If you’re looking forward to the upcoming DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY for PSP, then here’s something else to look forward to! DISSIDIA duodecim prologus FINAL FANTASY will be coming to PSN soon. Here’s a quick summary of what prologus is all about, straight from the press release:

• Unique Scenario: Lightning, the protagonist of the popular FINAL FANTASY XIII, will be introduced to the DISSIDIA series for the first time. Players can journey through a unique scenario featuring Lightning that will recount the events leading to DISSIDIA 012[duodecim].
• Carry-over items from DISSIDIA duodecim prologus FINAL FANTASY to DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY: Players can continue their journey and have the advantage of carrying over in-game items acquired in DISSIDIA duodecim prologus FINAL FANTASY for use in DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY.
• Unlock a new character: By purchasing DISSIDIA duodecim prologus, players will also receive the immensely popular Aerith from FINAL FANTASY VII for use as an assist character in DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY.

Not that I need to remind you, but DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY will be available on March 25th. For more info, take a look at our official website and you can vote in the ongoing official character tournament. This week, it’s Lightning Vs. Ultimecia waging war!

To mark the game’s launch, we’re going to be releasing a special Legacy Edition, including some exclusive bonus contents. Check out the image below to get a glimpse of what’s going inside the box!

In the Legacy Edition you’ll get:

• A copy of the game in a white PSP case with special cover artwork
• Exclusive downloadable costumes for Tifa and Squall
• 6 character lithograph art prints
• A voucher for a 50% discount off the purchase of the original FINAL FANTASY game from PlayStation Store

DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY is coming out on 25th March 2011, only for PSP. If you want to find out more about the game, head over to our updated facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/DISSIDIAFINALFANTASY and you can also take part in our Official Character Tournament to decide the ultimate FINAL FANTASY warrior.

Let us know your comments on the Legacy Edition below!

The game’s out now in a special Slayer Edition, including extras such as a mini soundtrack CD, 44 page artbook and red PSP case. Have a look at the image below to see what’s inside.

If you’ve already played the demo, don’t worry about losing your character data, you can transfer everything over to the full game.

To mark the game’s launch we’re going to be releasing the game as a special Twisted Edition, including some exclusive bonus contents. Check out the image below to get a glimpse of what’s going inside the box!

In the Twisted Edition you’ll get:

• A copy of the game in a red PSP case
• A 48 page artbook ‘CTI Confidential’ including early concept artwork of the Twisted monster designs, locations and Aya Brea art2 x deluxe art prints
• A download code for an exclusive ‘Aya Brea costume’ for Lightning to use in the upcoming DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY

The 3rd Birthday is coming out in Spring, only on PSP. If you want to find out more about the game, head over to our website at www.the3rdbirthdaygame.com and let us know your comments on the Twisted Edition below!

We’ve also updated the game website at www.lordofarcana.com with more info on the game, the monsters you’ll face and the arsenal of weapons at your disposal. Take a look if you’d like to find out more.

We’ll have lots more news to share with you very soon about LORD of ARCANA, so stay tuned to the blog in the coming weeks!

If you’ve not heard about it before, check out the latest trailer below which reveals more about the storyline and the Overdive system. This trailer was shown behind closed doors at Tokyo Game Show, but here it is newly released in English:

We’ll have more news on The 3rd Birthday to share soon with you, as well as a release date, but for now if you want to find out more info you can visit the game’s website at the3rdbirthdaygame.com, or follow it on Facebook.

You’ll see some familiar faces from the original game in the video, as well as some new and exciting characters such as Lightning (FINAL FANTASY XIII) and Kain (FINAL FANTASY IV). You’ll also see some footage of the new Assist mode, in which you can choose your favourite FINAL FANTASY character to back you up in battle.
Check out the trailer and let us know what you think of the game in the comments below.
The game is coming out next year. If you want to follow the latest news, you can also join our Facebook DISSIDIA fan page.

As well as a copy of the game for PSP, there are two exclusive items that you’ll also get in this version:

• Two KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep art prints.
• A 48-page hardback artwork book entitled “The Art of KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep”.

If you don’t know what KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep is about (where have you been?), then check out the trailer below : )

The Special Edition is being distributed in UK, France, Germany/Austria/Switzerland, Nordic countries, Benelux, Spain, Italy, Australia/New Zealand, Russia, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus.

Please do check availability with your friendly local retail outlet.

Here are some early gameplay details and screenshots direct from Japan : )
‘LORD of ARCANA is a new action game from Square Enix for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system!

Set in a unique and beautiful fantasy world, this new action game with exciting multiplayer gameplay is coming soon.

Simultaneous multi-player gaming is available for up to four players, allowing you to team up with friends to face tough monsters and battles together.

The stunning monster artwork in the game has been designed in collaboration with many well-known illustrators who have been successful both abroad and in Japan, including some renowned Square Enix staff.

With incredible visuals and non-stop action, mixed with great multiplayer co-op and creatures designed by a variety of world-famous illustrators, LORD of ARCANA is not to be missed when it comes to the PSP system.’
We’ve also launched a new website, lordofarcana.com, where you can go to find out some more info on the game, so go and take a look!

Keep your eyes open for more news on LORD of ARCANA here over the coming weeks and months.

It’d be great to hear your thoughts on the game below, feel free to comment and I’ll try to answer what I can : )

For the first time, you’ll be able to take part in Online Battles against your friends in SingStar. When competing in an Online Battle, you’ll send an invite to one of your PSN friends, match songs (you both need to own a song to play it) – pick-up the mic and in true MC style ‘let battle commence’.

When playing, you can view your opponent’s score live, and see them playing via PlayStation Eye.

As this is a new feature for SingStar, the team needs to test out the gameplay with real players, and this is where you come in! We’re running a Closed Beta for our most dedicated SingStar players to come and help us test out new features and upgrades to the game. If you’re already a SingStar player aged over 18 with a PAL Region PSN account, have the game, mics and an online-enabled PS3, we need your help!

If you’re interested in taking part in the Beta, head over to betatest.software.eu.playstation.com/singstar and fill in the online questionnaire. Please note though that places on this Beta are strictly limited – you’ll be asked to participate on certain nights and feedback on the experience in the forums, so please only apply if you’re able to commit to this (and are happy communicating in English). Full details of the SingStar Beta are on the website, so take a look and if you’re happy to join in, we’d love to get your help and feedback on the new game features. SingStar fans – your game needs you!

Their exclusive gig is still on in The SingStar Rooms VIP until 6th April, so you still have time to check out the event and soak up the atmosphere.

Natalie Burgar, from the PR team, was on hand to ask the band a few of your questions in the evening, so take a look at the video and see what happened on the night.

The SingStar Rooms VIP will be rocking to Stereophonics until April 8th, so if you’ve not headed over yet, you’ve got plenty of time!

I just wanted to quickly remind you all that Stereophonics will be playing a gig in the SingStar Rooms VIP in PlayStation Home from this Thursday 25th March.

Come along for exclusive live footage and interview with the band, as well as great Stereophonics Home items available to kit out your apartment and avatars.

What’s more – keep your eyes peeled for band members Kelly and Richard in Home! They’ll be popping into the SingStar Rooms VIP on Thursday evening for a ‘Meet and Greet’ with the Home and SingStar community. Check back on Thursday for more info!

Jem is going to be quizzing the band on Thursday as well for the blog, so if you have any questions you’d like to ask Stereophonics, let us know below and we’ll pick the best ones.

If you’d like to enter, here’s the 3 step plan:
1) Download the Stereophonics SongPack from SingStore
2) Upload your best performance of one of the songs from it to My SingStar Online before 11th March.
3) Cross your fingers you’ll win!

(Ok, that’s 2 steps really, but you get the idea ; ))

Our SingStar judges will select the 10 performances we judge to be the most entertaining and creative. Stereophonics will then choose the top 3 winners out of the 10 finalists!

If you’re lucky enough to be in the top 10, you’ll be invited to a VIP ‘Meet and Greet’ session with the band in Home on the opening night of their gig on 25th March. Here, you’ll be able to chat with Kelly and Richard from Stereophonics exclusively, and they’ll announce who the 3 winners are.

As well as the chance to come to the VIP ‘Meet and Greet’, we’ve got some great prizes for all the 10 finalists including lots of signed band merchandise, CDs, T-shirts and more. The top 3 winners will receive some extra fine goodies.

So, get rocking out to Stereophonics and hopefully see you in Home soon for the gig!

For more info and Terms and Conditions, follow the link here.

We’ve lined up fantastic rockers The Stereophonics to perform in The SingStar Rooms VIP with exclusive live footage and backstage interview. What’s more –- the band will be coming into Home for a special virtual meet and greet on the first night, so if you’re a Stereophonics fan, make sure you come along!

Later this month, we’ve also got a Stereophonics SongPack coming with a special competition tie-in to win signed tour merchandise and other great prizes. We’ll be announcing more info about the gig and competition in the next few weeks, so keep checking PlayStation.blog.

In the words of The Stereophonics – ‘Have A Nice Day’!

Today, I’m really pleased to be able to talk to you about SingStar Viewer, a great new SingStar app coming soon to PlayStation Store.

With SingStar Viewer, you can browse and purchase from SingStore, and watch, rate and review uploaded video clips, photos and profiles in the MySingStarOnline community – all without needing to have a SingStar disc in your PS3.

Anyone with a PSN account will be able to download SingStar Viewer for FREE from PlayStation Store and see what’s going on in the SingStar community and SingStore. Once downloaded, SingStar Viewer will sit on your XMB under the Games category, so you can instantly jump into the online community whenever you want.

If you’re a SingStar pro and are already a member of MySingStarOnline, then you can purchase from SingStore, rate and review video clips etc. as usual.

If you’re new to SingStar on PS3, then you can browse the SingStore and view community videos etc. (just not rate / review them). So if you’ve never tried SingStar before on PS3, you can take a look and see what all the fuss is about!

Take a look at the video to see SingStar Viewer in action, and check the PlayStation Store over the coming weeks. SingStar Viewer is coming very soon!

Let me know your thoughts on SingStar Viewer below. : )

Firstly, and most importantly, this update fixes the missing songs / videos and other issues a number of you found with the previous version update. We’re really sorry that we caused these errors in the last SingStar update, and want to thank all of you for being so patient while these problems were being fixed and tested thoroughly. Your feedback to us on these problems has been invaluable, so thank-you! Hopefully, once you’ve updated you’ll find everything back to normal : )

Well, not quite normal actually. There are a number of cool new features also added in this Holiday update for you to try out too!

Here’s a quick rundown:

SingStore:

• What’s Hot? – Now you can see Top 10s on the SingStore of our hottest content from current Top 10 downloads to top festive tunes.
• Quick Buy – Watching a media clip of someone singing a song you really like and fancy adding it to your collection? Now you can go and view it directly in the SingStore at the press of a button!
• SingStore On Demand – You can preview SingStore songs available directly from the Song Selection screen in the game. Just press the Square button and you can view the whole SingStore catalogue while playing.
• Previously Purchased Content – If you’re in SingStore you can instantly see which songs you’ve bought before.
• Download all purchased songs option – In the SingStore, you can now download all the tracks you’ve purchased before quickly and easily. Just go to ‘Purchase History’ and select from there.

MySingStarOnline:

• My Favourite Media – This feature allows you to bookmark your favourite media clips in the community in your profile, so you can quickly watch them again and again.
• Clubs – You can transfer leadership of a club to another person.

Gameplay:

• Cartoon Interface – This gives child-friendly in-game feedback and end of song rankings.
• XMB User Player Profiles – When adding player names into your new game, you can now select from names stored on XMB (i.e. login profiles).

Phew, that’s it!

Last, but not least, all of us here in the SingStar team want to take this opportunity to say a big THANK-YOU to all of you who’ve played, bought and sung your hearts out with SingStar over the past 5 years. We’ve just reached a fantastic 20 MILLION copies sold, and it’s all down to you!

Let me know your comments below on the update and more – I’ll answer what I can : )

Do you think you really know your Facebook friends? Buzz!: The Friend Quiz will help you find out by creating completely personalised quizzes from your shared photos, status updates, fan pages and more.

You can challenge your friends to single or multiple games to see who the best is. There are leaderboards for you to check your current ranking and a range of trophies to collect for great play, as well as message boards for each game you set up, so you can write as much smack-talk as you like!

Each quiz is 8 rounds long (up to 3 questions in each) and covers a different area of Facebook, so there are questions about which of your friends appears in a displayed photo, who wrote a particular comment on their profile, who posted the following link and more. Some of the answers about your friends can be very funny (and enlightening!)

I hope you’re all really going to enjoy it. The app is only in English right now, but we’re busy preparing the French, Italian, German and Spanish versions which will be ready before the end of this month; we’re hoping to add even more languages very soon too. Keep an eye here for more info soon.

Buzz!: The Friend Quiz has just gone live now on Facebook, so head over, try it out and let me know what you think!

(Please note: Buzz! The Friend Quiz is not compatible with the PS3, but works perfectly in any of your favourite PC browsers.)

After an incredible performance on Tuesday night, we’ve finally found our Buzz! World Champion, Armin Diethelm from Switzerland! Armin has won the contest and is now the proud owner of a brand-new MINI Clubman. Many congratulations Armin on a fantastic bit of quizzing, and to MINI for the fantastic prize.

On Wednesday morning, it was time to take all our National Champions to La Tomatina. Our champ, Armin, and Buzz started the 10-tonne tomato frenzy by launching the firework signal. Just one hour later, Bunol (and us!) were covered in tomatoes and the clean-up began.

Check out the photos below to see our new champion and pics of the festival.

Finally a massive thanks to everyone who took part in the Buzz World Championships this year and of course to the town of Bunol, who have been fantastic hosts at La Tomatina this week, so until the next time…. keeeeeeeep Buzzing!

PS – To the Finalists – It was really great to meet all of you over the past few days! Some of you mentioned to me yesterday that you’d like to keep in touch after the event and wanted to share PSN IDs. If you’d like to, please write it in the Comments section and let’s keep the International Buzz! spirit alive : ) – Rob

We’ve come to the world-famous La Tomatina festival in Bunyol, Spain to find out which one of our 14 National Champions is going to win a fantastic MINI Clubman!

It’s been 5 months since we started the hunt for our first Buzz! World Champion, and have found our best 14 National players from over 8,000 contestants.

Our stage is ready to roll and later tonight, we’ll know our one final winner!

Our World Champion isn’t just going to be the proud owner of a new MINI. They’re also going to have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of starting the world’s biggest tomato fight at La Tomatina, tomorrow. If you haven’t heard of La Tomatina, it’s a massive throng of over 40,000 people (who’ll fill the empty street below!) throwing over 10 tonnes of tomatoes in a one-hour frenzy!

Best of luck to all our finalists for tonight!

Here’s our line-up of National Champions:

• Belgium – Jean-Marc Koder
• Denmark – Zejn Ljuti
• France – Romain Mabil
• Germany – Cornelia Schmid
• Netherlands – Marcel Kuil
• Portugal – Nadine Malhado
• Poland – Andrzej Holus
• Spain – Juan Maria Hernandez
• Sweden – Paul Svensson
• Switzerland – Armin Diethelm
• UK – Ian Stewart Clark
• Austria – Rudolf Havlicek
• Norway – Rune Sageflaat
• Finland – Mikko Heinonen

Check back on Thursday for news of who won and pictures from the amazing Tomatina!