The PlayStation Recap – Season’s Greetings Edition

With the holiday season nearly upon us, I’ve been scrambling to prepare catch up on games, work, and travel preparations. But while I’m away, you won’t go hungry: We’re stocking the larder for next week. During your holiday break be sure to check back regularly to see new blog posts from some of your favorite PlayStation developers.

In other news this week: we released a new episode of the Official PlayStation Blogcast, Yakuza: Dead Souls demonstrated proper techniques for zombie slaying, Final Fantasy XIII-2’s director explained how he’s aiming to “exceed FFXIII in every aspect,” Atlus confirmed Trine 2’s PSN release date (Tuesday!), UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss showed off its new Intui-Aim feature, Free Realms gave us a first look at its Snow Days holiday content, Dirt Showdown showed off its first trailer, EA Sports debuted a new video for FIFA Soccer on PS Vita, and Zen Studios gave a full tour of the Marvel Pinball: Vengeance and Virtue add-on pack.

Are you traveling for the holidays? And what games are you hoping to catch up on over the break? Let us know in the comments!

I’m playing: Gravity Rush and UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss for PS Vita, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception

I’m watching: Pontypool, How the Universe Works

I’m reading: The Unearthing (The Omniverse) by Steve Karmazenuk, Waiting for the Biggs Particle on NYTimes.com

Most-Watched Video of the Week: Amy – Enemies and Combat Overview

The 10 Most-Viewed Posts of the Week

PlayStation Store Update — Family Feud Decades, Red Faction: Armageddon, Alice: Madness Returns, Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood, Battlefield 3 Physical Warfare Pack, Marvel Pinball: Vengeance And Virtue, and free Marvel Pinball for PlayStation Plus users.

Gran Turismo 5: New DLC and Update 2.02 Coming Next Week — Polyphony Digital ain’t done yet, not by a long shot. Also be sure to listen to our interview with US GT5 producer Taku Imasaki to learn more about what’s down the pipeline.

Naughty Dog’s First Comments on The Last of Us — Naughty Dog’s Christophe Balestra and Evan Wells spoke with us immediately following the game’s VGAs reveal. My favorite revelation: The trailer is loaded with as-yet undiscovered clues.

Hands-on: Sorcery Casts a Spell on PlayStation Move This Spring — I went hands-on with this PlayStation Move exclusive and discovered a meaty, intense combat experience underneath the fantasy trappings.

PS Vita Takes San Francisco, 10 New Gameplay Trailers Released — Have you stopped by the Vita Hill social club in San Francisco? Stop by and play PS Vita today — it’s free.

Naughty Dog Reveals The Last of Us at 2011 VGAs — Meet Joel and Ellie, the stars of Naughty Dog’s next PS3 game. In this post from co-President Evan Wells, learn what prompted the creators of UNCHARTED to branch off in a new direction.

Celebrating PSN’s Top-Selling Indie Games of 2011 — Another reminder to catch up on some of PSN’s most unique games.

Home for the Holidays – New Games, Events & Special Deals in PlayStation Home — PlayStation Home continues its relentless expansion, serving up a host of holiday-themed games, discounts, and events.

Q&A: Starhawk Private Beta is Reaching for the Stars — The game’s senior producer shares top beta strategies, favorite weapons and vehicles, and what’s next for this 2012 strategic shooter.

Amy Returns to the Roots of Survival Horror — See a first glimpse of Amy’s melee attacks and pray you’re never forced to use them.