Last week I felt very lucky to be one of the few folks with a LittleBigPlanet beta key. While I created very little, I’ve had a blast playing the game. This week I’ve got company, as a few devs were able to track down a beta key. I can’t wait to see these guys come up with. Will Daryl create his next RenTest? He better get cracking, the beta ends this weekend.

Here’s the rundown of the other games we’re playing.

Daryl Brigner, Level Designer: Mount & Blade, Brothers in Arms: HH, and Little Big Planet Beta.

Larry Waldman, QA: LittleBigPlanet Beta (thanks Nghi), Fable 1.

Craig Lafferty: LittleBigPlanet Beta, Fallout 3.

Fred Zeleny: Fallout 3, Rock Band 2, and even more Rock Band 2. I’ve got to earn more cash for the members of my all-Lincoln band, “Fourscore & the Seven Years.”

Aaron Mitschelen, QA: LotRO, Gears of War, Soul Calibur 4, Persona 3: FES, maybe some Mass Effect.

Dane Olds, Artist: Fallout 3, Stalker: Clear Sky, Mega Man 9.

Chris Esko, Gameplay Programmer: Mercenaries 2, King’s Bounty: The Legend.

Jeff Browne, Level Designer: Mount & Blade and a little of Stalker: Clear Sky.

Ryan Lea: Mega Man 9, Silent Hill Homecoming, and Gears of War.

Brent Krische, QA Tester: I checked out the Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle Cars demo, (it seems like a lot of fun,) and I played/watched/experienced Linger in Shadows.

Jon Paul Duvall, Designer: Warhammer Online.

Orin Tresnjak, Graphics Programmer: Burnout Paradise. Just 5 races away from my Burnout Elite license…I have officially played this game way too much.

Lindsay Westcott: I wanna play Fallout 3. I’m playing Mario Kart. A lot.

Pete Hines: Fallout 3.

Michael Lattanzia, QA: Warhammer Online, Spore, Shadow of Destiny, scouring for a cheap PS3 with backwards compatibility so I can buy Little Big Planet even though I can’t really afford either.

Matt Grandstaff, Community Manager: Fallout 3, Ninja Gaiden 2, LittleBigPlanet Beta.

• Confirmed: PSP FW 5.00 required for PSP Store, may go live next week
• TGS 2008: PSP Store, Ad Hoc Party, PS3 bundles, and Home beta launch dates

• Confirmed: PSP FW 5.00 required for PSP Store, may go live next week
• TGS 2008: PSP Store, Ad Hoc Party, PS3 bundles, and Home beta launch dates

Chrono Trigger DS New Impressions Preview

With all the announcements coming out of the Tokyo Game Show, a lot of us probably forgot there was a PSN update today. Sadly I am one of those people, but I’m taking a break from sobbing in a corner to bring us all the list of new content.

The most interesting game (or not a game?) out this week has to be Linger in Shadows. At the time of writing Linger in Shadows is only up on the European store for (£1.99/€2.99) and I all I can say is that it appears to be an interactive art show. However it does contain 16 Trophies so it’s safe to say there is some gameplay involved.

The not so mysterious side of the update is the large amount of add-on content and demos to try. Today demos for Valkyria Chronicles and Hail to the Chimp are available as well as Super Stardust HD Complete for (£6.99/€9.99). SSHD Complete contains all the add on packs that have been released so far which also means there’s potential for getting all the games Trophies for those of us who buy it. Today also marks the day that we get to play as Proto Man in Mega Man 9 for (£1.49/€1.99). Proto Man plays just like Mega Man except he can slide and release a charged shot. In other words, he’s better than Mega Man.

North America is getting Linger in Shadows for $2.99 and a little game called Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars for $14.99. This game is described as “vehicle-based soccer” and runs on the Unreal Engine 3. A lot is packed into this downloadable title such as Trophy support, online matchmaking, custom soundtracks, and the ability to edit replays and upload them to YouTube.

Episode 5 of Qore also debuts today and includes an exclusive demo to Valkyria Chronicles and special artwork. A new suit for Dead Space is available for a limited time for free. The Obsidian Suit sports PS3 colors, extra inventory slots, and increased toughness.

Finally there are a ton of premium XMB themes, ranging from $0.99 to $1.99.

European Update

Full Games

• Linger in Shadows (£1.99/€2.99)
• Super Stardust HD Complete (£6.99/€9.99)

Demos

• Valkyria Chronicles
• Hail to the Chimp

Add On Content

• Buzz! Quiz TV Comedy Move Quiz Pack (£3.49/€4.99)
• NBA Live 365 expansion (£6.99/€9.99)
• NBA Live ‘09 Oklahoma City pack (free)
• Rocketmen: It Came From Uranus expansion pack (£1.99/€2.99)
• Super Stardust HD Double Pack (£2.49/€5.99)
• Everybody’s Golf: World Tour Costume pack (£3.19/€3.99)
• Mega Man 9 Endless Attack mode (£1.99/€2.99)
• Mega Man 9 Proto Man character (£1.49/€1.99)

Videos

• Puzzle and Packs Trailer
• WipEout HD Making of Video
• Midnight Club: Los Angeles Trailer
• Mirror’s Edge 2D Story Trailer
• Need for Speed: Undercover Trailer
• MGS4 Story Trailer

Wallpaper and Themes

• WipEout HD Theme

North American Update

Full Games

• Linger in Shadows ($2.99)
• Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords ($14.99)
• Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars ($14.99)

Demos

• Warhawk
• Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars

Add On Content

• Hot Shots Golf Fashion Line ($2.99)
• Dead Space Obsidian Suit (free)
• Dead Space Scorpian Suit ($2.49)
• FIFA ‘09 All Leagues Pack ($19.99)
• FIFA ‘09 Barclays Premier League English Pack ($6.99)
• FIFA ‘09 Bundesliga German Pack ($6.99)
• FIFA ‘09 Liga BBVA Spanish Pack ($6.99)
• FIFA ‘09 Ligue 1 French Pack ($6.99)
• FIFA ‘09 Primera Division De Mexico Pack ($6.99)
• FIFA ‘09 Serie A Italian Pack ($6.99)
• Mega Man 9 Endless Attack Mode ($2.99)
• Mega Man 9 Proto Man Character ($1.99)
• Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Single Player Map Pack: Brave New Worlds (free)
• Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Scenario Pack: The Victory Pack ($1.25)
• Super Stardust HD Game Bundle With Solo & Team Modes ($14.99)
• Super Stardust HD Solo & Team Modes ($7.99)

Videos

• Life in LittleBigPlanet Ep. 2
• LittleBigPlanet Playtime
• MotorStorm: Pacific Rift Crashes & Carnage Trailer
• NBA ‘09 Trailers
• SOCOM Confrontation Desert Glory Flythrough
• BioShock Official Trailer
• Legendary: The Box Behind the Scenes 3&4
• Mercenaries 2: World in Flames Payback Trailer
• Soul Caliber IV Gameplay Combos Trailer
• Tom Clancy’s End War Command Points Video Briefing
• Tom Clancy’s End War Mass Destruction Trailer

Paid Themes

• Kicks Theme ($0.99)
• Bioshock Exclusive Theme ($0.99)
• Auburn University ($1.99)
• Florida State University ($1.99)
• University of Georgia ($1.99)
• University of Miami ($1.99)
• University of Michigan ($1.99)
• University of North Carolina ($1.99)
• University of Tennessee ($1.99)
• University of Texas ($1.99)
• Beach Sampler ($1.99)
• Summer Down Under ($1.99)
• Digital Techno ($1.49)
• High Voltage ($1.49)
• Horror Eyes ($1.49)
• Refracted Revolt ($1.49)
• Bad Girls ($1.49)
• Halloween Vixens ($1.49)
• Golden Retriever ($1.49)
• Man’s Best Friend ($1.49)
• Nordic Majesty ($1.49)
• Seaside Sunsets ($1.49)
• Elven-X ($0.99)
• Iron Guard ($0.99)

Free Wallpaper and Themes

• WipEout HD All Teams #2 Theme
• Fallout 3 Brotherhood of Steel Theme
• Fallout PIP-BOY 3000 Theme
• Linger in Shadows Wallpapers
• ATV Pure Wallpapers
• Valkyria Chronicles Wallpapers

The publisher released today a new trailer on IGN for Deadly Creatures revealing actors Billy Bob Thornton and Dennis Hopper as two of the game’s primary voice actors.

The grisly new trailer showcases Thornton as he warns, “Greed can poison a man’s soul, turn him into something he ain’t, turn him into something deadly.” Two men are then shown digging in the desert, voiced by Thornton and Hopper.

An original action-thriller starring violent insects in a desolate world, Deadly Creatures is scheduled to release Dec. 22 exclusively for Wii.

Qore

Qore Episode 5 ($2.99 for episode / $24.99 for Annual Subscription)
Episode 5 celebrates Halloween with a scary game roundup. It also includes exclusive access to SEGA’s Valkyria Chronicles demo, some spooky/creepy artwork and new shooting galleries.
File Size: 1.68 GB

Games

Linger in Shadows ($2.99)
Linger in Shadows is a unique interactive digital art experience that uses the SIXAXIS controller to manipulate the very fabric of time and reality. Groundbreaking graphics and interactivity raise the bar for what is possible on PlayStation 3. Download Linger in Shadows and experience a truly unique journey that will change the way you think about games and art.
File Size: 100 MB

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords ($14.99)
Building upon the addictive and easy to- learn gameplay of a puzzle game by integrating story and character progression elements found in RPGs, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords delivers a brand new type of game that pushes the puzzle genre to a previously unseen level. The PSN version of the game also includes the content from the ‘Wrath of the Plague Lord’ expansion pack.
File Size: 242 MB

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars ($14.99)
Get ready for non-stop action as you take control of a rocket-powered super car! It is a sport like no other, where supersonic cars jump, flip, and rocket boost their way to victory!
File Size: 177 MB

Add-on Game Content

Hot Shots Golf Fall Fashion Line ($2.99)
Spruce up your Hot Shots Golf Fall wardrobe with a collection of playful and funky new outfits ideal for golf wherever you play. Five new costumes come your way with 6 variations for each new costume giving you a total of 30 new outfits to dress your favorite 5 players in Hot Shots Golf Out Of Bounds. So now matter where you play, you’ll certainly be the best dressed player on the course.
File Size: 101 KB

Dead Space Obsidian Suit (Free)
Download the exclusive Obsidian Suit now, available only for the PLAYSTATION 3! This amazing Level 5 suit features the jet black PLAYSTATION 3 colors, upgraded toughness, and extra inventory slots.
File Size: 10.4 MB

Note: Free for a limited time only.

Dead Space Scorpion Suit ($2.49)
Download the exclusive Scorpion Suit now! Equip Isaac with this stunning Level 5 suit featuring enhanced armor and extra inventory slots.
File Size 9.31 MB

FIFA 09

• All Leagues Pack ($19.99)
• Barclays Premier League English Pack ($6.99)
• Bundesliga German Pack ($6.99)
• Liga BBVA Spanish Pack ($6.99)
• Ligue 1 French Pack ($6.99)
• Primera Division De Mexico Pack ($6.99)
• Serie A Italian Pack ($6.99)

File Sizes: 100 KB

Mega Man 9 Endless Attack Mode ($2.99)
File Size: 216 KB

Mega Man 9 Protoman Mode ($1.99)
File Size: 100 KB

Rock Band

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

The Offspring Track Pack 01 ($5.49; includes tracks below, also offered individually)

• Gone Away - The Offspring ($1.99)
• Pretty Fly (For A White Guy) - The Offspring ($1.99)
• Self Esteem - The Offspring ($1.99)

Various Tracks

• All Right Now - Free ($1.99)
• Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood ($1.99)
• Cream and Bastards Ride - Harvey Danger ($1.99)
• Nearly Lost You - Screaming Trees ($1.99)
• Push It - Static-X ($1.99)
• Stop! - Against Me ($1.99)

File sizes: 21.7 MB - 38.9 MB (singles), 91.7 MB (track pack)

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Single Player Map Pack: Brave New Worlds (Free)
New Single Player Maps for Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution! Includes 4 new maps, each with its own unique geography providing uncharted new challenges.
File Size: 42.1 MB

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Scenario Pack: The Victory Pack ($1.25)
Three new scenarios that are variations on classic victory conditions.
File Size: 104 KB

Super Stardust HD Game Bundle with Solo & Team modes ($14.99)
In Super Stardust HD, your mission is simple: destroy everything in sight! Visit different planets and fend off giant asteroids and waves of enemies by utilizing three upgradeable weapons to save the solar system from total annihilation. Download this bundle today to get the hit game plus the Solo and Team add-ons, all together at a discounted price.

Super Stardust HD Add-on Bundle (Solo & Team) ($7.99)
This is an upgrade pack for Super Stardust HD. You must already own the full title to make use of this upgrade.
File Size: 377 KB

Download this bundle today to get both the Solo and Team add-ons at a discounted price.

Demos (Free)

Warhawk
Download the Warhawk Demo today and check out the award-winning online gameplay expereince - “Online Battles Await.”
File Size: 855 MB

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars
File Size: 160 MB

Game Videos (Free)

LittleBigPlanet Life in LBP Ep. 2 (Play)
The second in a series of documentary-style videos exploring the wonders of LittleBigPlanet. In this episode, we see how SackBoys play! Alone or in a pack, these little guys know how to have a good time!
File Size: 157 MB

LittleBigPlanet Playtime
“Rockstar or Nerd? Pirate or Ninja? Whoever you are, when you come to LittleBigPlanet, its time to PLAY! Play alone or with friends and Jump, Race, or Slap your way to victory.
File Size: 52 MB

MotorStorm Pacific Rift Crashes & Carnage Trailer
In MotorStorm Pacific Rift, race first and think second. Anything goes when trying to reach the finish line and not every racer makes it. Watch these spectacular crashes as the Stormers reach for the goal. Stormers Unite!
File Size: 53.2 MB (720p) / 87.9 MB (1080p)

NBA 09 Trailers (x4)
NBA 09 The Inside and the makers of MLB 08 The Show bring you The Life. Could you step into the shoes of an NBA player in The Life? See if you’ve got what it takes to play three different story-lines in your bid to go from the streets, straight to the NBA. Pre-order today through GameStop and get an officially licensed NBA cap. Specially marked boxes can also get you one year FREE subscription to Vibe Magazine. Nothing Gets You Closer.
File Sizes: 38.4 - 46.5 MB

SOCOM: Confrontation - Desert Glory Flythrough
Fly through Dersert Glory, a classic map from the SOCOM universe rebuilt for SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation.
File Size: 72.2 MB

Bioshock Official Trailer
No gods or kings. Only man. Welcome to Rapture. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens you come to grips with a mysterious and fascinating world that not only challenges your capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question your values and commitments to the inhabitants of Rapture. If your life was the prize, would you kill the innocent? Would you sacrifice your humanity? Opportunity awaits.
File Size: 68.5

Legendary: The Box Behind the Scenes 3 & 4 (x2)
Download and watch part three of the behind the scenes series looking at the making of Legendary. In this episode, we catch up with the dev team as they reveal their thoughts on the two main enemy creatures of the game: the mighty griffon and the savage werewolf.
File Sizes: Scene 3 (216 MB) / Scene 4 (166 MB)

Mercenaries 2 World In Flames Payback Trailer
Watch what others have been saying about Mercenaries 2!
File Size: 94.1 MB

Soul Calibur IV Character Gameplay Combos Trailer
This SOULCALIBUR IV trailer introduces some of the fantastic fighting moves executable in the game.
Check out these moves to pull them off in your next battle!
File Size: 181 MB

Tom Clancy’s End War Command Points Video Briefing
Leverage your points: This video will teach you the basics of command points and how you can use them to get access to a range of powerful mission support
File Size: 65.9 MB

Tom Clancy’s End War Mass Destruction Trailer
Demolish your enemy: This video will show off the most devastating weapons in your arsenal and give you tips on when to use them.
File Size: 70.2 MB

Starting today, PlayStation Store will begin to offer premium themes for purchase. These include themes from our partners Smobile and Disruptive Media Publishers as well as some game publishers.

Paid Themes

Kicks Theme ($0.99)
File Size: 2.71 MB

Bioshock Exclusive Theme ($0.99)
File Size: 5.41 MB

* Disruptive Media Publishers Paid Themes (x20)

Auburn University ($1.99)
File Size: 5.11 MB

Florida State University ($1.99)
File Size: 5.03 MB

University of Georgia ($1.99)
File Size: 4.93 MB

University of Miami ($1.99)
File Size: 5.02 MB

University of Michigan ($1.99)
File Size: 4.95 MB

University of North Carolina ($1.99)
File Size: 5.10 MB

University of Tennessee ($1.99)
File Size: 5.09 MB

University of Texas ($1.99)
File Size: 5.01 MB

Beach Sampler ($1.99)
File Size: 5.32 MB

Summer Down Under ($1.99)
File Size: 5.06 MB

Digital Techno ($1.49)
File Size: 4.55 MB

High Voltage ($1.49)
File Size: 5.57 MB

Horror Eyes ($1.49)
File Size: 5.53 MB

Refracted Revolt ($1.49)
File Size: 3.94 MB

Bad Girls ($1.49)
File Size: 3.58 MB

Halloween Vixens ($1.49)
File Size: 4.75 MB

Golden Retriever ($1.49)
File Size: 6.02 MB

Man’s Best Friend ($1.49)
File Size: 5.81 MB

Nordic Majesty ($1.49)
File Size: 5.84 MB

Seaside Sunsets ($1.49)
File Size: 4.77 MB

* Smobile Paid Themes

Elven-X ($0.99)
File Size: 4.72 MB

Iron Guard ($0.99)
File Size: 2.08 MB

Themes & Wallpapers (Free)

WipEout HD All Teams #2 Theme
File Size: 2.44 MB

Fallout 3 Brotherhood of Steel Theme
File Size: 1.43 MB

Fallout PIP-BOY 3000 Theme
File Size: 856 KB

Linger In Shadows Wallpapers (x2)
File Size: 235 - 412 KB

ATV Pure Wallpapers (x4)
File Size: 670 - 965 KB

Valkyria Chronicles Wallpapers (x2)
File Size: 1.42 - 1.57 MB

PLAYSTATION Store for PC

Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.

PSP Game Downloads

* Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow (UMD Legacy) ($24.99)
* Guilty Gear Judgement (UMD Legacy) ($5.99)

Add-ons

* echochrome level pack add-on ($4.99)

Videos (Free)

* Neverland Card Battles Trailer

Themes & Wallpapers (Free)

* NBA 09 PSP Theme 2
* Neverland Card Battles Wallpaper