23w ago - Today Sony has launched their official PSN / SEN Web-based online store, accessible from Internet browsers (although Linux users report they are blocked) in several territories with more expected to arrive soon.

Those interested can check it out HERE, simply select your language region (such as THIS one) and wait for the page to load a selection of games, deals and offers including PlayStation Plus.

To quote from SCEE Blog Manager Fred Dutton (via GameChup.com linked above):

“We are testing a new web store, which we look forward to announcing and launching to the PlayStation/Sony community shortly.”

Also from Jemal Alexandar, ex-marketing manager for Square Enix, who revealed how important this was for Sony:

“Web based store for PSN is pretty huge, though. I remember being in many meetings with publishers who wanted to see it happen. 3 years ago.”

Jem Alexander (@jemalexander)...

102w ago - Sony Computer Entertainment has officially announced that PSN and the PlayStation Store are returning today- June 2, 2011!

From the Press Release, to quote: Tokyo, June 2, 2011 - Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced today that Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) will fully restore all PlayStation Network services today June 2, 2011, in the Americas, Europe/PAL territories and Asia, excluding Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

The company will also resume Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PlayStation 3 (PS3), PSP (PlayStation Portable), VAIO and other PCs.

Details of "Welcome Back" package program offered to all registered PlayStation Network* and Qriocity account services will be announced from each region.

Announcement for restoration in Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea as well as for the remaining services on Qriocity will be made as they become available.

* Only available for those countries and regions with access to PlayStation Store.

263w ago - So far since the launch of the new PS Store, European has seen it's fair share of good quality updates. Certainly, the situation appears to be much better than before and SCEE seem to be coming good on their promise that they would 'sort the situation out' by the Summer.

It would be a shame, therefore, to see a lacklustre update this week, wouldn't it?

Here's the full list of available items:

Games:

Ape Quest (£8.99)

Add-ons:

Need for Speed Pro Street - Bugatti Veyron (£1.99)
Need for Speed Pro Street - Mclaren F1 (£1.99)
Need for Speed Pro Street - Premium Car Pack (£3.49)
Need for Speed Pro Street - Premium Car Pack 2 (£3.49)
Snakeball - Team Mode Pack (£1.99)
Kane & Lynch - Fragile Alliance Maps (free)

Demos (all free):

Ape Quest Starter Pack

Videos (all free):

Ironman movie trailer

Wallpapers and Themes (all free):

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Theme
Dark Sector Theme
Haze Theme
Haze Wallpaper

Obviously, anyone still playing Kane & Lynch can't complain about the value for money the extra map pack represents, but the big news of the week has to be Ape Quest.

Including the instantly recognisable characters...