We've had an announcement regarding the XBLA-like arcade titles available for the PS3, and although today's news includes a re-confirmation of those, there's a whole lot more about the PS3 online network.
The following downloadable PS3 games should be ready to go as of the Japanese PS3 launch on 11/11: Blast Factor , flOw , Lemmings , Kazuo , Puzzle , and Mainichi Issho . Some of these we were already aware of after last week's Gamer's Day, but a few (like Kazuo ) are new additions.
Kazuo is a number-based puzzle title that has also been released for the PSP. The PS3 version includes the 1000 problems available in the PSP version, but will also boast some snazzy PS3 visuals. The game will be released in separate packs based on the difficulty level: easy, normal, hard, extreme, and multiplayer. Sony further plans to add even more elements for this one in the future.
Puzzle , which is a working title, consists of three puzzles involing exploding blocks. The game will include both a timed puzzle mode and time attack. Mainichi Issho , which translates to "Every Day Together," is similar to Sony's Doko Demo Issho , a communication-based game featuring the company's Toro mascot (he's a cute kitty). Toro and his pals are indeed the main characters in Mainichi , which delivers online content each and every day. Initially, the game will ship with the "Toro Station" mode, where Toro and Co. provide you with new info on a daily basis…although we're not quite sure what this "info" is yet, exactly. More updates are on the way regarding adding new stations for item and simple game distribution.
Everything listed here comes from Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, and they'll all have free demos available for download. Mainichi Issho is the only exception; the full title will be available for free download. Blast Factor and Mainichi Issho are set to go on November 11 and the rest will follow before the end of the year. As for pricing, Sony hasn't announced any details.
Additionally, Sony intends to make PS3 demos available via the PlayStation store. Thus far they've announced only one ( Ridge Racer 7 ), but there will also be a trial version available for the Japanese launch.
As another bit of good news, downloadable original PS1 games will be available beginning in late November. Already included on the confirmed list are some of the biggest hits familiar to any PS1 owner:
At first, these titles will only be playable on the PSP, and Sony plans to add 10 titles per month to the service. Whether or not they're working to make these classic PS1 games actually playable on the PS3 remains to be seen. Like the downloadable content, pricing was not discussed.
For more from the PlayStation Store, as we knew last week, there will be downloadable items available. Sony plans to provide both PS3 and PSP items for download following the release of games, but they didn't go into any specifics.
And lastly, Sony revealed a few new details regarding the community features the PS3 will offer straight out of the box. Once you're all logged in to the PlayStation Network, you'll then be able to send text messages with attachments to anybody in your Friends lilst. You'll even be able to engage in voice and audio chat by using the Cross Media Bar's AV Chat option.
Expect more updates and details as the weeks bring us closer to the PS3 launch.