Wow, I hadn't realised this was actually rare. I bought it when it released at GS just in case it became hard to find because i knew I'd eventually want to play it. Haven't gotten around to it yet, but glad I got it now. Geez.
Because this game is a direct sequel. You will be able to follow the story without 999, but there are definitely a lot of things from 999 that come up in VLR and are better appreciated if you played it.
Got to the email verification and the screen that says to check your email for further instructions, but no email has shown up in about 15 minutes? Normal?
Unit 13, Resistance, and Wipeout are all back up right now. Personally I'm waiting for some 3-combo of Uncharted, Gravity Rush, Hot Shots, and Wipeout, so not biting yet.
quick warning: my year xbl gold was up in december '10 and i didn't feel like calling in to cancel the auto-renewal/was busy with family stuff around christmas so i went online and got rid of all my payment information except a credit card that had been stolen and replaced about 7 months earlier...