Hirai mentioned that Sony was looking into “premium subscriptions” for the online service, much like Xbox Live Gold on the Xbox 360. The PS3’s bit selling point has always been that it’s free to play online, and that may change soon. Hirai is quoted by CVG saying,

“Especially in the online area, we are studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services.”

Great. Just as we thought the PS3 was catching up to the Xbox 360.

Sony has recently announced via the Playstation Blog that they will be teaming up with Amazon.com to offer Playstation Network content on the retailer’s website.

This means that you will be able to purchase games such as Flower, PAIN, Pixel Junk Eden, SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo and WipEout Pure on Amazon.com and then you will be given a code to redeem on your Playstation 3.

We’re not exactly sure of the benefits of such a partnership other than there being another place to digitally buy your games at but this also opens up a whole new door for gift ideas.

Sony has recently sent a memo to IGN that has effecitvely let the entire internet know that come October 1st the Playstation Store will have 16,000 peices of DLC for use with the brand new PSP Go.

If you’re scratching your head at this number, Sony breaks it down into several catagories: they will have 225 full downloadable games (PSP Minis, full PSP titles, PSN titles etc.) in addition to 2,300 movies and 13,300 TV episodes.

Sure, the number got a bit of a boost from the TV episodes but it is in fact 16,000 pieces of DLC which is all that matters. Now we’ll just have to see if another actually wants the PSP Go, right?

Gamersdigest says the codes will be sent out on October 1st that will allow 16,000 new MAG players to get on the game’s beta servers for 6 hours a day; from 5-8pm and from 12-3am.

Want to learn how to snag an invite? Hit the break for the entry rules.

1.    This promotion is open to residents of Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom aged 18 years or over.

2.    Employees of the Promoter and its group companies, and their immediate families, their agents or anyone professionally connected to this promotion shall not be entitled to participate.

3.    The first 16,000 eligible entrants to complete the steps set out below during the promotional period will receive a beta version of the video game MAG. No cash alternatives will be offered.

4.    The promotional period starts on 14 September 2009 at 17:00 BST and ends on the first occurrence of 16,000 eligible entries or 22 September 2009 at 23:59 BST.

5.    This promotion is limited to one entry and one PSN promotion code per eligible entrant.

6.    Successful entrants will receive a PSN promotion code that can be redeemed via PlayStation Store for a beta version of the MAG game.  Entrants will need a PlayStation 3 with broadband internet service access and a PSN account.  Entrants are responsible for broadband access fees.

7.    PSN promotion codes shall be dispatched to successful entrants via e-mail to the PSN master account e-mail address provided at the time of account registration.  Instructions on how to redeem the code will be included in the e-mail. Beta terms of service shall apply to the use of the beta version of the MAG game.

8.    PSN promotion codes are subject to terms and conditions of use. Please click here for details. PSN promotion codes have an expiry date which will be communicated with the code.

9.    The Promoter does not accept responsibility for any entries which are lost, damaged or delayed as a result of any postal failure, network, computer hardware or software failure of any kind.  Proof of sending will not be accepted as proof of receipt. No applications from agents, third parties, organized groups or applications automatically generated by computer will be accepted.

10.    Personal information which entrants provide for the purposes of this promotion will be held and used only by the Promoter, its group companies, and its suppliers and contractors to administer the promotion and otherwise in accordance with the PSN terms of service and PSN Privacy Policy, these promotion rules and as expressly agreed by the entrant.

Sony

SCEA spokesperson Patrick Seybold comments;

SCEA is aware of reports that PS3 owners are experiencing isolated issues with their PS3 system since installing the most recent system software update. Rest assured that we are looking into the matter and will provide an update here as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience, as it’s our mission to deliver the best consumer experience on all PlayStation platforms.

As you can see above, the document clearly states that Hothead Games’ Braid will be made avaialble for Sony’s Playstation 3.

Unfortunately, this is all we have to go by for now, we won’t know an official release date or price point until Sony comes forth and gives us one.

via Joystiq

Topatoi is set be a saga with the first installment (which launched in the UK on July 2nd) entitled topatoi: The Great Tree Story. In topatoi, players will command the game’s main character Raph and his hover-craft-type-vehicle as he progresses through various puzzles to collect spare parts to fix a crash-landed airship.

No release date or prices have been announced but we’ll keep you posted.

SOCOM

Rogers also went on to say that in reward for the community’s loyalty to the franchise they will be greeted with a patch at some point in the near future. Exactly what the patch entails, we’ll have to wait to find out.

via Joystiq

Brendan Small, the man responsible for both writing and performing the music for the show, as well as creating it, had a few words on the process of creating a premise for the game. “The first idea was we make the band merciless and murderous but that doesn’t work on the show,” says Small. “Our show is really about five narcissistic super-celebrities who can’t open the door by themselves.”

The heavy metal styling of Dethklok will be played throughout the game, so I’m sold on that aspect alone. More details about the game will be released at this year’s Comic-Con.

Read (Wallstreet Journal)

Luckily, we now know that the game will be re-released for the PSN on August 15, a few weeks after the XBLA, for $15. The game will reportedly also ship in a retail form for the PS3, priced at $20, and feature a DVD with wallpapers, a manual, 2,000 Capcom Unity points and 1-month of access to Marvel Digital Comics.

If you haven’t already played Marvel vs. Capcom 2 when it was first released in back in the early 00s, now’s a perfect chance to get down on this classic title.

Read (Joystiq)

It was recently made known that Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao will be released on the XBLA and PSN in August for 1200 Microsoft Points and $15, respectively.

For those of you not familiar with the Blitz Arcade developed/Namco Bandai published Invincible Tiger, it is a sidescroller that will feature beam em up’ gameplay found in classic titles such as Streets of Rage.

Furthermore, players will be able to progress through the Invincible Tiger’s campaign in other single player mode or online/local co-op. However, if you get bored of that, you can play the game’s timed Endurance Mode which will pit players against a neverending onslaught of enemies.

via EuroGamer

One of the perks of the title is the custom character mode where you can assemble your own legendary warrior(s) for use in the game. You start off with a handful of outfits and though you unlock more as you play, the variety is not as wide as one would hope, but they’re going to remedy this soon via DLC. I definitely feel appreciated as a fan because all the DLC for the game is completely free of charge. They’re also adding in a pack of new background music for those who are a fan of their odd composite of traditional asian music and rock.

EA Sports has today announced that 2 DLC packs will be hitting the PSN and Xbox Live for their popular boxing sim, Fight Night Round 4.

According to Kotaku, the first DLC pack will hit in early August and will feature a new gym, new equipment, and an Xbox 360 exclusive alternative to Sugar Ray Leonard.

The second DLC pack, scheduled for release in September, will give players the option to use the face buttons for punching instead of the joystick control. This was apparantly after the gaming community requested the addition of the feature from EA Sports.

Final Fantasy VII, was released almost ten years ago, and is widely considered as the best Final Fantasy game to date.

Other classic PSOne titles are headed for the PlayStation Network as well, including Wild Arms 2, Mobile Light Force and Special Ops: Stealth Patrol. Sony also revealed that the PSN now has over 25 million registered users, who have downloaded over 500 million pieces of content.

Gamers from the original Playstation era will be happy to hear that the ESRB has recently leaked the names of some titles set to hit the PSN PSOne Classics store.

Those 5 titles are:

Metal Gear Solid
Resident Evil: Director’s Cut
Spec Ops: Covert Assault
Spec Ops: Ranger Elite
Tom Clancy’s Rainbox Six

Metal Gear Solid and Resident Evil? Wow Sony, are you actually listening to the cries of gamers everywhere? Great job, now let’s just see that PS3 Slim hit shelves with a lowered price and maybe we’ll be onto something.

Read (Destructoid)

Shortly after getting wind that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 would be hitting Xbox Live and the PSN sometime around June 29th, Joystiq contacted Capcom about Marvel vs. Capcom 3 to which Capcom’s Seth Killian responded:

The short answer is no, that’s not any part of this deal. What we’re hoping is that if people get really juiced about this title, and we can show Marvel that there’s a lot of heat behind this, then they’ll open up the door for us to do something with 3.

So everyone, you heard the man; the more hype created for Marvel vs. Capcom 2’s rerelease the better chance we have at seeing a Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Marvel Entertainment recently revealed their Q1 financial results for this year and bundled in some information about Marvel vs. Capcom 2’s reintroduction.

We first got official confirmation that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 would be getting an Xbox Live and PSN re-release last month but were left in the dark in terms of release dates.

Well, that information they included with their financial results was actually a release schedule that had Marvel vs. Capcom 2 dated for a June 29th Xbox Live and PSN release.

Joystiq notes the fact that neither Microsoft nor Sony traditionally update their services on Mondays which suggest the game will actually be released sometime in the week of June 29th. Either or, the game is on its way.

Remember Patapon 2, the game we told you about a while back that will be exclusively available as a digital download from the PSN? Okay good — SCEA recently released a statement detailing the game’s official launch.

Available for $19.99, you can purchase Patapon 2 straight from the PSN or head to your favorite retailer and pick up a redeemable voucher card.

If you aren’t familiar with the Patapon series hit the read link for the official press release.
Critically Acclaimed Franchise Finds a New Beat With Patapon(TM)2, Exclusively for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) System

Popular Rhythm-based Sequel Drums its Way Back to Casual and Core Gamers with Double the Content, Multiplayer Gameplay, and Deeper Customization Features

FOSTER CITY, Calif., May 5 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today the release of Patapon(TM)2, available exclusively for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable). Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, Japan Studio, Patapon 2 marks the return of the beloved 2D platform-action and rhythm game where players command a colorful tribe of Patapons, a fearless group of quirky eyeball warriors, through a series of challenging quests in an unfamiliar land. Building upon the distinct combination of action and rhythm-based gameplay introduced in the critically-acclaimed 2008 original, players must utilize various combinations of drumbeats to command the Patapon to march, retreat, attack, defend, charge, and use magic in the quest for victory and finding Earthend. Patapon 2 is available now in a digital only format for $19.99. Consumers can purchase Patapon 2 at retail stores in the form of redeemable voucher cards or purchase directly from PlayStation(R) Network.

“As an established franchise on PSP, Patapon 2 delivers top value at $19.99. Its signature charm and intelligent gameplay mechanics return along with more than 200% more content,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA. “With the introduction of multiplayer mode, along with customizable characters and new Evolution System, Patapon 2 is an accessible and intuitive experience that bridges the gap between casual and core gamers.”

With more than double the content of its predecessor, Patapon 2 features a deeper single-player experience along with a wealth of original missions and new cast of warriors, including a customizable “Hero” character. A first for the franchise, Patapon 2 also offers a multiplayer mode where up to four players can take their Hero Patapons and join forces in a collaborative marching rhythm to carry a mysterious egg across a treacherous battlefield. Success brings a “Don Chaka” mode, where players are tested again with drumming a collective rhythm to gain items that can be used in single player. Patapon 2 also delivers Game Sharing functionality to allow multiple people to play together so long as one of them owns the game.

Catering to both the core franchise fanatic and the Patapon novice, Patapon 2 features difficulty settings that adjust the single-player gameplay to the appropriate level of the player, thus allowing the game to be experienced and enjoyed by players of all skill sets. Whether a Patapon veteran or rookie, Patapon 2 brings players into a charming and melodic world full of color and wit, featuring over 80 specific missions and more than 20 boss encounters while the tribe of scampering eyeballs seek Earthend.

From the fertile imagination of French graphic artist Rolito, Patapon 2 opens in the signature 2D world of the Patapons as they depart their homeland in their ongoing pursuit of Earthend. Arriving in a strange land after a harrowing ocean journey, the Patapons come eyeball-to-eyeball with the Karmen Tribe and the strange, dangerous creatures that inhabit their land. In leading the Patapon tribe to its ultimate quest, players will unlock and discover new ranks of Patapons: the bird riding Toripon, the powerful robotic Robopon warriors, and Mahopon magicians. Additionally a new superior warrior, the Hero Patapon, can be customized to fit any fighting style desired by mixing various weapons and Patapon Hero masks. Once in battle, players will have the opportunity to lead the Patapons to victory with a total of eight command rhythms, including the new jump, power-up, and party commands – all which can be combined to change gameplay tactics and action throughout the various missions.

Leading the upgraded strategic elements of Patapon 2 is the new Evolution System. Skills on the battlefield can be dramatically improved by evolving into other Patapon forms, called Rarepons, through upgrades and “level ups.” Players can strategically customize and build the Patapon army by determining the appropriate weapons, armor, and battle positions. True to its musical roots, Patapon 2 also offers seven music-based mini-games that allow players the opportunity to earn bonuses and upgrades to further customize the Patapon warriors in preparation for fun and rhythmic battle.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Patapon 2 “E” for “Everyone”. For more information about the ESRB, visit www.esrb.org. For more information about Patapon 2, visit http://www.patapon-game.com/

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation(R)Network and PlayStation(R)Store.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP and PS3 for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com

PLAYSTATION, PlayStation, PSP, PS one and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PS3 is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Patapon is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (c) 2009 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (C) Rolito/Interlink

That’s the idea behind Worms, one of the most recent additions to the Playstation Network. It’s already been out for Xbox Live Arcade for more than two years but its continued success prompted a port. It’s actually even older than that, with the original Worms having debuted on PC in 1995. After remakes and spin-offs the game landed as a remake on these two current-gen systems.

While they’ve updated the graphics and sound, the gameplay remains essentially unchanged, which in this case is an excellent, excellent thing. The setup is simple; each player begins with a team of four worms who are spaced randomly around a randomly generated landscape. Each turn you have sixty seconds to move and attack.

The weapons are wide enough in terms of both tactical usage and amusement, though there are some you won’t find yourself using often such as the sheep, which usually just meanders itself off a cliff or explodes nowhere near your opponents. One of the more amusing and useful weapons is the holy hand grenade. Set your arc and toss it. Once it comes to a stop, angelic music sounds and it explodes, smiting your enemies if your aim was true.

One the huge appeals of the game is the high level of customization. First off you can create your own team of Worms, with the ability to give them all names as bland or humorous as you want, though you might want to check out the voice options. If you’re unfamiliar with the game simply know that your worms will squeak out various comments as you play. Your options are quite broad; they can speak French, talk like robots, howl incoherently or whatever you prefer. I myself went with a team of worms named after various Scotch Whiskeys (Disclaimer: neither Digital Battle nor myself promote underage drinking, drinking and driving, alcohol abuse or pouring high-proof alcohol on worms and setting them on fire) with the ‘angry scotsmen’ voice option. You can also choose what their tombstones will look like when they kick the bucket.

Game types are also customizable; you can set the number of rounds, starting weapons, health, etc. as well as choosing the overall style of landscape, number of mines and a handful of other options before each round. Throw in online multiplayer matches and the ability to face off against up to three friends locally as well as computer opponents and you’ve got a recipe for a lot of replay value.

Overall the controls are simple and a tutorial gets you up to speed very quickly on the basics of gameplay. Honing your skills however is on you. The only complaint I can voice is that when you’re moving around the level the camera doesn’t automatically follow your current worm; moving the worm uses the left analog stick, the camera moves with the right analog stick. When plodding along at the slow crawling pace of the worms this isn’t an issue, but one of the more useful methods of getting around is the jet pack. This is where things can get a mite tricky. If you’re not operating the two in concert it’s very easy to lose track of your worm, which can lead to accidental death if you steer them wrong or if your jet pack runs out of fuel at the wrong time.

If you’re a more experienced gamer who tired of the Worms series long ago then there’s nothing here to rekindle your interest but for fans or gamers completely unfamiliar with the experience it’s a blast and well worth every penny of the download price.

Atlus has recdently announced that they will be bringing their water-collecting puzzler entitled Droplitz to the Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network, PC, and iPhone sometime in late spring. If you don’t know what Droplitz is there is a trailer included above to give you a brief overview. However, if you’re too lazy to watch the trailer, read on.

Droplitz is a game in which you turn dials to connect various pipe looking things in an effort to collect droplets of liquid in the collection bins at the bottom of the screen. Four game modes will be included when the game is released: Classic, Zendurance, Power Up and Infection.

There isn’t much more information in terms of release dates or pricing for Droplitz but we’ll keep you posted.

Read (Destructoid)