WipEout HD ($19.99)

It was there back at the beginning and now it’s taking the franchise into the future: WipEout HD is set to deliver 1080p high definition visuals running at a breathtaking 60-frames-per-second. WipEout HD features a selection of the best tracks taken from previous versions of the franchise, meticulously crafted and fully reworked to showcase the processing power of PS3. Available exclusively on PSN.
File size: 997 MB

James Mielke at 1UP.com writes:

"That it's available to anyone with a broadband connection for an extremely reasonable price point instantly places Wipeout HD in the must-buy/must-have category for anyone who considers themselves a fan of high-quality, high-speed, white-knuckle racing."

Chris Roper at ps3.ign.com writes:

"A fantastic experience through and through. Though it's a downloadable title and runs one-third the cost of a full retail disc, it could have been packaged on a Blu-ray disc and sold in stores for full price and we would've been happy to pay for it."

Click here for the official WipEout HD PlayStation page.

Burnout Paradise PSN ($29.99)

Welcome to Paradise City, the ultimate driving playground. Burnout Paradise is set in a vast open-world, filled with events and challenges that will push your driving and riding skills to the limit. So grab your first set of wheels and head on out into the city; what happens next is completely up to you.
File size: 3.24 GB

Jeff Gerstmann at Giantbomb.com writes:

"The team at Criterion took a big chance and it’s paid off very well. The game revamps the stock formula in major ways without losing most of the high-speed racing flavor that you hope to see from something with Burnout in the title."

Kristan Reed at Eurogamer.net writes:

"In truth, I would have preferred to select events on the fly, change vehicles on a whim, and restart failed events when I choose, but nor is it a deal-breaker that these features have been omitted. Once you (reluctantly) adapt to the demands of the game, a massive amount of fun awaits."

Click here for the official Burnout Paradise PlayStation page.

Mega Man 9 (free demo, $9.99 to buy)

Mega Man fans, your wait is over! The classic Blue Bomber that debuted in 1987 is back with the ninth installment in the classic series. It’s a new adventure for Mega Man all done in an 8-bit style — graphics, music, and gameplay are all like you remember them!
File size: 62.9 MB

Ryan Scott at 1UP.com writes:

"MM9 is an unapologetic nod to one of gaming's greatest eras. It might've been made especially for nostalgia-crazed dorks like me, but it's something that any challenge-seeking gamer can dig."

Mark Bozon at wii.ign.com writes:

"Mega Man 9 is exactly what hardcore gamers were hoping it would be, as Capcom has come out of the gate with a game that's full of nostalgia and fan-service, but also one that truly does rival the best in the franchise's 8-bit roots."

Click here for the official Megaman 9 PlayStation page.

1942: Joint Strike (€9,99, EU Release)

Based on the popular arcade series, 1942: Joint Strike combines classic top-down shooting with amazing 3D HD graphics. Maneuver aircraft carriers to take on waves of enemy fire and face off with huge enemy bosses. Recruit a wing man locally or online to employ Joint Strike attacks, combining firepower into one explosive barrage. With a whole new arsenal, prepare to rejoin the battle!

Anthony Gallegos at 1UP.com writes:

"Joint Strike is a great way to kill a short period of time...just like an arcade game should be. "

Hilary Goldstein at ps3.ign.com writes:

"1942: Joint Strike is the kind of game that will have you very excited for about an hour. It looks great, it's accessible, and it's fun. But come back on day two or day three and you'll probably be eyeing other games on your hard drive to play."

Click here for the official 1942: Joint Strike PlayStation page.

September was a big month for the PlayStation Network. Well... September 25th, anyway. Certainly WipEout HD was the biggest title of the month. Long in the making, WipEout HD just looks fantastic, plays incredibly well, and has great online play to jump into. If it were retail, it would still be worth it.

Not to say that the other big release wasn't regarded well - Mega Man 9 has also been long in the making, or at least been wanted for an awfully long time. It's straight up Mega Man, something every classic game fan can enjoy.

And Burnout becomes the first full retail title to become a downloadable affair on PlayStation Network (outside of Fatal Inertia, I guess). Could we start seeing more titles do this?