God forbid anyone sit down for a moment and not have instant access to Bejewled 2, Peggle, and Zuma. Seriously, that isn't sarcasm, it would be horrible. Luckily, Sony Online Entertainment, the dealer name behind Evercrackquest and Star Wars Galaxies, has decided to peddle a new drug genre: crack casual games!

Starting soon, several of PopCap Game's (the casual publisher that secretly runs the gaming industry) biggest addictions names will be available on the PlayStation Network with brand new features to renew the addiction addiction all over again!

Already, the hit gateway drug puzzler, Bejewled 2, is up for $9.99 (just under $10 more than the browser version costs), soon to be followed by the others. You know, when you don't get the same buzz from jewels.  Sadly, aside from remote play, these games will not be able to be played on the PSP, and are bound to the cell-processor-driven PlayStation 3. Apparently the little portable doesn't have the power to fuel games like Zuma and Peggle, oh well.

Here's the press release, and be sure to use a clean needle, whatever you do...

Play Classic Casual Games Bejeweled®2, ZumaTM, Heavy WeaponTM, PeggleTM and Feeding FrenzyTM, on the PlayStation®Network

Sony Online Entertainment and PopCap Games Announce Publishing Agreement that Brings Five New Titles to the PSN

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – Jan. 29, 2009 – Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) and PopCap Games Inc. announced an exclusive publishing agreement that will bring five hit titles to the PlayStation®Network, with the first, Bejeweled® 2, being available immediately for download in North America with European versions to follow at a later date. Fan favorites, Zuma™, Heavy Weapon™, Peggle™ and Feeding Frenzy™ will also become available for download soon thereafter.

“As leaders in their genre, PopCap is to casual games what SOE is to MMOs,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “Being the second largest publisher on the PlayStation Network, SOE is excited that this partnership will expand the PlayStation®Network catalog with awesome casual titles that players of all types can enjoy.”

Beginning today, Bejeweled 2 is scheduled to be available for purchase from the PlayStation® Store for $9.99 (plus applicable taxes) and features four unique ways to play the time-honored Match-3 game. Players can solve handcrafted brainteasers in Puzzle mode while up against the clock or kick back, relax and rack up the points in Endless mode. With awe-inspiring planetary backdrops, explosive new gems and dazzling special effects, Bejeweled 2 is more wildly irresistible than ever before!

Features Include:
- PlayStation®Network Trophies!
- PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Remote Play
- Stunning 3D special effects and HD resolution (up 1080p).
- Explosive new pieces: power gems, hyper cubes and time bombs!
- Four ways to play: Classic, Action, Puzzle and Endless modes
- Explore a galaxy of handcrafted puzzles in Puzzle mode.
- Play for eternity and collect jewelry in relaxing Endless mode.
- Discover secret game modes!
- Hint-on-demand feature!

About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; Tucson, AZ and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Untold Legends and Legends of Norrath are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

The games are addicting, get it?

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