This is a great week for content on both the PSN as well as retail shelves.

This Tuesday, one of the most highly anticipated titles of the year will hit your local game-seller. Final Fantasy XIII may have received a few mixed review out the gate in Japan but has steadily built a core group of supporters who are heralding the title along side other fan-favorite installments to the franchise. PS3 owners will also get the definitive Final Fantasy XIII experience which runs at full 1080p on a single Blu-ray disc as opposed to the lower resolution, 3-Disc DVD set Xbox players will receive.

In addition to retail content, Sony has released a number of great DLC add-ons for several titles you already have sitting at home: Resident Evil 5: Desperate Escape, as well as LittleBigPlanet content for the PSP, definitely top the list.

Also, if you pre-ordered Heavy Rain, the first DLC episode: "The Taxidermist" should now be available - if you neglected to pre-order, you'll have to wait a bit longer to get your hands on more Heavy Rain.

Mar. 9th Retail Game Releases:

Final Fantasy XIII (PS3)

From the creative minds behind FINAL FANTASY VII and FINAL FANTASY X comes the latest installment in the critically acclaimed series. FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the first numbered FINAL FANTASY title for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and will look to once again reestablish the series as the RPG brand.

Yakuza 3 (PS3)

Yakuza 3 is the next cinematic chapter in the prestigious video game saga offering an authentic, gritty and often violent story set in modern day Japan. Making its first appearance exclusively on the PlayStation 3 platform, the rich story and vibrant world of Yakuza 3 lets players engage in intense brutal clashes within the streets of Okinawa, and the pulsating and often dangerous city of Tokyo where only the strongest will survive.

Resident Evil 5 [Gold Edition] (PS3)

Experience the thrill and terror of the infamous Resident Evil franchise like never before with the Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition. The Gold Edition features every exciting play option found in the initial releases of the game, including two-player co-op, powerful new weapons and real-time inventory management between players, but also includes all RE5 console version download content released to date. This includes new episodes and costumes, an improved Mercenaries Mode, and online versus mode.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (PSP)

This game is the ultimate 2D fighting game on the go. BlazBlue features all of the console modes: Arcade, Versus, Score Attack, Training, and Story. In addition there are all new Shop and Legion modes, where you control your own party of fighters in an attempt to conquer the world of BlazBlue. Battle your friends using the Ad-hoc multiplayer option. Twelve unique combatants to choose from including 8 unlimited characters compared to the console version.

Mar. 4th PlayStation Story Promotions:

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo Sale (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Mar. 4th PlayStation Store Update (PS3):

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode 1 and 2 (Bundle) ($14.99)

Episode 1 and 2 Bundle is the first two installments in the RPG-adventure game series based on the web comic Penny Arcade.

Game Demos (free)

Just Cause 2 Demo

Prepare yourself for extreme chaos creation in this non-stop adrenalin-fuelled demo of Just Cause 2.Whether freefalling from thousands of feet, hijacking enemy fighters in mid-air or blasting through military compounds, as agent Rico Rodriguez you’re guaranteed to leave your destructive mark on the tropical island of Panau. With 400 square miles of rugged terrain and hundreds of weapons and vehicles, Just Cause 2 completely defies gravity and belief!

Major League Baseball 2K10 Demo

Major League Baseball 2K10 brings baseball’s most exciting match-up to life: Pitchers vs. Hitters. Get ready to battle!

MotoGP 09/10 Demo

The new MotoGP 09/10 demo lets you test ride all three bike classes AND experience the challenge of three different game modes, including; ‘Championship’, ‘Time trial’ and ‘Arcade’. MotoGP 09/10 is simply the best racing action on two wheels.

Add-on Game Content

MLB 10: The Show — 6 Classic Stadiums ($9.99)

Unlock all Classic Stadiums for use in MLB 10: The Show!

MLB 10: The Show — Franchise Funds Increase ($0.99)

Increase your Franchise funds by 20 million.

MLB 10: The Show — Road to the Show Training Points ($0.99)

Increase your Road to the Show training points by 1000.

Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce Quest Pack #1 (free)

Quest Pack #1 — Enhance your Strikeforce experience with these new missions and challenges. The following quests will be added to the city’s “Noticeboard”. To learn more about this pack and about Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce go to www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/strikeforce.

• Battle of Tong Gate
• Defense of Nan Zhong
• Martial Contest 1

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast Ultimate Warriors Pack 1 (free)

“Dragon Ball: Raging Blast” Character Pack #8 is now available! The eighth release is the “Ultimate Warriors Pack 1!” This pack contains the fighters with ultimate abilities: Goku, Teen Gohan, Piccolo, Bardock and Super Gogeta! These fighters are already strong, but they now go beyond your imagination! See their true powers for yourself!

Dante’s Inferno Dark Forest Pack ($4.99)

The Dark Forest pack includes the Disco Inferno costume, Stone of Wrath relic, and a prequel level featuring new enemies, puzzles, and storyline!

Dante’s Inferno Relics Triple Pack ($2.99)

This pack contains three relics: ‘Paolo’s Heart’ for turning souls into mana, ‘Wing of Furie’ to increase the hit counter on your scythe, and ‘Brain of Ruggieri’ to allow you to dodge-roll from any special combo.

Resident Evil 5 Costume Pack 2 ($1.99)

This costume pack is compatible with the original game. Play with Chris’ completely new take on tactical field armor with Heavy Metal, and give Sheva the sleek elegance of a power suit with Business. These costumes can also be used in The Mercenaries Reunion in addition to the main story.

Resident Evil 5 Desparate Escape ($4.99)

This is the second installment of new content for RESIDENT EVIL 5. Learn the untold story of Jill’s escape during RESIDENT EVIL 5, and play as Rebecca Chambers and Josh Stone in The Mercenaries Reunion.

topatoi: Pillar Of The Skies ($7.99)

topatoi for PlayStation 3 brings your screen to life with classic platforming gameplay over a variety of dynamic levels. Continue your journey through the brand new world of Sky Pillar with this exciting new add-on. New environments, a new gameplay experience, new bonus levels playable alone or in co-op mode, are all waiting for you in this, the second episode of topatoi saga!

Guitar Hero 5

• “Adam’s Song” by Blink-182 ($1.99)
• “All The Small Things” by Blink-182 ($1.99)
• “First Date” by Blink-182 ($1.99)
• Blink-182 Track Pack ($5.49) — Downloadable Track Pack featuring “First Date”, “All The Small Things”, and “Adam’s Song” by blink-182, Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

The Beatles: Rock Band

• “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles ($1.99)

Rock Band

• “Downfall”– Trust Company ($1.99)
• “Panic Switch”– Silversun Pickups ($1.99)
• “Sort Of”– Silversun Pickup ($1.99)
• “White Falcon Fuzz”– The Mother Hips ($0.99)
• “Third Floor Story”– The Mother Hips ($0.99)
• “The Game”– Disturbed ($1.99)
• “Meaning of Life”– Disturbed ($1.99)
• “Voices”– Disturbed ($1.99)
• Disturbed Pack 2 ($5.49)- Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Disturbed Pack 02. This pack includes “Meaning of Life,” “The Game,” and “Voices” by Disturbed

Mar. 4th PlayStation Store Update (PSP):

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

MLB 10: The Show ($39.99)

Get the full major league experience, anytime and anywhere.

Major League Baseball 2K10 ($29.99)

Major League Baseball 2K10 brings baseball’s most exciting match-up to life: Pitchers vs. Hitters. Get ready to battle.

Dante’s Inferno (English and French versions) ($39.99)

You are Dante, a veteran of the Crusades who must chase his beloved Beatrice and try to free her soul from Lucifer’s grasp. As your pursuit takes you deeper into the pits of Hell, you must battle ever more fierce and hideous monsters–while also facing your own sins, a dark family past, and your unforgivable war crimes. Go to Hell.

Lunar: Silver Star Harmony ($29.99)

A classic is reborn! The beloved RPG classic, Lunar: The Silver Star, with its timeless tale of love, betrayal and redemption, is reborn exclusively on the PSP system as Lunar: Silver Star Harmony with all new graphics, added gameplay features, and a re-mastered soundtrack so that a whole new generation of fans can experience this legendary first entry of the Lunar universe, while added story elements will be sure to please returning fans.

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Digi-Tiles ($2.99)

Vector TD ($3.99)

Earthshield ($2.99)

Legend of Kunoichi ($2.99)

Smashbreak ($2.99)

Game Demos (also available from PS3 Storefront) (free)

Patchwork Heroes Demo

The fate of a city is in your hands! Act quickly in 30 levels to save cities from giant looming warships in this fun action game. Become a hero by controlling a powerful destructive vehicle that can cut enemy ships apart into patches of different sizes that crash to the ground. Dodge enemies, rescue trapped comrades, and use special attacks to beat each ship before time runs out!

Add-On Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)

LittleBigPlanet PSP Canyons Costumes (free)

PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere. LittleBigPlanet’s critically acclaimed “PLAY, CREATE, SHARE” experience, makes its way to the PSP system with a completely new Sackboy adventure. Get two free costumes from the Canyons level of the PS3 version of the game. NOTE: Manual Update required

LittleBigPlanet PSP Canyons Theme Pack ($2.99)

PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere. Download a new set of costumes and CREATE materials to create your own Canyons levels! The Canyons Theme Pack includes 2 costumes, 19 materials, 15 stickers, 1 music kit, and 1 background. NOTE: Manual Update required

BUZZ! Quiz World Sci-Fi Movies Pack ($2.99)

Sci-Fi movie questions to stump your competition into outer space – but will you need to phone home to find out the answers? This BUZZ! Quiz World PSP quiz pack features hundreds of questions about science fiction movies to play in any of your favorite BUZZ! Quiz World PSP game modes. Download this quiz pack today and turn your party into the ultimate trivia showdown. Challenge friends and family and “Show ‘em Your Trivia!”

Are you picking up any retail titles this week? Anything on PSN jumping out at you?

Source: Sony