Smash Cars peels out in PSN update

While this week's PlayStation Network update features a trio of games for the PlayStation 3 and PSP, those titles are in danger of being upstaged by an assortment of notable downloadable content.

Starting with the full games, PS3 owners can pick up Smash Cars for $14.99. Developed by Tik Games and Creat Studios, the game is a follow-up to the latter developer's 2003 budget PlayStation 2 game of the same name. As in the original game, the new Smash Cars is an arcade-style radio-controlled racing game with an emphasis on stunts. Players earn points not only by winning the race, but also by performing stunts, interacting with obstacles along the courses, swapping paint with other racers, and skillfully drifting around corners.

Over on the PSP, Koei is prepping gamers for this month's launch of Dynasty/Samurai Warriors spin-off Warriors Orochi 2 with a downloadable release of the original Warriors Orochi for $14.99. Both the PS3 and PSP storefronts will also be getting a new PlayStation Original title in Bloody Roar ($4.99), Eighting's 1997 3D fighter featuring brawlers who transform into a variety of were-creatures.

Moving to the potpourri collection of other content, PS3 owners can download demos of WWII dogfighter IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey and the adventure game Mini Ninjas, from IO Interactive (creators of Hitman). However, it's in the add-ons for existing games where things get unusual.

For less than the cost of a cup of coffee ($1.99), owners of the sadistic rag-doll game Pain will be able to take out their aggressions on comedian Andy Dick (NewsRadio, The Ben Stiller Show). Dick joins David Hasselhoff (Baywatch, Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as real-life additions to the Pain roster.

Meanwhile, Capcom's Street Fighter franchise gets cross promotional with Zen Pinball. Would-be wizards can download the Street Fighter II Tribute Table for the pinball sim for $2.49. The table was previously released for developer Zen Studio's Xbox 360 game Pinball FX, making this the first time the same downloadable content has been made available for two games exclusive to different consoles. Speaking of Capcom, the publisher has a collection of 10 remixed music tracks from Marvel vs. Capcom 2 now available to download for free.

In other fighting game downloadable content, Arc System Works' BlazBlue is getting an array of add-ons. Players can now unlock "Unlimited" versions of playable characters Hakumen, Rachel, V-13, and Ragna for $0.99 each, although they can all be earned in the course of normal play as well. Additionally, those bored of the look of the default roster can now purchase additional colors for their costumes. For $4.99, gamers can get four additional colors for each of the game's dozen default fighters, although publisher Aksys Games is also offering the option to download the colors in three separate packs (four characters to a pack), available for $1.99 each.