It was inevitable that Sony would one day attempt to challenge Microsoft’s Summer Of Arcade promotion, so the announcement of PSN PLAY should come as no surprise. But what can us PS3 owners expect from the first edition of this new annual series? The PSblog has answers…
*Note: the following dates are for European territories only, for North American dates simply subtract a day. Prices for each game in NA will be $14.99.
We’re excited to introduce a new PlayStation Network event: PLAY. PLAY is a brand-new annual program, where we’re bringing you four of the season’s hottest PlayStation Network action titles. With every purchase of a PLAY title in PlayStation Store throughout the duration of the program (which ends on 20 September 2011), you’ll receive a separate piece of DLC for each game, plus a new theme with every pre-order (pre-orders will be available for a limited period prior to release of the game, see details below). If these incentives aren’t enough, if you purchase all four PLAY titles in PlayStation Store by 20 September 2011, you’ll get a PSN voucher code for PayDay: The Heist as a bonus gift. And, PlayStation Plus subscribers will get an automatic 20% off every purchase of a PLAY title if they purchase them by 20 September 2011.
Pre-orders will be available for all four PLAY titles starting next week on August 10 in PlayStation Store. Remember, in order to qualify to receive PayDay: The Heist as a bonus gift, your purchases must be made by September 20, 2011. Participating countries only. Age restrictions and other terms and conditions apply. Full details will be available on eu.playstation.com/legal from 10 August 2011.PlayStation Network PLAY is going to be an annual program.
Here is the 2011 line-up:Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition
August 24: The PLAY program kicks off with Capcom’s highly-anticipated Street Fighter III Third Strike Online Edition, available to pre-order until 18 August, 2011. This action-fighting title features 20 playable characters, HD graphics, more than 200 pieces of unlockable content, more than 100 trials and more than 100 challenges When Street Fighter III Third Strike Online Edition is purchased through PLAY, purchasers will be able to unlock GILL, the self-proclaimed god, without having to beat the game with every character, as day-one DLC. All pre-orders will also receive a Capcom-produced theme. Street Fighter III Third Strike Online Edition will be €14.99 and is rated PEGI 12+.
The Baconing
August 31: Hothead Studios’ The Baconing will be available to pre-order until 25 August 2011. This action-RPG title is the third in the popular DeathSpank series. Attempt to defeat the Anti-Spank and his army of Cyborques, before they cast an evil shadow over Spanktopia. Discover exciting new worlds and battle hordes of enemies as you search to unlock the secret within the Fires of Bacon. When The Baconing is purchased through PLAY, purchasers will receive an additional co-op character, Roesha – One Bad Mutha. All pre-orders will also receive a static theme, exclusive to PLAY. The Baconing will be €12.99 and is rated PEGI 12+.
BloodRayne: Betrayal
September 7: Majesco Entertainment‘s BloodRayne: Betrayal will be available to pre-order until 1 September 2011. This 2D side-scrolling platformer features 15 bloodthirsty levels where Rayne attempts to infiltrate a treacherous castle, take out a fiendish horde and stop an evil vampire massacre. When BloodRayne: Betrayal is purchased through PLAY, purchasers will receive a BloodRayne: Betrayal virtual item for their PlayStation Home avatar and an exclusive dynamic theme. In addition, all pre-orders will also receive a static theme exclusive to PLAY. BloodRayne: Betrayal will be €12.99 and is rated PEGI 16+.
Renegade Ops
September 14: The SEGA title Renegade Ops will be available to pre-order until 8 September 2011.This top-down, driving shooter from SEGA features a huge variety of vehicles, guns and endless enemies. The game features Sandbox-style missions, so there are many different ways to play. When Renegade Ops is purchased through PLAY, purchasers will receive a Vehicle & Character Pack with two new vehicles and special weapons. All pre-orders will also receive a static theme, exclusive to PLAY. Renegade Ops will be €12.99 and is rated PEGI 12+.
PayDay: The Heist
Bonus gift: PayDay: The Heist. This gritty, first-person shooter from Sony Online Entertainment lets players take on the role of a hardened career criminal executing intense, dynamic heists in constant pursuit of the next “big score.” A PSN voucher code for PayDay: The Heist will be provided to buyers of all four PLAY titles as a bonus gift if they make their purchases by 20 September 2011. The game releases on 5 October 2011. The game can also be pre-ordered separately from 21 September 2 2011 until 29 September 2011, and all pre-orders will receive a static theme.
What gamer doesn’t want to get more action? Get ready because PlayStation Network PLAY pre-orders start next Wednesday, August 10.
