It’s a release of great new content on PlayStation Store, including new games and some amazing first looks at some of 2012’s most anticipated titles!

Today, we complete the Final Fantasy PS one Classics presence with the release of Final Fantasy Origins. See the roots of the Final Fantasy series with this collection, which includes Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II. These versions sport updated presentations from their original 8-bit debuts but retain the same gameplay that launched this venerable franchise.

Additional games headlining the New Releases include Crazy Machines Elements and Choplifter HD. Create series of chain reactions in the latest addition to the award-winning Crazy Machines series or jump into a classic arcade adventure reimagined in HD with Choplifter HD! Both also have demos available for download.

You’re not going to want to miss two new demos hitting today: Asura’s Wrath and Final Fantasy XIII-2. On one hand, you’ll be able to try out parts of two episodes from Asura’s Wrath, featuring larger than life combat. On the other, try out the gripping RPG combat with Final Fantasy XIII-2 and glimpse what awaits this classic cast on their next adventure.

We hope you’ve been enjoying this month’s PlayStation Plus free games, and this week, we’re rolling out some great discounts available for subscribers. With some of 2011’s biggest PSN releases on sale, you’ll want to check out the Plus category in PlayStation Store to pick up some titles you might have missed! We’re also throwing in free minis Mecho Wars and Stick Man Rescue, as well as discounts on Add-Ons and PS3 Full Games as well.

Lastly, for you college sports fans out there, we’re proud to roll out two new video apps: SEC Network and XOS Sports. SEC Digital Network offers video-on-demand access to the largest library of multi-sport full games and original programming from the most dominant and exciting collegiate sports conference. XOS College Sports brings college sports fans multi-sport, multi-conference access to full games and historic documentaries including many of the nation’s top schools and teams. Both are available now, free and ready to watch!

View the full content of this week’s update below and leave your feedback in the comments. You can also join the discussion in the Official PlayStation Store Update thread in the PlayStation Community forums as well.

Here is the weekly PlayStation Store update:

PlayStation Plus

PSN Games

Crazy Machines Elements + Trial ($9.99)
Hundreds of totally wacky chain reactions are just waiting to be created! Experience the latest chapter in the international, multi award-winning Crazy Machines series: “Elements”. This time with next gen visuals!
ESRB rated E
File size 340 MB

Choplifter HD ($14.99)
A classic arcade adventure, reimagined in stunning HD! Pilot your chopper through frantic war zones to rescue survivors and rain down destruction! Requires 300K free space on your hard disk. To use the vibration function, a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller is required.
ESRB rated T
File size 1.43 GB

PS3 Full Games

Sports Champions ($29.99)
Sports Champions will let you and your friends physically engage in an array of competitive sporting activities as you go head to head in six events. With the easy to use PlayStation Move motion controller, anyone can crush, spike and smoke the competition in the ultimate sports showdown.
ESRB rated E
File size 340 MB

Toy  Story  3:  The  Video  Game ($19.99)
In the Toy Story 3: The Video Game help Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the toys ensure no toy gets left behind. Dive into all new heroic adventures in Story Mode or let your imagination run wild in the exciting new open world of Toy Box Mode. Download the full game now.
ESRB rated E10+
File size 6.5 GB

PSone Classics

FINAL FANTASY ORIGINS ($9.99)
Explore the beginnings of the popular FINAL FANTASY series.
This collection contains the first two titles.
Download this PS one Classic today!
File size 119 MB

Bundles

Dante’S Inferno Super Bundle ($29.99)

Dead Space 2 Super Bundle ($49.99)

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Super Bundle ($59.99)

Shift 2 Unleashed Super Bundle ($59.99)

Game Demos (free)

Choplifter Hd Demo
A classic arcade adventure, reimagined in stunning HD! Pilot your chopper through frantic war zones to rescue survivors and rain down destruction! Requires 300K free space on your hard disk. To use the vibration function, a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller is required.
ESRB rated T
File size 1.43 GB

Asura’s Wrath Demo
ASURA’S WRATH, the upcoming interactive cliffhanger-action game, lets you unleash your rage in two epic boss battles! Experience two of the game’s episodes: In Episode 5, face off against the planet-sized Wyzen; and in Episode 11, clash with the powerful sword-wielding Augus on the surface of the moon!
ESRB rated T
File size 718 MB

Crazy Machines Elements Trial
Hundreds of totally wacky chain reactions are just waiting to be created! Experience the latest chapter in the international, multi award-winning Crazy Machines series: “Elements”. This time with next gen visuals!
ESRB rated E
File size 340 MB

Grand Slam Tennis 2 Demo
Relive or rewrite the 2011 Wimbledon final match on Centre Court between the top 2 seeded players in the world, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Feel the true excitement and emotion of championship tennis with Grand Slam Tennis 2 in this 3 game set. Play by yourself or against a friend.
ESRB rated E

Final Fantasy XIII-2 Demo
Join Lightning’s younger sister Serah, and her new companion Noel, on their quest through time! Experience the enhanced combat system in this action-packed demo that continues the saga of FINAL FANTASY XIII.
ESRB rated T
File size 1.74 GB

Wanted  Corp.  Trial
Play as a pair of intergalactic bounty hunters in this cooperative action-shooter demo to capture escaped intergalactic convicts who put up a big stinkin’ fight. Partake in pretty sweet destruction and defeat countless creatures in the name of makin’ fat wads of cash. Play alone or with a friend, utilizing both bounty hunters’ abilities to fight colossal giants and mechanical drones through multiple levels and across diverse environments.
ESRB rated T
File size 1.97 GB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet  2  New  Year  Fireworks  Costume (free)
Download this costume to dress your Sackboy up in a brand new outfit. To download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet™ 2.
File size 110 KB

Dante’s  Inferno  DLC  Bundle ($17.99)
This bundle includes all of the downloadable content for Dante’s Inferno. There are no refunds for this item.
File size 1.6 GB

Dead  Space  2  DLC  Bundle ($21.99)
This bundle includes all of the downloadable content for Dead Space™ 2. There are no refunds for this item.
File size 2.05 GB

Need  For  Speed  Hot  Pursuit  DLC  Bundle ($34.99)
This bundle includes all of the downloadable content for Need for Speed™ Hot Pursuit. There are no refunds for this item.
File size 721 KB

Shift  2  Unleashed  DLC  Bundle ($34.99)
This bundle includes all of the downloadable content for SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED. There are no refunds for this item.
File size 530 MB

Ultimate  Marvel  Vs  Capcom  3  -­‐  Brawler  Pack ($3.99)
Get alternate costumes for Spencer, Haggar, She-Hulk, and Iron Fist! Get down and dirty with these tough new outfits!
File size 100 KB

The  King  Of  Fighters  XIII  Mr.  Karate ($4.99)
“Mr. Karate” is available as an additional playable character. With the triumphant return of fan favorite characters like Mai, K’, and Vice, extensive refinement of the core fighting engine based on community feedback, and vastly improved network functionality, THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII represents the HD entry in the series that fans have been waiting for.
File size 6 KB

The  King  Of  Fighters  XIII  Nests-­‐Style  Kyo ($4.99)
“NESTS Style Kyo” is available as an additional playable character. With the triumphant return of fan favorite characters like Mai, K’, and Vice, extensive refinement of the core fighting engine based on community feedback, and vastly improved network functionality, THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII represents the HD entry in the series that fans have been waiting for.
File size 6 KB

Disgaea  4  -­‐  Battleship  Gargantua  (PSN  Exclusive) ($1.99)
Get everything you need to cruise around the Item World on the Battleship Gargantua from the original Disgaea!
File size 1.47 MB

Disgaea  4  -­‐  Celestial  Host  (PSN  Exclusive) ($2.99)
Recruit Main Hero B from Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days to join your party! Celestial Hosts will be added to your list of creatable job and monster classes!
File size 1.55 MB

Disgaea  4  -­‐  Gargantua  Bridge  Map  (PSN  Exclusive) ($0.99)
Gargantua’s Bridge from the original Disgaea is now available! Decorate it through the Map Editor however you like, and upload it to share! Make sure your Map Editor is unlocked!
File size 1.55 MB

Disgaea  4  -­‐  Pirate  Survival  Duel  (PSN  Exclusive) ($5.99)
A powered-up version of Disgaea 4′s Pirate Duel. Will you be able to become the king of pirates?
File size 1.55 MB

Disgaea  4  -­‐  Prism  Ranger  (PSN  Exclusive) ($2.99)
Recruit Prism Red from the Disgaea series to join your party! Prism Rangers will be added to your list of creatable job and monster classes!
File size 1.55 MB

Magic  2012  Deck  Pack  3 ($2.99)
Explore two brand-new decks and expand your mastery of Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012. Includes “Beknighted,” a white deck filled with honorable Knights waiting to prove their dominance on the battlefield, and “Trinity of Elements,” a speedy blue, red, and green deck that blitzes the enemy before a defense can even be conceived of. Both decks are available for Campaign and Multiplayer play.
File size 100 KB

Rock Band 3
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

File Size 25 MB – 42 MB (Singles), 95 MB (Track Pack)

• “Private Eyes” – Hall & Oates ($1.99)
• “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” – Hall & Oates ($1.99)
• “Maneater” – Hall & Oates ($1.99)
• “A Prophecy” – Asking Alexandria ($1.99)
• “Ziltoidia Attaxx!!” – Devin Townsend ($1.99)
• “Hold Me In Your Arms” – The Trews ($0.99)
• “Easy Days” – Free Spirit ($1.99)
• “Just a Game” – The Blue News ($0.99)
• “Private Eyes (Pro Guitar)” – Hall & Oates ($0.99)
• Hall & Oates Pack 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Hall & Oates Pack 01. This pack includes “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do),” “Maneater,” and “Private Eyes” by Hall & Oates.

Updates

Shift 2 Unleashed (Price Change) (PS3) (now $19.99, original price $29.99)
Dante’s Inferno Dlc Bundle (Sale) (PS3) (now $14.99, original price $17.99)
Dead Space 2 Dlc Bundle (Sale) (PS3) (now $14.99, original price $21.99)
Dragon Age 2 -­‐ Legacy Pack (Sale) (PS3) (now $7.99, original price $9.99)
Ncaa Football 12 -­‐ All Dynasty Time Savers (Sale) (PS3) (now $7.99, original price $14.99)
Ncaa Football 12 -­‐ Ncaa Fb 12 Power Pack (Sale) (PS3) (now $12.99, original price $24.99)
Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Dlc Bundle (Sale) (PS3) (now $29.99, original price $34.99)
Nhl 12 -­‐ Skater Slap Shot Power Boost 3 (Sale) (PS3) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Shift 2 Unleashed Dlc Bundle (Sale) (PS3) (now $24.99, original price $34.99)
Mass Effect 2 -­‐ Arrival Dlc (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $6.99)
Tiger Woods Pga Tour 12 Birdie Pack (Sale) (PS3) (now $10.99, original price $14.99)
Tiger Woods Pga Tour 12 Eagle Pack (Sale) (PS3) (now $24.99, original price $34.99)
The King Of Fighters Xiii Nests Style Kyo (Sale) (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $4.99)
Burnout Crash! (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Dante’s Inferno Super Bundle (Sale) (PS3) (now $19.99, original price $29.99)
Dead Space 2 Super Bundle (Sale) (PS3) (now $44.99, original price $49.99)
DeathSpank (Sale) (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
Dragon Age II (Ps3 Full Game) (Price Change) (PS3) (now $19.99, original price $29.99)
Fancy Pants Adventures (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Gatling Gears (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Nba Jam On Fire Edition (Sale) (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Super Bundle (Sale) (PS3) (now $49.99, original price $59.99)
Risk: Factions (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Shift 2 Unleashed Super Bundle (Sale) (PS3) (now $49.99, original price $59.99)
Max & The Magic Marker -­‐ Gold Edition (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Army Of Two: Fortieth Day Digital Voucher Only (Price Change) (PSP) (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Burnout: Dominator Legacy (Price Change) (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
Dante’S Inferno Digital (Price Change) (PSP) (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Dante’S Inferno French Digital (Price Change) (PSP) (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Fifa Soccer 11 Digital -­‐ English/Spanish (Us And Mexico Store) (Price Change) (PSP) (now $29.99, original price $39.99)
Fifa Soccer 11 Digital English/French (Canada Only) (Price Change) (PSP) (now $29.99, original price $39.99)
Fight Night Round 3 (Price Change) (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Madden Nfl 11 Digital -­‐ Public Release (Price Change) (PSP) (now $29.99, original price $39.99)
Ncaa Football 2010 Digital (Price Change) (PSP) (now $19.99, original price $39.99)
Need For Speed Shift Digital (Price Change) (PSP) (now $14.99, original price $39.99)
Need For Speed: Pro Street Umd Legacy (Price Change) (PSP) (now $14.99, original price $19.99)
Tiger Woods Pga Tour 10 -­‐ Digital (Price Change) (PSP) (now $19.99, original price $39.99)

Avatars

Blue  Toad  Murder  Files Avatars (x10) ($0.49 each)

Monster  Hunter  Freedom  Unite Avatars (x10) ($0.49 each)

Game Videos (free)

Jak and Daxter Collection Announcement Trailer

Escape  Plan  Features  Trailer

Duke  Nukem  Forever  -­‐  The  Doctor  Who  Cloned  Me  Trailer

The  Darkness  II  -­‐  Vendettas  Co-­‐Op  Trailer

NFL  Blitz  Gameplay  Sizzle  Trailer

Assassin’s  Creed:  Revelations  Ancestors  Character  Pack  Trailer

PS3 Themes

Twisted  Metal  Theme  (Qore  D/L  Center  Only) (free)

Glowing  Jellyfish  Dynamic  Theme ($2.99)

I know Science Fiction has promised us a billion times that the cars of the future will hover or fly.

The Sony exclusive Wipeout Games gave us a glimpse of what that might look like for Racing.

Now the Japanese Institute of Technology might not be able to make our dreams come true, not yet anyway, but for boys, and men! who like Scalextric, that dream could be closer than ever. Check out this Wipeout inspired technology:

I was given this game to review only because Symonator or InfiniteStates were too busy to do a review, and no one else was even close to volunteering. It is christmas after all. I'm also not a fan of RPGs at all. My poison is battlefield bad company, battlefield 3 M.A.G. Or if I'm pushed, some modern warfare. I did give dark souls a go last week and kind of liked it, but it didn't quite grab me. But as I've been told a few times,

I need to get out of my comfort zone.

So thanks Dave for forcing me to review a game I didn't want too.

My first impression is that this is gonna hurt, it's basically a tower defence game with a large chunk of RPG elements, and it's the RPG bit that confuses the hell out of me. Thankfully though the makers haven't created an RPG game, it's still got some of that at its core, but it's not a full blown role playing game. So I created my character, chose my few perks and headed off into the guts of the game…

The arena. The first level is hard, even on easy it's still going to grief you some (or is it my lack of RPG experience showing?), you really have to play it a few times and level up your character and main weapon, which is easy enough as the MANA you collect is pretty plentyfull. So once you up you rank and skills a little you'll plough through the first arena quickly enough. But when you get to the second area you'll soon know about pwnage, and you'll need to go back to level one and grind your way up some levels. It took me about 4 hours to do it, and a few online games to get enough skill to get through the second stage. But liked said earlier, when it comes to RPGs I'm both a noob and a hater. So give me a break ok.

Strangely enough once I completed Arena 1and 2 arena 3 was a breeze. Arena's 4 and 5 were tough, but not as hard as the first two.

So it's safe to say that I've enjoyed playing this immensely, and I've yet to complete the game, I've enjoyed it so much that I've now bought the iPad and pc versions.

But wait there's more, didn't I mention the online part a bit back? Hell yeah, now that's what I'm talking about, but online isn't the only way to get your multiplayer fix, the game even features 4 player splitscreen. So what difference does it make if it has a multiplayer section? A freeking huge difference, for one, if you're a lower rank and grinding to get to the higher skill levels, you can really rank up quickly. Or if you're a higher rank, you can help others to get there more quickly, beat times, or just rank up your main weapon. But more than anything it it's just brilliant fun watching noobs run around wondering what the hell to do… Noobs like me. Still, it was great fun, and I know that once I've finished the game on this character I'll be trying the other characters to see what defences they build.

Now that reminds me of what this game really is about, it's a tower defence game. Building towers in this game is like many other similar games, its not what you build (well sometimes it is) its mostly WHERE you build. You'll learn pretty quickly where the main horde attacks from, what defences work best, and where they work best. But remember to keep an eye out in different sections to make sure they don't break through. So I hope I've got my point across that I really really love this game, yes the game I didn't want to review, not being an RPG fan I thought I couldn't do it justice. But yes I really really love this game. I've ploughed about 20 hours into it in 3 days, that's more than I would have played if it was a Battlefield game.

Not only that but I want more, I want to complete it on one character then start another to see what that's like. But I also want to play with friends, and so far I've talked Dave, InfiniteStates and possibly Symonator into buy it. Overall if you like RPG games then this is something you'll probably enjoy, if you like tower defence games, then again you'll probably enjoy the added RPG elements. That said the game does have a of niggling little problem, not game breaking problems, but annoying non the less. You can't upgrade your main weapon if you don't have an alternative to switch too. And that's it, that's the only problem, the game is sheer brilliance, it's been a massive hit on the iPad, its been a great hit on steam for the pc, and now it should be another hit on the playstation 3. Now if an RPG hater can love it, then you should too. Get it, add me and we can play online.

Alchemical Labratory: How to beat the demon:

Glitterhelm Caverns: A bonus level.

Bonus Room in the Tavern:

How to farm Millions of Mana and XP: