Weekend Essentials – 09/10/2009

To celebrate the launch of PSPgo, here’s a look at great ways to play on the move.

Fill your boots at PlayStation Store

All you need to access PlayStation Store (PSP) is a valid PlayStation Network account, and access to a Wireless Internet connection (for downloading directly to PSP) or to a PC connected to the Internet with Media Go installed.

Once inside PlayStation Store, you’ll find a host of great games, many with demos available so you can try before you buy. Look out for top-rated titles including God of War: Chains of Olympus, WipEout Pure, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror and PS one classic FINAL FANTASY VII.

If you prefer your entertainment more bite-sized, be sure to check out the new category of minis. Perfect for gaming on the go, minis titles are added to PlayStation Store on a regular basis and include updates of classics such as Tetris, as well as great titles especially designed for PSP.

PlayStation Store is also the place to go for the latest releases on PSP. From the thrilling off-road racing of MotorStorm Arctic Edge to the unique gameplay of Rockstar’s Beaterator, PlayStation Store has got it covered.

The VidZone Chart

Find out what’s rocking VidZone with the current top ten and be sure to check out Groove Armada’s new video, I Won’t Kneel.

1. Taio Cruz Break Your Heart
2. Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind
3. David Guetta ft. Akon Sexy Chick
4. Shakira She Wolf
5. Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling
6. Jay-Z ft. Rihanna Run This Town
7. Temper Trap Sweet Disposition
8. Pixie Lott Boys & Girls
9. Pitbull Hotel Room Service
10. Dizzee Rascal Dirtee Cash

The VidZone application is available to download for free from PlayStation Store to your PS3. Remember you can connect your PSP to your PS3 using Remote Play to access your favourite music videos wherever you are.

New on PS3

Take to the court for NBA LIVE 10, the latest in EA’s popular basketball simulation series. This year's version includes Dynamic DNA, providing daily player and team updates to reflect real-world performances, and Dynamic Season, in which you play along with the actual NBA season for the ultimate NBA LIVE experience. Visit PlayStation Store to download the demo now.

You will find tactics and team play of a different variety in Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, a military tactics first person shooter set on the oil-rich island of Skira in the bitterly cold waters of the northern Pacific. As part of a US Marine and Special Forces team, you’re sent to help keep the invading forces of the People's Liberation Army of China at bay. In a world where every decision counts and every bullet can kill, have you got what it takes to emerge victorious?

Nicolas Cage Explains His ‘Ridiculous’ Voice In ‘G-Force’See two exclusive Placebo videos in VidZone

New minis titles in store

Download the latest minis titles to your PSP from PlayStation Store.

Mahjongg Artifacts: Chapter 2
Developed by: G5 Entertainment

Mahjongg Artifacts: Chapter 2 is a highly addictive tile-matching game that takes mah-jong in an exciting new direction.

Pair up tiles to dismantle hundreds of layoutsUtilise a selection of power-upsEnjoy the game’s beautiful graphics and rich audio

Sudoku
Developed by: Electronic Arts

The worldwide brainteasing phenomenon is polished to perfection in an exhilarating game of logic that’s challenging and surprisingly relaxing.

From Easy to Insane, five levels are available for novices and masters alikeAccess your MP3 music library and listen to your favourite songs while you playGet help with error checking tools and friendly cell hints

YUMMY YUMMY COOKING JAM
Developed by: Virtual Toys

Step into the kitchen for this frenetic cooking game in which you have to serve the food your customers order as quickly as possible.

Look out for a multitude of annoying insects that make the noble mission of satisfying your customers' stomachs much more difficultProve your worth in four fantastic restaurants: the Hot Dog, Hamburger, Pizza and Mexican restaurantsServe delicious food to the most surprising characters: vampires, ninjas, extraterrestrials and mafia thugs

LeBron James Says Coach Is ‘Real Star’ Of ‘More Than A Game’minis FAQ

NBA LIVE 10: behind the backboard

Sean O’Brien, Line Producer of NBA LIVE 10, reveals what the latest title in the hit basketball series is bringing to the court.

What have you done to move the series forward with NBA LIVE 10?

Most importantly, we completely revamped five-on-five gameplay, focusing on player movement, giving control back to the user and one-on-one matchups. We also improved the in-game presentation to make it more like a broadcast and to capture the game day atmosphere.

Dynamic DNA has been further integrated into the way the game plays, using more data to drive player and team behaviour. It also feeds into a brand new mode called Dynamic Season, which allows you to play along with the actual NBA season and have your results merge with real results to create the ultimate interactive fantasy experience within the NBA LIVE community.

What is it about the sport that makes for compelling gameplay?

The best athletes in the world play basketball. They range from 5'5" to 7'6" in height and from 165 lbs to 350 lbs in weight. The game is played on the ground and in the air. There is physical play and finesse play. The back and forth and speed of the game allow for numerous opportunities to create and see exciting plays at both ends of the court.

The control that NBA LIVE gives you with the ball in your hands is unprecedented - you can break down your defender with your dribble, attack the basket and perform a spin, pro hop or Euro Step to find a lane to the basket, and then choose which hand you want to finish with. These exciting plays are what make for compelling gameplay in NBA LIVE 10.

Can you tell us more about Dynamic DNA?

Dynamic DNA is an online service that takes real life basketball data from Synergy Sports and updates your gameplay experience in NBA LIVE through a daily update. This means that whatever is happening in the NBA - player trades, injuries, player performance and more - is reflected in the game.

Synergy Sports is a company founded by a guy that has spent years coaching in the NBA and saw a need for more analytics within the sport. They provide game data to 25 of the 30 NBA teams.

Which up-and-coming players and teams should we be looking out for?

I think that this season's most promising rookies are Jonny Flynn in Minnesota and Blake Griffin with the LA Clippers. Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose are two young guys that have unbelievable talent and we're just starting to see how good they will both be.

Besides the obvious Lakers, Nuggets, Spurs, Cavs, Magic and Celtic, don't sleep on the Clippers this season. Baron Davis is going to have a huge year and keep an eye on the Raptors in the east, who have nine new players, including the biggest free agent from the summer, Hedo Turkoglu.

Finally, why do you love basketball?

Basketball players are the best athletes in the world. My father was a college coach so I grew up with the game. I played college basketball at a fairly high level and have been closely involved with the NCAA, NBA and European basketball leagues ever since.

I have a lot of friends have played and still play in domestic leagues throughout Europe, and it has been interesting to watch the popularity of the sport grow throughout the world over the last 10 to 15 years.

LeBron James Says Coach Is ‘Real Star’ Of ‘More Than A Game’PlayStation Store (PS3) update - 17/09/09

Rockstars

Download these essential PSP smash hits from Rockstar Games now on PlayStation Store.

PSPgo has arrived, and there have never been so many great titles to choose from on PlayStation Store to start your collection, including these four blockbusting PSP games from superstar publisher, Rockstar Games.

Welcome to Liberty City

There are a million stories in Liberty City and this one changes everything. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories puts players into the shoes of Toni Cipriani, a once trusted Mafioso in the Leone crime family. Forced into hiding after killing a powerful gangster, Toni returns to Liberty with one mission in mind - to put things right.

Facing deranged hit men, morally depraved tycoons, cynical politicians and even his own mother, Toni must fight for his life in a crime epic that will shake Liberty City to the core. Taking control of a huge range of weapons including sniper rifles, shotguns and machine guns, as well as stepping behind the wheels of a myriad of supercharged vehicles, Toni has his hands full in a town completely up for grabs.

It's time to make things right.

Vice City, I'll take it

Welcome to Vice City circa 1984 in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, the sequel to Liberty City Stories, where everything is bigger, brighter and bolder than before. Opportunity abounds in a city emerging from the swamps, its growth fuelled by the violent power struggle in a lucrative and dangerous drugs trade. Construction is everywhere as a shining metropolis rises from foundations built on nothing but crime and betrayal.

As a soldier, Vic Vance (brother of Lance Vance from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on PlayStation 2) has always strived to protect his dysfunctional family, his country and himself. Unfortunately for him, one bad decision is about to make that job much harder. Kicked out onto the streets of a city torn between glamour and gluttony, Vic is faced with a stark choice - build an empire or be crushed by the neon soaked city.

Start building an empire now.

No tracks, no rules

For the third instalment in its hugely popular street racing series, Rockstar Games joined forces with DUB Magazine, the definitive source on automotive lifestyles, to re-imagine handheld racing with Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition.

The game delivers insanely fast, open-city racing in Atlanta, San Diego and Detroit, complete with six player Ad Hoc Mode races, backed up by one of the most comprehensive vehicle customisation menus on PSP. When you take to the street you'll get behind the wheel of a huge variety of vehicle classes and trick them out with the latest rims, trims and upgrades as seen in the pages of DUB Magazine.

It's time to burn rubber and look good.

Rule the streets

Last up in this Rockstar round-up is Midnight Club: L.A. Remix, the latest entry in the rip-roaring racing series on PSP. Rule the roads in the palm of your hand as you take on challengers eager to send you into a dizzying tailspin on the ruthless streets of Los Angeles.

Harnessing all the best parts of the PlayStation 3 version, L.A. Remix sees you starting out your career with just a little money in your back pocket and one beat up old car. From here things are simple; you need to prove yourself to the crews who rule the tarmac during the day - a new first for the Midnight Club series - and, of course, the night.

Get revved, remixed and ready to go.

Download these great titles and much more on PlayStation Store for your PSPgo and PSP now!

‘Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince’ Breaks Midnight RecordsPlayStation Store (PSP) update - 17/09/09

Introducing minis

Available from PlayStation Store from October 1, 2009 download one of these great minis titles to your PSP.

Alien Havoc
Developed by: CREAT STUDIO INC

You're a pesky alien travelling to a distant planet to gather the local cows into your spaceship. The farmers, however, value their livestock and will do whatever they can to stop you.

Adventure through 20 challenging farms that wrap vertically and horizontally Succeed by using the terrain and objects to aid you when dealing with farmers Get the highest score you can by being quick and by keeping your cows happy

Bloons
Developed by: Hands-On Mobile

Pop your way through dozens of puzzling levels in this exciting puzzle adventure.

Tackle a different arrangement of balloons in each levelTry and pop as many balloons as you can with the darts you are givenLook out for special balloons, blocks and darts

BRAINPIPE
Developed by: Hands-On Mobile

BRAINPIPE is a unique gaming experience where the ultimate objective is to transcend humanity. You do this by navigating the tunnels of your mind, exercising your hand-eye coordination while relishing in the funkadelic sights and sounds of your inner self.

Collect the illuminated glyphs while avoiding nasty obstacles Simple to play - control the action using the analog stick only

Breakquest
Developed by: BEATSHAPERS

Enjoy 100 fun action-packed levels, with vibrant graphics and crystal clear sound.

Flow with the music of professional gaming music group Maniacs of NoiseCommand the ship of your choice from 10 different modelsMaster the ball and clear the latest bricks with the Gravitor

Fieldrunners
Developed by: SUBATOMIC STUDIOS

FIELDRUNNERS is a Tower Defence game in which you defend and control the field using a diverse selection of upgradeable towers.

Use a wide range of tactics and strategies against countless waves of unique land and air enemiesEnjoy hours of entertainment and replayable challengesDo you have what it takes to rise to the top as the ultimate Tower Defence master?

Fortix
Developed by: Nemesys Team Studio

Experience a new type of strategy and arcade game as the knight Fortix, the sole hope for the desolate and tortured land of Fortiana to become the fertile land that it was before.

Fence off parts of the battlefield to corner your enemiesCollect catapults and power-ups to besiege the fortresses and take on dragonsWill you emerge victorious and reclaim the land of your ancestors?

Funky Punch
Developed by: Solus Games

In the unique world of Funkyville, a musical power called the Funky Flow has empowered some individuals with amazing abilities. But Klyde has evil plans afoot and has built an army of Emoticons to do his bidding and control the flow for himself.

Battle it out in this unique 3D fighter where great timing and smooth dance moves are the keys to victory Twelve unique fighters, five game modes and more to conquerTen Skill Belts to earn to become the ultimate FUNKY WARRIOR

Hero of Sparta
Developed by: Gameloft SA

As King Argos, embark on an epic odyssey from the Oracle's Island to the depths of the Underworld. Faced with phenomenal monsters from mythology, battle like the fierce Spartan warrior you are to avoid a tragic death.

Perform impressive finishing moves to get rid of legions of enemiesOver five hours of enigmas to solve and weapons to collectEight levels to explore, from an unknown beach to the depths of hell...will you make it back?

KAHOOTS
Developed by: HONEYSLUG LIMITED

Guide your Kahoot to the exit of each of the 50 levels by dragging the blocks that form the floors of the platforms to create a safe path.

Make use of special blocks, such as bounce blocks and trapdoors Use cannons to travel long distances or get past barriers and obstaclesBeware of the Cardborg! It patrols the levels intent on making the Kahoot’s exit as difficult as possible

Pinball Fantasies
Developed by: COWBOY RODEO LTD

Pinball Fantasies is the official version of the classic Amiga pinball simulator originally released in 1992.

Play all four original tables with remastered graphics and interactive soundtracksPlay in both landscape and portrait modes

Puzzle Scape Mini
Developed by: Farmind

The block busting games genre is updated with power-ups and interactive 3D backgrounds, which you build while exploding chains of same coloured blocks.

Two game modes, the goal-oriented Architect and the survival based Artist modeBoth game modes have exciting power-ups that help you complete the challenges faster or survive when things get too hectic to handleAll scenes have original and energetic music tracks, featuring pumping drum & bass, pulsing trance and groovy house beats

TETRIS
Developed by: ELECTRONIC ARTS LTD

One of the most popular games ever arrives on PSP for the first time with 12 unique mini-games that let you experience all-new ways to play a true classic.

Capture your best times and scores on each of the 15 difficulty levelsUse the Replay Viewer to look up cool moves and check out replays of some of the best TETRIS players in the worldLet the TETRIS revolution begin

Vempire
Developed by: Impressionware SRL

In this strategy-based puzzle game, you collect artefacts and powers to tackle a series of levels and monsters. You’ll need to clear blocks of the same colour as they drop from the top of the screen, deleting the required number before time runs out.

Watch out for nasty spells that make your task even harder to completeDefeat enemies to collect artefacts for special powers, such as slowing timeTen worlds, each divided into four levels...can you conquer them all?

Visit PlayStation Store now to download these and more great titles to your PSP and PSPgo.

minis FAQLeBron James Says Coach Is ‘Real Star’ Of ‘More Than A Game’

Weekend Essentials - 02/10/09

It’s an exciting week on PlayStation with the release of the immense EA SPORTS FIFA 10 as well as the much anticipated PSPgo and a host of great downloads on PlayStation Store – which will you pick?

EA SPORTS FIFA 10 on PS3 and PSP

Dust off your boots for the return of the best-selling football videogame. Responding to feedback from the community, FIFA 10 refines an already potent game engine, delivering a variety of improvements.

New features like 360 dribbling and smarter defenders make FIFA 10 the most complete simulation of the beautiful game to date.

Head to PlayStation Store now to download a free demo of the PS3 and PSP versions; if you pick up the full game on PS3, then don't forget to sign up for the FIFA Interactive World Cup in-game to be in with a chance of winning $20,000 as well as a Kia Soul car.

VidZone top ten

Find out what's topping the VidZone charts with the current top ten.

1. Taio Cruz Break Your Heart
2. David Guetta ft. Akon Sexy Chick
3. Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind
4. Shakira She Wolf
5. Jay-Z ft. Rihanna Run This Town
6. Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling
7. Pixie Lott Boys & Girls
8. Madonna Celebration
9. Dizzee Rascal Holiday
10. Mini Viva Left My Heart In Tokyo

PlayStation Store

Have a smashing time on PlayStation Store with one of the largest updates yet, including big name demos such as the rock-tastic action game Brtal Legend and the high octane racing thrills of Need for Speed Shift.

There's also the introduction of Dynamic Themes for PlayStation 3 which customises the ever-evolving XMB (XrossMediaBar) user interface XMB with beautifully animated backgrounds. Featuring artwork from titles such as Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time, MotorStorm Arctic Edge and PixelJunk Monsters, Dynamic Themes bring something a little bit different to your PS3 journey - check them out.

Fate/Unlimited Codes competition

Want to win a PSPgo system and a copy of Capcom's beat-‘em-up, Fate/Unlimited Codes? Then step right up and test your knowledge of the game by entering the Fate/Unlimited Codes competition which can see you walking away with a brand new PSPgo, a copy of Fate/Unlimited Codes to download, and a mug and T-shirt. Don't miss your chance - head over to eu.playstation.com/competitions to take part.

If you want to just jump straight into some PSPgo action, don't forget the sleek new system has touched down in shops as well, so make sure you're the first on the scene with the handheld everyone is talking about.

PlayStation Network Cards FAQPeter Jackson Proud Of ‘Fiercely Original’ ‘District 9′

Dance the night away in PlayStation Home

It’s always Saturday night in The SingStar Rooms – a brand new party space in PlayStation Home.

Step into your virtual dancing shoes and head down to The SingStar Rooms, where the party never stops. Select your favourite track from the selection on offer from the video jukebox and wield your moves on an interactive dancefloor, where bright lights and music react to your steps.

Soon after launch, you can test your knowledge of bands, videos and lyrics in The SingStar Rooms Music Quiz. New questions will be added regularly and you could grab some exclusive SingStar Home Rewards for exploring the space.

You can get to The SingStar Rooms from the PlayStation Home World Map; grab your best outfit and head over to where the Home community goes to party.

Mischa Barton, Corbin Bleu Live ‘The Beautiful Life’ At Premiere PartyDance the night away in PlayStation Home