PlayStation Plus subscribers will automatically have access to store up to 150MB of PS3 game save data and a maximum of 1000 data files per PlayStation Network account. “Copy-prohibited save data” is also supported, and all previously backed-up save data may be restored once per 24-hour period. When the new feature launches, most PS3 titles will be compatible with online storage for game saves, and moving forward new titles will have the capability to offer the storage option.

PlayStation Plus is available for a yearly fee of $49.99, and for a limited time, gamers will also receive 3 free bonus months when signing up for a one-year subscription. Gamers can also subscribe to the 3-month option for $17.99.

The next chapter continues the saga of Cole MacGrath as he takes a dramatic journey down the coast to the Southern city of New Marais, where he faces a new, darker entity, known only as “The Beast.” Testing his will and super-power potential, Cole must fight his way through New Marais and find the answer before the problem finds its own solution. Throughout his journey Cole is once again faced with the choice to use his extraordinary abilities to save all of mankind or follow a more chaotic and destructive path. This time around, Cole’s karmic choices will directly affect the outcome of the story, providing for two vastly different endings and gameplay experiences. During this leg of his journey, Cole can once again fluidly and freely navigate the city, scaling nearly every surface with dynamic parkour moves. New Marais takes the open world genre to new heights and offers players a unique and evolving playground.

One of the things being touted this time around is that the toolset for creation in the game has been refined to such an extent that it better allows for the creation of new games across multiple genres. LittleBigPlanet 2 also features a brand new storyline, a revamped graphics engine supplying stunning visuals, and added accessories and equipment to help Sackboy to make his way through this new world.

Additional new features include the Music Sequencer, allowing players to compose their own musical score and connect in-game objects to your own custom tunes, a cinematic Cut-Scene Maker to create stand-alone movies or cut-sequences in levels, customizable Sackbots–interactive, programmable non player characters that bring the game to life, and of course a host of new CREATE materials and gadgets to satisfy any imagination.

Using the VUDU streaming movie service, PS3 owners will be able to conveniently and instantly access more than 4,000 HD movies from all major Hollywood studios on-demand, including new releases available the same day they are released to DVD or Blu-ray Disc. The VUDU streaming movie service also offers great value to PS3 households, with an enormous collection of titles available for only $2 for a two night rental.

Customers that have a free PlayStation Network account can download the VUDU application in the “Media” category on PlayStation Store and then access it under the “Video” icon on the XMB (XrossMediaBar) menu. New VUDU customers receive a $5.99 credit, enabling them to watch their first HD movie on the service for free.

As Kratos embarks on his adventure, more of his past is revealed and the more you learn, the more you want to slay the bad guys. The game delivers one of the best looking adventures on the PSP (and this year has seen it’s fair share of gems on the PSP). Combat in Ghost of Sparta is just as fluid as it was in its predecessor Chains of Olympus, but Ready At Dawn has done their homework this time around and Ghost of Sparta is a true masterpiece. Everything comes together and never feels stale as you rack up insane combos and utilize all the parlor tricks that made the last four games the best gaming has to offer.

Kratos hasn’t gotten complacent since his last sighting in GoW3. One of his tricks borrowed from the PS3 hit is a new ability called Thera’s Bane, an ability that is similar to the Rage of Sparta skill from GoW3. Utilizing a separate meter that can replenish over time, Kratos uses the skill to add a powerful fire attribute to his trusted Blades of Athena giving his attacks more of a wallop than normal and downright necessary for progression in the story. You’ll use Thera’s Bane to power through doors and other obstacles as well as chipping away at the armor of some of the game’s behemoth mini bosses. Kratos will also acquire the Arms of Sparta spear and shield combo. This new addition to Kratos’ arsenal gives our hero the ability to mix up ranged and melee combat. Kratos can either throw the spear at distant opponents or completely punish them by jabbing at them up close. The ability to bash the shield into foes (instead of just blocking strikes) coupled with defending yourself while moving is almost like an answer to the problem of progressing forward while being assaulted by foes and environment. Kratos also inherits a couple of new magical attacks to keep it all interesting.

The presentation in Ghost of Sparta is everything you’ve come to expect from a God of War game and the PSP never seems underpowered in pulling off something this good. Whether it’s the blood and gore, the lush backgrounds or the solid gameplay, Ghost of Sparta will hold your attention up to the very end. Actor T.C. Carson (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Living Single) returns as the voice of our hero, and is spot on in the performance. The QTE scenarios that are a trademark of the series also receive an overhaul. Commands for the button presses are in their geographical location on-screen in relation to their layout on the PSP face buttons, and the analog-stick commands aren’t as frequent, making it an easier climb up the mountain.

Replay factor isn’t too big for the game, but there are some interesting options just in case you’re seeking completion. The biggest of these being the Temple of Zeus where players can purchase concept art, videos and foes to fight in the arena by simply offering up red orbs in sacrifice. There are also unlockable costumes to be gained as you make the journey. The game is longer and has more depth than Chain of Olympus allowing for a more satisfying adventure. If you are one of the many who play games to follow story, Ghost of Sparta will tell another facet of Kratos’ tragic story. Ready At Dawn knows how to fit the God of War experience into the pint-sized PSP and Ghost of Sparta is the perfect example of what PS3′s little brother can do.

Onto the new features. PS3 will be the first device to support 5.1 surround sound on content streamed from Netflix. The rest of the new features provided by the October 18th update are as follows.

# A new user interface, including the recently added search functionality, will deliver a much richer and faster browsing experience, making it easier to find the specific titles you’re looking for or to discover new content.
# Some movies and TV shows will be viewable in 1080i resolution, offering an enhanced visual experience as more consumers adopt HDTVs.
# The amount of time to start playback will be improved.
# An increasing number of movies and TV shows will be viewable with subtitles or alternate audio tracks.

FOSTER CITY, Calif., May 3 – Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the PlayStation® Protection Plan, an extended service offer for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems. Under the new program, PS3 and PSP owners in the United States can purchase an extended service plan of one or two years that begins after the original one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty expires. PSP owners can also choose the Accidental Damage Plan, which adds coverage for cracked-screen damage in the event of an unexpected drop. The PlayStation Protection Plan offers peace of mind to consumers interested in enhanced coverage for a great value, along with the added security of knowing all services will be performed with the direct backing and support of SCEA as the original manufacturer.

With the PlayStation Protection Plan, consumers can extend the same coverage from the original manufacturer’s one-year warranty for one or two additional years. The pricing includes all shipping charges and repairs, which are performed by PlayStation-trained service technicians using official parts at SCEA-authorized repair facilities. The PlayStation Protection Plan is available beginning in May 2010 and will be priced competitively.

PS3 – 1-year extension ($49.99) or 2-year extension ($59.99)
PSP – 1-year extension ($29.99) or 2-year extension ($39.99)
PSP with Accidental Damage – 1-year extension ($39.99) or 2-year extension ($49.99)

“The PlayStation® brand has long been synonymous with the highest quality in engineering and design, and it’s because of the reliability of the PS3 and PSP systems that we can offer the PlayStation Protection Plan,” said Glenn Nash, vice president, operations, SCEA. “We have heard from consumers that they’re interested in an extended service plan that’s backed directly by SCEA and leverages our technical expertise. While both the PS3 and PSP systems are designed with future-proof technology and built for long lifecycles, we’re looking forward to offering this service to consumers looking for added peace of mind.”

The PlayStation Protection Plan is available to PS3 or PSP owners (both the PSP-3000 and PSPgo systems) who are still within their one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, as well as new purchasers. The PSP Accidental Damage Plan must be purchased within the first 30 days of owning a PSP system, and the plan is effective beginning on the purchase date. Starting this month, consumers can purchase the PlayStation Protection Plan by calling 1-866-716-7669. For additional details and to review the Terms and Conditions, please visit http://us.playstation.com/support/protection-plan/index.htm.

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Feb. 23 – Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today the release of Heavy Rain® exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Developed by Quantic Dream, developers of the critically acclaimed Indigo Prophecy, Heavy Rain takes players on an emotionally engaging and mysterious journey where the story path is shaped as players play the game. Each decision made will have an impact on how a particular story plays out, and Heavy Rain takes players through more than 60 emotionally powerful scenes that feature contextual actions, realistic visuals, and varying paths that lead to a unique ending.

To create the interactive story-telling experience that Heavy Rain delivers, developer David Cage spent more than a year writing a 2,000 page script of linear dialogue and worked with a cast of 70 actors to bring the script alive. Possible only through the power of the PS3 system, Heavy Rain took a development team of 220 highly skilled people over the course of 170 days to create the game’s extensive motion capture action and unique interactive narrative.

The peripheral will be released worldwide in the fall of 2010. This piece of the puzzle isn’t that big of a shock. Where things do get interesting is the fact that the Motion Controller (tentative name) will require the PlayStation Eye for use. Whether the unit is released as a standalone for consumers who currently have the Eye Toy or if there will be a bundle that includes both peripherals to lessen the cost for those who don’t, this does open up the possibility that the total cost of ownership for the Motion Controller may be higher than previously thought. We’ll have more as it breaks.

Gamers who have upgraded their PSP to firmware 6.20 will have the Digital Comics Reader app. The service is launching with about 550 comics today with additional updates weekly. Marvel Entertainment, Disney, IDW Publishing, iVerse Media and others are providing select titles ranging from G.I. Joe, Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, TRANSFORMERS, Star Trek to Archie Comics and more.

The comics will carry one of three price tags including $0.99, $2.99 with the majority selling for $1.99. Select titles will be available for free.

With digital comics becoming even more of a reality across more devices, do you find that $2 and $3 is too much to spend for something that you can’t hold in your hand? Not to mention what has traditionally been a collectible medium?

Flower
Regular price: $9.99
Sale price: $4.99

The Last Guy
Regular price: $9.99
Sale price: $4.99

Comet Crash
Regular price: $9.99
Sale price: $4.99

Prince of Persia Classic
Regular price: $9.99
Sale price: $4.99

Bomberman Ultra
Regular price: $9.99
Sale price: $4.99

Smash Cars
Regular price: $14.99
Sale price: $7.49

Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao
Regular price: $14.99
Sale price: $7.49

You may have already seen the announcement earlier this morning for the upcoming release of the God of War® III Ultimate Edition and its pre-sale deal. Well, fans will also have the option to pre-order their copy of God of War® III today. Those who pre-order a copy of God of War III and/or God of War III Ultimate Edition will have their Kratos reunion earlier than expected and will receive a PlayStation®Network voucher code for the E3 2009 demo, playable TODAY!

Additionally, consumers who pre-order their copies of God of War III and/or God of War II Ultimate Edition will also receive an exclusive God of War III DLC skin from select retailers, including:

GameStop.com – Phantom of Chaos
Amazon.com – Kratos PlayStation®Home Avatar
GameCrazy – Forgotten Warrior

Ultimate Edition details from the previous release:

The ultimate edition comes in a sculpted replica of Pandora’s Box, as well as a Limited-Edition God of War art book with exclusive art, content, and interviews. There’s also a bunch of digital content packed in, all of which will be available via the PlayStation Network after redeeming a voucher code at

* God of War Combat Arena containing an exclusive environment and seven challenges
* Premium Kratos Skin – Dominus
* God of War: Unearthing the Legend Franchise Documentary – a full-length movie documentary depicting the history of the God of War franchise
* God of War Trilogy Soundtrack – God of War, II, and III scores from the game (mp3 digital download).
* God of War: Blood and Metal EP – a heavy metal homage featuring original music inspired by God of War (mp3 digital download).

This massive collection of God of War goodies will run you $99.99.

Platforming is what the series has been all about so gamers should already know to get ready for more running, jumping, anti-gravity traversing with Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time. Ratchet will receive a pair of rocket boots that introduces a new way of travelling plus a much needed boost for blasting over giant ravines to get those out of the way items. The lush backgrounds and totally epic outer space scenes lend that extra flair that has always set the Ratchet and Clank series apart from its other platformer competition.

Returning as a mainstay to the series, is the enormous weapon system. Through upgrades, players will find themselves spending a lot of time and bolts tweaking the game’s enormous arsenal of tools and weapons. Old classics return to the arsenal but the new weapons give the adventure a more comical spin. The Sonic Eruptor is set to become the new fan favorite since the introduction of the Chicken Ray. The Zoni, who first appeared in Tools of Destruction, return as well and serve as helpers for making upgrades to Ratchet’s starship. Each area of the game has a set number of Zoni that can be found to make upgrades possible and you’ll find yourself backtracking to find every one. Though there’s many weapons available in the game, players will find themselves sticking to a handful and almost skip out on trying to upgrade every single weapon available.

In comparison to the previous game, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time has about the same amount of gaming content so players will find themselves clocking in about 10-12 hours of play. Though this doesn’t hurt the game, it’s very evident that the writing has suffered and therefore made the game more linear than past entries in the series.

Insomniac Games still gets much praise for the Ratchet and Clank franchise. This series is the closest to having a full Disney experience on a gaming console (sorry, Kingdom Hearts) and the visuals, dialogue, over the top scenarios and characters gives players a truly memorable experience. Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time does its job. All the loose ends are tied up and everything ends with a bang. If you’ve been following the series, or are a complete newcomer, the mix of platforming and puzzle solving will provide a truly satisfying adventure to behold.

Through twenty-six fun-filled, adrenaline packed, sexy and witty chapters, you’ll follow Drake, Chloe (voiced by Farscape and Stargate SG-1 alumnus Claudia Black), Elena and Sully in an unbelievable quest to solve the legend of Marco Polo’s lost fleet. An accidental lead and unforeseen betrayal sends them on the trail of a fabled dagger and one of the biggest finds in known history. Everything the original Uncharted did in 2007 for story-telling and plot has been done five times better in Uncharted 2.

One of the biggest changes for Uncharted 2 is the combat system. The Run-and-Gun mechanic of the game returns with tweaks designed to make the game more enjoyable and nowhere as frustrating as Drake’s Fortune was. The SIXAXIS dependant controls for both combat and exploration from the original game have been removed making for a more cohesive experience to help keep the pacing of the game fast and coordinated. The hand-to-hand combat system has also seen new design tweaks that sharpen gameplay.

Uncharted 2 is a standout game not because of what it innovates. This game doesn’t introduce anything new to the genre at all. Uncharted 2 simply takes everything that the genre is and does it phenomenally better than any other game that has come before. Its detailed environments hit your senses and draws you into locations such as humid rainforests, lethal ice lands and war-ravaged city streets. Its puzzle solving sequences are not overdone and stay completely on target to the task of pushing along the storyline. The story is engaging and never loses its focus or takes itself too seriously. The musical score is well produced and adds to the gaming experience superbly. You’ll ask yourself why every other game you’ve played isn’t put together this well.

Brand new to the Uncharted series is the multiplayer mode. This mode is completely online and will have players coming back long after they’ve beaten the single player campaign. With more than eight different maps available and up to six different modes of play (including co-op), players go head to head and compete against each other for the bragging rights of being the best. Even though Uncharted is not a first-person shooter, do not take this mode lightly. You will have to get good at this mode fast if you want to get the most out of it, but once you get the hang of it, it’s truly rewarding.

The reward system returns with all new challenges and more ways of adding depth to the game. There are 100 different treasures to keep watch for as well and 5 different difficulty levels to conquer. Uncharted 2 Among Thieves does the job that Sony and Naughty Dog set out for it. It delivers the adventure game that EVERY gamer craves, and it delivers it without sacrificing the one reason everyone plays video games: fun.

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Oct. 13 — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today the North American launch of UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3(TM)). Developed by Naughty Dog Inc., the acclaimed development team that produced UNCHARTED: Drake’s Fortune for PS3 and the Jak & Daxter franchise for PlayStation®2, UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves blends together the art of cinema and gaming to bring players a level of realism never before seen on a game console. With an extensive, story-driven single-player mode and thrilling competitive multiplayer and cooperative modes, UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves demonstrates Hollywood blockbuster moments of roller coaster tension and exhilarating action through environments and characters brought to life by the most advanced graphics currently available on the PS3 system.

Competitive Multiplayer and Cooperative Modes
In addition to the addicting single-player action, UNCHARTED 2 offers robust cooperative and online multiplayer modes that bring the graphical quality of single-player with a wide variety of gameplay options. Competitive multiplayer supports up to 10 players, and offers a wide selection of match types from Deathmatch to Gold Rush across 7 different maps. Utilizing a robust party system, groups of players will remain together in ranked and custom matches while earning currency, which used in combination with currency earned in single player missions, will unlock additional content and upgrades. The competitive multiplayer also includes Cinema and Machinima modes that enable gamers to automatically record gameplay data for any match in any map and game type. Players can then head into Cinema to watch the recorded matches and then replays, screenshots and footage that can be made into videos in Machinima mode. Cooperative mode allows gamers 3 distinct scenarios for up 3 players to progress through a variety of environments by working together to accomplish set objectives.