Weekend Essentials – Issue 38

Share the latest PlayStation news on Facebook this weekend.

Start spreading the news...

Want to share the latest PlayStation news with your friends? Want to recommend your favourite PlayStation titles to others? You can now share your favourite PlayStation products and content on eu.playstation.com using your Facebook account details.

If you see some breaking news or a competition that you think the world should know about, simply select Recommend on the page, and it will appear in your friends' newsfeed on Facebook. You can also let your friends know which games are the pick of your crop by clicking Like on the game page.

Don't forget that you can also show off your hard-earned trophies on your Facebook profile. Simply link your Facebook account to your PlayStation Network ID and install the PSN application to your Facebook profile. You'll be able to check out your PSN friends list, look at their PSN status to see if they're online, view their trophy collection and invite Facebook friends to become PSN friends.

Log in to your Facebook account now and start sharing your news, games and triumphs with friends.

Downloads and demos

This week Earthworm Jim HD will be launching on PlayStation Store. Join him on his quest to rescue Princess What's-Her-Name across a weird and wacky galaxy of surprises.

Also available on PlayStation Store this week is the classic Premier Manager for PlayStation 3, along with a brand new demo for Madden NFL 11. Keeping with the sporting theme, there are now downloads available for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. Get your hands on some fantastic new courses, from the notoriously challenging Pebble Beach, Florida, to a fantasy, vine-covered course set in an exotic Mexican jungle.

Head over to PlayStation Store now to check out the latest downloads.

PSP summer picks

As the weather gets hotter and school comes to a close for another year, there is no better time to kick back and relax in the sun with your PSP. The PSP Essentials range is packed with loads of great PSP titles that won't break the bank.

Take on some colourful characters over six courses in Everybody's Golf, challenge yourself andyour friends with Buzz!™: Master Quiz or go on a thrilling adventure to save Earth in Ben 10: Alien Force.

Check out the great range of PSP Essentials this summer and experience everything from sport to sci-fi.

Get yourself to gamescom 2010

Fancy winning a trip to gamescom 2010? And maybe a fantastic VAIO laptop and bloggie™ camera to document your trip? Your chance is here.

That's right; you and a friend could be jetting off to Cologne, Germany, to attend Europe's biggest videogame show, courtesy of PlayStation, in association with Sony Electronics. All you have to do is submit a review of your favourite PlayStation 3 or PSP game.

The most original, entertaining and interesting review will win this once in a lifetime prize, along with exclusive entry to the Sony Computer Entertainment Europe press conference, flights and accommodation.

gamescom 2010 is waiting for you, so get writing!

PlayStation.Blog just keeps getting better

Over at PlayStation.Blog, a few changes have been made to make your blog experience even more involving. You can now watch videos from the blog on the PS3 browser so you are always up to date with the latest news, as well as share any blog posts that take your fancy with your Facebook friends.

Watch out for more new features coming to PlayStation.Blog soon.

The Friday Debate - Can games be art?

This week the topic up for debate at PlayStation.Blog is the presentation of games - do you think that games can be classed as art? Do you appreciate settings, music and character design; or are you just in it for the thrill of the gameplay?

Take a look at everything from retro classics to recent chart-toppers and share your words of wisdom at PlayStation.Blog.

Keep an eye on PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com for the latest PlayStation news as it happens.

Be sure to opt in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network account settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) and opt in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

Weekend Essentials – Issue 31‘Captain America’ Star Chris Evans Researched ‘Origin Stories’ For Lead Role

The future makes history with the WipEout® Museum in PlayStation Home

Celebrate WipEout’s 15th anniversary at the newly opened WipEout Museum in PlayStation Home and take your senses for a spin…

A dedicated space for the iconic WipEout series has launched in PlayStation Home, the engaging, interactive online world for PlayStation 3 available on PlayStation Network. Celebrating the popular futuristic racing game's 15 years on PlayStation, the WipEout Museum blasts away from the perception of a dusty old museum exhibit with a stunningly high-tech offering.

By exploring the WipEout Museum space in PlayStation Home, you can take a look at some of the high-speed racing machines that have enthralled millions of anti-gravity race fans over the last 15 years, compete in numerous challenges, including WipEout 2D arcade cabinets and the brand new WipEout Shooter mini-game, and take part in the Team Logo Hunt to win exclusive PlayStation Home merchandise. Don't worry if your skills aren't fast enough to keep up - there's also the opportunity to buy WipEout related furniture, clothing and ornaments, all for your PlayStation Home avatar and apartment.

If you want to just hang out and take in the turbo fuelled atmosphere, there are WipEout themed seating areas, posters, team information holograms and screens, a viewing deck space where you can look out onto the beautiful city vista and racetrack, and even a DJ area where you can select the background music while you kick back and enjoy the WipEout culture. Who says videogames can't be art?

Head over to PlayStation Home now and enjoy the futuristic delights of the WipEout Museum.

Note: PlayStation Home supports the following languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Leonardo DiCaprio Pulls Out of Mel Gibson Viking MovieExperience 3D with PlayStation Network

Win a trip to gamescom 2010 plus a VAIO laptop and bloggie™ camera

Send us your very own game review to be in with a chance of securing a once in a lifetime trip to Europe's biggest videogame show.

PlayStation, in association with VAIO, is giving you the chance to get your hands on the hottest games before they go on general release and even give us an official report on the event with your new laptop and bloggie™ camera.

On 18 August 2010, gamescom 2010 opens its doors as game publishers and developers from the world over descend on Cologne, Germany, to show off their most anticipated upcoming titles.

If you and a friend would like to join them, then all you have to do is email us a 150 to 250 word review of your favourite PlayStation 3 or PSP game. This can be either a disc-based game, or one that you have downloaded from PlayStation Store.

The most original, entertaining and interesting review will win an amazing trip to gamescom 2010 in Cologne. The prize includes:

Flights and transfers to and from Cologne, plus accommodation for you and a friend.Exclusive entry to the Sony Computer Entertainment Europe press conference.Two days at the show for you and a friend. VAIO laptop and bloggie™ camera. Find out more about VAIO at sony.co.uk/hub/vaio-p-series and about bloggie™at sony.co.uk/hub/mobile-hd-snap-camera.

To help you on your way, we will give you a brand new Sony Vaio P-Series laptop, the most portable VAIO laptop yet, and a Sony bloggie™ camera to help you capture all of the excitement of the show. Two lucky runners-up will also receive a bloggie™ camera.

At the end of gamescom 2010, your review of the show will be published on the official PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com.

If you'd like to get involved in this fantastic competition, send your game review (including your address and phone number) to competition-UK@uk.playstation.com before midnight GMT on 3 August 2010 and our panel of creative directors will pick a winner based on how original, creative, interesting and informative it is. Of course, they'll also be looking for a good command of language, spelling and grammar.

The winners will be informed on 9 August 2010 and you and your lucky chosen companion need to ensure that you are free from the 17 to 20 August 2010 in order to attend gamescom 2010.

All entrants must be over 18.

Please read the terms and conditions carefully.

The Game is coming to a closeNicolas Cage ‘Excited’ To Get Started On ‘Ghost Rider’ Sequel

FirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First - Episode 17

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, 3D feature and interview with SCE UK boss

Episode 17 of FirstPlay will be going live on the Store from Wednesday, and this week we lead off with a fantastically sharp HD preview of Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. Alongside that we've also got a feature on 3D on PS3, including an interview with Sony UK boss Ray Maguire, a reviews round-up including Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and Toy Story 3, and a review of claustrophobic thriller Exam on Blu-ray.

In this week's Network Highlights we take a look at downloadable games Hamsterball and Fret Nice in our Best Of PSN video, and we preview the multiplayer modes of some upcoming triple-A titles, including Call Of Duty: Black Ops, Medal Of Honor and Gran Turismo 5. We've also got a round-up of the best minis, and a new section called Personal in which members of the FirstPlay team and occasional guests will be talking us through some of their most memorable gaming experiences.

Lastly we've got our screenshot galleries, which this week include new Konami actioner NeverDead, American invasion shooter HomeFront, blockbusting sequel inFAMOUS 2 and Middle Earth RPG Lord Of The Rings: War In The North.

All of this comes at our regular price of 99p per episode, which falls to less than 75p if you take out a 90-day subscription for 8.99.

We'd also like to remind you that you can stay in touch with all things FirstPlay by following us on Twitter at @firstplay_uk and on our Facebook page. We also have a YouTube channel up and running here

The FirstPlay team would love to hear from the PS3 community so if you've got anything to share, from videos and grabs to suggestions for content feel free to get in touch.

See the Future of PS3™ First - Episode 11‘Thor’ Trailer, ‘Avengers’ Teaser Are Marvel Highlights At Comic-Con

Weekend Essentials – Issue 37

Get used to some Dog Days, experience a change of gravity and get your hands on some marvellous downloads this weekend…

A Marvel to behold

Marvel Comics has teamed up once more with PlayStation 3 platform title LittleBigPlanet for another batch of costumes that can make your Sackboy a true hero. Marvel Costume Kit 2 gives you the chance to make Sackboy look like five legendary Marvel characters: Thor, Spider-Man, Elektra, Ghost Rider and Human Torch. Flame on!

Give your Sackboy a heroic new look now - download Marvel Costume Kit 2 from PlayStation Store.

Every dog has its day...

The unlikely couple of Kane and Lynch have made their way back to PlayStation 3 with the gritty sequel Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days - and you can get a shot of the action in the PlayStation Store demo. Featuring documentary style visuals, this third person shooter for over 18s only is sure to get the blood pumping as you explore the dark world of two rather disturbed individuals.

If you're a PlayStation Plus member, the Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days demo downloads automatically to your PlayStation 3 via PlayStation Store without you having to lift a finger - and days before everyone else gets the chance to play it. If you want to get ahead of the game (and everyone else) with the biggest game demos, make sure you subscribe to PlayStation Plus for all the latest titles, first.

There's a certain gravity about this one

Want to take some classic arcade blasting with you wherever you go? Gravity Crash on PSP is sure to give you that stellar experience, all in the palm of your hand. Explore new worlds on a plane, blast through psychedelic looking enemies on the train and get that unbeatable high score on the go - it doesn't matter where you are, Gravity Crash will take you on a fun journey.

Blast off with Gravity Crash now by downloading it from PlayStation Store.

Fight for your faction

From 22 July 2010, MAG developer Zipper Interactive will be treating fans of the game to a brand new feature. All of the maps from the Sabotage mode will be faction neutral, so if your chosen Private Military Corporation is SVER, you can take on Raven in a map that was previously owned by Valor. Simply log on to the game, select Sabotage mode and prepare for action.

It's already set up and ready to go - what are you waiting for?

A kung fu compendium

To celebrate the cinematic release of star-studded martial arts movie, The Karate Kid, and the arrival of the classic original films on Blu-ray Disc, PlayStation Store has a stunning offer for you to enjoy. From 21 July 2010 until 4 August 2010, a variety of martial arts related games, packs and films will be discounted.

And don't forget about PlayStation Home on PS3, where you can collect exclusive free martial arts themed avatars.

Fighting fit? Prove it - head over to PlayStation Store and enjoy some great special offers.

Name that tune

Fans of the eagerly anticipated Gran Turismo 5 now have their chance to get even closer to the heart-racing action. How? Drive your browser to gran-turismo.com and cast your eyes (and ears) over the new GT5 trailer, which features a composition by musician Daiki Kasho. All you need to do is think of a suitable title for the music that will provide the epic backdrop to thousands of action-packed racing hours. Kazunori Yamauchi, the GT series creator, will select the winner and their name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the game's credits.

Go to gran-turismo.com before 25 July and become part of the game's history.

The Friday Debate - This is Hardcore

After last week's debut, The Friday Debate at PlayStation.Blog returns with a new intriguing topic for you to ponder over and discuss. This week delves into gaming labels and asks you to discuss the associations you have with being a hardcore gamer, casual gamer or something completely different. What category do you fit into?

Check out the debate and make yourself heard at blog.eu.playstation.com.

Contests of champions

You can be a winner in a variety of competitions at eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions. There's still a chance to win a gold PSP in celebration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the Gold PSP Limited Edition Competition; you can take a trip through time by winning a copy of Singularity on PS3 in the Singularity Competition; and enjoy some mechanised mayhem in the Transformers Competition where you can win a Transformers figure set and a copy of Transformers: War for Cybertron on PS3.

Keep an eye on PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com for the latest PlayStation news as it happens.

Be sure to opt in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network account settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) and opt in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

Weekend Essentials – Issue 35‘Eclipse’ Has Biggest Wednesday-Night Opening Ever

THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS competition winners announced

Find out who won some fantastic prizes and check out the entries from THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS competition.

Fans of THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS on PSP have been getting creative and designing their own creature cards, inspired by the game's original artwork.

Watanabe-san, the game's developer, has looked through the entries and picked his favourites, based on the design, creativity and imagination of each card. The winning design is Luna Light, submitted by Rosa Rodriguez from Portugal.

"Both the illustration and the ability are really amazing," said Watanabe-san. "It looks like it becomes enormous immediately and would dominate the battlefield by projecting its giant figure onto a dome made with water."

Rosa wins a figurine of Taurus Monolith, which has been specially created for her using a 3D printer. She will also receive a large-scale copy of her card signed by Watanabe-san, who was really impressed with all of the designs submitted for the competition.

"Seeing all the cards seemed to bring new perspective to The Eye of Judgment series, and we enjoyed so much judging each card and thinking what the game would be like if the card was implemented."

Watanabe-san chose Ancient Mirror as second place, designed by Gerrit Mrzke of Germany.

"We never conceived this idea. A mirror motif will generate new aspects to the battle strategy. When it dies, it breaks into pieces, so the creature reflected in this mirror might get damaged, too."

Gerrit receives a PSP-3000 system, along with a large-scale copy of the Ancient Mirror card, signed by Watanabe-san.

Eight runners-up will each receive a voucher code entitling them to THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS downloads from PlayStation Store, along with a large-scale copy of their card, signed by Watanabe-san

Check out all of the winning designs in the screenshot gallery above, and visit eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions for the chance to win more great prizes.

‘Inception’ Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To KnowWeekend Essentials – Issue 28

FirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First - Episode 16

Dead Rising 2, Mafia 2 and PSP Comics

Episode 16 of FirstPlay hits the Store this Wednesday and this week we've got three especially exciting videos for you. First we go hands on with zombie sequel Dead Rising 2, slashing, drilling and electrocuting our way through a Vegas-style Casino, and getting a very firm grip on the game's weapon creation system.

Then we've got previews of period underworld epic Mafia 2, including an interview with the 2K dev team, and some incredible footage of Sega's awesome looking robot-and-flames shooter, Vanquish.

On top of that we've got the second part of our Red Dead Redemption guide - this week involving mostly shooting - plus a look at what's new on the PSP comic store, selected highlights of the latest downloadable movies, and a round-up of your most amazing Skate bails.

Lastly we've got our screenshot galleries, which this week include MotorStorm: Apocalypse, FIFA 11, Final Fantasy XIV and Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit.

All of this comes at our regular price of 99p, or even less if you take out a 90-day subscription for 8.99.

We'd also like to remind you that you can stay in touch with all things FirstPlay by following us on Twitter at @firstplay_uk and on our Facebook page: FirstPlay (official). We also have a YouTube channel up and running here

The FirstPlay team would love to hear from the PS3 community so if you've got anything to share, from videos and grabs to suggestions for content feel free to get in touch.

See The Future of PS3™ First - Episode 9Kristen Stewart Shows Off Juggling Skills On ‘Lopez Tonight’

Play Like A Pro: Gravity Crash

Finding space travel and intergalactic battle a bit tough in Gravity Crash? Developer Just Add Water offers some galaxy-wide guidance.

1. Choose your ship and its payload to best suit your play style. Experiment with the options and find what works for you.

2. Try to approach each level systematically. Work your way through the environment in an orderly fashion, looking for new passages, switches and keeping in mind where you've already been.

3. Don't completely destroy the energy crystals as they will grow back if you let them - so use them resourcefully.

4. Shoot everything! You'll get a bigger score.

5. Inertia and gravity will affect your ship's ability to steer, so don't fly everywhere at full speed, you will only die.

6. Pay close attention to your surroundings as things are not always what they seem.

7. This isn't the Wild West! It's deep space and dangerous, so don't always go in with all guns blazing, cowboy.

8. When using theDual Controls option in the PS3 version it's easier to tweak your aim through continual fire than it is to rapidly fire and readjust, even if mastering the rapid fire technique is more deadly.

9. It is easier to hit enemies at close range. Of course, it's easier for them to hit you at close range too...

10. Use the environment to your advantage. Draw enemies away from hostile gun placements and deal with each threat on your terms, where possible.

11. Moving away from enemies as you engage them in combat allows you time to read and react to their movement and fire.

12. Remember that while landing to rescue crewmen and as you wait for them to board, you can still fire at enemies.

13. Keep an eye on your fuel meter, and take note of where the energy crystals are.

Absorbed all of that valuable information? Ready to put it to good use? Then play like a pro and blast off with Gravity Crash on PSP and PlayStation 3, available to download from PlayStation Store now - and get your name on the leaderboards!

Peter Facinelli Shows Behind-The-Scenes ‘Eclipse’ Footage On ‘Jimmy Kimmel’The Shoot developer interview

My 2010 FIFA World Cup with PlayStation

Read the thoughts of Georgios Tourliadis from Greece, winner of eu.playstation.com’s competition to be a flag bearer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

So, Georgios, how did it feel to be a part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
I was so happy to be part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I had the opportunity to discover Johannesburg and the Soccer City stadium and to take part in the preparation for the first match of the tournament. I was proud to be an active member of the first FIFA World Cup to be held in Africa, all thanks to PlayStation.

What was the atmosphere like when you walked out onto the pitch with the South African and Mexican teams?
The atmosphere was very happy; people were singing, dancing and really expressing their joy. The fans congregated at the stadium throughout the day, many wearing their team's colours and, of course, with their vuvuzelas too which they blew constantly. It was a real celebration of football. When we walked out onto the pitch, everyone was shouting, singing and clapping; there was a carnival atmosphere.

What was your most memorable moment from the trip?
The most memorable moment was when I walked out onto the pitch before the tournament’s opening game. Then I understood what it means to take part in the FIFA World Cup. The 97,000 fans chanted, sang, waved their flags and blew their vuvuzelas. My heart was racing, I felt excited and happy, though at the same time I was concentrating and being careful not to make any mistakes. When I was in the stadium and looking at all these people in the stands, I couldn't believe it was really happening to me and kept having to remind myself that it was not a dream. Thank you PlayStation for the trip and for an experience that I will never forget.

Keep an eye on eu.playstation.com/competitions for more chances to win unique prizes with PlayStation.

‘Twilight’ Author Stephenie Meyer ‘Very Happy’ With ‘Eclipse’ FilmA history of virtual football

FirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First - Episode 15

Killzone 3, Kane & Lynch 2 and PSN racers

Episode 15 of FirstPlay hits the Store this Wednesday and this week we have a behind the scenes look at Killzone 3, in which we go hands on with the game and also talk to the lovely folk at Guerrilla Games, plus a preview of crime shooter, Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days.

We’ve also got a reviews round-up of recent releases, including Alpha Protocol and Pure Football followed by our network highlights section. This week we’ve got a look at the best racers available on PSN, including WipEout HD and PixelJunk Racers, a round-up of PSone classics, the best of your LittleBigPlanet levels and a huge guide to making money in Red Dead Redemption. And not just by shooting people. How inventive of us.

Of course we’ve also got our screenshot galleries, this week including the latest on Driver: San Francisco, Red Faction: Armageddon, Shaun White Skating and Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds. All of this comes at our regular, tiny price of 99p, or even less if you take out a 90-day subscription for 8.99.

We’d also like to remind you that you can stay in touch with all things FirstPlay by following us on Twitter at @firstplay_uk and on our Facebook page. We also have a YouTube channel up and running here.

The FirstPlay team would love to hear from the PS3 community so if you’ve got anything to share, from videos and grabs to suggestions for content feel free to get in touch.

See the Future of PS3™ First – Episode 8Kristen Stewart Shows Off Juggling Skills On ‘Lopez Tonight’

Zipper Interactive wants you!

Play the brand new MAG download pack, Interdiction, with the game’s developers.

Do you think you can handle the perils of war on an unprecedented scale? Have you got what it takes to earn your place in a 256-player battle, fighting on multiple fronts, using airborne landings and on-call tactical strikes to survive and rise through the ranks? Then you need to sign up for the latest chance to play MAG in the Zipper Interactive developer event heading your way on 16 July 2010.

Thanks to the success of the previous gaming get-together with the developers, Zipper Interactive is at it again, this time spending the entire session on the brand new expansion pack for MAG, Interdiction.

The Interdiction pack introduces a fresh game mode, three new faction-neutral maps, the Heavy Improved armour set, and new ribbons, medals and trophies to the already packed MAG. Download it today from PlayStation Store and start honing your skills on the battlefield, then take the fight to Zipper Interactive on 16 July 2010 from 21.00 until 23.00 GMT.

Ashley Greene, Kristen Stewart Style Risks Pay Off At ‘Eclipse’ PremiereTake a fresh look at PlayStation Home

Weekend Essentials – Issue 36

Jump into the toy box, spank death, update your avatar, drum to the beat and win loads of stuff this weekend!

The toys are back in town

Woody and Buzz Lightyear's latest box office smash hit is in cinemas on 19 July 2010, so what better way to prepare for the giggles ahead than by picking up Toy Story 3: The Videogame? Packed with action and adventure, you play as Buzz, Woody or Jessie, reliving some of the coolest scenes from the movie. Best of all is the toy-tastic new feature, Toy Box Mode that lets you add new buildings, landscapes and characters to the already bustling game!

Spanked to death

Dispenser of justice, vanquisher of evil and hero to the downtrodden - all hail DeathSpank, PlayStation Network's newest hero. In Hothead Games opus you play as DeathSpank, a wandering hero who travels through a weird and wonderful world filled with deadly enemies, wacky weapons, zany scenarios and lots of chickens. It's time to spank evil where it hurts!

Download it now from PlayStation Store.

Feel the beat

Hear that? That's the pitter-patter of the Patapons heading your way this week on PlayStation Store. That can only mean one thing - the Patapon 3 demo is here. To get a taste of the brilliantly addictive new entry in the series, check out the multiplayer demo today.

Download it now from PlayStation Store and get your Pata-Pata-Pata-Pon on!

Soldier, soldier

SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 fans are you ready for a mighty arsenal update this week on PlayStation Store? Then fill your boots with four slick weapon packs guaranteed to up the ante. First up is the Australian SASR pack, followed by the Kommando Spezialkrafte KSK pack. Want more? You got it. The final two additions include the Special Air Services SAS and Korean 707 SMB packs.

Lock ‘n' load on PlayStation Store now.

Changing faces

Fancy spicing up your avatar collection this week? Then why not check out the fancy new line-up of Crash Commando and EyePet avatars available on PlayStation Store? There's a whole bunch to choose from including Army Chicks, Gangsta Rappers, Grunts, Bowling Pets, Angel Pets and even a Food Bowl! Go on, you know you want to.

Download them now from PlayStation Store.

The need for speed

Whip up a speedy storm with the Pinball Heroes High Speed Pack featuring new pinball tables based on WipEout HD Fury, MotorStorm, Fat Princess and those mad mods from ModNation Racers. Ding ding-da da-da-da-ding-ding!

Pick up the pace and download them now from PlayStation Store.

Egg-cellent fun

Shell out for some minis fun this week with Piyotama, the zany new game from Sony Studio Japan that throws you into the thrills of a super fast puzzler where your goal is to help the chicken, Mother Piyo, hatch a new batch of eggs!

Don't be chicken - download it now from PlayStation Store.

Stereoscopic 3D TV, for you?

Do you fancy kitting out your house with a Sony BRAVIA 3D TV and a Sony Surround Sound System? Of course you do! All you have to do is enter our fun competition starring Brazilian ace Kak - the face of Sony's 3D campaign - to be in with a chance.

Head to eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions before 19 July 2010 to enter.

Gold up for grabs! (kind of)

The 2010 FIFA World Cup may be over but there's still time to nab a piece of tournament history in the shape of a PSP Gold Limited Edition to celebrate the release of EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa on PSP. All you have to do is visit eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions and submit your entry.

Robot rockin'

There's a copy of the awesome Transformers: War For Cybertron, and some fantastic figurines with your name on them in our competition. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the multiple choice questions after you sign in using your PlayStation Network Sign-In ID.

Check it out at eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions.

Doing the time warp

Oh yes, there's another fantastic game up for grabs this week and it's the time-bending first person shooter, Singularity, from Activision Blizzard and Raven Software. To get your hands on this gripping game, sign in to PSN your PlayStationNetwork Sign-In ID and answer one simple question about the game.

Take a chance at eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions.

Keep an eye on PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com for the latest PlayStation news as it happens.

Be sure to opt in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network account settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMBTM (XrossMediaBar) and opt in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

John Edwards Film To Be Directed By Aaron SorkinWeekend Essentials – Issue 34

A million minis downloaded

Since their launch on PlayStation Store in October 2009, minis games have proved a hit with PSP and PS3 owners the world over.

In July 2010, bite-sized entertainment on PSP and PlayStation 3 hit the big time when the minis range of titles on PlayStation Store passed the one million downloads milestone

Launched in October 2009 and purpose-built for PSP and PS3, the minis category on PlayStation Store is home to a huge selection of games, all at tiny prices and all quick and easy to download to your system.

There are more than 85 minis from over 50 developers, including favourites like Pinball Fantasies and new classics like Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess from independent developer Mediatonic. And with more coming on-board every day, including Pacman CE from Namco Bandai Networks, gamers are set to have more choice than ever in the coming months.

Commenting on the success of minis, Zeno Colaco, vice president, Publisher and Developer Relations for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe said: “We’re always looking for exciting and unique content to offer our audiences and minis is exactly that: a huge variety of snackable gaming experiences that are easily accessible and great value for money. Thanks to minis, we offer a wide variety of content, be it games from smaller independent developers with small budgets to titles from more established studios. We’re proud to have reached this milestone and with new developers coming on board every day, bringing with them incredibly fun and creative games, we look forward to establishing minis as a firm favourite amongst the PlayStation community.”

There’s a great range of minis available from PlayStation Store, with something for everyone. Check out some of the favourites and best-selling minis titles below.

Top ten minis*

1. Age of Zombies
2. MONOPOLY
3. Fieldrunners
4. Zombie Tycoon
5. Bloons
6. Spot The Differences!
7. Pinball Fantasies
8. Mahjongg Artifacts: Chapter 2
9. YetiSports
10. Breakquest

View the range of minis at eu.playstation.com/minis and head over to PlayStation Store to pick up your very own slice of bite-sized entertainment today.

* Correct up until 14 July 2010. Excludes single format minis.

‘Eclipse’ At The Box Office: What Does The Future Hold?See the Future of PS3™ First – Episode 8

The People vs: Super Street Fighter IV

The PlayStation community ask their hard-hitting Super Street Fighter IV questions to the game’s producer, Yoshinori Ono.

Even though many other 2D fighting games have been abandoned for 3D titles, Street Fighter is still a big commercial seller. How would you explain the success of this series? (Vito85. Italy)

For fighting games, it does not matter if it is in 2D or 3D. What we wanted to do with Super Street Fighter IV was to provide a game that is easy to play for all users. It is still fun to have a fighting game in which players can pull off special moves simply with a stick and six buttons.

Even though I appreciate the release of new characters immediately ready to be used online and offline, don't you think this move reduced users' interest in the single player and Arcade mode to unlock secret characters? (Dark_kyo, Italy)

I don't think we need unlocks in fighting games any more. We noticed unlocks are inappropriate as online modes dominate the current fighting game scene now. Mr Harada, producer of the Tekken series, said when releasing Tekken 6 that having to unlock characters for console versions is outdated. I was impressed by his words and I agree with him.

Will there be additional tweaks made to the arcade release of Super Street Fighter IV and any of the characters? If so, would those changes make it in an update for the PlayStation 3 version? (Delriach, UK)

The arcade version is at least going to be a perfect port of the console version. Whether we can add some extras to it will depend on the players' passion and whether we have enough energy to work through the nights. If we do make some changes to the arcade version, it is not impossible to apply the same changes to the PS3 version. However, as I can't get down to it yet, I have to ask you to wait for a while.

Are you going to place a search option within the replay channel, in order to search by friends? (Gerwulf_, Spain)

I have received this request from all over the world. I appreciate that many players are utilising the replay channel. As for a search option, we regard this as a priority area to sort out.

Are you going to release any other Street Fighter IV titles or is this the last one? (Morphing, Spain)

We don't plan to release a Hyper or Ultra SFIV. SSFIV is the last major update, and we plan to release small downloadable updates like we did in June 2010.

Is there any chance that the next update could include an option to disable input short cuts and allow for more accurate inputs? (Solas, UK)

We are not going to include the option for the next update as both input short cuts and accurate ones are already accepted as a part of the SSFIV rule book. However, if we have an opportunity to change the rule book in the future, we would make the system to be fair for all users with different input preferences.

‘Eclipse’ Director David Slade Reveals Kristen Stewart’s Deleted ScenesPut your questions to Super Street Fighter 4’s producer

PlayStation Network goes Karate Kid crazy

To celebrate the release of The Karate Kid at cinemas there are loads of martial arts related discounts in PlayStation Store.

To celebrate the release of The Karate Kid at cinemas and the classic movies available on Blu-ray Disc, you can get in the mood with a series of special offers on high-kicking content from PlayStation Store. From 21 July 2010 until 4 August 2010, check out these great discounts:

Revenge of the Wounded Dragons - was 6.29/€7.99 now 3.99/€4.99
Final Fight: Double Impact - was 7.99/€9.99 now 3.99/€4.99
Mortal Kombat 2 - was 3.99/€4.99 now 2.39/€2.99
Rag Doll Kung Fu - was 7.99/€9.99 now 3.99/€4.99
Rag Doll Kung Fu Time Savers Pack - was 1.19/€1.49 now 0.79/€0.99
Tekken 5 DR Online - was 15.99/€19.99 now 11.99/€14.99
Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix - was 11.99/€14.99 now 5.49/€6.99
Street Fighter 4 - Complete Costume Pack - was 9.99/€12.99 now 4.99/€5.99

Visit PlayStation Store Video Store on your PS3 and PSP now and pick up the following titles in the Karate Kid series, available for a limited time only at a very special price:

The Karate KidThe Karate Kid Part 2The Karate Kid Part 3The Next Karate Kid

Head over to the Video Store now to make the most of these special offers.

Make sure you also visit PlayStation Home on your PS3 to pick up exclusive free martial arts themed avatars.

In Columbia Pictures’ The Karate Kid, 12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) could have been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother’s (Taraji P. Henson) career takes them both to China. Feeling alone in a foreign land, Dre has no friends to turn to except the maintenance man, Mr Han (Jackie Chan).

Secretly a master of kung fu, Mr Han and Dre begin to train together, building a friendship and moving toward a final showdown with Cheng, the class bully, at a kung fu tournament. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre learns that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.

Go to karatekid-themovie.com to catch the trailer for the 2010 release of The Karate Kid.

‘Toy Story 3,’ ‘Grown Ups’ Play Well Together At Weekend Box OfficeThe Karate Kid Preview Screenings

Take a fresh look at PlayStation Home

Hang out in the updated Home Square and Shopping Centre to discover brand new minigames and community features.

Home Square and the Shopping Centre were two of the first spaces to open their doors when the PlayStation Home open beta launched in 2008. Since then, the online social gaming service on PlayStation 3 has grown massively with the introduction of new spaces, events, games and hundreds of wardrobe and furniture items.

With that in mind, those original spaces have been given a fresh lick of paint and a host of new community features.

Home Square has been completely rebuilt and is now bigger and more interactive. It contains three brand new mini-games: Supa-Fun Robo-Goalie Time!!, Shooting Hoops and Tug Of War. Best of all, these mini-games can now be rotated, allowing the PS Home team to introduce new ones or bring back old favourites to fit the needs of the community.

Also new is the Polling Booth, where you can provide valuable feedback on a wide range of topics, such as your favourite spaces in PS Home or your favourite game of the moment. There are also two ticker style notices in the new Home Square – one displaying what is showing in Home Cinema and one providing general updates, making it easier than ever to keep up to date with the latest developments and additions.

The Shopping Centre has gone al fresco and is now an outdoor space with shopfronts taking you to Threads, Estates and other favourites. At the centre of the space are some chess tables to help you and a friend unwind and decide what to buy. The Stuff store is now open, featuring items with special functionality.

The all new Home Square and Shopping Centre are open now and waiting for your visit on your PS3. Take a fresh look at PlayStation Home today – and bring your friends.

ModNation Racers speeds into PlayStation HomeNicolas Cage Says ‘Ghost Rider’ Sequel Will Offer A ‘Very Fresh Take’

Introducing Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Jean-François Dugas, lead game designer for Deus Ex: Human Revolution, explains how the cult series is being rebooted on PS3.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a series with a rich heritage and is due on PlayStation 3 in 2011.

Set in 2027, you play as Adam Jensen, a private security specialist for biotech corporation Sarif Industries. Following an attack on the company, Jensen is badly injured and, as he comes back from the dead, starts on a quest to discover who was responsible for the attack as well as uncovering the bigger conspiracy that surrounds it.

“We see Deus Ex: Human Revolution as a reboot of the franchise,” says Dugas. “We approach it from a new IP perspective because it’s a cult game that is really appreciated by a small community while most people don’t know what Deus Ex is. So our approach is that there are some new characters, including a new main character, so that you don’t need to be a Deus Ex fan to appreciate this one. At the same time, there will be some tie-ins with the previous games so for those that know the old games, there are some connections.”

In a live demo at E3 2010, two levels were shown with the focus very much on a mix of combat, stealth, exploration and social gameplay. In each of the levels shown, the concept of choice was key, with multiple paths available to complete each mission.

“For us the role-playing game component is really important; it’s about making sure the player has the right tools to play one way or another,” explains Dugas. “If he wants to be very aggressive he can be, while if he wants to be very sneaky and low-key he has the tools to be this as well. You can talk to all the characters, buy and upgrade weapons, pick up experience points and unlock further abilities; all those things together help shape your character to suit your playing style. As you play through the game, as you meet characters and depending on how you interact with them, there might be consequences later in the game. What’s really important to us is that whether you choose to go for combat or stealth, either route is really rewarding.”

Key to the Deus Ex series is the concept of transhumanism, the idea that science and technology can be used to improve human mental and physical characteristics. This runs as a thread throughout the visual style of the title, as well as being apparent in the gameplay as you pick up augmentations, or special abilities, as you progress through the game.

“With the art direction we really wanted to add our own flavour and, when we started building the game and researched transhumanity, we discovered a lot of sketches from Leonardo Da Vinci that made us jump back to the Renaissance area,” says Dugas. “With the technology of today, we’re starting to see computers integrated into our bodies so that the transhumanity era is already happening. We see it as the next step in our evolution and it’s not happening in 2027, it’s happening today in 2010.”

It was clear from the levels shown ay E3 2010 that the developer had drawn huge inspiration from a number of science fiction classics, such as Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell. “We’re not hiding those inspirations because we think they’re awesome starting points,” says Dugas. “At the same time, our game has its own flavour. We tried to anticipate the future as much as possible while with some things, such as the double-decker city, we just went crazy because it’s a game, it needs to be fun, sitting somewhere in-between reality and fantasy.”

‘Predators’: The Reviews Are In!Hands on with Heavy Rain Move Edition

The future makes history with the WipEout Museum in PlayStation Home

Celebrate WipEout’s 15th anniversary at the newly opened WipEout Museum in PlayStation Home and take your senses for a spin…

A dedicated space for the iconic WipEout series has launched in PlayStation Home, the engaging, interactive online world for PlayStation 3 available on PlayStation Network. Celebrating the popular futuristic racing game's 15 years on PlayStation, the WipEout Museum blasts away from the perception of a dusty old museum exhibit with a stunningly high-tech offering.

By exploring the WipEout Museum space in PlayStation Home, you can take a look at some of the high-speed racing machines that have enthralled millions of anti-gravity race fans over the last 15 years, compete in numerous challenges, including WipEout 2D arcade cabinets and the brand new WipEout Shooter mini-game, and take part in the Team Logo Hunt to win exclusive PlayStation Home merchandise. Don't worry if your skills aren't fast enough to keep up - there's also the opportunity to buy WipEout related furniture, clothing and ornaments, all for your PlayStation Home avatar and apartment.

If you want to just hang out and take in the turbo fuelled atmosphere, there are WipEout themed seating areas, posters, team information holograms and screens, a viewing deck space where you can look out onto the beautiful city vista and racetrack, and even a DJ area where you can select the background music while you kick back and enjoy the WipEout culture. Who says videogames can't be art?

Head over to PlayStation Home now and enjoy the futuristic delights of the WipEout Museum.

Note: PlayStation Home supports the following languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Experience 3D with PlayStation Network‘Eclipse’ Has Biggest Wednesday-Night Opening Ever

Weekend Essentials – Issue 35

As the 2010 FIFA World Cup comes to an end this weekend, console yourself with Modern Warfare, Marvel Comics and Monkey Island 2 on PlayStation.

A call for Resurgence

Modern Warfare 2 fans rejoice - now there are more battlegrounds to pick off your targets on with the Resurgence Pack. Blasting five new multiplayer maps onto the PlayStation 3 shooter, this is one addition to Modern Warfare 2 you won't fire and forget.

Steady your crosshairs. Breathe deeply. Ready...? Then download the Modern Warfare 2 Resurgence Pack from PlayStation Store now.

Monkey Madness

Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge on PlayStation 3 takes you on a classic voyage of colourful characters, double-crossing pirates and some of the funniest dialogue to grace videogames. All wrapped up in a Special Edition package, Monkey Island 2 is an irresistible adventure for newcomers and loyal fans alike.

Download LucasArts' special brand of monkey mayhem from PlayStation Store now.

Marvel at this

You can be a true Marvel hero (or villain) with a marvellous batch of LittleBigPlanet Marvel Comics downloads. The Marvel Level Kit has a collection of treats to set up your perfect comic book flavoured adventure, while an assortment of costumes also await to let you dress up Sackboy as five legendary Marvel characters: Iron Man, Thing, Daredevil, Doctor Octopus and Mystique.

Go on - create a costumed caper by downloading these amazing extras for LittleBigPlanet from PlayStation Store.

Groovy!

Get your PlayStation 3 groove on with Groovin' Blocks, a funky puzzle game set to irresistible music beats. Can you step up to the challenge of over 50 levels, head-to-head battles and co-op action?

Dance, move and groove over to PlayStation Store and download Groovin' Blocks.

Satisfy your sweet tooth

Have a little Sweet Tooth craving? Already want to get behind the wheel as the maniacal clown from Twisted Metal? ModNation Racers on PlayStation 3 can get you streets ahead with the Sweet Tooth Pack, which customises your Mod and kart with a look which is positively... sweet.

Download the Sweet Tooth Pack from PlayStation Store and drive your foes around the bend...

A song for the ages

The story of Dragon Age: Origins is far from over, young traveller. The massive PS3 role playing game has another quest for you to embark upon with Leliana's Song, where you play as female bard Leliana who finds herself entangled in a dangerous criminal ring where it's kill or be killed.

Venture over to PlayStation Store and download Dragon Age: Origins Leliana's Song for a deadly medley...

Buzz your way back to the ‘90s

Take yourself back to the days of Oasis, DVD players and the first appearance of Sonic the Hedgehog with the Buzz! ‘90s Quiz Pack. Over 500 questions on the decade await, testing your knowledge of the era. The last ten years of the 20th century are challenging you to remember their events - are you ready?

Grab some friends and download the Buzz! ‘90s Quiz Pack from PlayStation Store.

Transform your luck

A copy of Transformers: War for Cybertron on PS3 and a Transformers figure set could be yours if you enter the Transformers competition over at eu.playstation.com/competitions. Think you're big enough to roll out and win some giant robot action?

It's not over until it's over

Missing Messi? Still seething about Lampard's disallowed goal? Dry your eyes - there's still plenty of ways to keep the football festival of the 2010 FIFA World Cup going with PlayStation. From the likes of playing EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and FIFA 10 on PS3 and PSP, to features such as Have a PlayStation football party (to create the ultimate PlayStation football party using VidZone, SingStar and Buzz!) and A history of virtual football, you can make the football feeling last even longer. There's also the chance to win a gold PSP in celebration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the Gold PSP Limited Edition Competition by heading over to eu.playstation.com/competitions.

Keep an eye on PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com for the latest PlayStation news as it happens.

Be sure to opt in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network account settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) and opt in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

Get new Modern Warfare 2 maps with the Resurgence PackPeter Facinelli Shows Behind-The-Scenes ‘Eclipse’ Footage On ‘Jimmy Kimmel’

See The Future of PS3™ First

Episode 14 - Tiger Woods, Enslaved: Odyssey To The West and Network Highlights

Episode 14 of FirstPlay hits the Store this Wednesday and first up we review EA Sports’ Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. We’re then very pleasantly surprised by the sexiness of Enslaved: Odyssey To The West as we preview Ninja Theory’s post-apocalyptic adventure.

We’ve also got a review of Green Day: Rock Band, and in our network highlights a round-up of the best user-created ModNation tracks and a look at the latest PSP releases, including Prince Of Persia and the handheld version of ModNation. On top of that we’ve also got our screenshot galleries, which this week include Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, PES 2011 and HAWX 2 – all for just 99p, or even less if you take out a 90-day subscription for 8.99.

Lastly, we know it’s been a little quiet on the featured downloads front since we first had the Backbreaker demo a couple of weeks back. We’re in talks with a few different publishers about some upcoming content and hopefully we’ll be able to bring you some news soon.

We’d also like to remind you that you can stay in touch with all things FirstPlay by following us on Twitter at @firstplay_uk and on our Facebook page: FirstPlay (official). We also have a YouTube channel up and running at http://www.youtube.com/user/FirstPlayUK

The FirstPlay team would love to hear from the PS3 community so if you’ve got anything to share, from videos and grabs to suggestions for content feel free to get in touch.

Ridley Scott Plans User-Generated YouTube DocumentaryFirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First.

Win a pair of VIP Tickets to Red Bull X-Fighters 2010

International Freestyle Motorcross Lighting up London at Battersea Power Station 14th August 2010

Last year was the closest ever in Red Bull X-Fighters history. After a fascinating duel with his close friend Robbie Maddison, Nate “The Destroyer” Adams kept his nerves to win the final stop of the Tour and claim victory in the overall standings.

Our friends over at Red Bull have given us a pair of VIP tickets to the Red Bull X-Fighters 2010 event at Battersea Power Station on the 14th August 2010. This allows access to the VIP area with a view of the garage area with all the riders and their bikes and complimentray food and drink. One lucky runner up will also be given a pair of standard tickets.

To enter the competition, all you have to do is download the Red Bull X-Fighters mini via the PlayStation Store from the 7th to the 14th of July.

For full terms and conditions please click here

Win tickets to the 2010 FIFA World Cup FinalTaylor Lautner Talks Werewolf Vs. Vampire Fights On ‘Letterman’

Classic series coming to PlayStation 3

Here’s a closer look at some of the titles that wooed the crowds at E3 2010.

Big hitters were spread around the show floor at the Los Angeles Convention Centre as publishers revealed the games that will keep you coming back for more in the months and year ahead.

Fans flocked to the Capcom stand to savour the finger crunching and frantic beat ’em up gameplay of Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. Featuring vibrant and colourful visuals, the crowds watched enthralled as a series of heroes from both renowned universes teamed up to unleash devastating on-screen attacks on each other.

At the Warner Brothers stand, the queue remained constant throughout the show as fans clamoured to get a look at Mortal Kombat 9, which heralds a return to the series’ gory heritage with the original development team from Chicago back at the helm.

Coming to PlayStation for the first time, Capcom's Dead Rising 2 is an adult oriented third person action adventure. The game mixes open areas, such as its signature American malls packed with the undead, and close quarter combat in confined spaces, as you ward off waves of zombies with anything you find close to hand, including baseball bats, tables, teddy bears and more.

Away from the main show floor, Electronic Arts showed off two levels from Crysis 2, another renowned series making its PlayStation debut. The futuristic first person shooter is packed with cinematic action as you face off against hordes of brutal aliens using a variety of weaponry and your trusty Nanosuit.

Although not viewable at the show, this action-packed title features support for stereoscopic 3D; the prospect of seeing a towering skyscraper collapse towards you whilst fleeing the carnage left behind is one to savour when it arrives on PlayStation 3.

One series that needs no introduction to fans of PlayStation is Final Fantasy XIV and Square Enix was happy to oblige with a sneak peek at the next instalment in the legendary role-playing game series.

One of the first Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games to hit PS3, FFXIV puts you in a stunning fantasy world where you can hang out with other players from around the globe in the land of Eorzea.

Also from Square Enix, Deus Ex: Human Revolution combines first and third person perspectives and includes role-playing game elements in its mix of combat, stealth and exploratory action, giving you the chance to accomplish missions via a number of different routes.

For those looking to catch a thrilling ride, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit sees the return of the famed racing series with developer Criterion Games, most recently of Burnout Paradise fame, firmly behind the wheel.

In a return to the series’ roots, it’s all about cops versus racers and there are separate career modes for either side. Criterion is also keen to bring players together with a social networking service, called Autolog, integrated into the game and accessible online on PC and via mobile devices. As you would expect from the team behind Burnout, the latest NFS instalment is incredibly fast and beautiful.

FIFA 11 is EA Sports’ latest vision of the beautiful game on PlayStation 3 and the developer is looking to make virtual football even more realistic with Personality+. The new feature makes players look and behave even more like their real-life counterparts and the improved passing system gives you more options when trying to unlock the opposition defence.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is a visually striking title from Ninja Theory, the makes or Heavenly Sword. It is loosely based on the ancient Chinese novel, Journey to the West, and the story is written by Alex Garland, author of The Beach.

Keep an eye on PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com and eu.playstation.com for updates on all these titles and more.

‘Eclipse’ Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To KnowPut your questions to Super Street Fighter 4’s producer

Get new Modern Warfare 2 maps with the Resurgence Pack

Download the Resurgence Pack from PlayStation Store and explore new battlefields in Modern Warfare 2.

The best selling Modern Warfare 2 is set to get even bigger with the release of the Resurgence Pack on PlayStation Store. The pack introduces five new multiplayer maps to the hit action title, including two fan favourites from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

The new maps are:

Carnival

An abandoned amusement park with a variety of unique vantage points.

Fuel

A massive oil refinery with extremely long sight lines.

Trailer Park

A mazy trailer site surrounded by war torn debris.

Strike

One of the most popular maps in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Strike is a large urban area in the centre of the desert.

Vacant

Another Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare favourite, Vacant is a fast paced Russian office complex with few places to take cover.

Report to PlayStation Store and download the Resurgence Pack today to expand the war zone in Modern Warfare 2 on PlayStation 3.

Get new Modern Warfare 2 maps with the Stimulus PackageTaylor Lautner Talks Werewolf Vs. Vampire Fights On ‘Letterman’

Put your questions to LittleBigPlanet 2’s Media Molecule

Enter the whacky world of Media Molecule and find out everything you need to know about LittleBigPlanet 2.

The world of LittleBigPlanet is evolving into something very special in LittleBigPlanet 2 on PlayStation 3. Not only will you be able to create your very own levels and share them with the world, you'll also be able to conjure entire games using the powerful new tools available to you.

Now you can have your chance to talk play, create and share with Media Molecule by posing your questions to the game's developers. So, to get in on the action you need to head over to the official PlayStation Forums at community.eu.playstation.com to leave your quirky questions. As always, the best ones will be picked and put to the team at Media Molecule.

Check back to eu.playstation.com in the coming weeks to see if your brain teasers were chosen for some Sackboy and friends banter.

‘Eclipse’ Fans Love Movie’s Tent Scene, Faster PaceLittleBigPlanet 2 first impressions

FirstPlay: See the future of PS3. First.

Episode 14 - Tiger Woods, Enslaved: Odyssey To The West and Network Highlights

Episode 14 of FirstPlay hits the Store this Wednesday and first up we review EA Sports’ Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. We’re then very pleasantly surprised by the sexiness of Enslaved: Odyssey To The West as we preview Ninja Theory’s post-apocalyptic adventure.

We’ve also got a review of Green Day: Rock Band, and in our network highlights a round-up of the best user-created ModNation tracks and a look at the latest PSP releases, including Prince Of Persia and the handheld version of ModNation. On top of that we’ve also got our screenshot galleries, which this week include Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, PES 2011 and HAWX 2 – all for just 99p, or even less if you take out a 90-day subscription for 8.99.

Lastly, we know it’s been a little quiet on the featured downloads front since we first had the Backbreaker demo a couple of weeks back. We’re in talks with a few different publishers about some upcoming content and hopefully we’ll be able to bring you some news soon.

We’d also like to remind you that you can stay in touch with all things FirstPlay by following us on Twitter at @firstplay_uk and on our Facebook page: FirstPlay (official). We also have a YouTube channel up and running at http://www.youtube.com/user/FirstPlayUK

The FirstPlay team would love to hear from the PS3 community so if you’ve got anything to share, from videos and grabs to suggestions for content feel free to get in touch.

See the Future of PS3™ First – Episode 8‘Eclipse’ Fans Love Movie’s Tent Scene, Faster Pace

Summer on PSP

Enjoy your summer adventures and entertainment with PSP.

Wherever you are this summer, make sure you enjoy every moment with your PSP.

If you're travelling a long distance to visit family, or for a chilled out week on the beach, get your favourite films, videos and music on your PSP to pass the time. You can access PlayStation Store Video Store on your PSP and download the newest releases at the click of a button, or use Media Go to transfer some hot summer tunes from your PC to your PSP.

Make sure you check out some of the hottest PSP games this summer, and don't miss out on a minute of the action. Create some crazy tracks and mods in ModNation Racers, and go on an exciting adventure with Woody and Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 3: The Videogame.

If you fancy some summer sports, why not perfect your football skills and celebrate one of the world's greatest summer sporting events in EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. These new and exciting titles guarantee hours of endless fun and entertainment all summer long.

At the end of long, hard and scorching day, why not kick back with some new and classic titles from Digital Comics? Everything from Donald Duck to The Avengers is at your fingertips.

Fancy a chat? Keep up to date and in touch with friends and family via Skype, and share your summer moments from anywhere in the world. Be sure to record all of your summer memories and adventures on your PSP to share with loved ones, and make PSP your ultimate summer accessory.

Play Like A Pro: FIFA 10Taylor Lautner Talks Werewolf Vs. Vampire Fights On ‘Letterman’

Hands on with Heavy Rain Move Edition

The PlayStation Move motion controller brings you closer to the action in Heavy Rain Move Edition, as the game’s producer Mark O’Connor explains.

Heavy Rain Move Edition is an update to the best-selling and much lauded title from renowned French developer Quantic Dream which has struck a chord with players worldwide with its intriguing story and groundbreaking visuals.

Available as a software update for existing owners at no extra cost, and in a boxed edition which includes tons of extra content, Heavy Rain Move Edition will be released around the time of the launch of PlayStation Move. Heavy Rain Move Edition is compatible with the PlayStation Move motion controller, the navigation controller and a PlayStation Eye camera.

During a walkthrough of the Sleepless Night level at E3 2010, Mark O’Connor, producer of the game, demonstrated the range of new interaction possible with PlayStation Move.

“There’s a new menu in place that’s gesture based and means that you use PS Move throughout the title. You use the left stick on the navigation controller to move the character and the main motion controller to look around.

“Everything is geared towards what’s in front of you as you’re now looking straight at the screen when playing and not looking down to see what your thumbs are doing with the Wireless Controller.

“There’s a new dialogue system and mechanic for choosing which option to take, meaning that none of the options are mapped on the action buttons. To interact, you walk up to a prompt, hold down the T button and then perform the action as directed on-screen with the motion controller.

“You’re effectively mapping everything to the character’s motions, so you’re pulling, pushing, opening and closing doors, and even twisting the motion controller to unscrew a bottle top on-screen.”

To cater for new and existing players of Heavy Rain, the game features two levels of difficulty, “There’s an easy mode which is more gesture based and then a harder mode, for people who’ve got Heavy Rain and would want a bit of a challenge and generally those who want a harder experience.”

Sleepless Nights, a typically atmospheric scene set in Madison Page’s apartment, is perfect for showing off how you use PlayStation Move in a third person action adventure game.

It’s an unsettling scene in which the young reporter’s casual wanderings around her own apartment soon become replaced by the frantic gesturing of a desperate woman as she tries to evade the clutches of two intruders.

“The first part is all about navigation and exploration, while the fight scenes are more dynamic and immersive. You start off milling around, getting cups of coffee, getting to grips with the basic movements of the character using PlayStation Move. Then it ends with a fight sequence that’s more interactive, fast and furious, and that’s when you use your hands more; all of a sudden you’ve got to make fast decisions to stay alive.”

This new way of playing is quickly embraced by those already familiar with playing Heavy Rain using a Wireless Controller.

“The main feedback I’ve had is that they’d play it again. It just makes it a lot simpler and provides a new experience, getting the player more involved and connected with the game. It pulls you more into the title.”

Similarly, the game uses the motion controller’s vibration function to heighten your feeling of involvement.

“Any time your character’s in danger or there’s a sense of tension or anything else that we want to feed back to the player, it helps to give a bit of physical stimulus by using the vibration function on the motion controller.

“Heavy Rain is all about immersion, it’s all about empathising with the characters on-screen and now you’ve got physical activity to back that up. Once people get used to it, they find that playing Heavy Rain Move Edition is intuitive, user-friendly and fun!”

Obsession Confessions: PlayStation MoveChristina Aguilera Sparkles In New ‘Burlesque’ Photos

Fat Princess gets even fatter

Some tasty and satisfyingly new content is about to be served up to fans of PlayStation 3 strategy game, Fat Princess…

A PlayStation Network classic, PlayStation 3 strategy game Fat Princess is ready to stuff you to the brim with a serving of delicious downloadable content. First up is the Fat Roles expansion pack, which offers three additional soldier classes to play with. The Pirate brings with him some pistols and cutlasses along with the ability to call in airborne cannonballs. Prefer stealth? Then the Ninja class may be for you, complete with the ability to use smoke bombs and shuriken throwing stars. The third class is the brutish Giant, who is able to smash opponents as well as trees to shake up the battlefield.

Making these new classes even more tantalizing is a free PSN update to Fat Princess which includes multiplayer co-operative play on the same PS3 system, game boosting functionality improvements and all of the four free maps available from the previous Fat Princess updates. If you have Fat Princess, all you have to do is download the update to gain access to these goodies.

There's one part of Fat Princess which hasn't bulked up - the price. If you don't yet own the game, you can now join in the fun with a permanent price drop from €14.99/12.99 to €9.99/7.99. With this slimming new wallet-friendly figure, Fat Princess has never been more irresistible. So treat yourself to royalty now and get downloading from PlayStation Store.

Peter Facinelli Shows Behind-The-Scenes ‘Eclipse’ Footage On ‘Jimmy Kimmel’Put your questions to the developers of Fat Princess on PSP

Media Go 1.5 is now available

Download the popular PC application that makes it easy for you to share and manage your PSP content.

Media Go is the perfect entertainment organiser, that lets you take your media with you wherever you go. With Media Go, you can transfer music, photos and videos from your PC to your PSP and vice versa. File conversion is hassle free as Media Go automatically updates your media to the appropriate format for your PC or PSP while maintaining the best possible quality.

Available as a free download from Sony Creative Software, Media Go 1.5 was released on 29 June 2010. This update includes progressive download for video content, so you don't have to wait for a download to complete before starting to view it, and a feature that automatically checks for future Media Go software updates.

In addition, the application has been tweaked and made easier to use thanks to a number of enhancements including:

A message that lets you know whether you’ve already backed up content on your PC before you delete it from your PSP.An on-screen bar that shows you how long it’s going to take for your downloads to finish.A streamlined interface design that makes is easier for you to use Media Go.

Visit Sony Creative Software at sonycreativesoftware.com/download/mediago to download Media Go 1.5 and start enjoying more entertainment on the go.

Automatic Download‘Twilight’ Author Stephenie Meyer ‘Very Happy’ With ‘Eclipse’ Film

Weekend Essentials – Issue 34

It’s a packed weekend on PlayStation with the arrival of PlayStation Plus, Tiger Woods, Everybody’s Tennis and a whole host of fantastic deals up for grabs on PlayStation Store.

PlayStation Plus is here

Want to get even more from your PlayStation 3? Then PlayStation Plus is exactly what you've been waiting for. Joining PlayStation Plus opens the door to a whole of premium and exclusive features, including one-hour trials of PlayStation Network and Blu-ray Disc releases, and is your gateway to over 200 worth of cool content a year.

Plus, you'll also receive the latest PS3 system software updates, game updates and game demos without lifting a finger! All you have to do is download the latest system software update and start subscribing. Welcome to a new dawn on PlayStation Network.

Become a PlayStation Plus member today.

Asteroids!

Do you hear that? That's the sound of asteroid-blasting action winging its way to you, which must mean one thing: Super Stardust HD is celebrating its third birthday this week. In honour of this, you can download the full game plus two additional game packs - Solo and Team Mode - at a whopping great reduction until 7 July 2010.

So go on, sprinkle a little stardust on your PS3 and download it now from PlayStation Store.

A whole lot of woman

Everybody's favourite chubby chick - the lovely Fat Princess - is getting the special treatment this week on PlayStation Store including a full game price reduction, additional avatars and a belly busting software update that includes same screen co-operative mode, clan tag functionality, password protected games and four free maps from previous fat game updates.

Oh, and if that's not enough there's the brand new Fat Princess Fat Roles expansion pack for you to download too. And if you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber you get a 20 per cent discount on the pack and free exclusive avatars.

Fatten up on PlayStation Store now.

Seeing SingStars

This week sees a stage full of new features added to SingStar including SingStar Remote, that lets you connect to SingStar with a PSP and create a playlist of up to 20 songs while someone else is singing. There's also player feedback, a SingStar Clubs upgrade (single clubs can now feature up to 1,000 members) and the awesome Online Battles mode where you can use your vocal talents to duel against friends in SingStar.

Time for tennis?

That's right - Everybody's Tennis is here; you can download it direct from PlayStation Store or snap it up on Universal Media Disc and start creating a racket on PSP. Get it? Packed with features including Wireless multiplayer modes, customisable characters, a slew of different courts, locations and opponents, it's the best reason in the world to take up virtual tennis.

Download it now from PlayStation Store.

Putter up

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 tees off on PlayStation 3 this week, challenging you to lead your team of pro golfers to the top of the leaderboards in the prestigious Ryder Cup tournament on the Celtic Manor course, as well as a whole host of other renowned championship greens.

Cuckoo for Kak

Fancy winning a Sony BRAVIA 3D HD TV, as well as a Sony Surround Sound System? All you have to do is enter our fun competition starring Brazilian ace Kak - the face of Sony's 3D campaign - to be in with a chance. Check it out at eu.playstation.com/competitions.

Win a PSP Gold

There's still time to nab a piece of World Cup history in the shape of a PSP Gold Limited Edition to celebrate the release of EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa on PSP. All you have to do is visit eu.playstation.com/competitions, sign in and submit your entry. It's that simple! So go on, what are you waiting for?

Keep an eye on PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com for the latest PlayStation news as it happens.

Be sure to opt in to receive PlayStation emails when you sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you already have an account, sign in to your PlayStation Network account settings at eu.playstation.com/registration or via the XMBTM (XrossMediaBar) and opt in. That way, you can keep bang up to date and receive the latest PlayStation news direct to your inbox.

Weekend Essentials – Issue 29‘Eclipse’ Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know

See The Future of PS3™ First - Episode 13

Episode 013 of FirstPlay is packed full of previews and reviews

Episode 13 of FirstPlay is on the Store this Wednesday and leading the way this episode is the first lady of PlayStation, Lara Croft. This week we have a HD preview of her new top-down adventure game, The Guardian Of Light.

Aside from Lady Lara we have catch-up reviews of two of the best games released this summer, Activision's fizzing combat racer Blur, and the brilliant motorcycle platformer Joe Danger from the heroic four-man team at Hello Games. Rounding out HD reviews and previews we also have a look at Mel Gibson's conspiracy thriller Edge Of Darkness.

On top of that we've also got a round-up of the latest minis, a browse through the PSN movie store, and a look at downloadable PS3 games Anarchy: Rush Hour, Feeding Frenzy 2: Shipwreck Showdown and Kick-Ass. And we've got our regular batch of screenshot galleries, which this week include Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Brink, Fallout: New Vegas and Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days.

Episode 13 also features our exclusive demo of Backbreaker, and don't forget that the minis we gave away in episodes 7 to 10 - Echoes, Blast Off, Age Of Zombies and Aero Racer - are all still available to download for our regular price of 99p.

As ever, episode 013 costs just 99p, or you can snap up a money saving 90-day subscription for just 8.99.

We’d also like to remind you that you can stay in touch with all things FirstPlay by following us on Twitter at @firstplay_uk and on our Facebook page: FirstPlay (official). We also have a YouTube channel up and running here

The FirstPlay team would love to hear from the PS3 community so if you've got anything to share, from videos and grabs to suggestions for content feel free to get in touch.

Kristen Stewart Shows Off Juggling Skills On ‘Lopez Tonight’See The Future of PS3™ First - Episode 9

Everybody’s Tennis Characters

Meet the characters from Everybody’s Tennis on PSP.

Welcome to the Happy Tennis Club, the most likely place to find fanatical members Emily and Hugo. This pair of tennis enthusiasts are on their own mission to spread the joy of tennis across the world, make people happy and, ultimately, recruit more members to their club.

As more tennis fans join the club they will become playable characters within the game, so it is in your best interests to interact with everyone you come across and challenge them to a game. As conditions become more difficult and your opponents more advanced, it is paramount that you know which one of your players to choose to take on your competitors.

Emily

Emily is very passionate about tennis, and those around her cannot help but feel inspired by her love and enthusiasm for the game. She is an all-round player, so she is easy to use and has great shot stability.

She provides a good top spin and has a serve that curves, which can often be hard for her opponents to return. Although she doesn't have a great ability to smash the ball, she has a lot of control when she plays and returns shots well.

Hugo

Hugo is a forceful player who attends his daily tennis practice without fail. He is eager with a dynamic attitude towards the game. Hugo is primarily a net player, and he has good stamina which means he can cover a lot of ground on the court without getting tired.

Although speed and control are not his strongest points, Hugo's excellent stamina and strong impact make him a reliable and consistent player. He has a superb volley, which eliminates the chance of the ball bouncing badly on surfaces he is not used to, providing a wide range of targets within the opponent's court.

Troy

Troy is the first character that you must recruit to accompany you on your journey. He is a young player and trains at Nakagawa Tennis Club. Troy is pretty frustrated with his game and possesses a lot of skill and potential.

As a baseline player, Troy is very skilled at powerful strokes and long air shots. He has excellent speed and reacts quickly to other players' shots on the court. He also possesses excellent control and returns the ball well.

Troy is not the best at slices or volleys, but has a lot of power and an excellent ability to lob the ball which will often see him win points at crucial moments in the game.

Bridget

Bridget is a popular student at Jocksford University where she also captains the cheerleading team. She is an energetic character and a natural motivator, although she does not have much time to devote to her tennis due to her hectic daily schedule.

Bridget is a net player and, although she claims not to practise much, she is disciplined, quick and hits a great slice and volley. Her speed and ability make her a challenging player to compete with; she is tough to beat and offers playing tips and encouragement to her opponents. Pay attention to her teachings and you could learn a lot.

There will be many more characters for you to face on your journey, so take note of each one's skills and abilities if you wish to succeed.

Download the demo from PlayStation Store to start meeting the characters from Everybody's Tennis on PSP face to face.

Sports Champions first impressions‘Restrepo’: The War That Won’t End, By Kurt Loder

God of War: Ghost of Sparta interview

Mike Deneen, designer at Ready at Dawn Studios, developers of Kratos’ second outing on PSP, talks about the game’s story, its weapons, characters and more.

How does the story of this game fit in with the other titles in the series?
The story takes place between God of War and God of War II; at the end of God of War, Kratos ascended to the throne of the god of war and in God of War II he is on a complete warpath. Our game bridges those two points, covering a really personal story as to why Kratos becomes as enraged as he is at the beginning of God of War II.

What updates have you introduced to the combat system?
We have a much deeper combat system this time around. We’ve got the Hyperion Charge which is a move where Kratos can run at a guy and mount them, beat them up and throw them. We also have a spear and shield weapon, which is a throwback to real Spartan army days; he takes out a gigantic shield and moves around and blocks like an old Spartan. He can also throw spear projectiles at enemies. On the magic front there is the Eye of Atlantis magic; it’s in this kind of brass, ornate giant eyeball that he holds and it emits a gigantic force of electricity at the enemy. It’s a really spectacular manoeuvre.

What feedback have you taken on board from the community in developing this title?
When we started working on this title, we looked very closely at what people liked and disliked about God of War: Chains of Olympus and we felt we addressed a lot of this as well as adding stuff we wanted to put in. People wanted a much bigger game, they wanted some of the abilities he had in the other God of War games, so we’ve gone ahead and we’ve made a much bigger game. We’ve also included grapple points, a fully fledged navigation system, a deeper combat system and bigger enemies!

What can you reveal about the new enemies players will encounter?
We like to say that the first boss in Ghost of Sparta can eat the first boss in Chains of Olympus whole – it’s that big. We ramped it up across the board in that respect.

Are there any other new characters for players to look out for?
There are lots of new ones to look forward to. We promise you a lot of popular Greek mythological characters that we’d like to show you pretty soon.

How much bigger is this game than God of War: Chains of Olympus?
It’s hard to quantify; certainly there are a lot of big moments in this game that we felt we didn’t have enough of in Chains of Olympus. Some of the ones they loved in Chains of Olympus such the moment where Kratos chooses his journey of revenge over the relationship with his daughter… we focused on those kinds of encounters this time around. So it’s a very personal story, you get really up close and personal to a lot of the characters. There are a lot more characters you can interact with as well. Everything about it is much more deep and full so it’s definitely a much bigger game in that respect.

What kind of feedback do you get from people once they get their hands on the game?
They really like Scylla, who’s our first boss, a giant tentacled sea monster from Greek mythology. They also like the Eye of Atlantis lightning magic and our new enemy Geron, a multilimbed creature that walks off a giant electrified rock that teleports back and forth, a new trick for a God of War enemy. And just the overall detail of everything, that’s something everyone is stunned at. We like a challenge and we really challenged ourselves with this one.

Vengeance returns on PSP‘Toy Story 3,’ ‘Grown Ups’ Play Well Together At Weekend Box Office