Thursday , March 28 2024
Not much to play, but plenty to be excited about in this weeks update!

PlayStation Network Update: 08/07/2008

Content wise this week isn't terribly exciting if you are looking for games you can play now…but it is a really exciting update for games you can play later!

There are two major Beta items in this weeks update. The first is the Qore Resistance 2 Beta. If you buy the annual subscription you are given premiere early access, single episode gives you Beta access at a later date. I have already downloaded the magazine even though only two of the sections interest me…I really want to be in that Beta!

The second big Beta item is the announcement that if you simply download the PlayStation Home theme you are automatically in the running for the North American PlayStation Home Beta. The did also announce that a number of other criteria will add weight to your application. I name dropped Blogcritics and my resident fanboy status in the comments….we will see if that helps.

We have Talkman Travel editions for Rome, Tokyo and Paris.  These are language based travel guides that have built-in translated phrases, pictures and descriptions of famous locales and minigames to learn about where you are.  Frankly these seem utterly useless and overpriced, but others may like them.

In the form of add-on content it is reminiscent of the Facts of Life theme song, you take the good, you take the bad and then you have the PSN update. There is a Team Mode add-on for Snakeball which should revive some interest in that game. We also see the Guitar Hero III Interscope, or Eyeliner pack, as well as the CrueFest songs for Rock Band. That was the good, the bad is the typical EA B.S. downloadable skin packs and overpriced track for Nascar 09.

There are a ton of videos and multimedia as usual, looking at PlayStation Home, The Force Unleashed, The Last Guy, Tomb Raider Underworld, Madden 09, Dead Space and TNA Impact. There is the PlayStation Home Theme (download to be added to the Home Beta contest) as well as wallpapers for Tomb Raider Underworld and Disgaea 3.

A slim week on playable content, but a really exciting week for Beta invites for two of the most anticipated games coming out for the PS3. All the necessary deets are below.

Qore Digital Magazine


Qore Episode 03: August, 2008 ($2.99 Issue, $24.99 Annual Subscription)

Episode 03 of Qore: Presented by the PLAYSTATION Network goes way deep into upcoming games featuring DC Super Heroes and includes an exclusive invitation to the Resistance 2 beta, some great artwork, mini-games and a few other surprises.
File size: 1.34 GB

Qore Annual Subscribers will be invited to the beta under “Premiere” status and be given early access.
Qore Ep 03 (single Episode) purchasers will be guaranteed access to the beta at a later date.
– All invitations will be made via email/voucher – the beta WILL NOT be accessed through the Qore download center.
– There will be multiple programs and methods to get access (or a chance to participate) in the Resistance 2 Online Beta. Details to follow.

Games and Demos
Talkman Travel: Rome ($5.99) for PSP
Talkman Travel: Tokyo ($5.99) for PSP
Talkman Travel: Paris ($5.99) for PSP

Add-on Game Content

Snakeball Team Mode ($1.99)
Snakeball is a funky, futuristic sport set in a vibrant arena where you glide across the dazzling disco floor on your hoversnake, collecting balls and scoring goals. Chaotic action and energetic music bring together up to 8 players in entertaining online matches for a fun, unique gameplay experience.
Upgrade to Team Mode today to buddy up and play with friends online or off for team-based gameplay fun!

NASCAR 09 Montreal Track ($3.99)
The Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal is the home of the NAPA Auto Parts 200 in the Nationwide Series. This track is a long winding road course that will test the skills of even the most seasoned driver.
File size: 66.6 MB

NASCAR 09 Skin Pack 1 ($2.49)
A collection of Sprint and Nationwide alternate car skins from the 2008 NASCAR season featuring such paint schemes as Carl Edwards’ Aflac, Dale Earnhardt Jr’s National Guard Camouflage, Kyle Busch’s Snickers, and more.
File size: 12.5 MB

NASCAR 09 Skin Pack 2 ($2.49)
A collection of Sprint and Nationwide alternate car skins from the 2008 NASCAR season featuring such paint schemes as Jeff Gordon’s Pepsi, Kevin Harvick’s Platinum Pennzoil, Kyle Busch’s Pedigree, and more.
File size: 11.7 MB

NASCAR 09 Skin Pack 3 ($2.49)
A collection of Sprint and Nationwide alternate car skins from the 2008 NASCAR season featuring such paint schemes as Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Silver and Black National Guard, Tony Stewart’s Subway, Denny Hamlin’s FedEx Ground, and more.
File size: 12.5 MB

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Interscope Track Pack ($6.25)
“Carcinogen Crush” by AFI, “Tina” by Flyleaf, “Putting Holes in Happiness” by Marilyn Manson, remixed by Nick Zinner For all song credits please visit www.redoctane.com.
File size: 32.6 MB

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

* “Toxicity” – System of a Down ($1.99)
* “B.Y.O.B” – System of a Down ($1.99)
* “Rescue Me” – Buckcherry ($0.99)
* “Face Down in the Dirt”- Mötley Crüe ($0.99)
* “Life is Beautiful” – Sixx:A.M. ($0.99)
* Crüe Fest Pack 2 ($2.99) – includes “Rescue Me” – Buckcherry, “Face Down in the Dirt” – Mötley Crüe, and “Life is Beautiful” – Sixx:A.M.

File sizes: 26.2 MB – 32.2 MB (singles), 76.4 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

PlayStation Home E3 Video
Take a look at PlayStation Home, the 3D social gaming community that allows PLAYSTATION 3 users to meet, chat, plan, and launch into games.
File size: x MB (SD), x MB (HD), x MB (1080)

The Last Guy Behind The Scenes
You are the chosen one, and it is up to you, a zombie from the Himalayas, the last survivors on earth by leading them to safety through zombie-infested streets in this frantic, addictive game. Go behind the scenes with this developer interview for an insight into the creative and quirky personalities behind the game, as well as a look at their unique studio in the Himalayas, complete with a company goat.
File size: 587 MB (HD)

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
The saga continues in the newest HD trailer for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed which casts players as Darth Vader’s “Secret Apprentice” and unveils new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy.
File size: 253 MB (HD)

Tomb Raider: Underworld Trailer
Face a new level of challenge and choice in this epic tomb raiding adventure. As fearless adventurer Lara Croft explore exotic locations around the world, each designed with an incredible attention to detail delivering a breathtaking high-definition visual fidelity that creates a truly believable and absorbing world
File size: 152 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 E3 Trailer
The Madden NFL 09 E3 Trailer is cut to Rev Theory’s “Hey Yeah”, and touches on just a few of the over 85 new features and enhancements in Madden NFL 09.
File size: 94 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 20th Anniversary Video
Find out all the details around the Madden NFL 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition.
File size: 102 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Adaptability Trailer
Madden NFL 09 is the first sports game that adapts to you! Learn how John Madden tests your skill level. The game teaches you to become a better player if you are new to the game, or if you are a seasoned player the game will add challenges. It adapts to you!
File size: 70 MB (HD)

TNA iMPACT! Head to Head Trailer
“The Phenomenal” AJ Styles goes head to head against The “Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe in Midway’s TNA iMPACT! Wrestling game coming September.
File size: 166 MB (HD)

Dead Space Dev Diary #5: Creating Horror
The Dev team talks about the techniques they use to make Dead Space one of the scariest games of the year.
File size: 309 MB (HD)

Dead Space Animated Comic Issue #4 PG-13
The fourth issue of the six part Dead Space Animated Comic Series created by Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston.
File size: 270 MB (HD)

AST Dew Tour – Greg Lutzka’s Road to Finals
Skate Park athlete Greg Lutzka takes you behind the scenes at the Skate Park prelims on the second stop of the AST Dew Tour, the Right Guard Open.
File size: 86 MB (HD), 142 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour – One on one with James Foster
BMX Dirt competitor James Foster talks to us about his 2007 success, what its takes to have a BMX career and the key to winning at BMX Dirt on the AST Dew Tour.
File size: 97 MB (HD), 160 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour – PlayStation Pro Moments – 2
A Compilation of the best tricks that were thrown down during the finals of BMX Vert, BMX Dirt, Skateboard Park, Skateboard Vert and BMX Park at the AST Dew Tour’s Right Guard Open in Cleveland, OH.
File size: 40 MB (HD), 67 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour – Spinner looks to ‘08
BMX Park rider Mike Spinner talks about his plans for 2008 and his plans to continue to progress the sport.
File size: 119 MB (HD), 196 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes (free)

PlayStation Home Theme
Customize your PS3 with a new PlayStation Home theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Be sure to download this new theme for a chance to participate in the PlayStation Home Beta.
File size: 4.02 MB

PS3 Wallpaper (free)

Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice Wallpaper (x3)
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice Wallpaper.
File sizes: 251 KB – 1.59 MB

Tomb Raider: Underworld Mediterranean Shark Attack Wallpaper
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Tomb Raider: Underworld Mediterranean Shark Attack Wallpaper.
File sizes: 244 KB – 1.05 MB

About Michael Prince

A longtime video game fan starting from simple games on the Atari 2600 to newer titles on a bleeding edge PC I play everything I can get my hands on.

Check Also

PlayStation 4 Review: ‘Risen 3: Titan Lords Enhanced Edition’ from Piranha Bytes

'Risen 3: Titan Lords' is a flawed, but deep pirate-themed, action roleplaying game. While the new Enhanced Edition's release lacked much fanfare, it is a significant upgrade. Unfortunately, the game still lacks the polish required for wider appeal.