Told you so

In our big Wii U E3 rumour round-up yesterday we gave our reasons why the rumoured Metroid and Star Fox crossover game wasn't going to happen. And guess what? It isn't happening.

Originator of the rumour Paul Gale Network has revealed the game is not in development at Retro Studios and therefore will not be shown off at E3 next week. Apparently the idea was proposed some time ago but was shot down like so many Arwings before it.

So, no Samus vs. Fox team-up next week — not unless Smash Bros. turns up, which is even more unlikely than Reggie sprouting wings and flying around the Nokia Theatre — but that does mean Retro Studios should have something else to show us for Wii U. That ought to put a smile on your face.

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Start your engines

Warner Bros. is set to have another go at refuelling its Spy Hunter franchise with the smartly named Spy Hunter for 3DS later this year.

It ticks all the right boxes so far — you play the "Agent" and must use a car and weapons to overthrow a terrorist organisation — but of course we all want to know how it'll use the 3DS console's specialist features. Over to Samantha Ryan, senior vice president of production and development at Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (we imagine her business cards are very wide):

Gamers now have more choice in the transformation and customization with greater hand controls, brilliant graphics and enhanced action cameras.

Greater hand controls? Sign us up when the game's out this fall.

[youtube:7sM7nNAZzM4]

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES SPY HUNTER For PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS
The Original Combat Driving Series is More Thrilling and Dangerous than Ever!

BURBANK, Calif. – May 30, 2012 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces Spy Hunter, a reboot of the legendary combat driving series, specially developed for PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS by TT Fusion. The game will be available this fall.

On the eve of the franchise’s 30th anniversary since the original Spy Hunter was released to arcades in 1983, the new Spy Hunter races forward on its most thrilling and dangerous ride yet. The player once again takes on the role of the “Agent,” the driver of the high-tech G-6155 Interceptor supercar, armed extensively with advanced weaponry, and ready to take on a global terrorist organization set on world domination.

“Spy Hunter’s classic gameplay has been upgraded to give PlayStation Vita and 3DS players a new, adrenaline-charged experience,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “Gamers now have more choice in the transformation and customization with greater hand controls, brilliant graphics and enhanced action cameras.”

The Interceptor seamlessly transforms from supercar to off-road assault vehicle to speed boat, allowing players to go where they like within the game’s branching mission tracks. Players can choose to outfit and upgrade the Interceptor’s many weapons and high tech gadgets as they like throughout the course of the game. And for the first time, the Agent will have additional support in the form of an unmanned aerial support drone, allowing players to plan their destruction when assaulting enemy agent strongholds. Spy Hunter also features thrilling crash choreography and a camera system that follows the action in slow motion to let players savor the destruction they created.

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Crash the boards

2K's highly acclaimed NBA 2K series is on the way to Wii U.

NBA 2K13 is coming to the system during its launch period, which could be any time from release to three months later based on the launch period for past consoles.

The simulation — which is also coming to Wii on 2nd October — is one of the top-rated sports series so should be a welcome addition to Wii U's software line-up.

2K Sports Announces NBA® 2K13’s Triumphant Return to Virtual Hardwood on October 2, 2012

Fans to receive NBA All-Star add-on content presented by Sprite with pre-order purchase, including all-new Sprite Slam Dunk Contest mode

New York, NY – May 30, 2012 – 2K Sports today announced that NBA® 2K13, the next installment of the top-rated NBA video game simulation franchise* for twelve straight years and the follow-up to the award-winning NBA 2K12, will be available on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 in North America and October 5, 2012 internationally for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™ system and Windows PC. A Wii U™ version of NBA® 2K13 will be available in the launch window, at a later date.

Fans that pre-order NBA 2K13 for the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 will receive a new downloadable NBA All-Star content package presented by Sprite. This add-on content will be set in Houston, the site of the 2013 NBA All-Star Game and will allow fans to stage their own NBA All-Star Game, including three NBA All-Star events - the Foot Locker Three Point Shootout, BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, and the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest featuring all-new intuitive, pick-up-and-play controls.

“The NBA All-Star package is our way saying ‘thank you’ to fans for their ongoing love of the NBA 2K series,” said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. “This content provides a ton of depth and value to our fans, and it’s just the beginning of a lot of big news about NBA® 2K13.”

Gamers can pit the NBA’s current superstars against classic players in both the Foot Locker Three Point Shootout and Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Rosters for both the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge and 2013 NBA All-Star Game will feature the 2012 All-Stars, with dynamic updates to the 2013 rosters once the participants are announced.

Developed by Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio, NBA 2K13 is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available on October 2, 2012 in North America and October 5, 2012 internationally. The Wii U version of the title will be available during the holiday season. Fans are encouraged to pre-order now at participating retailers in order to receive the NBA All-Star content on day one at no extra cost.

For more information on 2K Sports, visit www.2KSports.com.
For more information on NBA 2K13, visit http://www.facebook.com/NBA2K.
2K Sports is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*According to 2008 - 2012 Gamerankings.com and The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales through April 2012.

NBA 2K13 ESRB RATING PENDING: Visit www.esrb.org for rating information

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We have no words

Legendary SEGA arcade racer Daytona USA and Namco's Ridge Racer finally collide after years of taking separate racing lines, with Ridge Racer on Vita set to get the legendary Daytona Hornet as DLC.

The car hits Japan on 6th June, alongside a song called Ridge Racer: Ridge Racer USA Mix, which we can only assume mashes up the famous Daytona song with Kaz Hirai's infamous "Riiiiiiiiidge Racerrrrrr" quote from E3 2006.

Let's hope this DLC makes it outside of Japan.

[youtube:zcPKS4XxZNQ]

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Natsume and RSG on board

Harvest Moon creator Yasuhiro Wada recently set up his own studio, TOYBOX, with a simple message: "we are gaming for Love, Peace and Earth." Natsume, Rising Star Games and TOYBOX have just announced Project Happiness — a temporary title — with more details to come at E3.

The announcement doesn't give much more away than that, but does specify "Project Happiness will warm the hearts of gamers both young and old." Sounds very much like a Wada creation: as well as Harvest Moon, he also worked closely with Yoshiro Kimura on the similarly heartwarming Little King's Story.

Natsume, Rising Star and Wada all have plenty of history on Nintendo platforms, so we're pretty confident this'll come to 3DS or possibly even Wii U.

CODENAME: PROJECT HAPPINESS UNVEILED

Rising Star Games, TOYBOX and Natsume Inc. go for global happiness with new IP

31 May 2012 – Rising Star Games today announces its partnership with TOYBOX and Natsume to bring an exciting new IP to the global audience: Project Happiness (working title).

Developed by Yasuhiro Wada, the ‘Father of Harvest Moon’, and his new studio TOYBOX, Rising Star Games will publish the title in Europe and PAL territories - Natsume handling the Americas. More information about Project Happiness will be revealed by Yasuhiro Wada during E3 2012.

“Rising Star Games is privileged to work on the wonderful new IP Project Happiness with our friends at TOYBOX and Natsume,” said Martin Defries, managing director, Rising Star Games. “Our previous collaborations to bring great games to Rising Star Games European audience are a highlight of our game release history. The shared goal of all of us is to bring compelling entertainment to gamers, Wada-san and TOYBOX have an unquestioned skill in doing that.”

With decades of combined experience in producing family-friendly games, TOYBOX will delight gamers young and old with adventure, discovery and wonder.

“Project Happiness is an IP that is very close to my heart, and stems from years of working on other great titles like the Harvest Moon series,” said Yasuhiro Wada, CEO of TOYBOX. “Project Happiness is not only meant to be a fun game experience, but I also want it to help expand the player's view of the world, and make them ponder what their life means to them. From the very beginning of the idea of this product, we knew that to help bring its true vision to light, we wanted to partner with quality publishers who share our values like Natsume and Rising Star Games."

"Project Happiness is the culmination of Wada-san’s many years of creating fun and wholesome gaming entertainment, and we’re incredibly excited to be working alongside TOYBOX and Rising Star Games throughout this project," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. “As more details are revealed throughout the year, players will begin to understand why we think Project Happiness will be the next major IP and fan favorite for Natsume.”

Yasuhiro Wada will host behind-closed doors meetings to reveal the first details of Project Happiness at E3 where Natsume will host a booth in the South Hall, booth 515.

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Including eShop

3DS owners, it's a good job you like castles. Yesterday we had Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate confirmed and today Zen Studios — yes, the pinball guys — announced CastleStorm for "Nintendo digital platforms".

The tower defence/strategy hybrid was officially confirmed for the 3DS eShop but Zen has said it's in development for "literally every digital platform", so we're putting bets on a Wii U digital release later this year. Big bets.

As for the game itself, it's a side-on take on tower defence with a dash of physics-based play in there too. The trailer below explains more.

Zen Studios will be at E3 next week so we should see more.

[youtube:Qm9_llv7vwo]

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Nintendo UK just announced a new 3D photography initiative called Another Dimension, heading to the UK from next week.

Interested 3DS owners can head out on special photography field trips with celebrities, like pop group The Saturdays or bird-botherer Bill Oddie, with their 3D snaps displayed as part of an installation by artist Graham Hudson. The events are free and open to the public on a first-come, first served basis by emailing photocomp @ nintendo.co.uk.

The line-up of events includes:

1 JUNE : DRESS UP WITH THE SATURDAYS (secret location)
13 JUNE: WALK WITH DINOSAURS WITH RICK EDWARDS (Bristol Zoo)
14 JUNE: STREET ART WALK WITH PURE EVIL (East London)
15 JUNE: A TRIP TO THE ZOO WITH BILL ODDIE (Battersea Park Zoo, London)

There'll also be a gallery of 3D photographs from 6th to 8th July at London's Loading Bay Gallery. The exhibition will include shots from these events as well as some from the current Europe-wide competition.

NINTENDO 3DS PRESENTS ANOTHER DIMENSION

EXHIBITION, 3D PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION AND FIELD TRIPS ANNOUNCED

1-18 JUNE 2012: FIELD TRIPS BY BILL ODDIE, THE SATURDAYS AND MORE
6-8 JULY 2012: INSTALLATION BY GRAHAM HUDSON

Nintendo UK is excited to announce ANOTHER DIMENSION, a series of special events and an interactive gallery exhibition, to celebrate the Europe-wide 3D photography competition that is currently underway.

Taking place in June will be a series of intimate photography field trips hosted by a range of high profile names, including one of Britain’s best-loved nature enthusiasts, Bill Oddie, and members of The Saturdays. Work created during these unique trips will then be exhibited alongside the best 3D photography work from the competition, within a special pop-up installation created by acclaimed artist Graham Hudson.

Taking in themes of People, Places, Animals, Augmented Reality and Objects, members of the public will be invited to take part in memorable and inspiring experiences, led by some of the UK’s best known and engaging personalities. Together with the opportunity to visit interesting places on a unique day out, they will also learn how to take 3D photographs using Nintendo 3DS consoles, to create a series of fun and eye-catching images, which will be entered into the 3D competition. Each field trip will also be attended by a member of the Royal Photographic Society who will be on hand to teach people about how to take high quality 3D photographs on their Nintendo 3DS. A unique opportunity to be taken on an intimate, visual adventure by a host of high profile names, the ANOTHER DIMENSION field trips are free and open to the public, and will be filled on first-come, first served basis, by signing up to photocomp @ nintendo.co.uk . Confirmed field trips include:

1 JUNE : DRESS UP WITH THE SATURDAYS (secret location)
13 JUNE: WALK WITH DINOSAURS WITH RICK EDWARDS (Bristol Zoo)
14 JUNE: STREET ART WALK WITH PURE EVIL (East London)
15 JUNE: A TRIP TO THE ZOO WITH BILL ODDIE (Battersea Park Zoo, London)

The best of the photographs created during the field trips will also be featured as part of a giant installation at The Loading Bay Gallery, The Old Truman Brewery, Dray Walk off Brick Lane, E1 6QL from 6 - 8 July.

The exhibition will be created by the award-winning artist Graham Hudson, who will build a large-scale architectural sculpture created from scaffolding, to house the 3D images. Having exhibited at London’s Zabludowicz Collection, Auto Italia, Saatchi Gallery, Seventeen Gallery and a host of international gallery spaces, as well as being featured at the Frieze Sculpture Park in 2009, and creating commissions for Comme des Garcons, Hudson was also shortlisted for W Hotels’ Designers of the Future Award at DesignMiami in 2010.

The Nintendo 3DS Photography Competition has been launched in association with National Geographic Kids, famed for its exceptional wildlife photography, and the world’s oldest national photographic society, The Royal Photographic Society (RPS).

Competition entries are split into six dedicated categories, so no matter what you love to shoot, there’s a theme to suit you. The categories include: Animals, People, Places, Objects, Plants and Augmented Reality, which fully utilises the Augmented Reality features of the Nintendo 3DS system. The photo entries will be judged by an expert panel, including Tim Herbert, features editor of National Geographic Kids magazine, and Dr Michael Pritchard, Director General at the RPS. The most promising photographer will win the top prize of a trip for two to Paris and a photography masterclass, while lucky runners-up will be awarded Nintendo goodies in recognition of their skill.

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Play Sam again

Ubisoft's got a lot of Wii U games to show off next Monday, and one of them might feature everyone's favourite gruff-voiced special agent spy that's not Solid Snake.

According to reports, Splinter Cell: Blacklist is heading to Wii U, PS3 and Xbox 360 in early 2013. Ubisoft has refused to comment, saying only it "doesn't comment on rumour and speculation," but we guess we won't have to wait too much longer to find out how real this one is.

Ubisoft's E3 2012 press conference is on Monday 4th June at 3pm Pacific time — that's 11pm UK.

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A mixed bag

Plenty to choose from this week and no time to waste, so here's what's up today.

PS Plus

Mad Riders (PS3) including DLC
Price: £7.99,€9.99,AU$15.95

PS3 Games

Mad Riders (Trial also available)
Mad Riders is an adrenaline-fueled off-road arcade racing game, that will let you perform amazing aerial stunts and race on over 45 stunning tracks from all over the world, at breathtaking speeds.
Price: £7.99,€9.99,AU$15.95, PEGI: 3, Availability: All, File Size: 1285MB

Men In Black: Alien Crisis
It’s your turn to suit up as the newest MIB recruit to eliminate the scum of the universe. Arm yourself with a full arsenal of iconic MIB weapons and head into the field with the mission to investigate and stop an evil alien plot to snatch up an ancient artifact that is the key to seizing control of the universe.
Price: £39.99,€59.99,AU$99.95, PEGI: 12, Availability: All, File Size: 6112MB

Prototype 2 [Prototype 2 review]
WELCOME TO NEW YORK ZERO. Experience Sgt James Heller hunt, kill and consume his way toward the ultimate goal – to kill Alex Mercer!
Price: £49.99,€69.99, PEGI: 18, Availability: Not available in AU, NZ, UA, File Size: 13GB

RIDGE RACER 7
Ridge Racer 7 returns to PlayStation 3, with stunning stereoscopic 3D visuals. Choose from 40 machines and over 40 courses for a driving experience unlike any other. Access 375,000 visual customization and 7,150 tunable combinations, or race against challengers from around the world with full support of PlayStation Network. Ridge Racer 7 only comes to life with the aid of a 3D Ready TV.
Price: £14.99,€19.99,AU$29.95, PEGI: 3, Availability: All, File Size: 7624MB

SBK Generations
The official game of the FIM Superbike World Championship is back with the most complete motorcycling simulation ever created. Live through the last four seasons of the SBK world championships and become world champion!
Price: €29.99,AU$39.95, PEGI: 3, Availability: Not available in BU,CR,IS,KU,LU,QT,SA,SL,TK,UK,GB

Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition
Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition brings the final throwdown to consoles. Featuring 4 new characters, rebalanced game play, and an updated user interface, Arcade Edition is truly the definitive version of Street Fighter.
Price: £14.99,€19.99,AU$29.95, PEGI: 12, Availability: All, File Size: 18GB

PS3 Demos (Free)

Top Gun: Hard Lock Demo
PEGI: 16, Availability: Not available in BU, HR, CZ, DE, HU, IN, IS, KU, PL, PT, QA, RU, SA, SL, TR, UA, AE, File Size: 450MB

PSVita Games

Resistance: Burning Skies Special Edition
Compatible with PlayStation Vita only.
Resist the Chimeran invasion as Tom Riley, a lone New York firefighter.
For a limited time only, download Resistance: Burning Skies and you’ll also receive a skin for your PS Vita home screen, three PSN avatars and a multiplayer booster – at no extra charge.
Price: £39.99,€44.99,AU$62.95, PEGI: 16, Availability: All, File Size: 3.5GB

PSVita Demos (Free)

Gravity Rush
PEGI: 12, Availability: All, File Size: 492MB

PS2

Conflict: Vietnam
Compatible with PlayStation 3.
Trapped behind enemy lines, in the heart of the Vietnamese jungle, the Viet Cong lie in wait… everywhere. You must use your squad’s skills, determination and immense firepower to outsmart the enemy and battle your way to freedom.
Prices: £5.49,€6.99,AU$11.45, PEGI: 16, Availability: All, File Size:2569MB

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon
Compatible with PlayStation 3.
When new leaders in Russia attempt to rebuild the Iron Curtain, war escalates, casualties mount, prisoners are taken, and the Ghosts are sent in. Take a highly skilled Ghost team through a series of missions that range from demolitions to search-and-rescue and all-out firefights for survival.
Prices: £5.49,€6.99,AU$11.45, PEGI: 16, Availability: All, File Size: 1604MB

PSP

Blazing Souls Accelate
Compatible with PSP (PlayStation Portable) and PlayStation Vita.
Zelos, who makes his living as an independent contractor, obtains a crystal infused with magical energy called a “Core Elemental” after a freak accident. Almost as soon as it fell into his hands, Zelos was besieged by a number of mysterious beings intent on taking the power of the elemental for their own.
Prices:£15.99, €19.99, AU$19.99, PEGI: 12, Availability: Not available in AU, DE, NZ, File Size: 431MB

minis

Rasmus Klump in Pingonisen
Prices: €3.99, PEGI: 3, Availability: AUSTRIA, DE only

PS3 DLC

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice Of Arland

• Meruru Mix Pack (£2.39,€2.99,AU$4.95)
• Rufus (£3.19, €3.99, AU$6.95)
  PEGI: 12, Availability: Not available in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, Sweden

Batman: Arkham City
Harley’s Revenge
Prices: £6.49,€7.99,AU$12.95, PEGI: 16, Availability: All

Dragon’s Dogma

• From A Different Sky – Part 2 (£0.79, €0.99, AU$1.75)
• Weapon Pack: The Monster Hunter (£2.39, €2.99, AU$4.95)
  PEGI: 12, Availability: All

Elevator Action Deluxe
Additional Stages -5-
Prices: £1.59,€1.99,AU$3.45, PEGI: Rating Here, Availability: Not available in BU,HU,QT

LittleBigPlanet 2
Starhawk Minipack
Prices: £2.39,€2.99,AU$4.95, PEGI: 7, Availability: All

Mad Riders
Mad Riders + Daredevil Map Pack
Prices: £7.99,€9.99,AU$15.95, PEGI: 3, Availability: All

Mass Effect 3
Map Pack 2
Prices: Free, PEGI: 18, Availability: All

MotorStorm RC

• Special Rally Car: Whippy (£0.21, €0.25, AU$0.25)
• Special Race Truck: Lunar-Tec Screamer (Free for 7 days only!)
• Veteran Big Rig: Nord Kodiak (£0.40, €0.49, AU$0.90)
  PEGI: 3, Availability: All

Prototype 2
Excessive Force Pack
Prices: £3.99,€4.99,AU$8.45, PEGI: 18, Availability: All

PSVita DLC

MotorStorm RC

• Special Rally Car: Whippy (£0.21, €0.25, AU$0.25)
• Special Race Truck: Lunar-Tec Screamer (Free for 7 days only!)
• Veteran Big Rig: Nord Kodiak (£0.40, €0.49, AU$0.90)
  PEGI: 3, Availability: All

Touch My Katamari
Katamari Fans (Free)
PEGI: 3, Availability: All

Avatars

Dynasty Warriors 7

Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Cao Cao)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Deng Ai)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Gan Ning)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Liu Bei)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Sima Zhao)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Sun Jian)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Sun Shangxiang)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Wang Yuanji)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Xu Zhu)
Dynasty Warriors 7 Avatar Icon (Zhuge Liang)
Prices: £0.40,€0.49,AU$0.90
Availability: Not available in New Zealand

Dynasty Warriors Next

Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Cao Pi)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Cao Ren)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Diaochan)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Guan Ping)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Guo Huai)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Huang Gai)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Pang Tong)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Xiahou Ba)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Xiaoqiao)
Dynasty Warriors Next Avatar (Zhou Tai)
Prices: £0.40,€0.49,AU$0.90, Availability: Not available in New Zealand

The Studio Avatars

Hydro74 Avatar 7
Hydro74 Avatar 8
Jasper Goodall Avatar 1
Jasper Goodall Avatar 2
Jasper Goodall Avatar 3
Prices: £0.21,€0.25,AU$0.45, Availability: All

Warriors Orochi 3

Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Benkei)
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Himiko)
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Nu Wa)
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Sanzang)
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Sun Wukong)
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Yoshitsune Minamoto
Warriors Orochi 3 Avatar Icon (Zuo Ci)
Prices: £0.40,€0.49,AU$0.90
Availability: Not available in New Zealand

Themes

PREMIUM THEME

NATURE

Bees in Bloom Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

DYNAMIC THEMES

ABSTRACT

Dynamic Grunge Blood Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

GAMES

Assassin’s Creed III – Theme 1 (£2.39/€2.99/$4.95)
Batman: Arkham City Premium Theme (£2.39/€2.99/$4.95)
Ghost Recon Future Soldier Theme 1 (£2.39/€2.99/$4.95)
“Wanted Corp.” Dynamic theme – Maddogg (£0.79/€0.99)

MILITARY

Dynamic Sniper Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

NATURE

Dynamic Gulfoss Waterfall Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)
Dynamic River Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

PLACES/LANDMARKS

Dynamic Big Ben Theme UK (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)
Dynamic China Shanghai Theme (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

SCI-FI/FANTASY

Burial Ground: Dead in the Water (£1.99/€2.49/$4.25)
Dynamic Dragon Battle Theme 2 (£1.59/€1.99/$3.45)

Videos

Access Episode 036 (GB Only)
Access Episodes 01-036 now available on Vita.
Sorcery Launch Trailer
Hitman Absolution E3 Saints Trailer (Not available in DE)

Make sure you check out that Hitman trailer, it's a hoot. Anyway, anything coming home with you today?

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Resistance is futile

Vita plays host to another big Sony franchise this week as the Chimera land on Vita. More cerebral pursuits include chess and a playable demo of one of the machine's most anticipated games. Here's what's out this week.

PlayStation Plus

Full Game Trial: Assassin’s Creed Revelations Full Game Trial [Assassin's Creed Revelations review]

Rayman Origins Full Game Trial [Rayman Origins review]

PS3 Games Rayman Origins (PS Plus Price: $23.99)

PS3 Ultimate Edition Bundles: MotorStorm Apocalypse (PS Plus Price: $35.34) [MotorStorm Apocalypse review]
BioShock 2 Complete Edition (PS Plus Price: $19.59) [BioShock 2 review]
Call of Duty: Black Ops Bundle (PS Plus Price: $46.54) [Call of Duty: Black Ops review]
inFAMOUS 2 Complete Edition (PS Plus Price:$23.79) [inFAMOUS 2 review]
Just Cause 2 Ultimate Edition (PS Plus Price:$14.69) [Just Cause 2 review]
L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition (PS Plus Price: $19.59) [L.A. Noire review]
Mafia II Bundle (PS Plus Price:$14.69) [Mafia II review]
Mortal Kombat Bundle (PS Plus Price:$24.49) [Mortal Kombat review]
Red Dead Redemption and Undead Nightmare Collection (PS Plus Price:$19.59) [Red Dead Redemption review]

Avatars: Rayman Origins: Globox Toe-grab avatar (PS Plus Price: FREE)
Rayman Origins: Baby Dragon avatar (PS Plus Price: FREE)
Rayman Origins: Darktoon avatar (PS Plus Price: FREE)

Theme Robot Dynamic Theme (PS Plus Price: FREE)

PSN Games

Mad Riders ($9.99)
Mad Riders is an adrenaline-fueled off-road arcade racing game that sets new standards for the racing genre on PlayStation Network.
ESRB rated E, File size 1.25 GB

Pure Chess ($7.99)
Experience the game of chess like you’ve never seen it before. Download Pure Chess to see how stunning and beautiful chess can really be, and find out if you are a Grandmaster in the making.
ESRB rated E, File size 365 MB

PS Vita Games

Pure Chess ($7.99) [Pure Chess review]
Experience the game of chess like you’ve never seen it before. Download Pure Chess® to see how stunning and beautiful chess can really be, and find out if you are a Grandmaster in the making.
ESRB rated E, File size 347 MB

Resistance: Burning Skies Full Game ($35.99)
As New York fire fighter and National Guardsman Tom Riley, you’re about to come face to face with the brutal Chimeran invasion force in this blistering shooter built from the ground up for the PlayStation Vita.
ESRB rated M, File size 2.84 GB

PS3 Full Games

Assassin’s Creed Revelations ($59.99) [Assassin's Creed Revelations review]
In Assassin’s Creed Revelations, master assassin Ezio Auditore walks in the footsteps of the legendary mentor Altair, on a journey of discovery and revelation.
ESRB rated M, File size 7.8 GB

Rayman Origins ($29.99) [Rayman Origins review]
The critics have spoken – “Rayman Origins is Living, Breathing Perfection” -Gamefan. 9.5/10 – IGN, 9 /10 – PlayStation The Official Magazine, 9/10 – Destructoid, 5/5 – Joystiq, 4.5/5 – Gamepro.
ESRB rated E10+, File size 1.42 GB

Game Demos (free)

Mad Riders
Download the demo for Mad Riders now! Mad Riders is an adrenaline-fueled off-road arcade racing game that sets new standards for the racing genre on the PlayStation®Network. Perform aerial stunts, use your boost wisely, and open shortcuts to dominate your friends on 45 tracks in stunning tropical locations across the globe.
ESRB rated E, File size 1.25 GB

PS Vita Demos (Free)

Gravity Rush
Manipulate gravity to save your world from destruction. Gain a new perspective as you take on the role of Kat, a strong-willed girl seeking the means to protect her future in a world that’s crumbling to pieces. Tilt and move the PlayStation Vita, taking gravity into your own hands to deliver devastating attacks, uncover the secrets to your past and explore a mysterious world.
ESRB rated T, File size 472 MB

Resistance: Burning Skies
As New York fire fighter and National Guardsman Tom Riley, you’re about to come face to face with the brutal Chimeran invasion force in this blistering shooter built from the ground up for the PlayStation Vita. The latest installment in the hugely successful franchise focuses on the initial days of the assault by overwhelming Chimeran forces on the U.S. eastern seaboard and intense multiplayer. Download the trial today and experience portable shooting redefined!
ESRB rated M, File Size 2.84 GB

PS3 Add-ons

Mass Effect 3: Rebellion Multiplayer Expansion [Mass Effect 3 review]
The Rebellion Multiplayer Expansion opens two new fronts against the Reapers: Firebase Jade’s jungle reservoir and Firebase Goddess on Thessia.
File size 145 MB

Atelier Meruru add ons (x2) ($2.99 – $3.99)
Various add on content.
File size 111 KB – 135 KB

Batman Arkham City – Harley Quinn’s Revenge ($9.99) [Batman Arkham City review]
As the dust settles in Gotham, Batman is lured back into Arkham City by its last remaining super-criminal; Harley Quinn. Now more dangerous than ever and leading a homicidal gang of her own, she is hell-bent on taking her revenge against the Dark Knight.
File size 818 MB

Dragon’s Dogma add ons (x2) ($0.99 – $2.99) [Dragon's Dogma review]
Various add on content.
File size 707 KB – 11 MB

Elevator Action HD – Additional Stages -5 ($1.99)
New DLC for ELEVATOR ACTION DELUXE has arrived! This update gives you five new stages to explore and master. Sneak or fight? Disguise is the key to success in these stages! Put an end to the enemy’s ambitions! Will you rise to the challenge?
File size 11 MB

LittleBigPlanet 2 Starhawk Minipack ($2.99)
Download the Starhawk Costume Minipack to dress your Sackboy in these exciting costumes: – Emmett – Cutter – The Outlaw To download this costume pack, you must already own LittleBigPlanet 2.
File size 110 KB

MotorStorm RC add ons (x3) ($0.25 – $0.49) [MotorStorm RC review]
Various add on content.
File size 100 KB each

Prototype 2 Excessive Force Pack ($4.99) [Prototype 2 review]
Introducing the “Excessive Force” Pack, the most insanely over-the-top pack Radical Entertainment® has ever created!! “Excessive Force” is about to become your middle name.
File size 5.04 MB

Pure Chess Park Game Pack ($1.99)
Check out all the Pure Chess additional content available for download. Each pack contains a stunning new location and incredibly detailed set of chess pieces. This pack features an Autumnal park and an ornate set of park animal chess pieces.
File size 79 MB

Test Drive Unlimited 2 add ons (x9) ($0.99 each)
Various add on content.
File size 101 KB each

Rocksmith

My Chemical Romance Song Pack ($7.99)
File size 9.63 MB
Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na) By My Chemical Romance ($2.99)
File size 2.6 MB
Planetary (Go!) By My Chemical Romance ($2.99)
File size 3.12 MB
Welcome To The Black Parade By My Chemical Romance ($2.99)
File size 3.91 MB

Rock Band 3

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

“SCREAM AIM FIRE” – Bullet for My Valentine ($1.99)
“TEARS DON’T FALL” – Bullet for My Valentine ($1.99)
“YOUR BETRAYAL” – Bullet for My Valentine ($1.99)
“BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE PACK 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE PACK 01. This pack includes “Scream Aim Fire”, “Tears Don’t Fail” and “Your Betrayal”. By Bullet for My Valentine.
File size: 31 MB – 35 MB (singles), 97 MB (track pack)

Rock Band Network v2.0

“DESCONOCIDO” – Leche de Tigre ($0.99)
“HALF CAB” – Quartered ($0.99)
“I AM S/H(IM)E[R] AS YOU AM S/H(IM)E[R] AS YOU ARE ME AND WE… ” – Giraffes? Giraffes! ($0.99)
“MARTYR TO SCIENCE” – Deadlock ($0.99)
“THE FALL OF PSILANTHROPY” – Chaotrope ($0.99)
File size: 20 MB – 50 MB (singles)

PS Vita Add-Ons

Hustle Kings add ons (x2) (Free – $1.99) [Hustle Kings review]
Various add on content.
File size 1 MB – 21 MB

MotorStorm RC add ons (x3) ($0.25 – $0.49) [MotorStorm RC review]
Various add on content.
File size 100 KB each

Pure Chess Park Game Pack ($2.49) [Pure Chess review]
Check out all the Pure Chess additional content available for download. Each pack contains a stunning new location and incredibly detailed set of chess pieces. This pack features an Autumnal park and an ornate set of park animal chess pieces.
File size 76 MB

Resistance: Burning Skies Online Pass ($9.99)
Various add on content.
File size N/A

PS Vita Apps

Nico Nico (free)

Updates

Fate Unlimited Codes (Price Change) (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Prinny 2 – Digital (Price Change) (PS3) (now $14.99, original price $29.99)
Under Siege – Exclusive (Price Change) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $13.99) [Under Siege review]
Phantom Brave (Price Change) (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Test Drive Unlimited 2: Casino (Price Change) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Avatars

Assassin’s Creed III Avatars (x10) ($0.49 each)
Ridge Racer Avatar Pack 01 – 03 ($2.49 each)

Game Videos (free)

Dishonored Debut Trailer Dishonored preview]
Hell Yeah! Gameplay Trailer
London 2012 – The Official Video Game Of The Olympic Games
Metro: Last Light – Enter The Metro Short Film Trailer
Rocksmith My Chemical Romance DLC Trailer
Spec Ops: The Line – Damned Vs Exiles Trailer Spec Ops: The Line preview]
Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Trailer

PS3 Themes

Assassin’s Creed III Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Bianca Beauchamp Glam Goddess Theme ($1.99)
Bianca Beauchamp Latex Queen Theme ($1.99)
Burial Ground Maggot Head Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Burial Ground: Axe Girlfriend Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Burial Ground: Dead in the Water Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Burial Ground: Handy Snack Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Burial Ground: Zombie Rain Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Girls Gone Wild Static Theme ($1.49)
Prong Tattoo Model 2 ($1.99)

PS2 Classics

Rayman Arena ($9.99)
Hop into the arena or race to the finish against your opponents in this Rayman-themed party game.
ESRB rated E, File size 923 MB

Bundles

Call of Duty Black Ops Ultimate Edition ($66.49)
inFAMOUS 2 Ultimate Edition ($33.99)
Mafia II Ultimate Edition ($20.99)
Mortal Kombat Ultimate Edition ($34.99)
Motorstorm Apocalypse Ultimate Edition ($50.49)

Music

Resistance 3 Original Soundtrack from the Video Game ($9.99 [Resistance 3 review]

Wow, what a bumper week, particularly for Vita owners. Will you take the plunge and buy Resistance or try out the demo first? Let us know what you make of this week's line-up in the comments below.

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