Is Ratchet truly the last Lombax in this universe? Can he locate and rescue his buddy Clank? The storyline that began in 2007’s Tools of Destruction reaches an epic conclusion in Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time. Veronica Belmont visits Insomniac Games to step into Ratchet’s shoes…err…actually, his gravity boots.

At this year’s E3, SCEA impressed the audience with a demonstration of the upcoming PS3 motion controller, but there is yet another innovation on the way: the EyePet! Audrey Cleo meets her new virtual pal and demonstrates how PS3 technology could change the way we interact with games in the future.

Bizarre Creations is returning to its roots to rev up the racing genre with imaginative power-ups, weapons, and a distinctive multiplayer component. We take BLUR for a test drive to see what sets it apart from the crowd.

What do you get when you blend the RPG and shooter genres, add intense co-op action and a groundbreaking content generation system, and coat it with a cell-shaded “concept art” style? You get Borderlands—the new title from Brothers in Arms developer Gearbox Software. Qore visits the Dallas, Texas studio to learn more about their unique creation.

To celebrate the release of Gran Turismo for the PSP, we’re offering all Qore subscribers and purchasers a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren ’03 in an exclusive red color to download and use with the game on any PSP system. We’ve also got an exclusive Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time PS3 theme and an exclusive UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves PS3 theme for download.

Look for Episode 17 tomorrow.

Keep an eye on the PlayStation Blog for more Gran Turismo updates this week.

For more on Gran Turismo for PSP, check out the new GT website.

This is an epic episode of Qore. Simply one of the best.

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves, the most highly-awarded game of E3 2009, is our focus this month, and we’ve got in-depth and exclusive coverage – Veronica Belmont goes behind-the-scenes of picturesque Skywalker Ranch to witness the final soundtrack recording session with composer Greg Edmonson and sits down with Naughty Dog Creative Director Amy Hennig to discuss her devoted and innovative approach to this sequel. We also dive deep into the technology that brings this world to life.

Gran Turismo is coming to the PSP on October 1, and players will immediately recognize the distinct voice of Jay Leno in the game’s introduction. Correspondent Audrey Cleo meets the late night legend for an exclusive Qore interview from his world famous garage. From his first ’55 Buick Roadmaster to the ’09 Corvette ZR1, don’t miss this look a Jay’s amazing collection.

Veronica also takes the new PSPgo out for a test drive into the real world before exploring the heavy metal inspiration of Double Fine’s Tim Schaefer, creator of the epic rock and roll adventure game Brutal Legend.

Finally, you asked for it, and we’ve got it! Qore annual subscribers are invited to the MAGPublic Beta scheduled to start on September 17. All current subscribers will be sent voucher codes for the MAG Beta test coming later this month.

Here are the specifics:

• If you are not a current subscriber, you can still get in on the Beta if you subscribe or renew on or before September 17.
• The MAG Beta is open to subscribers only, not to single episode purchasers.
• All Beta invitations are restricted to persons 18 years and older.
• We must have your current, valid e-mail address on file.
• You must be opted in to receiving communications from PlayStation.
• Vouchers will be sent to the e-mail associated with the PSN account that purchased the Qore subscription, not to any sub-accounts.

You can update your e-mail address and check your notification preferences via your profile on PS.com or on the PS3 itself under Account Management Information. Be sure that you have “opted in” to receive our communications.

Like I said, this September episode is epic:

• UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves expanded coverage
• Jay Leno and Gran Turismo PSP
• Our PSPgo update
• Brutal Legend with Tim Schaefer
• MAG Beta invitation
• UNCHARTED 2 theme
• DiRT2 demo

Look for Episode 16 tomorrow.

Unprecedented Action
If anyone can pull off a 256-player online shooter, it’s got to be the developer behind the PlayStation’s SOCOM franchise. Learn more about this upcoming PS3 exclusive and see how good Veronica is at taking orders…

Ninja Hijinx
Tecmo’s Team Ninja has added three new playable female characters, new bosses and an online co-op mode to make the latest game a new experience for PS3 owners. Veronica talks to the game’s director about what it took to make the definitive Ninja Gaiden title.

Tekken it to the Next Level
Namco’s storied fighting franchise returns to the current generation of consoles with a new online co-op “scenario campaign” mode. Audrey Cleo visits Namco Bandai’s headquarters to see the greatest roster of characters in the series to date.

Having a Ball
The Katamari franchise keeps rolling along—this time featuring HD visuals, a remixed soundtrack and a few gameplay twists to keep things fresh. Veronica finds out how the unique sounds were created and re-discovers the joy of collecting things.

All subscribers and purchasers will receive an exclusive Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 PS3 theme this month, and we’ve also got a new Rune Raider level pack in the Qore Arcade.

Our thanks to all of our original subscribers from June 2008 who renewed their subscriptions last month. If your subscription ran out with the July 2009 episode, please check your e-mail or visit the PlayStation Store upon the release of Episode 15 for a special renewal offer. When you see what we’ve got for you in the near future, you may be sorry if you let your subscription lapse!

With many of our favorite franchises returning soon, the Qore team caught up with the folks responsible for these highly anticipated sequels in order to bring you the most recent developments.

Renaissance Man

The action/adventure game that focused on simulated ancestral memories now shifts locales to Italy in Assassin’s Creed 2. Audrey Cleo takes a look at the new tale of power, revenge and conspiracy that lets you put Leonardo Da Vinci’s inventions to good use.

Special Ops

Acclaimed developer Infinity Ward returns to the Call of Duty franchise with a direct sequel to 2007’s Modern Warfare. So how do you make one of the most popular games of this current generation even better? Add snowmobiles, of course!

Hell, (Un)frozen Over

Ten years after the events of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, the ice and snow have finally melted—but that doesn’t make the planet any more hospitable! Capcom shows Veronica how players can team up to take down the enormous Akrid.

Sky, Land and Sea

The popular PC franchise is coming to the PlayStation Network in the form of Battlefield: 1943 – a fast-paced online shooter with multiple vehicles, 24 player combat, and environmental destruction in WWII Pacific Theatre locales.

Subscription Renewal Update

Initial subscribers from June 2008 can now take advantage of a special renewal offer. Please check your e-mail for details. You’ll need to visit the PlayStation Store and, under the Media category, find and select the special renewal ‘thumbnail’ to avoid missing an episode.

All annual subscribers and single episode purchasers will receive an exclusive Battlefield: 1943 theme this month, and don’t forget to look for a new mini-game in the Qore Arcade. Also, in celebration of Independence Day, check out your very own fireworks launcher built into the What’s Hot section where, of course, you’ll also find Audrey Cleo’s Blu-ray round up.

Look for Episode 14 tomorrow.

As we mentioned in an e-mail to subscribers, we experienced a delay in releasing the final version of Episode 13 and apologize for the inconvenience.

This month marks a milestone for Qore—its first birthday! When the PlayStation Network launched the show a year ago, we were very excited about the opportunity to give gamers a unique glimpse into the world of PlayStation.

We want to thank everyone for their support during this fast and furious year for PlayStation Network’s first original production.

And now, the episode at hand:

Almost inFAMOUS
In Episode 11, we saw how the unique music of inFAMOUS was created. This time, we head to Seattle to visit Sucker Punch, developers of the Sly Cooper franchise, to witness the fascinating way they’ve created “karma” in their electrifying PS3 debut. We also utilize their development rig to capture the amazing particle effects of the game in super slo-mo.

Lords of the Ring
Muhammed Ali is the self-proclaimed ‘Greatest of All Time.’ Mike Tyson was unstoppable in his prime. EA’s Fight Night 4 provides the setting for the ultimate fantasy boxing match as Veronica visits the passionate pugilists at EA Canada to go a few rounds and stir up the debate.

Playing With Dolls
What does it take to join one of the most well-known clans in gaming? How do these ladies handle themselves in a predominantly male-dominated activity? Veronica Belmont finds out as she competes for an opening on the Frag Dolls’ roster.

Everyone who downloads Qore this month will receive an exclusive inFAMOUS PS3 “Bad Karma” theme as well as Qore T-shirts for Home that you can wear with pride! Enable the T-shirts in Qore and access them through your Home wardrobe. New Qore subscribers will also receive High Velocity Bowling.

Finally, to commemorate the release of a slew of new PSone classics on the PlayStation Store, we’re offering all Qore purchasers the original Spyro the Dragon. Fans of the classics will be happy to know that the number of PSone titles available on the PlayStation Store will nearly double by the year’s end.

Look for Qore Episode 13 available Thursday.

If you’re interested in busting the Joker, busting a tire, busting ghosts or busting a tackle, we’ve got you covered this month! We’re also excited to announce that Qore annual subscribers are invited to the upcoming UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves multiplayer Beta (see details below).

Enter the Asylum
Arkham Asylum. It’s the place where Batman’s most psychotic foes are kept under lock and key…at least, until the Joker takes control. Developer Rocksteady Games brings us inside the Gotham City landmark—the location of their upcoming game.

Who You Gonna Call?
It may have been twenty years since the Ghostbusters last strapped on their proton packs, but the films have not been forgotten. Audrey Cleo catches up with Dan Aykroyd about his contributions as writer and voice actor in the new game that’s revitalized the beloved franchise.

Take a Spin
Veronica Belmont also visits Codemasters in the UK for an early look at the next iteration in its DiRT rally racing series evolving the gameplay with improved handling and new stadium events.

Natural Co-Motion
Euphoria, developed to create extremely realistic character AI and animation in upcoming games such as Backbreaker, will change the way you play– foregoing canned animation for real-time interaction. We take a close look at this new technology.

Everyone who downloads Qore this month will receive an exclusive inFAMOUS PS3 “Good Karma” theme that, like the game’s main character, evolves over time. New Qore subscribers will also receive High Velocity Bowling as our way of saying thanks.

Great News for Subscribers!
All existing Qore subscribers will also receive a special voucher via e-mail allowing them to join the UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves multiplayer Beta on June 3. Everyone who becomes a new Qore subscriber on or before May 15 will also receive the Beta invitation.

This Beta is just one of the many benefits offered to Qore subscribers during this inaugural year. And, as a reminder for our June 2008 subscribers, you still have one more episode coming your way after May’s Episode 12 to complete your 13-episode subscription.

Look for Qore Episode 12 available tomorrow, Thursday May 7.

The April episode of Qore is packed with exclusive features on the music of inFamous and the making of Fat Princess along with a look at the state of the art of innovative and independent games, plus a close look at the upcoming Red Faction: Guerrilla.

To conclude PlayStation Network’s Spring Fever campaign, a special FREE version of Qore Episode 11 is available in celebration of the season. Download this episode to view our feature stories. Annual subscribers still receive the usual exclusive downloadable content (detailed below).

inFamous Music
Video games don’t often feature soundtracks from world-renowned musicians. We look at a unique collaboration on the music of Sucker Punch’s upcoming PS3 exclusive inFamous. Don’t miss these cool tracks matched up with the latest high-def game play of hero (anti-hero?) Cole McGrath in action.

Fat Princess
Everybody’s been talking about this game since the last E3. With most of the heavy lifting completed by Titan Studios, Qore’s got an exclusive look at this comic medieval combat multiplayer wonder with a unique twist. You can have your cake and eat it too!

Mars Rover
Red Faction is coming back soon…this time as a free-roaming third-person action/adventure. Qore visits Volition where they show us how Geo-Mod 2.0 lets players destroy just about everything around them.

State of the Art
With titles such as Flower and Linger in Shadows, the PlayStation Network is now a virtual canvas for the development of innovative and awe-inspiring games. Our video gallery features exclusive creations from independent game designers pushing the boundaries of interactive media.

Downloadable Content
Annual subscribers get early access to the Red Faction: Guerrilla demo and the complete Linger in Shadows demoscene title. New annual subscribers have access to these downloads as well as High Velocity Bowling! And don’t forget the exclusive Fat Princess PS3 theme available to everyone.

We hope you enjoy this very special episode of Qore as we conclude the celebration of Spring Fever. Enjoy the show.

Look for Qore Episode 11 available tomorrow.

* PlayStation Network registration required. User responsible for internet fees. Must be at least 18 years of age.

We’re in the middle of week five of the PlayStation Network’s “Spring Fever” celebration, so pack your bags because we’re going island hopping with Qore.

Burnout Paradise
One of our favorite racing games will soon receive an expansion pack known as Big Surf Island. Our UK correspondent, Katers, takes a ride with Criterion Games to the new area especially designed to let players to catch big air. She also takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of their expansive studio.

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena
Five years ago, Starbreeze Studios created a great game from the Vin Diesel film. The Qore team travels to Sweden to report on the sequel’s development and find out if Starbreeze will strike gold once again.

Alpha Protocol
Is it an action/espionage adventure? Is it an RPG? It’s both! This ambitious title from Obsidian puts players into the role of an inexperienced but resourceful agent. We visit the development team for an early look at SEGA’s upcoming game.

LittleBigGenius
Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite LittleBigPlanet levels are created? Qore tracked down the man behind one of the most “hearted” levels – The Azure Palace – to learn how it was done. Plus a look at some of our other favorite user-created levels.

This month, new and existing Qore subscribers will also receive a voucher for High Velocity Bowling as our way of saying thanks for your support. The voucher will be sent to the email address associated with your PSN account starting within 7 days of Qore’s release. Finally, we’ve got an exclusive Resistance: Retribution theme for the PS3.

Look for Qore Episode 10 to arrive Today.

Resident Evil 5 in QoreVision
With all the talk about the co-op game play in Resident Evil 5, the Qore team has developed a sweet new way for you to experience it. Using your PS3 controller, you can switch between character viewpoints in real-time during our walkthrough to better understand the strategies involved.

The Godfather II
Making a game based upon one of the most beloved movies in cinematic history is a huge challenge, but for The Godfather II Veronica Belmont discovered that the developers at Electronic Arts captured the spirit of the film – with sizzling blackhand combat enhancements and the new “Don’s View.”

Pitchers and Catchers Report
With baseball’s spring training getting underway this month, Audrey Cleo reports on the new features and gorgeous visuals of MLB 09 The Show.

Digital Destruction
At LucasArts in San Francisco, the Qore team breaks down the animated magic of Digital Molecular Matter – the unique technology used to create realistic destruction in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

As for downloadable content, we’ve got two new exclusive Killzone 2 themes and a voucher for the PSone classic Syphon Filter.* We’re celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the espionage classic created by Sony’s Bend Studio, whose latest project, Resistance: Retribution, is coming to the PSP in March.

Qore Episode 09 arrives on February 12.

* *E-mail vouchers will be provided to annual subscribers. Single episode purchasers will also receive a Syphon Filter voucher via e-mail, provided that they purchase Qore Episode 09 on or before March 31.