In addition to the new games, some older titles are going on sale. For one week only, purchase PAIN, PixelJunk Monsters, High Velocity Bowling, High Stakes on the Vegas Strip: Poker Edition, or Rocketmen: Axis of Evil for only $4.99.

Topping it all off is a PixelJunk Eden demo, Guitar Hero and Rock Band DLC, and a fine assortment of themes, videos, and wallpapers, including entries in each category for Capcom's Street Fighter IV. Definitely a good week to own a PS3!

PlayStation Store Update [Official PlayStation Blog]

In fact, I came this close to beating Commando 3 on my third attempt, making it to the final boss solo. While the game supports up to three players at a time, it's not much of a challenge to take down the game's five levels on your own. That's mostly due to potentially too powerful guns, plus copious power ups and screen-clearing attack ammo.

If Commando 3 has a fault, it's that there's not much of a challenge to it, making for occasionally dull play. With familiar Smash TV-style controls and constant flow of bullets (or flamethrowers or rockets), mowing down scores of rebels is easy for any arcade vet.

Commando 3 is certainly lacking in depth, as the power up system sticks closely to its arcade roots. There are a couple of secrets that one can find in each level and multiple difficulties, adding a dash of replay value that may help justify the purchase price.

Vehicle sequences weren't memorable, but perhaps in a multiplayer setting, they could add brief respite from the constant din of machine gun fire.

1942: Joint Strike shares some of Commando 3's shortcomings, with just five levels, a rather simple difficulty and little in the way of variety to keep interest high. The top down shooter certainly has a more appealing style to it and 1942's cooperative aspects add a nice change of pace, but 194X fans will probably feel like the game is a bit of a step back for the series.

It's not intended to a "bullet hell" kind of vertically scrolling shooter—the series has never been a one hit, one kill affair—but 1942: Joint Strike can dip into dull territory on default difficulty. Regardless of the rather tame action, 1942 adds some nice set pieces and cool effects to keep things interesting, mixing it up where Commando 3 sticks to tradition. Flying over an active volcano, for example, adds a bit of graphical ooh and aah and taking out war boats is so much more cinematic in 3D.

1942: Joint Strike's most attractive gimmick is the titular "joint strike", a special attack that requires cooperation between both players to fire an electrical arc or paint a bomb target between them.

Playing both games back to back gives the impression that the XBLA and PSN games meet pretty much the minimum requirements. They share some of the same quirks, will a strikingly similar presentation and very short length. Both games look like they can be blown through in about 30 minutes or less, especially if you've got a co-op buddy helping you out.

Both titles are planned for a tiny investment, meaning that even if you drop $10 on each you'll probably get your money's worth. Just don't expect a return to the series on par with some of Capcom's other digital efforts.

Also diverging from the original is the storyline which takes place during a fictional World War II. All the trappings of the real WWII are there, but Capcom assures us that this WWII takes place in a completely alternate universe from our own. Up to two players locally or over online can play special missions outside of the single player campaign and teaming up has its advantages. Special weapons and power ups are available as well as extra special Joint Strike attacks that will send your enemies into tailspin.

My time with 1942: Joint Strike was entertaining and much like Commando 3, I really enjoyed it despite my initial misgivings. The graphics looked super sharp, nearly photo realistic, and the controls were smooth and easy to get used to. The graphic treatment of the menu system was great too, providing an olde time look that added some nice character to the game. If you are a fan of the original series of 194X titles, this is one that should definitely be on your list of downloads. And in case you were wondering (and I know you were) 1942: Joint Strike will be available in two flavors, XBLA and PSN for $9.99 this summer.