August 12, 2013August 12, 2013

PlayStation Plus: Runner 2 Dashes to the Instant Game Collection

This week in PlayStation Plus, you’ll find the fantastic Bit.Trip presents Runner 2 (sporting one of the longer names in gaming) free for PS Plus members, along with PS Vita content on sale as part of the PS Vita Japanese Games sale . With the likes of Soul Sacrifice, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus, and Touch My Katamari, there’s plenty of content to download to your PS Vita this week.

Lastly, if you haven’t had a chance to get your hands on the latest Tomb Raider, now is a great time to not only download the game and a handful of DLC content along with it, but also snag the fantastic Quantum Conundrum along with it!

All that content and more awaits in this week’s PlayStation Plus update which goes live on 8/13 with the PS Store update.

August 12th PlayStation Plus Update

Bit.Trip Presents…Runner2: Future Legend Of Rhythm Alien (PS3)

Regular Price: $14.99, Free for PS Plus members

Runner2 is a rhythm-music, auto-running platformer. Players will run through fantastic environments, using brand new moves, to amazing new soundtracks as they run, jump, slide, kick, and soar toward the goal of tracking down the Nefarious Timbletot who has un-fused CommanderVideo’s reality. Runner2 features 5 exciting worlds, 125 tantalizing levels and 5 death defying BOSS battles! Play as 8 different characters and find secret areas to unlock new and zany costumes!

Tomb Raider Bundle (includes Quantum Conundrum)

Regular Price: $44.99; PS Store Sale Price: $22.49; PS Plus Price: $20.24

The Tomb Raider Digital Edition bundle includes:

The full Tomb Raider game.
3-pack bundle of the weapons Agent 47 uses in Hitman: Absolution.
Shanty Town multiplayer map, which is a ramshackle area that features steep climbs, multiple ziplines for quick escapes, and deadly traps to set for your enemies.
Tomb Raider Outfit Pack (A 3-pack bundle of outfits for Lara — the Hunter, Aviatrix and Guerilla outfits.)
Quantum Conundrum Full Game

Runner2: Good Friends Character Pack

Regular Price: $2.99; PS Plus Price: $2.39

In most instances, “DLC” stands for “downloadable content.” With the Good Friends Character Pack, however, it stands for “downright lovable characters.” Featuring the likes of Josef (Machinarium), Spelunky Guy (Spelunky), Razputin (Psychonauts), Dr. Fetus (Super Meat Boy), Quote (Cave Story), and Invisible CommanderVideo (duh), it’s a virtual tour de force of indelible indie awesomeness. It’ll run you (pun intended) about as much as a cup of coffee, and is scientifically proven to give you an energy boost equivalent to about eight pounds of espresso beans. Your heart might start beating dangerously fast, but your eyes and ears (and maybe even your nose – why not?) will most definitely thank you.

PS Vita Japanese Games Sale (PS Vita)

Various Discounts

Over the next two weeks we’re celebrating Japanese-developed games on PS Vita by giving you sweet discounts on some of their best titles. Starting tomorrow, we’re offering discounts on a great collection of PS Vita games, with discounts up to 50% off! PlayStation Plus members get an added bonus, receiving up to 75% off.

Last Chance (Leaving on 8/20)

Instant Game Collection
Gods Eater Burst
Malicious

Discounts
Tomb Raider Bundle
Street Fighter X Tekken
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus
Guilty Gear Accent XX Core Plus R
Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer Of Arland
Silent Hill: Book Of Memories
Ridge Racer PS Vita
Touch My Katamari
Escapevektor
Superfrog
Soul Sacrifice

Discounts

Game Title	Normal Price	Sale Price	Plus Price
*Street Fighter X Tekken	~~$39.99~~	~~$27.99~~	~~$19.59~~
*Sumioni: Demon Arts	$14.99	$10.49	$7.34
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus	$39.99	$27.99	$19.59
Guilty Gear Accent XX Core + R	$14.99	$10.49	$7.34
Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer of Arland	$39.99	$27.99	$19.59
Silent Hill: Book of Memories	$29.99	$14.99	$7.50
Ridge Racer PS Vita	$24.99	$12.49	$6.25
Touch My Katamari	$14.99	$7.49	$3.75
Soul Sacrifice	$35.99	$24.99	$17.49
Gravity Rush	$35.99	$24.99	Free

*Correction: Street Fighter X Tekken will be on sale during the second week of the sale, and Sumomi: Demon Arts will be on sale during the first week of the sale.

What’s your favorite content from this week’s update?

What are your thoughts on this August’s PS Plus content?

You’ll find all the content detailed above with their Plus benefits active when the PlayStation Store updates on 8/13. We’ll be back next week with more details on the game arriving to the Instant Game Collection as well as any other benefits we can share.

If you’ve got feedback or thoughts on today’s Plus update, leave them below, or, if you’re looking to engage with more of the PS community, make sure you head over to the PlayStation Community to discuss this week’s news, find other topics to contribute your thoughts to, or start one for yourself. See you in the comments!

Comments are closed.

256 Comments

14 Author Replies

carlpain
August 12, 2013 at 8:52 am PDT

TR, maybe. Too bad I don’t have a Vita, but anyway, Steam is taking my money every week.
ezeka_matthew
August 12, 2013 at 8:54 am PDT

Morgan,

Not many of the concerns were addressed in last week’s PS post, so could you please let the team know about the following issues.

1. People are really exhausted with the fighting games. Even the poll showed that very few people want them over other genres. Please, no more for awhile. I’m not saying never, but just awhile, like till Christmas or something.

2. As a PS3 and Vita owner, it is very frustrating to get a game free on the PS3 one month, and then one or two months later and after I’ve played it, get the same game for the Vita. Yes, I’m talking about Machinarium. Good game, but I’m guessing that the great majority of Vita owners are also PS3 owners. We want to at least play new content. Last I checked, neither Asia or EU’s Plus is doing repeat games on the different consoles. Note: this is the only comparison I’ll make with the other Plus programs. I understand why certain content is offered to them and not us.

3. Lastly, the pinball genre is heading down the same route as the fighter genre. Please, Plus is at it’s strongest when there is variety.
- Morgan Haro
  August 12, 2013 at 9:23 am PDT
  
  I hear you, and I’ll definitely make sure we do everything we can to review the feedback and consider any options available. Thanks!
CraddaPoosta
August 12, 2013 at 8:54 am PDT

The sales are literally the only reason I might renew when my subscription runs out in a couple of months. If I had just purchased a Vita or a PS3, today, a PS+ subscription would be the very last thing I would waste my money on. Isn’t the IGC supposed to generate new sales of consoles, as well as reward long-time customers?

Which game in the entire IGC line-up would actually make anyone look at a PS+ subscription and think, “I can’t buy a Sony system WITHOUT this”?

Exactly.
ezeka_matthew
August 12, 2013 at 8:55 am PDT

Please take my above points as helpful criticism, and not complaining.
- Morgan Haro
  August 12, 2013 at 9:24 am PDT
  
  no they were very well written and helpful, thanks again!
T3DV0L70L1N4
August 12, 2013 at 8:57 am PDT

@45 — Speak for yourself. I like indie games.

How about this: instead of being negative, generalizing, and thinking everyone feels the same way as you, why don’t you post a list of games you DO want to see on the IGC? Try speaking positively to the staff, and vote honestly on the surveys.

I’ve been doing that for quite a while, and this month alone, two games on my IGC Wishlist were added to the collection. Coincidence or correlation? Who knows. But the Blog staff IS listening.
helbertpina
August 12, 2013 at 9:00 am PDT

Too bad I already beat Runner 2 on the PC some time ago. Still, the Vita sale is pretty cool. ;)
CraddaPoosta
August 12, 2013 at 9:02 am PDT

Since when do I have to love everything that Sony is benevolent enough to give us, @55?

They asked for an opinion, but I am not allowed to provide one, unless I am gushing over yet another game that will likely wind up being 99 cents on Android, if it isn’t already?

There is a difference between being rude and being negative. Being negative isn’t necessarily “speaking negatively to the staff”.

Also, how do you know I am not participating in the surveys, and not making my requests for better games known? You don’t know anything about me beyond this blog post.

White knight elsewhere. Sony asked for my input and I provided it, clearly, concisely and intelligently, without being rude. Hopefully someone is listening.
- Morgan Haro
  August 12, 2013 at 9:24 am PDT
  
  listening, and thank you!
zingakun
August 12, 2013 at 9:03 am PDT

I remember that in the last Flash Sales of this Tomb Raider bundle some plus users were having trouble purchasing it, something related to the Quantum Conundrum game (free for plus users a while ago). Wonder if it’s fixed now. I do hope the PS+ price was typed wrong…
dodgedoors
August 12, 2013 at 9:06 am PDT

I guess I will finally purchase Soul Sacrifice.
carlpain
August 12, 2013 at 9:10 am PDT

58) Yeah, if you “bought” the game (QC), then you will not be able to get the game with the bundle.
J5xavier
August 12, 2013 at 9:11 am PDT

Soul Sacrifice and Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus its like 2 for one~
T3DV0L70L1N4
August 12, 2013 at 9:12 am PDT

@57 — This is what I consider to be rude:

“#26 – This is a joke, right? EU gets Need for Speed : Most Wanted, and AGAIN, you give us artsy indie crap.
You should change the name of PS+ to ‘Shovelware that you aren’t even interested in for your Android’.”

Nowhere did I say you need to love everything they give us. Just be nice about it.

My suggestion (to you and the rest of the community) is to treat the PS Blog employees as humans. Don’t make rude demands, make helpful honest suggestions.

This blog is someone’s job. Would you like people speaking to you like this at your job?

Seriously, if the PS Blog were a restaurant, we’d all have spit in our food by now.
- Morgan Haro
  August 12, 2013 at 9:27 am PDT
  
  appreciate the support, and yes, I agree with you, but no worries, we community managers have thick skin, we can take the criticism delivered in a super direct manner. . ;) just the way it is on the internet, I suppose; but not to say that it shouldn’t be different. a man can dream ^__^
SiriusCJS
August 12, 2013 at 9:12 am PDT

@31 – I in no way made any personal attacks. I said “I’m BEGINNING TO THINK they’re lazy” & I suggested they make jokes about offering fighting games. I stand by every word I wrote. You’re right that I have no clue what goes in to this, but neither do you. If they’re on a blogcast SAYING they care about the content they offer us it doesn’t actually mean they do. They’re on a public radio show, of course they’re gonna huff & puff & make themselves look as good as they can. When I’m in a staff meeting & my job is being evaluated, I’m going to emphasize the good that I do & disregard the bad. If they’re not doing as good a job as they can they’re not gonna go on a show & say, “you know, I really could be doing a better job, but I don’t!” It’s a job for them. That they get paid for. For a lot of people, that’s where their motivation begins & ends.

EU Plus gets far better content than us. The results that I see from that team makes me wanna be on that team.
LittleMotti
August 12, 2013 at 9:13 am PDT

Awesome!
Any news on psp coming to the ps vita?
CraddaPoosta
August 12, 2013 at 9:18 am PDT

@62; that is what I consider justified frustration from a consumer whose expectations have been set on one thing, but the actuality came out to be vastly different. I didn’t personalize the comment, instead using the plural ‘you’, meaning ‘Sony’.

If someone keeps promising the moon, but only delivers sand, it really isn’t that surprising that others would wind up disappointed, especially if it’s an ongoing trend or pattern.

They asked ‘Tell us what you think’, not ‘Tell us what you like about us, and don’t say anything else about anything else’.
ECisMe
August 12, 2013 at 9:19 am PDT

Very excited for Runner 2. I enjoyed the initial game and the sequel looks to be an improvement in many ways. Can’t wait to play it.
CraddaPoosta
August 12, 2013 at 9:20 am PDT

If the ‘waiter’ at this ‘restaurant’ comes up and asked how I liked my variety sampler platter, and I told him that I liked maybe three things on a plate of 24, and explained WHY I didn’t like the other 21, I wouldn’t be insulting the waiter. I would be giving him feedback (that he ASKED for, no less) to bring back to the manager and owner of the restaurant, so the next time I sit down to dine, it’s a satisfying meal.

Aren’t metaphors FUN?
kericowe
August 12, 2013 at 9:27 am PDT

Please Morgan,

S
T
O
P

G
I
V
I
N
G

U
S

S
M
A
L
L

G
A
M
E
S

A
N
D

O
L
D

P
S
P

F
I
G
H
T
E
R
S
!

I Mean come on! Pinball DLC, runner2, ANOTHER PSP FIGHTER, and machinarium…a game we already had!
If it wasn’t for hitman this would be the worst month i’ve ever seen, while EU gets NFS: MW which isn’t even a year old.
FuntimeBen
August 12, 2013 at 9:27 am PDT

I’m excited by Runner 2. Just finished Max Payne 3 and need some less involved gameplay for a bit before I head into Hitman.

Tomb Raider is a pretty good deal considering you get the full Quantum Conundrum included for free. That game is $14.99 regularly. Pretty great!

Unfortunately I just don’t know how much more time I will have to play games before GTAV is out – so I may pass this month on any new games.
T3DV0L70L1N4
August 12, 2013 at 9:29 am PDT

@67 — Would you tell the waiter that the food is crap, or would you politely say you didn’t like it? All I’m saying is please be nice. If you really have a problem with that statement, then I guess I’m just wasting my time prolonging this discussion.
krae_man
August 12, 2013 at 9:29 am PDT

How long until you remove Uncharted, Gravity Rush and Wipeout 2048 from the IGC?

They have been there since the beginning which is what 18 months?
- Morgan Haro
  August 12, 2013 at 9:33 am PDT
  
  Those games came into the IGC last November when Plus first came to PS Vita. So…9 months. But just like XCOM, UC3, and LBP Karting, those games will be hanging around for a while longer.
kericowe
August 12, 2013 at 9:30 am PDT

I’m not trying to be disrespectful or anything, but I’m just trying to get some attention. I voice my opinion, and not a single person even acknowledges it. this is getting so frustrating
SiriusCJS
August 12, 2013 at 9:33 am PDT

Thanks Morgan for the indirect, PC response.

I mean, my goodness, way to dodge any real points.
- Morgan Haro
  August 12, 2013 at 9:40 am PDT
  
  It’s the best I can give ya. Rest assured though, I hear you on your points and if it’s part of a larger chorus of feedback on those related points, you can rest assured it will be delivered to the teams and we’ll look at ways we can optimize content to make as many people as we can happy with their Plus membership. Aside from that, I won’t battle you on your points or counter them, or offer up any immediate talking point that might relieve your concerns. Just here to let you know that we’re listening, feedback can take some time, and we’re really appreciative that you let us know your thoughts.
leptonic
August 12, 2013 at 9:39 am PDT

wow! Vita owns the update! I’m going to dl 3-4 games this time! great discounts, thanks for the share Morgan!
- Morgan Haro
  August 12, 2013 at 9:41 am PDT
  
  PS Vita Japanese Games Sale gooooooooo! so much good stuff in there.
lisatsunami
August 12, 2013 at 9:41 am PDT

@62, T3D.. lol, I love your analogy about the spitting in food. That’s exactly right. If any of these constant complainers were like that in real life, well, they’ve eaten a lot of spit. I’ve talked to people who work in food places, and many of them do retaliate against rude customers. One person told me a co-worker rubbed bread inside the toilet before serving it to one rude customer…

At least most of us are civil and the blog remains tolerable.

Oh, and Morgan, the Vita sales are fantastic and unexpected. I just bought Muramasa on day 1, what, a month ago? The collector’s edition so your sale almost makes me cry. Jk.
Ghostwize
August 12, 2013 at 9:41 am PDT

Nice to see Vita love with those discounts but would like to at least see a little something for the core audience in there in terms of discounts ala ps3. :D
viceforce
August 12, 2013 at 9:47 am PDT

Morgan, I was going to say a lot more then I have to, but after reading your response to #25 I think I understand. So let me say this. Since you plan ahead of time. How about starting 2014 a 2-1-2 system with the IGC. 2 Full PS3 Game, 1 Indie Game and 2 PSVita Games. I think that will satisfy everyone and put these bashing a rest.
andresortur
August 12, 2013 at 9:50 am PDT

@Morgan

Thanks for last week coments response, that’s what we want, but please, can you and your team consider the possibility of giving us PS2 and PS one classics? That was one of the reasons of my subscription to the service. A lot of people are asking for it and we want to know if it’s posible or not. Thanks again
ToFeY
August 12, 2013 at 9:50 am PDT

mmm i’ve a feeling tomb raider will be a freebie for plus members someday :)
Satnamji
August 12, 2013 at 9:53 am PDT

I get the sense that I’m the only person here disappointed that Star Wars Pinball wasn’t this week’s free game. lol
vanwinkle
August 12, 2013 at 9:54 am PDT

1. WHY are we getting another PSP fighting game, Morgan? I just want an answer to that from someone who works on this stuff like you. You’ve read all of the complaints about PSP fighting games. Why is there going to be another one? You are always talking about how you’re listening to feedback. You asked SPECIFICALLY if people continue to want PSP games as half of the IGC Vita service. Almost everyone either said “no more PSP games” or “PSP games are fine but no more PSP fighting games”. That was a few months ago. If anything, this means our feedback means NOTHING. I mean, what feedback have you guys taken into account in recent months that is reflecting by the IGC of today?

2. Why is Europe able to get actual native Vita games month after month, whereas almost half of our “Vita” games are PSP games? I know, you’re different regions, but there’s not less Vita games here than there is there. I haven’t seen a big chorus of people wanting PSP games. The PS+ service is on Vita, so why does the PSP get half of the IGC benefits we get?
angibri2000
August 12, 2013 at 9:54 am PDT

Wow, it saddens me to see how whiny gamers we have become. IGC SUCKS!!! VITA HAS NO GAMES!!!! I personally think the PS brand has done a great job lately and you guys really shouldn’t worry about some of this negativity. I personally think IGC has been awesome (yes, some months are better than others but they can’t always give us AAA titles) and I have more Vita games than time to play them. Keep up the good work Sony and believe that us gamers acknowledge that you are listening to us.

Thank you! =)
juarias70
August 12, 2013 at 9:55 am PDT

Cool, i want Tomb Raider(PS3), Silent Hill, Soul Sacrifice and Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3 from Vita, great games for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Suicide_Surfer
August 12, 2013 at 9:55 am PDT

Morgan, I don’t get it. You always say you listen to our feedback, but now here we are with yet another PSP Fighter. I haven’t seen 1 person on here say “OH YES PLEASE ANOTHER PSP FIGHTER! You say you listen but it kind of shows here that you guys actually don’t. I’m not alone when I say,

1. Stop giving us games for one platform that we already got for another (machinarium)

2. Stop trying to pass DLC as a full game (Star Wars Pinball)

3. Stop with these games that I can get on my phone. (Runner 2)

4. Enough with the fighters

5. Stop with old PSP games. Or if you have to give em to us at least make then good ones like R&C Size Matters

6. Listen to our feedback!

Thanks for listening to my advice!
xClayMeow
August 12, 2013 at 9:56 am PDT

Oh look, Morgan is finally replying. Where was he last week when 700 out of 750 posts were negative?
Dominant-_Clutch
August 12, 2013 at 9:58 am PDT

Any word on the release date for Spelunky?
fgeo
August 12, 2013 at 9:58 am PDT

Dear Morgan,

Loving the PS Vita discounts and PS Plus in general.

One question for you : based on Sony’s print ads, Spelunky for the Vita was supposed to be released last month. We are almost in the middle of August and there is still no word on a release date !

Could you please let us know what is happening ?

Thanks :)
Ryumoau
August 12, 2013 at 9:59 am PDT

Morgan could you guys try to work with Namco on giving us a day one plus discount on One Piece pirate warriors 2?
The free titles this month are awful, so i’m hoping at least the discounts will make this month tolerable.
IrishDude2
August 12, 2013 at 10:01 am PDT

Hey Morgan what are the chances of Resistance Burning Skies and PlaySatation All-Stars making it to the Vita IGC in November for both EU and US?
firebert42
August 12, 2013 at 10:04 am PDT

Great update! Soul Sacrifice is crazy good and a pick of the week at that price; Tomb Raider is an entirely new imagining of the series, and definitely recommend this one too. Touch my Katamari is a lock for under $4.
EIUPaladin356
August 12, 2013 at 10:08 am PDT

Runner 2 is what im looking forward to.
Mavrek48
August 12, 2013 at 10:10 am PDT

Any word on when Spelunky is hitting the Vita?
HE1SENBERG
August 12, 2013 at 10:10 am PDT

Will the Vita sale include discounts on relevant DLC? I asked it on the original post, but it doesn’t seem like it’s being monitored by anyone.
klleristonr17
August 12, 2013 at 10:12 am PDT

Os 24 Centavos do Tomb Raider Quebro as pernas.
tgpumpkin
August 12, 2013 at 10:13 am PDT

Morgan,

After reading a couple of people’s posts, I have a few comments of my own. First off, I think PS Plus is a great deal overall. All feedback should be viewed as constructive:

+ I’m sorry, I don’t always want full size games like some people ask. I feel PSN has taken a stronger hold of the indie market and people don’t realize that a solid indie game can result in innovation for the larger games. Don’t dismiss indie games for Plus, please. Everyone else…we need indie games to help game innovation!!!

+ While I do like a lot of indies, please try to avoid double dipping. Machinarium is a good example of this. Great indie game, but Sony double dipped this time. I’m not trying to devoid someone of playing this game, but count it as 1 in the IGC not 2/18.

+ Plus should be balanced of all genres. The fighters and FPS are getting old fast.

+ Sony made some heavy ground by being a platform of choice for RPGs. So…uhh…where are the RPG’s? I’ve been on this since February

Just my 2 cents. August wasn’t for me at all (to be fair, I own Runner 2…which is awesome). I can appreciate that it was for someone else. I hope you guys can work on the balance a bit. Thanks for listening.
Sulumon
August 12, 2013 at 10:20 am PDT

I’ll echo others’ sentiment by stating that, at first, I got excited thinking that the Vita version was finally dropping but then I remembered last week’s plus reveals containing the PS3 version and realized that’s what this headline was reiterating . . . not a tease on the Blog’s part but that’s what it ended up feeling like on my part. Ah well, I guess I’ll keep waiting for the Vita version like the rest of them!
luvmyR6
August 12, 2013 at 10:23 am PDT

@ Ryomoau,

Dude, quit talking, we both know you are just trolling at this point.

Hitman Absolution and Runner 2, awful? Yeah right.

You are literally trying too hard at this point.

Also, if you really want Namco that badly to have a sale, contact THEM. I’m sure you can find their twitter, facebook, or e-mail address.

“Awful games this month”, lol you are pretty dumb if you believe that for a second.
hrfuknstuf
August 12, 2013 at 10:24 am PDT

A tip for those who don’t like the current crop of PS+ titles:

Buy your subscriptions three months at a time; if you don’t get one thing you like in three months, bid plus a sad adieu and move on.

For those who automatically renew and complain about it, go to account management and turn the option off. Then disconnect your credit card as an added measure. If you are half as diligent in the XMB as you are on the blog, you won’t have any problems.

That being said, I enjoyed the Bit Runner 2 demo and am looking forward to playing the game, and I’m also enjoying Hitman. I’ve been getting at least one game I like for $4.16 a month (without owning a Vita), and for me that’s well worth the price of admission.
Souledge94
August 12, 2013 at 10:30 am PDT

dam wish guilty gear sale was for psn version. Seems like the only thing I might get is soul sacrifice.
samv33
August 12, 2013 at 10:31 am PDT

I haven’t liked any of the Bit.Trip games, but I’ll give this one a go. That’s one of the things I like about plus. It exposes me to games I probably wouldn’t have sought out on my own.

And I must be too cheap. I’m pleased to have a Vita sale, but don’t think the prices are all that grand, but I see I’m in the minority.

Can I have two “buts” in the above sentence and still have it be grammatical?