Sony Launches Its First "Only On PSN" Game Program

Looks like PlayStation Network is finally ready to compete with Xbox Live for real. Sony just announced a month-long “Only On PSN” initiative. Tell me if this sounds familiar: a selection of premium download-only titles, with new releases coming out every week over the next month. Details inside.

Starting today, the “Only On PlayStation Network” program will release a total of eight “big name” titles across the next five weeks. PlayStation Plus subscribers can get a 20% discount on each one. Sony also says that if you spend $60 or more from your PSN/SEN Wallet this month, you’ll receive a $10 in-store credit. Here’s the lineup:

October 4th

Eufloria

Eufloria

Omni Systems’ ambient relaxation game has you exploring space and conquering asteroids so you can grow semi-organic plants and have them do your bidding. If it sounds weird, that’s because it is. But it also looks very addictive.

Rochard

Rochard

This side-scrolling puzzle platformer defies the conventional rules of arcade action titles by giving its heroic space miner just one weapon — a gravity gun — and slow-paced adventures that revolve around puzzle solving, not run-and-gunning. From Recoil Games. (FG review coming soon!)

October 11th

Sideway: New York

Sideway: New York

A 2D side-scrolling platformer with 3D visuals, Playbrains Inc.’s adventure game is set in a “sideway” or alternate reality, where you battle a villainous graffiti artist who poses a threat to both Sideway and the real world.

October 13th

Sodium Collection

Sodium Collection

Not so much a game, as a PlayStation Home content package, this download unlocks lots of goodies and upgrades from both SodiumOne and Sodium 2, for the PSHome in-world racing game and your personal Home spaces.

October 18th

Okabu

Okabu

Developer Hand Circus has created a cartoonish action-slash-puzzle game that you can play solo or co-op. You’ll control flying heroes in their fight to save their idyllic world from the evils of industrialization. (Political message much?)

RocketBirds

RocketBirds

This quirky game from a developer with a quirky name (Ratloop Asia) sends you into battle against evil penguins. Full solo and co-op campaigns. Also the only title on this list that supports stereoscopic 3D play.

October 25th

inFamous: Festival of Blood

inFamous: Festival of Blood

What happens when Cole MacGrath is bitten by a vampire? He’s got one-night-only to keep from becoming one himself by hunting and killing the head vampire in New Marais. Loads of new features and content for inFamous players. From Suckerpunch.

PixelJunk Sidescroller

PixelJunk Sidescroller

Q-Games’ popular series gets a retro makeover in this side-scrolling shooter. But don’t worry: the series’ trademark, madcap shooting is fully intact.

Also available today: a collection of downloadable PlayStation classics that includes God Hand, GrimGrimoire, Maximo: Ghosts to Glory, Odin Sphere, and Ring of Red.