PlayStation Blog older than one year ago

Remember the days when Sackboy had to flip switches upon switches upon switches to make something work? With LittleBigPlanet 2‘s Controlinator, those days are gone. Now you can control anything you with just by adding the Controlinator and selecting the controls you wish…

Sackboys and Sackgirls – gather ’round! New week, new LittleBigPlanet 2 featurette…this time we feature the new Grabinator! Now you can grab things, carry things and even throw things…

“What kind of things?” Small things, big things and even Sack-things. That’s right — you can carry Sackbots and other Sackboys.

And in case you missed these, here are links to the other featurettes we’ve unveiled:

• Grappling Hook
• Bounce Pads
• Sackbots
• Creatinator

Hi everyone! In the 15 years that I’ve been working for PlayStation, this marks my debut on the PlayStation Blog, so allow me to take just a moment to introduce myself. My name is Joby Hirschfeld and I oversee the team responsible for the design and build of such things as the incredible booths you see at conferences likeE3 and CES, the visuals for PlayStation press conferences, video production, the look and feel of the displays at your local retailers as well as the designs on the packaging of the PlayStation products you know and love.

I’m stopping by today to pull back the curtain on a new project that we’ve been hard at work on for consumers in the New York area. Opening tomorrow afternoon at 550 Madison in New York City’s Manhattan is the brand new PlayStation Lounge, the only place where you’re guaranteed to get your hands on the all new PlayStation Move motion controller, in addition to PS3’s, PSP’s and the incredible line-up of software that accompanies them.

This site holds significance for our brand as it is not only the location of our New York SonyStyle Store, but also home to Sony headquarters in New York City. The PlayStation Lounge, located in the lower level of the building, was designed from the ground up to provide you with a one-stop-shop for all your PlayStation needs. It’s the must-hit destination if you’re still trying to get your hands on PlayStation Move or searching for the latest PlayStation first and third-party games.

We’ve designed this store with you, the fans, in mind and we can’t wait for you to see it. When PlayStation Lounge opens tomorrow you will finally be able to get your hands on game demos never before available to the public including Killzone 3 and Motorstorm: Apocalypse, play portions of Gran Turismo 5 first previewed at E3, check out the SingStar and EyePet showcases and, on opening day, have your picture taken with Sackboy from the award-winning LittleBigPlanet franchise.

The first 50 people with PlayStation purchases over $100 will also receive a free Bluetooth 2.0 headset. In addition, we’ll be handing out exclusive PlayStation Move t-shirts while supplies last as well as raffling off PlayStation Move bundles every two hours beginning at 12:00pm ET and ending at 8:00pm ET.

While you’re here you can also pick up your copies of The Fight: Lights Out for PlayStation Move and Call of Duty: Black Ops for your PlayStation 3, both available Tuesday at the PlayStation Store.

Hope to see you there!

Sackboy Fans! Imagine a tool that gives you and your Sackboy the power to make something out of nothing. Well now, in LittleBigPlanet 2, you’ll have…the Creatinator!

And for more Creatinator goodness, check out this walk through by our own Alex Evans from this year’s gamescom.

What will pop out of your Creatinator?

Welcome Sackboys and Sackgirls!

Hopefully you’ve seen our first two “Featurettes” that highlight the new Grappling Hook and Bounce Pads available to play in LittleBigPlanet 2. And if you loved those, you’ll love our latest Featurette focused on Sackbots. Watch it now!

And if you’re looking for more Sackbots info, check out this special CREATOR insight into what you can do with your Sackbots!

Sackbot walkthru by David Dino

We’d love to hear what you have planned for your Sackbots! Let us know in the comments below :)

Greetings and happy ModNation Monday everyone. Ramone Russell here with another ModNation Monday update!

Family Guy Drives ModNation!

As we announced last week, today we are honored to have some of the great talent behind the hit show Family Guy on the Artist Spotlight! Director Dominic Polcino, Assistant Director Joe Vaux, and Storyboard Artist Raul Guerra make sure we are all rolling in our seats with every new episode — not a bad gig at all, right? Each of these guys are artists within their own right as well, and they have a lot to say not just about the amazing show they work on, but on their own work and “making it” in their industry. It was an honor to see what they could do once they had a chance to play ModNation Racers, and have them on the PlayStation.Blog today to answer your questions!

Check out the video below to see how much fun they had, then read on below to learn their personal stories.

Dominic Polcino

Has been one of the directorial hands behind such hits as The Simpsons, King of the Hill, and Family Guy – including the Star Wars spoofs “Blue Harvest” and “Something Something Something Dark Side.” “Lovesick Fool” is his first foray into doing animation his way. This time it’s personal. Lovesick Fool is a short animated film following the ongoing frustrations and disappointments of its creator in the area of love. At times funny, poetic, profound. Or just sad? You be the judge. The genesis of the idea was a series of personal underground comic books which Dominic wrote and drew. Those are available at his website and in most comic book stores in LA, and a few in New York. Polcino studied animation at the UCLA Animation Workshop. See a sample on www.funnyordie.com.

Joe Vaux

I’ve been working on Family Guy since it’s rebirth in 2004. I’ve worked my way up through the ranks from being a Storyboard revisionist to one of the assistant directors. My director, Dominic Bianchi, and I were responsible for “Brian and Stewie,” “The Big Man on Hippocampus,” and “The Man with Two Brians” to name a few.

Outside of the office, my creative juices get sprayed all over paintings. I’ve shown my crazy work in several galleries across the country and even a few around the world. You can see my work here.

Raul Guerra

After graduating in 2002, I’ve been working steadily in animation and illustration. It was in 2006 that I joined the Family Guy team, working as a storyboard revisionist and storyboarder. Here I get to work with some of the most creative and wacky people ever, which serves as fuel and inspiration for my own stuff when I get home. I enjoy painting, sculpting and screen printing. Oh, and dinosaurs!!! Check out my site here.

More Goodies On The Way

As we mentioned last week, there are lots more good things coming to ModNation. Tomorrow, we’ll have everyone’s favorite insurance Mod, Flo, joining us from the ModNation Progressive office. On October 26th, we’re going to be giving you the first taste of some track-enhancing goodness with a FREE parts pack for a week! I’ll fill you in with more details next week, but needless to say, you will be pleased. Also, since the MNR community is so great, we think it’s about time for another Double XP week. It’s also going to start on October 26th, so get your Karts tuned and ready.

Also, since Halloween is coming and you’re all going to be dressing up as your favorite Mods (right?), it seems like the perfect time to have a ModNation Halloween contest.

ModNation Halloween creations contest

Submit your original Halloween-themed Karts, Mods, and Tracks here for a chance to win a free Mod and Kart. The winner’s creations will be showcased in November’s first ModNation Monday blog.

Clearly, it’s going to be a killer October in ModNation, and it just keeps getting better. Now let’s jump into the cool stuff you’ve all been creating:

ModNation Creations of the Week

Amazing creations in ModNation get shared every day and we are playing a ton of them. If you are interested in submitting your Mod, Kart or Track to be a future “creation” of the week be sure to visit up on the official ModNation Community site and who knows? You might see your handiwork on the PlayStation.Blog.

MOD OF THE WEEK

Mod Name: Yin
Creator: Stitchless

This guy makes me want to beat down the pack in a race, and then have him jump out of the Kart and directly into a martial arts competition. Cool from head to toe, and his abs are almost as ripped as mine….

KART OF THE WEEK

Kart Name: Bug-A-Boo
Creator: Icandy55

As cool as this Kart is, it’s weird to have that bug face looking back at me while I race. Very creative…..but a little creepy.

TRACKS OF THE WEEK

If you have a video(s) of your track submit them to MNR’s YouTube channel and email ModNation@Playstation.Sony.com and we will include them in the blog if your track is showcased.

Track Name: Peruvian Shakedown
Created by: Corliss

Peruvian Shakedown says: “Here we have a hand-built Mayan temple with surrounding villages. Maxed out props, lots of detail in this map. Light dirt at the sides of the track will lead to alternative routes, and there are several.”

This track has one of the most evil uses of the rotating platform that I’ve seen. To succeed on this track, you pretty much have to remember this one mantra: “No Mistakes.” This is a wicked-looking track and technically exciting too. A true test of skill here, and the jumps to the pyramid from the shortcuts are amazing.

Track Name: Wild Wild West
Created by: CIV_BOSS

CIV_BOSS says: “Race past the old church and cemetery, through a couple farms towards the outskirts of town where the animals are grazing. You will notice the awesome layout of this track makes for a very fun and exciting race: the more racers there are, the more fun it is. Oh and watch out for them barrels partner!”

Learn the blind corners as quickly as you can with this one if you want to have any hope at all. Also be sure you take advantage of the opportunities to get some extra air by hopping off the jumps because a lot of the Item Pods are up pretty high. This track is intense, and it makes me dream of the day when sheep will be invisible.

Track Name: Graveyard
Created by: Stitchless

Stitchless says: “This track is the first part of a series I will be releasing, The Pits of Darkness. The course features a vast cemetery… Those dreading the graves can choose to take the waterway, but be forewarned the current is strong. Maybe you’ll find your preferred pace along the inner walls, where you’ll boost all the way around.

You can get some serious air on this track, but that depends on which route you take. One of the two main paths has some wicked jump and spin opportunities, and the other has one of the best back-to-back-to-back drift opportunities I’ve seen. With Halloween right around the corner, this track is perfect for adding a little spookiness to your racing.

HOT LAP ROSTER FOR THE WEEK

Continuing with the trend we started weeks ago this weeks Hot Lap roster features all new community created tracks.

Monday: Caribbean Retreat, by grey_jeep
Tuesday: Continental Estates, by IndustrialSavior
Wednesday: Celestial Obelisk Eden, by IndustrialSavior
Thursday: Adventurous Jungle, by StealthReborn–
Friday: Jebediah City, by atheistsw
Saturday: Mystery Track
Sunday: Mystery Track

More news next week, until then… see you in the ModSpot!

Hi everyone! I am very pleased that we are finally able to share with you what you’ve all been waiting for, the reveal of the SingStar Dance track list! We have carefully selected everything from classic tunes to modern hip hop jams to be included in SingStar Dance to ensure that there is a little something for everyone.

You will be able get your groove on with the Jackson 5, ‘Crank That’ along with Soulja Boy, and show your friends your best ‘Poker Face’ with Lady Gaga, if you’re up to the challenge. Through accessible choreography coupled with the accuracy and precision of the Playstation Move motion controller, you will be dancing like a pro in no time!

Check out the track list:

• *N Sync – Bye Bye Bye
• Black Eyed Peas – Shut Up
• Blondie – Heart Of Glass
• Chris Brown – With You
• Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
• Diana Ross and The Supremes – Baby Love
• Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive
• Gossip – Standing In The Way Of Control
• Gwen Stefani – What You Waiting For?
• Jamiroquai – Cosmic Girl
• KC & The Sunshine Band – That’s The Way (I Like It)
• Kid Cudi vs Crookers – Day ‘N’ Nite
• Kool And The Gang – Celebration
• La Roux – Bulletproof
• Lady Gaga – Poker Face
• MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This
• New Kids On The Block – Hangin Tough
• Outkast – Hey Ya!
• Paula Abdul – Straight Up
• Pitbull – I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)
• Reel 2 Real feat. The Mad Stuntman – I Like To Move It
• Ricky Martin – Living La Vida Loca
• Run DMC vs Jason Nevins – It’s Like That
• Salt N Pepa – Push It
• Shaggy – Boombastic
• Sir Mix A Lot – Baby Got Back
• Soulja Boy – Crank That
• The Backstreet Boys – Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)
• The Jackson 5 – I Want You Back
• The Pussycat Dolls – Don’t Cha

Starting in early November, you’ll be able to grab a microphone or a PlayStation Move motion controller, choose your song, and then do your thing! So, ‘What You Waiting For’? Make sure to put SingStar Dance on your holiday wish list today!

You can also be one of the first to play SingStar Dance and check out the new track list before we launch. Starting Monday, SingStar Dance will be featured as part of a line-up of PlayStation Move titles featured in our “PlayStation HQ” locations and PlayStation Move Mall Tour locations in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Washington DC, and Chicago. Be sure to check out last week’s blog post from Jennifer Clark, Director, Product Publicity for more information including dates, times and locations. Hope you can join us!

Once we decided to go for the old school, side scrolling, beat ‘em up style with Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Video Game, we wanted to go all in! We brought in pixel artist extraordinaire Paul Robertson.

The next step was creating an amazing soundtrack. We immediately thought of Brooklyn chiptune rockers, Anamanaguchi. They wowed us (and 5,000 others) at PAX and really captured the sound we wanted for the game. Here, the guys share their favorite songs from the game.

Ary Warnaar

“Twin Dragons”

I really enjoyed how the Twin Dragons cue came into existence. It was very unexpected. A couple months ago we were playing a show here in Brooklyn with Ok, Go. I was hanging out backstage with one of my good friends Damon who also happens to be one of the most talented chip artists I know (he goes by Starscream with his drummer George). We were kinda bored and decided to start a collaboration italo-disco song on Game Boy. He started with an awesome bass line and beat, and I started writing some melody stuff. We didn’t get past the loop that night, but the next day I couldn’t get it out of my head, and kept working on it. I don’t remember at what point I realized it would work perfectly for the game… it sort of just transformed into that cue naturally. So yeah, it’s my favorite because it really started as a song for myself that ended up being for Scott Pilgrim. That natural transition is a great example of what made the project so fun. It never really felt like writing for a video game, it felt more like composing music for life stuff we’ve all experienced – stuff that Scott Pilgrim happened to have experienced as well…

Luke Silas
“Suburban Tram”

I’m especially proud of the track we wrote for the train level – Suburban Tram. When we were working on it, Pete had brought up giving it a sort of Hot Water Music-type sound, and it actually came very naturally after that. I really love positive, uplifting punk and post-hardcore music, and it was a lot of fun to try and translate it into our distinct style. Something about the final version of this track evokes real motion, as in makes you want to move, both from the heart and on the road.. at least that’s how i hear it!

James DeVito
“This is the End”

It was really interesting to hear ‘This is the End’ (yes, it’s for the perfect ending only!) go through many different phases as it was being written. At first it was just a straight ballad, but it needed something more… more epic and triumphant. Obviously it’s gotta be the best song ever if you have to be perfect to get there. That’s when Ary mentioned to Pete to think of it more as an epic Queen ballad, and it all came together after that. Pete absolutely nailed it. Not only will this song be extremely gratifying to the player as they perfect the game, but it also ended up being one of the last songs we wrote, and the last song we mixed, so us too were even treated to the ‘perfect’ ending of an incredibly amazing project.

Peter Berkman
“Scott Pilgrim Theme”

It’s really difficult for me to pick just one track to talk about, so I guess I’ll approach it in the big picture and discuss the theme. This was the first song we wrote for the game, I wanted the theme to be everything that epitomizes “Scott Pilgrim” to me. I wanted a melody that was both melancholy and triumphant, I wanted it to evoke a sort of nostalgic John Hughes world and the deluge of emotions and gut feelings that present themselves when you’re completely smitten, which Scott Pilgrim undoubtedly is. That’s what the second half of the song is about, the first half is about punching people, obviously.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World debuts exclusively on the PlayStation Network on August 10th.

Don’t forget to pre-order for a free Sex Bomb-Omb tee for your PlayStation Home Avatar!

I really enjoyed Scott Pilgrim vs The World when I played it at E3, despite having zero knowledge of the source material. Now that I’ve read the first 5 Scott Pilgrim books in record time (and will be picking up the 6th and final one today), I’m in full on “DO WANT” mode. So too, apparently, are the folks over at IGN.

Fortunately, we’ll be featuring the latest build of the game at our Comic-Con event on Thursday (invites just went out for that, btw – check your email). And Scott Pilgrim vs The World’s (PSN-exclusive) debut isn’t that far off, either – August 10th.

In the meantime, and just in time for Comic-Con, take a look at the latest trailer.

We’ll have more on Scott Pilgrim vs The World shortly after Comic-Con.

(and, coincidentally, it’s also a WRAP, too!)

What am I yammering on about? Why, only the fact that 3D Dot Game Heroes, the PS3-exclusive action-adventure game that takes those gosh-darn-awesome gaming classics we all grew up with (you know, _______, ________, and who could forget ______ ___ _______) and renders them with current gen pizzazz!

“I have the power, rawr.”

To celebrate the game’s release, we’re also releasing a fifth video vignette. Not only does it show off the mini-games you’ll be distracted by (dooming the poor citizens of Dotnia to never being rescued from the clutches of Dark Bishop Fuelle), but it also happens to be the most radical video we’ve put out for the game to date.

“No, it is too retro-sexy, señor”
“BUT I MUST!”

So, why should you pick up 3D Dot Game Heroes? Is it safe to assume “because it’s awesome” isn’t quite enough information? Well, how about the following list of things, bulleted for your convenience (and mine):

• An awesome marriage of old-school 8- and 16-bit sprite style art (in beautiful 3D, mind you) with the full power of the PlayStation 3 system.
• A retro-yet-modern soundtrack, filled with addictive tunes that you’ll be annoying people in public spaces with your involuntary humming for quite some time.
• A huge, lush kingdom to explore. Dotnia is filled with secrets, large dungeons, powerful bosses, quests to solve, and hilarious characters. Search every nook and cranny; you’re bound to find something amazing!
• Tons of replayability, whether by means of the mini-games, the new game + modes (yes, there is more than one post-game mode to try), or trying to collect all of the swords (many of which are not easily found).
• Have we mentioned it’s only $39.99?

“Ew, a spider, kill it! Oh wait, that’s us…”

Have we told you about the “Hall of Heroes” yet, PlayStation Blog friends? You know, the handy, dandy repository for all of your awesome custom heroes (assuming they don’t infringe on any rights you don’t own)? The place where you can go to download new designs from Crafty McCraftersons around the world? The place where if you submit a great design in the next month or so, you could be eligible to win some Amazon Video Games credit? Oh, NOW we have your attention. Well, we might as well pimp the link: http://www.3ddotgameheroes.com/hallofheroes

So, in conclusion… Stay the course… A thousand points of light… And remember to pick of 3D Dot Game Heroes for your PlayStation 3 system today. It’s only $39.99!

I’m pleased to share some exciting news involving our crafty, stitched-together character we all know and love – that’s right, I’m talking about the one and only Sackboy. Today, we are officially announcing that our cloth friend and all of his fellow Sack-people will be back for a completely new adventure in LittleBigPlanet 2, which will be released later this year for PS3!

LittleBigPlanet established the Play, Create, Share creative gaming genre and we can’t thank the fans and critics enough for the praise and support we’ve received. The game continues to grow and evolve, helped by countless players around the globe. In fact, the sharing nature of the game has become so embraced, it has attracted fans to publish more than two million levels to the PlayStation Network since the award-winning game was released!

To show you what you can expect from LittleBigPlanet 2, here’s an exclusive look at our spanking new trailer:

So, what can you expect from LittleBigPlanet 2?

First of all, it’s developed by Media Molecule, the extremely talented team that brought you the first game, so you know you’re going to get a special experience. LittleBigPlanet 2 will provide a whole new collection of tools and rules for fans to Play, Create, and Share, including an evolved approach to control and customization that has never been seen before.

LittleBigPlanet has always empowered users to create their own levels by utilizing the same tools as the development team. Now in LittleBigPlanet 2, we’ve upped the ante, giving players the ability to not only make better levels, but completely new games – think top-down racing games, multiplayer shooters, flying side-scrollers, RPGs, etc. The possibilities are really endless.

LBP2 will also have a loads of new features, including revamped graphics, a fresh storyline, added accessories and equipment for Sackboy, and much, much more – trust me I’m only scratching the surface here!

After an amazing year and a half at SCEA and just shy of a decade in the videogame industry, it’s time for me to say goodbye.

I’ve met some truly amazing people throughout my 9-year career in gaming, including many life-long friends and many people that I consider family. It seems like only yesterday that I was just a bright-eyed kid, fresh out of college, ready to embark on a career in game writing. And in the blink of an eye, here I am.

I’m extremely excited to move on to the next stage of my life and career outside of gaming, but there’s no denying the saddening feeling that comes with saying goodbye to so many wonderful people, especially here at PlayStation. And then there are the journalists, the third-party publishers, developers and beyond. These are all people that made this one big, happy family.

To everyone in the PlayStation community — you truly made this job fun. When I look back on the community meet-ups, events, live chats, online games and even the quick comment exchanges…those are the little things that brought me joy on a day-to-day basis. Being a part of something that brings people happiness, and being able to go out and share that enthusiasm with you, that’s where this job truly shined. It’s what kept me going. I thank you for that, and I’ll miss you all. Yes, even those of you who thrived on pointing out my .01MB file size mistakes in the Store updates ;-)

I am leaving you in more than capable hands. Your main man Jeff, obviously, but also the newest addition to the PlayStation.Blog family, friend and former coworker Sid Shuman. Treat him well. Minimal hazing, please.

So let’s consider this farewell, but not goodbye. Cheesy? Yes. Heartfelt? Definitely. You know where to find me:

PSN: godofgwar
twitter.com/chrismorell

Best wishes,
Chris Morell, VP of PlayStation Community Awesomeness

The next system software update for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system will be released on April 1, 2010 (JST), and will disable the “Install Other OS” feature that was available on the PS3 systems prior to the current slimmer models, launched in September 2009. This feature enabled users to install an operating system, but due to security concerns, Sony Computer Entertainment will remove the functionality through the 3.21 system software update.

In addition, disabling the “Other OS” feature will help ensure that PS3 owners will continue to have access to the broad range of gaming and entertainment content from SCE and its content partners on a more secure system.

Consumers and organizations that currently use the “Other OS” feature can choose not to upgrade their PS3 systems, although the following features will no longer be available;

• Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat
• Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later
• Playback of copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings)
• Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later

For those PS3 users who are currently using the “Other OS” feature but choose to install the system software update, to avoid data loss they first need to back-up any data stored within the hard drive partition used by the “Other OS,” as they will not be able to access that data following the update.

Additional information about PS3 firmware updates, including v3.21 (once it becomes available), can be found here:
http://us.playstation.com/support/systemupdates/ps3/index.htm

PS3 owners who have further questions should contact Consumer Services:
http://us.playstation.com/support/ask/
800-345-7669 (800-345-SONY)

OK, we know it’s officially Spring in most of the world, but we really just couldn’t resist bringing a winter wonderland to Fat Princess PS3.

Today, March 25, we’ll be releasing Patch 1.05 which now includes *two* new FREE snow-themed maps called Frost Bite and Candy Mountain.

We know many people have wanted new maps, and we’re diligently trying to keep the community alive and together with these free maps. And for those of you who have heard about Fat Princess and – gasp! – have not yet played it, now is your chance to grab the game and you’ll get all of the original maps plus four additional maps for free!

We’ve also fixed a few issues recently brought to our attention:

• Warrior: Fixed to disallow shield activation when carrying objects, as well as attenuating damage against lava and drowning.
• Ice Mage: Changed level 1 area attack to slow enemies, not freeze them.
• Soccer map: Disabled online score saving for this level (sorry, all, but it was too easy to gain rank).

Last but certainly not least, we’re happy to announce that our beloved princess has a hot new suitor: Atomic Operations, a new developer based in Seattle, Washington. We have lots of exciting things underway, and all I can really say is “Yo ho ho and a slice of cake!” (nudge nudge wink wink) ;-)

Stay tuned, see you all on the battlefield, and as always…

Cake for everyone,

The Fat Princess Team

PlayStation.Blog readers,

EPIC TRAILER MUSIC! EPIC TRAILER TEXT! EPIC TRAILER!

EPIC TRAILER IS EPIC!

3D Dot Game Heroes, the PlayStation 3 exclusive that promises to inject retro-saccharin goodness directly into your corneas (those are part of your eyes, whippersnappers), has a full video trailer… And here it is! (Well, it’s actually right above this text. We can see how that could be confusing.)

So why should you be excited? Aside from the retro 3D visuals, ear-gratifying musical score, and extremely addicting, nostalgic action-adventure gameplay, you mean? Well… BECAUSE IT HAS TRAILER MUSIC! Did you hear it? Like, the part with the chorus singing in the background? Who cares if the game is awesome (it is, by the way) when you have trailer music with voices chanting in the background!?

Oh, and to address a couple comments that have been popping up in posts relating to 3D Dot Game Heroes:

The huge swords evident in some screens/videos do NOT break the game. It is not a design flaw. You’re only that big when you’re at FULL health (intuitive, right?), and you’ll rarely be at full health for long stretches of time. Moreover, only near the end of the game will you have a sword THAT large, not to mention one with the ability to penetrate geometry (i.e. trees, rocks, etc). Many of the swords cannot and will not swing out all the way in those situations, making size… well… irrelevant. Ask anyone who’s played the game: it’s not about how big it is, it’s about… oh, nevermind. The game DOES look amazing in person; you’ll just have to trust us on this. Even videos often fail to do the game justice. There is no multiplayer component to the game. We’re not currently planning any pre-order bonus items. We view the super cool $39.99 price point as a rather nice bonus. The game has a number of significant improvements over the original Japanese version, including an OPTIONAL HDD install (approximately 1.2gb in size) to reduce/eliminate load times, dozens of new, North American-exclusive load screens that parody popular game box art, and more!

Thanks for watching the trailer and reading this far down. (And “nords!” to any of you who didn’t…I can make snide comments because you’re not actually reading this.)

Please don’t forget to pre-order your copy of 3D Dot Game Heroes, coming to PlayStation 3 on May 11, 2010 with an MSRP of only $39.99!

The PS3 has changed a lot since it first debuted in 2006. Trophies, movies and TV shows on the PlayStation Store, in-game XMB and more have enhanced your experience – and some of you readers have let us know what else you’d like to see us do.

Unfortunately, this frequently manifests itself as an off-topic comment in an unrelated Blog post.

We know that many readers find such digressions annoying, but we’ve been reluctant to crack down on them as readers didn’t have a good place to formally make requests. Starting today, you do: I’m happy to announce the launch of PlayStation.Blog Share.

Share is a subset of the PlayStation.Blog where readers can submit ideas to us about anything PlayStation-related as well as vote on the ideas of others. Many of you are already making suggestions to us, and we’ve always been listening (that’s the whole idea of the Blog), but now these ideas have an official place to call home. You can find the entrance to Share right at the top of this page.

Share uses a lot of the same Blog features you should already be quite familiar with, with the notable addition of a voting system. If you’ve ever visited Digg (or Reddit, etc.) you already know how this works: if you like an idea, you vote it up. If you hate an idea, vote it down. We’ll be keeping track of the popularity of an idea (the +/-) and also the volume (total number of votes). Authors that submit the most popular ideas will find themselves ranking on our leaderboard (which is really just for fun/bragging rights). It’s also important to note that we’re restricting idea submissions to one per person per day at launch, as we don’t want just a handful of people to “run the site.” We’d like to see ideas from as diverse a group of people as possible, and we think this rule will help.

You’ve probably got a few questions about how this all works, and for that we’ve made a pretty comprehensive FAQ that you’ll want to take a glance at before you get started. One thing I want to point out ahead of time is that yes, we’ll be reading these ideas. That said, we ask for your patience in advance; don’t expect Share to lead to overnight changes or actions. Moreover, if we can’t or don’t plan to enact certain ideas, we may jump in and tell you why not.

One final note – now that we’re providing a forum for suggestions (in addition to our long-established traditional Forums), it’s time to crack down on Blog comments. Starting today, moderation for off-topic comments will be much more strict.

That about does it – the PlayStation Social Media team has been working on Share for some time, and we hope you take the time to explore it. We’re quite excited to see what you have to say.

Today we announced that we have purchased Media Molecule, creators of the beloved Sony Computer Entertainment. Welcome Molecules!

Michael Denny, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Studios Europe, had this to say about the deal.

The decision was an easy one after meeting four young, talented people with a massive ambition to redefine video games as we know them, followed by a fantastic exclusive relationship that culminated in the launch of one of the most innovative PlayStation games of recent years. Of course, LittleBigPlanet needs no introduction here, as it was thanks to you that it became a best selling PS3 title when it released in late 2008.

The acquisition will enhance the talent pool within SCE, protect past and current investment and ensure a solid base for future investment. Media Molecule have exciting projects in the pipeline and we’re looking forward to sharing these with you in the not too distant future.

The most important thing is that nothing will change from your perspective; Media Molecule will simply continue to make great games. Welcoming Media Molecule into the PlayStation family will allow us to better support their future titles and ambitions.

For more comments from Denny, and a rather exhaustive list of the awards that Media Molecule has earned over the past couple of years, click on over to the European PlayStation.Blog. You can find the press release, with comments from SCE Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida and Media Molecule co-founder Alex Evans, directly below.

Sony Computer Entertainment Acquires Media Molecule. Acclaimed developer of multi-million selling LittleBigPlanet™ joins Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios

London, 2nd March 2010 – Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that it had acquired leading game developer Media Molecule, creator of the multi-million selling and multi-award winning PlayStation®3 (PS3™) exclusive title, LittleBigPlanet™. Media Molecule will join as part of SCE’s global development operation, SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS).

In a strategic move to continue to secure excellence in game development for current and future PlayStation® platforms, the acquisition of Media Molecule formalises the successful exclusive relationship with SCE.

Media Molecule, based in Surrey, England, is the award-winning developer of LittleBigPlanet, one of the best-selling titles for PS3, a game that introduced gamers to the unique ethos of Play, Create and Share. Having seen over 2m user generated levels created for the community to download and play for free, LittleBigPlanet has completely changed the way people interact with games, whilst revolutionising the longevity of gameplay.

Having won over 90 awards for LittleBigPlanet, including 2 BAFTAs and 8 AIAS Interactive Achievement Awards, Media Molecule brings a wealth of experience and a highly talented staff into the SCE WWS family that will further strengthen the PlayStation first party studio.

”Since they burst onto the gaming scene, Media Molecule have proved to be a truly exciting and innovative studio, who have proved their world-class credentials with the creation of the incredible LittleBigPlanet,” said Shuhei Yoshida, President, SCE Worldwide Studios. “SCE WWS is all about creating ambitious, innovative and ground breaking games, traits that Media Molecule clearly have. To bring them into our family proves our dedication to creating fantastic new experiences that we believe will cement our position as industry leaders.”

“Since Media Molecule’s inception, we’ve had a uniquely close relationship with SCE. Over the years they have consistently shown their dedication to Creative Gaming and Media Molecule, not only through their support of the company, but their willingness to take risks and embrace our often unusual approach and ideas,” said Alex Evans, co-founder of Media Molecule. “What we’ve achieved already with LittleBigPlanet has proved this to us and we’re excited by this new chapter of innovation and creative gaming, for all involved.”

Studios across SCE WWS share technology, production methodology and creative goals to build the best possible experiences for users to enjoy the most from the PlayStation family of hardware platforms and network services. With over 2,500 employees, SCE WWS combines the talents of 15 game development studios in Japan, the USA, the UK and The Netherlands.

We are aware that the internal clock functionality in the PS3 units other than the slim model, recognized the year 2010 as a leap year. Having the internal clock date change from February 29 to March 1 (both GMT), we have verified that the symptoms are now resolved and that users are able to use their PS3 normally.

If the time displayed on the XMB is still incorrect, users are able to adjust time settings manually or via the internet. If we have new information, we will update you through the PlayStation.Blog or PlayStation.com.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Hi Everyone – It’s time for the weekly PlayStation Store Update.

Price Updates Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix Sale, One Week Only! (now $7.49, original price $14.99) Hero of Sparta PSP mini Permanent Price Drop (now $4.99, original price $6.99) Let’s Golf PSP mini Permanent Price Drop (now $4.99, original price $6.99) Warhawk Sale, Ends on 3/11 (now $14.99, original price $29.99) Warhawk Booster DLC Bundle, End on 3/11 (now $9.99, regular price $15.99) Warhawk Fallen Star, Broken Mirror, & Omega Dawn DLC Sale, Ends on 3/11 (now $4.99, original price $7.99) Downloadable Games

Greed Corp. ($9.99)
Why share when you can have it all? Greed Corp is an online multiplayer strategy game in which you battle for dominance over a world once rich in resources. In order to prevail, you must exhaust all remaining resources to build an army, and use the depleted collapsing terrain to your advantage. An extensive campaign mode and multiple unlockables prepare you to take the battle online.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 300 MB

The Tester

The Tester Episode 2 “Communication Breakdown” (free)
Legendary game designer David Jaffe joins the panel to evaluate the gamers in their first team challenge testing their ability to communicate (using human hamster balls, blindfolds, and a bullhorn).
File size: 302 MB (SD) 809 MB (HD)

PSone Classics

Grandia ($9.99)
Take the role of Justin, a young boy obsessed with becoming a great adventurer, who inherits a magic stone that leads him on an epic journey to uncover the mystery of a long lost civilization in this classic RPG. Meet an exciting cast of characters who join you along the way and unravel the mysteries of this ancient legend. Download this critically-acclaimed PS one RPG and experience the epic adventure today!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 851 MB

Game Demos (free)

God of War III Demo
God of War III finds Kratos raining carnage and destruction upon the Gods who have betrayed him and the entire Ancient Greek world. Armed with his deadly double-chained blades, Kratos will take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles on his merciless quest to destroy Olympus and the mighty Zeus himself.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 2.61 GB

Darksiders Demo
Battle through the complete first dungeon of Darksiders, with over 90 minutes of gameplay. Take on Hell’s demon hordes, explore the catacombs of the forsaken Twilight Cathedral, and face off against the hideous Bat Queen, Tiamat.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.35 GB

DiggerHD Demo
DiggerHD updates the 1980’s PC classic with a next-generation, 21st Century facelift while maintaining classic gameplay. Control the feisty little construction vehicle and burrow its way through the perils of an underground world. Players dig through the dirt to create paths, collect jewels and coins, avoid monsters and falling bags of gold in single and multiplayer modes. Try this free demo version now!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 49 MB

Add-on Game Content

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Drake’s Fortune MP Map Pack ($3.99)
Return to the locations that made UNCHARTED: Drake’s Fortune so great with The “Drake’s Fortune Multiplayer Map Pack” for UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves online multiplayer modes.
File size: 157 MB

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Drake’s Fortune MP Skin Pack ($2.99)
The “Drake’s Fortune Multiplayer Skin Pack” includes six classic character skins as they appeared in UNCHARTED: Drake’s Fortune.
File size: 312 KB

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Drake’s Fortune MP Pack (bundle) ($5.99)
Grab the “The Flooded Ruins” and “The Facility” maps, as well as six classic character skins as they appeared in UNCHARTED: Drake’s Fortune. Play as Drake, Elena, Eddie Raja, Atoq Navarro, Gabriel Roman, or mercenary grunt Javier.
File size: 157 MB

LittleBigPlanet White Knight Chronicles Costume Pack ($5.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this Costume Kit to add four White Knight Chronicles outfits to your collection: Leonard, the White Knight, the Black Knight and the Dragon Knight.
NOTE: to download this Costume Kit, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet White Knight Chronicles Black Knight Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this additional costume to really stand out from the crowd!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet White Knight Chronicles Dragon Knight Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this additional costume to really stand out from the crowd!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet White Knight Chronicles Leonard Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this additional costume to really stand out from the crowd!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet White Knight Chronicles White Knight Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this additional costume to really stand out from the crowd!
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet
File size: 1.04 MB

Borderlands Secret Armory ($9.99)
The Secret Armory of General Knoxx is an addon pack for Borderlands that adds new guns, new Class Mods, new vehicles, new missions, new enemy types, and increases the level cap to 61. In other words…best addon ever. Of all time. Forever. The End. ELEVEN!
File size: 1.65 GB

Dante’s Inferno Animated Film Dante Costume ($1.99)
Dress Dante as one of the heroes from Starz Media’s animated feature film based on EA’s Dante’s Inferno video game.
File size: 6.15 MB

FIFA 10 Ultimate Team (English, Spanish, French) ($4.99 each)
Build your own Ultimate Team with all your favorite football stars, choose to manage one or multiple squads & then compete in dynamically updated online tournaments.
File sizes: 670 MB – 676 MB

Operation Flashpoint Dragon Rising Overwatch Pack ($4.99)
Download the ‘Overwatch’ DLC pack for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, featuring two new game-changing multiplayer modes and Fire Team Engagements (FTEs) – Friendly Skies and Hostile Takeover.
File size: 6.77 MB

Valkyria Chronicles Challenge of the Edy ($4.99)
Experience an enthralling new chapter in the critically acclaimed tactical RPG, VALKYRIA CHRONICLES, with an exciting expansion pack! Join the members of the Edy Detachment as they venture through 6 new maps of unique skirmish battles, each designed to feature a different soldier class; the scout, lancer, sniper, engineer, shocktrooper and the tank.
File size: 84 MB

Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

“Can You Take Me” by Third Eye Blind ($1.99) “Losing a Whole Year” by Third Eye Blind ($1.99) “Never Let You Go” by Third Eye Blind ($1.99) Third Eye Blind Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Can You Take Me”, “Losing A Whole Year”, and “Never Let You Go” by Third Eye Blind, Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

File sizes: 33 MB – 42 MB (singles), 108 MB (track pack)

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

“Distracted”— KSM ($1.99) “Walking on the Moon”— The Police ($1.99) “Heartkiller”— HIM ($1.99) “Ode to Solitude”— HIM ($1.99) “Wings of a Butterfly”— HIM ($1.99) “Just For Tonight” – HIM ($1.99) “The Dope Show” – HIM ($1.99) HIM Pack 1 ($5.49)- Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: HIM Pack 01. This pack includes “Heartkiller,” “Ode to Solitude,” and “Wings of a Butterfly” by HIM.

File sizes: 26 MB – 32 MB (singles), 89 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

PlayStation 3 TV Commercial – “Grandma”
File size: 23 MB (HD) 37 MB (1080)

MLB 10: The Show Reveal Trailer
File sizes: 60 MB (HD) 100 MB (1080)

SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 Launch Trailer
File size: 70 MB (HD) 118 MB (1080)

MAG “Dear PlayStation” Spot
File size: 22 MB (HD) 36 MB (1080)

MAG: How To – Leadership Overview
File size: 70 MB (HD) 118 MB (1080)

MAG: How To – OIC
File size: 70 MB (HD) 118 MB (1080)

MAG: How To – Platoon Leader
File size: 58 MB (HD) 97 MB (1080)

MAG: How To – Squad Leader
File size: 57 MB (HD) 97 MB (1080)

Yakuza 3 Dev Diary 1
File size: 143 MB (HD)

Dragon Age: Origins Awakening Trailer
File size: 61 MB (HD)

War Machine Trailer
File size: 42 MB (HD)

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing All-Star Moves Trailer
File size: 43 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes

MLB 10: The Show Themes (Diamondbacks, Orioles, Red Sox, Rockies, Dodgers, Yankees, Padres, Giants, Rays, and Blue Jays) (free)
File sizes: 2.56 MB – 2.61 MB

MAG SVER Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 6.25 MB

MAG Raven Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 2.55 MB

MAG Valor Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 5.42 MB

Abstracted Theme ($1.49)
File size: 8.48 MB

Irish Flags Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.57 MB

Wallpaper (free)

Madden NFL 11 Contest Wallpapers (x3) (Drew Brees, Jared Allen and Reggie Wayne)
File sizes: 325 KB – 337 KB (SD) 1.70 MB – 1.81 MB (HD)

PlayStation Store for PSP Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

echoshift ($14.99)
echoshift redefines puzzle games with a new game play mechanic that challenges you to manipulate time and be in multiple places at once! Solve puzzles by layering your decisions to push switches, bridge gaps, and more. You’ll have to think quickly and use your past decisions in this artistically stylized world, available exclusively on the PSP system.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 148 MB

GTI Club Supermini Festa! ($29.99)
GTI Club Supermini Festa! shifts its way to download on the PSP and PSPgo systems! Staying true to the original racing frenzy of the award-winning arcade game, players will race through the cityscapes of France, the UK, Italy, USA and Japan. Tackle a wide variety of driving conditions in the ultimate race to the finish!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 188 MB

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Retro Cave Flyer ($4.99)
File size: 16 MB

The Terminator ($6.99)
File size: 11 MB

Age of Zombies ($4.99)
File size: 21 MB

PSP Game Demos (free)

The Eye of Judgment Legends Demo
File size: 397 MB

Add-On Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)

BUZZ! Quiz World PSP Comedy Pack ($2.99)
From the world famous National Geographic archives comes the ultimate African wildlife quiz. This BUZZ! Quiz World PSP quiz pack features hundreds of new questions about African wildlife to play in any of your favorite BUZZ! Quiz World PSP game modes. Download this quiz pack today and turn your party into the ultimate trivia showdown. Challenge friends and family and “Show ‘em Your Trivia!”
File size: 68 MB

Metal Slug XX Leona Playable Character ($0.99)
The Online Entitlement is used to activate the online / infrastructure features of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3. For those purchasing the game second-hand, the entitlement will need to be purchased and entered into a PSN account prior to activating the infrastructure co-op and multiplayer features. The entitlement will be tied to purchasing PSN account and cannot be used by another account.
File size: 1.1 MB

Game Videos (free)

The Tester Episode 2
File size: 129 MB

SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 Launch Trailer
File size: 11 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

MLB 10: The Show PSP Themes (Diamondbacks, Orioles, Red Sox,Rockies, Dodgers, Yankees,Padres, Giants, Rays, and Blue Jays) (free)
File sizes: 587 – 598 KB

Irish Shamrock Flag PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 427 KB

Irish Flags PSP Theme ($1.49)
File size: 408 KB

It’s been so long since I’ve posted here on the blog it feels like a bazillion years ago!

OK, maybe not a bazillion but… its more than two years after our initial release and tons of players around the world are still having a blast playing Warhawk. We in the industry call that “sticky” and I assure you it’s not as gross as it sounds ;-)

But we want even more players to enjoy the fun of Warhawk’s fast-paced warfare, So…

I’m posting here today is to announce a sale of inflatable gorilla proportions! Starting today here in the United States, you’ll be able to download Warhawk for $14.99!

BWHAAAA?!?!

And…the Booster Packs are just $4.99 each (or you can get all three expansions for $9.99)

Omega Dawn Booster Pack

Operation: Broken Mirror

Operation: Fallen Star

Now of course it’s for a LIMITED TIME as all great offers are, so you’ve got only two weeks to get your hands on one of the best multiplayer games on the PS3 for only $14.99.

We can’t wait to have a bunch of new players join our community and if you’re a Warhawk player that just hasn’t picked up all the Boosters — Now’s the perfect time!

A lot has changed for us over the last year — we started our new studio LightBox Interactive, moved to Austin, and we’ve been cranking on the development of our new game that both our Warhawk fans *and* new players are going to love! The team and I are wicked excited about how it’s shaping up and we can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Be sure to stay tuned to the blog for more info on our upcoming game!

…and our next Warhawk Tournament :-)

Rock on,

-dylan