PlayStation Home: The Midway Carnival Arrives, Plus Pool Tables And More!

The Midway Carnival – available Thursday, July 1st – launches with 10 games, over a hundred rewards (including the Darla’s Den personal space), and plenty of secrets that you will have to uncover for yourself as you progress through this massive new game space. Simply collect your tickets from the kiosk at the entrance to the Midway Carnival and embark on a journey where a new reward is unlocked for every level of every game you master. Hang out in the space for long enough and you can even be rewarded with more plays for your favourite games (or the ultimate bragging rights at the Meet Darla photo booth). You can even collect exclusive arcade-style games like Trigger Happy-in-a-Box for the Darla’s Den personal space!

If you’ve not been to the Audi Space for a while, drop by this week! Audi are celebrating their victory at Le Mans 2010 with their latest update. Headlining the updates, Vertical Run is revised with all-new – and more challenging! – boost and hazard placement, new reward for expert drivers, and a new car based on the Detroit Motor Show version of the e-tron.

Hot on the heels of the Darts board released last week, VEEMEE bring us not just one, but two pool tables! Head to Stuff to pick up the pool table bundle, priced at 2.49 € / £1.99 (discount applies for owners of the London Pub). These stylish tables look great when not in use. Step up to the table and you’ll find three rules variants available: English on one table, American and 9-ball on the other.

For those enjoying the ‘80’s themed Playground space, this week sees the next in our releases of clothing and furniture. Check out the screenshot below for a sampling of what will be available this Thursday! Once you’re done checking out the ‘80’s costumes, why not browse through the new Fantasy Fashion available at Alter Ego. There’s Demon and Angel wings available for male and female, along with male Barbarian and Minotaur outfits.

Creative community member Agamer2006 recently developed rules for creating custom board games within Home personal spaces. This week we release a board game construction pack, featuring special new animated dance floor tiles. Build a custom dance floor, or get creative and create a game for you and your friends!

Have you heard of the Virtual Costume Convention (VCon)? Community member Dacrates has put together a full weekend of costume convention madness in PS Home this weekend. There will be plenty to see and do during the weekend, so check out the schedule of events to see what you can get involved with. There will be costume contests, quiz night and board game session and more! See you there.

Calling All Warheads!

Get ready for another head-to-head tournament this 4 July weekend. This time around, test your skills on the expansion pack map ‘Fallen Star’ and in the free update mode ‘Collection’ (see rules below). Ten Grand Prizes will be chosen between SCEE and SCEA. These top Warheads will receive a 90 day Subscription Voucher for PlayStation Plus* and a Warhawk Champion’s Blade.

*Voucher can be used to extend your current service or to create a new one.

This tournament is short so be ready to go!

And for those of you that don’t already have Fallen Star, from 23 June to 5 July you can pick up this explosive expansion pack for €1.99 (original price: € 5.99).

• When: 1 July at 5am PST until 5 July, 5am PST.
  Where: Warhawk Fallen Star, Collection Tourney servers (look for the blue Tourny-FallenStar # servers).
• Modes: 32 player Fallen Star, Collection Mode, Team Game only
• What you need to win: be a part of your match’s winning team and you will get one point. You get zero points for losses and draws.
• Where to find your rank: just like last time, your stats will be posted on warhawk.com, in the Leaderboard area.
• What you can win: the top 10 players from North America and Europe will all win the fabled Champion’s Blade. Also, they’ll win a 90 day subscription to PlayStation Plus.

Collection Rules

This gameplay mode is like multi-flag CTF. There are 4 energy cores scattered around the map, generally positioned in the centre or between the 2 teams’ main bases. Each team has a Reactor where Energy Cores are taken to score points.

In the screen shot above you can see 2 Energy Cores positioned on a Eucadian bridge. Bringing these Cores back to your team’s reactor will score points for your team, and you can carry more than one Core at a time.

The scoring system is progressive, so if you score just one Core, your team gets one point. Two Cores will score three points. Three Cores are good for six points and, if you manage to work as a team and bring all 4 Cores back to the Reactor at once, then your team scores a whopping 10 points.

As you can see in the screenshot below, the Cores are displayed on your character and the more you are carrying, the more you see whirling and orbiting around you. You’ll also see them on the mini-map as pulsing energy symbols. The score is displayed in the upper right corner as usual, but there is a new display for Collection Mode. It’s the little yellow number that shows you how many Cores your team currently is currently carrying. This is critical for knowing where your focus should be; offense or defence.

Tip: you can press the triangle button to throw the Cores you are carrying; passing Cores among your team is super effective

‘Heads-Up’ PlayStation Store Update (30th June 2010)

Hello everyone and welcome to another ‘Heads Up’ post courtesy of PSN Store Management. Once again I hold the fort while Mike takes a couple of days to enjoy the sunshine (ie; playing Alpha Protocol in a darkened room somewhere).

Exciting times with the launch of our premium service, PlayStation Plus – keep your eyes peeled for some genuinely spanking offers and additions over the coming months, and for those of you who get on board the Plus train right now with a year’s subscription, you can snag yourself a digital copy of LittleBigPlanetfor the princely sum of absolutely nothing. No more getting off the sofa to pop in a Blu-ray, you’ll have to get your physical exercise some other way. I suggest powering your PS3 by exercise bike, but when it doesn’t work you can’t blame me, okay?

Some of you observant types might also have noticed another update yesterday to the ‘All Games A-Z’ section of the store. You spoke (at length) and we listened so now you can find Games, Demos and specific Add-ons for each platform listed alphabetically in one handy area. Of course, if you want to see EVERYTHING that’s available for one title, you can still hit up the PS3 Games and PSP Games sections. We’re working on a few more little tweaks for the Store so keep an eye out in the coming weeks.

So on to the update – For you handheld heroes we’ve got Everybody’s Tennis for your PSP – cracking good fun just like its golf-based predecessors. Also for those of you who are lucky enough to already have Toy Story 3 launch in your country, we’ve got the second round of DLC in the form of Woody’s Round up for you to enjoy. Throw in the latest Buzz! Quiz World pack, two new minis (also for PS3, as usual) and a free level kit for LittleBigPlanet and we’re all set.

All you PS3 types have it pretty good this week too – we’ve got the LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 demo and if you missed Death Track: Resurrection or the criminally under-rated Aqua Panic HD when they released, you can now try these out for free too. We have enormous amounts of DLC for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 for you budding golfers to browse, the Sacktue of Liberty returns for one week only and if you’re not already a Fat Princess convert, we’ve slashed the price just in time for the launch of the Fat Roles expansion pack. Yes, we’re bringing those old Internet favourites, Pirates and Ninjas (and Giants) to the fray. So now you don’t need to debate which is better, just get stuck in and fight it out!

Avatars, Wallpapers and some really awesome new videos for you too this week – don’t forget to check out the new Brink trailers, that one’s looking pretty special.

That’s all from me this week, Mike will be back as usual next time – I’ll reply to comments throughout the afternoon if you promise to be good. Bye for now!

PlayStation Store (via PS3, PSP and Media Go)

Special Offers

(Available until the 7th of July)

• Blue Toad Murder Files – Episode 1 (was – £4.79/€5.99 now – £0.99/€1.49)
• PixelJunk Monsters (was – £3.99/€4.99 now – £2.39/€2.99)
• PixelJunk Monsters – Encore Pack (was – £2.39/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)
• Ferrari Challenge Pack 2 (was – £4.79/€5.99 now – £2.39/€2.99)
• UFC Undisputed 2009 – Additional Fighters Pack (was – £3.19/€3.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)
• PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe (PSP) (was – £9.99/€12.99 now – £6.29/€7.99)
• Super Stardust Portable (PSP) (was – £6.29/€7.99 now – £3.99/€4.99)
• LittleBigPlanet – The Canyons Level Kit (PSP) (was – £2.39/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)
• LittleBigPlanet – The Island Level Kit (PSP) (was – £2.39/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)
• Constructor (PSone) (was – £3.99/€4.99 now – £1.59/€1.99)
• Mahjongg Artifacts: Chapter 2 (mini) (was – £3.49/€3.99 now – £1.74/€1.99)

SEGA Mega Sale (to celebrate Sonic’s 19th birthday!)

(Available until the 7th of July)

• Sonic Rivals (PSP) (was – £11.99/€14.99 now – £7.99/€9.99)
• Sonic Rivals 2 (PSP) (was – £11.99/€14.99 now – £7.99/€9.99)
• SEGA All Star Racing – Metal Sonic Death Egg (was – £4.79/€5.99 now – £3.19/€3.99)
• SEGA All Star Racing – Ryo Forklift Truck (was – £3.99/€4.99 now – £3.19/€3.99)
• Sonic Unleashed – Apatos & Shamar Adventure Pack (was – £2.39/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)
• Sonic Unleashed – Chun-nan Adventure Pack (was – £3.19/€3.99 now – £1.99/€2.49)
• Sonic Unleashed – Empire City & Adabat Adventure Pack (was – £2.39/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)
• Sonic Unleashed – Holoska Adventure Pack (was – £2.39/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)
• Sonic Unleashed – Mazuri Adventure Pack (was – £2.39/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)
• Sonic Unleashed – Spagonia Adventure Pack (was – £3.99/€4.99 now – £2.39/€2.99)
• SONIC: Very Hard Shadow Missions (was – £2.39/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)
• SONIC: Very Hard Silver Missions (was – £2.39/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)
• SONIC: Very Hard Sonic Missions (was – £2.39/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)

Additional Special Offer (PS3)

• Super Stardust HD (was – £6.29/€2.99 now – £1.19/€1.49)

(Available until the 7th of July, 3rd Year Anniversary Special Offer)

Permanent Price Reduction (PS3)

• Fat Princess (was – £11.99/€14.99 now – £7.99/€9.99)

Downloadable Games (PS3)

• Sam & Max Episode 1 Standalone: The Penal Zone (£6.29/€7.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All locales

• Polar Panic Full Game Bundle (£7.99/€9.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: Not available in Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Russian Federation and Switzerland.

Downloadable Games (PSP)

• Everybody’s Tennis (£16.99/€26.99) Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All locales.

Downloadable Demos (PS3) (free)

• LEGO Harry Potter years 1-4

Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: Not available in Australia, Czech Republic, Greece, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates.

• Aqua Panic HD

Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: Not available in Australia and New Zealand

• Death Track: Resurrection

Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: All locales

minis (PS3/PSP)

• The Mystery of the Crystal Portal (£3.99/€4.99) Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All locales

• Hello Flowerz! (£3.99/€4.99) Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All locales

Add-On Game Content (PS3)

• Fat Princess – Fat Roles Expansion Pack (£3.99/€4.99) Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: All locales

• Super Street Fighter IV – Super Classic Pack (£3.19/€3.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All locales

• LittleBigPlanet – Sacktue of Liberty Costume (free) Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All locales

• Agarest: Generations of War – Additional PP+ (£5.49/€6.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: All locales except New Zealand

• DJ Hero – Dance Party Mix Pack (£6.29/€7.99) Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: Not available in Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates

• Way of the Samurai 3 – Accessory Set (free) Rating: PEGI 16

Availability: Not available in New Zealand

• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11
  • Riviera CC (£3.99/€4.99)
  • The Highlands (£6.29/€7.99)
  • The Emerald Dragon (£6.29/€7.99)
  • River Course at Blackwolf Run (£6.29/€7.99)
  • Waialae CC (£6.29/€7.99)
  • Intermediate Drivers (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Advanced Drivers (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Expert Drivers (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Intermediate Fairway Woods (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Advanced Fairway Woods (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Expert Fairway Woods (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Intermediate Wedges (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Advanced Wedges (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Expert Wedges (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Intermediate Irons (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Advanced Irons (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Expert Irons (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Putters Pack (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Power – Boost Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Power – Boost Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Power – Boost Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Power – Swing Speed Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Power – Swing Speed Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Power – Swing Speed Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Accuracy – Balance Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Accuracy – Balance Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Accuracy – Balance Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Accuracy – Swing Plane Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Accuracy – Swing Plane Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Accuracy – Swing Plane Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Control – Draw Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Control – Draw Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Control – Draw Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Control – Fade Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Control – Fade Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Control – Fade Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Control – Touch Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Control – Touch Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Control – Touch Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Putting – Feel Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Putting – Feel Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Putting – Feel Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Putting – Green Read Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Putting – Green Read Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Putting – Green Read Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Putting – Swing Plane Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Putting – Swing Plane Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Putting – Swing Plane Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Putting – Tempo Intermediate (£0.79/€0.99)
  • Putting – Tempo Advanced (£1.19/€1.49)
  • Putting – Tempo Expert (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Attribute Boosts and Focus (£1.99/€2.49)
  • Super Boost Suits (£2.39/€2.99)

Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: All locales

• Rock Band
  • Nickelback Pack 01 (£4.99/€7.99)

(contains the following tracks which are also available separately)

• • Burn It To The Ground (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Figured You Out (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Never Again (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Rockstar (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Photograph (£0.99/€1.49)
  • This Afternoon (£0.99/€1.49)

Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: Not available in Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates

• Rock Band Network
  • American Dream by Silverstein (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Battle Royale by The World Alive (£0.59/€0.79)
  • Kick Some Ass ‘09 by Stroke 9 (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Sick by Bif Naked (£0.99/€1.49)
  • Undone by All That Remains (£0.99/€1.49)

Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: Not available in Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates

• Guitar Hero 5
  • Pop 1 Track Pack (contains the following tracks which are also available separately) (£4.39/€5.49)
  • Fireflies by Owl City (£1.59/€1.99)
  • Just Dance by Lady Gaga (£1.59/€1.99)
  • This Love by Maroon 5 (£1.59/€1.99)

Rating: PEGI 12

Availability: Not available in Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates

Add-On Game Content (PSP)

• Toy Story 3 – Woody’s Roundup (€1.99)

Rating: PEGI 3

Availability: Only released in Australia, Czech Republic, Greece, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates (other locales will be added at a later date)

• LittleBigPlanet – Fantasy Level Kit (free) Rating: PEGI 7

Availability: All locales

FirstPlay (PS3)

• Episode 013 (£0.99/€1.20)

Availability: Ireland and UK only

Videos (PS3)

• After Burner Climax Trailer
• Fallout: New Vegas E3 2010 Trailer
• Kane & Lynch 2 E3 2010 Trailer
• Naughty Bear Trailer
• Burn Zombie Burn! Gameplay Trailer
• Brink Container City Preview Parts 1, 2 & 3
• Brink Freedom of Movement Preview

Videos (PSP)

• Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep E3 2010 Trailer

Avatars (PS3)

• Fat Princess (£0.20/€0.25 each)
  • Cake Avatar
  • Logo Avatar
  • Red Princess Avatar
  • Blue Princes Avatar
  • Red Princess Small Avatar

• Red Avatar Bundle (£0.79/€0.99) Contains avatars of the Red Priest, Warrior, Mage, Worker and Ranger

• Aqua Panic HD (£0.20/€0.25 each)
  • Avatar 1, 2 & 3

Wallpapers (PS3)

• Blue Toad Murder Files Wallpaper

• LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 Wallpapers 3 and 4

Wallpapers (PSP)

• LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 Wallpapers 1, 2, 3 and 4

Themes (PSP)

• Pinball Heroes Fat Princess Theme