The final chapter of Assassin’s Creed III‘s three-part Tyranny of King Washington single-player DLC series is nearly upon us! The mad King George Washington has retreated within his New York stronghold and Ratonhnhaké:ton must prepare an assault against Washington’s incredible fortress.

As the stakes continue to rise in Ratonhnhaké:ton’s pursuit of Washington, so too must his strength and ferocity. Calling on an ancient source of might, Ratonhnhaké:ton must once again risk his sanity to embark on a mysterious and dangerous Sky Journey in order to release the Power of the Bear.

The Power of the Bear enables Ratonhnhaké:ton to strike the ground with such immeasurable force that all nearby enemies will be hurled into the air or crushed into the ground. Even more remote enemies will be staggered by the concentration of will and raw power, making the Power of the Bear an effective method of crowd control.

Like Ratonhnhaké:ton’s other abilities (Eagle and Wolf), the Power of the Bear can even be used from rooftops, unleashing a devastating surprise aerial attack that will leave his foes nothing but broken heaps on the ground.

The Tyranny of King Washington – Episode 3: The Redemption will be available for Season Pass-holders or for $7.99 today! For more information please visit www.assassinscreed.com/dlc.

Remember, you can save on all downloadable content for Assassin’s Creed III by purchasing a Season Pass. You can learn more about the Assassin’s Creed III Season Pass at: www.assassinscreed.com/seasonpass.

Release the bear to stop the tyranny, Assassins!

Similar to the Power of the Wolf, Power of the Eagle has two different uses. First, it enables Ratonhnhaké:ton to soar from one location to another quickly and invisibly as a ghostly eagle. You activate this ability by looking in the direction you want to go… if the Power of the Eagle is available to use, you will see a reticle appear with two wings. Once you press the button to activate the ability, Raton will transform into an eagle and streak towards the new location completely unseen! Best of all, you can use this ability while running or jumping to dramatically increase the distance of your jumps or even save yourself from a nasty fall.

Of course, the Power of the Eagle would not be complete if it didn’t include some kind of offensive component as well. Consequently, we’ve included the Eagle Strike, which will enable you to power dive into a foe, ending their life with the swiftness of a deadly raptor. Will this extraordinary ability be enough to ensure that Ratonhnhaké:ton can stand against King Washington and his remaining lackeys Israel Putnam and Benjamin Franklin?

The Tyranny of King Washington – Episode 2: The Betrayal will be available for Season Pass-holders, or for $9.99 separately. For more information about Assassin’s Creed III’s DLC, click here.

Embrace the eagle to stop the tyranny, Assassins!

A lot has changed in the world of Assassin’s Creed III… with the introduction of our first single-player episodic DLC The Tyranny of King Washington this Tuesday, we figured we should reacquaint you with the hero you thought you knew.

In the shattered reality of The Tyranny of King Washington, the events that shaped a young Mohawk warrior into the heroic Connor of AC3 never happened, thrusting a confused Ratonhnhaké:ton into a sometimes torturous, yet occasionally blissful, waking dream. Can he obliterate King Washington’s demented reign?

To combat George Washington, the former champion of American freedom turned power-mad overlord, Ratonhnhaké:ton will need to master new abilities:

The Revolution was just the beginning, Assassins! Look for The Tyranny of King Washington to hit PS3 on February 19th.

The Battle Hardened Pack for Assassin’s Creed III is out now! Available on PSN for $9.99, It adds three new maps and three new characters to the sneaky — yet brutal — multiplayer, and introduces a little extra variety to your Animus-simulated mayhem.

Of course, if you have a Season Pass, you’ll get all of this free. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll get:

Rally your troops, discover the power of numbers and ignite the revolution!

I want to thank each and every one of you for voting, debating, and commenting on our first annual awards! As predicted, the process wasn’t entirely without its hiccups, but in general I think it was a pretty good first attempt. That said, we absolutely want your feedback on next year’s awards, which will be bigger and better in many ways. Please provide your feedback in the comments – we’ll be referring to it in preparation for next year!

Also, be sure to listen to our new episode of PlayStation Blogcast, where GamesBeat Editor in Chief Dan Hsu joins us for a discussion of our favorite games of the year.

‘Nuff said. Read on to see the very best in PlayStation gaming for 2012 as chosen by PlayStation gamers worldwide.

PS3 Game of the Year

Assassin’s Creed III

This one was a squeaker, but Ubisoft Montreal’s period epic inched past a strong showing by Gearbox Software’s well-received shooter. FIFA 13 Soccer landed the most write-in votes, but not enough to place in the winner’s circle.

Borderlands 2

Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Far Cry 3

Dishonored – “In my book, this was the smartest, most distinctive FPS of the year, shoehorning adult themes, nuanced characters and sophisticated gameplay mechanics into a wincingly visceral campaign. Oh, and it was great to see so many primary colors too! Sequel please!”

– Fred Dutton, Manager, EU PlayStation.Blog

Borderlands 2 – “Sequels don’t always manage to one-up their predecessors, but Borderlands 2 does just that — in nearly every conceivable way. From the vastly improved story, to the motley cast of characters, to the massive volume of guns, Gearbox has planted their foot firmly in the ground as one of this generation’s premier FPS developers.”

– Justin Massongill, US PlayStation.Blog

XCOM: Enemy Unknown – “This game scratched an itch I didn’t know I had, weaving tense turn-based firefights into a shockingly addictive management simulation. This is a refreshing and utterly fascinating game with a surprise and a delight around every corner. Highly recommended.”

– Sid Shuman, Manager, US PlayStation.Blog

PS3 Game of the Year (PSN Only)

Journey

Thatgamecompany’s wildly original opus was always the favorite to win this category, though Telltale Games’ heartbreaking series The Walking Dead nearly overtook it in the final hours of voting. Queasy Games’ Sound Shapes took the most write-in votes.

The Walking Dead: Episodes 1-5

Tokyo Jungle

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Journey – “I’m going with the obvious choice here. Nothing else I played this year drew me in like thatgamecompany’s Journey. Despite the lack of communication and identity involved, I felt closer to my co-op partners in Journey than in anything else I’ve played this year… maybe ever. It’s an experience I wish I could wipe from my memory, just so I could have it for the first time again.”

– Justin Massongill, US PlayStation.Blog

Journey – “I won’t be alone in singling out thatgamecompany’s bewitching quest here. Some complained that it was too brief, but its three hours of playtime will surely live longer in the memory than almost any other release this year. This is joyful, uplifting, must-play material. And, no, there’s no shame in admitting its final moments set your bottom lip aquiver.”

– Fred Dutton, EU PlayStation.Blog

The Walking Dead: Episodes 1 – 5 – “Telltale’s memorable series starts small but slowly builds to towering emotional heights, culminating in what may be the greatest gaming moment of the year. This is a prime example of the narrative potential of videogames — don’t you dare miss it.”

– Sid Shuman, US PlayStation.Blog

PS Vita Game of the Year

UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss

The closest category in this year’s awards nearly ended in a three-way tie between Gravity Rush, Persona 4: Golden, and UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss. But in a photo finish, Bend Studios claims the Platinum prize. The most popular write-in vote was for Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward, which is also available on PS Vita game card.

Persona 4 Golden

Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation

Gravity Rush

Gravity Rush – “Alternately careening and frolicing through the skies of Hekseville provided some of the most enjoyable, empowering moments in gaming this year for me. A lush world and loveable character wrapped around a set of mechanics that feels downright awesome in the palm of your hands.”

– Nick Suttner, PlayStation Blogcast co-host

Persona 4 Golden – “JRPGs have seen a relative lack of representation in this gaming generation. But now that Atlus has rebuilt one of PS2’s most highly regarded games for PS Vita, they’ve proven that a well-written, visually striking, character-driven RPG can still find an appreciative audience.”

– Justin Massongill, US PlayStation.Blog

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale – “A tough choice, but my voracious appetite for portable pugilism ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the All-Stars. SuperBot’s slavish attention to detail shines on the OLED screen and the characters feel intoxicatingly powerful, making this a perfect choice for mobile encounters.”

– Sid Shuman, US PlayStation.Blog

PS Vita Game of the Year (PSN Only)

Sound Shapes

Innovative indie titles placed strongly in this category, with Queasy Games’ charming musical platformer handily securing the lead. Fun fact: Grasshopper Manufacture’s shooter Sine Mora was the top write-in vote.

MotorStorm RC

Super Stardust Delta

Escape Plan

Frobisher Says! – “Not many games are silly. Yet Frobisher’s minigame madness is supremely silly in all the right ways, a ton of fun, kind of beautiful, and free, free, free as a bird. Whether I was finding flan, making a terrible din, or not smiling at pandas, it was some of the most fun I’ve had on PS Vita this year.”

– Nick Suttner, PlayStation Blogcast co-host

Sound Shapes – “Jonathan Mak’s unique approach to game design yields one of the biggest surprises of the year: A whimsical musical platformer that whisks you away on a magical tour of five imaginative worlds, leading inexorably to a momentous meeting with Beck.”

– Sid Shuman, US PlayStation.Blog

When Vikings Attack! – “Okay, maybe I’m biased, but I found When Vikings Attack!’s bonkers Britishness impossible to resist. If there was a more satisfying mechanic in gaming in 2013 than flinging a skip at a gang of Viking invaders, I certainly wasn’t privy to it. If you’re after a hidden gem to discover this Christmas, you could do a lot, lot worse.”

– Fred Dutton, EU PlayStation.Blog

PS Mobile Game of the Year

Super Crate Box

In a surprisingly tight race with several favorites jockeying for position, Super Crate Box’s accessible, addictive formula came out on top in the PS Mobile arena. The most popular write-in vote? Lemmings.

Sixty Second Shooter

Aqua Kitty

Everybody’s Arcade

Rebel – “Super Crate Box is the easy choice, but with that well-trod I want to make sure that no one misses out on Rebel. A sort of anti-Crate Box that has you dodging falling weapons crates while turning enemies against each other, Rebel feels satisfying thanks to a brilliant reward loop of upgrades that turn time-waster into skillful navigator.”

– Nick Suttner, PlayStation Blogcast co-host

Super Crate Box – “This feels like the no-brainer of the group, though Bullion Blitz and Puzziball are definite gems. Simple but focused, Super Crate Box is one of those indefinable instant classics that you’ll understand the moment you lay hands on it. A sheer delight.”

– Sid Shuman, US PlayStation.Blog

Super Crate Box – “Believe it or not, I reckon I’ve played SCB more than any game in any category. Vlambeer’s bite-sized score-attack platformer was an ingenious confection, and nailed that just-one-more-game catchiness better than any other title this year.”

– Fred Dutton, EU PlayStation.Blog

Best Use of PlayStation Move

Portal 2 In Motion

Another tight race, with Sixense’s Portal 2 expansion pack beating back a potent showing from PlayStation Move favorite Sorcery and close runners-up Wonderbook: Book of Spells and Sports Champions 2, while Okami HD claimed the most write-in votes.

Datura – “Probably the best example yet of how PS Move can open up new ways to interact. Navigating the dreamlike forests of Datura from a first-person perspective using PS Move brings a hypnotic surreal quality, as well as a more tactile interface. Really cool stuff.”

– Sid Shuman, US PlayStation.Blog

Datura – “I like touching trees.”

– Nick Suttner, PlayStation Blogcast co-host

PixelJunk 4am – “Sure, it’s something of an acquired taste and plays best, as advertised, in the small hours after a night on the town, but Q-Game’s music plaything really got its hooks in me over the summer. If you like your digital entertainment arty, freeform and very, very bleepy, this one’s for you.”

– Fred Dutton, EU PlayStation.Blog

Most Anticipated PS3 Game

The Last of Us

Despite powerful resistance from Grand Theft Auto 5, Naughty Dog’s highly anticipated post-apocalyptic journey The Last of Us claimed the coveted Platinum prize. Bronze winner BioShock Infinite topped Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch by just a handful of votes, while Namco Bandai’s RPG Tales of Xillia earned the most write-in votes.

Grand Theft Auto 5

BioShock Infinite

God of War: Ascension

Puppeteer – “A close call between this and BioShock, but my innate predisposition towards anything involving 2D visuals, running, and jumping won through. Japan Studios’ lovely platformer is a true feast for the senses, shot through with a delightfully dark sense of humor and A-grade character design. One to watch out for.”

– Fred Dutton, EU PlayStation.Blog

The Last of Us – “An agonizing decision, but (sorry BioShock Infinite) I’m putting my money on Naughty Dog. I’m drawn to the game’s suffocating atmosphere of hopelessness, but I’m also dying to learn more about the fragile relationship between innocent Ellie and world-weary Joel. Fingers crossed that Naughty Dog pulls off something extraordinary here.”

– Sid Shuman, US PlayStation.Blog

Sportsfriends – “If you’ve ever managed to catch one at a gaming event such as PAX, you know that Johann Sebastian Joust, Hokra, BaraBariBall and Super Pole Riders are already some of the best local multiplayer games EVER, even in their unreleased forms. Having all of them on PSN, upgraded and collected as Sportsfriends, is just too exciting for words. Get ready to Joust!”

– Nick Suttner, PlayStation Blogcast co-host

Most Anticipated PS Vita Game

Killzone Mercenary

Strong showings from Sly Cooper, Soul Sacrifice, and Tearaway weren’t enough to unseat Guerilla’s upcoming powerhouse. Intriguingly, Atlus USA’s mysterious Dragon’s Crown earned the most write-in votes.

Soul Sacrifice

Tearaway

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time

Guacamelee! – “It’s been far too long since I got my hands on a unique exploration-based platformer. Guacamelee’s hyperactive art style and elbow-dropping personality promise to revitalize the genre popularized by games like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.”

– Justin Massongill, US PlayStation.Blog

Soul Sacrifice – “Inafune’s dark fantasy promises to bring some serious emotional gravity to the co-op battlefields, such as tragic boss monsters that beg for mercy and an alarming array of life-or-death choices. I’m particularly drawn to the grim, almost grotesque art style.”

– Sid Shuman, US PlayStation.Blog

Tearaway – “Can’t wait. Expect wild innovation, free-wheeling creativity and charm in abundance. If you don’t covet a PS Vita now, just wait until this one lands on shelves.”

– Fred Dutton, EU PlayStation.Blog

Pre-Order

LittleBigPlanet Karting ($59.99)

Sackboy returns in a completely new Karting adventure to save the Craftworld universe! Get behind the wheel to race through fun-filled tracks, battle in hectic arenas, and collect items in open-world environments. Compete in exciting mini-games and modes unlike anything you’ve seen, and enjoy endless levels created by the LittleBigPlanet community. If you can dream it, you can drive it!
ESRB: E – Everyone

PS3 Full Games

Assassin’s Creed III ($59.99)

The American Colonies, 1775. As a Native American Assassin fights to protect his land and his people he will ignite the flames of a young nation’s revolution. In Assassin’s Creed® III eliminate your enemies with guns, bows, tomahawks, and more! In development for over 3 years, the game features the new Ubisoft-AnvilNext engine.
ESRB: M – Mature // File Size: 11 GB

Assassin’s Creed III Gold Edition ($89.99)

The American Colonies, 1775. As a Native American Assassin fights to protect his land and his people he will ignite the flames of a young nation’s revolution. In Assassin’s Creed III eliminate your enemies with guns, bows, tomahawks, and more! In development for over 3 years, the game features the new Ubisoft-AnvilNext engine. And with the Gold Edition, take home the Assassin’s Creed III Season Pass!
ESRB: M – Mature // File Size: 11 GB

Assassin’s Creed III Gold Edition + ACIII Liberation ($119.99)

The American Colonies, 1775. As a Native American Assassin fights to protect his land and his people he will ignite the flames of a young nation’s revolution. In Assassin’s Creed III eliminate your enemies with guns, bows, tomahawks, and more! In development for over 3 years, the game features the new Ubisoft-AnvilNext engine. And with the Gold Edition, take home the Assassin’s Creed III Season Pass! This bundle also includes Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation for PS Vita.
ESRB: M – Mature // File Size: 13.7 GB

Need for Speed: Most Wanted ($59.99)

To be Most Wanted, you’ll need to outrun the cops, outdrive your friends, and outsmart your rivals. With a relentless police force gunning to take you down, you’ll need to make split second decisions. Use the open world to your advantage to find hiding spots, hit jumps and earn new vehicles to keep you one step ahead.
ESRB: E10+ – Everyone 10+ // File Size: 4.5 GB

Sports Champions 2 ($39.99)

Purchase before 11/20 and receive bonus Golf DLC! Become a sports champion and beat your rivals at bowling, boxing, archery, skiing, golf and tennis. PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera required. This game is playable in 2D or 3D. To enjoy stereoscopic 3D features, you will require a 3D TV that supports 3D stereoscopic display and 3D compatible glasses.
ESRB: E10+ – Everyone 10+ // File Size: 3.5 GB

Twisted Metal ($39.99)

Twisted Metal returns with unhinged car combat destruction and action movie mayhem. Unique weapons emerge from demonic vehicles as players unfold the demented tale of a cast of characters, led by Sweet Tooth, in story, co-op and online modes. Up to 16 players compete in a killer-take-all back and forth battle royale on wheels.
ESRB: M – Mature // File Size: 12.2 GB

Toy Story Mania ($39.99)

Join all of the classic Toy Story characters in “Toy Story Mania!” as Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang stage their own zany, fun-filled carnival. Inspired by the 4D attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, “Toy Story Mania!” allows players to participate in 30 carnival-inspired shooting galleries. Includes a variety of addictive mini-games and power-ups that will enhance your overall gameplay experience.
ESRB: E – Everyone // File Size: 3 GB

PSN Games

Okami HD ($19.99)

You haven’t fully experienced the beauty of Nippon until you’ve seen it on an HD canvas! Okami painted vivid and colorful memories for many. Now it’s back to revive those memories, and create new ones for those who have yet to take up the Celestial Brush.
ESRB: T– Teen // File Size: 6.2 GB

PS Vita

Assassin’s Creed III Liberation ($35.99)

Introducing Assassin’s Creed III Liberation, the stunning new chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga, exclusively for PlayStation Vita handheld entertainment system. The year is 1765. During the lead up to the American Revolution in the north, Spanish forces plan to take control of Louisiana in the south – but they have yet to reckon with Aveline, a deadly Assassin who will use everything in her arsenal to win freedom for her land and people.
ESRB: M – Mature // File Size: 2.7 GB

Ragnarok Odyssey ($39.99)

Explore an original world based on Norse mythology where a battle is being waged between humans and giants. Create unique characters from over 20,000 possible combinations and six specialized job classes. The ‘Fling, Fly and Smack’ battle system allows monsters to be flung skyward, followed into the air for gravity-defying strikes, and then smacked clear across the stage. Up to four players can fight together in online co-op mode.
ESRB: T – Teen // File Size: 1.1 GB

Need for Speed: Most Wanted ($39.99)

To be Most Wanted, you’ll need to outrun the cops, outdrive your friends, and outsmart your rivals. With a relentless police force gunning to take you down, you’ll need to make split second decisions. Use the open world to your advantage to find hiding spots, hit jumps and earn new vehicles to keep you one step ahead.
ESRB: E10+ – Everyone 10+ // File Size: 2.2 GB

LEGO Lord of the Rings ($39.99)

Explore Middle-earth in an epic LEGO videogame adventure for the entire family! Based on The Lord of the Rings motion picture trilogy, LEGO The Lord of the Rings takes players through the epic events from the classic story, reimagined with the humor and endless variety of LEGO play.
ESRB: E10+ – Everyone 10+ // File Size: 1.8 GB

Smart As… ($29.99)

Compatible with PlayStation Vita only. Use touch, tilt and camera controls to prove how smart you are in the first ever socially networked brain game on PS Vita. Face tricky puzzles and challenging questions as you climb online leaderboards and show off your scores on Facebook and Twitter.
ESRB: E – Everyone // File Size: 1.4 GB

Added to PS Vita Store

• NBA 2K13
• SOCOM Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2
• SOCOM Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3

PSP Games

NBA 2K13 ($19.99)

Enter the New Dynasty with NBA 2K13, the latest installment of the top-rated NBA video game simulation franchise 12 years running. Executive produced by multi-platinum recording artist JAY Z, who personally curated this year’s soundtrack.
ESRB: E – Everyone // File Size: 971 MB

I Am An Air Traffic Controller Airport Hero Haneda ($19.99)

Let’s challenge traffic control of the sky! On this “Haneda” edition, the player can try both the old three- runway version and the new four-runway version of the airport. There are 16 stages that are very enjoyable.
ESRB: E – Everyone // File Size: 184 MB

PS2 Classics

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power ($9.99)

Journey back to 16th-century Japan as Nobunaga Oda or a rival warlord, and unite the warring states or send the country along a different path!
ESRB: T – Teen // File Size: 3 GB

PlayStation Store Highlights

Assassin’s Creed III is finally here, and you can purchase multiple bundles, depending on what you want. You can purchase the standalone game, the game plus the Season’s Pass or the game plus the Season’s Pass PLUS the PS Vita game Assassin’s Creed III Liberation. Of course, if you prefer to burn rubber, Need for Speed: Most Wanted is out today on both PS3 and PS Vita. Also, if you missed out on the classic Okami, you can now play it in HD with Trophy support.

In addition to Assassin’s Creed III Liberation and Need for Speed, PS Vita is getting some good content this week including Ragnarok Odyseey, LEGO Lord of the Rings and the puzzle game Smart As….Street Fighter X Tekken released last week on PS Vita, and there’s a ton more costumes and gem packs for you to download, so get fighting.

Finally, if you’re a PS Plus member you’ll receive discounts this week on content including One Piece Pirate Warriors, Wonder Boy in Monster World and WWE 13 Fan Axxess, which is WWE 13’s fancy name for a season pass. Those on the fence about Need for Speed: Most Wanted will be able to try the game out with our Exclusive Timed Trial.

As always, please leave your thoughts in the comments below. You can also chat about this update in the PlayStation Community Forums.

PlayStation Plus

Click here to learn more and purchase online or go to the PlayStation Store to activate instantly.

Exclusive Timed Trial	Need for Speed Most Wanted
Discounts	One Piece: Pirate Warriors (40%) – PS Plus Price: $29.99 Wonder Boy in Monster World (80%) – PS Plus Price: $1.00 WWE 13 Fan Axxess (50%) – PS Plus Price: $10.00 Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz Complete DLC Bundle (80%) – PS Plus Price: $0.40
Last Chance (Leaving on 11/6)	Instant Game Collection – NFL Blitz Discount – Wonder Boy in Monster World Discount – Hell Yeah! Pimp My Rabbit DLC Discount – Hell Yeah! Virtual Rabbit Missions DLC Discount – SEGA Rally Arcade Discount – One Piece Pirate Warriors Discount – Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz Complete DLC Bundle Discount – King of Fighters XIII: Iori with the Power of Flames Discount – King of Fighters XIII: Mr. Karate Discount – King of Fighters XIII: Nests Style Kyo Discount – King of Fighters XIII: Unlock All Discount – King of Fighters XIII: Billy Saiki (Human Form) Discount – King of Fighters XIII: Unlock Customize Colors Discount – King of Fighters XIII: Unlock Gallery Discount – King of Fighters XIII: Unlock Icons

PS Vita Game Demos (Free)

Smart As…

Compatible with PlayStation Vita only. Use touch, tilt and camera controls to prove how smart you are in the first ever socially networked brain game on PS Vita. Face tricky puzzles and challenging questions as you climb online leaderboards and show off your scores on Facebook and Twitter.
ESRB: E – Everyone // File Size: 1.4 GB

Soundtracks

• Resistance: Retribution – $9.99
• Infamous – $9.99

Price Change

• NFL Sunday Ticket – PS3 App (now: $149.95 original price: $299.95)
• Crazy Machines Elements – PSN Game (now: $4.99 original price: $9.99)
• Defenders of the Mystic Garden – PS Mini (now: $1.49 original price: $2.49)
• Homefront – PS3 Full Game (now: $19.99 original price: $29.99)
• Red Faction: Armageddon – PS3 Full Game (now: $19.99 original price: $29.99)
• Spy Hunter – PS Vita Game (now: $35.99 original price: $39.99)
• TNT Racers – PSN Game (now: $4.99 original price: $9.99)
• UFC Undisputed 2010 – PS3 Full Game (now: $19.99 original price: $29.99)
• Warhammer 40K Space Marine – PS3 Full Game (now: $29.99 original price: $39.99)
• WWE All Stars – PSP Game (now: $19.99 original price: $29.99)
• WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011 – PS3 Full Game (now: $19.99 original price: $39.99)

Sales

• Catherine – PS3 Full Game (now: $19.99 original price: $39.99)
• Closure – PSN Game (now: $4.99 original price: $14.99)
• Knights in the Nightmare – PSP Game (now: $7.49 original price: $14.99)
• The Cursed Crusade – PS3 Game (now: $14.99 original price: $19.99)

PS Vita Add-ons

Street Fighter X Tekken

• SF Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($12.99) – Alternate costumes for the 19 Street Fighter characters. Characters Included: Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Cammy, Guile, Abel, Dhalsim, Sagat, Rolento, Ibuki, Poison, Hugo, Rufus, Zangief, Vega, Balrog, Bison, Juri, Akuma — Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
• TK Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($12.99) – Alternate costumes for the 19 Tekken characters. Characters Included: Kazuya, Nina, Asuka, Lili, Heihachi, Kuma, Paul, Law, King, Marduk, Hwoarang, Steve, Bob, Julia, Yoshimitsu, Raven, Jin, Xiaoyu, Ogre Note: Please be careful not to purchase the same costume twice. — Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3™ and PS Vita versions!
• DLC Char Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($5.99) – This pack features the alternate costumes for the Street Fighter and Tekken DLC characters. The costumes for the 12 DLC characters are included in this pack. Note: This add-on is exclusive content for STREET FIGHTER X TEKKEN. Please be careful not to purchase the same costume twice. This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased. — Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
• TK DLC Char Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($3.99) – Alternate costumes for the 6 Tekken characters. Characters Included: Lars, Alisa, JACK-X, Bryan, Christie, Lei. This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased. Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
• SF DLC Char Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($3.99) – Alternate costumes for the 6 Street Fighter DLC characters. Characters Included: Sakura, Blanka, Guy, Cody, Elena, Dudley. This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased. Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
• Individual Alternate Costumes ($0.99 each) – Alternate costumes are available for the following characters: Abel, Akuma, Alisa, Asuka, Balrog, Blanka, Bob, Bryan, Cammy, Christie, Chun-Li, Cody, Dhalsim, Dudley, Elena, Guile, Guy, Heihachi, Hugo, Hwoarang, Ibuki, Jack-X, Jin, Julia, Juri, Kazuya, Ken, King, Kuma, Lars, Law, Vega, Xiaoyu, Yoshimitsu, Zangief, Lei, Lili, M.Bison, Marduk, Nina, Ogre, Paul, Poison, Raven, Rolento, Rufus, Ryu, Sagat, Sakura, Steve.

LittleBigPlanet

• Halloween Costume (Free) – On the store this week we will see the return of the first ever seasonal costume released for LittleBigPlanet – The Pumpkin Head Halloween Mask!

New Little King’s Story

• Monster Set ($1.99) – Download the ‘Monster Set’ to get a variety of monster items that will help you regenerate, increase life, damage and attacks! This includes Mummy Head and Outfit, Onii King Mask, Drunken Tengu Mask, Shishkebaboo Wig, Thunderbird Head, TV Dinna Head, Lord Sauvage Beard, and a Mechanic Onii Head!
• Outlaw Set ($1.99) – Download the ‘Outlaw Set’ and receive items that will increase your Attack and helps you defeat monsters completely! This includes a Metal Bat, Pompadour, Jumbo Crew Cut, Men’s Kamikaze Outfit, Ladies’ Kamikaze Outfit, Evil Combatant Mask, Evil Combatant Tights, Wood Sword, Mohawk, and Leather Jacket!
• Princess Battle Outfit Set 2 ($2.99) – Download the ‘Princess Battle Outfit Set 2′ to unlock different Armor sets for each of the princesses, including princess Shizuka, Kokomo Pine, Iris, and Corina!
• Supreme Ruler Power Electronics Set ($0.99) – Download the ‘Supreme Ruler Power Electronics Set’ for new electronic attack weapons and more life! This includes a Particle Beam Sabre, Super Gear Helmet, and a Powered Suit!

Pinball Arcade

• Pack 6: Elvira Party Monsters/No Good Gofers ($4.99) – This add-on pack includes the pinball tables Elvira Party Monsters and No Good Gofers. Every flipper, bumper, sound effect, and display pixel has been painstakingly emulated in astonishing detail. Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!

Pure Chess

• Halloween Treat Bundle ($7.99) – Pure Chess puts other chess games in checkmate! The Halloween Treat Bundle features the full game as well as the spooky Halloween game pack – a treat, rather than a trick for Halloween. You’ll have a frighteningly good time playing Pure Chess with this ghoulish set. Pure Chess is a game that can be played by everyone, at any age, but mastered by only a few. The question is…Are you a Grandmaster in the making?

PS3 Add-ons

Assassin’s Creed III

• Benedict Arnold (Free with every new copy of Assassin’s Creed III, $4.99 otherwise) – The PlayStation 3 system exclusive Benedict Arnold Pack adds over an hour of gameplay, with four bonus exclusive single-player missions. You’ll experience the betrayal that made the name Benedict Arnold synonymous with “turncoat.” Only for PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.
• Season Pass ($29.99) – Join the revolution now and save on all downloadable game content with the Assassin’s Creed III Season Pass! The Season Pass provides instant access to all forthcoming downloadable game content.

Crazy Strike Bowling

You must download and install the latest Crazy Strike Bowling version patch to access this content.

• Advance Challenge Ball Set 1 ($2.99) – Unlock 5 bowling balls.
• Advance Challenge Ball Set 2 ($2.99) – Unlock other 5 bowling balls.
• Aiden Costume Set ($2.99) – Unlock 3 costumes for Aiden. (These costumes can alternatively be unlocked by winning some challenges.)
• All Costume Set ($5.99) – Unlock all costumes. Mina or Mr. Jenkins’s costumes are not available in-game unless the character for those costumes has been unlocked.
• Basic Challenge Ball Set ($2.99) – Unlock 6 bowling balls.
• Carnival Set ($2.99) – Unlock the Carnival costumes for every character!
• Chloe Costume Set ($2.99) – Unlock 3 costumes for Chloe. (These costumes can alternatively be unlocked by winning some challenges.)
• Halloween Set ($2.99) – Unlock the Halloween costumes for every character, as well as a special new Halloween themed bowling stage!
• Lance Costume Set ($2.99) – Unlock 3 costumes for Lance.
• Mina Set ($2.99) – Unlock Mina, one of the new characters, and her costumes.
• Mr. Jenkins Set ($2.99) – Unlock Mr. Jenkins, one of the new characters, and his costumes.
• Paris Costume Set ($2.99) – Unlock 3 costumes for Paris.

Darksiders II

• Abyssal Forge ($9.99) – Check out the Darksiders II Abyssal Forge pack. Featuring an all new environment and a raised level cap!

Dead or Alive 5

• Gym Class ($4.99) – The best looking fighters just got better with 4 new costumes for select characters.
• Special Set 2 ($4.99) – The best looking fighters just got better with 4 new costumes for select characters.
• Uniforms ($4.99) – The best looking fighters just got better with 4 new costumes for select characters.
• Round 3 Costumes – Full Set ($12.99) – Get the entire third round of costumes in one pack. Twelve costumes in all!

LittleBigPlanet

• Halloween Costume (Free) – On the store this week we will see the return of the first ever seasonal costume released for LittleBigPlanet – The Pumpkin Head Halloween Mask!

Max Payne 3

• Hostage Negotiation Pack ($9.99) – The Hostage Negotiation Pack brings four new maps to Max Payne 3 multiplayer: Club Moderno, Estádio Do Galatians, O Palácio Strip Club and Favela Heights. Equip the Explosives Burst, two new weapons, several new items and more. — Note: Add-on content, Max Payne 3 required to play. This content is part of the Rockstar Pass and will be available to Rockstar Pass purchasers in game upon release.

Mugen Souls

• Palpitation Coordination (Free) – Here is a set of equippable items! Let’s make some cute girls and some cool boys! Use these items to further customize your party!
• Undisputed God Prudence Pack 3 (Free) – This is a set of usable items for all you ultimate gods out there who are approaching true divinity! The set includes, healing, revival and hot spring use items.
• Jiggly Transmission and Equipment Pack 1 (Free) – Thank you for using the Jiggly Transmission! Here is a set of equippable items that will aid you on your adventure! This time, please find: a sword, a staff, a gun, a bazooka, knuckles and defense items!
• Jiggly Transmission and Equipment Pack 3 (Free) – Thank you for using the Jiggly Transmission! Here is a set of equippable items that will aid you on your adventure! This time, please find: a sword, a staff, a gun, a bazooka, knuckles and defense items!
• Jiggly Transmission and Equipment Pack 4 (Free) – Thank you for using the Jiggly Transmission! Here is a set of equippable items that will aid you on your adventure! This time, please find: gloves, a spear, a scythe, Dual Long and Short Blades and defense items!
• Combat! Super Weapon Pack 4 ($1.99) – Overwhelming destructive power! Here is a set of special weapons and armor! Power up your underlings further with these interestingly shaped weapons! Especially great for those who love card games!
• Devil! Super Weapon Pack 2 ($1.99) – Overwhelming destructive power! Here is a set of special weapons and armor! Power up your underlings further with these interestingly shaped weapons! Especially great for those who love magic hands!
• Dominance! Super Weapon Pack 1 ($1.99) – Overwhelming destructive power! Here is a set of special weapons and armor! Power up your underlings further with these interestingly shaped weapons! Especially great for those who love fans!
• Dragon! Super Weapon Pack 5 ($1.99) – Overwhelming destructive power! Here is a set of special weapons and armor! Power up your underlings further with these interestingly shaped weapons! Especially great for those who love silverware!
• Explosion! Super Weapon Pack 3 ($1.99) – Overwhelming destructive power! Here is a set of special weapons and armor! Power up your underlings further with these interestingly shaped weapons! Especially great for those who love lasers!
• G Up Fever Pack 1 ($1.99) – Show me the G Up! We made this set for those of you who feel that way!
• G Fever Pack 1 ($1.99) – Show me the money! We made this set for those of you who feel that way!
• Mugen Point Fever Pack 1 ($2.99) – Show me the Mugen Points! We made this set for those of you who feel that way!
• Point Fever Pack 1 ($1.99) – Here is the set that you have dreamed of a set that compiles all the points into one great pack! Here is a set that conains the currency G, the character strengthening Mugen Points, and the item strengthening G Up!

Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise

• Jason Pawhees Costume ($0.99) – Jason Pawhees Costume contains a mask, overhalf, a pair of blue jeans and a machete.
• Chainsaw Massacre Set ($2.99) – This set contains: Bearskin Face, filthy wig, filthy apron, filthy trousers and massacring chainsaw.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted

• Online Pass ($9.99) – The Online Pass gives you full access to Need for Speed Most Wanted’s revolutionary Online Experience. With your Online Pass you’ll be able to earn Speed Points & progress your Speed Level to Unlock Cars and Mods in Multiplayer to get the edge over your friends and rivals.
• Time Saver ($9.99) – The Time Saver Pack provides instant access to all cars in Need for Speed Most Wanted’s revolutionary Online Multiplayer. You’ll also have access to All Cars and Jack Spots in Single player with the exception of the Most Wanted Cars. To get these exclusive Cars you’ll have to use your skills and take them down!

Pinball Arcade

• Pack 6: Elvira Party Monsters/No Good Gofers ($4.99) – This add-on pack includes the pinball tables Elvira Party Monsters and No Good Gofers. Every flipper, bumper, sound effect, and display pixel has been painstakingly emulated in astonishing detail. Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!

Pure Chess

• Halloween Treat Bundle ($7.99) – Pure Chess puts other chess games in checkmate! The Halloween Treat Bundle features the full game as well as the spooky Halloween game pack – a treat, rather than a trick for Halloween. You’ll have a frighteningly good time playing Pure Chess with this ghoulish set. Pure Chess is a game that can be played by everyone, at any age, but mastered by only a few. The question is… Are you a Grandmaster in the making?

Resident Evil 6

• Additional Stage – Rail Yard ($0.99) – This will add the Rail Yard stage to The Mercenaries in Resident Evil 6.
• Additional Stage – High Seas Fortress ($0.99) – This will add the High Seas Fortress stage to The Mercenaries in Resident Evil 6.
• Additional Stage – The Catacombs ($0.99) – This will add The Catacombs stage to The Mercenaries in Resident Evil 6.

Rock Band 3 – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing song game tracks. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• Wrong Way ($1.99) – Sublime
• What I Got ($1.99) – Sublime
• Santeria ($1.99) – Sublime
• Sublime Pack 01 ($5.49) – This pack includes ‘Santeria,’ ‘What I Got,’ and ‘Wrong Way’
• Fading Sacrifice ($0.99) – Chaotrope
• Majesty ($1.99) – Ava Inferi
• On Black Wings ($0.99) – Halcyon Way
• The Monster Stroll ($1.99) – Jocko of Sha Na Na
• Things That Make You Scream ($0.99) – Memory of a Melody

Rocksmith

• Afterlife ($2.99) – Avenged Sevenfold
• Beast and the Harlot ($2.99) – Avenged Sevenfold
• Nightmare ($2.99) – Avenged Sevenfold
• Avenged Sevenfold Song Pack ($7.99) – This pack includes ‘Beast and the Harlot’, ‘Afterlife’, and ‘Nightmare’

Sleeping Dogs

• Ghost Pig Pack (Free) – Grab four more free gifts in this fun headwear themed collection.
• Nightmare In North Point Pack ($4.99) – Fearsome gangster Smiley Cat has come back from Hell to take over Hong Kong’s entire criminal empire and Wei Shen with it.

Street Fighter X Tekken

• SF/TK Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($17.99) – Alternate costumes for the 38 regular fighters featured in Street Fighter X Tekken. Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
• SF Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($12.99) – Alternate costumes for the 19 Street Fighter characters. Characters Included: Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Cammy, Guile, Abel, Dhalsim, Sagat, Rolento, Ibuki, Poison, Hugo, Rufus, Zangief, Vega, Balrog, Bison, Juri, Akuma — Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
• TK Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($12.99) – Alternate costumes for the 19 Tekken characters. Characters Included: Kazuya, Nina, Asuka, Lili, Heihachi, Kuma, Paul, Law, King, Marduk, Hwoarang, Steve, Bob, Julia, Yoshimitsu, Raven, Jin, Xiaoyu, Ogre Note: Please be careful not to purchase the same costume twice. — Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
• DLC Char Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($5.99) – This pack features the alternate costumes for the Street Fighter and Tekken DLC characters. The costumes for the 12 DLC characters are included in this pack. This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased. Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
• TK DLC Char Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($3.99) – Alternate costumes for the 6 Tekken characters. Characters Included: Lars, Alisa, JACK-X, Bryan, Christie, Lei. This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased. Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
• SF DLC Char Alternate Costume Complete Pack ($3.99) – Alternate costumes for the 6 Street Fighter DLC characters. Characters Included: Sakura, Blanka, Guy, Cody, Elena, Dudley. This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased. Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
• Individual Alternate Costumes ($0.99 each) – Alternate costumes are available for the following characters: Abel, Akuma, Alisa, Asuka, Balrog, Blanka, Bob, Bryan, Cammy, Christie, Chun-Li, Cody, Dhalsim, Dudley, Elena, Guile, Guy, Heihachi, Hugo, Hwoarang, Ibuki, Jack-X, Jin, Julia, Juri, Kazuya, Ken, King, Kuma, Lars, Law, Vega, Xiaoyu, Yoshimitsu, Zangief, Lei, Lili, M.Bison, Marduk, Nina, Ogre, Paul, Poison, Raven, Rolento, Rufus, Ryu, Sagat, Sakura, Steve.

Game Videos (Free)

• ARMY OF TWO THE DEVIL’S CARTEL- ANNOUNCE TRAILER
• NBA 2K13 LAUNCH TRAILER
• NIGHTS INTO DREAMS LAUNCH TRAILER
• OF ORCS AND MEN LAUNCH TRAILER
• OF ORCS AND MEN SUMMER TRAILER
• STREET FIGHTER X TEKKEN – EPISODE 2 MOVIE
• STREET FIGHTER X TEKKEN – EPISODE 3 MOVIE
• XCOM: ENEMY UNKNOWN – OUR LAST HOPE LAUNCH TRAILER

PS3 Avatars

• DISGAEA 4: AXEL 2 AVATAR — $0.49
• DISGAEA 4: CLERICS AVATAR — $0.49
• DISGAEA 4: DESCO 2 AVATAR — $0.49
• DISGAEA 4: EMIZEL 2 AVATAR — $0.49
• DISGAEA 4: FENRICH 2 AVATAR — $0.49
• DISGAEA 4: FUKA 2 AVATAR — $0.49
• DISGAEA 4: VALKYRIES 2 AVATAR — $0.49
• DISGAEA 4: VALVATOREZ 2 AVATAR — $0.49
• DISGAEA 4: VULCANUS 3 AVATAR — $0.49
• DISGAEA 4: WARRIORS 2 AVATAR — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: AELINORE AVATAR 2 — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: ARISEN AVATAR 2 — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: ASALAM AVATAR 2 — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: DRAGON AVATAR — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: DRAGON AVATAR 2 — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: DRAGON’S DOGMA: COURAGEOUS AVATAR BUNDLE — $1.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: DRAGON’S DOGMA: POWERFUL AVATAR BUNDLE — $1.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: EDMUN AVATAR 2 — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: JULIEN AVATAR 2 — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: MADELEINE AVATAR 2 — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: MERCEDES AVATAR 2 — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: QUINA AVATAR 2 — $0.49
• DRAGON’S DOGMA: SELENE AVATAR 2 — $0.49
• DYNASTY WARRIORS 7 SUN CE AVATAR 1 — $0.49
• DYNASTY WARRIORS 7: GUAN SUO AVATAR — $0.49
• DYNASTY WARRIORS 7: GUO JIA AVATAR — $0.49
• DYNASTY WARRIORS 7: LIANSHI AVATAR — $0.49
• DYNASTY WARRIORS 7: LIU SHAN AVATAR — $0.49
• DYNASTY WARRIORS 7: ZHANG JIAO AVATAR — $0.49
• DYNASTY WARRIORS SUN QUAN AVATAR 1 — $0.49
• MUGEN SOULS: BIPOLAR AVATAR — $0.49
• MUGEN SOULS: CHOU-CHOU AVATAR — $0.49
• MUGEN SOULS: DITZ AVATAR — $0.49
• MUGEN SOULS: GRACEFUL AVATAR — $0.49
• MUGEN SOULS: HYPER AVATAR — $0.49
• MUGEN SOULS: MASOCHIST AVATAR — $0.49
• MUGEN SOULS: SADIST AVATAR — $0.49
• MUGEN SOULS: SANDY SUNSHINE AVATAR — $0.49
• MUGEN SOULS: SOUL SKYHEART AVATAR — $0.49
• MUGEN SOULS: TERSE AVATAR — $0.49
• PLANETS UNDER ATTACK: ANGRY PILOT AVATAR — $0.49
• PLANETS UNDER ATTACK: BLONDE AVATAR — $0.49
• PLANETS UNDER ATTACK: ELECTRO GIRL AVATAR — $0.49
• PLANETS UNDER ATTACK: FLEET GENERAL AVATAR — $0.49
• PLANETS UNDER ATTACK: MAD SCIENTIST AVATAR — $0.49
• PLANETS UNDER ATTACK: STAR KID AVATAR — $0.49
• PLANETS UNDER ATTACK: STEAM ROBO AVATAR — $0.49
• WWE ’13 – STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN AVATAR — $0.49
• WWE ’13 – THE ROCK AVATAR — $0.49
• WWE ’13 – TRIPLE H AVATAR — $0.49
• WWE ’13 – UNDERTAKER AVATAR — $0.49
• WWE ’13: CM PUNK AVATAR — $0.49
• WWE ’13: JOHN CENA AVATAR — $0.49
• WWE ’13: MANKIND AVATAR — $0.49
• WWE ’13: SHEAMUS AVATAR — $0.49

PS3 Themes

• PLANETS UNDER ATTACK THEME — Free
• Casino Clubs Are Wild Dynamic Theme — $2.99
• Casino Diamonds Are Forever Dynamic Theme — $2.99
• Casino Smokin Aces Dynamic Theme — $2.99
• Casino True Love Dynamic Theme — $2.99
• Dynamic Bear-Panda Theme — $2.99
• Dynamic China Jiuzhaigou Waterfall Theme — $2.99
• Dynamic Crimson Vampire Theme — $2.99
• Dynamic Forest Waterfall Theme — $2.99
• Dynamic Galaxy Theme — $2.99
• Dynamic Hunter Vampires Theme — $2.99
• Dynamic Money Theme — $2.99
• Dynamic Violet Vampire Theme — $2.99

PS3 Wallpaper

• PLANETS UNDER ATTACK WALLPAPER 2 — Free

Available In-Game Only (Not on PlayStation Store)

DC Universe Online

• Exobyte Data: Lex Luthor – ($9.99)
• Exobyte Data: Steel – ($9.99)

Rock Band 3

• Santeria ($0.99) – Pro Guitar (In Game Only) – Sublime

NHL 13

• Bauer Boost Pack – ($7.99)
• CCM RBZ Boost Pack – ($9.99)
• Origin RBZ Boost Pack – ($7.99)
• Reebok 20K Boost Pack – ($7.99)

The time has come, PlayStation Assassins! We are very pleased to announce that both Assassin’s Creed III and Assassin’s Creed III Liberation will be available tomorrow on PS3 and PS Vita, respectively.

To celebrate, we’d first like to draw your attention to our Assassin’s Creed III launch trailer, which you can watch below!

As an exciting bonus for our PlayStation Assassins, PS3 players will get day-one access to four exclusive missions at no extra cost. The bonus missions cover one of the most dastardly betrayals in American history: the treachery of Benedict Arnold! We don’t want to give too much away, but fortunately we have a trailer that goes over a few key details…

Starting tomorrow afternoon with the PlayStation Store update, PS3 owners will be able to download the four PlayStation-exclusive missions (note: you may have to play up to a certain progress point in the main game in order to actually access them). To redeem the content, access the main menu, select Extras and then Additional content, press Triangle and redeem the voucher code found in the PS3 game case.

If you own both ACIII and ACIII Liberation, you’re in for even more bonus content in the form of bonus Cross Content! For going all-in on ACIII and ACIII Liberation, you’ll instantly earn an exclusive ACIII wallpaper for your PS3! You’ll unlock even more bonuses in Liberation, including:

• Aveline can use Connor’s trademark Tomahawk
• Special multiplayer character to give you an edge on PS Vita
• Instant upgrade to Aveline’s ammunition pouches
• An entire mission playable as Connor!

To unlock the Cross-Connectivity content on your PS Vita, follow these steps:

1. Turn on both systems.
2. Start the game.
3. In the Main Menu, choose “Extras.”
4. Tap on “Connect to PS3™ system.”
5. Wait for the consoles to communicate.
6. You will be notified that your content is available to use.

It’s a great time to be a PlayStation Assassin! So what are you still doing here? Get out there and start taking advantage of all of the extra bonus content you get to enjoy just for choosing Sony!

Assassin’s Creed III: Interactive Trailer

If you’ve been keeping up with our coverage of Aveline de Grandpre’s portable adventure, you’re likely already aware of Assassin’s Creed III Liberation’s open-world gameplay, its crossover with the PS3’s Assassin’s Creed III, and it’s PS Vita-specific features. But showing is better than telling, so have a look at some of Liberation’s (optional) touch controls in action, as AC3L Writer Richard Farreese tells us how the team adapted the series’ new control scheme to PS Vita. Spoiler: they didn’t have to change much.

You’re forgiven for gawking at that Crystal White PS Vita. I haven’t washed my hands since we recorded that footage. Assassin’s Creed III Liberation arrives this Tuesday alongside Assassin’s Creed III, both in stores and via PlayStation Network.

Part of Assassin’s Creed III’s ample appeal lies in its fastidious recreation of Revolutionary War-era America, a time of great uncertainty and even greater promise. Developer Ubisoft Montreal has gone to considerable lengths to accurately recreate historic locations across the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, referring to era maps and historians in order to bolster the game’s authenticity.

We recently spoke with lead designer Steve Masters and creative director Alex Hutchinson to learn more about the game’s slavish attention to detail in recreating late 18th century colonial America. Enjoy!

“One of the most challenging things with a city like Boston is the road layout. There are a couple of big, straight streets that our tech really was not set up for, so we had to create a lot of new tech to populate those big streets with people and make sure that can see them way out into the distance.”
– Steve Masters, Lead Designer, Assassin’s Creed III

The PS3-exclusive four-mission arc begins with a special request from General Washington in exposing a rumored plot to overthrow West Point, a critical link in the defense of the Colonies against Great Britain. Across four missions, Connor will flush out Loyalist spies and work undercover for Benedict Arnold, culminating in a full-blown assault on West Point that Connor must halt at all costs.

We reached out to Assassin Creed III scriptwriter Matt Turner to learn more about what’s in store for PS3 players on October 30th.

PlayStation.Blog: What prompted you to choose Benedict Arnold as the focal point of these PS3-exclusive missions?
Matt Turner, Scriptwriter, Assassin’s Creed III: Benedict Arnold is a name that transcended the Revolution and became a synonym for the word ‘traitor’. Given some of the themes in the main story thread, it flowed really well with some of the later beats… but I won’t be specific as they are spoilers! It was also a great opportunity for us to tell a story that people know but don’t really know, you know?

PSB: How accurate are the details regarding Benedict Arnold’s activities? Does it build on what we know about Arnold’s treason, or does it fall more in line with alternate history fiction a la The Tyranny of King Washington?

“Who was there, what they did, and what happened to them is as precise as the history books would allow.”

MT: It’s definitely not like King Washington. We have some scenes that have the actual words spoken by key players in the events at West Point, according to the records from the court proceedings following what happened. On the other side of things, we needed to inject it with some gameplay so there are some liberties in terms of the action. But who was there, what they did, and what happened to them is as precise as the history books would allow.

Our interpretation of Arnold actually weaves into the overall fiction and to divulge that would be to spoil a portion of the story. That being said, we don’t like having “bad guys” in Assassin’s Creed and this is no different in terms to Arnold and these missions. He has his reasons, and from a certain perspective they make complete sense.

PSB: What kinds of activities and missions will players embark on during the Benedict Arnold missions?
MT: The player will be fighting a variety of characters from both sides of the conflict. Activities range from the mundane to the epic… but I don’t want to give too much away, as it’s part of the experience!

PSB: What’s your favorite detail about the Benedict Arnold mission arc in the game?
MT: I actually think the exchange between some Patriots and one of the traitors that we were able to reproduce word-for-word is my favorite part.

PSB: On a final note, what might have happened if General Washington hadn’t learned of Benedict Arnold’s treason and put an end to it?

“If West Point had been captured by the British… the Patriots would have lost the war.”

A simple fact is that the Hudson River was the single most strategic body of water during the American Revolution. It essentially split the colonies in two, so whoever controlled the river controlled the supply lines. And West Point was by far the most heavily fortified area during the war for this very reason. Where the fort was built, the river narrowed and made a small ‘S’, allowing enough room for only one tall ship to pass through at a time. The Patriots built a massive chain on rafts floating across the water stopping any ship from making its way up because they were so outmatched in terms of the navy. It was the only way they could hope to hold it – and it worked.

A large portion of Revolutionary historians contend that if West Point had been captured by the British, and the chain destroyed, the Patriots would have lost the war.