Happy to be back to tell you about some new surprises from PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. More costumes? More minions? Well, okay, yes. But also more new characters!

Our newest challengers are Isaac Clarke from Electronic Arts’ Dead Space, and Zeus from… well, from some of the foundational myths of Western society, but also from a little PlayStation game you might know called God of War by SCEA Santa Monica Studio.

How did these two emerge as All-Stars from the vast PlayStation multiverse? Synchronicity. We were talking with some friends over at EA who were hard at work on Dead Space 3, and with a lot of Dead Space fans on our team and all the cool tools at Isaac’s disposal, some quick concepts emerged and we knew he’d be a great addition. We’ve also wanted to add another “heavy,” hard-hitting character into All-Stars (Big Daddy was getting lonely), and with all the work on God of War: Ascension around Sony Santa Monica, Zeus emerged as a perfect fit.

As you might remember, Zeus is kind of an arrogant jerk, but one thing you can say for him is that he does not mess around. As King of the Gods, he’s a big guy, used to getting his way, and he hits HARD. Of course he’s got some cool combos, but his primary offense is centered around fewer, but more powerful strikes that generate a ton of AP and send enemies flying. He can power up virtually all of his attacks into a “charged” version with all kinds of new effects, giving him one of the biggest move lists in the game. Super-armored rushing punches, a clone move, teleports, and lightning bolts–lots and lots of lightning bolts. Your best bet against Zeus is to stay on his good side (aka behind him), or far away.

His level 1 is a giant Lightning Clap that lacks range but has a great area of effect. Level 2 lets Zeus take to the skies and fly anywhere before exploding in a deadly lightning storm. His level 3 “Wrath of Zeus” takes you to Olympus to fight a godlike 100-foot tall Zeus, and in true boss-fight form, he can wipe out half the screen with a single strike.

Through a combination of playtesting and staying true to his original series, Isaac emerged over the course of development as a strong mid-range fighter using the unique weapons and Kinesis/Stasis abilities you’ll recognize from the Dead Space series (think somewhere between Drake and Jak, with a lot of twists). He has some very interesting long-range options (the Bouncing Bola acts like sniper rifle that bounces off of walls, getting more powerful with each bounce) and he’s got some great moves up close, but just as in Dead Space, he’s at his best keeping foes safely out of his face. He can advance or retreat while firing his trusty Plasma Cutter, toss proximity mines, use Stasis attacks to freeze opponents, or spin slowly moving Ripper blades at enemies with a blast of Kinesis torque.

His level 1 super fires a supercharged stasis burst and then overloads his Plasma Cutter, which can be aimed anywhere, even at very long range. His level 2 super overloads his Kinesis module creating a bubble that launches nearby enemies away at “terminal” velocity, and Isaac’s level 3 takes you into space where he blows the airlock, sucking everyone into space for a quick game of something like “Asteroids” where Isaac flies around blasting opponents and space debris into dust.

Finally, what better to welcome new characters than with a new stage? The new “Graveyard” level mashes up MediEvil‘s Graveyard opening with… The Unfinished Swan. While we start in recognizable MediEvil territory (complete with pop-up zombies and a wisecracking gargoyle), the “Swan” elements are shown off with a mid-match whiteout and ink splatters that slowly reveal the emerging structures. There are lots of little Swan touches throughout the stage, from the hidden labyrinth, to a balloon, the King, and of course the Unfinished Swan itself makes a cameo.

So how do All-Stars fans get their hands on the new stuff? The new DLC pack hits the PlayStation Store on March 19th. As before with the recently released “Fearless” stage, the new “Graveyard” stage will be free in online ranked matches and $1.99 if you want to own it. As for Zeus and Isaac, I’m very happy to announce they will come to North America FREE as a redeemable downloadable voucher code packed in with the new God of War: Ascension, which launches on March 12th. When Zeus and Isaac Clarke go live in All-Stars on March 19th (one week later), you can use your code to redeem them any time after they are live. For anybody who doesn’t pick up God of War: Ascension (but of course that’s only crazy people–it’s got what I think is the most epic final battle in the series’ history), the characters will also be for sale in the PSN Store for $4.99 each.

I’ll have some more details coming on the new challengers in the coming weeks — until then, see you online!

PS3 Full Games

Medal of Honor Warfighter ($59.99)

MEDAL OF HONOR WARFIGHTER is a first-person shooter featuring covert Tier 1 military operative combat. The game is a sequel to the 2010 release, Medal of Honor, which moved the long-running game series from its roots in WWII based gameplay, into modern warfare scenarios and true-to-life conflicts.
ESRB: M – Mature // File Size: 12 GB

The Darkness II ($39.99)

The Darkness II is an intense first person shooter that puts you in the role of Jackie Estacado, don of a NY crime family and wielder of an ancient supernatural force of chaos known as The Darkness.
ESRB: M– Mature // File Size: 5.8 GB

Betas

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale Beta ($0.00)

Who’s really the best? Find out for yourself! Get a taste of the full game, with 2v2 and 4-player online tournaments. Play as Kratos, Sweet Tooth, Radec, Sly, PaRappa and Fat Princess as you battle in Metropolis or Hades, and check out the Cross Play action for yourself. This code works for both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita systems. This Beta ends on October 30th at 11:59pm Pacific, but you can experience even more when the full game launches on November 20th, 2012.

PSN Games

The Unfinished Swan ($14.99)

Enter the surreal world of The Unfinished Swan and explore a mysterious, hidden kingdom. Your journey will be led by a runaway swan who guides you through strange levels filled with bizarre creatures. Discover the land through innovative new game mechanics such as splatting paint on a white surface to uncover your surroundings. Each level will bring new twists, challenges, and puzzles until you eventually come face-to-face with the eccentric King that built this realm.
ESRB: E – Everyone // File Size: 1.48 GB

Killzone HD ($14.99)

Relive the original Killzone experience in high-definition 720p and new Trophy support. Originally released for PlayStation 2 in 2004, Killzone tells the story of Jan Templar, an ISA Captain whose home planet comes under attack from a Helghast invasion army. Together with a hot-headed sergeant named Rico, a deadly Shadow Marshal known as Luger, and the half-human, half-Helghast spy Hakha, Templar must attempt to reactivate the Orbital Defense Platform and drive the invading forces from his planet Vekta.
ESRB: M – Mature // File Size: 3 GB

Starhawk (Single Player Only) ($19.99)

Experience Emmett Graves’s quest for revenge in the Starhawk Single Player campaign. Called back to protect his home town of White Sands, hired gun Emmett Graves must rely on an arsenal of weapons and a little luck to fight off hordes of raiding Outcast and bring their leader, the ruthless outlaw, to justice.
ESRB: T– Teen // File Size: 9.2 GB

PS Vita

Street Fighter X Tekken ($39.99)

A dream collaboration between the two biggest fighting game franchises is now a reality! A deluge of highly demanded characters join the fray in this tag team-based game! The second round of this war begins now!
ESRB: T – Teen // File Size: 2.1 GB

Frobisher Says! ($0.00)

Compatible with PlayStation Vita only. Enjoy hilarious mini-games and interact with your PS Vita in just about every way possible. In Frobisher Says! – an exclusive app for PS Vita – enter Frobisher’s colourful world and prepare to face the weirdest, funniest and most addictive gaming experience of your life.
ESRB: E10+ – Everyone 10+ // File Size: 465 MB

Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz ($29.99)

Experience Super Monkey Ball™ as you’ve never seen it before! With local and Online Multi-player, custom level creation using the PlayStation®Vita System Rear Camera, 8 Mini-games and over 100 unique challenges, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz™ takes the platforming / puzzle genre to new heights!
ESRB: E – Everyone // File Size: 807 MB

Orgarhythm ($29.99)

Music and strategy unite in perfect harmony in this unique rhythm game. Set in a world of light and dark, 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, track your stats on the online ranking system or go head-to-head in 2 player Ad Hoc mode.
ESRB: E10+ – Everyone 10+ // File Size: 1.2 GB

Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward ($34.99)

Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward is a suspense-driven visual novel/puzzle game and spiritual sequel to the hit, 999. Zero has kidnapped nine people and placed them in a warehouse to play the deadly Nonary Game. Play as Sigma and decide who among the eight others to trust and who to betray in this plot twisting visual novel! With fully voiced dual language support, new puzzles and more, solve the mystery that is Zero!
ESRB: M – Mature // File Size: 1.3 GB

Added to PS Vita Store

• Final Fantasy III (PSP game)
• Pong (PSone Classic)
• Centipede (PSone Classic)
• Missile Command (PSone Classic)
• Virtual Pool (PSone Classic)

PS2 Classics

Winback: Covert Operations ($9.99)

The first blast wiped out your Space Center. In just 3 hours, the high-tech weapons satellite will strike again…It’s your job to make sure that it doesn’t.
ESRB: T – Teen // File Size: 642 MB

Bundles

Naughty Bear Double Trouble ($19.99)

The bears had a party and Naughty Bear wasn’t invited. Now they will pay… with their lives. All the fun of the original but with 3 new episodes, 3 new weapons and kills and 12 new costumes. Includes Naughty Bear Gold and Panic in Paradise. Naught Bear Gold also contains 4 new Multiplayer Modes.
ESRB: T – Teen // File Size: 2.3 GB

PlayStation Store Highlights

Our Day 1 Digital program continues this week with Medal of Honor Warfighter, sequel to 2010’s Medal of Honor. The Darkness II also makes its way onto the store this week, along with the single-player campaign of Starhawk. If you do end up purchasing Starhawk’s single-player campaign and decide you want in on the multiplayer action, please purchase the separate multiplayer item in the store, not the online pass.

Another highly anticipated release this week is The Unfinished Swan. This artistic game is receiving positive reviews, so check it out. Killzone HD joins The Unfinished Swan as a PSN release this week, so if you’ve been itching to replay it with trophies, here’s your chance.

Finally, there’s a bunch of new releases on PS Vita. Street Fighter X Tekken hits the platform, along with a plethora of downloadable content. Costume changes, free gems and more await you. Of course, if you don’t like fighters, there’s the new free app, Frobisher Says! that you can play around with. Rounding out the PS Vita offerings are Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz, Orgarhythm, and Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward. Oh, and if you want to download Final Fantasy III directly on your PS Vita, you can now do so.

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 Timed Trial	Medal of Honor Warfighter
Discounts	Hell Yeah! Add-On: Pimp My Rabbit (20%) – PS Plus Price: $3.99 Hell Yeah! Add-On: Virtual Rabbit Missions (20%) – PS Plus Price: $2.39 Wonder Boy in Monster Land (80%) – PS Plus Price: $1.00
Last Chance (Leaving on 10/30)	Pre-Order – Need for Speed Most Wanted Discount – Wonder Boy in Monster Land Discount – Costume Quest Discount – Dead Nation Discount – Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime Discount – inFAMOUS Festival of Blood Discount – AMY Discount – Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection Content Pack Discount – Dead Space 2 Discount – Plants vs. Zombies Discount – Plants vs. Zombies PS Vita Discount – Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack Discount – The House of the Dead Overkill Bundle Discount – Dead Rising 2 Off The Record Discount – Zen Pinball 2 Monsters Bundle (Vita & PS3 Cross-Entitled) Discount – Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City

PS3 Game Demos (Free)

Sports Champions 2 (Move & PS Eye Required)

Try your hand at skiing, golf, and tennis in this demo for Sports Champions 2. PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera required. This demo is playable in 2D or 3D. To enjoy stereoscopic 3D features, you will require a 3D TV that supports 3D stereoscopic display and 3D compatible glasses.
ESRB: E10+ – Everyone // File Size: 1.3 GB

Wheel of Fortune

Spin the wheel along with Pat Sajak and Vanna White on the virtual version of America’s Game!
ESRB: E– Everyone // File Size: 975 MB

Jeopardy!

Join Alex Trebek and play as a contestant on ‘America’s Favorite Quiz Show!” Test your knowledge to make it to Final Jeopardy! and the coveted Winner’s Circle!
ESRB: E– Everyone // File Size: 1.5 GB

PS Vita Game Demos (Free)

Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz

Experience Super Monkey Ball as you’ve never seen it before! With local and Online Multi-player, custom level creation using PS Vita’s Camera, eight mini-games and over 100 unique challenges, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz takes the platforming / puzzle genre to new heights!
ESRB: E– Everyone // File Size: 270 MB

Soundtracks

• The Unfinished Swan – $9.99
• Pure Chess OST— $6.49

Price Change

• God of War: Origins Collection – PS3 Game (now: $19.99 original price: $39.99)
• Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley – PSP Game (now: $19.99 original price: $39.99)
• Order Up! – PS3 Game (now: $9.99 original price: $14.99)

Sales

• Corpse Party – PSP Game (now: $9.99 original price: $19.99)
• Fast Draw Showdown – PS3 Game (now: $4.99 original price: $9.99)
• Kenka Bancho – PSP Game (now: $7.49 original price: $14.99)
• Smash Cars – PS3 Game (now: $7.49 original price: $14.99)
• Halloween Dynamic Theme (now: free original price: $2.99

Street Fighter X Tekken Add-On Sale

All DLC purchased on the PS3 version can be used on the PS Vita version, and vice versa.

• DLC Character Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS Vita Game Add-On (now: $2.99 original price: $5.99)
• SF DLC Char Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS Vita Game Add-On (now: $1.99 original price: $3.99)
• SF DLC Char Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS3 Game Add-On (now: $1.99 original price: $3.99)
• SF Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS Vita Game Add-On (now: $6.49 original price: $12.49)
• SF/TK Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS Vita Game Add-On (now: $8.49 original price: $17.99)
• TK DLC Character Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS Vita Add-On (now: $1.99 original price: $3.99)
• TK Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS Vita Game Add-On (now: $6.49 original price: $12.49)
• DLC Character Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS3 Game Add-On (now: $2.99 original price: $5.99)
• SF Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS3 Game Add-On (now: $6.49 original price: $12.49)
• SF/TK Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS3 Game Add-On (now: $8.49 original price: $17.99)
• TK DLC Character Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS3 Game Add-On (now: $1.99 original price: $3.99)
• TK Swap Costume Complete Pack – PS3 Game Add-On (now: $6.49 original price: $12.49)

PS Vita Add-ons

Street Fighter X Tekken PS Vita

All DLC purchased on the PS3 version can be used on the PS Vita version, and vice versa.

• Color Palette Add-Ons (Free) – Color packs (each color pack contains 4-color sets) for character color customization. Special Color Palettes also available.
• Boost Gem Trial Packs (Free) – Each Boost Gem Trial Pack contains a total of 3 Boost Gems that all characters can use. NOTE: Only visible to those who are entitled to the PS3 version of these packs.
• Preset Combo Packs (Free) – Each Pack adds a Preset Combo to the default 2 slots!
• Special Gem Packs (Free) – Each Special Gem Pack contains a total of 3 Boost Gems that all characters can use. NOTE: Only visible to those who are entitled to the PS3 version of these packs.
• Combo Editor ($2.99) – Enables use of the Combo Editor for all characters. Create your own custom combo for each character!
• SF Boost Gem Packs ($0.99 each) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Street Fighter characters. Each Boost Gem Pack activates upon a different condition.
• TK Boost Gem Packs ($0.99 each) – 10 Boost Gems exclusively for Tekken characters. Each Boost Gem Pack activates upon a different condition.
• SF/TK Shared Assist Gem Pack 4 ($1.99) – This 4 Gem pack is great for battle veterans. These Assist Gems can be used by all characters. Note: If you would like to see the effects of the Gems individually before purchase, please use the Store from the game’s Main Menu. The effects of the Gems may be subject to change.
• 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: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• SF Swap Costume Complete Pack ($12.99) – A pack featuring the swap costumes for the 19 Street Fighter characters. The SF cast take on the look of Tekken characters with these new outfits. Characters Included: Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Cammy, Guile, Abel, Dhalsim, Sagat, Rolento, Ibuki, Poison, Hugo, Rufus, Zangief, Vega, Balrog, Bison, Juri, Akuma Note: Please be careful not to purchase the same costume twice.
• 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: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• TK Swap Costume Complete Pack ($12.99) – A pack featuring the swap costumes for the 19 Tekken characters. The TK cast takes on the look of the Street Fighter characters with these new outfits. Characters Included: Kazuya, Nina, Asuka, Lili, Heihachi, Kuma, Paul, Law, King, Marduk, Hwoarang, Steve, Bob, Julia, Yoshimitsu, Raven, Jin, Xiaoyu, Ogre.
• SF/TK Swap Costume Complete Pack ($17.99) – This pack features the swap costumes for the Street Fighter and Tekken characters. The costumes for the 38 regular characters are included in this pack.
• 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: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Kuma (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Word on the street is that Kuma has joined R.Mika’s wrestling league. Apparently this was the only costume they had that would fit him!
• Abel (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that in the hopes of one day stepping into the ring with Armor King, Abel puts in a special order for a new costume.
• Akuma (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – While training under a waterfall, Akuma somehow takes on the appearance of Heihachi.
• 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. Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Asuka (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – For a work-study program at school, Asuka was sent to a certain ninja village. Does Asuka have what it takes to learn the ninja arts from Ibuki?!
• Balrog (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that after defeating Steve in a fight, Balrog decided to dress up as him to further mock his fallen adversary.
• 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. Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Bob (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that Bob was impressed by Ryu’s never-ending dedication to the fight. He decided to pay the original world warrior homage with a special outfit.
• 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. Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Cammy (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Cammy shows off her love of cats with this leopard motif costume. It would seem that Cammy has become one of King’s fans…
• 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… Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Chun-Li (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – The First Lady of Fighting shows off a softer side with this adorable panda outfit. Fans of Chun-Li and pandas won’t want to miss out!
• 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. Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Dhalism (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that the spirit of Heihachi’s father, Jinpachi Mishima, reaches out to Dhalsim. Dhalsim himself undergoes a transformation as he channels the legendary warrior.
• 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. Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• 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. Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Guile (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it the military has been working together with the G Corporation to develop a stronger, faster Guile based on JACK-X…?!
• Guy (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that Guy disguised himself as Kazuya in order to infiltrate the G Corporation. Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Heihachi (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that Heihachi taught Sodom, formerly of the Mad Gear Gang, how to truly appreciate Japanese culture. As a sign of thanks, Sodom sent him this outfit.
• Hugo (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that during a recent trip to Japan, Hugo became friends with the retired sumo wrestler Ganryu. Hugo decided to give sumo a try, and this is his wrestling outfit. Check out Hugo’s new hairstyle!
• Hwoarang (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that after listening to Dee Jay’s newest single, Hwoarang has become a big fan. He gets the clothes and the hair to match!
• Ibuki (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Ibuki’s latest assignment has her joining the Manji Clan. She’s added an accessory to the outfit to remind her of Don-chan.
• 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! Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Jin (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that the mysterious agent C.Viper was investigating the Mishima Zaibatsu when she was captured. Jin took an interest in her battle suit and had the Mishima Zaibatsu fashion one for his personal use.
• Julia (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that Julia and Chun-Li became friends through studying Chinese kempo together. Chun-Li gave Julia these clothes as a gift.
• Juri (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that after defeating Zafina who was sent to assassinate her, Juri took on her appearance in order to infiltrate the enemy camp.
• Kazuya (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that in order to discover Guile’s secrets, Kazuya plotted to take over a certain country’s air force. However, things didn’t quite go as planned as he ended up becoming a regular soldier.
• Ken (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Ken dresses up as his son’s favorite Super Hero, Bokori Man. But there’s a striking resemblance to Lars…?!
• King (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that while teaming up with the up and coming martial artist Alex, King put in a special order for some new threads.
• 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. Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Law (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that with Law’s restaurant engaged in a bitter rivalry with El Fuerte’s, Law decided to up the ante by becoming the Masked Chinese Martial Artist Chef!
• 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. Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Lili (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that In order to avoid her father’s vigilant surveillance, Lili took on a different look. However, she’s taken a liking to this outfit… which bears a striking resemblance to Poison.
• M. Bison (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that Bison became intrigued by Bryan’s unique abilities. Taking over his body, the result is…?!
• Marduk (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that while teaming up with Hugo, Marduk decided a slight wardrobe change was in order.
• Nina (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that Nina might be working for… Rolento’s army?!
• Ogre (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that Ogre obtained power from Gill, the leader of a secret organization. The power has transformed him…
• Paul (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that Paul became friends with Rufus due to their love of motorcycles. Rufus gave him these clothes for his next ride.
• Poison (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – A transformation brought about by the Devil Gene has lured out Poison’s wild side.
• Raven (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that Raven impersonated Guy in order to infiltrate the Bushinryu dojo and learn its secrets.
• Rolento (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that as a first step to creating his utopia, Rolento planned a takeover of Raven’s organization. Although he was successful, a subsequent restructuring resulted in Rolento becoming a minor agent.
• Rufus (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Somewhere within a dream, Rufus dances with the angels among the clouds…
• Ryu (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that after becoming drenched in blood during a fight with Devil Jin, Ryu is transformed by the Devil Gene.
• Sagat (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that Sagat defeated Dragunov, who had come to assassinate him. Sagat took his uniform as a token of his victory.
• Sakura (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – In order to attend a cultural festival at Asuka’s school, Sakura borrows one of their uniforms. Note: This add-on content can only be used if the additional character pack has been purchased.
• Steve (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that after a bout a few years ago, Steve received a present from a friend of Guile’s who was deeply impressed with his boxing style.
• Vega (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Vega, interested in Japan, the birthplace of the ninja, fashioned himself a new mask based on the Manji Clan. Of course, he also had to come up with some new threads to match.
• Xiaoyu (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that when Chun-Li came to arrest Jin, Xiaoyu felt jealous and insecure compared to the more mature Chun-Li. She took on a new look to prove that she can be just as appealing as the Interpol detective.
• Yoshimitsu (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Rumor has it that after defeating Bison in a fight, Yoshimitsu took the Psycho Power as his own.
• Zangief (Swap Costume) ($0.99) – Many people didn’t believe Zangief when he said he trained by wrestling bears. He made this outfit to prove them wrong.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz

• Complete DLC Bundle ($1.99) – All eight pieces of DLC for Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz in a single bundle! Each DLC pack enhances and adds to the custom Level Creator, allowing you to create all-new maps like never before. From super-challenging level pieces to giant Sonic statues, and even including a SEGA Genesis for the truly old school gamers, this bundle is the ultimate collection for fans of Super Monkey Ball!

New Little King’s Story

• Angel & Demon Set ($0.99) – Download the ‘Angel & Demon Set’ and unlock the following items to help you along your journey: Angel Bow (Attack +4), Angel Halo and Angel Clothes (rejuvenates life), Devil Spear (raises Attack and Power), Devil Horn (raises Attack Power), and the Devil Outfit (raises Attack Power)!
• Animal Set ($1.99) – Download the ‘Animal Set’ to get a variety of wild costumes that will increase Life, cure, and add defense against winds! This includes animals such as the Bear, Polar Bear, Panda, and Pancho!
• Princess Battle Outfit Set 1 ($2.99) – Download the ‘Princess Battle Outfit Set 1′ to unlock different Armor sets for each of the princesses, including princess Apricot, Sakura, Amabile, and Verde!
• Supreme Ruler Dragon Set ($0.99) – Download the ‘Supreme Ruler Dragon Set’ to receive more Life, Attack, and flame damage! This includes the Ruler’s Dragon Helmet, Chainmail, and Lance!

Pure Chess

• Halloween Chess Set ($2.49) – What better way to enjoy this spooky time of year than with the Pure Chess Halloween game pack! Inspired by fearsome fright night icons this beautifully rendered, mesmerizingly detailed pewter chess set will have you quaking in your boots! And it’s not just for Halloween – it can be used all year round…You’ll have a frighteningly good time playing Pure Chess with this ghoulish set. Download it – if you dare!

PS3 Add-ons

Dark Souls

• Artorias of the Abyss ($14.99) – Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss DLC will include all-new content from an untold chapter in the world of Lordran. Sent back to the past, the player will discover the story when Knight Artorias still lived.

Dead or Alive 5

• Round 2 Costumes – Full Set ($12.99) – Get the entire second round of costumes in one pack. All costumes from Kitty Pack, What a Character, and Special Set are included in this package. Twelve costumes in all!

Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit

• Pimp My Rabbit Pack ($2.99) – Unlocks 58 new masks and 11 new driller skins, some of which based on classic SEGA franchises such as Shinobi, Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi and more!
• Virtual Rabbit Missions ($4.99) – 50 new missions, adding more than 3 hours of gameplay, to be played in a brand new Virtual Reality world!

Just Dance 4

• Katy Perry – Part of Me ($2.99) – The world’s 1 dance game brand is back with Just Dance 4! Download Katy Perry’s Part of Me and keep the party going!

Mugen Souls

• Flashy Coordination (Free) – Here is a set of equippable items! Train one at a time or many at once! Create a party that is unique to you!
• Undisputed God Prudence Pack 2 (Free) – This a set of usable items for all you mid-level ultimate gods out there! The set includes, healing, revival and hot spring use items.
• G Up Pack 2 (Free) – I want to upgrade my items, but I just don’t have the points… Here is a present just for you with the points that are necessary to upgrade items, G Up!
• Point Pack 2 (Free) – I just can’t seem to get enough points… For those of you who feel this way, here is a currency boost containing G and a character strengthening boost containing Mugen Points.
• Jiggly Transmission and Equipment Pack 2 (Free) – Thank you for using the Jiggly Transmission!
• Here is a set of equippable items that will aid you on your adventure! This time, please find: gloves, a spear, a scythe, Dual Long and Short Blades and defense items!

One Piece Pirate Warriors

• DLC Pack ($14.99) – Continue Luffy’s journey to become the Pirate King with this exciting DLC bundle featuring special costumes and additional scenarios.

Pure Chess

• Halloween Chess Set ($2.49) – What better way to enjoy this spooky time of year than with the Pure Chess Halloween game pack! Inspired by fearsome fright night icons this beautifully rendered, mesmerizingly detailed pewter chess set will have you quaking in your boots! And it’s not just for Halloween – it can be used all year round…You’ll have a frighteningly good time playing Pure Chess with this ghoulish set. Download it – if you dare!

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

• Brains Out ($0.99) – RIBS
• Break Free From Your Life ($1.99) – Design the Skyline
• Feelin’ Stronger Every Day ($1.99) – Chicago
• Make Me Smile ($1.99) – Chicago
• If You Leave Me Now ($1.99) – Chicago
• Chicago Pack 01 ($5.49) – This pack includes ‘Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,’ ‘If You Leave Me Now,’ and ‘Make Me Smile’
• Ode to a Centipede ($1.99) – Buckner & Garcia
• Slander ($1.99) – Dr. Acula
• Galileo ($0.99) – We Are The Storm

Sleeping Dogs

• Screen Legends Pack ($1.99) – Two legendary outfits combined in one pack, with a new buff and an exclusive weapon.
• SWAT Pack ($3.99) – 20 all-new and replayable ‘Cop Job’ missions, featuring a unique SWAT outfit & SWAT van.

Saints Row: The Third

• Tricks and Treats Pack ($3.99) – Horror? Bloodsucking? Witches AND Wieners? This Halloween season, Saints Row: The Third has you covered. We’re bundling our most frightening DLC packs into one low-priced super pack that will have you burning at the stake with glee. Trick or treat? We say, why not both?

Tekken Tag Tournament 2

• Bonus Movies Packs ($2.49 – $5.99) – Each pack contains a collection of movies taken from Tekken, Tekken 2, Tekken 3 and Tekken Tag.
• Bonus Track Packs ($2.49 – $4.49) – Each pack contains a various number of tracks taken from Tekken 4, Tekken 5 and Tekken 6.

Tokyo Jungle

• Animal Character Bundle 3 ($2.49) – Download this Animal Character Bundle 3 to play as the Homo Erectus, Businessman, Saber-toothed Tiger and ERC-X in TOKYO JUNGLE.
• Complete Animal Character Bundle ($6.99) – Download this Complete Animal Character Bundle to play as the Black Pomeranian, White Pomeranian, Silky Terrier, Fat Cat, Kangaroo, Giraffe, Panda, Crocodile, Homo Erectus, Businessman, Saber-toothed Tiger and ERC-X.
• Mawashi Costume (Free) – Download this costume and dress up your character in TOKYO JUNGLE.
• Famitsu Swag Costume (Free) – Download this costume and dress up your character in TOKYO JUNGLE.
• Pipo Helmet Costume (Free) – Download this costume and dress up your character in TOKYO JUNGLE.
• ERC-X Character ($0.99) – Download this character to play as the ERC-X Character in TOKYO JUNGLE.
• Saber-toothed Tiger Character ($0.99) – Download this character to play as the Saber-toothed Tiger Character in TOKYO JUNGLE.
• Businessman Character ($0.99) – Download this character to play as the Businessman Character in TOKYO JUNGLE.
• Homo Erectus Character ($0.99) – Download this character to play as the Homo Erectus Character in TOKYO JUNGLE.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

• Various Multiplayer Taunts ($0.99 each) – Customize your multiplayer experience by downloading one of these new taunts: The Point, The Dougie, The Carlton 2, Stepdance, Skippy Dance, Ride It, Jump Freeze, Cossack, Cheerleader, Champion and Cabbage Patch.

Worms Revolution

• Funfair Pack ($4.99) – Roll up, roll up. Enjoy all the fun of the fair with these 5 new puzzles and theme. Experience new puzzles, weapons, customization and more.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

• Elite Soldier Pack ($4.99) – Customize your squad with three new bonus items. Instantly unlock a new recruit in your barracks inspired by the original X-COM: UFO Defense. Outfit your soldiers with specialized armor upgrades including the new Hyperion and Reaper soldier armor kits. Customize your soldiers’ appearances with a variety of colors and tints for all armor sets.

Game Videos (Free)

• BORDERLANDS 2 COME AND GET ME TRAILER
• BORDERLANDS 2 LAUNCH TRAILER
• DOUBLE DRAGON NEON OFFICIAL TRAILER
• FAR CRY 3 THE SAVAGES TRAILER
• JET SET RADIO PREVIEW TRAILER
• NAUGHTY BEAR PANIC IN PARADISE HIT LIST VIDEO 5
• NAUGHTY BEAR PANIC IN PARADISE HIT LIST VIDEO 6
• NAUGHTY BEAR PANIC IN PARADISE VIDEO 8
• NBA 2K13 OFFICIAL TRAILER
• SONIC ADVENTURE 2 LAUNCH TRAILER

PS3 Avatars

• ASSASSIN’S CREED III – ATASATA AVATAR — $0.49
• ASSASSIN’S CREED III – CARPENTER AVATAR — $0.49
• ASSASSIN’S CREED III – MOUNTEBANK AVATAR — $0.49
• ASSASSIN’S CREED III – NIGHT STALKER AVATAR — $0.49
• ASSASSIN’S CREED III – THE COMMANDER AVATAR — $0.49
• ASSASSIN’S CREED III – THE LADY MAVERICK AVATAR — $0.49
• ASSASSIN’S CREED III – THE ROBBER AVATAR — $0.49
• ASSASSIN’S CREED III ALSOOMSE AVATAR — $0.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Avatar Bundle 3 — $1.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Avatar Bundle 4 — $1.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Bones Avatar — $0.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE ERC-003 Avatar — $0.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Fat Cat Avatar — $0.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Giraffe Avatar — $0.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Homo Erectus Avatar — $0.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Lion Boss Avatar — $0.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Panda — $0.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Saber-toothed Tiger Avatar — $0.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Silky Terrier Avatar — $0.49
• TOKYO JUNGLE Tiger Avatar — $0.49

PS3 Themes

• Anne Stokes: Blood Moon Dynamic Theme — $2.99
• Anne Stokes: Dragon’s Fury Dynamic Theme — $2.99
• Anne Stokes: Immortal Flight Dynamic Theme — $2.99
• Digital Blasphemy: Accelerator Dynamic Theme — $2.99
• Digital Blasphemy: Octopus Garden Dynamic Theme — $2.99
• Digital Blasphemy: Phraxis Dynamic Theme — $2.99
• Digital Blasphemy: Poseidon Dynamic Theme — $2.99

Available In-Game Only (Not on PlayStation Store)

Rock Band 3

• Make Me Smile ($0.99) – Pro Guitar (In Game Only) – Chicago

Assassin’s Creed 3

• Assassin’s Creed III UPlay Passport – ($9.99)
• Assassin’s Creed III 155 Erudito Pack – ($4.99)
• Assassin’s Creed III 20 Erudito Pack – ($0.99)
• Assassin’s Creed III 380 Erudito Pack – ($9.99)
• Assassin’s Creed III 50 Erudito Pack – ($1.99)
• Assassin’s Creed III 925 Erudito Pack – ($19.99)

The Unfinished Swan is now finished and I think it’s a pretty amazing game. You probably shouldn’t take my word for it though.

See, making a game is like having a baby. You put a lot of yourself into it, there’s a mad scramble to push it out at the end, and once it’s out there’s no way you can ever be objective about it. So I’m not the best judge of whether this game is any good.

What I can say though is that it’s definitely the game we wanted to make.

We set out to create a game about a sense of wonder, about what it feels like to discover astonishing new things. We wanted to create an experience where as soon as players started getting the hang of something the game would shift and they’d be on to something new. I’m still surprised we managed to pull it off because making a game like that is crazy.

In contrast, most games take a few core gameplay mechanics and then spend their whole time exploring how those mechanics work together and separately. Coming up with interesting mechanics is hard so there’s a lot of creative and financial incentive to keep a game focused on just a few of them. The result is that most games are about developing a sense of mastery, of what it feels like to become an expert.

The Unfinished Swan isn’t about being an expert. It’s about how it feels to be a child discovering a brand new world.

Having just finished our very first game, that’s a feeling all of us at Giant Sparrow can sympathize with. Like the game itself the process of making it was messy and full of surprises.

And we never would have finished it without the incredible support we’ve gotten from Sony. We also want to thank thatgamecompany, who are the reason that support exists. Their fantastic work proves what a small team can do with a bit of time and encouragement.

Most of all, we want to thank the PSN community for being so supportive of strange new experiences. Your enthusiasm for games of all kinds — even games that are unlike anything you’ve ever played before — is why Sony is able to keep taking chances on unusual games like Journey and The Unfinished Swan.

Thanks, everybody!

We had a very unique creative process. In planning out each level, we used a series of index cards representing emotional beats. I would then work with Ian to put together a rough version of the level. If something didn’t feel right, we’d cut it out and shuffle our cards. Hokyo sums it up really well when he says the experience of play is more like eating a meal than looking at a painting. We eat with our entire bodies, at our own pace, using all of our senses. The metaphor of food isn’t purely conceptual; both Hokyo and Ian’s love of food manifests itself in the personality of the King character. In one chapter, players explore the King’s dining hall, complete with an abandoned feast. Also, see if you can find a giant piece of toast hidden somewhere.

Working at Giant Sparrow has been a creative challenge. On one hand, we had a tremendous amount of freedom to experiment with new ideas. On the other, we were a very small team with limited resources, and working with a group of really creative people can be a game of compromises between tech, art, sound, and design. The best part about working with our small team was that the people posing questions were also the ones creating solutions.

Overall, The Unfinished Swan is a really personal game to all of us. We worked together for a long time and poured a lot of our own quirks and experiences into it. When you sit down to play, know that it was created from start to finish with your whole experience in mind. Go forth and explore.

Don’t have PlayStation Plus? Go to the PlayStation Store on your PS3 or click here to get access.

October 16th PlayStation Plus Update

PAYDAY: The Heist

Free for PlayStation Plus Members

Dive full force into six heists of co-op madness, fighting off cops, stealing large sums of money and embarking on the ultimate high-intensity, first-person shooter adventure. You can play all the ‘heists’ solo if you like, or team up with friends on your friends list, or get your matchmaking on and work together as a group to pull off the crime.

The Unfinished Swan

Exclusive Early Release; Price: $14.99

The Unfinished Swan is a first-person painting game that begins in a totally white space; but as you throw globs of paint to explore the world, you’ll discover that the surreal, unfinished world that you inhabit is more than meets the eye. Plus members will get to be the first to discuss what this game is all about with the gaming community; so don’t miss out. The game will be released for all of PSN on 10/23.

PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale

Exclusive Beta Access

It’s time! We need your help in getting PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale prepped for showtime when it releases on PS3 and PS Vita on November 20th. Get a taste of the full game with 2v2 and 4 player online tournaments and choose from Kratos, Sweet Tooth, Radec, Sly, PaRappa and Fat Princess as you fight in Metropolis or Hades for victory. You’ll also get to check out the Cross Play functionality since this beta access works for both PS3 and PS Vita! The beta ends at 10/30 at 11:59pm PST, so get in while you can!

007 Legends

10% Discount (Regular Price: $59.99, PS Plus Price: $53.99)

As part of the door busting Day 1 Digital event, Plus members can snag the lowest price around on this new PS3 Full Game title, releasing the same day on PSN as it is at retail. Gamers and Bond aficionados alike will become James Bond reliving iconic and intense undercover missions from throughout the entire Bond film franchise including ones from the upcoming new Bond movie, “Skyfall”.

Caravan of the Dead – PlayStation Store Halloween Sale

Various (spooky) Games and Add-Ons With Extra Discounts for Plus Members

Time to celebrate Halloween with some of gaming’s most outlandishly ghoulish titles. This sale is for all of PSN, but Plus members will have the best discounts; many from 50% – 75% off the regular price. Find great games like the Costume Quest complete bundle for just $3.75, inFAMOUS Festival of Blood at a steal of a price at $2.50, and Dead Space 2 at $9.79. The sale ends 10/30. Here’s the full breakdown:

Game	PSN Sale Price	Plus Sale Price
Dead Space 2	$13.99	$9.79
Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection: Content Pack	$10.49	$7.34
Dead Rising 2 Off The Record	$13.99	$9.79
Plants vs. Zombies PS Vita	$10.49	$7.34
Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City	$34.99	$24.49
Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack	$5.59	$3.91
The House of the Dead Bundle	$21.99	$15.39
Zen Pinball 2 PS Vita Monsters Bundle (The Paranormal, Sorcerer’s Lair and Plants vs. Zombies)	$5.99	$4.19
AMY	$4.99	$2.50
Costume Quest complete bundle	$7.49	$3.75
Dead Nation	$7.49	$3.75
Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime	$2.49	$1.25
inFAMOUS Festival of Blood	$4.99	$2.50

Monster World IV (Plus Price: $1.00 – 80% off) and SEGA Rally Arcade (Plus Price $2.99 – 70% off the regular store price of $9.99)

Exclusive Discounts for Plus Members

Our friends at SEGA once again deliver gaming goodness at a price you can’t resist. With the Master System classic Monster World IV and the more recent arcade hit SEGA Rally Arcade seeing deep discounts. I encourage everyone to check out these titles.

That’s it for this week. Make sure you check out tomorrow’s PlayStation Store update post to see all the details for this week’s Plus update, and come back next week when we’ll have more great Plus news to share. See you in the comments!

The Unfinished Swan is an unusual game with an unusual history. We wanted to give you an exclusive look into its history before it lands on PSN October 23rd — as well as some secrets you’d never guess. Find out where we came up with the idea, who helped make it happen, and some techniques we used to make the game feel just right.

Want to find out more about The Unfinished Swan? Keep reading PlayStation.Blog for all the latest on this unique and beautiful game.

At its core, The Unfinished Swan is about the joy of creation and self-discovery. These themes revolve around two central characters: one young, who has dealt with great loss and loneliness, and one old, who must reconcile his current stage of life as well as his fate.

One of the initial conversations I had with Peter Scaturro, music supervisor at the Santa Monica Studio involved using the key components of the score to offset the melancholy of the story. I consciously steered away from anything that felt too sad, stark or desolate. Instead,

I focused on crafting a mood that was lush, curious, and warm. We wanted the music to serve as a companion for Monroe and the player as they explored the world of the game. To achieve this, I chose to highlight certain instruments and sounds that were inspired by the characters themselves. Monroe’s signature sound is played by plucked and mallet instruments like marimba and harp – youthful, resonant sounds that highlight his innocence as well as the storybook-quality of the game. The bizarre, pompous King is heralded by gritty, electronic harpsichord tones. I used acoustic sounds to imitate electronic, synthesized textures and vice versa – using analog modular synthesizers and extensive processing to evoke harpsichord and harp-like sounds. Too often, classical “thematic” scores are at odds with modern, texture-driven scores.

My goal was to blur the lines and try to find the best of both worlds: to use the opportunity I had as a composer not just to write a score, but to knit the fabric for this world, completely from scratch. Aside from live string orchestra, every sound in the score is original. The compositional process was about subverting all traditional rules in favor of something more textural, more free-flowing – like an ocean of sound. Classical theory and traditional harmonic structures are here, but they’re lurking far below the surface. In-game ambient music is always evolving, never confined to a static loop. I wanted the music to feel seamless with the gameplay, as if it is part of the environment.

And that brings us back to the joy of creation – there’s a certain naivety in so much of my favorite art. The Unfinished Swan was the perfect opportunity to explore that. I’m so excited to put this out into the world. It was an incredible experience working with Giant Sparrow and the SCEA Music Department.

We can all relate to Monroe’s mother and The King. The spark at the beginning of a project is what we love best about creating. The real work begins when we have to develop that initial idea into a finished product, and I’m confident that no one has played or heard a game quite like The Unfinished Swan.

Now we have an answer: you can buy The Unfinished Swan on October 23rd exclusively on PSN for $14.99. And if you’re a PlayStation Plus member, you can get the game a week early — October 16th.

In the meantime, there’s still a lot to learn about the game. You’ve met the King, now get to know us: the team behind it all. In the first of a series of developer diaries, we’ll lift the curtain and give you some background on Giant Sparrow, the beginning of The Unfinished Swan and how we landed on PlayStation Network. Check it out:

Leading up to launch on October 23rd, we will be back to dive in and show you all you need to know about The Unfinished Swan. For more news about the game you can check out the Giant Sparrow company blog.

Can’t wait for you all to play the game!

Like a lot of other great artists, our King is a little crazy.

He’s the one who created the entire world that players will be exploring in The Unfinished Swan. And I don’t want to give too much away, but the King built a lot of cool stuff. If you like all-white statue gardens, giant labyrinths, or colossal monuments to the King then you’re in luck.

Unfortunately, most people don’t like those things. At least not in their backyard. Turns out living in the middle of a giant labyrinth is pretty inconvenient, which is why just about everyone in the kingdom eventually moved away. But the King is the sort of guy who goes right on building the stuff he wants no matter what other people think about it. Whether or not that’s a good thing depends on your point of view and — like I said — how you feel about giant labyrinths.

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Thanks to Jeff, Nick, and Rey, the Blogcast thrived during my absence last week. But I’ve returned from the exotic lands of the East Coast bearing priceless gifts! First, I speak with Ian Dallas, the creative director of upcoming PSN knockout The Unfinished Swan, to learn what really inspired this distinctive game — and why those monochromatic ink-blot levels are only the beginning of what’s in store. Then I catch up with Steve Masters, lead game designer for Assassin’s Creed III, to get the inside scoop on those jaw-dropping naval battles that blew us away during PlayStation’s E3 press conference. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to most efficiently dismantle a rampaging man-of-war battleship, put this podcast on your shortlist.

Of course, we’ve got the usual array of Blogcast niceties: Next week’s North American PSN lineup for July 31st, a slew of “player queries” and tips, a new Mystery Theme, even a new PSN Gem of the Week! Oh, and I share my thoughts on The Dark Knight Rises (no spoilers) much to Nick’s chagrin. It’s a grand old time!

Stuff We Talked About

The Unfinished Swan

Assassin’s Creed III Naval Warfare

The Dark Knight Rises

Twisted Metal

Spec Ops: The Line and why we play violent shooter games by Tom Bissell

The Cast

[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game
details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating
descriptions.]

• Thanks to Cory Schmitz for our beautiful logo and Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music. Special thanks to Astro Gaming headsets for providing audio gear.