Sony Announces 2008-2009 Software Lineup For PlayStation Family

Sony Computer Entertainment America announced a lineup of highly-anticipated software titles set to launch over the remainder of 2008 and early 2009 exclusively for PlayStation 3, PSP and PlayStation Network.

A mix of original concepts as well as franchise mainstays, the upcoming list of software includes more than 15 games across all PlayStation platforms.

This year, PS3's momentum is stronger than ever, kick-started by strong holiday sales and Blu-ray Disc becoming the de facto high-definition standard. Software such as GRAN TURISMO 5 PROLOGUE and MLB 08 THE SHOW have also continued to drive PS3 forward. The PSP system also continues to shine, with hardware sales still going very strong since the introduction of the new slimmer and lighter PSP, and one of last month's PSP exclusives, GOD OF WAR: CHAINS OF OLYMPUS, ranking among the Top 10 titles sold across all platforms.

Further highlighting the break-through year for PS3, broader online community initiatives launching on PlayStation Network are shaping up to be key components to its success. The PlayStation Network community has maintained its growth in popularity with eight million accounts registered worldwide and more than 140 million downloads to date. In addition to offering consumers new and original forms of entertainment, PlayStation Network supports free access to community-centric online gameplay, communications tools, web browsing, commerce, and cross platform functionality with PS3 and PSP.

The caliber of original and innovative content on PLAYSTATION Store continues to evolve with breakthrough games like PIXELJUNK MONSTERS and ECHOCHROME, and upcoming applications such as PlayStation Home.

SCEA's first party line up for PS3 includes the original and imaginative LITTLEBIGPLANET from Media Molecule, along with heavy hitting sequels to some of SCEA's most popular franchises including RESISTANCE 2 from Insomniac Games, SOCOM: U.S. NAVY SEALS CONFRONTATION from Slant Six Games, and the officially titled MOTORSTORM PACIFIC RIFT from Evolution Studios.

Available in February 2009 will be KILLZONE 2, the highly anticipated first-person shooter from Guerrilla Games. Through the PlayStation Network, PS3 owners will see an assortment of unique and original titles such as ELEFUNK, PIXELJUNK EDEN, and Wipeout HD. For PSP, franchise favorites such as SECRET AGENT CLANK and HOT SHOTS GOLF: OPEN TEE 2 will make their return to the portable screen.

Below is a complete list of the highly-anticipated first-party PS3, PSP, and PlayStation Network game titles due out this year and early 2009:

HOT SHOTS GOLF: OPEN TEE 2 -- PSP (Available June 3, 2008 / E for "Everyone")

Developed by Clap Hanz, HOT SHOTS GOLF: OPEN TEE 2 introduces six challenging new courses, along with new characters to customize using hundreds of accessories. Robust Internet play allows players to challenge other HOT SHOTS across the globe in tournaments of up to 16 players. Players can tee-off locally with up to eight others via Ad Hoc mode, or engage in a number of single-player modes such as Challenge, Training, and Stroke Play. With the franchise's signature over-the-top visuals and pick-up-and-play action, fans of the series can once again look forward to hitting the links on the go with the most fun and wacky golf experience available.

SECRET AGENT CLANK -- PSP (Available June 17, 2008 / E10+ for "Everyone 10+")

Ratchet, Clank, and Captain Qwark return to PSP this summer in SECRET AGENT CLANK, an all new adventure where Clank takes the lead as the titular character. Taking cues from spy classics of the past, SECRET AGENT CLANK presents the Ratchet and Clank universe with a spy themed twist, including Clank as the Galaxy's greatest undercover agent dressed in a tuxedo. Developed by High Impact Games, the studio that brought RATCHET & CLANK: SIZE MATTERS to PSP, SECRET AGENT CLANK brings the humor, quality gameplay and action that fans have come to expect from the franchise back to PSP.

WIPEOUT HD -- PSN (Available Summer 2008 / Rated E10+)

One of the most beloved PlayStation franchises of all time returns with WIPEOUT HD for PS3. Available exclusively for download on PlayStation Store, players race at blazing speeds and experience adrenaline-filled, anti-gravity racing action in full-1080p HD running at a breathtaking 60-frames-per-second. Featuring a selection of the best tracks from previous versions of the WIPEOUT franchise meticulously reworked for PS3, WIPEOUT HD supports up to eight player online multiplayer racing in addition to various other race modes like Tournament, Time Trial and Speed Lap. Featuring a new Pilot Assist option to help players navigate tracks at blazing speeds, WIPEOUT HD also includes a Photo Mode, support for the SIXAXIS wireless controller's motion sensing controls, and a bumping soundtrack with Dolby 5.1 surround.

ELEFUNK -- PSN (Available Summer 2008 / E for "Everyone")

ELEFUNK is a PS3 construction puzzle game exclusively for download on PlayStation Network. In ELEFUNK, players are tasked with building bridges and structures capable of supporting elephants as they stroll across treacherous ravines, rivers, fire pits and swamps. Using various materials with real world physics applied to them -- ranging from metal to wood and rope -- players must select the proper materials and pieces to build a structure that will hold up the crossing elephants. With single and multi-player gameplay both on and offline, ELEFUNK delivers simple and fun gameplay for the casual fan, with leaderboards and challenging modes for the more competitive gamer.

PIXELJUNK EDEN -- PSN (Available Summer 2008 / Not Yet Rated)

PIXELJUNK EDEN is the third PSN title from the addictive PIXELJUNK series by Japanese developer Q-Games. In this stunning platform game, the player feels like a small insect seeing a garden for the first time. Within this constantly evolving and vibrant 2-D plant environment, the player leaps and swings between lush plants, smashing into approaching enemies and navigating around the undergrowth to gather treasures. Through various levels, the player is treated to stylish 1080p graphics, a dynamic soundtrack and addictive gameplay. PIXELJUNK EDEN supports both single and co-op play.

SIREN: BLOOD CURSE -- PSN (Available Summer 2008 / Not Yet Rated)

Released in twelve downloadable episodes, SIREN: BLOOD CURSE delivers a haunting and horrifying story exclusively to PS3. Set in the Japanese village of Hanuda, an American TV crew has arrived to research and film an expose on the legend of a "vanished village." Controlling seven different playable characters, the player must discover the mystery behind the curse that grips the eerie village of Hanuda. The unique "sight jack" system allows the player to see from the point of view of the Shibito, or living dead, to avoid their detection or watch as they close in on the crew. Intense graphics, realistic character animation, and a gritty film-like graphical presentation add to the horror of SIREN: BLOOD CURSE.

SOCOM: US NAVY SEALS CONFRONTATION -- PS3 (Available September 16, 2008 / Not Yet Rated)

With the power of PS3, SOCOM: U.S. NAVY SEALS CONFRONTATION will deliver the most intense and authentic high definition modern combat action. Delivering a global-scale combat experience that has been refined over four generations of the SOCOM franchise, SOCOM CONFRONTATION gives players the opportunity to battle against the best and brightest from the U.S., Europe and Asia. Players will be able to modify their appearance through facial and physical customization and battle across seven North African environments, including a 32-player version of the most popular SOCOM map of all time "Crossroads." Additional themed packs containing new Special Forces, weapons, maps and features will be made available for download via the PlayStation Store.

LITTLEBIGPLANET -- PS3 (Available October 2008 / Not yet Rated)

Developed by Media Molecule, LITTLEBIGPLANET is a new and hugely innovative PS3 title that establishes a new genre called "creative gaming." LITTLEBIGPLANET allows players to Play, Create and Share inside a glued-together and hand-stitched 3D landscape. Players customize and control their burlap Sackboy (or Sackgirl) character and can PLAY alone or with up to three others, exploring a variety of developer-created levels. Also, using a simple tool system, players can create their own objects and even full levels. Players can then share these creations with their friends or with the world through the online PlayStation Network community.

NBA 09 -- PS3, PSP, PS2 (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by SCEA San Diego, NBA 09 builds on the technology and features of NBA 08 with more advanced graphics and gameplay control to deliver an experience catering to hardcore basketball fans and casual gamers alike. For the first time, NBA 09 brings "The Life" mode to PS3, delivering gamers the most detailed and engaging NBA experience both on the court and behind the scenes. Additionally, NBA 09 will feature a full Franchise mode, where gamers can run their own virtual team on every level -- from determining salaries, to deciding playing time, to making trades. Progression mode, where players are rewarded experience and attributes during gameplay, returns with players now able to track "team progression" for all five characters. Extending playability, NBA 09 will bring back NBA Replay mode, where players will be able to re-enact highlight performances from the real NBA season to gain additional rewards. Other key features include expanded commentary, a variety of mini-games, and full online gameplay action.

NBA 09 -- PSP (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by SCEA San Diego, NBA 09 for PSP brings fast, fluid gameplay and delivers the most engaging portable NBA experience available. Featuring a new Franchise mode, players will be able to draft and construct contracts while engaging in multi-season gameplay. The popular Conquest mode returns in a variety of formats, allowing players to take over the country in gameplay modes such as Dodgeball, Elimination, Fast Break, and Pick-Up games. Carnival mini-games return, including Pinball, Pop-a-Shot, and Skee-Ball, and cross platform compatibility allows players to use mini-game Carnival tickets earned to purchase items in NBA 09 PS3. Additional mini-games round out the experience including, Pick and Roll, Alley-Oop, Box Out, Give and Go, and 21.

NBA 09 -- PS2 (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by SCEA San Diego, NBA 09 for PS2 returns with the fourth installment of the critically acclaimed "The Life" mode. Within The Life, players will control storylines for three different characters, interacting with them on and off the court. In addition, a full Franchise mode will be featured, along with optimized gameplay and artificial intelligence to deliver a true basketball experience. Online roster updates will be available weekly, and NBA 09 will bring an expanded set of commentary featuring Kevin Calabro and Kenny "The Jet" Smith.

BUZZ! QUIZ TV -- PS3 (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)

This fall BUZZ!, the popular quiz show franchise, makes its way for the first time to PS3 with BUZZ! QUIZ TV. BUZZ! QUIZ TV comes stocked with five different channels of questions including Music, Movies & TV, Sports, Brainiac and Lifestyle, combining to deliver more than 5,000 questions. Extending the quiz show network beyond the disc, up to four players from anywhere in the U.S. can team up for trivia showdowns in the online multiplayer mode, Sofa vs. Sofa, and new quiz packs to be available for download from the PlayStation Network. Also, for trivia fans wanting to see if they can trump others with their own vast library of knowledge, Mybuzzquiz.com will provide a global community for players to create and share their own quizzes online and make available to download on PS3.

BUZZ! MASTER QUIZ -- PSP (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)

Coming this fall, the BUZZ! franchise puts trivia in the palm of your hand with BUZZ! MASTER QUIZ PSP. Packing 3,000 questions on topics including music, celebrities, TV, sports, science, nature, movies and more, BUZZ! MASTER QUIZ puts players' knowledge to the test at home or on the go. When gaming solo, players can enjoy a series of 15 different quiz challenges in single-player mode. Staying true to the franchise's social gaming roots, BUZZ! MASTER QUIZ also offers three new multiplayer modes designed specifically for PSP.

MOTORSTORM PACIFIC RIFT -- PS3 (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)

The most brutal off-road racing festival is back, with players this time attempting to tackle the diversity and unpredictability of a remote Pacific island environment. Developed by Evolution Studios exclusively for PS3, MOTORSTORM PACIFIC RIFT revisits the intense racing action introduced in last year's MOTORSTORM, this time allowing players to navigate a radically different tropical environment chock full of lush jungle, towering peaks, and crystal-clear water. Players will experience a greater selection of tracks and vehicles to choose, as well as extensive multiplayer options including four player split screen and races with up to 20 players online. Additionally players will be able to utilize a new photo mode to save images within the game and for the first time be able to take music from their PS3's HDD to create a customized soundtrack.

RESISTANCE 2 -- PS3 (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)

On the brink of annihilation, mankind resumes the fight against the unstoppable Chimera on the shores of the United States. Thus the stage is set for RESISTANCE 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to Insomniac Games' best-selling PS3 launch title. Players will once again step into the war-torn boots of Sgt. Nathan Hale, who not only faces near impossible odds on the battlefield, but also struggles with the Chimera virus raging inside his own body. In addition to an epic single-player campaign, RESISTANCE 2 will offer a truly unprecedented eight-player, class-based online co-op campaign and 60-player online competitive multiplayer built upon a 'massive battles, greater intimacy' mantra. Also, players can expect tightly integrated community support via MyResistance.net.

KILLZONE 2 -- PS3 (Available February 2009 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by Guerilla Games, KILLZONE 2 is the highly anticipated first-person shooter created exclusively for PS3. KILLZONE 2 brings a highly detailed, ultra-realistic "theater of war", where players encounter lifelike and adaptable artificial intelligence from enemies as well as fellow soldiers, destructible environments, and stunningly detailed scenery. Set on the hostile enemy planet of Helghan, players will once again join the ranks of the ISA with a directive to battle through the harsh environment to capture the Helghast emperor and bring the enemy war machine to a halt. With an extensive single-player campaign and thrilling multi-player mode, KILLZONE 2 delivers a host of new weapons, vehicles, and gameplay elements all wrapped in an intense storyline.