Beyond the amazing line up of Blu-ray games hitting this holiday, we’re also expecting some blockbuster Blu-ray movie releases, including Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Star Trek. We’ve also announced some really groundbreaking initiatives that make Blu-ray synonymous with movie watching. In December, consumers will have access to the first-ever hybrid disc that will feature Sony Picture’s District 9 movie and a demo of God of War 3. This is a true testament to the endless opportunities ahead for Blu-ray and entertainment. And if you’re already an existing Netflix consumer, now you can access both your Blu-ray disc movies and stream 17,000 movies and TV shows from one machine – the PS3.

Readers of this blog are of course, already aware that the PS3 comes built in with one of the industry’s best Blu-ray players. But we wanted a spot that would hammer home the Blu-ray movie advantage and speak to this broader audience that may not be as familiar with the PS3’s feature set. So we asked Kevin Butler to bestow some wisdom in this exchange with an unhappy teenager who is complaining his grandmother is hogging the PS3 to watch Blu-ray movies. You can catch this commercial on air starting next week. For you, our loyal fans, here’s the exclusive sneak peek:

We’d love to hear what your favorite spots are so far. We certainly are having a hard time just picking one. We still have a couple more special updates on the way, so make sure to check in next weekend. More to come.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone,

Peter

As you’ve already heard from Eric Lempel, the latest PSP firmware update v6.20 added the Digital Comics Reader to the XMB on the PSP. The PlayStation Network comic service on PlayStation Store will be coming in December (U.S. Only). In the meantime, you can get your hands on a free issue of Star Trek: Year Four – The Enterprise Experiment from our partners at IDW Publishing. Once you download the free Digital Reader, visit PlayStation Store on the PSP and enter the following promotion code:

724K-A4BG-JLD7

This code is only valid until December 16, 2009. The code must be redeemed directly on the PSP (not through PS3 or Media Go).

You should also check out www.playstationcomics.com for more information and to find a code for another free digital comic. (Hint: For those of you following PlayStation on Twitter, you might want to check there, too.)

Stay tuned for more details about the PlayStation Network digital comic service for the PSP.

Here’s the list of new arrivals and top downloads on the Video Store this week.

You’ll see Star Trek, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Bruno, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – It’s a Very Sunny Christmas are now available. Also, check out the free downloads of Avatar Theatrical Trailer, Ninja Assassin Theatrical Trailer, and Voltron Season 6 Episode 5 – Try This World for Size. Enjoy!

FREE NEW ARRIVALS!

• Avatar Theatrical Trailer
• KatalystHQ | S2 - Crazy for Kenna
• KatalystHQ | S2 - Halloween
• KatalystHQ | S2 - Pranking the Boss
• Ninja Assassin – Theatrical Trailer
• Sherlock Holmes – Theatrical Trailer

HD MOVIE NEW ARRIVALS

• Bride of Chucky
• Bruno
• Franklyn
• Hitman
• Ichi The Killer (Unrated)
• My Sister’s Keeper
• Star Trek
• The Limits of Control
• The Marc Pease Experience
• The Open Road
• Thirst
• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

MOVIE NEW ARRIVALS

• A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
• Boarding Gate
• Bollywood/Hollywood
• Bruno
• Color Me Kubrick
• Crazy Love
• Dark Country
• Dave Chappelle’s Block Party
• Diggers
• Franklyn
• Freaky Friday (2003)
• Ichi The Killer (Unrated)
• My Sister’s Keeper
• Shuttle
• Somersault
• Star Trek
• The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
• The Limits of Control
• The Marc Pease Experience
• The Open Road
• Thirst
• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
• Vampire Party

HDTV NEW ARRIVALS

• American Dad | S5 - Shallow Vows
• CC Premium Stand-Up Specials - Dane Cook: Isolated Incident
• Family Guy | S8 - Quagmire’s Baby
• Heroes | S4 - Brother’s Keeper
• House | S6 - Teamwork
• How I Met Your Mother | S5 - The Playbook
• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | S11 - Perverted
• Mercy | S1 - I’m Not That Kind of Girl
• Ring of Honor Wrestling | S1 - Episode 16
• Saturday Night Live | S35 - January Jones – November 14, 2009
• Sons of Anarchy | S2 - Service
• The Cleveland Show | S1 - Ladies Night
• The Simpsons | S21 - The Devil Wears Nada
• WWII in HD | S1

TV NEW ARRIVALS

• American Dad | S5 - Shallow Vows
• Back at the Barnyard | S2 - Mr. Wiggleplix/Chain Gang
• Bakugan | S7 - Six Degrees of Destruction
• Bakugan | S7 - Revenge of the Vexos
• CC Premium Stand-Up Specials - Dane Cook: Isolated Incident
• Chef Academy | S1 - Coming To America
• Comedy Central Presents: Stand-Up | S1
• Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team | S4 - Episode 6
• Degrassi: The Next Generation | S9 - Beat It, Pt. 2
• Dirty Jobs | S4 - Gorp. Fnark. Schmegle
• Family Guy | S8 - Quagmire’s Baby
• Flipping Out | S1
• Flipping Out | S2
• Gangland | S4 - Snitch and Slaughter
• Gangland | S4 - Trinity of Blood
• George Carlin in Concert: Playing with your Head
• George Carlin: Back in Town
• George Carlin: Complaints and Grievances
• George Carlin: It’s Bad For Ya
• George Carlin: Life is Worth Losing
• George Carlin: You Are All Diseased
• Ghost Hunters | S5 - Pensacola Lighthouse
• Ghost Hunters Academy | S1 - The Honeymoon’s Over
• Glee | S1 - Ballads
• Gossip Girl | S3 - The Last Days of Disco Stick!
• Heroes | S4 - Brother’s Keeper
• House | S6 - Teamwork
• How I Met Your Mother | S5 - The Playbook
• I Want to Work for Diddy | S2 - Chariots for Charity
• iCarly | S2 - iFind Lewbert’s Lost Love
• It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: It’s a Very Sunny Christmas
• Jon & Kate Plus 8 | S5 - Gymnastics & Baseball
• Kenny vs. Spenny | S1
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon | S1 - Highlights: 11/9/09 – 11/13/09
• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | S11 - Perverted
• Lie to Me | S2 - Black Friday
• Mercy | S1 - I’m Not That Kind of Girl
• Metalocalypse | S3 - Tributeklok
• Million Dollar Listing | S3 - Sweet Deals and Icing on the Cake
• Modern Family | S1 - Great Expectations
• MythBusters | S7 - Myth Evolution
• Naoki Urasawa’s Monster | S1 - 511 Kinderheim
• Naoki Urasawa’s Monster | S1 - A Little Experiment
• Naruto Shippuden Uncut | SVol. 1 - Team Kakashi, Deployed
• One Tree Hill | S7 - You are a Runner and I am My Father’s Son
• Ring of Honor Wrestling | S1 - Episode 16
• Saturday Night Live | S35 - January Jones – November 14, 2009
• Scare Tactics | S3 - Toxic Shock
• Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew | S1 - Episode 3
• Shear Genius | S1
• Shear Genius | S2
• Sit Down, Shut Up | S1 - Sped
• Sons of Anarchy | S2 - Service
• Tabatha’s Salon Takeover | S1
• Tabatha’s Salon Takeover | S2 - Eclectic Salon: Los Angeles, CA
• The Cleveland Show | S1 - Ladies Night
• The Girls Next Door | S6 - Ciao Time
• The Hills | S5 - Can’t Always Get What You Want
• The Rachel Zoe Project | S1
• The Simpsons | S21 - The Devil Wears Nada
• The Ultimate Fighter | S10 - Gut Check
• The Venture Bros. | S4 - The Revenge Society
• Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style | S1
• Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style | S2
• Titan Maximum | S1 - Mercury Falling
• Top Chef | S6 - Culinary Olympics
• Trauma | S1 - M’aidez
• True Jackson, VP | S2 - True Concert
• Two and a Half Men | S7 - You are a Runner and I am My Father’s Son
• V | S1 - A Bright New Day
• World’s Strictest Parents | S1 - The Bouldins
• WWII in HD | S1
• X-Play | S2009 - X-Play Weekly 11/18/09

Top Movies

1. Land of the Lost
2. Up
3. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
4. I Love You, Beth Cooper
5. Star Trek
6. The Proposal (2009)
7. Bruno
8. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
9. Orphan (2009)
10. Aliens in the Attic

Top HD Movies

1. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
2. Up
3. Star Trek
4. Land of the Lost
5. The Proposal (2009)
6. I Love You, Beth Cooper
7. Orphan (2009)
8. Bruno
9. Drag Me to Hell (Unrated)
10. Aliens in the Attic

Top TV Episodes

1. Family Guy | Season 8 – Hannah Banana
2. V | Season 1 – There Is No Normal Anymore
3. South Park: Uncensored | Season 13 – Dances with Smurfs
4. Family Guy | Season 8 – Brian’s Got A Brand New Bag
5. Family Guy | Season 8 – Quagmire’s Baby
6. Smallville | Season 9 – Idol
7. V | Season 1 – Pilot
8. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia | Season 5 – Mac & Dennis Break Up
9. Naruto Shippuden Uncut | Season Vol. 1 – Run, Kankuro
10. Supernatural | Season 5 – The Real Ghostbusters

Top HD TV Episodes

1. Family Guy | Season 8 – Hannah Banana
2. South Park: Uncensored | Season 13 – Dances with Smurfs
3. Family Guy | Season 8 – Brian’s Got A Brand New Bag
4. Sons of Anarchy | Season 2 – Balm
5. Family Guy | Season 8 – Quagmire’s Baby
6. House | Season 6 – Known Unknowns
7. Family Guy | Season 8 – Road to Multi-verse
8. South Park: Uncensored | Season 13 – The F Word
9. The Office | Season 6 – Murder
10. Sons of Anarchy | Season 2 – Service

Gran Turismo and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite are some of the great titles that work with adhocParty.

We look forward to hearing your feedback soon. Enjoy!

Updates

Get Uno for new low price of $7.99

Applications

adhocParty
Play Ad Hoc PSP games online via your PS3!
File Size 6.31 MB

Downloadable Games

Peggle ($9.99 to purchase)
Have you got the Peggle fever? Now on the PlayStation Network, experience the ultimate pinballesque adventure! Indulge your love for bouncing balls and firework effects by becoming a Peggle Master through 55 levels and 75 challenges. Play to your favorite music while collecting 12 PlayStation Network trophies along the way. Want to host your own Peggle party? Jump into a local battle or connect online to tackle multiplayer, duel and party modes!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 204 MB

PSOne Classics

Resident Evil 2 ($5.99)
ESRB Rated M
File size: 757 MB

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver ($5.99)
ESRB Rated M
File size: 381 MB

Game Demos (free)

Smash Cars Demo
Real-time physics, innovative stunts and next-generation graphics combine into a dynamic, tricked-out single and multiplayer RC car racing experience where players twist and turn, grind and gear up, performing aerial tricks and stunts while racking up trophies and points as they race to the finish in an unlikely location.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 199 MB

Add-on Game Content

Peggle Nights ($4.99)
Party ‘til the break of dawn with the quirky Game Masters of Peggle Nights! Become the ultimate master with 60 dreamscape levels and 60 Grand Master Challenges set in a land of flashing lights, dynamic pegs and glowing backgrounds! When you need a break, stop to admire your bright and shiny Peggle Nights trophies in your very own Peggle Masters Trophy Room. With so many action-packed Peggle Nights levels you won’t want to leave the neon peg party!
File size: 150 KB

PAIN: Flavor Flav ($1.99)
“Yeah boy!” Get ready to launch Flavor Flav into a world of PAIN! Whether you know this eccentric celebrity because of his days as a rap or television star, you’ll immediately recognize his hilarious voice recordings and costumes.
File size: 100 KB

High Velocity Bowling: Psychedelic 60’s Ball Pack ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool pack of six custom “Psychedelic 60’s” theme bowling balls.
File size: 7.1 MB

High Velocity Bowling: Techno Modern Ball Pack ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool pack of six custom “Techno Modern” theme bowling balls.
File size: 4.68 MB

Way of the Samurai 3 Accessories (free)
Fun & crazy, exclusive accessories for your character!
File size: 102 KB

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

• “Lick It Up” by KISS ($1.99)
• “Modern Day Delilah” by KISS ($1.99)
• “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS ($1.99)
• KISS Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring ” Modern Day Delilah”, “Lick It Up “, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS. 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 size: 39 MB – 50 MB (singles), 131 MB (track pack)

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

• “Beautiful Thieves”— AFI ($1.99)
• “End Transmission”— AFI ($1.99)
• “Love Like Winter”— AFI ($1.99)
• “Medicate”— AFI ($1.99)
• “The Leaving Song, Pt 2″— AFI ($1.99)
• AFI Pack 01 ($8.49)- This pack includes “Beautiful Thieves,” “End Transmission,” “Love Like Winter,” “Medicated” and “The Leaving Song, Pt 2″ by AFI.
• “Walk Like An Egyptian”— The Bangles ($1.99)

File sizes: 26 MB – 33 MB (singles), 140 MB (track pack)

The Beatles Rock Band
Build your library for The Beatles: Rock Band by purchasing these song game tracks. For music credits, visit www.thebeatlesrockband.com.

• “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “Within You Without You” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “When I’m Sixty-Four” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “She’s Leaving Home” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “Lovely Rita” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “Fixing A Hole” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• “A Day In The Life” — The Beatles ($1.99)
• Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Album) ($13.49) – This album includes “Fixing a Hole,” “She’s Leaving Home,” “Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!,” “Within You Without You,” “When I’m Sixty-Four,” “Lovely Rita,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise),” and “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles.

File sizes: 21 MB – 49 MB (singles), 300 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 11/19 Edition
File size: 287 MB (HD), 457 MB (1080)

Pain: Flavor Flav Trailer
File size: 39 MB (HD)

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Launch Trailer
File size: 58 MB (HD), 97 MB (1080)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves 15 sec Accolade TV Spot
File size: 11 MB (HD)

FIFA Soccer 10: Director’s Cut Trailer
File size: 220 MB (HD)

Madden NFL Arcade Trailer
File size: 39 MB (HD)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Flag Runner Trailer
File size: 80 MB (HD), 136 MB (1080)

NBA 2K10 TV Commercial
File size: 25 MB (1080)

Assassin’s Creed II Arsenal Trailer
File size: 66 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed II TGS Trailer
File size: 76 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed II Dev Diary 3
File size: 140 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed II GP Trailer
File size: 76 MB (HD)

Critter Crunch “Feeding Time” Trailer
File size: 40 MB (HD)

Army Of Two: 40th Day Extraction Trailer
File size: 51 MB (HD)

Peggle Trailer
File size: 18 MB (HD)

Themes

Peggle Theme (free)
File size: 3.43 MB

Celtic Maidens 2 Premium Plus Theme ($1.99)
File size: 8.65 MB

Wallpaper (free)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Wallpaper (x5)
File sizes: 94 KB – 2.02 MB

topatoi Wallpaper
File sizes: 215 KB – 1.74 MB

Peggle Wallpaper
File sizes: 261 KB – 291 KB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront)

Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines ($39.99)
ESRB Rated M
File size: 559 MB

PSP Minis

D-CUBE Planet ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 8.18 MB

Echoes ($2.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 24 MB

Circles ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 6.3 MB

Game Demos (free)

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 13 MB

LittleBigPlanet PSP Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 55 MB

Promethus Demo
ESRB Rated RP
File size: 31 MB

Add-on Game Content

DJ Max Fever Wallpaper (x4)
File sizes: 69 KB – 100 KB

Armored Core 3 Wallpaper (x2)
File sizes: 27 KB – 34 KB

Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• “California Über Alles”— Dead Kennedys ($1.99)
• “You’re No Rock ‘n’ Roll Fun”— Sleater-Kinney ($1.99)

File sizes: 14 MB – 17 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 storefront)

Armored Core 3 Portable Theme (free)
File size: 523 KB

Celtic Maidens PSP Theme 3 ($1.49)
File size: 637 KB

Celtic Maidens PSP Theme 4 ($1.49)
File size: 631 KB

What is adhocParty? Smarter people than me can tell you all about the service right here.

You’ve probably heard stories about the unbelievable Monster Hunter juggernaut in Japan, and how it’s reached the point that one in every five Japanese PSP owners are playing the game. Capcom has sold millions and millions of copies of the three PSP titles in Japan to date, and Monster Hunter 2G (which we confusingly call Monster Hunter Freedom Unite in North America and Europe) was one of Capcom’s biggest game launches in recent history. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is available digitally on the PSN, which is perfect for those of you who have just picked up the amazing pocket-perfect PSPGo or for those of you (like me) who are too lazy to get off the couch and hike down to the local video game retailer.

Personally, I’m a recent MonHun convert – in the last few months, it’s sucked me in like no handheld game I’ve ever played. My dedication to the game is comparable to the reaction I had to EverQuest and World of Warcraft: I just can’t get enough. A group of Capcom staffers have been happily hunting away since the release of the game, and we’re now all over 100 hours in on our characters, with the group in the Hunter Rank 8 and 9.

The best part of Monster Hunter is, of course, playing with other people. The secret sauce to MHFU’s uber-compelling gameplay comes in coordinating a group of four hunters, each bristling with diverse weapons and equipment and slaying tricksy beasties that range from a meager 20’ tall Yian Kut Ku to the overwhelming monstrosity that is Fatalis, a dragon so big that you have to fire cannonballs at his face just to get his attention. Finding other hunters in public places in North America can be tough – it’s not as easy as in Japan, where gamers are constantly thrust together in trains and highly concentrated urban areas. Unless you have a group of buddies that you’re hunting with regularly, it’s hard to randomly stumble across other players on the bus or waiting in line to buy a burger. And as a recent convert to the ways of Monster Hunter, let me tell you that taking on the high level G-ranked quests on your lonesome is a daunting and potentially PSP-hurling activity.

With adhocParty, you can now quickly and easily find other hunters. Download the adhocParty service from PSN (it’s free!), connect your PSP with your PS3, load up your game on your PSP and either start a room on adhocParty or join one that’s already established. Within no time, you’ll be able to find a group of dedicated hunters willing to help you with your HR quests and suddenly that giant G-ranked Rathian isn’t so hard to deal with. You can connect several PSPs to a single PS3, so if you have 2 or 3 fellow hunters hanging out in your dorm room or at your house, while another friend is stranded at a distant location, you can all still play. Way to keep the band together!

Since adhocParty runs on your PS3, you’ll be able to communicate with your hunting party in various ways. Yell through your Bluetooth headset (which I’m sure everyone now has, thanks to Call of Duty), or type away the controller keyboard or on a separate keyboard – just make sure to type fast if you’ve got a wyven munching on your face. Running quests on Monster Hunter can be challenging, so instant communication through the adhocParty service makes those all-important key quests even easier to complete.

Over on our own little community neighborhood – the seething and exciting world of Capcom-Unity.com – we organize regular online game sessions on Fridays afternoons. These Play Against Capcom Fridays have been heavy on the Street Fighter and Resident Evil matches over the last few months, but with adhocParty now live and legit, we’ll be hosting regular Monster Hunter Freedom Unite PAC events. Hell, with the amount of Monster Hunting done by myself (“Kramez”), Shawn “Snow” Baxter and Christian “Sven” Svensson, we’ll probably be running adhocParty sessions several times a week. Join up with our community and keep in touch and perhaps we’ll see you in the wild.

Did we mention that adhocParty is free? We’ll see you online this afternoon.

This is Marcello Lagosh, part of the marketing team at Hudson Entertainment. I am pleased to announce an event of EPIC MADNESS! Members of Hudson Entertainment, Backbone Entertainment and VGEVO.com are forming Voltron to challenge all of you to a fun night of Military Madness: Nectaris on the PlayStation Network. We will be hosting 4-player versus matches over the PlayStation Network tomorrow, Friday, November 20th, from 5pm PT/8pm ET to 7pm PT/10pm ET.

Sounds awesome, right? This madness has yet to begin!

If you come in first place in an online match with one of the people below, you will win a Military Madness: Nectaris Dog Tag. Only a few of these were made and are numbered for authenticity. To receive the Military Madness: Nectaris Dog Tag, send a PSN message with your email to the game host (their PSN IDs are below) for the match you placed first in. They will send us your email and then we will contact you for your shipping information. It’s that simple. Every person on the list below will be running their own online match so be sure to search the Friendly Match section of Multiplayer to find us. Just a reminder, we are shipping these tags to gamers in North America only.

If you don’t already have Military Madness: Nectaris yet, the full game is on the PlayStation Store right now for only $9.99. Finally, to stay up to date with this event, look for updates in the comment section of this post and @HudsonEnt on Twitter.

So let’s review. You can play an updated classic in 1080p against the people that made it and the gamers that love it, then win rare item for beating them. “THIS IS MADNESS!!!” you may say to yourself. No, it’s not madness. This is how we do things at Hudson Entertainment. We are all about having fun and doing something special for all the gamers out there. So get ready for the reign of MADNESS that will descend upon the PlayStation Network tomorrow night.

So what do you think? Leave thoughts in the comments section. I will be reading the comments and answering any questions that I can.

The Challengers:

Marcello Lagosh

• Marketing team member at Hudson Entertainment
• PSN ID: Zakupilot256

Peter

• Military Madness: Nectaris Producer
• PSN ID: GoldenGod503

Michael Graeb

• Engineer at Backbone Entertainment
• PSN ID: lowly_programmer

Eric Hope

• Engineer at Backbone Entertainment
• PSN ID: NinjaKittens

Kyle Tunison

• Engineer at Backbone Entertainment
• PSN ID: Derrigo

Karl Raade

• Lead Artist at Backbone Entertainment
• PSN ID: Spazticus_1

Terry

• VGEVO.com Founder
• PSN ID: Trickman

Ken

• VGEVO.com Founder
• PSN ID: X_Sushi_X

Joel

• VGEVO.com Mod
• PSN ID: Fivespot

Pete

• VGEVO.com Mod
• PSN ID: CS_RPT

Chris

• Interactive Distractions podcast
• PSN ID: Shinobishi

Mark

• PS Nation podcast
• PSN ID: SavoryCade

Scott

• Welcome to the GOO (Gamers Only Older)
• PSN ID: thesau31

Adam

• Welcome to the GOO (Gamers Only Older)
• PSN ID: TheNorte

Cat

• Sisters in Gaming podcast
• PSN ID: catw0man72

Nermassa

• Sisters in Gaming podcast
• PSN ID: nermassa

SaberG

• Sisters in Gaming podcast
• PSN ID: SaberG

Sam

• Amplified Gamers podcast
• PSN ID: SinfoniaSam

Dale

• On Tap podcast
• PSN ID: GFgruel

Josh

• 360 Nation podcast (Hey, they’re PS3 gamers too!)
• PSN ID: Phillip_J_Fry

Justin

• 360 Nation podcast
• PSN ID: Randum
]]> http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/military-madness-nectaris-psn-game-night/feed/ 67 http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/military-madness-nectaris-psn-game-night/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PSBlog/~3/W_zSN7BHvNE/ http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/psp-firmware-v6-20-update/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:59:34 +0000 Eric Lempel http://blog.us.playstation.com/?p=19780 Hi everyone, PSP (PlayStation Portable) firmware update (v6.20) will be available later this evening so we wanted to give you a quick preview of what to expect.
• Digital Comics Reader – PlayStation Network Digital Comics is a new service launching in December. It will allow you to download hundreds of classic and new comics from the PlayStation Store and read them page by page or frame by frame on your PSP system. Firmware update (v6.20) includes the Digital Comics reader application, which you’ll find under a new section called “Extras” on the XMB. Please note, the comic reader is an additional download; once you’ve loaded (v6.20) onto your system, simply click on the comic reader icon under “Extras” to download it to your PSP. In addition, you’ll be able to try out a free digital comic sample from the service soon. Visit www.playstationcomics.com for more information.
• Export video/photo playlists – This is a new feature that allows you to export your video and photo playlists from your PC to your PSP system through Media Go. Download the latest version of Media Go (v1.3) for this and a few additional enhancements.

A full video walkthrough of Digital Comics will be available soon. Don’t forget, PS3 firmware update 3.1 is also set to go live this evening.

As always, we look forward to reading your feedback.

]]> http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/psp-firmware-v6-20-update/feed/ 183 http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/psp-firmware-v6-20-update/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PSBlog/~3/MHSLHK0VfVc/ http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/vote-today-for-playstations-17-vga-nominees/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:13:12 +0000 Jeff Rubenstein http://blog.us.playstation.com/?p=19754

As the saying goes, “It’s an honor just to be nominated.” If that’s the case, then we here at PlayStation are pretty well honored; The 2009 Video Game Awards nominees have just been announced, and Sony Computer Entertainment is up for 17 awards, more than any other publisher! UNCHARTED 2 leads all games with a record eight nominations, including GAME OF THE YEAR. See below for the full list of SCE titles and what award they’re up for.

But going back to that saying – being honored is nice, but winning is better. Fortunately, the decision isn’t left up to a shadowy cabal of Illuminati; for the first time ever, gamers from around the world get to vote for the victors between now and Saturday, December 12th. Hat in hand, we kindly ask you to vote for your favorite PlayStation games on Spike’s VGAs site.

In honor of our record number of VGA nominations, we’re currently planning a viewing party near the LA studios where the VGAs will be broadcast live to the world. We might even be able to get some of you fine readers into the event itself… So vote now, and stay tuned for more details here on the PlayStation.Blog!

PlayStation’s 2009 Video Game Award Nominees

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves (8)

• Game of the Year
• Studio of the Year (Naughty Dog)
• Best Graphics
• Best Action Adventure Game
• Best PS3 Game
• Best Original Score
• Best Voice (Claudia Black as Chloe Frazer)
• Best Voice (Nolan North as Nathan Drake)


Killzone 2 (3)

• Best Shooter
• Best Graphics
• Best PS3 Game

Gran Turismo (PSP) (1)

• Best Driving Game

inFAMOUS (1)

• Best PS3 Game

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (1)

• Best PS3 Game

Fat Princess (1)

• Best Downloadable Game

Flower (1)

• Best Independent Game Fueled by Dew

God of War III (1)

• Most Anticipated Game

Also, don’t forget to vote for PS3-exclusive Demon’s Souls as Best RPG.

]]> http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/vote-today-for-playstations-17-vga-nominees/feed/ 120 http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/vote-today-for-playstations-17-vga-nominees/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PSBlog/~3/cr7q8VxCtqY/ http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/special-thanksgiving-event-in-playstation-home-uncharted-2-among-thieves-fortune-hunter-edition-contest/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:48:44 +0000 Locust_Star http://blog.us.playstation.com/?p=19709 This Thanksgiving, you’ll want to spend every spare moment in the ever-evolving world of PlayStation Home. Starting this week, a new mini-game will appear in Central Plaza, occupying the space generally reserved for Saucer Pop. This Thanksgiving-themed game will only be live for a limited time and will prove to be one of the most addictive, action-packed, and ridiculously fun activities going on in PlayStation Home.

The premise is simple: in celebration of the impending Turkey Day, users will approach the giant stone turkey in Central Plaza and, of course, pledge their allegiance to the almighty Meleagris Gallopavo by stating “Gobble gobble” and/or other assorted turkey-isms. If your homage pleases your turkey overlord, you will be given a chance to chase a bunch of wily turkeys around Central Plaza (word to the wise: these turkeys are quite cunning and as such get progressively more difficult to catch as the game goes on, so you’d better bring appropriate footwear). If you can manage to catch them all, you will unlock some truly hilarious rewards that are sure to make you an object of envy amongst your peers. Sound borderline insane? Of course it does – which is exactly why we are doing it! Check the video below for a look at what we have in store for you.

Also, in celebration of the release of Assassin’s Creed 2, new AC2-themed virtual goods will be released this week. Hardcore fans of the franchise are sure to find these items to be true must-haves (and we bet they’ll geek out hard over the full Ezio costumes set to release in PlayStation Home come next week). Any way you cut it, if you “Live by the Creed” then PlayStation Home is the place to be (when you aren’t sneaking up behind enemies and performing other stealthy maneuvers in various Italian locales, of course).



In other PlayStation Home-related news: We’re pleased to announce another opportunity for you, the PlayStation Home community, to win a copy of the super-limited UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Fortune Hunter Edition. Here’s how this contest works: PlayStation Home community members should enter the new UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves game space in PlayStation Home between the hours of 8:00am PT on Friday, November 20th and 12:00pm PT on Saturday, November 21st to play the Fortunate Thieves mini-game. The user that secures the #1 slot of the game’s leaderboard will win a copy of the UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Fortune Hunter Edition. Included in this prize package is a Phurba Dagger ornamental replica (plus stand), a special “book case” with art book autographed by the Naughty Dog team, a ton of downloads, and the UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Strategy Guide. This is arguably the most sought-after prize we are giving away all year, so read the official rules and regulations below and then head into PlayStation Home right at 8:00am PT on Friday, November 20th (this is when we will wipe the leaderboards) and get that first place slot.



The following promotion is intended for viewing in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia only and will be construed and evaluated according to United States law. Do not enter this contest if you are not a legal resident of, and located in, the 50 United States or District of Columbia at the time of entry.


PLAYSTATION HOME UNCHARTED 2 FORTUNATE THIEVES MINI GAME CONTEST
OFFICIAL RULES

Void outside the 50 United States and District of Columbia and where prohibited.

1. Eligibility. The UNCHARTED 2 FORTUNATE THIEVES MINI GAME Contest (the “Promotion”) is open only to legal residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years of age or older at the time of entry and hold a PlayStation Network account in good standing as determined by Sponsor. Employees of the Sponsor and its parent, subsidiaries and affiliated companies and their immediate families are not eligible to participate in this Promotion.

2. Sponsor. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., 919 East Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404 (“Sponsor”).

3. Timing. The Promotion begins on November 20, 2009 at 8:00 A.M. PST and ends on November 21, 2009 at 12:00 P.M. PST (the “Promotion Period”).

4. How to Enter. No purchase necessary. Internet access, a PlayStation Network account, and a PlayStation3 computer entertainment system required. Using the PlayStation3 system, go to the PlayStation Network and access PlayStation Home. Users who wish to enter (the “Entrants”) shall use their avatars to enter the UNCHARTED 2 Among Thieves Nepalese Village Space (the “Event Space”) (accessible via the World Map on the Entrant’s Menu Pad), navigate their avatars to the “Fortunate Thieves” mini game, and select the “Fortunate Thieves” icon. Entrants will be directed to the Fortunate Thieves menu and will be presented with the four (4) following options:

• HOW TO PLAY:
  Entrants selecting this option will be presented with three (3) screens of instructions listing the details of gameplay, including the game purpose and game strategy.
• CREATE GAME (“HOST”):
  Entrants selecting this option will be the game “Hosts”. Hosts are in charge of setting the following variables in the game:
  • Maps – Hosts determine the map game will be played on. There are eight (8) maps total in game. The terrain and layout of each map varies. Some maps have more treasure winning potential than others.
  • Public v. Private – Hosts determine whether to make the game public (anyone in the space can participate) or private (only Entrants who are on the Host’s PSN friends list can participate).
  • Number of Turns – Hosts determine how many “turns” the game will consist of. (“turns” are defined as one round for each player in the game). The turn choices are 10, 15, 20, 25.
  • Number of Seconds – Hosts determine how many seconds a player will have to act once it is their “turn”. The seconds choices are 20, 40 or 60 seconds.

  Once the above parameters are set, a Lobby is created. A minimum of two (2) players are needed to start a game. The host can join the game as a player and must wait for a minimum of one (1) other player to enter the Lobby before a game session can begin. A maximum of four (4) players are permitted per game.

• JOIN GAME (“PARTICIPANT”):
  Entrants selecting this option join the game as Participants and are taken to a list of available games where they can see the Host options set for each game and determine which game they would like to join. Participants can then join any open game.
• SPECTATE GAME:
  Entrants selecting this option are taken to a choice of games that they can watch. Spectators cannot enter a game.
  Hosts are responsible for controlling the game, including setting and determining the game variables listed above in each game. To enter the Promotion, Entrants can either select the “Create a Game” icon as the Host or the “Join a Game” icon as a Participant. Once Entrants have selected a method of entry, they may join any open game. A minimum of two (2) players are required and a maximum of four (4) players are permitted per game. Players will receive a set of four (4) cards. Cards will be continually dealt to Players throughout the game so that Players will always have a set of four (4) cards to play with. To play, Players must use the cards to accumulate points. Instructions for playing the cards are presented to Players in pop-up format and are revealed to Players as they scroll over individual cards. Players should attempt to accumulate as many points as possible. Once the game ends, timing stops and Player’s score is recorded. Players can play an unlimited number of games within the promotion period to attempt to better their score. The 10 (ten) highest scores and the online IDs of the players who earned them in an individual game from all games played during the Promotion Period in all instances of the UNCHARTED Nepalese Village space will be posted on the Global Leaderboard located in the UNCHARTED Nepalese Village Space. (An instance is a new event space that is created when the number of users in the original space has reached its maximum capacity. Fortunate Thieves can support multiple instances of the same Event Space so that Players will be able to access the space.)

5. Entry Conditions and Release. Entrants may participate as many times as they like. Sponsor is not responsible for technical, hardware or software failures, malfunctions, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions or unforeseen schedule changes that may limit an entrant’s ability to participate in the Promotion, even if caused by Sponsor’s negligence. Sponsor is not responsible for changes to Entrant’s contact information. Entries not satisfying these Official Rules are automatically disqualified. Sponsor has the sole discretion to modify, cancel or suspend this Promotion should virus, bugs or other causes beyond Sponsor’s control corrupt, change or adversely affect the Promotion’s administration, security or proper play and to award prizes from among all eligible entries received prior to Sponsor’s action. Automated entries are prohibited and any use of automated devices will cause disqualification. Sponsor has the sole discretion to disqualify any entrant who tampers with the entry process.

6. Winner Selection. One (1) Grand Prize winner will be selected during the Promotion Period. Winner will be determined as follows:

The player who accumulates the highest score in an individual game from all games played during the Promotion Period will be declared the Grand Prize winner. In the event of a tie in winning scores, Entrants with the highest tied winning scores will play a tiebreaker game in the Fortunate Thieves Event Space on November 23, 2009. Time and details of tiebreaker will be determined by Sponsor. Entrants will be notified at approximately 12:00 P.M.PST on November 18, 2009 via the email address associated with their PSN account with instructions regarding the time the tiebreaker will occur. The player with the highest score in the tiebreaker will be declared the Grand Prize winner. If the tiebreaker score is tied, additional tiebreaker games will be held from among the remaining highest scoring tied Players until the Player with the highest score remains, who will be declared the Grand Prize winner.

Winner’s PSN online IDs will be posted on the global leaderboard within the mini game located in the UNCHARTED Nepalese Village Space beginning on November 21, 2009 at approximately 12:00 P.M. PST. Winner will also be notified by Sponsor via the email address associated with Winner’s PSN account on or about November 23, 2009 at approximately 12:00 P.M. PST. Grand Prize winner must claim his or her prize within 48 hours from Sponsor’s notification. If Grand Prize winner does not respond within 48 hours from Sponsor’s outreach, an alternate winner will be selected by Sponsor based on the player who has the next highest score from all games played during the Promotion Period (or if a tie exists, the next highest score from the tiebreaker). This method will continue until a Grand Prize winner has responded.

7. Prize(s). One (1) Grand Prize for the Promotion Period. Grand Prize consists of one copy of UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Fortune Hunter Edition which includes a copy of the video game UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves, a phurba dagger replica and an artbook. The approximate retail value (“ARV”) of Grand Prize is $300.00. Prize fulfillment is based on availability. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if a prize is unavailable. Sponsor may disqualify a winner and select an alternate winner if any prize notification or prize is returned undeliverable. If the player with the highest score is under 18, the prize will be awarded to the Entrant with the next highest score from all games played during the Promotion Period (or if a tie exists the next highest score from the tiebreaker). Prizes are non-transferable and Sponsor need not substitute a prize based on winner’s request. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of the prize.

8. Odds of Winning. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

9. Publicity. By accepting the prize, winner agrees to the use of his or her name and likeness for purposes of advertising, trade or promotion without further compensation, unless prohibited by law, and agrees to sign and return a notarized Affidavit of Eligibility and Release of Liability (the “Affidavit”) within Fourteen (14) business days of prize notification.

10. Limitations of Liability. By attempting to enter, entering a Promotion or accepting a Promotion prize, an entrant or prize winner agrees to release Sponsor and its parent, subsidiaries, agencies, divisions and affiliates from liability, claims or actions or any kind for injuries, damages or losses to persons and property that may be sustained in connection with the receipt, ownership or use of the prize or while preparing for, participating in or traveling to or from the Promotion or any Promotion or prize-related activity. Sponsor’s employees, employees of Sponsor’s parent, subsidiaries, agencies, and affiliates and each of their related companies and their immediate families are not eligible. Neither the Sponsor nor its parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, agencies, divisions or related companies are responsible for any damages, taxes or expenses that winners might incur as a result of this Promotion or receipt of prize.

11. Promotion Results. Sponsor will post winner’s name in the Message of the Day on November 23, 2009 at approximately 10:00 A.M. PST, and winner’s name will also be announced in the PlayStation Home forums until December 30, 2009. To obtain a winner’s list by mail, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to PlayStation Home UNCHARTED 2 Fortunate Thieves Mini Game Contest Promotion, Attn: Promotions, 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd. 2nd Floor, Foster City, CA 94404. Sponsor will fulfill a winner’s list request within 4-6 weeks after it awards prizes. Requests for the winner’s list must be received by December 30, 2009.

12. Restrictions. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

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