Pain Tops List of 2008 PlayStation Network Downloads

Idol Minds’ Pain is the most popular downloadable game on the PlayStation Network (PSN) in 2008, according to a new top ten revealed by online show Pulse and reprinted by consumer weblog PS3 Fanboy. First released in November 2007 in North America, Pain involves launching a luckless character from a catapult in order to cause as much damage as possible. It's believed that the game’s high ranking may partly be due to it being bundled free with the Metal Gear Solid 4 console bundle earlier in the year, although full methodology's for Sony's list was not provided. At number two in the list, which is believed to be ranked by total number of downloads, as opposed to revenue, is Sony’s own High Velocity Bowling, a fairly conventional bowling simulator. Number three is Housemarque’s Asteroids-influenced Super Stardust HD. Originally released in June 2007, the game was one of the first PSN-exclusive downloads to receive wide critical acclaim. Q-Games’ Tower Defense-style strategy game PixelJunk Monsters is the fourth most popular download, followed by launch title flOw from thatgamecompany. High-profile multiplayer action game Warhawk is the sixth most popular game in the list, followed by virtual aquarium Aquatopia (aka Aqua Vita). Namco Bandai’s highly acclaimed beat ‘em-up Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection is the eighth most popular download. Finally, according to Pulse's list, Sony’s casual friendly High Stakes: Poker Edition is at number nine, with the more core-focused Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty at number ten.