For a limited time, when you purchase a PSPgo system, you’ll have access to a PlayStation Network downloadable voucher for Rock Band Unplugged Lite. This lite version of Rock Band Unplugged will allow you to play five full tracks. Plus, you can create your own personalized version of the game by purchasing your favorite Rock Band songs from the PlayStation Network. Now the only instrument you’ll need to rock anywhere is the PSPgo system!

Again, quantities are limited so be sure to mark your calendar for October 1.

• White PSP-3000 system
• Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines PSP game
• UMD Movie (to be announced shortly!)
• 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo

We know you’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this exclusive PSP title. As a treat, we’ve included a new trailer, so check it out below.

And if the trailer wasn’t enough to get you pumped for the game, make sure to check out the Q&A below. Frederic Lefrancois, a producer on Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, answers the questions you’ve all been asking.

Could you introduce yourself and explain your role in the project?

My name is Frederic Lefrancois and I’m 3rd Party Producer on Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines. My role on this project is to ensure that this game releases on time for the Holiday at the highest level of quality.

I’m working hand in hand with the “Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines” developer and Assassin’s Creed Core Team at Ubisoft Montreal to develop a great game that will respect all of AC brand pillars.

Who is in charge of the development?

The game is developed by the Griptonite Studio under the supervision of Ubisoft Montreal’s Assassin’s Creed Core Team.

How is Assassin’s Creed PSP linked to the Assassin’s Creed universe?

“Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines” follows Altair’s story right after the events of Assassin’s Creed as he hunts down the ascending Templars in Cyprus. It’s the only game that explains the link between Assassin’s Creed and Assassin’s Creed 2. If you want to understand how Ezio is born and where the Codex comes from, you need this game.

What is the storyline of the game? Can you give us a quick synopsis?

Assassin’s Creed PSP picks up right where Assassin’s Creed ended. After the death of Robert De Sable by Altair’s blade, the Templars, led by Armand Bouchart, fled the Holy Land to settle on the island of Cyprus. Following their tracks, Altair has the firm intention to put an end to their quest for power. Altair will help the local resistance fight the Templar’s’ occupation and get rid of the Templar commanders.

How did Altair evolve as a character from the first Assassin’s Creed to the PSP game?

With most of his preconceptions shattered and cast among the blood of slain Templars, Altair enters the events of “Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines” with an open mind. No longer bound by Al Mualim’s leadership, he forges his own path and destiny. He has become more curious, more inquisitive and far less trusting.

What main gameplay feature can we expect in “Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines”? Will the player get to investigate before every assassination mission?

You can expect to enjoy the core gameplay of the original Assassin’s Creed including the signature free-running and the intuitive combat system. Before killing his targets, Altair will get to complete a variety of missions, not always investigations. There are 8 new mission types and we wanted each mission to feel as fresh and exciting as the final Assassination moment.

How is the open-world and free running that are key elements of the Assassins Creed brand presented in the PSP game?

As it was the case in Assassin’s Creed, Altair will get to explore various large cities. This time around Altair will discover the cities of Limasol and Kyrenia in Cyprus, a beautiful and historically very interesting island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Once again, you can expect Altair to master his environment while performing all of his signature moves. In fact, Altair will free-run, sprint, fly between beams and climb everywhere to take advantage of its surroundings. This is a huge benchmark technology wise as this kind of freedom of movement has never been seen before on the PSP.

Why did you choose Cyprus as the setting for the PSP game?

In the summer of AD 1191, the Templar order withdrew from the Holy Land to the island of Cyprus which they had previously bought from Richard the Lionheart. They occupied the island and oppressed the locals who rose up in rebellion only to end up being crushed by the Templars. We chose this setting because it’s an intriguing historical period surrounded by conspiracy of the Templar Treasures left on the Island. The oppression of the people of Cyprus is the perfect backdrop to continue Altair’s story and explain some of the key elements of Assassin’s Creed 2.

Will you use the PS3/PSP connectivity function?

As players unlock health and Hidden blade upgrades in Assassin’s Creed 2 PS3, the same upgrades will be unlocked in Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines (PSP). It also works the other way round: on the PS3 you will be able to access any Templar Coins and special weapons you’ve collected on the PSP.

Check out this video that we put together to see it in action:

The Wireless Keypad is a Bluetooth device that can be paired with the PS3 and charged seamlessly just by connecting them with a USB cable. You can use it with the PS3 system as well as any other Bluetooth enabled device, such as a smart phone, that has keyboard functionality. Given all these user friendly features, no wonder the Keypad just received a Consumer Electronic Show (CES) Innovation Award. It will be available at retailers for $49.99 (MSRP).

Second, an AC Adaptor for charging the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller, SIXAXIS wireless controller, Bluetooth Headset and Wireless Keypad will be available for $24.99 (MSRP) starting the second week of December. The AC Adaptor can simultaneously charge two compatible hardware devices that have a USB connector without having to turn the PS3 system on. And, it charges both the PSP-2000 and PSP-3000.

Unlike the PS3 controller charging stations that are available in the market, we wanted to come out with an accessory enabling PS3 users to not only charge their controllers, but also other accessories, such as the new official Bluetooth Headset and Wireless Keypad.

Enjoy!

This campaign is one of my favorites because not only does it gives a nod to the awesome ‘POV’ TV spot that we aired when the PSP first launched back in March 2005, but it places the PSP within a colorful and diverse blur of urban activity. As someone who spends a lot of time in San Francisco and travels the country often, I see the way that people in different cities use their PSPs and I think we’ve captured that in a fun and interesting way. The TV spots are fast-moving, 15-second snapshots of the PSP within several large cities, with local or regional musicians contributing their tracks to the spots. With the PSP, everywhere really does get better. Here are three of the spots, including a sneak peak into the TV spot for Chicago, which will start airing next week.

Taking the urban theme even further, we were able to work with local artists in 11 different cities and have them design unique PSP skins. It’s an awesome way of working with local talent to discover the ways that they love their cities and communities and how they use their PSP. Starting next week, be sure to visit the PSP module on PlayStation.com to check the PSP skins out. Of course I’m inclined to love the San Francisco skin, but think that they all offer unique flavors. Would love to hear which one you like best in the comments section.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the TV spots which are airing now, as well as the print, online and transit ads. For those of you lucky enough to live in or visit one of the five cities that we’ve focused on, you’ll see PSP ads all over buses, subways and trains.

Let us know what you think, and have a great weekend!

Based on ongoing discussions with our retail partners and the feedback they have received from their customers, SCEA has seen significant interest in the Ratchet & Clank Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack in North America, which includes the updated PSP-3000. As a result, we will be streamlining our PSP hardware lineup and will no longer be offering the previously announced 4GB Memory PSP Entertainment Pack.

Consumers who are interested in a larger capacity memory option can purchase a 4GB PSP Memory Stick PRO Duo, which will be available this fall for $44.99 (MSRP). The Ratchet & Clank Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack will continue to be available in Mystic Silver in North America, and, starting in December, will be available in Piano Black.

Quizzes consist of eight questions that you create, including the right and wrong answers. You can also link quizzes in a playlist to create a never-ending challenge on a particular topic. Choose to keep your quizzes private, share them with your PSN friends, or open them up for all to enjoy.

Personalized quizzes are a great form of entertainment, whether you’re flying solo or hosting a gathering. Start building content on the MyBUZZ site now using your PSN ID and when the game launches on September 23, you’ll be able to play all of your quizzes in the BUZZ! environment on the PS3 system.

MyBUZZ also includes some great community features. You have the ability to rate quizzes, leave comments for the Author, and search for quizzes by rating, date or subject. You can even add quizzes to your favorites list. In addition to “Top Quizzes” listed by “Most Popular” and “Most Recent”, you can also look up the “Top Author” listed by “This Week” and “All Time”.

And it is with this that we announce a little challenge for all of you trivia gurus out there. We’re asking you to start building your library of quizzes immediately and on game launch day (September 23), we’ll award a PS3 and BUZZ! Quiz TV game bundle to the “All Time Top Author.” A week after launch on September 30, we’ll be awarding another prize to the individual with the “Top Quiz.” He/she will receive a new PSP 3000 with BUZZ! Master Quiz (all the fun of the BUZZ! trivia franchise on-the-go!). So, get out there and start creating and rating quizzes – good luck!

And now for the requisite legalese:

The following promotion is intended for viewing in the 50 United States and D.C. only and shall only be construed and evaluated according to United States law. Do not proceed in this site if you are not a legal resident of, and located in, the 50 United States or D.C. at the time of entry.

“BUZZ!(tm) Quiz TV MyBUZZ TOP AUTHOR Contest”
CONTEST RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. MAKING A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID OUTSIDE THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C. AND WHERE PROHIBITED. OPEN TO U.S. LEGAL RESIDENTS WHO ARE 13 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AT THE START OF THIS CONTEST. “TOP AUTHOR” CONTEST BEGINS AT 9:00 AM (PT) ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 AND ENDS AT 9:00 AM (PT) ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2008.

1. HOW TO ENTER: PLAYSTATION®Network Account required. To create an account go to the “PLAYSTATION®Network“ menu from a PS3® XMB and choose “Sign up for PLAYSTATION®Network.” To create an account from a PC, to go http://store.playstation.com and select the “Sign in/Sign Up” tab. To enter visit http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/09/12/us-mybuzz-launches-%e2%80%93-prize-opportunities/. The blog site will direct you to visit http://www.mybuzzquiz.com. Click the “Create a Quiz” button which will prompt you through the quiz creation process. Submit the quiz to make it playable by other people. Start building your library of quizzes immediately and build as many quizzes as you like. The “Top Author” is the author whose quizzes have been played and rated the most times by different people. Top Authors are graded based on the total number of unique ratings that their quizzes have received. “Unique” means that each player can only rate the same quiz once and have it count towards their total quiz ratings. On September 23, 2008 we’ll award a PS3® system and BUZZ! Quiz TV game bundle to the “All Time Top Author.” This contest starts September 12, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. (PST) and ends September 23, 2008. No other method of entry will be accepted. To be eligible, contestants must reside within the United States. Entries will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry. Sony Computer Entertainment America (the “Sponsor”) is not responsible for lost, late, mutilated, illegible, incomplete or misdirected entries. Sony Computer Entertainment America is not responsible for technical, hardware or software failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions which may limit an entrant’s ability to participate in the contest. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel or suspend this contest should virus, bugs or other causes corrupt the administration, security or proper play of this sweepstakes. Entries not satisfying these Official Rules will be automatically disqualified.

2. WINNER SELECTION: Winners will be determined based on “Top Author” status on September 23, 2008. The “Top Author” is the author whose quizzes have been played and rated the most times by different people. Top Authors are graded based on the total number of unique ratings that their quizzes have received. “Unique” means that each player can only rate the same quiz once and have it count towards their total quiz ratings. The top author will be determined based on the quiz data collected through September 23, 2008. Winners will be selected among all eligible entries. Winners will be contacted via their emails on September 23, 2008. Be sure to check your user mail on September 23, 2008 to see if you are a winner. If your name is selected you must respond via email within five (5) days to accept the prize. Failure to respond within five (5) days will result in forfeiture of prize and an alternate winner will be selected among all eligible entries.

3. PRIZES: The “Top Author” on September 23, 2008 that satisfies all of the requirements listed above will receive an 80GB PLAYSTATION®3 system and a BUZZ! Quiz TV game bundle (Approximate retail value $600.00). If the “Top Author” does not meet eligibility requirements, we will select the next eligible winners. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal value if prizes are unavailable. Prizes are non-transferable and no substitutions allowed.

4. ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal U.S. residents only aged 13 or older. Return of any prize/prize notification as undeliverable will result in disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. The prize winner may be required to sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release within fourteen (14) days of receipt or forfeit prize. If the prize winner is a minor, then prize will be awarded in the name of the minor’s parent or legal guardian. By acceptance of prize, winners agree that Sponsor, their affiliate companies, subsidiaries, parent companies, advertising and promotion agencies, and their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents will have no liability whatsoever for and will held harmless against any injuries, losses and damages of any kind alleged to or resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of any prize or participation in this game. Winner agrees to the use of their name and/or likenesses for purposes of advertising, trade, or promotion without further compensation, unless prohibited by law. Employees of the Sponsor and its parent, subsidiaries and affiliated companies and their immediate families living in their households are not eligible to participate in this contest. Neither the Sponsors nor its affiliates, subsidiaries, division or related companies are responsible for any damages, taxes (federal, state or local if any), or expenses that winners might incur as result of entering or participating in this sweepstakes or upon receipt or use of prize.

5. WINNER LIST: To obtain names of winners, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to BUZZ! Quiz TV MYBUZZ TOP AUTHOR Contest, 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd. 2nd Floor Foster City, CA 94404. Prize winners name request will be fulfilled within four weeks after prize has been awarded. Requests for winner list must be received by October 10, 2008.

6. RESTRICTIONS: Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

7. SPONSOR:
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd Foster City, CA 94404

The following promotion is intended for viewing in the 50 United States and D.C. only and shall only be construed and evaluated according to United States law. Do not proceed in this site if you are not a legal resident of, and located in, the 50 United States or D.C. at the time of entry.

“BUZZ! Quiz TV MyBUZZ TOP QUIZ Contest”
CONTEST RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. MAKING A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID OUTSIDE THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C. AND WHERE PROHIBITED. OPEN TO U.S. LEGAL RESIDENTS WHO ARE 13 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AT THE START OF THIS CONTEST. “TOP QUIZ” CONTEST BEGINS AT 9:00 AM (PT) ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 AND ENDS AT 9:00 AM (PT) ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2008.

1. HOW TO ENTER: PLAYSTATION®Network Account required. To create an account go to the “PLAYSTATION®Network” menu from a PS3® XMB and choose “Sign up for PLAYSTATION®Network”. To create an account from a PC, go to http://store.playstation.com and select the “Sign Up/Sign In” tab. To enter visit http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/09/12/us-mybuzz-launches-%e2%80%93-prize-opportunities/. The blog site will direct you to visit http://www.mybuzzquiz.com. Click the “Create a Quiz” button which will prompt you through the quiz creation process. Submit the quiz to make it playable by other people. Start building your library of quizzes immediately and build as many quizzes as you like. The “Top Quiz” is chosen based on the number of times the quiz has been viewed and the average rating that the quiz receives from viewers. The quiz that has received a combination of the most views and the highest average rating per view is the winning quiz. Length of time that the quiz has been posted to is also considered so that quizzes that have been posted for a long time do not have an unfair advantage over quizzes that are only available for viewing a short time.
On September 30. 2008 at 9:00 a.m., whichever author has his/her quiz listed as “Top Quiz” on the site at that time will be awarded a PSP® 3000 system and a copy of BUZZ! Master Quiz to the “Top Quiz.” This contest starts September 12, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. (PST) and ends September 30, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. (PST). No other method of entry will be accepted. To be eligible, contestants must reside within the United States. Entries will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry. Sony Computer Entertainment America (the “Sponsor”) is not responsible for lost, late, mutilated, illegible, incomplete or misdirected entries. Sony Computer Entertainment America is not responsible for technical, hardware or software failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions which may limit an entrant’s ability to participate in the contest. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel or suspend this contest should virus, bugs or other causes corrupt the administration, security or proper play of this sweepstakes. Entries not satisfying these Official Rules will be automatically disqualified.

2. WINNER SELECTION: Winner will be determined based on “Top Quiz” status on September 30, 2008. The “Top Quiz” is chosen based on the number of times the quiz has been viewed and the average rating that the quiz receives from viewers. The quiz that has received a combination of the most views and the highest average rating per view is the winning quiz. Length of time that the quiz has been posted to is also considered so that quizzes that have been posted for a long time do not have an unfair advantage over quizzes that are only available for viewing a short time. Winner will be contacted via his/her email on September 30, 2008. Be sure to check your user mail on September 30, 2008 to see if you are a winner. If your name is selected you must respond via email within five (5) days to accept the prize. Failure to respond within five (5) days will result in forfeiture of prize and an alternate winner will be selected among all eligible entries.

3. PRIZES: The “Top Quiz” author on September 30, 2008 that satisfies all of the requirements listed above will receive PSP® 3000 system and a copy of BUZZ! Master Quiz (approximate retail value $190.00). If the “Top Quiz” author does not meet eligibility requirements, we will select the next eligible winner. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal value if prizes are unavailable. Prizes are non-transferable and no substitutions allowed.

4. ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal U.S. residents only aged 13 or older. Return of any prize/prize notification as undeliverable will result in disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. The prize winner may be required to sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release within fourteen (14) days of receipt or forfeit prize. If the prize winner is a minor, then prize will be awarded in the name of the minor’s parent or legal guardian. By acceptance of prize, winner agrees that Sponsor, their affiliate companies, subsidiaries, parent companies, advertising and promotion agencies, and their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents will have no liability whatsoever for and will held harmless against any injuries, losses and damages of any kind alleged to or resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of any prize or participation in this game. Winner agrees to the use of their name and/or likenesses for purposes of advertising, trade, or promotion without further compensation, unless prohibited by law. Employees of the Sponsor and its parent, subsidiaries and affiliated companies and their immediate families living in their households are not eligible to participate in this contest. Neither the Sponsors nor its affiliates, subsidiaries, division or related companies are responsible for any damages, taxes (federal, state or local if any), or expenses that winner might incur as result of entering or participating in this sweepstakes or upon receipt or use of prize.

5. WINNER LIST: To obtain name of winner, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to BUZZ! Quiz TV MYBUZZ! TOP QUIZ Contest, 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd. 2nd Floor, Foster City, CA 94404. Prize winner name request will be fulfilled within four weeks after prize has been awarded. Requests for winner list must be received by October 10, 2008.

6. RESTRICTIONS: Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

7. SPONSOR:
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd Foster City, CA 94404

We hope this clears everything up, and we’re certainly excited about letting you all get your hands on the new PSP and checking out the enhanced screen when it hits retail next month.