Hey friends, as you may or may not have read in my other writings, I own a Playstation 3. However, my friends list is not as big as it should be! It would be really great if I could add a few of you guys and girls to my list so we can play games together. I own several multiplayer games, including LittleBigPlanet, Star Wars: The Complete Saga, Hot Shots Golf, and more. I’ve been playing alot of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 though! Please add me:

kurisumaku

p.s. This post originated nearly after I started the site back in 2008, but wanted to repost it again to add more friends.

TechRadar has noted in a recent survey – sent to some consumers by Sony Asia – that Sony asks the question as to whether PlayStation gamers would be prepared to pay a monthly fee for the online service. Sony currently offers access to its online service free of charge for all Playstation 3 owners, which is a pretty big selling point. I found it very surprising to read this, as I have read numerous quotes in the past from Sony folk that the service would remain free for a long time. Has that time come to an end? A possible trade-off is that Sony would offer free downloads of PSP and PSOne game downloads (and possibly other perks) to subsidize the cost.

Honestly, in my opinion, I don’t believe its a good idea. Sony needs as many advantages as possible to keep the PS3 momentum rolling, and this feels like it would be a negative aspect especially as access to the PSN has been free. While there is no official word from Sony, we at Sony Insider can only hope that this remains a contemplation..and not a reality.

Information courtesy of TechRadar.

Another PlayStation Store weekly update has debuted and its a pretty impressive update. Two full downloadable games are included, as well as a hearty Rock Band update and a handful of demos. Street Fighter Alpha should be a huge hit, but unfortunately it does not have online multiplayer. Bionic Commando has received a HD makeover and should be quite addictive online. I must admit that I am also quite impressed with the way the creators of Rock Band keep a weekly update of new songs for the game – that really makes it a nice value.

Downloadable Games

Bionic Commando: Rearmed ($9.99)
Featuring intense shooting and iconic grappling action, this amazing update gets a HD makeover and more! Discover a remixed musical score, enhanced gameplay, new weapons, online rankings and new unlockable content for the upcoming sequel. Team up in the new 2-player co-op mode and take your own path while still in view on the split screen! Download the game today!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 373 MB

PS1 Classics for PS3/PSP

Street Fighter Alpha ($5.99)
FIGHT! The classic Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams returns! With an improved Super Combo system based on Super Street Fighter II Turbo, the addition of the “Alpha Counter,” “Air Blocking,” and “Chain Combos,” Street Fighter Alpha set a new standard in arcade-style fighting gameplay. Download this PSone Classic today!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 80 MB

Add-on Game Content

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

* “Constant Motion” – Dream Theater ($0.99)
* “Aesthetics of Hate” – Machine Head ($0.99)
* “My Curse” – Killswitch Engage ($0.99)
* “Clouds Over California” – DevilDriver ($0.99)
* “Runnin’ Wild” – Airbourne ($0.99)
* “Sleepwalker” – Megadeth ($0.99)
* Roadrunner Records Pack 1 ($5.99) – includes “Runnin’ Wild” – Airbourne, “Clouds Over California” – DevilDriver, “Constant Motion” – Dream Theater, “My Curse” -Killswitch Engage, “Aesthetics of Hate” – Machine Head , and “Sleepwalker” – Megadeth.

File sizes: 22.5 MB – 48.8 MB (singles), 221 MB (track pack)

Price Promotion: these tracks will become to $1.99 on 8/21. The track pack will become $9.99 on 8/21.

Game Demos (free)

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Demo
Featuring intense shooting and iconic grappling action, this amazing update gets a HD makeover and more! Discover a remixed musical score, enhanced gameplay, new weapons, online rankings and new unlockable content for the upcoming sequel. Team up in the new 2-player co-op mode and take your own path while still in view on the split screen! Download the free trial today!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 373 MB

1942: Joint Strike Demo
Based on the popular arcade series, 1942: Joint Strike combines classic top-down shooting with amazing 3D HD graphics. Maneuver aircraft carriers to take on waves of enemy fire and face off with huge enemy bosses. Recruit a wing man locally or online to employ Joint Strike attacks, combining firepower into one explosive barrage. With a whole new arsenal, prepare to rejoin the battle!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 129 MB

NHL 2K9 Demo
NHL 2K9 brings fun back to hockey video games with a brand-new in-game presentation system, pick-up-and-play controls and hard-hitting action. The NHL 2K9 Demo consists of one 3 minute period with two teams to choose from, the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins. Download now!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 637 MB

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2009 Demo
Take on the world in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09. Save your most amazing – and unthinkable – performances and post on EA SPORTS GamerNet, a revolutionary interactive gaming hub that hosts user-created content online. Set the bar high by posting your top moments, and take on challenges set by others, to determine the world’s greatest golfer once and for all.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1006 MB

Game Videos (free)

The Last Guy Gameplay Trailer 2
You are the chosen one, and it is up to you to rescue the last survivors on earth by leading them to safety through zombie-infested streets. With a classic arcade style overhead view, make your way through detailed real-world cities and use your heat vision to find people hiding in buildings. Then lead them to the Escape Zone before time runs out in this frantic, addictive game. Download the latest trailer today to see the game in action.
File size: 92 MB (HD)

Bionic Commando: Rearmed: The Making Of – Part 3
Explore the re-making of a classic side-scroller in part 3 of this 3-part documentary that looks at how Bionic Commando was brought back into action!!
File size: 290 MB (HD)

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Launch Trailer
Download the trailer today!
File size: 95 MB (HD)

Saints Row 2 – Gangs Trailer
Five years have passed since your crew betrayed you. Seek revenge and reclaim your throne as the rightful king of Stilwater.
File size: 192 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Gameplay Trailer 1
Vampire Rain: Altered Species provides a whole new way to play action-stealth games. Save the human race from the Nightwalkers who have taken over. Experience a variety of characters and weapons, intense heart pounding battles, and online multi-player mode. It’s time to fight or die.
File size: 58 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Running Alley Trailer
A quiet city street proves to be more deadly than it looks. Be careful at night—you’ll never know who (or what) is lurking in the shadows, waiting for its next meal. The Nightwalkers have been classified as highly dangerous and incredibly destructive. But how can you defeat such a strong and violent enemy? Keep your weapons close, move quickly, and always be the one to strike first.
File size: 50 MB (HD)

Legendary Behind the Scenes Teaser Trailer
When rogue art thief Charles Deckard is tasked to steal Pandora’s Box, he accidentally opens it, releasing mythological beasts into an unprepared world. Now, giant griffons rule the skies, ravenous werewolves stalk the streets and Deckard is left branded with a signet that is the secret to man’s salvation.
File size: 48 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Buzz Video
Find out what the buzz is around the release of Madden NFL 09. Get a first look at the enhanced animations and the visual jump that Madden 09 possesses and see why this is the best Madden NFL ever produced!
File size: 69 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Announcers Video
See why this is the best audio featured in any Madden NFL game to date. You will be able to experience the exciting new audio including John Madden delivering game analysis. Chris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond also provide detailed play-by-play and color commentary to the game. You don’t want to miss Madden NFL 09!
File size: 59 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Presentation Video
From the exterior shots to the ticker, the second you turn on the game, you are going to notice the new look and feel of Madden NFL 09. The authentic visuals create a completely innovative view to the game.
File size: 108 MB (HD)

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 : Fusion
Reveal Trailer for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 – Fusion
File size: 53 MB (HD)

Mirror’s Edge Story Trailer 1
Faith and other couriers used to be ignored by the police. But things have changed. And now Faith is being hunted.
File size: 83 MB (HD)

AST Dew Tour – Cleveland FMX Jam Session
A compilation of the best moments from the FMX Jam Session at the second stop of the AST Dew Tour in Cleveland, Ohio.
File size: 90 MB (HD), 149 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour – Cleveland Skate Thrills
A compilation of the best moments in Skateboard Park and Skateboard Vert from the second stop of the AST Dew Tour in Cleveland, Ohio.
File size: 91 MB (HD), 150 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour – Cleveland BMX Highlights
A compilation of all the moments to remember in BMX Dirt, BMX Vert and BMX Park from the second stop of the AST Dew Tour in Cleveland, Ohio.
File size: 122 MB (HD), 202 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour – Hear it from Nyquist
BMX Dirt athlete Ryan Nyquist talks about strategies across courses and how each dirt course on the Dew Tour brings something different to the competition. .
File size: 93 MB (HD), 154 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes (free)

BioShock Theme
Customize your PS3 system with a cool BioShock Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 3.70 MB

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Theme (x2)
Customize your PS3 system with a cool Bionic Commando: Rearmed Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 7.09 MB – 7.19 MB

PS3 Wallpaper (free)

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Wallpaper (x2)
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Bionic Commando: Rearmed Wallpaper
File size: 208 KB – 472 KB

PLAYSTATION Store for PC

Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There, you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.

PS1 Classics for PS3/PSP
Street Fighter Alpha ($5.99)

PSP Themes (free)
Bionic Commando: Rearmed Theme (also downloadable via PS3)

PSP Wallpaper (free)
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 Wallpaper (x2)
Madden NFL 09 Wallpaper (x2)

Hope you enjoy!

Hey, everyone. It’s time again for the PLAYSTATION Store weekly update.

Qore Digital Magazine

Qore Episode 02: July, 2008 ($2.99 Issue, $24.99 Annual Subscription)
Episode 02 of Qore: Presented by the PLAYSTATION Network includes Part one of a three part series following the development of Resistance 2 and the exclusive release of the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm demo.
File size: 1.71 GB

Add-on Game Content

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock July 4th 2008 Holiday Single (free)
FREE “Top Gun Anthem” as performed by Steve Ouimette. For all song credits please visit www.redoctane.com
File size: 14.9 MB

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

• “Promised Land” – Vesuvius (free)
• “Who’s Going Home with You Tonight?” – Trapt ($0.99)
• “Time Is Running Out” – Papa Roach ($0.99)
• “Down at the Whisky” – Motley Crüe ($0.99)
• Crüe Fest Pack 1 ($2.99) – includes “Time Is Running Out” – Papa Roach, “Down at the Whisky” – Motley Crüe, and “Who’s Going Home with You Tonight?” – Trapt.

File sizes: 23.3 MB – 30.6 MB (singles), 74.2 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

Killzone 2 Trailer
Two years after the Helghast assault on Vekta, the ISA are taking the fight to Helghan. Their primary objective is to capture the Helghast leader, Emperor Visari, and bring the Helghast war machine to a halt. You assume the role of Sev, a battle-hardened member of the Legion, a special forces unit tasked with securing the Pyrrhus, the capital of Helghan.
File size: 33 MB (SD), 66 MB (HD)

Valkyria Chronicles Teaser Trailer
An introductory trailer to the epic world of Valkyria Chronicles.
File size: 62 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company Bad World Trailer
Haggard and Sweetwater have a serious discussion about a well known song.
File size: 47 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company Rainbow Sprinkles Trailer
Sarge tries to stack the troops up to breach an important objective.
File size: 62 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company Snake Eyes Trailer
See what the characters of B-Company encounter on their journey for gold.
File size: 53 MB (HD)

Dead Space Animated Comic Issue #2
The second issue of the six part Dead Space Animated Comic Series created by Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston.
File size: 269 MB (HD)

Dead Space Animated Comic Issue #3
The third issue of the six part Dead Space Animated Comic Series created by Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston.
File size: 368 MB (HD)

Tiger Woods ‘09 Course Video
Tiger Woods PGA Tour ’09 features new and improved course-rendering technology that gives all of the courses in the game a special look; one that captures the essence of the courses themselves. To see the improvements first-hand, check out these videos from EA Sports.
File size: 104 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Altered Species #1
Not all is what it seems on this cold, wet night. A waitress, having just finished her shift begins her long walk home as she becomes frightened and takes a wrong turn down a dark alleyway. This could be the last mistake she will ever make.
File size: 153 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Altered Species #2
Strategy is a key factor here. Use extreme caution when planning your course of action. One wrong step and this team of elite AIB agents could end up the main course of a Nightwalker buffet. There are no rules of engagement here: kill ‘em all!
File size: 116 MB (HD)

Movie and Blu-ray Trailers (free)

Lakeview Terrace
In Lakeview Terrace, a young couple has just moved into their California dream home when they become the target of their next-door neighbor, who disapproves of their interracial relationship.
File size: 29 MB (SD), 108 MB (HD), 148 MB (1080)

John Mayer Live In Los Angeles
This special concert includes three sets: an acoustic performance, a rare set with John Mayer Trio, as well as a set featuring Mayer’s full band.
File size: 134 MB (HD), 178 MB (1080)

Vantage Point
While giving a speech in Madrid, the President of the United States is shot and a bomb explodes killing dozens of people. The incident is seen from the perspective of different people, including secret service agents and the assassins, led by a well-known terrorist.
File size: 98 MB (HD), 129 MB (1080)

Persepolis
Writer and Director Marjane Satrapi draws a poignant story about a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, when people’s hopes were dashed as fundamentalists took power.
File size: 76 MB (HD), 99 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes (free)

Woodward Theme
Customize your PS3 system with a cool Woodward Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 3.18 MB

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Theme
Customize your PS3 system with a cool Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 2.32 MB

PS3 Wallpaper (free)

Top Spin 3 Wallpaper
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Top Spin 3 Wallpaper.
File sizes: 203K – 883K

PLAYSTATION Store for PC

Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There, you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.

PSP Themes (free)

PSN Theme
Woodward Theme

Hope you enjoy!

I’ve seen alot of fakes in my day, but this one looks pretty legitimate. Apparently in late summer ’08 the PSN will be rolling out downloadable PS2 games for a reasonable price. Whilst it wouldn’t be too difficult to doctor this (photoshop an image, load it fullscreen) there is a part of me that could see this happening because the PSN needs an Ace card to truly stand up to XBox Live. The leak all started from a Sony Insider named “Nintz” at the News For Gamers forums:

I was speaking to a friend last night on MSN who works at Sony London. I was actually asking him about the new XMB update, and if he knows when it’ll be out. He told me it was scheduled to launch E3, but more interesting was his info on a new Playstation 2 Store that’ll also be announced at E3 too! Basically Sonys answer to Xbox Originals.

Apparently, it wont be released during E3, but is scheduled for a late summer release. Most surprising is that its supposedly launching in Europe first! Guess Sony has realised how valuable us Europeans are to them!

Sony was quick to dismiss the rumor and picture by saying, “I’m not sure where the image came from,” said SCE communications director Patrick Seybold, as reported by GamePro. “At this point, we haven’t made any announcements, and there are no plans for PS2 downloadable titles on PS3.”

Very soon PS3 owners in the US will be able to download movies (I assume HD version will also be offered). Sony today presented a series of new initiatives designed to build on its previous three-year revitalization plan and to position the company as the leading global provider of networked consumer electronics and entertainment. The roll out of video download service will start in the US this summer. Since Sony owns Columbia Pictures, let’s hope we will see some really good content. Video downloads could be Sony’s only chance to accomplish what Apple has done in the Audio sector (and trust us, Apple wants that other piece and has been working hard on it for a while now).

Another interesting piece of information I dug out: users of internet connected Sony Bravia TVs will be able to get the latest movie “Hancock” before it’s going to come out on a DVD. The latest Bravias (summer 2008) sport a network port on the back of the TV, and I am not sure if the Video Internet Link will have to be connceted as well to get that content.  I guess we’ll see!

Taken from the Sony.net press release: “Sony’s unique position in electronics and entertainment allows us to offer compelling network services. As an example of our potential, this November, Sony Pictures Entertainment will offer one of the most highly anticipated films of the summer, “Hancock”, exclusively to all internet connected BRAVIA LCD TVs in the U.S. before it is available on DVD. This film will be
distributed to Sony customers directly to their televisions outside conventional distributors and
without the need for any set-top box. This is an industry first.”

UPDATE: Rick Clancy from Sony confirmed that Video Internet Link will provide the movie Hancock download in December.