April Preview

The following games are slated to be free to PS Plus members through the Instant Game Collection in the month of April.

Demon’s Souls (PS3)

PSN Price: $19.99, Free for PS Plus members

Beautiful, compelling, and unforgiving, Demon’s Souls is the ultimate hardcore RPG experience. Revolutionary online features support your adventure like never before, presenting seamless interconnectivity that serves in every instance to enhance the single-player game. Leave hints and clues for those who will follow in your footsteps either intentionally or through your own inadvertent demise, your bloodstains will allow your successors to view a replay of your death, hinting at how to avoid your gruesome fate. It’s an in-depth action RPG that offers hundreds of hours of gameplay. If you can tackle the learning curve, you’ll find one of the most ridiculously rewarding games of the generation.

SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny (PSP, Supported on PS Vita)

PSN Price: $39.99, Free for PS Plus members

Battle as one of many returning Soulcalibur favorites, each enhanced with tuned balancing, new moves and animations. Play the dedicated single player game mode: Trials, developed exclusively for this Soul Calibur outing and evolved versions of classic game modes like The Gauntlet and Versus. Blow away your competition using finely tuned and enhanced battle mechanics including critical finishes, Soul Crushes and equipment destruction and unleash devastating combos.

Malicious (PS3)

PSN Price: $9.99, Free for PS Plus members

Take control of the Spirit Vessel and battle waves of brutal fighters and colossal enemies to rid the world of the evil force of Malicious. Gain new weapons, build your powers and perform devastating combo attacks as the final showdown between good and evil draws near. With a beautiful art style, Malicious is a treat to look at and will be coming to PS Plus later this month.

Labyrinth Legends (PS3)

PSN Price: $9.99, Free for PS Plus members

Are you daring enough, crafty enough, powerful enough to become a legend? Brave the mysterious tunnels, mystical crypts and maniacal creatures of Labyrinth Legends. Explore hidden catacombs and ancient tombs of lost civilizations while evading concealed traps and solving an array of intuitive puzzles. A unique combination of crisp graphics and dazzling visuals, inviting exploration, tricky puzzles, and exciting monster-slashing arcade action makes Labyrinth Legends quite the thrilling game.

Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov’s Revenge (PS3 and PS Vita – Cross-Buy and Cross-Play)

PSN Price: $9.99 Free for PS Plus members

Pick your side in the epic war between two evil masterminds: apprentice-gone-rogue Orville Tycoon and his army of heavy-duty zombies, or his vengeance-thirsty mentor Professor Brainhov and his frantic masses of agile undead! Post Z-day, Tycoon’s mad machination to extinguish all life in Finkleville has almost reached its apogee. During the final siege on the human fortress, his former mentor makes a sudden comeback, seeking retribution for his apprentice’s betrayal and eager to reclaim his rightful place as alpha mad scientist. Only one question remains: who shall win? Slow zombies, or fast zombies? Find out as undead armies clash in both the immersive single player campaign and the competitive multiplayer mode!

Leaving PS Plus In April

• April 2nd – Spec Ops: the Line
• April 9th – Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition
• April 16th – Anomaly: Warzone Earth
• April 23rd – Mega Man Maverick Hunter X
• April 30th – Disgaea 3 Absence of Detention

Entering PS Plus in April (in no particular order)

• Demon’s Souls (PS3)
• Malicious (PS3)
• Labyrinth Legends (PS3)
• SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny (PSP, Supported on PS Vita)
• Zombie Tycoon 2 (PS3 and PS Vita – Cross-Buy)

April 2nd PlayStation Plus Update

Demon’s Souls

PSN Price: $19.99, Free for PS Plus members

Beautiful, compelling, and unforgiving, Demon’s Souls is the ultimate hardcore RPG experience. Revolutionary online features support your adventure like never before, presenting seamless interconnectivity that serves in every instance to enhance the single-player game. Leave hints and clues for those who will follow in your footsteps either intentionally or through your own inadvertent demise, your bloodstains will allow your successors to view a replay of your death, hinting at how to avoid your gruesome fate. It’s an in-depth action RPG that offers hundreds of hours of gameplay. If you can tackle the learning curve, you’ll find one of the most ridiculously rewarding games of the generation.

The Walking Dead Sale (PS3)

Various Discounts

Telltale’s The Walking Dead redefined how we think about video games. Recipient of several Game of the Year 2013 awards, if for some reason you haven’t had a chance to experience this unique story within The Walking Dead universe, now is a fine time to check it out. You can get the entire first season, episodes 1 through 5, through the Season Pass, or fill in what you have left by picking up each of the episodes individually.

• The Walking Dead Season Pass (Regular Price: $19.99; PSN Sale Price: $14.99; PS Plus Price: $10.49
• The Walking Dead Individual Episodes 2 – 5 (Regular Price: $4.99; PSN Sale Price: $3.99; PS Plus Price: $2.99

Rainbow Moon Sale (PS3)

Various Discounts

Rainbow Moon, the indie-developed Strategy RPG filled with exploration, tactical turn-based battles, six memorable characters, is now on sale with extra discounts for PS Plus members. Find the core game, a premium bundle, as well as the soundtrack, all on sale.

• Rainbow Moon (Regular Price: $14.99; PSN Sale Price: $9.99; PS Plus Price: $7.99)
• Rainbow Moon Premium Bundle (Regular Price: $18.99; PSN Sale Price: $10.99; PS Plus Price: $8.79)
• Rainbow Moon Melodies (Regular Price: $4.99; PSN Sale Price: $1.99; PS Plus Price: $1.59)

Söldner-X Sale (PS3)

Various Discounts

The Söldner-X series combines 2D gameplay with white-knuckled action, fantastic level design, and beautiful HD environments to bring a truly unique shmup (short for shoot em’ up for the uninitiated). Both Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer and Söldner-X2: Final Prototype are on sale, as well as bundled editions with extra content, and individual add-ons.

• Söldner-X2: Final Prototype and Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer Bundle (Regular Price: $14.99; PSN Sale Price: $7.99; PS Plus Price: $6.39
• Söldner-X2: Final Prototype (Regular Price: $9.99; PSN Sale Price: $4.99; PS Plus Price: $3.99)
• Söldner-X2: Final Prototype Complete Bundle (Regular Price: $12.99; PSN Sale Price: $6.99; PS Plus Price: $5.59)
• Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer (Regular Price: $7.99; PSN Sale Price: $3.99; PS Plus Price: $3.19)
• Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer Soundtrack (Regular Price: $3.99; PSN Sale Price: $1.99; PS Plus Price: $1.59)
• Söldner-X2: Final Prototype Soundtrack (Regular Price: 4.99; PSN Sale Price: $1.99; PS Plus Price: $1.59)

Remember, check back every Monday to learn when Malicious (PS3), Zombie Tycoon 2 (PS Vita and PS3), Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny (PS Vita and PSP), and Labyrinth Legends (PS3) are arriving to PS Plus members. You’ll also find more discounts and other exclusives that we weren’t able to detail here just yet. Remember the month preview is subject to change.

What’s your favorite content from this week’s update?

What was your favorite content from March?

Thanks for reading this week’s update. You’ll find all the content detailed above with their Plus benefits active when PlayStation Store updates on April 2nd. Got more questions about Plus? Leave your comments below, or, if you’re looking to engage with more of the PS community, head over to the PlayStation Community Forums to discuss this week’s news more, find other topics to contribute your thoughts to, or start one for yourself. See you in the comments! (oh, and no there are not any April Fool’s jokes in this post; I tried!)

Pre-Order

Dead Space 3 ($59.99)

Dead Space 3 brings Isaac Clarke and merciless soldier John Carver on a journey across space to discover the source of the Necromorph plague and uncover the secrets that lay within Tau Volantis. Play alone as Isaac Clarke or with a friend as John Carver in seamless drop in, drop out co-op mode. Pre-order includes an exclusive theme.
ESRB: M // File Size: 5.2 MB

PS3 Full Games

Demon’s Souls ($19.99)

Beautiful, compelling, and unforgiving, Demon’s Souls is the ultimate hardcore RPG experience. Revolutionary online features include cooperative play, PvP battle, the ability to leave hints for others and touch bloodstains that allow you to view replays of other players’ deaths. Are you tough enough to face the impossible… and win?
ESRB: M // File Size: 8 GB

Lord of the Rings: The War in the North ($19.99)

War in the North is a co-op Action RPG that immerses you and your friends in a brutal new chapter in the War of the Ring.
ESRB: M // File Size: 6.3 GB

Rise of the Guardians ($39.99)

Play as one of the classic childhood legends, including: North, Tooth, Bunnymund, Sandman, and Jack Frost in Rise of the Guardians: The Video Game. In this action-packed adventure game, each Guardian has their own set of upgradable and extraordinary abilities that will help you take on the evil spirit “Pitch” and his infectious nightmares.
ESRB: E10+ // File Size: 3 GB

PSN Games

Dance Magic ($9.99)

What if scientists invented a brand new form of biological energy able to convert dancing moves to real power? Then the fate of the whole human race would depend on the most skilled dancer’s will. To protect the dance floor from evil – and to save the world from a grievous end you are here, the hero of Dance Magic. Catch the rhythm, and let the magic begin!
ESRB: E10+ // File Size: 853.6 MB

PS Vita

Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable ($39.99)

Limited Time Offer! Get 4 DLC weapons free! Earth Defense Force comes to the PlayStation Vita system with tons of new and re-mastered features including online multiplayer and the addition of PALE WING, the flying female fan favorite! Planet Earth is under attack from giant alien and insect invaders. Join your squad and repel the attacking forces in a game packed with nonstop shooter satisfaction. YOU are earth’s last line of defense!
ESRB: T //File Size: 631 MB

PSone Games Added to Vita Storefront

• Disney’s Hercules
• Disney’s Lilo & Stitch
• Disney’s Peter Pan: Return to Neverland
• Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove
• Disney’s the Little Mermaid

Bundles

SEGA Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co. ($9.99)

Experience a blast from past with this collection of classic Sega titles! Save kingdoms, shatter time trials, and destroy evil in Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Super Hang-on, and The Revenge of Shinobi!
ESRB: E10+ //File Size: 218.6 MB

SEGA Vintage Collection: Monster World ($9.99)

Bring peace back to Monster World in these three classic action RPG titles: Wonder Boy in Monster Land, Wonder Boy in Monster World, and for the first time outside of Japan, Monster World IV!
ESRB: E //File Size: 248.6 MB

PS2 Classics

Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom ($9.99)

The Crystal Kingdom is losing its color! Help Dora and Boots recover the crystals from a greedy king, who has hidden them in storybooks.
ESRB: E //File Size: 1.2 GB

Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Mermaids ($9.99)

A mean garbage-dumping octopus is polluting the Mermaid Kingdom, and it’s up to Dora and Boots to save the mermaid’s home.
ESRB: E //File Size: 324.5 MB

Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess ($9.99)

Dora travels to the Snowy Forest to rescue the Snow Princess. Help her find all the magic snowflakes to set the princess free.
ESRB: E //File Size: 2 GB

Go Diego Go! Great Dinosaur Rescue ($9.99)

Diego and Baby Jaguar travel back in time to help Maia the Maiasaura find her lost family.
ESRB: E //File Size: 1.2 GB

Go Diego Go! Safari Rescue ($9.99)

Race across Africa with the Rescue Team to undo the mean Magician’s mischief and save the animals with the Magic Drum!
ESRB: E //File Size:1.2 GB

PlayStation Store Highlights

We’re back from the holidays, so I hope you took advantage of our deals over the break. We’re kicking off the New Year with a pre-order for Dead Space 3, which includes a free exclusive theme. Additionally, Demon’s Souls makes its way onto the store, along with Lord of the Rings: War in the North and Rise of the Guardians.

If you’re a PlayStation Plus member, you’ll get access to the God of War: Ascension multiplayer beta, plus classics Mega Man 9 & Mega Man 10 free of charge.

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 Beta

• God of War Ascension Multiplayer Beta

Free Games, Add-Ons & Avatar

• Game Bundle — MEGAMAN 9 & 10 Combo Pack
• Add-On — NCAA Football 13: Recent Winners Pack
• God of War Ascension: The Eye of Kratos Avatar (Plus Exclusive)

Discount

• Eufloria (50% off Sale Price) – PS Plus Price: $2.50

Last Chance (Leaving on 1/15)

• Instant Game Collection – Double Dragon Neon

PS3 Demos (Free)

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Try the free demo! Sonic and the All-Stars cast line up on the starting grid once again to battle for supremacy in the ultimate race. Compete across land, water and air in incredible transforming vehicles that change from cars to boats to planes mid-race. It’s not just racing, it’s racing transformed!
ESRB: E10+ // File Size: 1.3 GB

PS Vita Demos (Free)

Orgarhythm

Music and strategy unite in perfect harmony in this unique rhythm game where two gods embodying the creative and destructive forces of the universe meet in furious orchestral battle. Utilize the touchscreen to direct your warriors and tap-tap-tap your way to victory by keeping the beat. Unlock new skills, unleash new attacks, and experience real-time strategy with a kick. Download the demo today and sample the beats and battle of Orgarhythm!
ESRB: E10+ // File Size: 270.7 MB

Price Change

• Medal of Honor Warfighter – PS3 Game (now: $29.99 original price: $59.99)
• Mortal Kombat – PS3 Game (now: $19.99 original price: $29.99)
• Motorstorm RC – PS3 Game (now: $4.99 original price: $9.99)
• Motorstorm RC – PS Vita Game (now: $4.99 original price: $9.99)
• Valkyria Chronicles 2 – PSP Game (now: $19.99 original price: $39.99)

Sales

• Blokus ‘Move’ – PS3 Game (now: $0.99 original price: $4.99)
• Brain Challenge – PS3 Game (now: $0.99 original price: $4.99)
• Brain Challenge – PSP Game (now: $0.99 original price: $4.99)
• BreakQuest – PS Mini (now: $0.99 original price: $1.49)
• Dungeon Hunter: Alliance – PS3 Game (now: $0.99 original price: $12.99)
• Earthworm Jim HD – PS3 Game (now: $0.99 original price: $9.99)
• Eufloria – PS3 Game (now: $4.99 original price: $9.99)
• Hero of Sparta – PS Mini (now: $0.99 original price: $4.99)
• Jane’s Hotel – PS Mini (now: $0.99 original price: $1.99)
• Let’s Golf – PS Mini (now: $0.99 original price: $4.99)
• Modern Combat: Domination – PS3 Game (now: $0.99 original price: $7.99)
• N.O.V.A. – PS Mini (now: $0.99 original price: $4.99)
• Normaltanks – PS Mini (now: $0.99 original price: $1.49)
• Planets Under Attack – PS3 Game (now: $9.99 original price: $14.99)
• Tank Battles – PS3 Game (now: $0.99 original price: $4.99)
• TV Show King – PS3 Game (now: $0.99 original price: $4.99)
• UNO – PS3 Game (now: $0.99 original price: $4.99)

PS Vita Add-ons

LittleBigPlanet PS Vita

• Black Cat ($1.99) – Download this Black Cat costume to really stand out from the crowd!
• Deadpool ($1.99) – Download this Deadpool costume to really stand out from the crowd!
• Dr. Doom ($1.99) – Download this Dr. Doom costume to really stand out from the crowd!
• Hawkeye ($1.99) – Download this Hawkeye costume to really stand out from the crowd!
• Marvel Costume Pack 6 ($5.99) – Download this costume Pack to dress up like five legendary Marvel characters: Sabretooth, Black cat, Deadpool, Dr Doom, and Hawkeye.
• New Year Firework Costume (Free) – Download this additional costume to really stand out from the crowd!
• Sabretooth Costume ($1.99) – Download this Sabretooth costume to really stand out from the crowd!

Street Fighter X Tekken

• Boost Gem Trial Pack 9 (Free) – A total of 3 Boost Gems that all characters can use. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• SF Boost Gem Pack 22 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Street Fighter characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• SF Boost Gem Pack 23 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Street Fighter characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• SF Boost Gem Pack 24 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Street Fighter characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• TK Boost Gem Pack 22 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Tekken characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• TK Boost Gem Pack 23 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Tekken characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• TK Boost Gem Pack 24 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Tekken characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale

• ‘Archer Disguise’ Sly Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Athena Nariko’ Nariko Costume($1.99)
• ‘Bistro Toro’ Toro Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Commando Suit’ Ratchet Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Deimos’ Kratos Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Evil Among Thieves’ Evil Cole Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Funky Astro Suit’ PaRappa Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Golden Armor’ Sir Daniel Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Kessler’ Good Cole Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Old World Jak’ Jak Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Pirate Princess’ Fat Princess Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Sackgirl’ Sackboy Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Shamballa Snow Jacket’ Drake Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Special Event Suit’ Spike Costume ($1.99)
• ‘StA-X6 Jetpack’ Radec Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Sweet Tooth Outcast’ Sweet Tooth Costume ($1.99)

PS3 Add-ons

Assassin’s Creed III

• Battle Hardened ($9.99, free for Season Pass holders) – The Battle Hardened Pack extends the Assassin’s Creed III multiplayer experience with three new playable characters and maps, plus awesome bonus items! Become the influential Governor, the resilient Highlander or the fearsome Coyote Man. Journey through Charlestown, Fort St-Mathieu and Saint Pierre as you stalk your enemies and fight to protect your team. Rally your troop, discover your power in numbers and ignite the revolution!

Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2013

• Maneater Level Pack (Free) – Didn’t get enough co-op hunting action? The Maneater Level Pack gives you 3 additional Maneater levels with predators that range from North American Grizzlies to African Black Lions. Join forces with a friend to take on even more waves of increasingly deadly beasts!

Dance Magic

• Tracks Set 1 ($1.99) – Set of 7 tracks with unique step charts and leader boards. Tracks: – Love Your Style / Bryan Steele – Shooting Star / Sideway Runners – Come Alive / Dr. Dexter – Get Ya / DWB – Dance Floor / Eminent Pulse – Feels Like Something / Salme Dahlstrom (BMI) – Taking Over The World Tonight / Candy Coated Chaos

Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse

• Peter Griffin’s Man Boob Mega ($4.99) – Download new and exciting content for ‘Family Guy: Back To The Multiverse’ including The Griffins in their classic Gold Tuxedos, new weapon skins, new outfits and much more! Includes content for all game modes including Story Mode, Multiplayer and Challenge Mode. Whether you’re wielding a petrified cat like it’s a WMD, playing as Evil Mayor West in Multiplayer or battling in an exclusive Challenge Mode, your enemies will tremble at you!

Just Dance 4

• The Girly Team – So Glamorous ($2.99) – Keep the party going and just dance to an awesome party hits favorite, So Glamourous by The Girly Team.

LittleBigPlanet 2

• Black Cat ($1.99) – Download this Black Cat costume to really stand out from the crowd!
• Deadpool ($1.99) – Download this Deadpool costume to really stand out from the crowd!
• Dr. Doom ($1.99) – Download this Dr. Doom costume to really stand out from the crowd!
• Hawkeye ($1.99) – Download this Hawkeye costume to really stand out from the crowd!
• Marvel Costume Pack 6 ($5.99) – Download this costume Pack to dress up like five legendary Marvel characters: Sabretooth, Black cat, Deadpool, Dr Doom, and Hawkeye.
• New Year Firework Costume (Free) – Download this additional costume to really stand out from the crowd!
• Sabretooth Costume ($1.99) – Download this Sabretooth costume to really stand out from the crowd!

Magic the Gathering – Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013

• Magic 2013 Deck Pack 3 ($2.99) – Seeking to expand your mastery and defeat your foes? This Magic 2013 deck pack includes the blue and black “Rogues’ Gallery” deck and the “Mana Mystery” five-color deck for Campaign and Multiplayer play.

Mugen Souls

• G Fever Pack 3 ($2.99) – Show me the money! We made this set for those of you who feel that way!

NBA 2K13

• All-Star Game ($4.99) – Set in Houston, site of the 2013 NBA All-Star Game, the NBA 2K13 All-Star add-on includes four events from the NBA All-Star weekend: the Rising Stars Challenge Game, East v. West NBA All-Star Game, the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest and an all-new Sprite Slam Dunk Contest.

Rock Band 3

• Animal ($1.99) – Kink Ador
• Cody ($1.99) – We Set The Sun
• Cold ($1.99) – Christina Marie Magenta
• Forbidden City ($1.99) – Tina Guo
• Foster the People Pack 1 ($5.49) – Includes ‘Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls),’ ‘Helena Beat,’ and ‘Pumped Up Kicks’
• Giant Bombstep: Reloaded ($0.99) – The Hamster Alliance (ft. The Giant Bomb Crew)
• Helena ($1.99) – My Chemical Romance
• Indoctrination ($0.99) – Halcyon Way
• Inversion ($0.99) – Halcyon Way
• Just A Lie ($1.99) – Pythia
• Moves Like Jagger ($1.99) – Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
• My Chemical Romance Pack 1 ($5.49) – Includes ‘Helena,’ ‘Sing,’ and ‘Teenagers’
• Party Hard ($1.99) – Andrew W.K.
• Pumped Up Kicks ($1.99) – Foster the People
• Queendom ($1.99) – B.et.a and The Neon Panthers
• Raise Your Glass ($1.99) – P!nk
• Robots ($0.99) – Sweethammer.
• Sing ($1.99) – My Chemical Romance
• Teenagers ($1.99) – My Chemical Romance
• The Age of Betrayal ($0.99) – Halcyon Way
• The Hourglass Paroxysm – Part I ($0.99) – Chaotrope
• The Hourglass Paroxysm – Part II ($0.99) – Chaotrope
• These Days ($1.99) – Foo Fighters
• These Voices ($1.99) – Deception of a Ghost
• The War Will Never Start ($0.99) – Steve Pardo
• Tonight Tonight ($1.99) – Hot Chelle Rae
• We Are Young ($1.99) – Fun. ft. Janelle Monáe

RockSmith

• Black Magic Woman ($2.99) – Santana
• Oye Como Va ($2.99) – Santana
• Smooth ($2.99) – Santana
• Santana Song Pack ($7.99) – Includes ‘Oye Como Va’, ‘Black Magic Woman’, and ‘Smooth’
• Metal and Hard Rock Pack ($23.99) – Includes: ‘Afterlife’ – Avenged Sevenfold ‘Beast and the Harlot’ – Avenged Sevenfold ‘Nightmare’ – Avenged Sevenfold ‘Bring Me to Life’ – Evanescence ‘Breaking the Law’ – Judas Priest ‘Living After Midnight’ – Judas Priest ‘Painkiller’ – Judas Priest ‘Redneck’ – Lamb of God ‘Hangar 18′ – Megadeth ‘Public Enemy No. 1′ – Megadeth ‘Symphony of Destruction’ – Megadeth ‘I Hate Everything About You’ – Three Days Grace
• Rock Pack ($29.99) – Includes: ‘Kryptonite’ – 3 Doors Down ‘Loser’ – 3 Doors Down ‘When I’m Gone’ – 3 Doors Down ‘Gold on the Ceiling’ – The Black Keys ‘Just Got to Be’ – The Black Keys ‘Mind Eraser’ – The Black Keys ‘Tighten Up’ – The Black Keys ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’ – The Darkness ‘Black’ – Pearl Jam ‘Jeremy’ – Pearl Jam ‘Limelight’ – Rush ‘Red Barchetta’ – Rush ‘Subdivisions’ – Rush ‘Tom Sawyer’ – Rush ‘YYZ’ – Rush

Street Fighter X Tekken

• Boost Gem Trial Pack 9 (Free) – A total of 3 Boost Gems that all characters can use. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• SF Boost Gem Pack 22 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Street Fighter characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• SF Boost Gem Pack 23 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Street Fighter characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• SF Boost Gem Pack 24 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Street Fighter characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• TK Boost Gem Pack 22 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Tekken characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• TK Boost Gem Pack 23 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Tekken characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• TK Boost Gem Pack 24 ($0.99) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Tekken characters. This is a pack featuring various activation effects across all genres. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.

Wheel of Fortune

• The 80s Pack ($3.49) – 400 new puzzles, 80′s vehicle prizes and an 80′s themed stage make up a totally radical retro version of America’s Game! Like, gag me with a spoon!

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale

• ‘Archer Disguise’ Sly Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Athena Nariko’ Nariko Costume($1.99)
• ‘Bistro Toro’ Toro Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Commando Suit’ Ratchet Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Deimos’ Kratos Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Evil Among Thieves’ Evil Cole Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Funky Astro Suit’ PaRappa Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Golden Armor’ Sir Daniel Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Kessler’ Good Cole Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Old World Jak’ Jak Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Pirate Princess’ Fat Princess Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Sackgirl’ Sackboy Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Shamballa Snow Jacket’ Drake Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Special Event Suit’ Spike Costume ($1.99)
• ‘StA-X6 Jetpack’ Radec Costume ($1.99)
• ‘Sweet Tooth Outcast’ Sweet Tooth Costume ($1.99)

PS3 Themes

• Animal Friends: Bay Mare Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Animal Friends: Chihuahua Dreams Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Animal Friends: Grazing Horse Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Animal Friends: Kittens Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Christmas Crackling Fireplace Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Digital Blasphemy Bundle (Bundle DB Citadel & DB Vigil) ($4.49)
• Disco Fever Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Dynamic Let It Snow Theme ($2.99)
• Dynamic Midwinter Night Theme ($2.99)
• Happy Lovers Town PSP Theme ($1.49)
• Logo by Richard Woods Studio Static Theme ($1.99)
• Soothing Falls Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
• Vibrant Shapes by Mads Berg Static Theme ($1.99)
• ZOMBIE DRIVER HD HARODEH DYNAMIC THEME ($2.99)

PS3 Avatars

• Machinarium BOSS ($0.49)
• Machinarium BOSS B ($0.49)
• Machinarium COP ($0.49)
• Machinarium COP B ($0.49)
• Machinarium DIDGERIDOO ($0.49)
• Machinarium DRUMMER ($0.49)
• Machinarium FATGUY ($0.49)
• Machinarium GIRL ($0.49)
• Machinarium GRAMOPHONE ($0.49)
• Machinarium JOSEF ($0.49)
• Machinarium JOSEF HEAD ($0.49)
• Machinarium MADAM ($0.49)
• Machinarium Parrot Avatar ($0.49)
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• DEVELOPER DIARY – VEHICLES IN DUST 514 (PART 2)
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• THE ENDLESS ARSENAL OF DUST 514

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Magic: The Gathering – Duels of the Planeswalkers

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Rock Band 3

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A lot of unusual things go on here at ATLUS, and as a publisher known for delivering great JRPG content, Demon’s Souls represented something unique even for us: runaway mainstream success. In the years since its release, Demon’s Souls went far above and beyond our usual humble offerings, partly because it’s such a special game. It’s a Japanese-developed RPG, made by From Software, but it has a distinctly Western look and feel in the weight of its movements and the ruthlessness of its enemies and environments. It’s a single-player title, but it has a strong online component unlike anything that came before it, where you can summon other players as friendly ghosts to give you a hand, or be invaded by hostile marauders without warning. Its unsparing difficulty seemed to mark it as destined to be appreciated only by a select few, yet it’s been universally lauded (and awarded Game of the Year by a few, including GameSpot) and remains our highest-selling title ever.

As a thank you to the fans who have supported it this far and kept the servers burning, we’re excited to announce that Demon’s Souls will be available on Tuesday, January 8th, as a digital download on PSN. Now you can buy it from the comfort of your own home; if you haven’t yet tried it for yourself, its price of $19.99 should be a warmer welcome than any bonfire. What’s more, to celebrate the digital launch of Demon’s Souls, we’re holding a Pure White World Tendency event from January 8th to 14th, which slightly reduces the difficulty of the game and opens up a few things that can only be accessed in the Pure White state.

So come on and find out what everyone else who’s played and loved Demon’s Souls already knows: the joys of dying over and over again. And when you do, don’t forget to leave a message for the next unfortunate wretch who’ll come after you. Our favorite? The real Demon’s Souls starts here…

Luckily, today’s the day. For the viewing pleasure of PlayStation.Blog readers, From Software and Namco Bandai have collected a host of rare concept artwork accompanied by design notes from Miyazaki himself. Miyazaki also wanted to pass along a greeting just for PlayStation.Blog readers: “I am hoping all of you experience meaningful deaths many times in the game. I know that the game is challenging, but I want you to keep trying to overcome any difficulty you face in the game. And please feel a great sense of achievement when overcoming a difficulty!”

Read on for the full gallery. If you do pick up Dark Souls, keep us updated with your character build, equipment, and winning strategies. I have a hunch we’ll be needing all the help we can get…

Hidetaka Miyazaki, Director, Dark Souls: These are the preliminary designs for the Gaping Dragon. The story goes that there were many ancient dragons in this world, and after many of them perished, the few survivors went mad. This is just one of the many designs we came up when discussing how they went mad.

This is the Snake Man. He was designed as another one of the “failed experiments” for obtaining the immortal scales of the albino dragon Seath the Scaleless. It’s referenced in the rings inside the game, but the image of a snake with scales that sheds its skin overlaps with the immortal ancient dragons. Compared to popular snake-human designs, its neck is much thicker, which I like.

This is the Crystal Undead. Like the Snake Soldiers, he was designed as one of the “failed experiments” for obtaining the immortal scales. Snake Soldiers were one of the earlier designs, so they (along with the Crystal series) embody the later designs in the game. Visual allusions to the dragon Seath and crystals are a major theme in the Duke’s Archive and Crystal Cavern.

This is the Sealer. This design was inspired by the theme of “mage of lost rituals.” In the end, it gained the role of sealer, and was assigned with the ritual of curse-breaking.

This is Havel’s Armor. His design came from the theme of “an ancient soldier of stone.” I particularly like his large crested helmet.

This is the Bell Gargoyle. This boss was designed after we decided to include a scene where you fight on a church rooftop. The gargoyle motif perfectly fit that situation, as well as what was required for the game. He’s one of the earlier bosses you’ll fight, but we wanted him to convey the ambiance of Anor London in that he’s the embodiment of the medieval ages in a world of knights and kings.

This is the Egg-Bearer. He came about during a flood of ideas with no one particular theme. His design is without a doubt shocking, and many more ideas came from him.

This is the Embraced Knight. The story went that this knight received divine protection from a goddess, but then we started to think about adding something twisted or unexpected to the design and that’s where we got the idea to have the embracing arms of the goddess designed right into his armor. His armor inspired the creation of the character Lautrec of Carim.

This is a Dragon Zombie. Like the Gaping Dragon, the story goes that after many of the ancient dragons died, the few survivors went mad. This is just one of the designs we came up when discussing how they went mad. We decided to go with the straightforward “descendant of dead dragons” design, but we also wanted to go with elements that felt almost metaphysical.

This is the Titanite Demon. He was the product of a lot of brainstorming when we weren’t able to narrow down the theme. From the game perspective, we needed “an ore demon that forges weapons,” and he was ultimately selected for that role.

The Black Knight. At first, he was designed to represent an evil spirit. We pictured it as the grudge of fallen soldiers amassed together to become the hollow Black Knight. That idea ultimately didn’t take shape, but it was such a cool idea that it we eventually tweaked it for King Gwyn’s knights.

This is the Gravelord Nito. He was designed with the theme of “Lord of Death.” I remember his first drafts being approved without many revisions. A rare treat!

The newest additions to the “Greatest Hits” library include:

• MAG (Sony Computer Entertainment)
• Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (Sony Computer Entertainment)
• MotorStorm: Pacific Rift (Sony Computer Entertainment)
• Demon’s Souls (Atlus)
• Call of Duty: World at War (Activision)
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Activision)
• TEKKEN 6 (NAMCO BANDAI Games)

With this month’s launch of PlayStation Move and the recent addition of 3D Blu-ray movie support, the PS3 is the only system continues to do everything – and with more and more titles available at the low “Greatest Hits” price, there’s something for everyone looking to expand their PS3 library. In fact, the MAG PlayStation Move software update, which enables PlayStation Move compatibility, is coming soon. Enjoy!

For months leading up to its release, we’ve emphasized the game’s difficulty level, striving in every instance not to misrepresent the game and to ensure that curious gamers are not caught off guard by the challenges that await them. That said, we don’t want anyone to steer clear of the game because of what they’ve heard. If that is not the perfect segue into some starting tips for new heroes, then I don’t know what is.

Demon’s General Warning: Fire can be hazardous to your health

*Mild Spoiler Alert*

Your first task in Demon’s Souls, before even jumping into the game world, is to create your character. Demon’s Souls offers 10 different player classes, each with different starting stats and equipment.

Unlike many RPGs, Demon’s Souls does not punish players for choosing something out of line with their play style. Regardless of which class you pick, you’ll be able to eventually do anything another class is more capable of at the start; all it takes is a little extra work. Therefore, if you want to be a spellcaster, archer, or melee fighter, it will make more sense to choose an appropriate class to start, but just because you do so doesn’t mean you won’t be dabbling in other classes’ strengths later on, and you probably won’t be anywhere near as tempted as in other RPGs to keep creating new characters and playing the first bit over and over again in order to make that perfect build. That simply isn’t accomplished at the beginning; it’s done over the course of your epic adventure (as it should be).

I (and most Demon’s Souls players, it seems) would recommend the Royalty class to most newcomers. The Royalty class begins with a Soul Level of 1, which means that the Soul Point requirement for advancing the first few levels is the least, allowing players the most early stat customization options. Moreover, the class begins with a catalyst (wand) and the Soul Arrow spell memorized, making them a long-range spell casting force to be reckoned with. On top of all this, they start with the Fragrant Ring equipped, an item that offers slow but steady Magic Point regeneration. For more class tips, and other helpful info, consult our newly launched wiki.

This description may make the Royalty class sound like a no-brainer (and I’m sure some Demon’s Souls players would argue that is the case), but the beauty of the game is that the class decision at the beginning ultimately makes little difference to the vast majority of the game experience (contrary to most games). Not to suggest that customization doesn’t matter; in fact, it matters a great deal!

Rather, in Demon’s Souls, it is the choices you make on how to advance and evolve your character that are key, delivering a MUCH more satisfying and rewarding role-playing experience than many other entries in the genre. Also, the Royalty class will initially suffer in up-close combat, something to consider if that’s your style (and consideration of what exactly your preferred play style in such a game actually is is crucial to your enjoyment of the game… again, something that other RPGs don’t really take into consideration).

My, how many eyes you have…

Don’t worry when you die almost immediately at the end of the tutorial; death is unavoidable by design. You’ll be revived in the Nexus by the Maiden in Black, who will later on be your means for advancing/leveling your character. The first and only region you’ll initially have access to is the Boletarian Palace (1-1). Don’t be alarmed when you begin this area and find a number of bloodstains (indications of other players’ deaths, if you’re connected to PlayStation Network). The game takes a little getting used to, hence some folks meeting early (and repeated, at times) deaths.

Here are a few important tips:

1. Watch your stamina carefully – Stamina is crucial to melee fighting in Demon’s Souls. There have been very well-received RPGs in gaming history that have allowed players to simply hack away at the attack button, but this is NOT the case in Demon’s Souls. You will only be able to string/combo attack as long as you have stamina (the green bar) left, and when it is depleted, you’ll just stand there and be open to attack unless you move around intelligently and manage your stamina well. Power swings take more stamina (duh), and absorbing a power hit will deplete you as much if not more (and if you’re already low on stamina, will stun you and open you up to attacks).

2. Don’t try to get away with more than makes logical sense – That is to say, if you think it would be ill-advised to take on 4-5 foes at once in real life, don’t put yourself in that situation in Demon’s Souls. Rushing ahead foolishly will get a lot of enemy attention. Sound judgment would suggest progressing with a more measured pace, only antagonizing a manageable number of enemies and making your life easier.

3. Shield if you got’em – If you are a melee fighter, you’d be remiss not to use your shield at every possible opportunity. With most shields, you’ll still take a bit of damage when you absorb a blow using a shield (although the amount varies with shield quality, and some shields negate all damage), but it will be far less than having no shield at all (even faced with fire/magic attacks, a shield can help reduce damage taken).

4. Pay CLOSE attention to your surroundings (and if you’re playing online, the hints left by others) – The game will rarely warn you if you’re about to make a mistake or head in a path not quite appropriate for your character. It will instead let you make the mistake, die, and hopefully learn from it. That said, the messaging system and bloodstain system built into the game give players connected to PSN an ample supply of hints and warnings for avoiding ambushes, traps, and dangerous foes (for more info, watch our second walkthrough video, which touches on the online features extensively.

Once you get the hang of 1-1 and defeat the area’s boss, Demon’s Souls opens up to you—literally. You’ll be able to access the initial area of all of the five other archstones AND you’ll receive the Blue eye stone, which lets you drop Soul Signs on the ground and, when you’re dead/in soul form, you can be summoned by living players into their games to assist them in their quest.

You could have helpful information like this if you pick up the Deluxe Edition, which is selling rather briskly, and snag yourself the strategy guide, which is not sold separately…

I’ll suggest beginners proceed to 1-2 or 2-1 after completing 1-1, or, at the very least, leave the fifth archstone for a little later. It’s a bit more challenging (relatively speaking) and will be more enjoyable a little later on.

Demon’s Souls is a very hard game to sum up or describe in a short amount of space, as evidenced by this rather lengthy blog entry. As deep and nuanced as the game is, as much as there is to get out of it, players will find the actual game mechanics incredibly simple and intuitive. It’s breaking out of the run-and-gun (or hack-and-slash, rather) mentality of other games that can be a challenge. Once you manage to, though, expect one of the most rewarding, satisfying, time-sucking roleplaying experiences you’ve ever had, complete with beautiful visuals, haunting music, and some of the most immersive stages ever.

We’re really excited to join you in the Kingdom of Boletaria and perhaps fight alongside you as you confront a towering boss (or help you fend off another invading player from your world), but don’t only take our word for it; plenty of critics agree:

9/10, Editor’s Choice Award — “Brutally challenging and utterly engrossing, this innovative role-playing game is one of the year’s best.” — GameSpot

95 — “Gorgeous, thoughtful, and complete unto itself, it’s the second-best title I’ve played this year. Maybe even better.” — Play Magazine

5/5 — “Demon’s Souls is the best game I’ve played all year.” — RPGamer

95 — “Without question, Demon’s Souls is one of 2009′s finest titles, and an amazing, challenging journey without equal.” — GameCritics

94 — “This is a truly exceptional RPG experience that hasn’t been offered by any other game in its genre.” — GameZone

Demon’s Souls is out now for PlayStation 3…see you online!

As a thanks for all your interest and support of Demon’s Souls, we’ve got 10 signed posters (by Mr. Takeshi Kajii, producer) to give out to folks. All you have to do is comment about this blog post and tell us what class you’ll be when you finally get the game (for more info regarding classes, visit the official game site at www.demons-souls.com). We’ll choose 10 winners and send them one of these ultra-rare collectibles!

Where most games offer multiplayer as a separate mode, something detached from the main experience, Demon’s Souls takes the single-player games from online PS3 owners across the country, treats them as individual worlds in an interconnected universe, and allows the worlds to bridge from time to time, leading to some exciting cooperative and competitive interaction between players, in addition to the awesome messaging and bloodstain features.

There’s never really been a gaming experience quite like Demon’s Souls, and we’re excited to be able to show you, in detail, exactly why that’s the case.

Demon’s Souls releases on October 6 in two flavors: standard ($59.99) and deluxe ($69.99). The deluxe edition nets you a 160-page strategy guide (not sold separately!) and a beautiful embossed slipcase with foil accents. Pre-order EITHER version at a participating retailer (while supplies last) and you’ll also receive a 40-page, full-color art book and the game’s full soundtrack CD — all at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for all your support!

Hey folks, AtlusA.R.A.M. here, and I’ve got some news to share regarding Demon’s Souls, the upcoming action RPG for PLAYSTATION 3.

Now, if you’re unfamiliar with Demon’s Souls, getting up-to-speed should be as easy as checking out the blogs we’re featuring in the official game message boards, hitting up the game’s official website, and checking out the great PlayStation Eye chat we had with the incredibly awesome Jeff Rubenstein.

As you may already know, we’re offering fans who pre-order either version of the game (Standard or Deluxe, at participating retailers only) a full-color, 40-page art book featuring sketches, designs, and renders that wonderfully show off the game’s gritty medieval aesthetic.  On its own, this is a pretty nice bonus (says the publisher offering it), considering it is being thrown in at no additional cost to the customer, but we’ve recently decided to take things a step further:

Resist, if you dare.

In addition to the art book, fans who pre-order will now ALSO receive the game’s FULL soundtrack CD.  That’s right, we’re going to throw 24 tracks (about 71 minutes) of music into the pre-order bonus as well.  And if you’ve ever heard the game in action, you likely know that the music is haunting, atmospheric, sweeping, and orchestral.  Don’t worry, people who have already pre-ordered: the music disc is secured on the back inside cover of the art book, so you won’t miss out!

So, whether you reserve (at participating retailers) the Standard edition of the game, which would net you the game, art book, and soundtrack CD, or whether you upgrade to the Deluxe edition, which gets you the game, a 150+ page strategy guide, a collectible slip case, the game’s complete musical score, and a premium art book, you’re going to be getting a heck of a deal.

Sample from Official Demon’s Souls Strategy Guide

Of course, these extras are in addition to all the changes and enhancements coming to the North American release of the gaming, such as:

• All-new North American cover art
• All-new North American online servers (which ensures a level playing field for newcomers)
• An improved localization, which addresses many grammar/inaccuracy issues from the overseas version

Join us, won’t you, as we venture into the Kingdom of Boletaria on October 6th, 2009.  It’s going to be a tough battle to deliver the realm from evil, but hey, at least you’ll have a ton of free swag to comfort yourself if you happen to reserve your copy today.

Until next time, friends.

Oh, and that announcement they were teasing was this: Demon’s Souls is coming to North America on October 6.

Aram will be back on the blog to talk more Demon’s Souls, but if you’ve got any questions now, please ask them in the comments area. I’ll make sure he sees them :-)