From July 31st through August 21st, Sony’s second annual PlayStation Network PLAY summertime digital download game program will roll out four new games, including two exclusives, one get-it-on-PSN-first multi-platform title, and one multi-platform title with exclusive PlayStation Move motion control support. (Last season was quite successful: See our reviews for BloodRayne: Betrayal, The Baconing, Renegade Ops and PayDay: The Heist.)
Ubisoft’s The Expendables 2 movie game kicks off the promotion, followed by Sound Shapes (pay once, get it for both PS3 and Vita) and Papo & Yo, before closing out with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
These four games will become available for pre-order starting July 24th, and each title will come with an XMB theme based on the game purchased. There’s also a tiered bonus cash payback program in place: buy any two of the PLAY games for a $3 PSN voucher, buy any three for $6, or buy all four to get $10, all to help pay for a fifth game of your choice (or any other PSN content you have your eyes on).
All four games will cost $14.99, but PlayStation Plus members will get a 20% discount to bring the individual asking price down to $11.99 each.
Keep reading for more details about each PSN PLAY title along with a spiffy preview montage.
July 31: The Expendables 2 Videogame (PS3)
Leading off the PLAY promotion and launching first exclusively on PSN, the latest and most explosive co-op action shoot’em up title coming to PSN, based on the popular movie franchise this game leads players right into the upcoming The Expendables 2 movie. The story begins when four Expendables (Barney, Gunner, Caesar and Yin Yang) are hired to rescue an extremely valuable, kidnapped Chinese billionaire. Featuring vehicular combat, four-player co-op story and challenge modes, and a wealth of exotic locales, The Expendables 2 Videogame offers everything an action-game fan could want. Pre-order The Expendables 2 Videogame starting July 24 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). The Expendables 2 Videogame is rated “M” for Mature by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
August 7: Sound Shapes™ (PS3/PS Vita)
Play, Compose and Share in a unique take on the classic sidescrolling platformer where your actions make the music. Equal parts instrument and game, Sound Shapes gives everyone the ability to make music. Play through a unique campaign that fuses music and artwork into a classic 2D platformer featuring artwork by Pixeljam, Capy, Superbrothers and more, with music by I Am Robot and Proud, Jim Guthrie, and Deadmau5. Additionally, Sound Shapes comes to the PLAY program as a cross-platform title, allowing players to play at home on their PS3, or take it on the go with PlayStation®Vita. Create and upload your levels on either platform for others to download and remix on their own. Sound Shapes creates an ever-changing musical community for everyone to enjoy, anywhere. Pre-order Sound Shapes starting July 31 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). Sound Shapes is rated “E” for Everyone by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
August 14: Papo & Yo (PS3)
PSN exclusive indie game Papo & Yo tells the story of a young boy, Quico, and his best friend, Monster. Taking place in a dreamlike world inspired by South American favelas, Papo & Yo entices players to explore and solve puzzles as Quico, while simultaneously preventing Monster from eating poisonous frogs, which throws him into an uncontrollable rage. As one of PSN’s most-anticipated indie titles, Papo & Yo is a truly unique and beautiful experience that players can only get on PSN. Pre-order Papo & Yo starting August 7 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). Papo & Yo is rated “E10+” for Everyone 10 and older by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
August 21: Counter-Strike®: Global Offensive (PS3)
One of the gaming world’s most celebrated first-person shooter series makes its way to PSN with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, offering an updated take on the tried-and-true objective-based gameplay. Pitting teams of counter-terrorists against terrorists, Global Offensive features a number of classic game types like Bomb Diffusal and Hostage Rescue, and introduces two new modes: Arms Race and Demolition. Up to 10 players can engage in online matches, and the game also supports PlayStation®Move, giving players a brand new way to experience the classic Counter-Strike gameplay. Pre-order Counter-Strike: Global Offensive starting August 14 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is designated “RP” for Rating Pending and has not yet been assigned a final rating by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).