The game offerings are quite enticing – there’s our new No. 1 selling PSN game for PS Vita, Sound Shapes (which comes with its PS3 version at no additional charge), indie darling Papo & Yo, fan-favorite Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and the action-packed Expendables 2 Videogame.

As an added bonus, PlayStation Plus members can still nab Counter Strike: Global Offensive for 20% off the retail price. To learn more about PSN PLAY and the rest of the games available on PlayStation Network, click here.

If you want more information on the games included in the promotion, look no further:

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (PS3)

One of the gaming world’s most celebrated first-person shooter series makes its way to PSN with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, offering an updated take on the tried-and-true objective-based gameplay. Pitting teams of counter-terrorists against terrorists, Global Offensive features a number of classic game types like Bomb Diffusal and Hostage Rescue, and introduces two new modes: Arms Race and Demolition. Up to 10 players can engage in online matches, and the game also supports PlayStation Move, giving players a brand new way to experience the classic Counter-Strike gameplay.

Sound Shapes (PS3/PS Vita)

Play, Compose and Share in a unique take on the classic sidescrolling platformer where your actions make the music. Play through a unique campaign that fuses music and artwork into a classic 2D platformer featuring artwork by Pixeljam, Capy, Superbrothers and more, with music by Beck, Jim Guthrie and Deadmau5. Additionally, Sound Shapes is a Cross-Buy title, so you only need to purchase it once in order to get the game for both PS3 and PS Vita. Create and upload your levels on either platform for others to download and remix on their own.

Papo & Yo (PS3)

PSN exclusive indie game Papo & Yo tells the story of a young boy, Quico, and his best friend, Monster. Taking place in a dreamlike world inspired by South American favelas, Papo & Yo entices players to explore and solve puzzles as Quico, while simultaneously preventing Monster from eating poisonous frogs, which throws him into an uncontrollable rage.

The Expendables 2 Videogame (PS3)

The latest and most explosive co-op action shoot’em up title coming to PSN, based on the popular movie franchise this game leads players right into the upcoming The Expendables 2 movie. The story begins when four Expendables (Barney, Gunner, Caesar and Yin Yang) are hired to rescue an extremely valuable, kidnapped Chinese billionaire. Featuring vehicular combat, four-player co-op story and challenge modes, and a wealth of exotic locales, The Expendables 2 Videogame offers everything an action-game fan could want.

Note: Due to an unforeseen complication, the Grand Theft Auto III PS2 Classic is not publishing with today’s Store post. We will update you when a new release date has been identified. We apologize for the inconvenience.

PS3 Full Games

RIDGE RACER Unbounded ($44.99)
RIDGE RACER Unbounded gears up to carve its own destructive path on a spectacular collision course! RIDGE RACER is on its way back into the eager hands of gamers and RIDGE RACER Unbounded is coming to add an unexpected dimension to the series and deliver an original blast of ferocious racing adrenaline. Easily create thousands of tracks and share them online.
ESRB: E
File Size: 1.46 GB

PSN Games

The Expendables 2 Videogame ($14.99) (Demo Also Available)
The Expendables videogame is a way for fans to experience all of their favorite explosive moments, as their favorite stars, in 4-Player Co-op action.
ESRB: M
File Size: 1.15 GB

PS2 Classics

War of the Monsters ($9.99)
Topple buildings and terrorize civilians as a giant creature wreaking havoc. Defeat rival monsters to be the strongest in the world.
ESRB: T
File Size: 1.2 GB

PSP Games

Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time ($29.99)
Unravel the mystery in this legendary RPG from ATLUS!
Join the enigmatic Crevanille on his journey through Noyeval as he tries to discover why mankind is being targeted for destruction. What power do the mysterious Angels possess? Who holds the key to preventing another tragedy? And how will your choices affect the outcome of world-shaking events? Discover the answers to these questions and more as you experience the legend of Growlanser!
ESRB: T
File Size: 919 MB

Apps

Crunchyroll (FREE)
Watch the latest Japanese Anime & Asian Drama! Now you can watch new episodes 1 hour after airing in Japan on your PlayStation 3. Watch the latest anime shows like Naruto Shippuden, Bleach, Shugo Chara!, Blue Exorcist, Gintama, The World God Only Knows, Bodacious Space Pirates, Nisemonogatari, Eyeshield 21, Skip Beat!, Beelzebub, Gosick, and more.

PlayStation Store Highlights

This week, make sure to check out the first game to release in this year’s PSN PLAY promotion! The Expendables 2 is a co-op arcade-style shoot ‘em up, and takes place just before the events of the upcoming movie of the same name, so make sure to play it before you catch it in theaters. Up to four players can join up to take part in an action-packed rescue mission spanning a number of exotic locales. It’s 20% off for PlayStation Plus members as well.

PSN PLAY is also offering up Sound Shapes this week for pre-order. It’s also 20% of for PlayStation Plus members, and pre-ordering nets you an exclusive static theme for your PS3.

We’re also seeing the release of a great PS2 Classic in the cult favorite War of the Monsters. If you missed this one the first time around, be sure to check it out.

Anime fans across the nation will be excited to see the new Video Services app Crucnhyroll debut as well! In addition, you’ll also get access to the best in Japanese drama, with new content coming online all the time.

Make sure to check out great Add-Ons for new release Risen 2: Dark Waters, and also adorable new Disney princess costumes for Little Big Planet 2! The rest of this week’s update is below; check it out and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

PlayStation Plus

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

Free Content	Warriors Orochi 3 – Orochi X Avatar Mad Riders Game The Daredevil Map Pack
Discounts	Sound Shapes Pre-Order (20% Off) – Plus price: $11.99 The Expendables 2: The Videogame Game (20% Off) – Plus price: $11.99 Mad Riders (10% Off) – Plus Price: $8.99
Last Chance (Leaving Plus This Week)	PSN Play – Week #1 – The Expendables 2: The Videogame Pre Order

Preorders

Sound Shapes Preorder Offer (Static Theme Gift With Purchase) ($14.99)
Releases 8/7 as part of PSN PLAY. Play, Compose and Share in a unique take on the classic sidescrolling platformer where your actions make the music. Equal parts instrument and game, Sound Shapes gives everyone the ability to make music. Play through a unique campaign that fuses music and artwork into a classic 2D platformer featuring artwork by Pixeljam, Capy, Superbrothers and more, with music by I Am Robot and Proud, Jim Guthrie and Deadmau5. Additionally, Sound Shapes comes to the PLAY program as a cross-platform title, allowing players to play at home on their PS3, or take it on the go with PlayStation Vita. Create and upload your levels on either platform for others to download and remix on their own.
ESRB: E

Game Demos (Free)

Expendables 2 Demo (PS3)
The Expendables 2 Videogame demo is a taste of all your favorite explosive moments, as your favorite stars, in four-player co-op action.
ESRB: M
File Size: 1.15 GB

Transformers: Fall Of Cybertron (PS3)
Experience two single player levels and two multiplayer modes in the TRANSFORMERS: Fall of Cybertron demo!
ESRB: T
File Size: 2.1 GB

PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2013 (PS3)
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 brings the perfect balance of the beautiful game home.
ESRB: RP
File Size: 997 MB

Sales

Cuboid (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

PS3 Add-ons

Record of Agarest War 2

Right to the Blacksmith Pack 8 ($0.00) – Here is some good news for those too spineless or too lethargic to Convert! Take the following items and get your bad self to Gordon’s place! Cuprum x 3, Argentum x 3, Stannum x 3, Breunnerite x 3, Galena x 3, Aurum x 3, Iron Roze x 3, Hideralzentum x 3, Shining Fang x 2.
Bonus Point Pack 5 ($4.49) – Thank you for your insatiable appetite for our goods and services. We have put together a package of useful points and cold cash. Included within: 100,000,000G, 1,500PP.
Bonus Point Pack 6 ($3.99) – Thank you for your insatiable appetite for our goods and services. We have put together a package of useful points. Included within: 400,000TP, 1,500PP.
Frensberge Specialty Pack 4 ($1.49) – A collection of items made in the image of Frensberge’s most colorful citizens! If you want to be accepted as a TRUE Frensberger, you’ll need all of this stuff! What’s this? A note from Chloe: I’m making stew tonight. If you come home late, expect the -Queen of Iron Fist Matrimony- Banana Sword x 1, Chickapede Alert x 1, Red Thrusting Hell x 1, Le Crusher x 1, Chloe’s Incense x 1, Merchant’s Charm x 1.
2nd Extra Character ($2.49) – Hark! Allies that will share in your joys and sorrows have come in droves! Now, it is time to overcome adversity together!
Additional Massage Costumes ($2.99) – Here is some truly titillating attire for a lovely lady to wear while receiving a sensuous massage! Get someone to put this on…NOW!
Shaldie Mail Order 2 Pack ($2.99) – One of my experiments went sideways on me and I ended up conjuring up a pile of useless cra– I mean a treasure trove of wonderful items. I owe you a favor or two, so I’ll let you have it all…at a very reasonable price. It’s not like I’m ever going to use it, anyway. Alfa Beld Spear x 1, Rod of Omniscience x 1, Rebellion x 1, Core Elemental x 1, Avian Lapband x 1, Chickapede Charm x 1.

Street Fighter X Tekken

Swap Costumes Note – The following Swap Costumes DLC add-ons are exclusive content for STREET FIGHTER X TEKKEN. These add-on contents can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
Sakura (Swap Costume)($0.99) – In order to attend a cultural festival at Asuka’s school, Sakura borrows one of their uniforms.
Blanka (Swap Costume)($0.99) – After a fight with Hwoarang, the two become friends. Rumor has it that Blanka decided to get some matching clothes as a token of appreciation.
Guy (Swap Costume)($0.99) – Rumor has it that Guy disguised himself as Kazuya in order to infiltrate the G Corporation.
Cody (Swap Costume)($0.99) – Rumor has it that Cody beat Paul in a money match, but after Paul came up short on funds he was forced to pay with the shirt off his back.
Elena (Swap Costume)($0.99) – Rumor has it that Elena met Julia during the latter’s reforestation activities. The two became good friends, and Julia gave Elena these clothes as a present.
Dudley (Swap Costume)($0.99) – Rumor has it that this was a present from a certain dancing Tiger. Dudley was reluctant, but it would be rude not to accept such a thoughtful gift.
Lars (Swap Costume)($0.99) – Rumor has it that after defeating a ninja named Geki who had come to take his life, Lars decided to don his outfit and try to infiltrate his organization.
Alisa (Swap Costume)($0.99) – Rumor has it that after hearing that Juri is working together with M.Bison, Alisa disguised herself as Juri in the hopes of getting to the bottom of Shadaloo’s recent activities.
JACK-X (Swap Costume)($0.99) – Rumor has it that to gain more information about the sumo style of fighting, JACK-X decides to enter the sumo world. He tries to dress for the part, but somehow this makes him even more conspicuous!
Bryan (Swap Costume)($0.99) – Rumor has it that with his powers and abilities being recognized by Urien, the second in command of a mysterious organization, Bryan is brought into their ranks.
Christie (Swap Costume)($0.99) – Brainwashed by M.Bison, the leader of Shadaloo, Christie becomes a member of Bison’s special bodyguard unit, The Dolls…
Lei (Swap Costume)($0.99) – Upon hearing about the activities of a suspicious individual, apparently Lei disguised himself as that man in order to sneak into his Hong Kong dojo. …The pink unexpectedly suits him.
SF DLC Char Swap Costume Complete Pack($3.99) – A pack featuring the swap costumes for the 6 Street Fighter DLC characters. The SF cast take on the look of Tekken characters with these new outfits. Characters Included: Sakura, Blanka, Guy, Cody, Elena, Dudley Note: Please be careful not to purchase the same costume twice. This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
TK DLC Char Swap Costume Complete Pack($3.99) – A pack featuring the swap costumes for the 6 Tekken DLC characters. The TK cast takes on the look of the Street Fighter characters with these new outfits. Characters Included: Lars, Alisa, JACK-X, Bryan, Christie, Lei Note: Please be careful not to purchase the same costume twice. This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
DLC Char Swap Costume Complete Pack($5.99) – This pack features the swap costumes for the Street Fighter and Tekken DLC characters. Characters Included: Sakura, Blanka, Guy, Cody, Elena, Dudley, Lars, Alisa, JACK-X, Bryan, Christie, Lei Note: Please be careful not to purchase the same costume twice. This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
Additional Characters Pack (12 Chars)($19.99) – 12 new Street Fighter and Tekken characters join the battle! Characters Included: Sakura, Blanka, Guy, Cody, Elena, Dudley, Lars, Alisa, JACK-X, Bryan, Christie, Lei MEGA MAN and PAC-MAN are also included! Note: This add-on is exclusive content for STREET FIGHTER X TEKKEN.

LittleBigPlanet 2

Snow White Costume ($1.99) – Download this costume to dress your Sackgirl up as Disney’s Snow White! You must have LittleBigPlanet 2 in order to download and utilize this costume.
Jasmine Costume ($1.99) – Download this costume to dress your Sackgirl up as Disney’s Jasmine! You must have LittleBigPlanet 2 in order to download and utilize this costume.
Aurora Costume ($1.99) – Download this costume to dress your Sackgirl up as Disney’s Aurora! You must have LittleBigPlanet 2 in order to download and utilize this costume.
Cinderella Costume ($1.99) – Download this costume to dress your Sackgirl up as Disney’s Cinderella! You must have LittleBigPlanet 2 in order to download and utilize this costume.
Disney Princesses Costume Pack ($5.99) – Download the Disney Princesses Costume Pack to dress your Sackgirl as a lovely princess! This pack includes: -Cinderella Costume -Aurora Costume -Snow White Costume -Jasmine Costume -Disney Princesses Sticker Pack

The Expendables 2 Videogame

Barney Ross Full Upgrade ($0.99) – Fully upgraded Barney Ross skills and weapons.
Hale Caesar Full Upgrade ($0.99) – Fully upgraded Hale Caesar skills and weapons.
Gunner Jensen Full Upgrade ($0.99) – Fully upgraded Gunner Jensen skills and weapons.
Yin Yang Full Upgrade ($0.99) – Fully upgraded Yin Yang skills and weapons.
All Characters Full Upgrade ($2.99) – All characters fully upgraded skills and weapons.

Bellator MMA Onslaught

Scouting Report ($0.99) – Gain the competitive advantage by increasing your insights into your opponents stats before every online match begins with the Scouting Report!

Max Payne 3

Special Edition Pack ($1.99) – The Special Edition Pack includes the Hammerhead shotgun, G9 grenade launcher, Molotov Cocktail and classic characters like Max Payne, Mona Sax and Jack Lupino. Please Note: The Special Edition of Max Payne 3 includes this content. Add-on content, Max Payne 3 required to play. This content is part of the Rockstar Pass and will be available to Rockstar Pass purchasers in game upon release.

Risen 2 Dark Waters

A Pirate’s Clothes ($2.99) – A set of stylish items for the player including a hat, boots, trousers, a pistol and a special ring which increases the rate the player accumulates experience by 5%.
Risen 2 Dark Waters – Treasure Isle ($9.99) – Journey to an unknown island in a story quest that offers new environments to explore with many puzzles to solve, treasures to loot and mysteries to unravel.
Risen 2 Dark Waters – Air Temple ($9.99) – Uncover the mysteries of the Air Temple in this exclusive story quest line. Explore an additional island with new characters, quests and enemies.

Spec Ops: The Line

FUBAR Pack ($3.99) – Get immediate access to the Officer Class and AK47 weapon for multiplayer, as well as the FUBAR Pack of exclusive character accessories for each class. The Officer Class assists your teammates by giving you gameplay bonuses including the ability to create ammo drops, increased firepower, and increased armor.

Rock Band 3

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

• “The End of Heartache” ($1.99) – Killswitch Engage.
• “The End of Heartache” – Pro Guitar (In Game Only) ($0.99) – Killswitch Engage.
• “The Arms of Sorrow” ($1.99) – Killswitch Engage.
• “Starting Over” ($1.99) – Killswitch Engage
• Killswitch Engage Pack 01 ($5.49) – This pack includes “Starting Over,” “The Arms of Sorrow,” and “The End of Heartache” by Killswitch Engage. Compatible with Rock Band 3 and Rock Band Blitz.

Rock Band Network – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing song game tracks made available through Rock Band Network

• “Until I Feel Nothing” ($1.99) – Carnifex. Compatible with Rock Band 3 and Rock Band Blitz.
• “Come Now Follow” ($1.99) – Amberian Dawn. Compatible with Rock Band 3 and Rock Band Blitz.
• “ Collide” ($1.99) – Anarchy Club. Compatible with Rock Band 3 and Rock Band Blitz.
• “Coming Undone” ($1.99) – Shatterglass. Compatible with Rock Band 3 and Rock Band Blitz.
• “Reson-8-R (Pts. I & II)” ($0.99) – Christopher J. Compatible with Rock Band 3 and Rock Band Blitz.

PS Vita Add-ons

Escape Plan

Underground Pack ($1.99) – Free from the Asylum and delivered fresh from crazy town, Lil and Laarg discover an underground railway. Could this be their ticket home? Pick up this treacherous new DLC pack to discover an entirely new labyrinth of 19 puzzles and death traps, but beware—Bakuki will stop at nothing to prevent your escape! The Underground Pack also delivers even more Challenge Modes, four new costumes, and four additional Trophies. Download it today! To use this download, you will need the Escape Plan Full Game.

Available In-Game Only (Not on PlayStation Store)

Bellator MMA Onslaught

Bellator Mma Onslaught Advanced Xp Boost ($1.99)
Bellator Mma Onslaught Attack Boost ($0.99)
Bellator Mma Onslaught Defense Boost ($0.99)
Bellator Mma Onslaught Stamina Boost ($0.99)
Bellator Mma Onslaught Xp Boost ($0.99)

DC Universe

DC Universe Butterfly Wings ($1.99)
DC Universe Online Runed Gargoyle Wings ($1.99)
DC Universe Online Turbine Jets ($1.99)

Avatars

Pure Chess Black & White Knights Avatar ($0.49)
Pure Chess Golden Knight Avatar ($0.49)
Pure Chess King Motif Avatar ($0.49)
Pure Chess Staunton Pawn Avatar ($0.49)
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode Ii Avatar Bundle ($1.49)

Game Videos (Free)

Counter Strike Global Offensive Trailer (PSN Play 2012)
Dead Space 3 E3 Announce Trailer
Journey Collector’s Edition Official Trailer (720, 1080)
Persona 4 Arena E3 Trailer
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Aigis
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Akihiko Sanada
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Chie Satonaka
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Elizabeth
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Kanji Tatsumi
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Labrys
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Mitsuru Kirijo
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Naoto Shirogane
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Shadow Labrys
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Teddie
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Yosuke Hanamura
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Yu Narukami
Persona 4 Arena Moves Video: Yukiko Amagi
Persona 4 Arena Tutorial 1
Persona 4 Arena Tutorial 2
Rainbow Moon Dev Diary 6: Conclusion
Red Johnson’S Chronicles – One Against All Trailer
Sorcery Launch Trailer (720, 1080)
Sorcery Story Trailer (720, 1080)
Sorcery The Making Of – Part I – The Magical Technology of Move (720, 1080)
Sorcery The Making Of – Part II – A Hero’s Journey (720)
Sorcery The Making Of – Part III – The Music Behind the Myth (720, 1080)
Sorcery The Making Of – Part IV – The Creatures of Sorcery (720)
THE EXPENDABLES 2 WORLD PREMIER GAME TRAILER

PS3 Themes

1970′s Germany Static Theme ($1.49)
Abstract Dragons Static Theme ($1.49)
Abstract Summer Static Theme ($1.49)
Cowgirl Bath Time w/ Rosa Acosta Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Little Holland Static Theme ($1.49)
Old Mine Shaft Static Theme ($1.49)
Spring Petals Static Theme ($1.49)
Summer Music Static Theme ($1.49)
Magical Toadstools Theme ($1.49)
Neon Lights Theme ($0.99)

PS3 Wallpapers

Counter Strike: GO Wallpaper 2

Each mercenary will have a distinct play style giving you the choice to tackle enemies up-close or from afar. Here’s a quick breakdown of each of the characters weapons and abilities:

Barney Ross: As the leader of the Expendables, Barney is a solid all-around character with no particular weaknesses. His dual pistols or Colt revolver make short work of weaker enemies, while a well-timed grenade toss can take out turrets, tanks, and whatever else the game throws your way. And if someone gets a little too close, Barney’s brass knuckles will send them flying back where they came from.

Hale Caesar: Hale is your explosives expert. His weapons are extremely powerful, but slow to reload, so time your attacks carefully. His grenade launcher ensures that something is exploding on the screen at all times, and his fully automatic shotgun will clear a room in under five seconds. If you’re heavily outnumbered (as you often will be), drop some C4 and head for cover. Hale will be able to trigger it remotely and send enemies packing.

Gunner Jensen: Take your time lining up a shot with Gunner’s laser-scoped sniper rifle, and you’ll be rewarded with an extremely accurate long-range attack that penetrates cover and multiple enemies at once. Toss a flashbang to stun a group of approaching mercenaries, and then pick them off one by one. He also has a double-barreled shotgun for short range attacks, but I prefer holding the melee button to pick up nearby enemies and toss them into the crowd.

Yin Yang: Yin Yang’s knives are perfect at any range: from far away, you can toss them and take down enemies with one hit. Up close, though, Yin Yang turns into a melee machine, slicing through entire groups before they get a chance to flee. Follow up with his SMG to take down stragglers, and don’t forget the smoke grenade for cover.

The Expendables 2: The Videogame offers four-player co-op, so you can play with three friends — on PSN and offline. Grab a group of friends to blow through enemy forces in exotic locations, including Somalian desert, Burmese Jungles and more. Every level you complete gives you XP to upgrade the abilities and weapons of each Expendable, so max out the stats of your favorite character, or spread the upgrades around evenly between all four. Those looking to compete for bragging rights can play through several unique challenges throughout the campaign, and shoot for the top spot on the leaderboard. We’ve got hundreds of enemies, helicopter battles, a head-on assault against a tank on a high-speed train… and that’s just the first chapter.

The Expendables 2: The Videogame will be available later today for $14.99 ($11.99 for PlayStation Plus members).

July 31st PlayStation Plus Update

The Expendables 2 Video game

20% off for PlayStation Plus Members (PSN Price: $14.99, PS+ Price: $11.99)
The 2012 PSN PLAY event kicks off with a first week discount on one of the most intense co-op shooters on PSN. Grab a friend (or three) and join four of the Expendables (Barney, Gunner, Caesar and Yin Yang) in a mission to rescue akidnapped billionaire. Featuring vehicular combat, four-player co-op story and challenge modes, and a wealth stages set in exotic locales, The Expendables 2 Videogame is a fantastic experience for gamers that dig hardcore shoot em up action.

Also, don’t forget that starting this week PlayStation Plus members can pre-order SoundShapes from the PlayStation Store and get 20% off boththe PS3 and PS Vita versions of the game (of which come bundled together for one price) as well as an exclusive PS3 theme. Note: Pre-orders for SoundShapes will only take place on the PS3 store as the gift with purchase theme is only useable for PS3 systems. Vita only owners don’t worry as you can still snag the 20% Plus discount on the store the 1st week the releases.

August 7th PlayStation Plus Update

The Walking Dead Episode 1: A New Day

Free for PlayStation Plus Members (PSN Price: $4.99)
The first episode from Telltale Games’ universally-acclaimed series The Walking Dead by will be available to all PlayStation Plus members as part of the Instant Game Collection! Follow a set of unique characters as they fight for survival amongst the ever-growing “walker” population, and encounter threats from both undead and human enemies.

The Walking Dead Episode 2: Starved for Help

Free for PlayStation Plus Members (PSN Price: $4.99)
We’re also delivering PlayStation Plus members the second episode in The Walking Dead series as part of the Instant Game Collection! Following the decisions you made in A New Day, you’ll be confronted with even more gut-wrenching scenarios and thrilling action sequences with your fellow survivors. Like Episode 1, Starved for Help was adored by critics for its riveting gameplay and dramatic storyline, where players need to make harrowing decisions on the fly.

SoundShapes

20% off for PlayStation Plus Members (PSN Price: $14.99, PS+ Price: $11.99)
This week marks the release of the highly-anticipated PSN exclusive SoundShapes. Marrying brilliant side-scrolling 2D gameplay with unique musical compositions, you’ll be hooked by the incredible landscapes you’ll see and hear in SoundShapes. Available for both PS3 and PS Vita systems together for one special price, PlayStation Plus members will be getting the absolute best deal with a 20% discount. If you already had your pre-order locked in, you’re all set! Make sure to check out the trailer above, which introduces musicians Beck and Pyramid Attack into the lineup of amazing levels in SoundShapes.

With the August 7th update, you’ll also be able to pre-order the next PSN PLAY game Papo & Yo, which will also have a 20% discount for all PlayStation Plus members. Everyone that pre-orders the game will get an exclusive Papo & Yo theme, so don’t sleep on it!

We’ll be coming at you with another update on August 13th, with more additions to the Instant Game Collection and additional awesome sauce. Until then, watch the PS.Blog for our weekly PlayStation Store Updates to see what additional content is added for PlayStation Plus members. Please leave us your feedback in the comments, and help us by rating the Instant Game Collection lineup on a scale from 1 – 10. If there was one thing you could change about PlayStation Plus, what would it be?

The Expendables 2 is a co-op arcade-style shoot ‘em up, and takes place just before the events of the upcoming movie of the same name. Up to four players can join up to take part in an action-packed rescue mission spanning a number of exotic locales. If you missed the announcement trailer, be sure to check it out below.

The Expendables 2 hits PSN on July 31 for $14.99, and PlayStation Plus members can nab the game for $11.99 (20% off) during launch week. Pre-order the game now for a free theme based on The Expendables 2.

Come back to the PlayStation Blog next Tuesday for another post with more info on The Expendables 2, and don’t miss out on our special cash voucher savings by purchasing titles in the PSN PLAY line-up. We’ll have more information on the rest of the PSN PLAY titles (Sound Shapes, Papo & Yo, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) in the coming weeks, so be sure to check back soon.

We’re very happy to announce the return of PlayStation PLAY, our annual summer program showcasing a diverse lineup of great PSN games and special offers. PSN PLAY begins July 24 on PSN when the first game in the lineup becomes available for pre-order, and we have all the info on this summer’s offering.

You may remember my announcement last summer that PLAY would become an annual program. Guess what? It has returned and we do have a stellar line-up of titles for you this year. We’re again offering 20% off each title for PlayStation Plus members for a limited time, and as a bonus this year, we’re giving you cash vouchers to redeemed on PSN for purchasing any two or more of the awesome PSN PLAY titles. Check out what you could get after buying PSN PLAY games:

If you are a fan, you will also appreciate the fact that each of the four PSN PLAY titles in our line-up can be pre-ordered starting a week before they hit the PlayStation Store. Gamers who buy a PSN PLAY game during its pre-order period will receive a PS3 XMB theme of the game. PlayStation®Plus members also get 20% off each title during their pre-order period.

The best thing about PSN PLAY 2012 is still its line-up of great games. They all have something special to offer to PSN gamers.

• PLAY The Expendables 2 Videogame (PS3) First On PSN before anyone else!
• PLAY Sound Shapes (PS3/PS Vita) Anywhere as we offer the PS3 and PS Vita version of the game for the price of one.
• PLAY the indie phenomena Papo & Yo (PS3) Exclusively On PSN
• PLAY Counter Strike: Global Offensive (PS3) Hardcore Action with your DualShock or PlayStation®Move controller.

Check out all details about the four PSN PLAY games:

July 31: The Expendables 2 Videogame (PS3) – Leading off the PLAY promotion and launching first exclusively on PSN, the latest and most explosive co-op action shoot’em up title coming to PSN, based on the popular movie franchise this game leads players right into the upcoming The Expendables 2 movie. The story begins when four Expendables (Barney, Gunner, Caesar and Yin Yang) are hired to rescue an extremely valuable, kidnapped Chinese billionaire. Featuring vehicular combat, four-player co-op story and challenge modes, and a wealth of exotic locales, The Expendables 2 Videogame offers everything an action-game fan could want. Pre-order The Expendables 2 Videogame starting July 24 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members) and check out the following trailer.

August 7: Sound Shapes (PS3/PS Vita) – Play, Compose and Share in a unique take on the classic sidescrolling platformer where your actions make the music. Equal parts instrument and game, Sound Shapes gives everyone the ability to make music. Play through a unique campaign that fuses music and artwork into a classic 2D platformer featuring artwork by Pixeljam, Capy, Superbrothers and more, with music by I Am Robot and Proud, Jim Guthrie and Deadmau5. Additionally, Sound Shapes comes to the PLAY program as a cross-platform title, allowing players to play at home on their PS3, or take it on the go with PlayStation Vita. Create and upload your levels on either platform for others to download and remix on their own. Sound Shapes creates an ever-changing musical community for everyone to enjoy, anywhere. Pre-order Sound Shapes starting July 31 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members).

August 14: Papo & Yo (PS3) – PSN exclusive indie game Papo & Yo tells the story of a young boy, Quico, and his best friend, Monster. Taking place in a dreamlike world inspired by South American favelas, Papo & Yo entices players to explore and solve puzzles as Quico, while simultaneously preventing Monster from eating poisonous frogs, which throws him into an uncontrollable rage. As one of PSN’s most-anticipated indie titles, Papo & Yo is a truly unique and beautiful experience that players can only get on PSN. Pre-order Papo & Yo starting August 7 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members).

August 21: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (PS3) – One of the gaming world’s most celebrated first-person shooter series makes its way to PSN with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, offering an updated take on the tried-and-true objective-based gameplay. Pitting teams of counter-terrorists against terrorists, Global Offensive features a number of classic game types like Bomb Diffusal and Hostage Rescue, and introduces two new modes: Arms Race and Demolition. Up to 10 players can engage in online matches, and the game also supports PlayStation Move, giving players a brand new way to experience the classic Counter-Strike gameplay. Pre-order Counter-Strike: Global Offensive starting August 14 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members).

Don’t forget to take advantage of each game’s limited-time 20% discount if you are a PlayStation Plus member, and keep your eyes on the PlayStation Blog for full blog posts on each of the PSN PLAY titles soon! For more information about PSN PLAY and the rest of the lineup of games available on PlayStation Network, please visit www.us.playstation.com/PSNplay.