Weekend Essentials - Issue 4

The weekend is just the start when you can become a feared assassin in Assassin's Creed 2, witness new Final Fantasy XIII footage, play the latest demos, and more...

Become an Assassin of the ages

The time has come to don your assassin's garb once more as Ubisoft challenges you to enter a world of espionage and conspiracies - welcome to Assassin's Creed II on PlayStation 3 and Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines on PSP.

Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines continues the story of the previous game's protagonist, Altair, as he continues his fight against the Templars, while PlayStation 3 assassins can jump further into the murky history of the hooded ones with new assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze in a tale set during the Italian Renaissance. There you will master the dark arts and use numerous weapons and instruments, including Leonardo Da Vinci's flying machine.

Eager assassins can truly indulge the lore of Creed by connecting both PSP and PS3 titles together to unlock exclusive weapons in both games.

The release date of your Fantasy

Square Enix has given role-playing game fans reason to rejoice with the unveiling of a European release date for Final Fantasy XIII. Find out more and enjoy new footage in the Special Announcement Trailer at PlayStation Store.

Portable gems

PSP owners are in for a treat this weekend as two epic titles arrive. First to take a bow is Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier, which promises a rip-roaring adventure through lost lands. Battle Sky Pirates, Aeropeans and others in a war which thrusts you beyond the Brink.

The second unmissable PSP game to get your digits on is the long awaited LittleBigPlanet, which combines the fun and creativity of the PS3 version with the extra portability. Play over 30 brand new levels in seven themed locations, create and customise your own environments and share your creations with friends. Discover a world of endless possibilities where the only limit is your imagination.

A demonstration of fun in Store

PlayStation Store is home to many downloadable goodies and this week is no different with the arrival of demos for two PSP greats, the blisteringly fast racing game MotorStorm Arctic Edge and fiendishly addictive tower defence game, PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe. If you were sitting on the fence before, now is the perfect time to give these two superb titles a try.

PS3 owners aren't left out either, thanks to some new downloadable content packs for Dragon Age: Origins, The Stone Prisoner and Warden's Keep. The Stone Prisoner unlocks Shale, a unique party character with all new abilities, before pitching you into an adventure to discover his past with new map areas and quests.

The Warden's Keep introduces a bevy of new features, including a base of operations, party chest, map areas, quests and merchants. Discover what really happened to the Order at their darkest hour.

Be a winner with TEKKEN 6 and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

Want to win some superb prizes here at eu.playstation.com? Well double your chances with two new competitions to test your mettle with.

The Monster Hunter Freedom Unite competition challenges you to prove your hunting skills and win a PSPgo system, a signed copy of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, a T-shirt and more, while the TEKKEN 6 competition gives you a fighting chance to win a PlayStation 3 system and a Limited Edition copy of TEKKEN 6, which includes a sweatshirt, poster and artwork book.

Step up and try your hand - head over to eu.playstation.com/psn/competitions to take part.

The man with the hat is back

LEGO Indiana Jones has whipped up a new adventure in the shape of LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues on PSP and PS3. Featuring a tongue-in-cheek take on all four movies, the iconic archaeologist's escapades are in your hands as you have the ability to recreate classic moments from your favourite movies and even create levels of your own.

Don your fedora and get ready for an adventure of your very own making.