It's finally here. After much waiting and creation of faux ids using U.K. and U.S. addresses, Indian Playstation 3 owners now have unrestricted access to the Playstation Store service in the country.
The store allows access to free content such as demos, gameplay videos and themes as well as paid content in the form of downloadable games (for both PS3 and PSP), premium themes and lots more. Previously, the store was unavailable entirely, and it's now good to see it fully operational, levelling the playfield with Microsoft's Xbox Live service. There really is a lot of content worth downloading and experiencing, including cross-platform games such as Braid, Bionic Commando: Rearmed and the popular Battlefield 1943 as well as relatively-new exclusives such as Comet Crash, Crash Commando, Echochrome and Fat Princess. According to Sony: “You can download full games starting from Rs. 225 for the PS3™ and Rs. 170 for the PSP™.
While the store is a great resource for casual and arcade games, the launch of the service itself is a big step forward for Playstation in the country. While the 'regular' version allows free online multi-player gaming, a new subscription service called the 'Playstation Plus' has been launched. Also, it gives access to an array of premium content, exclusive discounts, early beta trials, demos, free games and downloadable content. The annual subscription fee for Plus is set at Rs. 2,850, and according to Sony: “One can get content worth approximately Rs. 14,000 absolutely free.” There's a 90-day option available at Rs. 885.
With the launch of the Playstation Move, it's clear that Sony intends to woo the casual gamers of the world, with quality HD content that's both accessible and fun to play with family and friends. It's no surprise that the Playstation Network is gearing itself towards the same purpose. Along with downloadable games and the premium subscription service come web, e-mail, social networking and convenient profile-management functions. The onboard browser on the PS3 separates it from the competition, making it a convenient (if not perfect) substitute for a home computer — all you need is a Wi-fi connection, and you're set. The Playstation Network also allows you to add and manage friends, create online events and have the perfect online game party. PSN ids are also ‘portable' in the sense that you can simply log in using your username and password on a friend's PS3, and you will instantly have access to your avatar as well as your trophies.
CONTEST
Only one of the mentioned PSN exclusive downloadable games sports a 16-versus-16 multiplayer component. Which game is it?
E-mail your answers to betheaction@blur.in
First ten correct entries win FREE arcade gaming worth Rs. 150 at Blur.
(Courtesy: Blur)
