The Drop: Week of February 20th 2012 New Releases

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The Drop: Week of February 20th 2012 New Releases

PlayStation Vita is only days away from arriving in North America, and we’re continuing the celebration with another phenomenal week of releases on The Drop.

The quirky and addictive worlds of Plants vs Zombies and Touch My Katamari roll onto the PS Vita. On PS3, we are introduced to the science-fiction worlds of Asura’s Wrath and Syndicate. PSN brings demos to one of the most anticipated games on PS Vita with Unit 13 and SSX for the PlayStation 3.

New York City, are you ready? I’ll be in the big Apple with Jeff this week, ushering in PS Vita to the gaming world this Tuesday night at 550 Madison in Midtown New York, see you at 8PM!

Enjoy this week’s The Drop!

PlayStation Vita

Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen (PSN/Game Card) — Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen raises the bar over the original with even more stylish ninja action, new gameplay features, intuitive touch controls and a thrilling dynamic storyline. Players will scale sheer walls, leap across roof tops, sneak up silently on their prey, and expertly dispatch enemy after enemy with their razor-sharp blade. New gameplay features include Assassination, which lets players make silent and satisfying kills more easily. Throughout the game, players will hone their skills to execute numerous different attacks and finish their enemies in elegant style, while the game controls will make full and intuitive use of the touch screen capabilities of PlayStation Vita.

Plants vs Zombies — Help! The zombies have invaded! And don’t look now, but they’re coming for you next! You’ll need to think fast and plant faster to fend off this mob of helmet-clad, pole-vaulting zombies.

Hustle Kings (Demo Available) — Rack ’em up and hustle your way to the top of the leaderboards with Hustle Kings. Set in contemporary and stylish pool bars, the Hustle Kings game allows players to hone in on their billiards skills in one of the most realistic looking billiards settings ever realized.

Touch My Katamari — Roll up some fun with this portable entry in the beloved Katamari Damacy franchise. In Touch My Katamari, the ever-growing ball of bits and bobs is controlled by touching the screen or using both analog control sticks to roll it in any direction. A completely new Katamari gameplay feature allows players to use the rear touch panel of the PlayStation Vita system to stretch the ball either horizontally or vertically to pick up more objects at once or squeeze through a narrow gap. With many more details yet to be revealed, the Prince is already limbering up in the wings to bring a dose of irresistible Katamari oddness to the PS Vita.

Ben 10 Galactic Racing — The first kart racing game set in the popular BEN 10 universe and based on the hit Cartoon Network TV series features Ben and his alien friends competing in an over-the-top, galactic grand prix race through a variety of tracks on five different planets! Compete for the best times in the high-speed grand prix modes or engage in four-player multiplayer mayhem!

Army Corps of Hell (PSN/Game Card) — A bloodmoon shall rise over battlefields of endless warfare and ritualistic sacrifice when this hellish action game of regimented slaughter invades the PS Vita!

Dynasty Warriors Next (PSN/Game Card) — Tecmo KOEI’s massive battle franchise Dynasty Warriors comes to the Playstation Vita.

Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack — In Mutant Blobs Attack players take on the role of a twisted mutant blob with a bit of an attitude problem. Players explore, puzzle and platform their way through a world that takes them from the size of a quarter to that of a giant city – devouring everything around them all the while.

Using a range of inputs including touch-based Blob movement and world manipulation controls as well as good old fashioned thumbstick platforming, players will explore a unique gaming experience never before possible.

PS Vita Demos

  • Unit 13
  • EA Sports: FIFA Soccer

PlayStation 3

Asura’s Wrath — Inspired by Asian mythology and fused with science fiction, Asura’s Wrath aims to redefine the action genre by delivering unprecedented levels of dynamism, drama and interaction. Once a revered deity, Asura was betrayed by his fellow gods and stripped of all his powers. Consumed by anger at the injustice he has suffered and swearing vengeance, Asura discovers he can use this fury to his advantage and turn it against his enemies. By channelling his inner rage, Asura is now able to unleash devastating attacks and wreak havoc as he battles against the deities who have wronged him and their earthly forces. Inspired by episodic dramas, Asura’s Wrath is split into distinct sections with gameplay and narrative unfolding as one and building to a final climatic conclusion.

Syndicate — Set in 2069, Syndicate takes players into a dark, Machiavellian world run without government oversight with many syndicates vying for total dominance of their local market place. With no one to question their intentions or actions, three mega corporations – Eurocorp, Cayman Global, and Aspari – are at the forefront of this brutal war for control of the pivotal American market.

In the world of Syndicate, everything is digitally connected, including the people. Players aren’t limited to the weapons in their hands. Through DART 6 bio-chip technology implanted in their head, players can slow down time and breach the digital world around them to take down their foes using a variety of upgradable hacking mechanics. Syndicate’s blend of fast-paced, futuristic, action shooter settings and story combined with innovative chip breach gameplay instantly immerses players in a unique digital world.

Mafia II (PS3 Digital Download) — Mafia 2 immerses players in the mob underworld of a fictitious late 1940’s / early 1950’s scenario. The game engages you in a cinematic Hollywood movie experience in a living, breathing city, fusing high octane gunplay with white knuckle driving and an engaging narrative.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (PS3 Digital Download) — Explore more of the hidden shadows of the Sith with this sequel to the hit game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Starkiller, Darth Vader’s apprentice, returns with over-the-top Force powers and embarks on a journey to discover his own identity and to reunite with his one true love, Juno Eclipse. In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, Starkiller is once again the pawn of Darth Vader — but instead of training his protégée as a ruthless assassin, the dark lord is attempting to clone his former apprentice in an attempt to create the Ultimate Sith warrior. The chase is on — Starkiller is in pursuit of Juno and Darth Vader is hunting for Starkiller.

PS3 Demos

  • SSX
  • Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm – Generations
  • Shank 2

minis

  • Hungry Giraffe
  • Touchdown Fever

PlayStation 2 Classics

Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers — Full Spectrum Warrior is a squad-based real-time combat game allows players to experience the intensity and gritty realism of urban combat warfare. The game is based on a real-time squad-based strategy game commissioned by the U.S. Army to train light Infantry troops in urban combat situations. Soldiers are placed in a tense, hostile, and claustrophobic environment where they must complete a variety of military objectives. Players act as the Squad Leader, providing direction to Alpha and Bravo fire teams. The successful Squad Leader effectively uses cover in the environment and moves his fire teams in a coordinated fashion so they can protect themselves from possible attacks that could come from any direction. Full Spectrum Warrior puts you in the dirt with your men, where danger lurks around every corner.

[Editor’s Note: The following dates are subject to change. Game details are gathered from Press Releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

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298 Comments

12 Author Replies

  • looking forward to that SSX demo

  • i see no mention of Sigma Plus

  • Eager to see what kind of video content you can make of the NYC launch event, Rey!

  • When are u going to release the ar games into the psvita store

    • Expect them this week on the PlayStation Store. I was debating to put them on The Drop, since they’re not retail releases.

  • looking forward to Unit 13 demo !!!! hopefully we get a Resistance Burning Skies online multiplayer demo/beta

  • Is Rayman Origins coming to psn for the ps3 by digital download? It’s on sale this week but would like the digital version more, thanks.

  • I’ve been wanting SSX on PS3 since I got a PS3 two years ago, I can’t believe it’s nearly here. I’ve had a pre-order in for months and months.

  • For those of us who have already own Plants Versus Zombies should get a free game for Vita since many of us purchased that game via Playstation 3? Or is there a reason why we don’t it for free…?

  • Hey Rey, any word on Fear Effect being released as a PS1 classic? It was rated by the esrb awhile ago and released in europe in December.

  • You forgot the generations part on the demo

  • No mention of the Vita apps that are supposed to be available Day 1?
    Facebook, Twitter, Netflix?
    What’s going on with those?!
    Update please!!

  • Will Plant Vs Zombie have Cross-Play functionality? I already own a copy of it for PS3 and it would be sweet if that same PSN copy gave me access to the PS Vita copy.

  • Hey Rey ,
    Any word on the AR card app/games to be available for Vita users this week??
    thank you

  • Is the Plants VS Zombies for the Vita the same one that’s on PSN? If we already bought it on PS3, do we have to buy It again to play it on Vita?

  • Full Spectrum Warrior is already on the Playstation Store. It was released last November. Do you mean something else?

  • Really excited to try out Unit 13, SSX and Shank 2! Hoping that apps, PS1 Classic and more PSP games are supported on the PS Vita soon. Moreover, how come there isn’t a Avatar section on the store?

  • Maybe you meant Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers?

  • Rey, will be there be more PlayStation 2 Classics coming in the future from other publishers? Every PlayStation 2 Classic (excluding Twisted Metal: Black/SCEA which was a part of Twisted Metal Limited Edition) since November has been from THQ. I am kind of concerned that other publishers are not on board with the program.

  • PSone classics still missing: Die Hard Trilogy, MDK, Return Fire, Soul Blade, Tenchu

  • P.S I meant how come there isn’t an Avatar section in the “PS Vita” store.

  • I hope Sony tries to make demos/trials mandatory for all PSVita games. Or at least make PS+ users get 60 minute trials on all games like PS3 started doing, since they are downloadable anyhow. I’d say I’m confused as to why it’s not already like that, but I’m guessing it’s because the Vita hasn’t “officially” launched yet, or because you’re waiting for more games to come out, so you can offer “new game trials” over a longer period of time.

    I’m hoping to see more PS3/Vita integration. So far it’s set up to be something really, really huge (the Vita alone is massively impressive), so I hope Sony can take advantage of this ridiculously unique position they’re in. Maybe bring over some of the Vita features to the PS3, or vice versa.

    *HINT* PSVita’s interface would work perfect with PSMove’s XMB browsing on PS3*ENDHINT*

    Otherwise, from the Drop alone, I plan on getting a couple demos! Hope to see more soon.

  • The official release date of Ninja Gaiden Sigma + is the 22nd, are we not getting a digital release of this game? I had really hoped to go digital with all of my games…

  • Hey, Rey. For “Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm,” you forgot the “Generations” at the end of the title. ;-)

    Also, any word on Malicious’ North American release?

  • I would buy Star Wars The Force Unleashed 2 if it were priced correctly. ie $14.99.
    After all it IS only 4 hours long. PSN games are longer than that. Actually, it should have just been a $15 expansion of SW:TFU1 on PSN to start with.

    But it IS Lucas, so it will probably be $59.99.

  • Wasn’t Motorstorm supposed to be released this week??? Where is it? Anyway, I love my PS Vita, can’t wait to get Hustle Kings for free this tuesday (since I own the PS3 version). Can you tell me how getting access to our free Vita version will work? (Will we get a code or it will already be free in the store if they detect we already have the PS3 version?)

  • yea rey is there gonna be avatar / themes / wallpapers section on the ps vita ?

    • I would hope so, soon. No official word yet. But, you can customize your PSN ID Vita “strip” with some fancy gaming artwork. Another neat, PS Vita perk.

  • i have two questions, will Unit 13 be a multiplayer demo or just single player O:

    and my second question is will Shinobido 2 have a demo down the line?

  • Where’s Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus? And is it only on game card or will it be available on the Store as well? Come on Wednesday!!! :D Anyone who wants to get some Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 Vita multiplayer going, add me. :)
    PSN: JDog09

  • Disappointed in the PS2 classic release this was already released months ago. Glad to finally play SSX looking forward to it.

  • You should list any new digital PSP or minis added to the store with a tag indicating if it is compatible with the PS Vita.

  • My Vita will be in my hands tomorrow. Spent extra for 2nd day, but it was mailed a day late and has been sitting at the sort center over the weekend.

    Glad there is a Unit 13 Demo. I wanted to try that for sure.
    Gonna get the Blob game, it got great reviews.

    SSX is cool too. Hope it lives up to my expectations.

  • the ps2 classic that’s releasing this week is already in the ps store what else is going to happen????

  • Yeah, no mention of Sigma + as digital download is disappointing although I’d be fine with having at least one game cart inserted for life to utilize that space. Now, onto the digital front, I await thee.

  • What about Sigma plus? I was looking forward to play that.

    I hope there’s a demo as well.

  • Still waiting for:

    PS One Classics:
    Ape Escape
    Metal Gear Solid VR Missions

    Digital download for: Fatal Frame 1, 2, and 3.

    Other than that, I can’t wait for the other stuff for PS Vita!

  • The initial PS2 Classics release was great, but what happened now? Stop it and release Contra Shattered Soldier, Neo Contra, Shadow Hearts 1&2, Dark Cloud 2, Mark of Kri and Klonoa 2. These are all great games that we will never see an HD remake of.

    PS1 Classics need Suikoden 2, Vandal Hearts, Star Ocean 2 and Valkrie Profile badly too. And although we are not likely to see it, I would so love to see Bushido Blade released.

  • @ MarkakaJin

    Seconded on the Fatal Frame series. Underrated solid games.

  • Can’t wait for the SSX demo. :)

    Haven’t played a quality snowboarding game since Cool Boarders for the PS1… Oh wait, Rippin’ Riders for Dreamcast was the last one. :)

    Very excited to see lush snowy landscapes on my TV!

  • Well i guess you guys arent going to be having any psp titles when the Vita hits. would have been nice to see Crisis Core, or Kingdom Hearts at the launch of the Vita so the people who never had a psp could play it on their new Vita.

    Good to see Plants vs Zombies coming on the Vita. would be nice if we had the ps3 version get it free like with Hustle Kings, but oh well. hopefully its priced right/lower than the ps3 version (unless its cross-platform)

    All in all i cant wait for the 22nd. i only really have Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom to play on my Vita since Little Deviants isnt all that good. really eager to play Katamari and Dynasty Warrior.

  • SSX…!!! Yes. Loved and played the hell ouf of SSX3. Hope the demo is solid. looking forward to this game so much.

  • @37…well I guess you have not played ssx 1, 2 or 3 on the ps2, cause they were the best snowboarding games on any system. BAR NONE !!!! Do a top to bottom mountain run on SSX 3, was and still is one of the greatest snow runs on a videogame.

  • oh great wonder what the price for the digital mafia 2 is

  • oh great wonder what the price for the digital mafia 2 is

  • BRING US KINGDOM HEARTS 1 AND 2 FOR PS2 CLASSICS !!!!! COME ON ALREAY

  • Yay SSX! Though I’ve know about the demo coming out this week since last thursday’s UberCast.

  • Umm Where is SSX On Tour? Does everyone ignore what happens in Europe?

    When Is America getting SSX On Tour for PS2 Classics?

  • Why is Sony ignoring the PS2 Classics

    If you had a bunch of them on there EVERYONE WOULD BUY THEM

    Uggg . . . . . I guess Sony does not like money

    Since they just lost 1.2 Billion dollars.

  • Still upset about PvZ having to be bought again if you already bought the PS3 version. SCE supposedly has control over SOE, but Sony Online Entertainment said F that and is being way too greedy here. I hope people pass on this product.

    Also interesting that Katamari doesn’t have tags saying it’ll be on PSN….retail only Vita title? I thought that wasn’t gonna happen.

  • oh goody mafia 2 20 bucks that catches my eye

  • i would have to agree with the general complaints about ps1 and 2 download releases on the psn, and the recent releases have not been great (spongebob i’m lookin at you…grrrr) but i understand the problem of getting these games out with licensing and regional issues. I am very happy with the other titles we have got, and appreciate the hard work from the folks at playstation, keep up the great work guys!

    Here is my list of most wanted:
    Ps1: suikoden 2, legend of dragoon, dragon warrior 7, SaGa Frontier, jade cacoon, marvel vs capcom 1

    Ps2: Kingdom hearts 1&2, final fantasy 10, capcom vs snk 2, dragon quest 8, x-men legends 1&2, suikoden 3

    i could go on but thought to keep it short hope to see any of these soon!

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