Get ready for another summer line-up of digital games via the PlayStation Network with the second annual PSN PLAY promotion.
We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun… Okay, okay. Maybe last year’s summer promotion from Sony, where they debuted a line-up of fresh PlayStation Network games, wasn’t that keenly nostalgic, but it was still great nonetheless. Better yet, it’s back once more with a new slate of digital content to keep you nice and cool from the dreaded summer heat.
PlayStation PLAY 2012 kicks-off this July 24 and will continue until August 27, as my title to this post clearly states. Yes, as I had to check Wikipedia to make sure, summer indeed lasts that long, which is good enough to fit in ample playtime for the likes of musical side-scrolling platformer Sound Shapes or the first-person objective-based shooter Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Sony is also offering, for a limited time, 20% off each title for every PlayStation Plus subscriber, but even those who are outside the gates of the premium PlayStation Network club can receive something for their loyalty. For any 2 games you buy from the PSN Play list, you’ll get $3 dollars back. Buy 3, get $6 back, and if your purchase all 4, a sum of $10 PSN dollars will be delivered to you by a majestic flock of doves.
Yeah, you got me, I’m joshing you on the whole “majestic flock of doves” bit, but you do really get $10 dollars back to spend as you please on the PlayStation Store. Pretty neato if I do say so myself… and I just did. How about we get to that list of games, which drop one-by-one over in case you’re wondering.
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).”
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).”
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).”
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).”
Reminder that the discount promotion – the 20% off and cash-back program – will only last until August 27. After that, all games will return to their standard $14.99 price point, so be sure not to lollygag and get on the PSN PLAY bandwagon as soon as it starts. As noted above in the game descriptions, you can even pre-order any game one week in advance too, if your the forgetful type.
Don’t forget to stick around Walyou for loads of awesome geek-related content from around the world like this crazy Chutes and Ladders home and 7 incredibly geeky sand sculptures.
