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.

 

[breakfuss]

I thought I had that happening to me a few times too, but chalked it up to bad timing on my part. Good to know it may not be just me. But shitty to know this bug exists.

It's not a bug. It's "classic" gaming.

 

[QuarterRoy00]

I also wish they had included a full copy of the original game. I'm not sure why they didn't. But now that I've played this remastered version, I want to go back and play the original to see how different they are.



I saw this quote in an interview with Nintendo Life. Not really anything helpful as to why not, but it at least shows they were thinking about it.

NL: Was there ever consideration of including the original NES title as an unlockable extra?
RJ: Of course…but unfortunately, it’s not a feature we were able to include in the game.

 

[amusedtoe]

Oh I didn't realize there would be so many rights issues to deal with. Interesting...

Yeah, licensing is usually the main reason why companies have trouble re-releasing or remaking games that have high fan demand. Just wait another 20 years when people want our current games remade and they have dozens of plug-ins and frameworks and technical licenses to renegotiate on top of everything that has to be considered now when some of those games were made by a half dozen people.

 

[alfaflyt]

Duck Tales RM is a great game. Beat it Tuesday night on normal, hard mode after that. Extreme is giving me trouble(no continues, keep making stupid mistakes in african mines). $15 is kinda steep though( pre ordered and got the PS+ discount), but i wanted to get it to encourage game companies to do more RM's. Classic games with modern graphics are a great combo.

 

[gettinmoney662]

So if you pre-order Castle of Illusion from August 20-September 2, you get the original version of the game, a dynamic theme, and avatars. Furthermore, you get the original version immediately. Sounds pretty sweet.

http://blogs.sega.com/2013/08/16/castle-of-illusion-starring-mickey-mouse-gets-release-date-price-and-pre-order-special/?q6199273=1

 

[affa]

Nice run down. Games above have my greatest interest. I think I'm most intrigued with New Little King's Story and Dynasty Warriors Next. Could you elaborate on what makes Next a buy for you?

I laughed when reading your blurb about MGS HD... Because I'm very much on the fence about MGS HD at the moment. Eventually I'll get the PS3 HD collection whenever it's discounted but I'm just not sure about the Vita version. Transfarring saves is awesome but no Peace Walker (never played) is kind of a drag and the idea of playing these games without a dual shock feels almost sacrilegious. Sadly, I don't even have a Vita, still waiting for the used bundle I ordered off eBay to finally arrive, aargh.

Dynasty Warriors Next is a must buy for me because I've played demo after demo of that series on the PS3 and never got around to buying one despite always liking them. I played the vita demo and enjoyed that, too. So at that price, it's a steal. It's a very 'fun' type of game imo.

Peace Walker would have made MGSHD it a buy for me.

I actually love the vita's controls (i haven't played a game on my ps3 for at least a week). i mean, yea, the DS is better simply due to size/ergo, but i have no issue playing on a vita.

 

[QuarterRoy00]

So if you pre-order Castle of Illusion from August 20-September 2, you get the original version of the game, a dynamic theme, and avatars. Furthermore, you get the original version immediately. Sounds pretty sweet.

http://blogs.sega.com/2013/08/16/castle-of-illusion-starring-mickey-mouse-gets-release-date-price-and-pre-order-special/?q6199273=1



That is a pretty sweet deal. Was going to wait out a sale, but might have to jump on a preorder now.

 

[tylerh1701]

So if you pre-order Castle of Illusion from August 20-September 2, you get the original version of the game, a dynamic theme, and avatars. Furthermore, you get the original version immediately. Sounds pretty sweet.

http://blogs.sega.com/2013/08/16/castle-of-illusion-starring-mickey-mouse-gets-release-date-price-and-pre-order-special/?q6199273=1

So is the original version already on the PS Store? Or is this a special file that they're only making available for pre-orders or something like that?

 

[gettinmoney662]

So is the original version already on the PS Store? Or is this a special file that they're only making available for pre-orders or something like that?

Pretty sure it's the latter. They also make it sound like the original version will be exclusive to pre-orders.

 

[QuarterRoy00]

So is the original version already on the PS Store? Or is this a special file that they're only making available for pre-orders or something like that?



I just checked the store and only thing there is a placeholder w/ videos for the HD version.

 

[crunchewy]

But, if you don't like games heavy on narrative and exposition then stay away from this series at all costs.

Hmm... I have yet to find a video game story that was anything but irritating. At best. LOL. I guess I should skip it... though of course I'm now dying to try it in order to find out. LOL.

 

[amusedtoe]

Hmm... I have yet to find a video game story that was anything but irritating. At best. LOL. I guess I should skip it... though of course I'm now dying to try it in order to find out. LOL.

You and affa should co-op games together.

 

[Joker13z]

You and affa should co-op games together.

You just made me laugh so hard at work it's kind of embarrassing. Shame on you.

 

[Cleaner7]

So if you pre-order Castle of Illusion from August 20-September 2, you get the original version of the game, a dynamic theme, and avatars. Furthermore, you get the original version immediately. Sounds pretty sweet.

http://blogs.sega.com/2013/08/16/castle-of-illusion-starring-mickey-mouse-gets-release-date-price-and-pre-order-special/?q6199273=1



Now THAT'S how you do a remake! Made my decision easy. Time to pre-order!

 

[wrencrest]

So if you pre-order Castle of Illusion from August 20-September 2, you get the original version of the game, a dynamic theme, and avatars. Furthermore, you get the original version immediately. Sounds pretty sweet.

http://blogs.sega.com/2013/08/16/castle-of-illusion-starring-mickey-mouse-gets-release-date-price-and-pre-order-special/?q6199273=1

That is exactly what I was waiting to here. I saw a post on ps3trophies about the europeans getting the mega drive version and was hoping NA would get the Genesis game too. That is great. My daughter will love Mickey. Castle of illusion was one of my first Genesis games.

 

[FriskyTanuki]

Oh I didn't realize there would be so many rights issues to deal with. Interesting...

That would basically be the same reason for the TMNT Turtles in Time remake not doing the same thing. They had the rights to make the game, but that didn't include the old assets, engine, etc.

 

[gettinmoney662]

The PS Blog said that the original Genesis version of Castle of Illusion will not be available for sale after the pre-order period and this is the only way to get it.

 

[affa]

Hmm... I have yet to find a video game story that was anything but irritating. At best. LOL. I guess I should skip it... though of course I'm now dying to try it in order to find out. LOL.

my clan grows ever powerful.

but seriously, as much as i generally agree with you, go play TLOU. There are definitely games out there with solid narratives, they're just few and far between.

 

[Nax5]

So there is a Japanese Vita sale, and no Gravity Rush DLC? Ugh, that stuff is never going to go on sale.

 

[tylerh1701]

The PS Blog said that the original Genesis version of Castle of Illusion will not be available for sale after the pre-order period and this is the only way to get it.

Thanks.

 

[amusedtoe]

my clan grows ever powerful.

but seriously, as much as i generally agree with you, go play TLOU. There are definitely games out there with solid narratives, they're just few and far between.

Good thing TLoU wasn't an RPG or you would have missed it!

 

[gubmccargen]

With the (relatively) light library I'm always a sucker for more cheap Vita games so I like this week's deals. I'm considering Sumioni and Touch My Katamari, both of which I'll probably pick up for under $11 total. Do any CAGs have opinions on these? I'm somewhat familiar with Karamari so is it just standard fare there? Seems worth it for under $4. How about Sumioni? I'm behind on the thread so apologies if this has already been discussed.

Ridge Racer caught my eye as a full retail title so cheap and I enjoy most racing games but 2 stars for an aggregate PSN score? That can't be good.

On a personal note it's a pretty down Plus month for me as a couple of the few things I've spent my money on in recent months are Runner2 and Star Wars Pinball. Love them both, but funny they're half of the offerings this month.

 

[MrNinjaSquirrel]

Ridge Racer caught my eye as a full retail title so cheap and I enjoy most racing games but 2 stars for an aggregate PSN score? That can't be good.

If I recall correctly, it was discussed in this thread that it only has some 3 tracks and is all around lacking in both polish and content. I don't even know any more about it and I'd recommend against it. I'm sure there are/will be better racing games to spend you cash and perhaps more importantly your time on

 

[gubmccargen]

Oh wow, thanks for kicking perspective back into me. With gaming time at a premium lately I've tried to curb my digital game hoarding habit but for some reason I still want do it for Vita.

 

[tylerh1701]

I'm liking this free Breakquest Vita game more and more.  Should be fairly simple to get most (if not all) of the trophies for free.  Very interesting visuals that tire out my eyes, but still good for a few levels at a time.

 

[affa]

Good thing TLoU wasn't an RPG or you would have missed it!

If it was a jrpg it would have had dialog like

Tess - "Joel! I need that Pheonix Down!"

Joel - "Ok! Are you flirting with me?"

Tess - "Noooooooooooo!"

Ellie - "Guys! SHUT UP! You're embarrassing."

Talking Cat - "Whooples!"

Joel - "Whoop, be quiet."

Talking Cat - "whoop. whoop."

Tess - "I'm scared. We are in danger!"

Ellie - "We will be okay! We will survive.... together!"

All in unison - "TOGETHER UNITE!"

And yes, i'd have completely skipped it.

 

[affa]

With the (relatively) light library I'm always a sucker for more cheap Vita games so I like this week's deals. I'm considering Sumioni and Touch My Katamari, both of which I'll probably pick up for under $11 total. Do any CAGs have opinions on these? I'm somewhat familiar with Karamari so is it just standard fare there? Seems worth it for under $4. How about Sumioni? I'm behind on the thread so apologies if this has already been discussed.

Ridge Racer caught my eye as a full retail title so cheap and I enjoy most racing games but 2 stars for an aggregate PSN score? That can't be good.

On a personal note it's a pretty down Plus month for me as a couple of the few things I've spent my money on in recent months are Runner2 and Star Wars Pinball. Love them both, but funny they're half of the offerings this month.

Ridge Racer - from what i hear it's very limited tracks and cars and no real campaign. it's a shell of a game that requires around $20 in dlc to be complete. but it's supposed to be good if you can get past that (initial frame rate issues were patched). i'm skipping.

Katamari - it's katamari on a hand held. i own it and enjoy it. i do hate the characters, but i like figuring out the fastest way to grow big. i think it has 9 maps and 9 unlockable maps. you can either pay to unlock those, or grind for items to unlock them. you need 10 items per map unlock. i've just been futzing around on the first two maps and already have 5 so it shouldn't be too bad (and one map is supposed to be easy to grind them). i hate the characters and all, but gameplay is where it's at.

Sumioni - play the demo. wasn't for me. some like it.

Speaking of Bit Runner 2 -- anyone have any word on a vita release date? i just aced the first 3 levels on my ps3 and i think i'd much prefer it on a smaller screen. the sort of zoning in i do for that kind of game kind of melts my head on the big screen (or maybe i'm just really used to my vita at this point).

 

[slidecage]

Calling all people who play Ragnarok Odyssey, Bumslie and I are having trouble beating Grendel in 3-11 and we're looking for 1-2 more players to help hopefully make it easier. If you're not that far yet, that's not a problem, we'll help you get through the previous quests. We're looking to play at about 9:30 PST tonight.

RO was a fun time killer until you get to chapter 9 where you have to go online

kill 100 TROLL BOSSES or something like that... good luck doing that yourself

and the bosses in 5 6 and 8 will drive you insane

 

[wongjp]

3 courses, 5 cars in the base game. Apparently you have to buy some of the music too. The retail copy came with the same amount of stuff though, which if you read some reviews you'll see is mentioned in almost all of them, and was a Vita launch title. The gold pass looks to add three of the six tracks and five of the nine cars.

Even setting aside the cash grab BS DLC setup I haven't really seen or read anything indicating it's much of a racer on it's own.

Gotcha. Yeah, it seemed super-skimpy anyway. Thanks

 

[gettinmoney662]

RO was a fun time killer until you get to chapter 9 where you have to go online

kill 100 TROLL BOSSES or something like that... good luck doing that yourself

and the bosses in 5 6 and 8 will drive you insane

That's no biggie, there seems to be a ton of people willing to help out, although so far we've only played up to chapter 5 online. I'm going through the game on my own and I'm about done with chapter 6, hopefully when I do need help in chapter 9, I can easily find some others.

 

[breakfuss]

If it was a jrpg it would have had dialog like

Tess - "Joel! I need that Pheonix Down!"

Joel - "Ok! Are you flirting with me?"

Tess - "Noooooooooooo!"

Ellie - "Guys! SHUT UP! You're embarrassing."

Talking Cat - "Whooples!"

Joel - "Whoop, be quiet."

Talking Cat - "whoop. whoop."

Tess - "I'm scared. We are in danger!"

Ellie - "We will be okay! We will survive.... together!"

All in unison - "TOGETHER UNITE!"

And yes, i'd have completely skipped it.

Oh, god. Hahahahaha. Sad, but true. I think it all started going downhill after Kingdom Hearts II. As if jrpg devs reached some sort of tacit agreement to see who could stuff the most nonsensical tripe into their series.

 

[humidore]

I'm liking this free Breakquest Vita game more and more. Should be fairly simple to get most (if not all) of the trophies for free. Very interesting visuals that tire out my eyes, but still good for a few levels at a time.

Nice music too! I just chilled out in music mode last nite and dozed off quite nicely.

 

[QuarterRoy00]

It's kinda funny seeing three of my Runner2 trophies jump into my top five rarest trophy list now that a ton more people have the game via Plus.

 

[specialist]

If it was a jrpg it would have had dialog like

Tess - "Joel! I need that Pheonix Down!"

Joel - "Ok! Are you flirting with me?"

Tess - "Noooooooooooo!"

Ellie - "Guys! SHUT UP! You're embarrassing."

Talking Cat - "Whooples!"

Joel - "Whoop, be quiet."

Talking Cat - "whoop. whoop."

Tess - "I'm scared. We are in danger!"

Ellie - "We will be okay! We will survive.... together!"

All in unison - "TOGETHER UNITE!"

And yes, i'd have completely skipped it.

A talking cat would've been a nice change of pace for the actual game. It's very good, but if you're even somewhat familiar with any bit of post-apocalyptic zombie outbreak story you know exactly where the story's gonna end up as soon as it starts.

 

[CudzBudz]

A talking cat would've been a nice change of pace for the actual game. It's very good, but if you're even somewhat familiar with any bit of post-apocalyptic zombie outbreak story you know exactly where the story's gonna end up as soon as it starts.

Yeah that's true, but something similar could be said about practically every game with a story.

 

[ithebigc]

So there is a Japanese Vita sale, and no Gravity Rush DLC? Ugh, that stuff is never going to go on sale.

This. I've been waiting for them to go on sale forever...they need more sales on actual DLC than games, because usually I already get the games elsewhere, in this case PS+, but other times various sales at retail stores or whatever.

 

[specialist]

Yeah that's true, but something similar could be said about practically every game with a story.

I dunno, try saying that about 999 or Virtue's Last Reward. Or Ghost Trick.

It's not a zombie outbreak story, there aren't any zombies in the game.

Okay, "infected" then. The fact of the matter is that the story is very obviously heading in a direction where you know the outcome almost immediately after being presented with a new situation. It cherry picks tropes left and right and paints a very nice portrait for itself while coloring inside the lines. It's predictable, but it's effective.

 

[handsomepete]

Talking Cat - "Whooples!"

 

[breakfuss]

It's not a zombie outbreak story, there aren't any zombies in the game.

...semantics.

I dunno, try saying that about 999 or Virtue's Last Reward. Or Ghost Trick.


Okay, "infected" then. The fact of the matter is that the story is very obviously heading in a direction where you know the outcome almost immediately after being presented with a new situation. It cherry picks tropes left and right and paints a very nice portrait for itself while coloring inside the lines. It's predictable, but it's effective.

Completely agree with this. I guess one's perspective just depends on how familiar they are with the genre. Considering the popularity of Walking Dead, though, I thought more people would feel this way.

 

[josekortez]

I pulled the trigger on Atelier for Vita, even though $19.59 still seems a little high. I'm a big RPG fan, but devs don't seem to want to release many of them on cart for Vita. But I guess download is better than nothing.

 

[CudzBudz]

I dunno, try saying that about 999 or Virtue's Last Reward. Or Ghost Trick.

Haha alright I guess you win since I haven't played any of those. I've had Virtue's Last Reward for a few months but put off playing it until I bought/played 999 which I forgot about. You resparked my interest though so thanks. Besides hearing the name every now and then I know nothing about Ghost Trick but I'm curious now.

 

[Jello1996]

So if you pre-order Castle of Illusion from August 20-September 2, you get the original version of the game, a dynamic theme, and avatars. Furthermore, you get the original version immediately. Sounds pretty sweet.

http://blogs.sega.com/2013/08/16/castle-of-illusion-starring-mickey-mouse-gets-release-date-price-and-pre-order-special/?q6199273=1

This just went from a "possible purchase someday" to a "MUST pre-order ASAP" for me.. All these remakes should include originals IMO cause sometimes, that's all people really want. The HD version is sort of going to be the bonus for me, I just want the original.

 

[amusedtoe]

I pulled the trigger on Atelier for Vita, even though $19.59 still seems a little high. I'm a big RPG fan, but devs don't seem to want to release many of them on cart for Vita. But I guess download is better than nothing.

If the rest of the Vita remakes hit NA it's going to be digital only. There's no market for boxed copies of a super niche series on a low install base platform.

Edit- Just got an email about the Killzone Mercenary beta. Not sure if it's from signing up on the website or from the E3 Home thing (have to check the key against the one I have written down from that) but it says to enter it into the store after it updates this Tuesday. I'm assuming it's the same beta that E3 Home keys are good for, since it's the early public beta, so there's the time to try entering your keys I suppose.

 

[rpg]

Katamari - it's katamari on a hand held. i own it and enjoy it. i do hate the characters, but i like figuring out the fastest way to grow big. i think it has 9 maps and 9 unlockable maps. you can either pay to unlock those, or grind for items to unlock them. you need 10 items per map unlock. i've just been futzing around on the first two maps and already have 5 so it shouldn't be too bad (and one map is supposed to be easy to grind them). i hate the characters and all, but gameplay is where it's at.

Get eternal mode, unlimited time to look around for items. Need one more trophy but it looks impossible without using the glitch. Last item cost 76,500 candies

 

[affa]

Get eternal mode, unlimited time to look around for items. Need one more trophy but it looks impossible without using the glitch. Last item cost 76,500 candies

eternal mode!?! how do i get that? the menu to the game is a mess. the time limit can be quite annoying, i'd love to have it be more of a playground. (i actually wish it was always untimed, just gave you a ranking, rather than just ending at 3 or 5 minutes.

A talking cat would've been a nice change of pace for the actual game. It's very good, but if you're even somewhat familiar with any bit of post-apocalyptic zombie outbreak story you know exactly where the story's gonna end up as soon as it starts.

I have this spoilered for being off topic, not because there are any spoilers.

Spoiler

I think the end of the story is quite different from what most would expect. However, I think it's too soon to discuss TLOU plot in a non-dedicated forum for fear of spoilers.

However, no matter where a narrative ends up, some good portion of the audience will always 'guess' the ending. For example, in a murder mystery evidence needs to exist, at least in retrospect. However, this means some % of the people will guess who the killer is, and then will think it was 'predictable'. Of course it was! If there wasn't evidence/hints planted along the way, the narrative would be crippled.

If a story is completely unpredictable, it would lose narrative cohesion (such as the murderer suddenly being someone the narrative never even introduced). Likewise, there are only so many choices on the 'hero's path'. We have seen them all before... so it's all about the telling, which is where TLOU excels.

Plus TLOU created some of the only video game characters i've ever truly cared about. I get that no game is for everyone, but hot damn is it good.

Actually, as an example - Katamari plot is 'unpredictable' because it's nonsensical rubbish. Any strong narrative, however, is ultimately predictable to at least a decent subset of people.

And I am soooo thankful TLOU does not have talking cats, even if Whoop is adorable.

 

[whitereflection]

If the rest of the Vita remakes hit NA it's going to be digital only. There's no market for boxed copies of a super niche series on a low install base platform.

Tell me more about how super-niche the series is. I would like your personal guarantee that the game will never hit lower than $15, because I would've been all over this game at $10, 65% in at $15, but I have a hard time biting at $20. Didn't Sony say that all PS4 games will be playable on Vita? That would raise the Vita's profile considerably and even niche games like this one could be a hit.

 

[ccjmli]

This just went from a "possible purchase someday" to a "MUST pre-order ASAP" for me.

Same here

 

[amusedtoe]

So many conflicting opinions on Katamari. I was going to buy it based off the name, never having played the series but being familiar with the reputation/concept, but decided to try the demo first after the negativity. I know the game's supposed to be bombastic and weird but the characters and music were a little more brash than I expected. I could probably live with those elements though when the game seems to be reasonably fun for those short gaming sessions.

The controls worry me a bit though. I think I pulled off a turbo once and if that's something you have to use to get high scores or trophies that's no good. Still, it's only $4 I guess but at the same time I think I'm leaning more towards picking up Atelier than I was earlier in the week and don't want to go crazy on the PSN spending right now.

And I am soooo thankful TLOU does not have talking cats, even if Whoop is adorable.

I think you mean that you're so glad that in the end it's revealed that Joel is actually just been a talking cat the whole time and Ellie just imagined him as a rugged middle aged man.

Tell me more about how super-niche the series is. I would like your personal guarantee that the game will never hit lower than $15, because I would've been all over this game at $10, 65% in at $15, but I have a hard time biting at $20. Didn't Sony say that all PS4 games will be playable on Vita? That would raise the Vita's profile considerably and even niche games like this one could be a hit.

I'm not quite sure how to respond to this, it could fall either on either side of the fence dividing genuine inquiry from sarcastic nerd rage. So let's cover both bases I suppose.

The game only came out on Vita five months ago (almost exactly) in North America. Most people are considering $20 to be a fairly strong price point to grab it at as it's a digital only release and don't see it going on sale again in the near future or for a better price. At $20 it's still better than you're going to be able to find the PS3 version and it comes with extra content. Could it have a price drop and get another sale for a little lower? Yeah, probably but it's not going to be the type of game that headlines a big sale so who knows if that's going to be six months from now, a year or what. $10-15 would have been the price point I would have wanted it at but I think I'm still going to bite because of the above factors and that there's enough there that intrigues me.

The series is really niche though despite being 12 games long or whatever it's at now. This is a JRPG that sounds to be as much about crafting/collecting/talking as fighting things and probably even more so. It's not a knock on the series or the games to call them extremely niche but that's what they are. These aren't system seller games to most potential game buyers or something they're even aware of. Stores like Best Buy and Target who are shrinking their Vita sections to almost nothing while still facing the need to find room for two new consoles aren't going to stock a retail release of something that their core customer isn't going to buy. Selling roughly 100,000 copies per game is clearly successful enough to keep the series going past double digits and NIS and the developer should be commended for having a development plan to make that work for them while serving the fans.

Still, that's a paltry nothing in the big picture and the Vita with something around 4% of the units sold as the PS3 isn't going to justify the gamble of having a boxed copy. By at least having a boxed copy with the PS3 you'll at least generate a couple thousand sales from curious buys that aren't your core demographic and that just isn't there on Vita. By targeting a digital release only with the Vita version you're keeping the costs down to keep the series profitable while still focusing on your core fans who would buy the game anyway.

Again, none of this is a knock on the Vita or the series. I love my Vita and hope that a price drop and a bigger push by Sony will finally get sales going because it's an outstanding system with great games. Sony just needs to find that creativity that Nintendo has that when the 3DS and DS were going down in flames allowed them to get the right games onto the system to generate buzz while making the right price cut. For Atelier Totori Plus I'm almost certainly going to be buying it before the sale ends because I like niche games.

As for the PS4 it is supposed to be able to stream all PS4 games to the Vita. As for how they're handling PS1-PS3 stuff they haven't done more than speak vaguely about a streaming service.

 

[Kenshindono]

Did Atelier Totori ever get a physical release? I dont think it did. Im assuming if not at this point then there wont be one coming right? I really hate digital copies of stuff only but am wondering if its worth getting at $20. Im in no rush if theres a chance of it going lower. Any chance of it hitting

 

[FriskyTanuki]

Did Atelier Totori ever get a physical release? I dont think it did. Im assuming if not at this point then there wont be one coming right? I really hate digital copies of stuff only but am wondering if its worth getting at $20. Im in no rush if theres a chance of it going lower. Any chance of it hitting <$15 at some point?

the main thing was a physical copy option though. I dont really see one. Other than the JP version

I doubt it ever gets a physical release with the way they handled the English release.

Yeah, there's some chance of it getting cheaper at some point, which somewhere between 0% and 100%. Whether you want to wait for that or take the opportunity that is available to you right now is up to you.