PSN Weekly Deals - 8/27: PAX Indie Sale, DJ Hero/2/GH Sale, Spelunky $11.99, Pinballistik is Free!, and Machinarium Vita Free for PS+!

[FriskyTanuki]

Welcome to the best thread for all of the deals on games, add-ons, and other stuff in the PlayStation Store both on and off of PSN.

Index
Current Deals
Upcoming Deals & PlayStation Plus Schedule
Free Games
PlayStation Plus Preview
Persistent PlayStation Plus and Alternate Deals
Frequently Asked Questions
History of Free PlayStation Plus Games

Current Deals (Full Update Here) - Store Updates Every Tuesday, Usually Between 4-8 EST

Visit The Web PS Store Here

Key:
N - New This Week
X - Expires With Next Update
P - Permanent Price Drop
C - Cross Buy (Vita/PS3)
D - Demo or Full Game Trial Available

Pre-orders


Battlefield 4 - $59.99 - Ends 10/29 [customspoiler='Bonuses']China Rising Expansion & Exclusive Theme[/customspoiler]
Battlefield 4 - Premium - $49.99 - Ends 10/29
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse - $14.99 X [customspoiler='Bonuses']Original Genesis game, Avatars, & Exclusive Theme[/customspoiler]
Diablo III - $59.99 X [customspoiler='Bonuses']Infernal Helm DLC Pack & Exclusive Theme[/customspoiler]
FIFA 14 - $59.99 - Out 9/24 [customspoiler='Bonuses']24 FUT Gold Packs & Exclusive Theme[/customspoiler]

Grand Theft Auto V - $59.99 - Out 9/17 [customspoiler='Bonuses']75% Discount on a Rockstar PSN Title, Atomic Blimp, & Exclusive Theme[/customspoiler]

NHL 14 - $59.99 - Ends 9/10 D [customspoiler='Bonuses']24 HUT Gold Packs & Exclusive Theme[/customspoiler]
Rain - $14.99 - Ends 10/1 [customspoiler='Bonuses']Avatars, Dynamic and Static Themes, & Musical Montage[/customspoiler]
 
Bundles

Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon & Call of Juarez Gunslinger Bundle - $24.99 - 17% Off ND

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rainslick Precipice of Darkness Episode 1 & 2 Bundle - $7.49 - 50% Off NX

Pinballistik + DLC Bundle - $4.99 - 38% Off NP

Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Complete Bundle - $5.99 - 54% Off - [customspoiler='Includes']Full Game + The Last Chapter Add-on[/customspoiler]

Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype + Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer Bundle - $6.99 - 53% Off - [customspoiler='Does Not Include']Last Chapter Add-on for X2[/customspoiler]

PS3

Amy - $1.99 - 33% Off
Closure - $7.49 - 50% Off NXD
Dragon Fantasy Book I - $4.99 - 50% Off NXC

Dyad - $7.49 - 50% Off NXD

flOw - $5.59


Flower - $6.99 D



Journey - $7.49 - 50% Off NXD

Limbo - $7.49 - 50% Off NXCD

Madden NFL 13 - $29.99 - 25% Off NP
Need for Speed: Most Wanted - $29.99 - 25% Off NPD
Pinballistik - Free NP
Retro City Rampage - $4.99 - 66% Off NXC
Retro/Grade - $4.99 - 50% Off - Compatible with Guitar Controller NXD
Skullgirls - $7.49 - 50% Off NXD
Tokyo Jungle - $7.49 - 50% Off NX
Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer - $3.99 - 50% Off



Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype - $4.99 - 50% Off
Wicked Monsters Blast! HD - $4.99 - 50% Off- Move Compatible
Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge - $4.99 - 50% Off NXC


 

PS2 Classics

Raiden III - $5.99 - 40% Off
Add-ons




DJ Hero - Jay-Z vs. Eminem Pack - $3.99 - 50% Off N
DJ Hero 2 - Hard Edge Mix Pack - $2.99 - 50% Off N
DJ Hero 2 - Ultra Mix Pack - $3.99 - 50% Off N

Dragon's Crown - Storyteller Voice Pack - Free X



Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock - Classic Rock Track Pack - $3.13 - 50% Off N
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock - Coldplay Track Pack - $3.13 - 50% Off N
Guitar Hero 5 - Avenged Sevenfold Track Pack - $2.75 - 50% Off N
Guitar Hero 5 - Rock 1 Track Pack - $5.49 - 50% Off N
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock - Linkin Park Track Pack - $5.99 - 50% Off N
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock - Rocky Horror Picture Show Track Pack - $2.75 - 50% Off N
Guitar Hero World Tour - Classic Rock Track Pack - $2.75 - 50% Off N
Guitar Hero World Tour - Queen Track Pack - $2.75 - 50% Off N
Rocksmith - "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen - $1.99 - 33% Off NX
Rocksmith - "Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen - $1.99 - 33% Off NX
Rocksmith - "Godzilla" by Blue Oyster Cult - $1.99 - 33% Off NX
Rocksmith - "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar - $1.99 - 33% Off NX
Rocksmith - "Keep Yourself Alive" by Queen - $1.99 - 33% Off NX
Rocksmith - "Killer Queen" by Queen - $1.99 - 33% Off NX
Rocksmith - "My Sharona" by The Knack - $1.99 - 33% Off NX
Rocksmith - "Stone Cold Crazy" by Queen - $1.99 - 33% Off NX

Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype - The Last Chapter - $2.49 - 50% Off

 

PS1 Classics - All of these are compatible with PS3 and PSP unless otherwise noted. Check this thread for Vita compatibility.
N/A

 
Minis - All of these are compatible with PS3 and PSP unless otherwise noted. Check this thread for Vita compatibility.
1000 Tiny Claws - $1.75 - 50% Off
Blimp: The Flying Adventures - $1.49
Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess - $2.49 - 50% Off

Who's That Flying?! - $2.49 - 50% Off

 
PSP Games - Check this thread for Vita Compatibility
N/A
 

Vita Games

Dragon Fantasy Book I - $4.99 - 50% Off NXC

Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable - $19.99 - 50% Off N

Limbo - $7.49 - 50% Off NXCD

Need for Speed: Most Wanted - $19.99 - 33% Off NP

Retro City Rampage - $4.99 - 66% Off NXCD

Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge - $4.99 - 50% Off NXC
Vita Add-ons

Dragon's Crown - Storyteller Voice Pack - Free X
 
PlayStation Plus

PS3 Deals



Closure - $3.75 - 75% Off NXD
Dragon Fantasy Book I - $2.50 - 75% Off NXC

Dyad - $3.75 - 75% Off NXD




Grid 2 - $53.99 - 10% Off X



Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds Complete Collection - $19.99 - 20% Off - Move Compatible
Journey - $3.75 - 75% Off NXD

Limbo - $5.99 - 60% Off NXCD
Ms. Germinator - $7.99 - 20% Off XC
Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rainslick Precipice of Darkness Episode 1 & 2 Bundle - $3.75 - 75% Off NX
Retro City Rampage - $3.74 - 75% Off NXC
Retro/Grade - $2.50 - 75% Off - Compatible with Guitar Controller NXD
Skullgirls - $3.75 - 75% Off NXD

Spelunky - $11.99 - 20% Off NXC
Tokyo Jungle - $3.75 - 75% Off NX
Wicked Monsters Blast! HD - $1.00 - 90% Off - Move Compatible
Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge - $2.50 - 75% Off NXC

Vita Deals

Dragon Fantasy Book I - $2.50 - 75% Off NXC
Draw Slasher - $3.00 - 50% Off N
Limbo - $5.99 - 60% Off NXCD
Ms. Germinator - $7.99 - 20% Off XC

Muramasa Rebirth - $20.99 - 30% Off X

Retro City Rampage - $3.74 - 75% Off NXCD

Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge - $2.50 - 75% Off NXC
 
Add-on Deals
Bit.Trip Presents…Runner2: Future Legend Of Rhythm Alien - Good Friends Character Pack - $2.39 - 20% Off
Subscriptions

Music Unlimited Premium One Year Subscription - $41.99

Free Games (Don't Argue About This, Please)

Bit.Trip Presents... Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien - 769 MB

Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower - PSP/Vita - 657 MB

Gravity Rush - Vita - 1.4 GB

Hitman: Absolution - 16.1 GB X - [customspoiler='Includes']Full Game, Deus Ex Disguise DLC, Deus Ex Zenith Handgun, and Discount on Sleeping Dogs[/customspoiler]

Jet Set Radio - 1.1 GB
Knytt Underground - PS3/Vita - 857 MB

LittleBigPlanet Karting - 7 GB

LittleBigPlanet Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves - Requires Move
Machinarium - 183 MB

Machinarium - Vita - 329 MB N

Metal Slug XX - PSP/Vita - 166 MB
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee - 1.2 GB
Pinball Arcade - PS3/Vita - 115 MB
Saints Row The Third - 7.2 GB - Free CheapyD Pack
Uncharted: Golden Abyss - Vita - 2.9 GB
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception - 30 GB
Wipeout 2048 - Vita - 1.6 GB

XCOM: Enemy Unknown - 7.6 GB

Zen Pinball 2 - Star Wars Pinball - PS3/Vita - 783 MB N [customspoiler='Includes']Standalone Star Wars Pinball game[/customspoiler]

Themes
[customspoiler=PS+ Themes]Abstract Art - Dynamic
Assassin's Creed Revelations - Dynamic
Cuckoo - Dynamic
Daytona USA
Double Dragon Neon - Dynamic
Dragon - Dynamic
Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit - Dynamic
The House of the Dead III - Dynamic
The House of the Dead 4 - Dynamic
I Am Alive - Dynamic
Infamous Festival of Blood - Dynamic
Jet Set Radio - Dynamic
Leap Year - Dynamic
Mesh - Dynamic
Mexican Skulls - Dynamic
PlayStation Plus - Dynamic
Robot - Dynamic
Samurai - Dynamic
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 - Dynamic
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II - Dynamic
Stripe Shift Part 2 - Dynamic
Tales from Space: About a Blob
Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown - Dynamic[/customspoiler]

Avatars
[customspoiler=PS+ Avatars]Armageddon Riders (3)
Cool Cat
Daytona USA (5)
Dead Cloud
Double Dragon Neon (7)
Fat Princess (2)
God of War: Ascension
Green Hamster
Hell Yeah! (4)
The House of the Dead III (3)
The House of the Dead 4 (3)
Jet Set Radio (6)
LittleBigPlanet (2)
Mutant Skull
Pink Hamster
PlayStation B-boy (1, 2, 3)
Resident Evil 5
Section 8: Prejudice Bundle
Squirrel
Stick Up Kid
Street Fighter X Tekken
Street Fighter 2
Tank Commander
Top Dawg
Under Siege
Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown (20)[/customspoiler]

Feel free to provide feedback for ways to improve this thread. Thanks.

 

[tylerh1701]

I did...I love quirky niche games so I thought about getting it at $20 despite the reviews, and with credit left over from the spend $50, get $10 promotion, I had to snag it at $10. Haven't played it yet, though.

If you do play it soon, I wouldn't mind if you posted some impressions of the game.

So it's been confirmed SR3 is coming out next week for PS+ IGC? Really looking forward to playing that since I haven't played any of the SR games before.

No, not confirmed. More than likely we'll get it either the 11th or 18th. My guess is the 18th since we're already getting 3 other full games on the 11th.

Virtue's Last Reward was the best game of 2012, and one of the most brilliant gaming experiences ever. If you have a Vita, GET THAT.

Anyone know about the free month of PS+ through Home? I tried doing it earlier and the servers weren't up or something.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/06/05/take-a-virtual-tour-of-playstations-e3-booth-in-ps-home/

Can't do it until Monday or Tuesday, after E3 has started. It says in that blog post when it will be open.

EDIT: Tuesday, June 11th at noon PT.

Can you explain to me a little bit about gamesharing? I have been looking, and am still looking, for Trine 2 to go on sale for over a year now. A member on here said that I missed a sale this past March, but I don't think so since I've been checking every Tuesday. Anyway, another member here was nice enough to offer to sell me his Trine 2 on his account at a good price. I would have no problem Paypaling him the amount, but I remember reading somewhere that Sony can and do ban your account if you are sharing it with others. I have way too many online games on my account, so I didn't want to risk getting it banned. Till this day, Trine 2 is still at full price.

I'm bummed about us not getting PSASBR, too. My only concilation is that there may be an Ultimate version one day with all the DLCs on it.

It was half off in July 2012 as part of Atlus' HOJAEFJAAM sale. Also on sale during the Nov 20, 2012 update. Also on sale during the Feb 26, 2013 update. As for gamesharing, you should be just fine. Sony has actually said that it's OK to gameshare.

 

[akathatoneguy]

Virtue's Last Reward was the best game of 2012, and one of the most brilliant gaming experiences ever. If you have a Vita, GET THAT.

Anyone know about the free month of PS+ through Home? I tried doing it earlier and the servers weren't up or something.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/06/05/take-a-virtual-tour-of-playstations-e3-booth-in-ps-home/

It's an indirect sequel, so you don't have to play 999 first to enjoy it, right?

Unfortunately, most of the announcements this month doesn't do me a lick of good. Basically, the only games I don't own are Dues Ex, LBP Karting and Uncharted 3, and I played some of the last and found it wanting. Oh well, I guess you don't win them all.

Awww, so you're only getting three free games this month? How depressing. I feel your pain.

He wasn't even really criticizing the picks, just saying that he owns most of them.

I get that the complaining about PS+ selections gets annoying, but so is the knee-jerk reaction whenever anybody has something less than positive to say about whatever we get from PS+.

 

[specialist]

Virtue's Last Reward was the best game of 2012, and one of the most brilliant gaming experiences ever. If you have a Vita, GET THAT.

Anyone know about the free month of PS+ through Home? I tried doing it earlier and the servers weren't up or something.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/06/05/take-a-virtual-tour-of-playstations-e3-booth-in-ps-home/

It's an indirect sequel, so you don't have to play 999 first to enjoy it, right?

It's got a lot in common with 999. I really, really, really recommend playing it first. You should just download VLR and have it ready after you beat 999.

 

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/08/tekken-revolution-is-ps3-exclusive-free-to-play-launching-th/

Some sort of free-to-play Tekken game is out on Tuesday.

 

[Graff^]

It's an indirect sequel, so you don't have to play 999 first to enjoy it, right?

It's less indirect than it first appears. You're definitely missing out if you don't play the first game. It'll still be enjoyable but it gets quite a bit more power from being invested in the characters from the first game.

 

[Velo214]

999 was alot gorier, and the creator said they told him to tame VLR down a bit. 

But yeah, this isn't a direct sequel at all. It gives more insight to 999 but it is def playable and enjoyable stand alone. 

Great Trippy fun game tho. so many fun twists. I have a cell phone pic of Sigma with white stuff all over his hands, lol. 

peace all. oh n great games uncharted 3 and xcom. i bought lbpk when it was $10 and havnt touched it yet.

so now im debating $20 of uncharted 3 dlc, they still have that bundle flash sale? idk

 

[captaintek3304]

I never played 999 and I loved VLR.

 

[cancerman1120]

So do the PS+ games normally come with the online passes? Will SR3 come with the online pass?  I would assume none of the DLC will be included though which is fine except I wish I would not have purchased it for the 360 already.

 

[admiralvic]

So do the PS+ games normally come with the online passes? Will SR3 come with the online pass? I would assume none of the DLC will be included though which is fine except I wish I would not have purchased it for the 360 already.

No, but digital games usually have them built in. No matter what, you'll have the online pass in some way if you buy digitally.

 

[TopsideKracker]

I couldn't be happier with this announcement... I've come close to buying both Uncharted 3 and Xcom in the last few months but held back.

 

[mars009]

So do the PS+ games normally come with the online passes? Will SR3 come with the online pass? I would assume none of the DLC will be included though which is fine except I wish I would not have purchased it for the 360 already.

Man I hear ya I dropped $25 on it during BF and then $40 on uncharted when it came out. Haven't finished uncharted and haven't even started SR3. Oh and also have Deus...wow ps+ is da shizzle haha

 

[io]

So do the PS+ games normally come with the online passes? Will SR3 come with the online pass? I would assume none of the DLC will be included though which is fine except I wish I would not have purchased it for the 360 already.

Yeah, but another hidden downside of this online pass nonsense is that I think that often makes the disc-based and digital version save files incompatible. At least it was this way with All 4 One and LBP Karting (both of which had online passes). Don't know if SR3 will have that problem. (Not a problem for me as I never played SR3 but others might want to check on that before ditching their disc copies).

So it's been confirmed SR3 is coming out next week for PS+ IGC? Really looking forward to playing that since I haven't played any of the SR games before.

Yeah, at least that is a game I've never bought in any form. It isn't my style but then neither was Sleeping Dogs and I got a platinum on that. So this will probably spur me into giving it a shot at least.

Unfortunately, most of the announcements this month doesn't do me a lick of good. Basically, the only games I don't own are Dues Ex, LBP Karting and Uncharted 3, and I played some of the last and found it wanting. Oh well, I guess you don't win them all.

I don't understand - I'd be thrilled if I didn't own 3 of the games they just announced.

There's only one game out of the entire batch I'm really excited for and that is VLR. I will have to play 999 first. Yeah, I know it isn't necessary but I busted open my copy a few months ago when I went on a trip and full intended to play it but got caught up in Etrian Odyssey IV instead. But the cart is in my travel case ready to be played - might as well just do it.

 

[Blabadon]

Please play 999 before VLR. The disservice you're doing to yourself and the greatest story in gaming is something you won't be able to make up.

Seriously everyone, they're both fantastic, but play 999 first.

 

[Kia-Tiaph]

Any tips for a reliable 1TB HDD to replace my 320GB one?

 

[Joker13z]

Please play 999 before VLR. The disservice you're doing to yourself and the greatest story in gaming is something you won't be able to make up.

Seriously everyone, they're both fantastic, but play 999 first.

Holy font size breaking the page batman lol. Thought I do agree with you. Just in a much uh...less dynamic way haha.

 

[Geco17]

Please play 999 before VLR. The disservice you're doing to yourself and the greatest story in gaming is something you won't be able to make up.

Seriously everyone, they're both fantastic, but play 999 first.

But how are we supposed to when we only have a PS3 and a Vita...

 

[tylerh1701]

Please play 999 before VLR. The disservice you're doing to yourself and the greatest story in gaming is something you won't be able to make up.

Seriously everyone, they're both fantastic, but play 999 first.

But how are we supposed to when we only have a PS3 and a Vita...

Yup, this exactly. I'm not going to let VLR rot in my backlog because I don't have 999.

 

[Graff^]

Please play 999 before VLR. The disservice you're doing to yourself and the greatest story in gaming is something you won't be able to make up.
Seriously everyone, they're both fantastic, but play 999 first.

But how are we supposed to when we only have a PS3 and a Vita...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001T8W2LW/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1370792244&sr=8-1&keywords=dsi&condition=used

 

[admiralvic]

Please play 999 before VLR. The disservice you're doing to yourself and the greatest story in gaming is something you won't be able to make up.
Seriously everyone, they're both fantastic, but play 999 first.

But how are we supposed to when we only have a PS3 and a Vita...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001T8W2LW/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1370792244&sr=8-1&keywords=dsi&condition=used

Makes sense. Spend 80+ dollars on two things without any guarantee you will like either.

Like I enjoyed the story of VLR, but I wouldn't say I liked it enough to even consider the $20 for 999. Much less the DS if I lacked one.

 

[FriskyTanuki]

So do the PS+ games normally come with the online passes? Will SR3 come with the online pass? I would assume none of the DLC will be included though which is fine except I wish I would not have purchased it for the 360 already.

Yeah, but another hidden downside of this online pass nonsense is that I think that often makes the disc-based and digital version save files incompatible. At least it was this way with All 4 One and LBP Karting (both of which had online passes). Don't know if SR3 will have that problem. (Not a problem for me as I never played SR3 but others might want to check on that before ditching their disc copies).

I tested it out for the Save Compatibility thread and confirmed that it works just fine.

 

[captaintek3304]

Please play 999 before VLR. The disservice you're doing to yourself and the greatest story in gaming is something you won't be able to make up.Seriously everyone, they're both fantastic, but play 999 first.

But how are we supposed to when we only have a PS3 and a Vita...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001T8W2LW/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1370792244&sr=8-1&keywords=dsi&condition=used

Makes sense. Spend 80+ dollars on two things without any guarantee you will like either.

Like I enjoyed the story of VLR, but I wouldn't say I liked it enough to even consider the $20 for 999. Much less the DS if I lacked one.

You are 100% right here. I do not have a DS, and I've never played 999. VLR was one of my favorite games last year. You absolutely do not have to play 999. You aren't doing any disservice to yourself, and if you are really dying to know the story, just head over to Wikipedia. As Tyler said, don't let this awesome game sit in your backlog forever.

 

[breakfuss]

VLR..."greatest story in gaming"? Overzealous much?

 

[PublikDefender]

double post. no way to delete this?

 

[affa]

zero escape certainly covered enough backstory for me, and released new info as you went quite well.   i had no problem with it having not played 999.   the game reveals info about the backstory as you need it; sure, i might have gone in 'more confused' than someone who'd played 999, but part of the game is figuring out what is happening, so any goodness gained by knowing backstory is quite possibly equalled by goodness gained learning backstory for the first time.

 

[PublikDefender]

I traded in Xcom for $15 after the trade in 7 for $35 extra. An FYI though: you probably want to keep your Uncharted 3 if you are aren't done with the game. The Uncharted 3 download is 47-90 GiB.

Also, how do you delete an accidental double post?

 

[admiralvic]

I traded in Xcom for $15 after the trade in 7 for $35 extra. An FYI though: you probably want to keep your Uncharted 3 if you are aren't done with the game. The Uncharted 3 download is 47-90 GiB.

Also, how do you delete an accidental double post?

Edit > Delete if it's anything like the old forum.

 

[Graff^]

Makes sense. Spend 80+ dollars on two things without any guarantee you will like either.

Like I enjoyed the story of VLR, but I wouldn't say I liked it enough to even consider the $20 for 999. Much less the DS if I lacked one.

Yeah, but if you've never owned a DS the library is so filled with gems which can be picked up on the cheap that it's a pretty worthy investment. At least that's my thinking.

Also I'd like to point out that all that having played 999 before VLR adds is a bunch of really good feelings when you experience some late-game reveals. The story is pretty self-contained, and the mystery is the same either with or without having played the first one. It's just finding out what happened to certain characters in the first game who you will likely have become attached to after spending so much time with them, and several reveals made me grin from ear to ear which otherwise probably would have been met with an "oh. Okay, I guess" if I hadn't played 999. If you don't play games for good feelings feel free to skip it.

 

[Blabadon]

Sorry for breaking the page everyone. I just wanted to get all your attention on it.

I beat 999 earlier this year and absolutely loved the story. It's easily the best story I've seen in video games and has one of the best twists that can be found in any medium of story-telling, bar none.

Having beat Virtue's Last Reward, I can safely say it lives up to a lot of 999's amazing pedigree. The story is mostly great aside from a few plotholes, and amount of twists at the end are all nearly as satisfying as the one at the end of 999.

Virtue's Last Reward even covers all of 999's main twist and a little bit of what happened in between, but there's no way I can actually say that it can actually make up for how personal, how cruel, how maniacal, and how genius the twist is. It's really that damn good. Unfortunately, I know a lot less of you guys on CAG than I do on GameSpot. There, I know a few other Zero Escape enthusiasts (read: fanatics) who I know would highly agree with me and probably write even longer, detailed arguments why.

So yes, if you really, really must, go try and read up on 999's plot before playing VLR. It physically pains me to say that. You're missing out on one of the greatest, if not one of the greatest, stories of all time, and that's seriously less of a hyperbole than I make it sound like. If you can, find a friend who may have it and borrow that and a DS from them. I let my friend borrow 999 and he absolutely adored it, and now he has my copy of VLR along with my Vita and is loving that as well.

I just cannot overstate enough how much I would recommend playing 999 before VLR though. It ticks me off a little that it's a PS+ title because there will be thousands of unsuspecting players who will never get the joy of 999's story intertwining with VLR like it does because they played VLR first.

It's like watching Frodo drop the Ring as your first Lord of the Rings scene; it's like watching Luke and the Ewoks celebrate victory as your first Star Wars scene; it's like reading the last page of Game of Thrones and then having a friend tell you what happened first.

So yeah, that was obviously huge hyperbole, but please find 999 and some time to play it first guys. I know here I'm alone on that statement, but I have many friends who would agree. Hell, read this section of VLR's Destructoid review:

"The most important question is, can you play VLR without having played 999? Yes, although you'll only be spoiling one of the greatest videogame tales ever told -- VLR recaps all the major plot details of the first game. Plus, certain developments will only resonate if you had personally experienced the previous game's events. Do yourself a favor and play 999 if you haven't already. You'll thank me later."

VLR..."greatest story in gaming"? Overzealous much?

Gaming already has a pretty piss-poor standard in storytelling as it is; the Zero Escape series, being visual novels, easily go above and beyond whatever standards there are and set new ones.

Hell, in my opinion, they eclipse stories in other mediums as well.

 

[FriskyTanuki]

I traded in Xcom for $15 after the trade in 7 for $35 extra. An FYI though: you probably want to keep your Uncharted 3 if you are aren't done with the game. The Uncharted 3 download is 47-90 GiB.

Also, how do you delete an accidental double post?

It's not that big since we're not getting the GOTY version. The base multiplayer game is a bit of 4 GB and I haven't seen anything on the internet saying how big the single-player campaign file is.

 

[ChunLiBarbie]

I traded in Xcom for $15 after the trade in 7 for $35 extra. An FYI though: you probably want to keep your Uncharted 3 if you are aren't done with the game. The Uncharted 3 download is 47-90 GiB.

Also, how do you delete an accidental double post?

Couldn't believe it! Thought you made a typo on the gigs. Googled! OMG!

Helped change that slight inkling of trading it in(even though I've yet to play it), lmfao.

 

[admiralvic]

Makes sense. Spend 80+ dollars on two things without any guarantee you will like either.

Like I enjoyed the story of VLR, but I wouldn't say I liked it enough to even consider the $20 for 999. Much less the DS if I lacked one.

Yeah, but if you've never owned a DS the library is so filled with gems which can be picked up on the cheap that it's a pretty worthy investment. At least that's my thinking.

Generally if you haven't bought a DS (though we really should say 3DS, since there is no reason to buy the outdated version when you can buy the newer one for slightly more. Like a flare red 3DS is 89 off cowboom...) by now, then you probably don't have a ton of interest in the console to begin with.

VLR..."greatest story in gaming"? Overzealous much?

Gaming already has a pretty piss-poor standard in storytelling as it is; the Zero Escape series, being visual novels, easily go above and beyond whatever standards there are and set new ones.

Hell, in my opinion, they eclipse stories in other mediums as well.

This is without a doubt true, though I still think Breakfuss is right. Too many visual novels remain in Japanese for people to really have a well rounded opinion, plus a lot of people don't seem to be taking into account the commitment it takes to really "enjoy" these games. Like the first time I played it, I recall spending an hour or two reading dialog and then whatever time it took me to solve the puzzle and then another hour or two to read the dialog. Obviously this isn't a genre for me or people who don't have a lot of free time / don't want to piss away 5 - 10+ hours just to get to the "good stuff", much less when people are trying to over sell another story that probably has the same commitments attached.

 

[Tsel]

double post. no way to delete this?

Just click 'hide' at the bottom of your post. It doesn't completely delete it, but it hides it so that only mods can see it.

 

[slidecage]

once again the vita stuff gets left behind for the end of the month.. nothing once again coming to the vita side this week

I say 

god eater on the 17th

and the vita game on the 24th

 

[FriskyTanuki]

once again the vita stuff gets left behind for the end of the month.. nothing once again coming to the vita side this week

I say

god eater on the 17th

and the vita game on the 24th

Vita PS+ games are always at the end of the month.

 

[rpg]

The Drop

PSN
-The Last of Us
-Flying Hamster HD (For PS Vita)
-Aliens: Colonial Marine
-Final Fantasy XIII-2

Demos
-Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F

PS2 Classics
-Contra: Shattered Soldier
-Pirates: Legend of the Black Buccaneer

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/06/09/the-drop-week-of-june-10th-2013-new-releases/

 

[admiralvic]

The Drop

PSN
-The Last of Us
-Flying Hamster HD (For PS Vita)
-Aliens: Colonial Marine
-Final Fantasy XIII-2

Demos
-Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F

PS2 Classics
-Contra: Shattered Soldier
-Pirates: Legend of the Black Buccaneer

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/06/09/the-drop-week-of-june-10th-2013-new-releases/

Writing on the wall... it will be a free plus game.

 

[specialist]

Please play 999 before VLR. The disservice you're doing to yourself and the greatest story in gaming is something you won't be able to make up.
Seriously everyone, they're both fantastic, but play 999 first.

But how are we supposed to when we only have a PS3 and a Vita...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001T8W2LW/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1370792244&sr=8-1&keywords=dsi&condition=used

Makes sense. Spend 80+ dollars on two things without any guarantee you will like either.

Like I enjoyed the story of VLR, but I wouldn't say I liked it enough to even consider the $20 for 999. Much less the DS if I lacked one.

There's a demo for 999:

http://www.aksysgames.com/999/pages/demo

I also somehow doubt that you'd hate everything in the DS/3DS library.

There's also a demo for VLR in the PSN store.

Both games have great stories, but let's settle it down on the best story ever told stuff.

 

[MrNinjaSquirrel]

The Drop

PSN
-The Last of Us
-Flying Hamster HD (For PS Vita)
-Aliens: Colonial Marine
-Final Fantasy XIII-2

Demos
-Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F

PS2 Classics
-Contra: Shattered Soldier
-Pirates: Legend of the Black Buccaneer

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/06/09/the-drop-week-of-june-10th-2013-new-releases/

Writing on the wall... it will be a free plus game.

If that happens...Sony can't be that cruel...

Spoiler

 

[admiralvic]

There's a demo for 999:

http://www.aksysgames.com/999/pages/demo

I also somehow doubt that you'd hate everything in the DS/3DS library.

There's also a demo for VLR in the PSN store.

Both games have great stories, but let's settle it down on the best story ever told stuff.

You're talking to the wrong person. I've owned a few DS's and 3DS's (currently rocking a Pikachu one), though I can't say too many titles really interest me. I was simply saying (in my later post) that most people that haven't bought one by now probably don't have much interest in any game from the library.

 

[gikochi]

999 will be released later in the year on ios devices for those who don't have and don't want to get a DS. The Japanese version is already out. The downside is that apparently the puzzles are reduced/simplified somehow compared to the DS version. But I believe you will still get the full story. Just another option to consider

 

[slidecage]

once again the vita stuff gets left behind for the end of the month.. nothing once again coming to the vita side this week

I say

god eater on the 17th

and the vita game on the 24th

Vita PS+ games are always at the end of the month.

Thanks just really joined in may so was not really paying attention. now at least i know when to expect the stuff every month

 

[Velo214]

Speaking of DS games that are super awesome, everyone should go out and play TWEWY.

The World Ends With You, best Square Enix game in past 10 years. just super awesome gameplay.

My wife would yell at me cuz i would pull it out and play with it at red stop lights

Super awesome adhd gameplay on top and bottom screen at same time with different controls, too fun.

 

[admiralvic]

Speaking of DS games that are super awesome, everyone should go out and play TWEWY.

The World Ends With You, best Square Enix game in past 10 years. just super awesome gameplay.

My wife would yell at me cuz i would pull it out and play with it at red stop lights

Super awesome adhd gameplay on top and bottom screen at same time with different controls, too fun.

Might as well get the Android / iPhone version. Though not many games can beat JUS. Loved that game!

 

[captaintek3304]

Speaking of DS games that are super awesome, everyone should go out and play TWEWY.
The World Ends With You, best Square Enix game in past 10 years. just super awesome gameplay.
My wife would yell at me cuz i would pull it out and play with it at red stop lights
Super awesome adhd gameplay on top and bottom screen at same time with different controls, too fun.

You deserve the yelling, because that is incredibly dangerous and careless. I hope you're just joking, and if not please let us know what state you live in so we can avoid you on the road.

 

[Velo214]

yeah Jump Ultimate Stars was awesome. i know you would understand it, but the amount of japanese text was a bit heavy on the rom i was playing... this topic starts to delve a lil too into the shadows, but yeah great games. iv got my ds rigged to play every ds game ever made, and i also have it able to play some scumm games like maniac mansion etc. even some diy indie choose your own adventure games, lol. i can play movies and pix on my ds too. i should play with it more. my girl has a pink one and i have a black and they rock. only wish there were trophies and i would play those games more. mostly it is used as a babysitting device now i.e. give my daughters scribblenauts, lol.

 

[tylerh1701]

So I guess there's something on that new Toro game that lets you see people who have played it and send them a friend request? I've been getting a ton of friend requests from that game, especially considering I played it for all of 2 minutes then deleted it...

 

[FriskyTanuki]

That's kind of the whole game.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/309969-vita-psn-toros-friend-network-vitas-mii-plaza-wdungeon-rpg-free-out-now/#entry10606242

 

[Bumslie]

So I guess there's something on that new Toro game that lets you see people who have played it and send them a friend request? I've been getting a ton of friend requests from that game, especially considering I played it for all of 2 minutes then deleted it...

From the video I watched of it that's exactly what it looks like. Make friends every where with Toro. Thanks for posting this cause I hate getting blown up by random friend requests. I had to lock my Vita friends list cause people were using it to send request to other CAGs and other friends just from playing a random game. Hopefully Tyler the requests with dwindle down over time.

 

[amusedtoe]

Yeah, but if you've never owned a DS the library is so filled with gems which can be picked up on the cheap that it's a pretty worthy investment. At least that's my thinking.

It is but many of the very best games were also very limited print and can be very expensive to get a hold of.

Writing on the wall... it will be a free plus game.

I'm sure but oh how I hope you're wrong...

 

[akathatoneguy]

Please play 999 before VLR. The disservice you're doing to yourself and the greatest story in gaming is something you won't be able to make up.
Seriously everyone, they're both fantastic, but play 999 first.

But how are we supposed to when we only have a PS3 and a Vita...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001T8W2LW/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1370792244&sr=8-1&keywords=dsi&condition=used

Makes sense. Spend 80+ dollars on two things without any guarantee you will like either.

Like I enjoyed the story of VLR, but I wouldn't say I liked it enough to even consider the $20 for 999. Much less the DS if I lacked one.

There's a demo for 999:

http://www.aksysgames.com/999/pages/demo

I also somehow doubt that you'd hate everything in the DS/3DS library.

There's also a demo for VLR in the PSN store.

Both games have great stories, but let's settle it down on the best story ever told stuff.

Speaking for myself only, it's not so much a matter of not enjoying any titles, but not having the time to enjoy them. I have a DS Lite, so I could get 999 (and likely will), but even though I *know* I'd enjoy Fire Emblem and some other titles, I'm hesitant to get a 3DS. Why? Because all I have is a 360 and a Vita right now (PS3 crapped the bed and I haven't replaced it yet) and I still don't have time to even play the games I already have.