'PSN Play' launches Sound Shapes, CS: GO, Papo & Yo, and The Expendables 2 across August [update: release dates!]

Sony is gearing up for its second annual big summer digital launch promotion, which we're dubbing "PSN Play 2: Digital Sale-a-roo." Between July 24 and August 27, the following four games will launch on the PlayStation Network: Papo & Yo, Sound Shapes, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and The Expendables 2 Videogame (yes, we recognize that one of those is potentially less thrilling than the other three).

Moreover, if you buy any combination of those games, you'll get some virtual bucks back to spend on PSN. The more you buy, you the more you get back (two games gets $3, all the way up to all four getting $10 back). And if you're a PlayStation Plus member, things get even better – each game is reduced by 20 percent just because.

Update: Sony announced the dates of all the PSN Play games in a press release (after the break). The promotion begins with The Expendables 2 on July 31. Sound Shapes follows on the previously announced date of August 7, then it's Papo & Yo on August 14 and Counter-Strike on August 21. Pre-orders for each game will be available before release, granting exclusive PS3 themes.

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PlayStation® Announces New PlayStation®Network PLAY Title Lineup
Second Annual Program Promotes Awesome PSN games, Offers Bonus Cash Voucher; Gives 20% Off for PlayStation®Plus Members
July 10, 2012 – Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. (SCEA) today announced that PSN PLAY, its annual summer program showcasing a diverse lineup of great PlayStation games and special offers, returns on July 24 when the PLAY lineup becomes available for pre-order on PlayStation Network in the PlayStation®Store in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The four-game PLAY lineup, available starting July 24, offers gamers who purchase two titles or more a bonus cash voucher for use on PlayStation Network. Gamers who buy games during the pre-order period will receive an exclusive PS3 XMB theme based on each game purchased. Additionally, members of PlayStation®Plus, PlayStation's premium game membership, can purchase the PLAY titles at a 20% discount for introduced limited time.
Gamers can take advantage of the following bonuses based on their purchases of PSN PLAY games in the PlayStation Store (July 24 - August 28):
· Buy any 4 PSN PLAY games to get $10

· Buy any 3 PSN PLAY games to get $6

· Buy any 2 PSN PLAY games to get $3

The 2012 PlayStation Network PLAY lineup is:
July 31: The Expendables 2 Videogame (PS3) – Leading off the PLAY promotion and launching first exclusively on PSN, the latest and most explosive co-op action shoot'em up title coming to PSN, based on the popular movie franchise this game leads players right into the upcoming The Expendables 2 movie. The story begins when four Expendables (Barney, Gunner, Caesar and Yin Yang) are hired to rescue an extremely valuable, kidnapped Chinese billionaire. Featuring vehicular combat, four-player co-op story and challenge modes, and a wealth of exotic locales, The Expendables 2 Videogame offers everything an action-game fan could want. Pre-order The Expendables 2 Videogame starting July 24 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). The Expendables 2 Videogame is rated "M" for Mature by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
August 7: Sound Shapes™ (PS3/PS Vita) – Play, Compose and Share in a unique take on the classic sidescrolling platformer where your actions make the music. Equal parts instrument and game, Sound Shapes gives everyone the ability to make music. Play through a unique campaign that fuses music and artwork into a classic 2D platformer featuring artwork by Pixeljam, Capy, Superbrothers and more, with music by I Am Robot and Proud, Jim Guthrie, and Deadmau5. Additionally, Sound Shapes comes to the PLAY program as a cross-platform title, allowing players to play at home on their PS3, or take it on the go with PlayStation®Vita. Create and upload your levels on either platform for others to download and remix on their own. Sound Shapes creates an ever-changing musical community for everyone to enjoy, anywhere. Pre-order Sound Shapes starting July 31 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). Sound Shapes is rated "E" for Everyone by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
August 14: Papo & Yo (PS3) – PSN exclusive indie game Papo & Yo tells the story of a young boy, Quico, and his best friend, Monster. Taking place in a dreamlike world inspired by South American favelas, Papo & Yo entices players to explore and solve puzzles as Quico, while simultaneously preventing Monster from eating poisonous frogs, which throws him into an uncontrollable rage. As one of PSN's most-anticipated indie titles, Papo & Yo is a truly unique and beautiful experience that players can only get on PSN. Pre-order Papo & Yo starting August 7 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). Papo & Yo is rated "E10+" for Everyone 10 and older by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
August 21: Counter-Strike®: Global Offensive (PS3) – One of the gaming world's most celebrated first-person shooter series makes its way to PSN with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, offering an updated take on the tried-and-true objective-based gameplay. Pitting teams of counter-terrorists against terrorists, Global Offensive features a number of classic game types like Bomb Diffusal and Hostage Rescue, and introduces two new modes: Arms Race and Demolition. Up to 10 players can engage in online matches, and the game also supports PlayStation®Move, giving players a brand new way to experience the classic Counter-Strike gameplay. Pre-order Counter-Strike: Global Offensive starting August 14 for $14.99 ($11.99 for PLUS members). Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is designated "RP" for Rating Pending and has not yet been assigned a final rating by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
For more information about PSN PLAY 2012, please visit http://us.playstation.com/psnplay2012.