Karaoke Revolution song library by purchasing these tracks. ($1.99 each)
- Me and Bobby McGee
- Pain
- Celebrity
- Goodbye Earl
- Hot Mama
- Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
- Mud On The Tires
- The Gambler
- What Was I Thinking
- Hungry Like The Wolf
Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks.
- “Ocean Avenue” – Yellowcard ($1.99)
- “A Lot Like Me” – The Offspring ($1.99)
- “Build a Bridge” – Limp Bizkit ($1.99)
- “Beverly Hills” – Weezer ($1.99)
- “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To” – Weezer ($1.99)
- “Let it All Hang Out” – Weezer ($1.99)
- Weezer Pack 03 ($5.49) — This pack includes: “Beverly Hills,” “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To ) I Want You To,” and “Let it All Hang Out” by Weezer.
PSN Avatars
- LittleBigPlanet Sackboy PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet MyMoon PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet Craft Earth PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet Xmas Tree PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet Santa PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet Giftboy PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet “Sky” Sackgirl PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet “Marvin” Sackboy PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet “Gloria” Sackgirl PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet “Arr!!!” Sackboy PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet “Lily Pad” PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet “Hugo” PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet “Great Blue” PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet “Frost-E” PSN Avatar ($0.49)
- LittleBigPlanet Planets PSN Avatar Bundle ($0.99)
- LittleBigPlanet Festive PSN Avatar Bundle ($0.99)
- LittleBigPlanet Characters 1 PSN Avatar Bundle ($1.25)
- LittleBigPlanet Animals PSN Avatar Bundle ($1.25)
Game Videos (free)
Pulse 12/22 Edition
Themes
Heavy Rain Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
PSN Holiday Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Dec. 22nd PlayStation Store Update - PSP: