Codemasters are well known for creating racing games with lots of depth, and in many ways our brief for F1 Race Stars (out on PS3 November 20th today) was no different. When designing the game’s structure we intended to provide ongoing variety as crucially as the instant appeal you’d expect from a “karting” game.

Firstly, along with the typical race event, we have introduced a host of other modes of racing. There are eight in total, each requiring unique skills and strategy — some will feel instantly familiar to gamers, and some will feel entirely fresh and unique.

For example, we’ve introduced Refuel mode – based on the principles of fuel strategy in F1, where fuel re-stocks are placed around the track, but carrying less fuel means more speed. Or Trophy Chase mode, a smash and grab event where players collect trophies, found both on the track and stolen from other drivers. Gamers should feel instantly at home with other modes such as Sector Snatch mode, where players can own sectors of each track by setting the fastest split time though it, or racing in a classic Elimination mode.

Modifiers can be applied onto any of these eight race modes to really mix things up. For instance, Flip Flop handicaps whoever is currently leading the pack by reversing their controls, Project Orion gives drivers unlimited boost from boost pads until they let go of the accelerator, and then there’s the classic Mirror Mode which flips the track left-to-right.

And even on top of that, events are wholly configurable. You can set the cars’ damage mechanics, which power-ups are included in the event’s roster, and even whether you wish to play in teams.

From these simple tools, events can be generated to suit all moods and scenarios. For example, sliding around a wet Brazil trying to smash and grab trophies with the Monsoon modifier applied is great party gaming. Or choosing Fragile cars that take damage from all collisions, with No Power-Ups on Monaco presents the ultimate pure driving skill challenge. Various combinations are available in the game’s Career mode, but it only gives a taste of what’s on offer. Putting all of these options in the players’ hands, they can experiment and tailor the gaming experience to suit them – and maybe even show us designers up for creativity.

The new PS3 will be available in two different models, with 250GB and 500GB HDDs which will allow you to store even more of your digital life. It also features a smaller, streamlined design that will look great as part of any entertainment system. The new model is approximately 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the current PS3.

In order to maintain the superior gaming experiences that you expect from us here at PlayStation, we are always looking for ways to change and evolve with your gaming behavior. You might remember the smaller models that we launched for PlayStation 2 and PSP (PlayStation Portable), and we know that many of you love the opportunity to add these streamlined models to your home. Additionally, as developers continue to release deep and rich digital gaming content, providing an option for larger HDD is essential, especially for games with large DLC packs, and full game downloads, as well as personal entertainment content. The biggest and best games live on PS3 this holiday season, and the new PS3 is the perfect way to play.

We are also excited to announce that the launch of this new PS3 model will include incredible additional value. The 250GB PS3 will be available on September 25th for $269.99 (MSRP) as part of a limited edition bundle featuring UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception: Game of the Year Edition and a voucher for more than $30 worth of bonus digital content for the highly acclaimed digital title, DUST 514. This bundle offers more than $70 in total combined value.

The winner of over 60 industry and Game of the Year awards, UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception will be re-released next week in an all new Game of the Year Edition, which includes 12 new multiplayer maps, over 40 multiplayer skins, Fort Co-Op Adventure, and Shade Survival Mode, a value of over $45 in bonus content. In case you somehow missed it, UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception is the latest installment in Naughty Dog’s storied UNCHARTED franchise that chronicles the adventures of Nathan Drake. UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Game of the Year Edition is a great way to kick off your gameplay experience on the newest PS3 model.

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Game of the Year Edition will also be available as a standalone title on September 25th for $39.99 (MSRP).

CCP Games’ DUST 514 brings intense infantry combat, large-scale warfare and deep character advancement to PS3 in an exclusive free-to-play massively multiplayer shooter. Set in, and integrated with, the massive universe of EVE Online, players wage war in the next generation of first-person shooters, where a single victory could prove the crushing blow to a galactic empire of thousands of online gamers. This bundle includes an incredible amount of bonus value – more than $30 in total.

For those of you who do not own a PS3 yet, or have been looking to add another PS3 to your household, this is the perfect opportunity to jump in before the next wave of blockbuster games launch this holiday season.

The new 500GB PS3 will be available in a limited edition bundle on October 30th in conjunction with the release of Assassin’s Creed III – one of the most anticipated games for this holiday season featuring four exclusive levels, only available on PS3.

PlayStation fans – let us know what you think of the new PS3 model. Stay tuned for more PlayStation 3 updates here on PlayStation.Blog!