#21: PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe on Playstation Portable.

We said: “PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe is not only the definitive version of an already hugely popular game, it’s also the first game to really epitomise what Sony’s new PSP Go stands for: quick, accessible content that can be enjoyed over prolonged sessions or short bursts. Essential.”

#22: Zen Pinball on Playstation 3.

We said: “To say Zen Pinball might in fact be the PSN sleeper hit of the year, is probably understating matters. Fact is, Zen Pinball is one of the most addictive, well thought out and beautifully presented packages we’ve come across in a while. Simply the perfect pinball experience.”

#23: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 on Playstation 3.

We said: “With both Bayonetta and God Of War III not launching until 2010, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is by far the best brawler available on Playstation 3 this year.”

#24: OutRun Online Arcade on Playstation 3.

We said: “OutRun Online Arcade is a meticulous port of one of the best iterations of the classic OutRun franchise. It’s without reservation that we say this version is without thrills, spills and ribbons; it’s OutRun – pure and simple arcade racing. And nobody does it better.”

#25: Battlefield 1943 on Playstation 3.

We said: “A masterclass in balanced gameplay, deep competitive action and modern distribution. Battlefield 1943 is a visceral online multiplayer romp that should be experienced by all.”

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Battlefield 1943 Has Broken PSN Download Records.

Electronic Arts have announced that their download-only competitive multiplayer game Battlefield 1943 has broken a host of digital download records. Combining the release of the Playstation 3 and XBOX 360 version the game has sold over 600,000 copies, breaking download sales on both platforms.

“We are honoured by the reception that the game has received so far,” says Gordon Van Dyke, producer on Battlefield 1943. “Watching and participating in this non-stop multiplayer action has been a real treat for us and we can’t believe how fast our fans reached 43 million kills. We can now truly say that we have set a new standard for what can be done in the downloadable games category and gamers recognize the endless value that Battlefield 1943 provides for just $15.”

We absolutely love the game.

Battlefield 1943 Weapons Will Appear In Bad Company 2.

Who loves Battlefield 1943? We do. The weapons feel great don’t they? Presumably you’ll want to use those weapons in the upcoming Battlefield: Bad Company 2. No problemo, a Tweet from the official Battlefield Twitter suggests that the sniper, rifle and machine gun will all make a return in Bad Company 2.

It’s possible the weapons may be a bonus for those who bought Battlefield 1943. Which would be a neat little treat for franchise fans.

This Scoreboard Makes Me Want To Weep.

Come on Playstation 3 people! Even with the worst Battlefield 1943 server problems happening on the XBOX side (although PSN isn’t exactly flaw-free — we can testify) they still lead the scoreboards by about 2:1. The scoreboards are tracking all the kills on the Playstation 3 and XBOX 360 versions so that when each side hits 43 million a new map/game type is unlocked.

It’s a brilliant idea, a co-operative achievement if you like. Hopefully when the 43 million target is hit EA will have some other challenges for us to complete.

Battlefield 1943 on Playstation 3 Review.

A masterclass in balanced gameplay, deep competitive action and modern distribution. Battlefield 1943 is a visceral online multiplayer romp that should be experienced by all.

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American Playstation Store Updates: 9th July 2009

Playable Content

• Buzz! Jr. Robo Jam full game ($4.99)
• Battlefield 1943 full game ($14.99, bundled with theme)
• Battlefield 1943 demo (free)
• Ghostbusters demo (free)
• Spec Ops: Stealth Patrol PS1 game ($5.99)
• XS Junior League Soccer PS1 game ($5.99)

Add-on Content

• MotorStorm Pacific Rift Adrenaline Expansion ($9.99)
• 5x Cross Edge packs (varies)
• 5x Dynasty Warriors 6 packs (free)
• Midnight Club Los Angeles South Central Ultimate Content pack ($12.50)
• Skate 2 Maloof Money Cup pack ($2.99)
• Rock Band DLC (continued)
• Guitar Hero DLC (continued)

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DICE Are Working "Around The Clock" To Make Battlefield 1943 Stable.

Battlefield 1943 is the perfect example of being a victim of its own success. The XBOX Live launch yesterday was compounded with bricked servers and connection problems. Rumours are that since its XBOX launch yesterday morning the game has sold a whopping 70,000 copies, which is pretty impressive for a download release. We’ve just bought our PSN copy only to find we can’t log in.

Still, a post made by by Gordon Van Dyke on the official EA forums suggest that alongside publishers EA, the developers DICE are doing everything they can to get the experience stable. That means working around the clock.

“We have full support of EA to add as many servers as takes and then some so that everyone can play. This work has already started and servers will be added around the clock with teams working to cover this 24 hours a day so not a moment is wasted. You will be able to play this game and play it lag free!”

It’s a shame that such an anticipated game has been hit by problems caused solely by its own success. A double edged sword for EA and DICE perhaps – of course they want to be releasing games of this magnitude but perhaps they should have a little more faith in their own products. After all, they must have severely underestimated the type of sales numbers this game would do.