PlayStation Network Update: 04/23/2009

Wow, if it wasn't for the two great demos, this week would be pretty disappointing (and expensive) on the PSN. As mentioned, there are two new demos; the first is the surprisingly good UFC 2009 Undisputed demo. This snippet of play shows a very deep game with amazing graphics and gameplay. The other demo is the highly anticipated Red Faction: Guerrilla demo, no longer for pre-orders only. Featuring 100% destructible environments and a storyline looking at standing up for freedom, this game looks great.

That was the good news; the bad news is the generally sub-par and pricey DLC offered this week. More Sonic Unleashed? Ten dollars for a Godfather II pack? More Disgaea 3 characters? A five dollar add-on for the ten-dollar Mahjong Tales game? Does anyone play Saints Row 2  enough to care about DLC? Another HAWX pack already?

The real issue is the obvious hold back of content that developers are doing these days. There is no way you could release content shortly after release unless it was already in the works and you pulled it from the title. None of this DLC looks remotely interesting and it is a shame this trend is continuing.

There are some positive things this week: Rock Band features REO Speedwagon and Guitar Hero looks at Motorhead. Both are sure to please many fans. We also have more free packs for Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm and a creator pack for LittleBigPlanet for the nice price of free.

The usual assortment of Blu-Ray and game videos are highlighted by two dev. diaries from Obsidian looking at Alpha Protocol. Overall, a dismal week highlighted by some demos and interesting videos. Below is a list of all the items added to this week's PSN update. For more details, please visit the official PlayStation Blog.

PULSE

• Pulse 4/23 Edition (free)

Add-on Game Content

• LittleBigPlanet Heavenly Sword Mini-Pack ($2.99)
• LittleBigPlanet Creator Pack 1 (free)
• Disgaea 3 – Absence of Justice Curtis ($1.99)
• Disgaea 3 – Absence of Justice Prinny Curtis ($1.99)
• The Godfather II – Jack Of All Trades ($3.99)
• The Godfather II – Level 4 Firearms Package ($3.99)
• The Godfather II – The Pentangeli Map Pack ($6.75)
• The Godfather II – The Corleone Bundle ($9.99)
• Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom Booster Pack ($4.99)
• Midnight Club Los Angeles – South Central Vehicle Pack 2 ($2.99)
• Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Pack 1 (free)
• Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Pack 2 (free)
• Rock Band
• Guitar Hero World Tour
• Saints Row 2: Ultor Exposed ($9.99)
• Sonic Unleashed Holoska Adventure Pack ($2.99)
• Tom Clancy’s HAWX – European Assault Pack ($4.99)

Game Demos (free)

• Red Faction: Guerrilla Demo
• UFC 2009 Undisputed Demo

Game Videos (free)

• Pulse 4/23 Edition
• Patapon 2: Multiplayer Trailer
• Patapon 2: Hero Trailer
• Alpha Protocol Developer Diary 1
• Alpha Protocol Developer Diary 2
• Bayonetta Story trailer

Movie, TV and Blu-ray Disc Trailers (free)

• Not Easily Broken Blu-ray Trailer
• The Da Vinci Code Blu-ray Trailer
• What Doesn’t Kill You Blu-ray Trailer

PS3 Themes

• Ladies of Cinco de Mayo ($1.49)
• Sexy Referee ($1.99)
• Spring Flowers ($1.49)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games

• Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters ($15.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)