Well this is a pretty good update, content wise, but a GREAT update if you are Canadian (like moi - both official languages FTW). SCEA, which stands for Sony Computer Entertainment America (and Canada is part of North America) has finally dropped the Canadian PlayStation Store prices to match the US prices, as our dollar is very nearly at parity. This is great news considering I held off buying a number of titles due to the 12-22% price difference we saw. For the future, I am excited to also be able to buy the huge games coming out this year on the PSN at a fair price.

On to the content, surprisingly Sony actually delivered this week. Microsoft had no XBLA content due to the release of GTA IV, but we see a new game in the form of Echochrome, the requisite Rock Band songs and another parcel of Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore songs. Lastly, on the interactive content front, we finally see the Dark Sector demo that has been rumored to hit, and I'm excited to try this one.

On the media side, we have a large number of videos looking at Echochrome, Battlefield Bad Company, Turok, NBA Ballers, Kung Fu Panda and Dead Space. We also have a heap of wallpapers, free of course, for Kung Fu Panda and Echochrome.

This is a very nice update, and it should be noted that on the store this week there are 2 distinct versions of Echochrome, one for the PS3 and one for the PSP. Each has distinct levels and slight tweaks and both feature the ability to create your own levels for their platform. Sony needs to keep this momentum going and keep having updates of this caliber. It almost makes me not think about Home or in-game XMB... almost!

Downloadable Games

Echochrome ($9.99)
Featuring an elegant black and white art design, Echochrome is a puzzle game unlike any other. With game play based on optical illusions, players must utilize 5 simple laws of perspective to join walkways, hide dangers, and create new paths to reach the goal. Once you've mastered the 5 laws, use them to create your own mind-bending levels to play and share with friends using the custom level editor. Available for PlayStation 3 and PSP systems.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 86.4 MB

Add-on Game Content

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

* "Zero" - Smashing Pumpkins ($1.99)
* "Time-Sick Son of a Grizzly Bear" - The Mother Hips ($1.99)
* "Red Tandy" - The Mother Hips ($1.99)

File sizes: 15.5 MB - 36 MB

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore downloadable songs ($1.49 each)
Plug in the microphone and live out your dream as a singing sensation! Expand your Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore library by purchasing tracks from the in-game store. For music credits, visit the Karaoke Revolution section of www.konami.com. Full list of tracks (42) after the jump.