Aug Jeff and Rey have officially landed in Germany, the site of Europe’s largest video game conference in Gamescom 2011. I’ll be hanging back in California to make sure North American PlayStation.Blog readers get any major news and announcements as quickly as possible. Protip: Keep our Facebook livestream bookmarked and check back Tuesday morning for an update.
In other news, this week saw a smattering of big PlayStation blog posts, starting with my new Starhawk interview; a preview of the new castmembers in White Knight Chronicles II; an insider view of Deathspank’s meatiest adventure in The Baconing; an UNCHARTED 3 and Resistance 3 multiplayer competition in Raleigh, North Carolina hosted by MLG; a comprehensive update on all of NIS America’s 2011 releases (including Disgaea 4); PAX happenings for the gorgeous reverse-shooter Retro/Grade; a Dead Island zombie photo shoot; a new Resistance 3 motion-capture documentary; and a PSN release update for Beat Hazard Ultra.
What are you playing this weekend?
- I’m playing: Galaga Legions DX, Resistance 3 Multiplayer Beta
- I’m watching: Sports Night on Netflix PS3 instant streaming, Attack the Block
- I’m reading: Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson
Most-Watched Video of the Week: God of War: Origins Collection – PSP Vs. PS3
The 10 Most-Viewed Posts of the Week
- PS3 System Software Update (v3.70) – Our top story this week details just what you’ll get in the new PS3 firmware 3.70, available now. From automatic cloud game saves and Trophy synching for PlayStation Plus users to new options for 3D content, what’s your favorite new feature?
- PlayStation Store Update – This week, Freddy Krueger makes his Mortal Kombat debut, Far Cry 2 emerges as a full game download, and demos for Madden NFL 12 and Driver: San Francisco arrive on PSN. Also: New PlayStation Plus content.
- ModNation Racers: Suggest a Name for the Upcoming PS Vita Game – Making a good game name is hard work! My favorite suggestions so far: ModNation Turbo Touch, ModNation Racers: Touch ‘n Go, ModNation Racers: Sideswipe, and ModWorld. What’s your top pick?
- Coming Soon: Madden NFL 12 & Need for Speed SHIFT PSP Entertainment Pack – Coming just in time for football season (August 30th), this new PSP Entertainment Pack gives you two new UMD games, a 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, and a PSP-3000 for $159.99.
- Assassin’s Creed Revelation Beta Opens to PlayStation Plus September 3rd – The next exclusive beta for PlayStation Plus members is coming sooner than you think. Get the full download on suipported modes, characters, and maps in a post from Assassin’s Creed community manager.
- Global Resistance Update: Strategies and Resistance 3 Unlocks – This free web game hosted on myresistance.net paints a wider portrait of humanity’s final battle with the Chimera. The game’s community manager explains how Insomniac Games has addressed balancing issues and dishes out winning tactics.
- Herculean Task: Remastering God of War: Origins Collection for PS3 – Making a PSP game look great in high-def is no small task, and Ready At Dawn’s art director Nathan Phail-Liff shows how the magic happened. The team added high-res textures, higher polygon counts, and 3D support for a game that new runs at 1080p and 60 frames per second.
- Pre-orders for PlayStation Network PLAY Begin Now! – If you’re intrigued by the PSN PLAY game lineup (Street Fighter III, The Baconing, BloodRayne: Betrayal, and Renegade Ops), be sure to pre-order them soon so you can earn extra bonus content. Street Fighter III’s pre-order option ends 8/18, so don’t wait.
- BioShock Infinite Q&A: Ken Levine’s PlayStation Moves – Irrational Games’ president and creative director tells PlayStation.Blog readers why the PS3, PlayStation Move and PS Vita are top-of-mind at the award-winning studio, and gives us a new glimpse into the stunning world(s) of BioShock Infinite.
- MotorStorm Apocalypse Monster Update: Mode Editor, Steering Wheels and Move – What’s better than a new update? A free one. This downloadable expansion adds a ton of new features to the apocalyptic racer, from a game Mode Editor to support for PlayStation Move, steering wheels, and expanded online options.
(Average: 4.03 out of 5)
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+ Butters360 on August 13th, 2011 at 3:03 pm said:
Awesome week for PlayStation and I can’t believe GamesCom is just around the corner. Time flies so fast!
I’m Playing: Prince of Persia 2008, Mortal Kombat, Resistance 3 Multiplayer Beta
I’m Watching: The Office, 30 Minutes or Less. I want to see Attack the Block. Keep hearing rave reviews.
I’m Reading: The Dresden Files Book 14: Ghost Story
I’m Listening to: Jimmy Eat World ‘Futures’
P.S. Any chance of Gamescom being streamed live in PlayStation Home? Thanks.
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:50 pm said:
Not likely for home, but you can watch on Facebook at least: http://www.facebook.com/playstation
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+ SoleAddict23 on August 13th, 2011 at 3:07 pm said:
Can we get a cross party chat announcement at Gamescom as well as the other mandatory features? Of course for all PSN members not just PS+ members like it should be.
What about an improved UI and in game options?
How about an improved PS3 controller, more USB ports and a 8 bluetooth fix for 8 player offline multiplayer and a mandatory 4 player Move and Navigation controllers offline multiplayer?
Thanks.
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+ DeathGazer on August 13th, 2011 at 3:17 pm said:
Very excited for the conference. Thank you for livestreaming it this year!
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+ Shadow-Man_4 on August 13th, 2011 at 3:21 pm said:
I’m really looking forward to gamescom this year. Looks like you guys have alot of unannounced PS3 exclusives and gameplay footages that makes me excited. I hope you won’t disappoint us!
I’m playing: Resistance 3 Online Beta, Comix Zone (I’ve just subscribed for 1 year PS Plus!), Crash Commando, Sly 2, inFAMOUS2, LittleBigPlanet 2.
I’m watching: I am Number 4, Sly: Thieves in Time Announcement Trailer.
I’m reading: The lovely PlayStation Blog posts.. ;)
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:50 pm said:
Congrats on Plus. What do you think so far?
5
+ Detective-E on August 13th, 2011 at 3:31 pm said:
I’m watching gamescom for the Twisted Metal reveal’s, and everything else Sony offers is a bonus.
Any word on a stream of it?
I’m playing: Mortal Kombat
I’m watching: American Dad
I’m reading: The Lord of The Flies
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:51 pm said:
Yup, we’ll be streaming live on Tuesday AM (sometime between 9am and 12pm Pacific Time is probably the best time to watch). You can watch it here: http://www.facebook.com/playstation and look for the Gamescom tab on the left.
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+ digitalman123 on August 13th, 2011 at 3:40 pm said:
I plan to keep an eye on Gamescom. Hopefully some bonus surprises will pop up there!
I’m playing: God of War Collection [both], Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions, LittleBigPlanet 2, inFAMOUS 2
I’m watching: Robin Hood, The Dark Knight (it’s on tonight. Hope to watch it again!)
I’m reading: The Lost Hero
7
+ RyanMcBainDOTcom on August 13th, 2011 at 3:46 pm said:
Maybe they’ll announce Cross game voice chat for the PS3….nah, Sony never gives us what we want.
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+ Thebig444 on August 13th, 2011 at 3:46 pm said:
Cool
I’m playing: infamous 2, 007 bloodstone and black ops.
I’m watching: batman arkham city 12 min trailer.
I’m reading: the playstation blog.
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+ LovesJapanManga on August 13th, 2011 at 3:52 pm said:
Hey Sid!
Playstation website to access to Account Management IS STILL INACCESSIBLE??? WHY??? I thought the maintenance was done long time ago? I mean, I wanted to manage something on my account via PC while I was away, not via Playstation 3 system. Can you please have your people work on this to fix the damn problem? Thanx!
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:51 pm said:
Thanks, let me see what’s going on there.
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+ LovesJapanManga on August 13th, 2011 at 3:52 pm said:
Hey Sid!
Playstation website to access to Account Management IS STILL INACCESSIBLE??? WHY??? I thought the maintenance was done long time ago? I mean, I wanted to manage something on my account via PC while I was away, not via Playstation 3 system. Can you please have your people work on this to fix the damn problem? Thanx!
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+ LovesJapanManga on August 13th, 2011 at 3:54 pm said:
My apology for the double posts. I accidentally pressed the button twice. But anyway, thank you.
Oh by the way, will you please get Final Fantasy XIV team down here on this blog to talk about their game, Final Fantasy XIV, pretty please? I do understand why it is under HEAVILY GUARDED because they wanted to be so secretive about this game. But hearing “being so secretive” phrase quite often can become tiresome…
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+ SpyDudeFX on August 13th, 2011 at 3:58 pm said:
I really hope there are some XMB and PS Store related announcements, besides the expected price drop.
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+ LovesJapanManga on August 13th, 2011 at 4:07 pm said:
Sorry. I MEANT FINAL FANTASY XIII Versus!!! Not FINAL FANTASY XIV! :-p
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+ johnsta321 on August 13th, 2011 at 4:14 pm said:
Fun week!!!
I’m playing: Little big planet 2, Killzone 3, Fat Princess
I’m watching: Source Code, Just Go With It
I’m reading: Maze Runner, Kingdom Keepers 4
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+ jecs90 on August 13th, 2011 at 4:46 pm said:
waiting for gamescom!!!!!!!!!
im playing: dantes inferno, play station home.
im watching: RIO!!, and captain america
im reading: everything about D&D!!!! i just want to be prepared!.
im waiting: the voucher of my free copy of section 8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!please!!!!!!
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:52 pm said:
Excited for D&D Daggerdale for PSN? Me too, actually. :)
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+ duo5789 on August 13th, 2011 at 4:47 pm said:
Please make lots of posts about Gamescom!
Playing: Transformers: War For Cybertron, LittleBigPlanet, and Outland
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+ jecs90 on August 13th, 2011 at 4:48 pm said:
Dead Island zombie photo shoot; awesome!!!!! and very funny!!! lets make a contest!!!!! BEST PIC!!!!!
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+ Valsang on August 13th, 2011 at 4:52 pm said:
I’m playing: AC : Brotherhood, PixelJunk Shooter 2
I’m watching: Family Guy
I’m reading: The Art of War
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+ jecs90 on August 13th, 2011 at 4:56 pm said:
sid im very worry about the promotion of section 8, i mean how i know if i was 1 of d 1000 players.also i feel about this promotion very VERY upset!!. not even a email saying thanks for buying d game or something… as a plus member i need answers!!!!!! please. if u dont know d answer just give a link or something.(I BOUGHT THE GAME 2 HOURS AFTER RELEASED)
THANKS SID!!!!! U ROCK!!!!
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:53 pm said:
That’s a good question, I’m not sure how that would work. I would ask for help here: http://timegate.com/support/
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+ jecs90 on August 13th, 2011 at 4:58 pm said:
I ALMOST FORGET!!!!!!!!!!!! IMMMMMMMM WAITING FOR ASSASSIN CREED BETA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SEPTEMBER 3RD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:53 pm said:
^_^
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+ BZKlint on August 13th, 2011 at 5:00 pm said:
▲
▲ ▲
woot!
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+ jecs90 on August 13th, 2011 at 5:03 pm said:
I JUST BOUGHT STREET FIGHTER FROM PLAY PROMOTION!!!!!!!!!! GREAT DEAL!!!!!!! NOW I JUST CHECK MY CALENDAR EVERY DAY!!!!!!!*)
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+ jecs90 on August 13th, 2011 at 5:05 pm said:
IS GALAGA LEGION DX A GOOD GAME?????????????
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:54 pm said:
Yes, though it’s closer to a dualstick shooter and less like the original games.
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+ X_vLaiRx_L on August 13th, 2011 at 5:14 pm said:
Hey Sid for the next playstation update there should be an option to see the games you have chosen for the auto save feature so you can toggle them on or off. Also, the portfolio of your user should be extended one slot so that you can show what games you have and your Home character. These are just some thoughts I had in mind. Other than that, I can’t wait for Gamescom, looking forward to more Battlefield 3 gameplay!
I’m playing: Metal Gear Solid 4, Killzone 3, Battlefield Bad Company 2
I’m watching: Anything good on
I’m reading: The Devil in the White City
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:55 pm said:
Cool, thanks for the suggestions! Have you check out Share? http://share.blog.us.playstation.com/
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+ jecs90 on August 13th, 2011 at 5:47 pm said:
auto sync!!!! i was waiting for that!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!
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+ jecs90 on August 13th, 2011 at 5:54 pm said:
Any chance of Gamescom being streamed live in PlayStation Home?
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:55 pm said:
Not in Home but on facebook.com/PlayStation. Enjoy, and let us know what you think!
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+ rockinjs864 on August 13th, 2011 at 6:18 pm said:
@jecs I bought section 8 30 minutes after it was put on the store and I received nothing can anyone say scam?!?!?!!
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+ bharken on August 13th, 2011 at 7:05 pm said:
@19
I’m also curious with the Section 8: Prejudice promo. I’m quite sure that I was one of the 1,000 PS+ members who bought the game and hoping to get the free Section 8 game + some bonus items.
Sony, please give an update about this or else your members will be very upset and won’t trust you anymore.
I’m playing: Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Crysis 2
I’m watching: Netflix / Vudu not available
I’m reading: FF XIII Official Strategy Guide by Piggyback
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+ Biggz124 on August 13th, 2011 at 8:08 pm said:
Really looking forward to the AC:R Beta (yay plus)
I’m Playing: Mahvel Baby, gonna buy Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood tomorrow for $20
I’m Watching: Nexflix.
I’m Reading: My bible.
I’m Listening to: Watch the Throne, Frank Ocean’s: Nostagia, Ultra!
30
+ buenabena3 on August 13th, 2011 at 9:10 pm said:
Im playing Red Dead Redemption
Im Waching the TV so it wont run away
31
+ xAToMiC–GaMeRx on August 13th, 2011 at 9:26 pm said:
Mmm.. Oh! Good to see you not playing BATMAN:AA, Sid. Because I think you finished it so congrats! ….. BTW, I’m playing : The Sly Collection, Fallout3, Uncharted1 And LBP1. ( I missed these old games ) …. I’m reading : Tom Clancy : The Hunt of Red october Book …. I’m wathing : Fast5 – DVD.
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:56 pm said:
Yep, I finished AA and *loved* it. Where has that game been all of my life?
32
+ xAToMiC–GaMeRx on August 13th, 2011 at 9:34 pm said:
Watching* … ^_^ …. Sorry for the double post ….
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+ Airwalkinman17 on August 13th, 2011 at 10:35 pm said:
Resistance 3 beta is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:56 pm said:
The more time I put in, the more I like it, too!
34
+ Wiisley on August 14th, 2011 at 12:46 am said:
Apple and Nintendo both accept pre-paid credit cards as a payment method. Why can’t Sony?
35
+ angelspawn77 on August 14th, 2011 at 4:05 am said:
Im Playing: AC Brotherhood (beat it yesterday, but going back for sidemissions) Uncharted 2 and Ocarina of time 3D. Bring on the Vita so I can play Uncharted! Both look to be great handhelds.
Im watching: Nothing much, been busy playing games mostly, but will watch UFC today
Im Reading: What I’m typing :P
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+ Miriachiruku on August 14th, 2011 at 6:04 am said:
Whoa! Cooooo-oool! :D
+ Sid Shuman on August 14th, 2011 at 6:56 pm said:
What’s that? ^_^
37
+ BOSTONJOHN32 on August 14th, 2011 at 7:08 am said:
wish i was in germany, heard they will have a nice set up for battlefield 3, towed in a mig fighter and everything.
playing sec. 8 predj. , battlefield 2, mlb show 11 killing time til deus ex/resistance 3/rage.
listening to my cat in heat.
reading playstation3 blog w/ a cup of hot rocket fuel.
rooting for the patriots to duplicate the same score they put up on thurs, every week.
yes it was an exhibition, still very impressive.
counting the days until ps3 explodes w/ awesome games starting 8/23/11
hoping everyone a great day of head shots/ kill streaks and multi-hit combos (and knife melee’s)
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+ BOSTONJOHN32 on August 14th, 2011 at 7:24 am said:
p.s in regards to section 8 predj, well im encountering the same issue.. although it is impossible to know what # buyer i was , i did try and gauge it by the amount of people who rated the game when i was about to buy (around 140-150) and also the time of purchase. i did get the dlc’s but have stopped checking my inbox for the game to arrive. its is passed the deadline, i havent really looked into how many people did get the original for meeting the requirements (it may be that 1,000 did buy before me, unlikely but possible. also not sure how they processed it etc. but at the same time since ive done little research im limited to my opinions and thoughts) and i basically just wrote it up as a “no show/win for me” even though i was confident i was within the first 5-600 tops. but since we can not see the list , we will never know. maybe they are backed up but figured we would be given a heads up if that was the case.. who knows. but i was wondering the same thing. but 1,000 does come fast w. psn. i just thought i was also fast, maybe not enough.
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+ VideoGamer35 on August 14th, 2011 at 8:22 am said:
Looks GREAT :D
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+ VideoGamer35 on August 14th, 2011 at 8:23 am said:
WE WANT LIVE STREAM ON PS HOME, PRETTY PLZZZ?
41
+ Carl-G on August 14th, 2011 at 8:31 am said:
Is SONY going to do a Blu-ray Star Wars PS3 bundle when the Star Wars Blu-rays come out next month? It would be a ‘BIG’ missed opportunity if not i think.
42
+ dada0515 on August 14th, 2011 at 1:05 pm said:
I never heard of gamescom
I’m playing hide from chores
I’m watching my wife burn dinner
I’m listening to my daughter screaming for an allowance
I’m reading my electric bill
I’m crying
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+ dilbig5 on August 14th, 2011 at 2:04 pm said:
I’m playing: Section 8: Prejudice, Mortal Kombat, and Resistance 3 Beta
I’m watching: Naruto Shippuden
I’m reading: This blog
44
+ Apollo4x on August 14th, 2011 at 2:28 pm said:
@SoleAddict23
Mandatory this mandatory that. Sounds more to me like a spoiled child that didn’t get exactly what he wanted (in this case the interface and features). Come on nothing is MANDATORY when it comes to what Sony does with the interface and the like. If the interface is that bad and the features you want so badly aren’t there then why are you here demanding Sony do something rather than go to Playstation Share and posting your ideas for what needs to be change.
Personally before you start demanding things you should try other routs first, and then as a last resort make your demands known.
45
+ zzamaro on August 14th, 2011 at 3:09 pm said:
@2
You don’t believe how many people want cross game chat and are willing to pay(PS+) for it.
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+ dragoon_slayer12 on August 14th, 2011 at 3:59 pm said:
still waiting on parasite eve 2 so i can finally start the 3rd Birthday
I’m Playing: Kingdom Hearts: Re:Coded, Super Metroid, Dead or Alive Dimensions
I’m Watching: what ever movies i have on the comp.
I’m Reading: nothing yet
I’m Listening to: Bad meets Evil Hell: The Sequel, Avenged Sevenfold, Cradle of Filth
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+ TLove92 on August 14th, 2011 at 6:22 pm said:
3 things I want is cross game chat that way I don’t got to hear people cry about it. Make it were you could add 250 as friends because I add a lot friends. Make it were you can add more then couple words in the comment that way your friends can see what you mean instead of asking you what you mean every time.
48
+ pooju5 on August 15th, 2011 at 6:19 am said:
for some reason black ops started to act funny and wouldnt let me play zombies after the psn store update
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+ mgsnull617 on August 15th, 2011 at 6:43 am said:
Hey sid u got to play the new batman rite? Is it more of the same because the last game wasnt really for me I honestly believe batman forever on my old sega genesis was better
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+ Shadow-Man_4 on August 15th, 2011 at 1:34 pm said:
@Sid, the only problem with Plus is the amount of free content you actually offer. It seems that you guys add more “discounts” and “exclusive” items/games more than the free content..
In addition to that, I really want to see more free games which are worth playing. Like, for example, Joe Danger, Dead Nation, those titles that are new to the Store and get high reviews.
Oh, and avatars, we need more “FREE” avatars for PS Plus. Please. :)
Other than that, I’m in love with the Automatic download feature and the vloud saves, these features are what made me decide to get PS Plus. I hope you provide us with more high quality games in the coming months, looking forward to seeing what you guys have to offer.
P.S. We need games like Burnout Paradise which European PS Plus got for free. These are the type of games I want to see please!