If you’re going to go up against the world’s deadliest foes you’re going to need every advantage that you can get. Fortunately for you we’ve got inside tips on how to best tackle Unit 13′s numerous missions, game types, connectivity features and more straight from developer Zipper Interactive. Over the next week, we’ll be rolling out a three-part in-depth video series to teach you everything from the core fundamentals of how to play the game to tips on how to tackle each mission type and even how to fully take advantage of Unit 13′s networking features.

Part 1, “How to Play”, shows you what it will take to run with the best-of-the-best. It covers everything from a complete control breakdown to tactical combat strategies to Unit 13′s in-depth scoring system. This is as close to a Unit 13 boot camp as you’ll get.

The next two videos in the series, “Game Types” and “Sharing and Competing”, will be released in the near future right here on the PlayStation.Blog, so check back then for more insider tips on Unit 13.

Unit 13 will be available on March 6th exclusively for PlayStation Vita. A playable demo is now available in the PlayStation Store, so check out the videos in this series, download the demo and hone your skills in anticipation of the full release.

Hello everybody! We’ve been hard at work since we first unveiled Papo & Yo last summer, and the game has come a long way in the past few months. As we get ready to (finally!) show off more of the game next week at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you all a little bit about how Monster – a character very important to both the story and to me personally – has evolved since my initial concept into the Monster you see today.

If you’ve been following Papo & Yo, you may remember that Monster represents my father, a man I had a difficult relationship with. To tell the story I wanted to tell – my story – I knew that this character had to show the positive aspects of the man I loved… and the negative aspects of the man I feared. This turned out to be challenging – I knew who Monster was, but not what he looked like. Luckily, I’m extremely fortunate to have friends like Nilo Rodis, a man who has worked on the art for movies ranging from Pixar titles to Star Wars, and the man who helped me find my father in Monster.

Nilo and I met during my time at EA, and when I started Minority as a way to make more personal games, he was one of the first people I started talking to. After I came to Nilo with the concept of Papo & Yo, we didn’t talk for a while – I basically buried myself in developing the game. When I finally had a prototype ready, Nilo liked it but saw problems with the way Monster looked – too much like a puppy, he thought. He asked me, “Do you see your father in that character?” and I honestly couldn’t say I did.

Nilo agreed to help us redesign our characters, and our final Monster, which you can see below, is big and powerful. He’s scary, but there is something that attracts you to him – something that makes you want to play with him, help him, even though he’s a beast who could fly into a rage and kill you.

Can’t wait to show you more of Monster and the game in the coming months!

Yo….PlayStation Blogoshere!

As most of you know, Starhawk is a frenetic 3rd person shooter with a ton of toys to play with. Its got a strong solo story campaign, deep 32 player head-to-head and even co-op! You can run, fly and drive almost anywhere you want. Its vehicular combat at its finest. The most popular question we get from players unfamiliar with the game is “What is this thing called Build & Battle?” Simply put its a dead simple way to build up a base all around you while staying in the middle of a fierce battle. Its not block building and its not slow. We’re not making Sim City. To show you, here is a nifty trailer!

In Starhawk we have one simple slogan…”Kill to build, build to kill.”

It’s not a gimmick. Its a really easy way for players to change the battlefield on the fly, in an instant straightforward manner. Its about dropping gigantic crates from orbit, having them smash down in front of you and having a big laser or bunker build right in front of you. You can even drop them on enemies (“Dorothy’d”).

So other than dropping massive structures from the sky….why is this fun? Because each one of these structures does something unique. Something tactical. Think of them nearly like firing a gun. They all mean something and they can all help your team. Just collect enough energy and spend it wisely. The Build & Battle system will change the battlefield every time you play. No map is ever the same. It’s not about memorizing a camping spot. Its about shaping the map the way you want, and making your enemy react to it. It’s about having options you didn’t have before, giving you deeper and smarter gameplay. Knowing how to shoot pretty well helps, too.

If you’re tired of playing the same old shooters with nothing but a skin change then you might want to give our Beta test a try. It’s free on PSN! For those of you who are already crazy about the game, pre-order
today and get some sweet DLC for no extra cost.

So how are you going to Build & Battle? Let us know below or visit us on www.starhawkthegame.com!

PS. For you Starhawk vets, Update 1.3 is right around the corner. If you think you know what this game is about, then you’re about to get your learn on.

A lot of you have been wondering about a North American release date for Gravity Rush on PS Vita, which released to great response in Japan on February 9th under the name “Gravity Daze.” Today, we’re pleased to confirm that Gravity Rush will come to PS Vita in North America on June 12th, as both a digital release on PlayStation Store and a game card at retailers nationwide.

If you’re not yet familiar with this epic action-adventure game, read on for a quick overview. In the world of Gravity Rush, a futuristic world is under attack from unknown forces: So-called “gravity storms” have begun appearing in the sky, wreaking havoc while strange creatures terrorize the population. Amidst the mayhem, a young girl named Kat wakes up with a phenomenal new ability to control gravity.

Playing as Kat, you set out to stop the world from disintegrating around you, to piece together your lost memories, and to uncover the truth behind it all. There is a huge open world to explore and this is only amplified by Kat’s ability to control the forces of gravity. Before you know it, you’ll be walking on any surface imaginable, flinging yourself miles into the sky, and initiating special attacks in a gravity-free state to plunge down on your enemies. Just be careful who you’re standing next to, lest unsuspecting civilians be caught up in your gravity power!

Brought to life by beautiful cel-shaded graphics and engrossing art direction, the PS Vita functionalities of twin sticks, motion sensor and front touchscreen let you navigate the rich narrative of Gravity Rush. If you’re wondering what Gravity Rush looks like in action, watch the new trailer above as well as some new screenshots for you to enjoy.

WipEout 2048 on PS Vita takes us 36 years into the future, offering a glimpse at the birth of anti-grav racing — a fictional sport that has become synonymous with PlayStation. Take a look at our new trailer and pay close attention at the start for an impression of what two WipEout ships squaring up on the streets of modern Britain might look like.

In keeping with the theme, here are a few words from Mick Hocking, Vice President for Liverpool, Evolution and London studios, on where he thinks gaming will be in 2048. Mick is largely responsible for the creation and development of such series as WipEout, MotorStorm and SingStar, and is well placed discuss where we have been and, crucially, where we are heading.

At gamescom you appeared as part of a panel looking at the shape of gaming in 2021. The latest WipEout game is set in 2048; what will gaming be like then?
Mick Hocking: Well the pace of change is already so fast. Just look at the advances from PSP to PS Vita. In just seven years we have added touch screens, cross play, next-gen graphics, dual analogue sticks. I mean seriously; that’s pretty incredible.

At gamescom I talked about the potential of mixing stereoscopic 3D with augmented reality. I can see a point where home headsets will become a real possibility. They’ll be lightweight, with high resolution screens and tracking sensors too. Possibly even these headsets’ screens will be transparent, so players can see the real world as well as augmented reality stereoscopic 3D at the same time. So you can have a fully immersive experience, a partially immersive one, or an augmented reality experience with this one device.

And what about portable gaming?
Mick Hocking: Well if we stick with the headset idea, I see no reason why once such technology became established in the home, it couldn’t be modified for portable use. I was playing Heavy Rain recently and thought that the AR technology that Norman Jayden uses to solve cases could be amazing if applied to gaming. Everyone who has played that game remembers the scene when he gets given that pokey office and uses the AR glasses to completely modify the way he sees the world around him. One minute he’s underwater, the next he’s on the surface of Mars, then he’s above the clouds in a stunning mountain vista. Imagine if, by wearing a set of similar glasses, or even some kind of contact lens you could completely transform wherever you are – on the bus, in the park, wherever – into a completely immersive and interactive game world.

What will 2048 bring in terms of software rather than hardware? What types of games will we be experiencing on the portable consoles of the future?
Mick Hocking: Well, I really hope that we’ll still be making WipEout games!

What I do think you’ll see are games that increasingly blur the lines between the gaming and real-world environments. PS Vita is already doing this in a few ways. The front and rear cameras are used to put game objects in a real world setting on-screen, Reality Fighters is a launch title that really shows off this capability. Also the “near” functionality allows you to collect virtual items by passing by real-world locations where PS Vita users are, or have been. Fast-forward 30 years and think back to the AR- style technology we discussed and imagine the possibilities. Even when not actively playing a game you could look around you and spot gaming items, characters, perhaps even entire ‘levels’ to interact with.

I see it this way: Thirty years ago when the only real handhelds were the Game & Watch kind, the kind of power and gaming experience that PS Vita is offering would have seemed impossible. In the future, technology is going to allow game designers to create experiences that are limited only by our imaginations.

Hey everyone,
This week we’ve got great new PSN experiences to highlight, including new PSN Games, a great new way to access a killer multiplayer experience, and the return of a cult classic.

Click here to see the full list of nominees and vote on best PSN Indie!

This week also marks the start of the 2012 Gamers’ Choice Awards! Vote on your favorite PSN releases from 2011 by going to the PlayStation Store and select your favorite from each category. Each of the nominees were selected based on their ratings from you, the players. Voting is open for one week. Then next week, the winners of each category will go on sale. The power is in your hands; vote now! Vote at psngamerschoiceawards.com to select your favorite PSN Indie. Then check out the rest of the nominees on the PlayStation Store.

Last year, Killzone 3 exploded on the scene with an unforgettable single player campaign and a fantastic multiplayer mode. Now, that same great multiplayer mode is available as a stand alone download! Take arms and dive into visceral firefights online with PSN players from around the world. Check out the unique objective based missions in which you and your squad compete against another online squad for control of blisteringly detailed environments. It’s an epic multiplayer experience with no charge to play online on PSN. The Killzone 3 Multiplayer Mode is free to play up to level 20. If you want more, purchase the full mode from the PlayStation Store. PlayStation Plus subscribers, however, can get the full mode 50% off for 1 month starting today.

To round off the PSN Games, don’t forget to check out new PS3 Full Games this week include Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest. As noted earlier this week, Primal is debuting in the PS2 Classics collection. Read up on this PS2 favorite which is now available to download.

It’s the last week of February and that means it’s your last chance to download some of the best free and discounted content in PlayStation Plus! In addition to the aforementioned 50% discount on the Killzone 3 Multiplayer Mode, February also sports great free content like The Simpsons Arcade Game and Final Fantasy V. Additional free content hit Plus in February with games like Battle Fantasia, Inferno Pool and Fatal Inertia.

Here is the weekly PlayStation Store update:

PlayStation Plus

PS Vita Add-Ons

ULTIMATE MARVEL VS CAPCOM 3 – COSTUME PACK ($4.99)
Get alternate costumes for Ryu, Dante, Chris Redfield, Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor! Show your opponents you can beat them in style with these new outfits for your favorite characters!
File size: 100 KB

ULTIMATE MARVEL VS CAPCOM 3 – ADDITIONAL CHARACTER: JILL ($4.99)
Jill Valentine, the heroine of RESIDENT EVIL, has returned! But this time, she’s been brainwashed by her arch-nemesis, Albert Wesker. The device on her chest not only makes her loyal to Wesker, but increases her speed and agility to make her an even more formidable opponent!
File size: 100 KB

ULTIMATE MARVEL VS CAPCOM 3 – ADDITIONAL CHARACTER: SHUMA-GORATH ($4.99)
Everyone’s favorite tentacled fighter, the Old One from the Chaos Dimension, is back! Shuma-Gorath can use his unique body and knowledge of the mystic arts to crush and enslave his opponents!
File size: 100 KB

Blazblue: Cse – System Voice Arrange Rachel Type-A, Type-B (Vita DLC) ($5.99)
This is a system voice by Kana Ueda, the voice of Rachel Alucard. Two versions are included.
File size: 100 KB

Army Corps Of Hell – Pumpkin Equipment Set (Free)
Army Corps of Hell brings a new level of vicious combat, dark humor and lightning-quick action to the PlayStation Vita handheld entertainment system . As the King of Hell you control an army of a hundred goblin soldiers with various classes and abilities to defeat a host of enemies in order to reclaim your throne. Give your goblin army pumpkin heads for protection against “Flame” attacks!
File size: 100 KB

PS Vita Demos (Free)

Dynasty Warriors Next Demo
Play as either Zhao Yun or Zhenji and fight your way through the Yellow Turban stage in this demo of DYNASTY WARRIORS NEXT. Command each character’s unique actions, using both standard controls and the unique touch and motion controls of the PS Vita system. *Some customization items made available in the demo will need to be unlocked in the full game.
File size: 214 MB

Modnation Racers: Road Trip Game Trial
Welcome to the never-ending season of ModNation kart racing, where competitive racing and community creativity collide. Whether you race for the fastest time, customize your own karts or tracks, or you discover new courses online – ModNation Racers gives you everything you need for your next “Road Trip”!
File size: 486 MB

Reality Fighters Game Trial
Try out Reality Fighters(TM)! This demo allows you to scan in your face to create one character which you can customize with a few of the crazy costume pieces and accessories. You can then train your character and test your skills in a quick fight. Check out the demo today and then upgrade to the full version on March 13, 2012!
File size: 573 MB

Touch My Katamari Demo
Roll everything from tiny ants to skyscrapers in this exhilarating “Shape-changing and Ball rolling” title. Use the touchscreen or the traditional controls to roll! This demo includes the tutorial and “Make It Big 1: Playtime.”
File size: 99 MB

PS Vita Apps

Foursquare (Free)

PS Vita Videos (Free)

Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack: Official Trailer

The Tester Season 3 Episode 4

PSN Games

Killzone 3 Multiplayer w/Trial ($14.99)
The complete Killzone 3 online experience – enjoy fierce 24-player battles using the latest ISA and Helghast weapons and technology. This game is playable in 2D or 3D.
ESRB rated M
File size: 3.97 GB

Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest Full Game ($39.99)
Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest combines sword fighting, archery and throwing weapons in a playful action-adventure! From the creators of Sports Champions, it’s non-stop action adventure.
ESRB rated E10+
File size: 6.77 GB

PS3 Full Games

Deus Ex: Human Revolution ($39.99)
To save his life after a deadly attack, Adam Jensen had no choice but to become physically augmented with cybernetics. Driven by his need for answers, he soon finds himself chasing down leads all over the world.
ESRB rated M
File size: 9.5 GB

Game Demos (free)

Killzone 3 Multiplayer Demo The complete Killzone 3 online experience – enjoy fierce 24-player battles using the latest ISA and Helghast weapons and technology. Download the demo for a free taste of the full Killzone 3 multiplayer experience.
ESRB rated M
File size: 3.97 GB

Major League Baseball 2K12: Demo
The longest running Major League Baseball franchise returns to the virtual diamond with MLB 2K12 from 2K Sports. Demo the game featuring advanced pitching & hitting controls, detailed player tendencies & scouting reports, and immersive game modes for any level of fan. MLB 2K12 is the only game you’ll need this season, in stores now!
ESRB rated E
File size: 856 MB

Top Gun: Hardlock Demo
Check out this high flying demo. Top Gun: Hard Lock is aerial dog-fighting at jet speeds. The game includes 12 playable planes, including the iconic F-14 Tomcat and F-22 Raptor. Pull of spectacular ACM’s in Hard Lock combat, pushing yourself higher than ever before. Engaging single player campaign with 15 death-defying missions and online multiplayer for up to 16 players.
ESRB rated T
File size: 450 MB

EA SPORTS FIFA Street Demo
FIFA Street Demo – Get a taste of FIFA Street before the game hits store shelves!
ESRB rated E
File size: 1.91 GB

The Simpsons Arcade Game Demo
The long-awaited home console port of the classic Simpsons arcade game is finally here! Chase down Smithers and Mr. Burns on the epic quest to save Maggie. Battle your way through Springfield in this hilarious blast from the past! Download the Demo today!
ESRB rated E10+
File size: 21 MB

Add-on Game Content

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 – Serah’s Outfit: Beachwear ($2.99) A new outfit for Serah. The perfect costume for soaking up the sun and hanging out with friends on the shores of New Bodhum.
File size: 2.06 MB

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 – Noel’s Outfit: Spacetime Guardian ($2.99)
A new outfit for Noel. This garb is said to be a gift of the goddess to those who fight to correct the anomalies of time.
File size 2.60 MB

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 – Sazh: Heads or Tails? ($4.99)
Unlock new casino content and a new episode featuring Sazh in Serendipity. Complete the episode to gain Sazh as a battle ally.
File size: 291 MB

Neverdead – Expansion Pack #2 ($3.99)
Expand your online experience with NeverDead – Expansion Pack #2 which includes: ALL-NEW PLAYABLE CHARACTER – Play as the trusty, intelligent NADA Chief Sullivan in online multiplayer. EXTENDED LEVEL AND CHALLENGES – Expand the Sewers level with 3 new gameplay types:Egg Hunt – Scour the level for collectables, Fragile Alliance – Race around the Asylum level going from one checkpoint to the next and Onslaught –Unlock the level section by section.
File size: 247 MB

Saints Row The Third: Bloodsucker Pack ($1.99)
Keep the cash flowin’ with the Bloodsucker Pack. You’ll earn respect and get cash bonuses but it doesn’t stop there! You also get payments, money drop, and the ability to regain health through your human shields with The Dracula skill.
File size: 1.72 MB

Blazblue: Cse – System Voice Arrange Rachel Type-A, Type-B (PS3 DLC) ($5.99) This is a system voice by Kana Ueda, the voice of Rachel Alucard. Two versions are included. File size: 2.62 MB

Crazy Machines Elements – Brainfood Pack 2 ($2.99)
TWENTY additional tricky puzzles and FIVE new challenges that will frazzle your brain! Get your second brain food package today!
File size: 2.08 MB

Soulcalibur V Additional Character: Dampierre (Storefront Release) ($4.99)
That dandy gentleman has returned in HD quality! See him in action in the new chapter of “SOULCALIBUR.” Please note that this content should only be purchased if you did not receive “Dampierre” as a pre-order bonus.
File size: 134 KB

Soulcalibur V Customization Equipment 3 ($1.99)
Look cool with this pack of modern customization equipment! This pack includes 1 female undergarment, 2 pieces of face equipment, 2 face paint variations, 3 customization patterns, and 1 sticker.
File size: 134 KB

Soulcalibur V Downloadable Music 21 – 26 ($0.99 each)

• “DESTINY WILL TELL”
• “HALCYON HARBOR”
• “INFERNAL OFFERING”
• “PHANTASMAGORIA”
• “THANATOS
• “Afterglow – a Silent Prayer”

File size: 136 KB (each)

Soulcalibur V Downloadable Music Pack 5 ($2.99)
This pack contains the background music tracks: DESTINY WILL TELL, HALCYON HARBOR, INFERNAL OFFERING, PHANTASMAGORIA, and THANATOS from SOULCALIBUR IV.This content should only be purchased by those who have not already purchased one or more of the background music tracks in this pack.
File size: 138 KB

Disgaea 4 – Command Attack ($3.99)
Disgaea 4′s grinding system is even more powerful! Challenge yourself with the Pirate Tournament! Ride around the random dungeons on a pirate ship and get a high ranking!
File size: 1.55 MB

Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2 DLC add ons (x10) (Free – $0.99 each)
Various add ons.
File size: 100 KB – 340 KB

Elevator Action Hd – Additional Stages -2 (free)
New DLC for ELEVATOR ACTION DELUXE has arrived! This completely FREE update gives you five new stages to explore and master. And they have a surprising new feature–the manual elevator. Your status as a superspy is being put to the test. Will you rise to the challenge?
File size: 11 MB

Apples To Apples: Fun To The Core ($2.99)
This new expansion pack for Apples to Apples the video game features brand new avatars like Angel, Zombie, Ghost, Witch and Ski Apple, and another set of deck skins, including Haunted, Winter and Cloudy! Surprise your opponents with more Golden Apple Cards such as Apple Harvest and Bobbing for Apples, and make even fresher comparisons with more than 500 new red and green cards!
File size: 100 KB

Assassin’s Creed Revelations – The Lost Archive ($9.99)
Explore the mysterious pasts of Subject 16 and Lucy Stillman in 2 hours of all-new singleplayer content using the innovative narration style and puzzle-platforming gameplay pioneered in Assassin’s Creed Revelations’ present-day Desmond sequences. Also included in this pack are a bonus singleplayer mission which unlocks the terrifying Vlad the Impaler Sword, a variety of armors and weapons for Ezio and three new multiplayer characters.
File size: 692 MB

Rocksmith – Metal Tone Customization Pack ($4.99)
Specially designed for heavy metal and rock guitar tones, this Gear Pack includes: the HM-12, a custom high-gain amp and extended bass response 4×12 cabinet; the Cavern, a “cavernous” reverb pedal; the SicSicSicS, a solo boost pedal; and the Scooped, an active parametric EQ pedal.
File size: 10 MB

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

• “Do You Believe in Love” – Huey Lewis and the News ($1.99)
• “I Want a New Drug” – Huey Lewis and the News ($1.99)
• “The Heart of Rock & Roll” – Huey Lewis and the News ($1.99)
• Huey Lewis and The News Pack 01 ($5.49) – Includes the above songs.

File size: 32 MB – 41 MB (singles), 104 MB (track pack)

Rock Band Network v2.0

• “BEER!” – Psychostick ($1.99)
• “Bullet” – Drugstore Fanatics ($0.99)
• “Can’o Salt (Remix)” – dB soundworks ($0.99)
• “Diamond Eyes” – Rishloo ($0.99)
• “Fists Fall” – Otep ($1.99)

File size: 12 MB – 40 MB (singles)

Updates

Dead Space 2 Dlc Bundle (Price Change) (PS3) (now $19.99, original price $21.99)
Shift 2 Unleashed Dlc Bundle (Price Change) (PS3) (now $29.99, original price $34.99)
Call Of Duty: Black Ops (Price Change) (PS3) (now $49.99, original price $59.99)
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Price Change) (PS3) (now $29.99, original price $39.99)
Hydrophobia: Prophecy (Sale) (PS3) (now $2.99, original price $9.99)
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (Price Change) (PS3) (now $29.99, original price $39.99)
MotorStorm Arctic Edge (Price Change) (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Patapon (Price Change) (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $15.99)

Avatars

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Avatar Pack #2 ($1.49)

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Avatar Pack #1 ($1.49)

Carnival Island Avatar Bundle 3 ($1.49)

The King Of Fighters XIII Avatars (x10) ($0.49 each)

Game Videos (free)

The Tester Season 3 Episode 4

Mass Effect 3 “Take the earth Back” Trailer

PixelJunk SideScroller Dev Diary

Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning Launch Trailer

Pulse 2/28 Edition

PS3 Themes

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – Elite Theme (free)

Dynamic Anime Theme 1 ($2.99)

Dynamic Anime Theme 2 ($2.99)

Dynamic Gangsters Theme 1 ($2.99)

PS2 Classics

Primal ($9.99)
Help search for a loved one in the frightening world of demons and darkness.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 3.37 GB

Bundles

Burnout Paradise DLC Bundle ($19.99)
This DLC bundle includes all of the downloadable content for Burnout Paradise. There are no refunds for this item.
File size: 700 KB

Burnout Paradise Super Bundle ($29.99)
This bundle includes a digital license for Burnout Paradise and all of the downloadable content for Burnout Paradise. There are no refunds for this item.
File size: 700 KB

Music

Twisted Metal – Original Soundtrack from the Video Game ($9.99)

UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss Original Soundtrack ($9.99)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Bundle

ROBIN HOOD & Monochrome Racing Bundle ($5.99)
Robin Hood: Complete 12 levels, defeating numerous enemies and visiting different locations in medieval England!Monochrome Racing: Screeching tires, the smell of burned rubber, the rush of adrenaline and enemies that are left in the dust – these are the emotions that drive real racers. More than 80 tracks to complete / More than 10 cars to choose from and upgrade!
File size: 78 MB

Game Videos (free)

The Tester Season 3 Episode 4

Pulse 2/28 Edition

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Ducati Challenge – Minis ($6.49)

Trailblazer (Minis) ($2.99)

Welcome to winter. It’s snowing in Fargo today and the northeast is about to get some of that white stuff too. But I hear Italy is lovely this time of year. Wouldn’t you rather be seaside in some adorable little European villa? Picture it: Sitting in a small bistro, overlooking the sea, sipping something delicious…why, it’s a little slice of paradise.

Then you hear the WHUPWHUPWHUP of rotors overhead, and your exquisite view is obscured by smoke from a nearby grenade. Sorry, pal, you’re not on vacation – you’re in the thick of the conflict, because you’re in Piazza, one of the two new Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer maps that are reaching Call of Duty Elite premium members today via the PlayStation Network. Now it’s a little slice of paramilitary paradise.

Piazza is actually going to be a big hit with fans of close-quarters combat; the tiny town features several sharp corners, tight corridors, and dangerous staircases that just beg to be explored with a Striker or P90 in hand.

Is the European coast not your style? Maybe the cold doesn’t bother you – maybe you prefer a brisk walk through New York, taking strength from the bracing temperatures while you enjoy the famous foliage of midtown Manhattan’s Central Park. But again, don’t just look at the skyscrapers – look out for the soldiers who have their MSRs trained on the map’s objectives. You’re in Liberation now, complete with winding paths, underground tunnels, and exposed Domination points. The large scale of the map makes it a playground for assault rifle experts and snipers, especially.

Piazza and Liberation are both available now for Elite premium members. If you’re one of them, all you need to do is select Store from the MW3 multiplayer menu and you’ll be invited to download the new maps for no additional cost – your Elite premium membership includes access to all the maps, modes, and surprises that are coming for the next nine months. If you’re not an Elite premium member, you’ll be able to get these two maps a little later on in the year, but an Elite subscription brings you everything as soon as it’s released on PS3. You can find more info on Call of Duty Elite here.

I need to practice a bit, but then I’ll be giving these two new maps a workout this Friday. Hope you see you online!

Last week on The Tester 3, we saw the gamers endure a rigorous challenge inspired by UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss. Their ability to overcome a demanding obstacle course and quickly adapt was tested. Nolan North also came by the PlayStation Loft to show off his new PS Vita title, and an unexpected double elimination caught everybody by surprise. If you missed it, watch it right here.

This week, the fight literally begins with Street Fighter X Tekken. Not only will we see head-to-head competition in the upcoming new game, but each gamer’s creativity will be tested when they must create new game characters and choreograph fight scenes for guest panelist, Capcom Special Combat Advisor, Seth Killian.

Check out this week’s preview of episode 4 below, and watch the full episode here. You can also watch the entire episode on the What’s New section of the XMB or download from the PlayStation Store when today’s update is published.

If you are looking to complete your PlayStation Home quest for The Tester 3, we have a marathon beginning Tuesday, March 6, where you can watch all previous episodes (1-4) in Theater 6. Be sure to stop in so you can rejoin the quest and earn limited edition “The Tester 3” shirts for your avatar!

Our fourth Twitter giveaway for The Tester 3 is next Monday, March 5. Follow @PlayStation to participate, and keep an eye out for a trivia question related to Episode 4. Congratulations to @_meridian for winning yesterday’s Episode 3 prize package!

For next week, the prize package is perfect for all you Street Fighter X Tekken fans:

• The Tester 3 t-shirt
• 1 month PlayStation Plus voucher
• Mad Catz Street Fighter X Tekken FightStickPro autographed by Seth Killian

As a reminder, please allow fans the chance to enjoy the show by NOT posting any spoilers in the comments below, or in the PlayStation forums.

In this edition of Pulse presented by PlayStation Network, host Christina Lee sets her sights on the first FPS for PS Vita, Unit 13. With 36 tactical missions and nine high-value target battles, it’s the perfect showcase for PS Vita’s precise dual analog sticks. Other PS Vita previews include must-play sports titles MLB 12 The Show, incorporating front/rear touch controls and cross platform play, and Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational.

With Mass Effect 3 dropping next week, this week’s Pulse also shows off the unique in-game Argus rifle and exclusive PS3 theme available for those who pre-order from PlayStation Store. Other “Only on PlayStation” content shown in this episode include a look at SSX’s Mt Fuji mountain and Street Fighter X Tekken’s exclusive character Cole MacGrath.

Finally, with the Academy Awards behind us, the Top 10 highlights the most popular past Best Picture winners you guys are watching from Video Unlimited.

Download full HD editions of PULSE from the PlayStation Store after today’s update.

UPDATE: We mentioned previously that for all you fans who purchase the Killzone 3 Multiplayer will receive a 24-hour double XP bonus & 3 free unlock points. Unfortunately, we’ve encountered a minor technical issue that will prevent the bonuses from being redeemed at this time. Rest assured however that the team is working quickly to resolve the issue and will deliver the bonuses to any customers that purchase the Killzone 3 Multiplayer very soon. We’ll have more details on progress very soon.

To celebrate Killzone 3’s first anniversary, we’re releasing a standalone version of the game’s online component on PlayStation Store today. Dubbed “Killzone 3 Multiplayer,” it includes the Guerrilla Warfare, Warzone, and Operations game modes, as well as the original Killzone 3 maps and all Killzone 3 DLC maps. Best of all, it’s free to try – you can play any of the maps and modes until you reach the rank of Sergeant I.

If you want to keep playing, attain higher ranks, and earn any of Killzone 3 Multiplayer’s four exclusive new Trophies, you can unlock the full version for only $15. Doing so will net you a 24-hour double XP bonus, three free unlock points, the ability to set up clans and custom games, and access to the Botzone mode to help hone your combat skills.

For those who already own Killzone 3 (or decide to purchase the full version of Killzone 3 Multiplayer), we have another anniversary treat: this weekend will be Double XP Weekend! Starting on Friday, March 2 at 8:00am Pacific time, and lasting until Monday, March 5 at 2:00am Pacific time, all XP earned in online Killzone 3 matches will be doubled. The trial version of Killzone 3 Multiplayer is excluded from the Double XP Weekend, of course – we wouldn’t want you to hit that Sergeant I rank too quickly!

And as a reminder, if you enjoy playing this trial multiplayer demo and also want to experience the game’s exciting single-player campaign, you can always purchase the full version of Killzone 3 on Blu-ray at retailers.