httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x–DVqnaxtk

Sonic Picnic has been kind enough to write a development diary that delves deep into the bowels of Awesomenauts’ audio design and music production, and also gives a glimpse at some of the things to come – a single-length version of the theme song, amongst other things.

This dev diary, including a short preview of the extended theme song can be found here:http://www.awesomenauts.com/audio/

Awesomenauts will be available in the coming weeks for download on Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network.

About Awesomenauts:
The year is 3587, conflict spans the stars. Huge robot armies are locked in an enduring stalemate. At the centre is a team of elite mercenaries fighting for the spoils of war: The Awesomenauts.

Combining the gameplay of classic 2D-platforming titles with that of modern, fast-paced MOBA-games, Awesomenauts allows up to six players to battle against one-another across multiple alien worlds. Featuring a playable roster of six unique heroes, Awesomenauts brings ferocious team play and angry, lightsaber-wielding aliens together.

Gameplay Features:

• For the first time in galactic history, Awesomenauts will bring the popular MOBA genre to the 2D plane with rich, detailed environments!
• Adrenaline-pumping action with up to 3 players staining your couch, or 6 players online!
• A roster of six unique playable mercenaries, each featuring their own set of skills and upgrades!
• Advanced matchmaking options, which allow you to queue up for online matches without forcing you to wait in a matchmaking lobby!
• Unlock over 100 unique items to beef up your abilities and customize your personal playing style for each match!
• Face melting battles across multiple exotic planets and alien spaceships!

To start, one of the biggest games of the year is coming straight to PSN, the same day it’s available at retail. Mass Effect 3 will be available to download on March 6th and to celebrate, we’ve partnered with EA to bring you a special pre-order on the PlayStation Store. Pre-order on the PlayStation Store now and get the M-55 Argus Assault Rifle and the Mass Effect 3 – Take Earth Back Theme.

PS Vita games are also easy to look to as the star of the show this week. Games like TALES FROM SPACE: MUTANT BLOBS ATTACK, Touch My Katamari and Plants Vs Zombies pepper the PlayStation Store with some great gaming experiences. There’s even a new PS minis triple pack from Grip Games with 3 of their best hits, playable on PS Vita. But don’t miss out on the other Vita-only experiences like the AR (Augmented Reality) games Cliff Diving, Table Soccer and Fireworks. You’ll also be excited to see the first wave of apps for Vita hit with Live Tweet, Flickr and Netflix arriving with today’s update. Starting today, you’ll be able to find all the above PS Vita experiences easily viewable from the PlayStation Store on your PS Vita and PlayStation 3. There is now a special PS Vita Games category on the PS3 PlayStation Store as well.

You’ll want to watch the PS3 Full Games category for great new additions with Mafia II and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II. But if you’re looking for something more bite-sized to download, get your hands on EA’s SSX via the demo. It’s your first hands-on with the definitive version of the game as the PS3 version will have the entire Mt. Fuji mountain as an in-game exclusive.

PlayStation Plus subscribers get a chance to snag 6 great Sega Genesis classics this week. Newer subscribers may not have had a chance to get these gems when they were available last year. Now, they’re all available free this week in PlayStation Plus. Subscribers also get access to great discounts like 50% off Hamilton’s Great Adventure.

There’s much more to uncover with today’s update so make sure you check out all the details below. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion on the PlayStation Community forums in the Official PlayStation Store Update thread.

Here is the weekly PlayStation Store update:

PlayStation Plus

PS Vita Games

Augmented Reality – Cliff Diving (Free)
Take the plunge with daredevil Diver Dan and use your AR Play Cards to build a series of high diving boards wherever you are. Perform elaborate dives and try to splash down safely to help Dan earn prize money as a handsome reward!
ESRB rated E10+
File size 400 MB

Augmented Reality – Table Soccer (Free)
Use your AR Play Cards to create your own soccer stadium and enjoy this beautiful game on any flat surface. Take on friends via Ad Hoc Mode and compete in exhibition matches and table top tournaments.
ESRB rated E
File size 183 MB

Augmented Reality – Fireworks (Free)
Light up the sky with a spectacular firework display. Detonate fireworks and perform explosive combos to earn special bonuses and work your way up the Fireworks online leaderboard.
ESRB rated E
File size 273 MB

Hustle Kings ($9.99)
Hustle your way to the top of the global leader boards in this beautifully chic, yet minimalist pool setting. Control every move with intuitive front and rear touch interface and keep the game moving with quick push notifications.
ESRB rated E
File size 325 MB

Ben 10 Galactic Racing (Digital) ($29.99)
Ben 10 Galactic Racing, the first and only kart racing game based on the hit Ben 10 TV series on Cartoon Network, features Ben and his alien heroes competing in an over-the-top, galactic grand prix race in over 25 exhilarating tracks!
ESRB rated E
File size 968 MB

Shinobido 2: Revenge Of Zen (Digital) ($34.99)
Decimate your enemies under the cover of darkness. The Shinobido series is back with unprecedented stealth action. Use devastating ninja skills, grapple hook, and other tools to freely explore and carry out your missions.
ESRB rated M
File size 1.1 GB

Touch My Katamari (Digital) ($24.99)
Roll everything from tiny ants to skyscrapers in this exhilarating “Shape-changing and Ball rolling” title. Change the ball’s shape with the flip of your fingers, expand the ball on a vast space or squeeze into gaps.
ESRB rated E10+
File size 660 MB

Plants Vs Zombies ($14.99)
The zombies are coming to the PlayStation Vita system! With both touchscreen and SIXAXIS Motion Sensor support, Plants vs Zombies on the PS Vita includes 50 zombie-zapping adventure levels, 5 original game modes, 43 trophies to collect and lets players create their own zombies with Zombatar.
ESRB rated E10+
File size 74 MB

Army Corps Of Hell (Digital) ($39.99)
Army Corps of Hell brings a new level of vicious combat, dark humor and lightning-quick action to the PlayStation Vita handheld entertainment system. As the King of Hell you control an army of goblin soldiers with various classes and abilities to defeat a host of enemies in order to reclaim your throne.
ESRB rated M
File size 625 MB

Dynasty Warriors Next (Digital) ($34.99)
Experience a new type of DYNASTY WARRIORS action created from a blend of the characteristic WARRIORS style simple controls with new intuitive controls made possible through the functions of the PS Vita system.
ESRB rated T
File size 1.5 GB

TALES FROM SPACE: MUTANT BLOBS ATTACK ($7.99)
Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack is a side-scrolling puzzle-platformer about a hungry mutant Blob that escapes into the world and starts eating everything around him. Use touch and the motion sensor function combined with traditional analog stick controls to defeat and consume the pathetic humans.
ESRB rated E10+
File size 127 MB

PS Vita Add-Ons

BlazBlue: CSE – System Voice Arrange Noel Type-A, Type-B ($5.99)
This is a system voice by Kanako Kondo, the voice of Noel Vermillion. Two versions are included.
File Size 100 KB

Hustle Kings Snooker Pack ($2.99)
It’s time to make your big break with this snooker table pack for Hustle Kings, featuring new cues, balls and tournaments to test your skills. Limited Offer: Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions! To use this download, you will need Hustle Kings and a PS Vita System.
File Size 42 MB

Hustle Kings Time Savers Pack ($1.49)
Can’t wait to complete Hustle Kings and unlock lots of extras? Then download this Time Savers Pack for instant access to eight avatars, a special cue, five ball sets, a bonus game pack and a set of trick shots. To use this download, you will need Hustle Kings and a PS Vita system.
File Size 100 KB

Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 Add-Ons x9 ($3.99 Each)
Limited Offer: Purchasing these add-ons entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
File Size 100 KB Each

ModNation Racers: Road Trip – Unlock All Code ($5.99)
Wanna save some time? Get this Unlock All Code for ModNation Racers: Road Trip and unlock all the in-game unlockables and immediately have access to all the items to customize and create with a full inventory right away.
File Size 100 KB

UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss Treasure Map Pack ($0.99)
Purchasing the Treasure Map Pack allows you to add a full set of Golden Abyss Treasure Maps to Drake’s Journal, making them instantly available in game.
File Size 100 KB

Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational Online Pass ($9.99)

Wipeout 2048 Online Pass ($9.99)
File Size 100 KB

PS Vita Apps

Live Tweet
LiveTweet is a bespoke Twitter app that allows you to find and follow users, compose Tweets, Retweet and view updates from your friends, favorite celebrities and industry experts – all via your PS Vita system.

Flickr
Upload your best photos to Flickr and start sharing them with friends worldwide. Join new groups, create personalized photostreams and tell your own story online. Flickr is home to billions of inspirational photos – why not give yours a new home, too?

Netflix
Unlimited TV episodes & movies via your PlayStation Vita system & more!

PS3 Full Games

Mafia II ($19.99)
Vito Scaletta has started to make a name for himself on the streets of Empire Bay as someone who can be trusted to get a job done. Together with his buddy Joe, he is working to prove himself to the Mafia, quickly escalating up the family ladder with crimes of larger reward, status and consequence.
ESRB rated M
File size 7.5 GB

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II ($19.99)
Betrayed by Darth Vader for the last time, Starkiller has escaped and faces a new journey to find his true identity. Unleash fury – wield dual lightsabers and new force powers to crush your enemies. Unleash truth – sequel to the award-winning story, continue the epic Star Wars saga.
ESRB rated T
File size 12.4 GB

Game Demos (free)

SSX Demo
Defy reality and own the planet by jumping into the boots of classic SSX characters Zoe and Elise and experience reality-defying gameplay through Race it, Trick it, and Survive it events. In this online enabled demo compete with your friends by uploading ghosts of your best runs to the SSX servers in Explore mode.
ESRB rated E
File size 1.3 GB

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations Demo
It’s the ninja battle of the generations! Battle through selections of the story of young ninja Naruto Uzumaki in this exciting demo version of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM Generations.
ESRB rated T
File size 441 MB

Shank 2 Demo
The ex-mob hitman is back in action with Shank 2. With the updated arsenal of weapons and combat system, Shank 2 raises the bar from its original.
ESRB rated M
File size 1.22 GB

Add-on Game Content

EyePet & Friends Add ons (x10) ($0.69 – $2.99)
File size 277 KB – 1.81 MB

Blazblue: Cse – System Voice Arrange Noel Type-A, Type-B (PS3 DLC) ($5.99)
This is a system voice by Kanako Kondo, the voice of Noel Vermillion. Two versions are included.
File size 2.62 MB

Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 – Viewitful Strange Pack ($3.99)
Get alternate costumes for Viewtiful Joe, Tron, Phoenix Wright, Dormammu, Nova, and Doctor Strange! Beat down your opponents in style with these stylish new outfits! Limited Offer: Purchasing this content entitles you to both the PS3 and PS Vita versions!
File size 100 KB

SSX: Online Pass (Paid) ($9.99)
Purchase your Online Pass serial code to receive the in-game cash you’ve earned from competing in Global Events, and unlock exclusive items including a snowboard, gear, and a mod and unlock exclusive content, Japan’s Mt. Fuji, one of the most iconic mountains in the world featuring unique drop points and more.
File size 8.7 MB

The King Of Fighters XIII Unlock All ($6.99)
Get access to all the unlockables now in a discounted bundle pack. *These items can also be unlocked by playing the game.
File size 6 KB

Neverdead – Expansion Pack #1 ($3.99)
Expand your online experience with NeverDead – Expansion Pack #1 which includes:

• ALL-NEW PLAYABLE CHARACTER – Play as the fashionable pop-idol Nikki Summerfield in online multiplayer
• EXTENDED LEVEL AND CHALLENGES – Expand the Asylum level with 3 new gameplay types: Egg Hunt – Scour the level for collectables, Fragile Alliance – Race around the Asylum level going from one checkpoint to the next and Onslaught –Unlock the level section by section.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2 add ons (Free – $0.99)
File size 100 KB Each

Dynasty Warriors 7 – Legend Stage Pack 1 ($3.99)
Play the Guandu and Yiling stages in Conquest Mode, with 3 scenarios remastered from DYNASTY WARRIORS 5 for each stage. The Guandu stage includes the Battle of Guandu – Cao Cao’s Forces, Battle of Guandu – Yuan Shao’s Forces and Chaos at Guandu scenarios.
File size 59 MB

Dynasty Warriors 7 Xtreme Legends – Legend Stage Pack 1 ($2.99)
Play the Guandu and Yiling stages in Conquest Mode, with 3 scenarios remastered from DYNASTY WARRIORS 5 for each stage. The Guandu stage includes the Battle of Guandu – Cao Cao’s Forces, Battle of Guandu – Yuan Shao’s Forces and Chaos at Guandu scenarios.
File Size 62 MB

Dynasty Warriors 7 – Xtreme Stage Pack 3 ($3.99)
The following four additional stages will become available to play in Legend Mode: Chaos at Nanjun, Siege of Yangping Gate, Dongxing Battle of Wits, Struggle for Tong Gate.
File size 453 KB

Dynasty Warriors 7 Xtreme Legends – Xtreme Stage Pack 3 ($2.99)
The following four additional stages will become available to play in Legend Mode: Chaos at Nanjun, Siege of Yangping Gate, Dongxing Battle of Wits, Struggle for Tong Gate.
File Size 126 MB

Saints Row: The Third – Gangstas In Space ($6.99)
If you own Saints Row: The Third Season Pass DO NOT purchase this content here as you will be charged again. A new movie is being shot in Steelport and you’re the star! Join with your co-star, Jenny, to fight the alien invasion for the film Gangstas In Space. With spaceships and alien weaponry, this retro-style film is sure to be a hit! Saints Row: The Third game required; sold separately.
File size 1.71 MB

Rocksmith – Blink 182 Song Pack (Bundle) ($7.99)
File size 6.57 MB

Rocksmith – All The Small Things By Blink-182 ($2.99)
File size 2.3 MB

Rocksmith – Dammit By Blink 182 ($2.99)
File size 2.24 MB

Rocksmith – What’S My Age Again? By Blink 182 ($2.99)
File size 2.03 MB

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

• “A Tout Le Monde” – Megadeth ($1.99)
• “Public Enemy No. 1? – Megadeth ($1.99)
• “Symphony of Destruction” – Megadeth ($1.99)
• Megadeath Pack 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Megadeath Pack 01. This pack includes “A Tout le Monde,” “Public Enemy No. 1,” and “Symphony of Destruction” by Megadeth.

File size: 24 – 32 MB (singles), 81 MB (track pack)

Rock Band Network v2.0

• “Lethean Tears” – Solution .45 ($0.99)
• “My Frailty” – After the Burial ($1.99)
• “Still Alive” – Jonathan Coulton ft. Sara Quin ($1.99)
• “The Epic, Part 3.7? – Bankai ($0.99)
• “V is for Vampire” – Powerman 5000 ($1.99)

File size: 21 – 51 MB (singles)

Updates

NBA 2K12 Legends Showcase (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Darksiders Game (Ps3 Full Game) (Sale) (Now $9.99, original price $19.99)
De Blob: 2 (Ps3 Full Game) Sale (PS3) (now $14.99, original price $19.99)
Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Hamilton’S Great Adventure (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Crazy Taxi (Sale) (PS3) (now $7.99, original price $9.99)
Marvel Super Hero Squad Digital – Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $29.99)
Mx Vs Atv Untamed Umd Legacy – Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Mx Vs. Atv Reflex Digital -Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $29.99)
Spongebob Squarepants: Yellow Avenger Umd Legacy – Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2010 Digital – Sale (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $39.99)
5-In-1 Arcade Hits – Minis (Price Change) (PS3) (now $1.99, original price $3.99)
Blimp: The Flying Adventures – Minis (Price Change) (PS3) (now $1.49, original price $4.99)
Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars (Sale) (PSP) (now $4.99, original price $15.99)
Crush (Sale) (PSP) (now $4.99, original price $15.99)
Sonic Rivals 1 & 2 Bundle (Sale) (PSP) (now $12.99, original price $29.99)
Worms: Battle Islands (Sale) (PS3) (now $8.49, original price $24.99)
UFC Undisputed 2010 Digital – Sale (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $39.99)
Homefront Complete Pack Bundle (sale) (PS3) (now $23.99, original price $34.99)

Qore

Qore Episode 45:February, 2012

Avatars

MLB 11 The Show Avatars (x9) ($0.49 each)

Asura’s Wrath Asura Avatars (x10) ($0.49 each)

Game Videos (free)

The Tester Season 3 Episode 3

PlayStation Vita Launch Video

PlayStation Vita Cross Platform Play

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Flashback Map Pack #2 Trailer

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Flashback Map Pack #1 Trailer

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Fort Co-Op Adventure Trailer

The Darkness II – Launch Trailer

Darksiders 2 – Death Lives Trailer

Hitman: Absolution – Ica File Diana Burnwood Trailer

Kindgdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Combat Trailer

Kindgdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Story Trailer

Mass Effect 3 Reinstated – FemShep Trailer

Mass Effect 3 Special Forces Trailer

Mass Effect 3 VO Cast Trailer

PS3 Themes

Fast Five Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

Dynamic Azmodeus Dark Angel Aldonia ($2.99)

Dynamic Blue Dream Theme 2 ($2.99)

Brisk Wars Darth Maul Theme (Free)

Brisk Wars Yoda Theme (Free)

SSX Theme 1 (Free)

PS2 Classic

Full Spectrum Warrior Ten Hammers ($9.99)

Bundles

Costume Quest Pack Bundle ($9.99)

Apples To Apples Complete Pack Bundle ($9.99)

Voltron: Defender Of The Universe Complete Pack Bundle ($9.99)

Sega Genesis Bundle ($19.99)

Stacking Complete Pack ($12.99)

Red Faction: Armageddon Franchise Compilation Bundle Sale ($57.49)

Red Faction: Armageddon Complete Pack Bundle Sale ($39.99)

Red Faction: Guerrilla Complete Pack Bundle Sale ($31.49)

You Don’t Know Jack: Jack Pack Content Sale ($9.99)

Drive Me Crazy Racing Bundle Sale ($11.99)

Music

ModNation Racers: Road Trip Official Soundtrack ($9.99

PlayStation Store for PSP

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Hungry Giraffe – Minis ($3.49)
A 20 foot tall, 1200kg giraffe needs a ton of food each day just to survive. But, oh no! All the tastiest leaves have been eaten, while up in the sky endless streams of snacks, fruit and junk food hover just out of reach! Can you propel our long-necked, half-starved critter on his twisty-turny upward journey?
File size 21 MB

Touchdown Fever – Minis ($2.99)
Choose from a variety of formations & plays in this classic American Football game made by SNK in 1987.
File size 39 MB

Game Videos (free)

The Tester Season 3 Episode 3

PSP Bundles

Grip Games Triple Pack ($2.99)

We’re happy to announce (remind) everyone that the Starhawk Multiplayer Beta is open to ALL COMERS tomorrow, February 22nd only on PlayStation Network! You don’t have to “like” us on Facebook, you don’t have to “accept a special offer” and you don’t have to sign up for any service (that is, except for the PlayStation Network free service)! Everyone is welcome to join! Just check the PlayStation Store and prepare yourself for a good time.

In the coming weeks we’ll be upgrading the Beta a lot. You can expect a new map, new vehicles, new weapons, 32 player max matches and more. Remember, this is STILL a Beta, not a Demo. We are actively finding and fixing problems – and we need your feedback.

The Starhawk Beta will not last forever. When we’re done testing it will go “bye-bye”… and so I wrote a poem to illustrate my point…

The Starhawk Serenade
If you don’t try Starhawk you’ll be sad,
While your friends are having fun you’ll be mad,
It’s such an easy download,
Your head may explode!
There’s so much d&*#*! fun to be had!

You WILL be sad if you miss out! Don’t be sad Live a little! Do it….dooooo it…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC_T1R5k6Eg

For you new players here are a bunch of handy tips…

• You can post your bug feedback by logging into the Starhawk Beta forums using your PSN ID
• Check the fan-made Starhawk wiki for info
• Check the Lightbox Beta news for updates and tips

We realize that a lot of new players will be jumping in. Here are some tips to help you along:

GENERAL TIPS

• Kill to Build, Build to Kill. Kill enemies to get more Rift Energy to build more stuff to kill more enemies
• Glowing Rift Barrels can be shot to collect more Rift Energy
• DO NOT repeatedly build the same structures. Things like Garages or Launch Pads allow you to create new Vehicles without building a new structure
• If you stay in the vicinity of your base area and Rift Extractor you will auto-magically collect Rift Energy
• Each structure does something specific. Discover their purpose!
• Most all the structures have a glowing yellow panel. If you go up to one you will be prompted to either create a new vehicle or remove the building. Removing repeat buildings is a great way to get your structure cap level under the max
• Use mics for the best experience….and sometimes to learn a few new words.
• Pick your Skill wisely. You can also change them during a match during respawn. Remember that you need enough XP points AND the listed prerequisite for a Skill to unlock

TOP 10 STARHAWK BETA TIPS FROM REAL BETA PLAYERS

1. Wall Spam, What Is It Good For? Absolutely Nothing! If you place a ton of walls they will suck up structure cap space – and the enemy will fly over them anyway! Use them intelligently. Look to create choke points and use them efficiently. It’s very tempting to build them as they are relatively cheap and they scratch the “build a base” itch. Stand firm! Avoid spamming the battlefield with unwanted clutter!  – From H-BOMM
2. Take My Knife, Please! When you’re knifing an enemy try to jump and knife at the same time. You can also get higher (stand on a rock, etc). – From Warhawk Starhawk
3. Sniper Time! If you aim the LR-3 Railgun for a long period of time the laser will show and your location will be revealed. Use it quick to avoid detection. – From Matt-Moore
4. Choose Your Friends Wisely! Working as a team is absolutely critical have a shot at winning. Teamwork is key. – From Outast_Graves
5. Mic Up! Use your mic. Encourage your friends to use their mics and work together for optimal fun. – From Sharp Dagger
6. For The Love Of God, RUN! Press R2 to run. Do it always. Never walk. Always run. Run, run, run. – From TuckTay
7. Enemy Mine! The mines are magnetic…you can stick them to your Hawk or Razorback. Get close enough to enemy Hawks or Razorbacks and they will “jump” onto them and explode. – From Seven11
8. To Build Or Not To Build If you need a Razorback or a Mech look around your base first. Don’t build another structure if they are there already. Run up to the yellow panel and build the vehicle.  – From SmokScr
9. Sell You Down The River You can sell and remove most buildings by using the yellow control panel on each one. Just run up to it, choose to “remove” and down it comes – From Ikeler
10. Bite The Hand That Feeds If you EVER see a player with the handles LBI (insert name here) or SONY (insert name here) kill, kill, kill…. – From RobbieK

CONTROLLER LAYOUT
Here are the Starhawk Beta controller layouts for your viewing pleasure:

BETA MAPS
For those new players out there a couple of top down maps to help you get your bearings on the action….

SCOURGE

SPACE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-MB2An_5o8

Don’t forget that if you already own Hustle Kings, Top Darts or Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom DLC on PS3, you can also use it on your PS Vita at no extra charge.

Have a blast and look forward to the PS3 store update coming soon. See you (or the digital formations of you) there.

PlayStation Vita Games

• Everybody’s Golf (£29.99/€34.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Little Deviants Trial & Unlock (£19.99/€24.99)

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All Locales

• Modnation Racers: Road Trip (£29.99/€34.99)

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All Locales

• Reality Fighters (£19.99/€24.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Uncharted: Golden Abyss (£39.99/€44.99)

Rating: PEGI 16
Availability: All Locales

• Wipeout 2048 + Network pass (£29.99/€34.99)

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All Locales

• Escape Plan (£9.99/€12.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Hustle Kings (PSN Only) (£6.49/€7.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Motorstorm RC (PSN Only) (£4.79/€5.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Super Stardust™ Delta (PSN Only) (£6.49/€7.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Super Stardust Delta & DLC Bundle (£7.99/€9.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Top Darts (PSN Only) (£6.49/€7.99)

Rating; PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Plants Vs Zombies (Soe) (£8.99/€11.25)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Cliff Diving (Ar Suite – Digital) (Free)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Table Football (Ar Suite – Digital) (Free)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Fireworks (Ar Suite – Digital) (Free)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

•  Army Corps Of Hell (£34.99/€39.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Virtua Tennis 4 – World Tour Edition (£34.99/€39.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Asphalt: Injection (£19.99/€24.99)

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All Locales

• Lumines Electronic Symphony (£29.99/€34.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Rayman Origins (£29.99/€34.99)

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All Locales

• EA Sports FIFA Football (£44.99/€49.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Shinobido 2 (£34.99/€39.99)

Rating: PEGI 16
Availability: All Locales

• Touch My Katamari (£24.99/€29.99)

Rating: PEGI 6
Availability: All Locales

• Blazblue Continuum Shift Extend (£34.99/€39.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Michael Jackson The Experience HD (£24.99/€19.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 (£39.99/€44.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Dynasty Warriors Next (£29.99/€34.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: Not available in New Zealand

• Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus (£29.99/€34.99)

Rating: PEGI 18
Availability: Not available in New Zealand

• Ridge Racer Gold Pass (£5.49/€6.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Ridge Racer (£16.99/€19.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Dungeon Hunter: Alliance (£29.99/€34.99)

Rating: PEGI 16
Availability: All Locales

• A-Men (£11.99/€14.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: Not available in Australia and New Zealand

• F1 2011 (£44.99/€49.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: Not available in Australia, Belgium, India, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates

• Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack(£5.49/€6.99)

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All Locales

Apps

• Facebook (Free)
• Live Tweet (Free)
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Downloadable Content

• Everybody’s Golf Network Pass (£7.99/€9.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

•  Reality Fighters Network Pass (£7.99/€9.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Wipeout 2048 Network Pass (£7.99/€9.99)

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All Locales

• Hustle Kings

• Hustle Kings Snooker Pack (£2.39/€2.99)
• Time Savers Pack (£1.19/€1.49)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Uncharted: Golden Abyss (£0.79/€0.99)

Rating: PEGI 16
Availability: All Locales

• Modnation Racers Road Trip – Unlock All (£3.19/€3.99)

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All Locales

• Super Stardust Delta: Advanced Star Fighter Pack (£2.39/€2.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Motorstorm RC (Dual Compatible DLC)

• Access All Areas Pass (£0.79/€0.99)
• RC Collection Pass (£0.79/€0.99)
• Full Game Pass (£1.19/€1.49)
• Rare Rally Car: Patriot Enforcer – Only available for 14 days (£0.79/€0.99)
• Rare Rally Car: Italia Buttercream – Only available for 14 days (Free)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Touch My Katamari

• Fancy Damacy x 3 (£1.15/€1.39)
• Fan Damacy x 5 (£1.59/€1.99)
• Fan Damacy Item (£0.40/€0.49)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

• Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3

• Additional Character: Jill (£3.99/€4.99)
• Animal Pack (£3.19/€3.99)
• Brawler Pack (£3.19/€3.99)
• Femme Fatale Pack (£3.19/€3.99)
• New Age Of Heroes Pack (£3.19/€3.99)
• The Evil Twin Pack (£3.19/€3.99)
• The Rising Dead Pack (£3.19/€3.99)
• Viewtiful Strange Pack (£3.19/€3.99)
• Villain Pack (£3.19/€3.99)
• Weapon Expert Pack (£3.19/€3.99)
• Additional Character: Shuma-Gorath (£3.99/€4.99)
• Costume Pack (£3.99/€4.99)

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: All Locales

• Ridge Racer

• Add-On Course 01 ‘Old Central’ (£1.99/€2.49)
• Add-On Car 02 ‘Elenie’ (£1.19/€1.49)
• Music Pack 01 (Free)
• Music Pack 02 (Free)
• Music Pack 03 (Free)
• Music Pack 04 (Free)
• Music Pack 06 (Free)
• Music Pack 07 (Free)
• Music Pack 08 (Free)
• Music Pack 09 (Free)
• Music Pack 10 (Free)
• New Songs Pack 01 (£0.79/€0.99)

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

Demos

• Uncharted: Golden Abyss Demo

Rating: PEGI 16
Availability: Not available in Germany

• Modnation Racers Road Trip Demo

Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All Locales

• Dynasty Warriors Next Demo

Rating: PEGI 12
Availability: Not available in New Zealand

• Unit 13 Demo

Rating: PEGI 16
Availability: Not available in Germany

• Wipeout 2048 Demo

Rating: PEGi 7
Availability: All Locales

• EA Sports FIFA Football

Rating: PEGI 3
Availability: All Locales

Videos

• Hustle Kings In Action Trailer
• Reality Fighters Trailer
• Wipeout 2048 Trailer
• Escape Plan Trailer
• Everybody’S Golf Trailer
• Little Deviants Trailer
• Modnation Racers: Road Trip Trailer
• Super Stardust Delta Trailer
• Super Stardust Delta Gameplay Trailer
• Uncharted: Golden Abyss Trailer
• Plants Vs Zombies Trailer (Soe)
• Stardrone Announce Trailer
• Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition – Features Trailer

In preparation for Wednesday’s wide release of PS Vita, tonight we’re making System Software Update (v1.61) available for download. If you are just turning on your PlayStation Vita for the first time, this
update will add the following features:

• A new application, (Maps), has been added to the home screen.
• In addition to photos, you can now take videos using the Photo application.
• You can now publish stories about the products that you rate in PlayStation Store to Facebook.
• In near, players’ information is now displayed on the Discoveries screen. On this screen, a list of the online IDs of up to 100 players that you have encountered, and the number of times that you encountered each player, are displayed. Tap an online ID to display that player’s profile screen.
• The Mac OS version of Content Manager Assistant for PlayStation has been released. The Windows version has also been updated.

You can download Content Manager Assistant from here. Refer to the website to find out how to install the application.

If you have already updated your PS Vita to 1.60, 1.61 will improve certain aspects of the system software.

There are a few ways to update the firmware on your PS Vita:

• Select “System Update” under the “Settings” menu and download the firmware directly to your PS Vita over Wi-Fi.
• Connect your PS Vita to a PS3 or a PC/Mac and update via Content Manager.

The group get together to discuss various games including Skyrim, BF3 (take a shot), Saint’s Row the Third, some Vita news and various others, during the show they also move on to discuss movies and Gin has a minor rant about fetch-quests in MMORPGs

If you want to get in touch or have been affected by anything during this show, you can reach us by email (podcast@playstationcrowd.com) you can catch up on our Twitter feed @PSCrowd or you can also reach us on the Playstation 3 by sending messages to PS_Crowd

As always the Outro Music is “Home Base Groove” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

In the last weapon blog I introduced you to the three weapon classes in DUST 514: Heavy, Light and Sidearm. In this blog I thought it would be fun to pick a few weapons that really changed the way that the development team played when we added them to the game.

Sometimes people don’t realise how long it can take to get a weapon from the drawing board to being fully functional and kicking ass in the game. It needs to be concepted, built, textured, animated, weapon logic needs to be engineered, audio systems put in place, sounds created, various values set up, tested, debugged, and tweaked. As you can imagine, all this takes quite a while, which means you spend a lot of time playing your game with a limited set of gear. Over time new weapons are added to the game and they can radically alter the balance of play because they open up all new possibilities in combat. Below are some examples of this.

Heavy weapons for heavy armour…

To begin with, we have the Minmatar MH82-BCR Personal Autocannon. This is a heavy weapon and as such can only be fitted by the heavy dropsuit. As well as being simply devastating in its own right, this weapon really opened up the heavy dropsuit class once we added it to the game. For some time the heavy dropsuit wasn’t very popular on the dev team. It may have had a ton of hitpoints and access to the deadly Forge gun but it was slow and easy to outmaneuver. This saw it primarily being used in specialist anti-vehicle roles (where it excelled) but not much else.

This came abruptly to an end when the autocannon made it in to the game. Suddenly you didn’t have to fight the other dropsuit classes on their own terms with weapons ill-suited to the heavy’s slower movement. Now you could outlast any other class in a head-on firefight (though smart players can still outmaneuver the slower heavies), you had more armour and a lot more firepower; enough to destroy light vehicles as well as infantry. The introduction of this weapon unlocked the full potential of the dropsuit and gave us one of the game’s most satisfying weapons to fire. The camera shake, VFX and RoF make firing the weapon incredibly visceral. You feel unstoppable, like you could take on just about anything, and sometimes for just a few bright moments you can.

Minmitar MH82-BCR Personal Autocannon

A multi-barrel, rotary drive machine gun, the autocannon is a singularly devastating anti-infantry weapon. Eschewing the advantages of a lighter frame in favor of stopping power, the exponentially increased heat and vibration produced by this Boundless Creation developed weapon makes it almost unbearable to fire. Yet despite this fact, its above average hit ratio and extreme rate of fire has earned it the nickname “Death’s Engine.”

Unlike earlier models, the weapon requires no spool up time; rounds are expelled the instant the trigger is pressed. This comes at the cost of initially reduced accuracy as the counter-rotating drives slowly align. Once fully aligned, however, the autocannon produces a pinpoint stream of gunfire with unmatched killing potential.

Specifications

• Designation: MH82-BCR
• Variant: Standard
• Length: 70.2cm
• Barrel length: 48.9cm
• Weight (loaded): 60kg
• Weight (unloaded): 47.4kg
• Max. effective range: 1,000m
• Muzzle velocity: 3,450 ft/sec (1,050 m/s)
• Ammunition: Titanium Sabot

Filling the short range gap…

Next up is the Gallente CRG-3 Plasma Shotgun. When we added it to the game the shotgun filled a gaping hole in our weapons line up. At the time most of the weapons we had in were semi- to full-automatic with mid to long ranges, but the shotgun gave us a very powerful, short range weapon. It was actually one of our most eagerly awaited weapons on the team, to quote one of the designers, “shotguns are born fun”.

What happened when we put it in the game though? As a light weapon, it can be fitted to any dropsuit which makes it very versatile. However, it was those players using Scout dropsuits that really gravitated towards it. Having such a powerful weapon helped them offset their relatively weak armour and shields. They began to use their high speed and maneuverability to get as close as possible as fast as possible with the shotgun and blow their enemy away! Of course, any potential victim in a more heavily armoured dropsuit class could potentially fit themselves to soak a portion of the damage done and retaliate with a fistful of death of their own so Scouts still had to stay on their toes!

Gallente CRG-3 Plasma Shotgun

Designed for close-range combat, the shotgun is a spread weapon with tremendous stopping power. Unlike traditional cyclotron designs, a walled centrifugal well is used to simultaneously shunt dozens of plasma charges, generating a wide-pattern ‘kill spread’ that is lethal over short distances. The excessive recoil produced by each discharge is absorbed by the pneumatic armature, allowing the weapon to be fired repeatedly without significant injury to the user. The operator controlled crank-action flushes coolant through the interior well before cycling additional rounds into the chamber.

Specifications

• Designation: CRG-3
• Variant: Standard
• Length: 94.5cm
• Weight (loaded): 4.35kg
• Weight (unloaded): 3.6kg
• Max. effective range: 30m
• Muzzle velocity: 1,325 ft/sec (403 m/s)
• Ammunition: Lead charge

Up close and personal…

Last on the list for this blog is the humble knife. Imagine you’re in a desperate gun fight, you’re closing in on your opponent, he’s almost dead, you run out of ammo, but you’re close enough to use melee to finish him off… but melee hasn’t been implemented yet and he shoots you in the face! This was a situation many of us experienced before the Nova Knife went in to the game and it was incredibly frustrating. As you can imagine it was a very welcome addition and now it’s hard to imagine how we could have played without it.

Every dropsuit comes equipped with a blade so it doesn’t need to be fitted. For most players the Nova Knife is a weapon of last resort, but for a crazed few it is used as a primary. They train skills in knife handling and fit their dropsuits with Myofibril Stimulant modules to make the knife as deadly as possible. There is of course no more embarrassing way to be killed than with the knife. And no more frightening sight than a module-enhanced fast moving Scout dropsuit that is bearing down on you as you try to pick them off before they get too close.

Caldari ZN-28 Nova Knife

A close-quarters melee weapon, the nova knife is as deadly a weapon as anything on the battlefield. Its name derives from the heated plasma edge of the blade – formed by a thermic igniter and linear gravity condenser – that, in skilled hands, can be used to carve through even the thickest dropsuit armour.

Specifications

• Designation: ZN-28
• Variant: Standard
• Blade Length: 20cm
• Weight: 0.5kg
• Max. effective range: 0.5m
• Ammunition: Fuel cell

One of the most exciting things about game development is watching and experiencing the game as various pieces of gameplay fall into place. Every new weapon we add to the game opens up the gameplay in ways we predicted and ways we didn’t and one of the things that excites me the most about DUST 514 is that the continuous development post-launch means that developers and players alike will get to see the gameplay evolve over time as new content is introduced into the game.

Introducing New Earth Powers Set and Numerous New Multi-Player and Open-World Adventures, Third DLC Pack Coming Soon

SAN DIEGO – February 15, 2011 – Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced that the third downloadable content (DLC) pack for DC Universe Online (DCUO), The Battle for Earth, will soon be available for download on the PC and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Featuring the new Earth Powers power set and a wealth of new adventures to take on with friends, the new DLC pack throws players in to the ultimate battle with Brainiac and introduces a shocking new threat to the Universe.

“With The Battle for Earth one war will come to a head, while another begins as we introduce a new chapter to the larger DCUO story,” said Jens Andersen, DC Universe Online Creative Director, Sony Online Entertainment. “The Battle for Earth also has so much new action to jump in to including a massive Raid where you fight Brainiac’s final Avatar – the Avatar of Magic, new Duos, a new Alert and lots of new fighting to do in South Gotham.”

The Battle for Earth offers players a new storyline with more action, epic battles, a ninth power set, and opens up a new chapter featuring a pair of the most legendary DC Universe figures ever – from the future. DC Universe Online players can look forward to new open world content, Duos, an Alert, and two Raids:

• Themyscira – Experience a new Raid on Wonder Woman’s home island that pits players against Chimeric Brainiacs and, ultimately, the deadly Avatar of Magic. Players will fight alongside mythical creatures such as Cyclops, Hydra and Colossus, while simultaneously protecting key units of Amazons and Beastimorphs.

• South Gotham Brainiac Invasion – Supercharged action continues as players battle Brainiac’s invasion force in the streets of South Gotham, the Courthouse Alert and new Duos. Working to stop Brainiac’s Union – formed by the people trapped inside the bottled buildings – who are constructing Proto-Avatars to assault Gotham, players will be challenged to rise up and defend Earth against Brainiac’s final assault.

• The Prime Battleground – The Battle for Earth storyline leads players in to an epic battle in which they must fight all three of Brainiac’s newly completed Prime Avatars, and then Brainiac himself. Heroes will fight for the safety of the Earth and its inhabitants, while Villains will want to defeat Brainiac and expand the influence of evil across the planet.

• Earth Powers – Rumble on to the scene and shake things up with DCUO’s ninth power set. Earth Powers can be used for both Tanking and Damage and features an exciting new Tanking mechanic that defers damage to a player’s constructs and automatons. Geokinesis abilities give players the ability to shape Earthen constructs to crush enemies and reinforce allies while Seismic abilities allow players to call mighty, Earth-shaking forces to rattle and daze opponents.

DC Universe Online’s The Battle for Earth DLC pack will be accessible for free for the game’s Legendary members and available for purchase for Free and Premium players from the PlayStation®Network, through the in-game Marketplace, and on the PC from the DCUniverseOnline.com website.

DC Universe Online is licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC Entertainment. For more information about DC Universe Online, visit www.DCUniverseOnline.com.

About DC Universe Online
Lex Luthor has traveled back through time with news of a dire future: While the heroes and villains spent years battling amongst themselves, Brainiac has been feeding on their powers, building strength to return to Earth and destroy humanity. To change the future, Lex has come back to set off a device that bestows super powers to thousands of every-day citizens and give humanity a fighting chance. Can Brainiac be stopped, or is this another nefarious Lex Luthor plot?

For the first time, players and fans will be able to enter the DC Universe as an active force for good or evil. A massively multiplayer experience, DC Universe Online delivers unparalleled high-energy, physics-powered combat that brings the player’s extraordinary powers to life.

DC Universe Online was created in the artistic vision of legendary comic book artist Jim Lee, and set within a world created by famous DC writers including Geoff Johns and Marv Wolfman.

Rated T for Teen with Mild Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes and Violence, DC Universe Online is available for PC and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. DCUO Legendary access will be available for a $14.99 monthly fee.

About SOE
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games. Best known for its blockbuster hits and franchises, including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, PlanetSide®, Free Realms®, Clone Wars Adventures™ and DC Universe Online™, SOE creates, develops and provides compelling online entertainment for a variety of platforms. SOE is building on its proven legacy and pioneering the future of online worlds through creative development and inspired gameplay design for audiences of all ages. To learn more, visit www.soe.com.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest, Champions of Norrath, PlanetSide and Free Realms are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.

About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to such iconic DC Comics properties as Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, MAD Magazine, and Fables, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its superheroic characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing over 1,000 comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Comics is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.

It’s rare for a PlayStation Network download game to feature a Platinum Trophy, so I’m pleased to reveal that MotorStorm RC is one of the few that does on both PS3 and PS Vita! “Lunatics Unite”!

Supercharged Collect at least one medal on each festival event and you’ll reach the ‘Supercharged’ speeds of the Super Car: 16 lightning-fast Hot Lap challenges await that will test your skills like never before.

Let it Slide Drifting has never been so much fun, but holding that slide for more than one turn can be tricky. ‘Let it Slide’ rewards your mastery of the drift when you throw down 2000 points in a single attempt. Do you have what it takes?

Wall Brawl The Pitwall is the home of your MotorStorm RC community. See your friends’ times, their successes, their failings and, most importantly, challenge them to do better. Beat 10 times posted by your friends on the Pitwall to earn the ‘Wall Brawl’ trophy.

So what could the secret trophies be? Here’s a tip-off for one of them, to put you in the right ball park and get the ideas flowing:

The secret trophies will be revealed on the MotorStorm RC facebook page and the PlayStation Forums when the game is released but, in the meantime, let us know what you think in the comments below.

PlayStation Forum links:

English: http://community.eu.playstation.com/t5/MotorStorm/bd-p/411
French: http://community.eu.playstation.com/t5/MotorStorm/bd-p/423
Italian: http://community.eu.playstation.com/t5/MotorStorm/bd-p/660
German: http://community.eu.playstation.com/t5/MotorStorm/bd-p/b_DE_gDriving_MotorStorm
Spanish: http://community.eu.playstation.com/t5/MotorStorm/bd-p/397