Last week Sony announced that the PlayStation Network would finally begin its "phased restoration" in Japan and other Asian countries over the weekend. And sure enough, news outlets have confirmed the service's relaunch in the east was a success.
The new and, according to Sony, improved PSN in Japan lets gamers get back to playing online, but still lacks the online store that allows developers to sell downloadable content such as themes, map packs and even complete titles. No store also means Japanese gamers eager to redeem the newly promised freebies are out of luck - something western gamers have been wringing their hands over for a couple weeks now.
Sony's "Welcome Back" program for Japan (previously announced for both North America and Europe) will eventually allow PS3 owners to choose two titles from a group of five:
- The Last Guy
- LocoRoco Cocoreccho!
- echochrome
- WipEout HD
- Hustler King
The same offer extends to PSP owners, who can select two titles from the following:
- Yuhshanokuseninamaikida or2 PSP® the Best
- Everybody’s Stress Buster
- PATAPON2 PSP® the Best
- LittleBigPlanet Portable
- LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival
Those affected by the PSN outage (i.e. customers with PSN IDs prior to April 21st) will also receive 30 free days of the company's premium PlayStation Plus online service, which boasts special discounts and free downloadable titles. Those who already pay for the service will receive 30 days free of charge, plus the amount of days they were without access says the company.
Additional freebies will include PlayStation Home content and specific free movie rentals. Exact details have not yet been revealed, however.
The PSN's reactivation in the east lagged behind other regions due to reported governmental concerns about whether or not Sony could ensure that the service would be as secure as possible and regain consumer trust.
Sony has previously said that the complete restoration of the PSN could take all month. The company now has just one day left to deliver on that promise.
