PlayStation fans, Vita aficionados, and “sinners” around the world — the day you’ve been waiting for is finally here! I’m extremely proud to welcome you to the world of Freedom Wars, which launches today exclusively on PlayStation Vita and PlayStation TV.

Over the past few months it’s been my pleasure to share Freedom Wars trailers, screenshots, character art, and information with you. Whether it’s been here on the PlayStation blog, or on IGN’s Podcast Beyond, you’ve responded with nothing but pure excitement. That’s why I’m so thrilled to share one final trailer with you — one that’s never been seen before, and that I think sets the mood perfectly for what you’re about to experience.

Are you ready to fight for your freedom?

For those that have been waiting to purchase the digital version of Freedom Wars from the PlayStation Store and want to take advantage of the Pre-Order items, we’re happy to inform you that the same DLC items will be automatically added to your Cart . Offer ends 11/11 so don’t wait!

But before you jump into the game, let me announce a few things here and now that you might not be aware of:

Firstly, patch 1.20 will be available today, so please make sure to update! This patch does several things, including:

The addition of the online 8-player PvP mode, known in the game as “Vs. Operations.” The Elimination of the online-pass that was required in the Eastern territories. General difficulty tweaks and balancing.

I’m also happy to announce that we have several weeks of DLC planned for all of you, including free DLC every week until the end of November! Everything from weapon packs and hairstyle additions to battle music and sticker packs is on the way, so please keep checking back to download the latest content and keep your Sinner stylish!

But before I let you go to start working off that 1 million year sentence, I wanted to leave you with one final message from Junichi Yoshizawa, Producer of Freedom Wars from Japan Studio.

Hello everyone,

This is Junichi Yoshizawa, producer on Freedom Wars.

We’ve finally reached the launch of Freedom Wars for North America and Europe — thank you very much for all of your patience! I’m so happy that we’re finally able to get Freedom Wars into your hands!

Freedom Wars isn’t a game that’s just about defeating your enemies, it’s a game about “Reclamation” — saving your friends and civilians from the clutches of the enemies you face.

While you’re playing through the game, don’t forget the various cooperative and competitive modes that you can enjoy in Freedom Wars! The co-op mode will let you take on any Operation, whether it’s story-based or a specially timed “Redemption” Operation, with teammates via Ad-hoc or Online connections.

The latter half of the game can become a bit difficult, so please play with others in order to complete these Operations and finish the story!

I’d also like to share a little advice to those that are about to start the game. As you play, you’ll be able to gradually level-up the equipment of NPC characters you encounter throughout the story. From the “Window on Liberty” located within your cell, make sure to claim the “Comrade Loadout” entitlements for your fellow teammates — taking a well-leveled team with you into combat will drastically increase your chances of success!

There’s also ways to strengthen your Sinner by equipping “Augmentations.” As you proceed throughout the story, you’ll receive the ability to create these Augmentations — make sure to create and equip those that will be most helpful given the Operation you’re trying to complete!

I’ve already said a lot here, but I’m thrilled that we’re finally able to have our North American and European fans experience Freedom Wars.

We created Freedom Wars with the hope that every PlayStation Vita or PlayStation TV owner will be able to enjoy it.

So please, enjoy the million year sentence-enforcing world, the reclamation-focused multiplayer, the League of Panopticons, and the engaging storyline that make up Freedom Wars.

For the Greater Good!

-Yoshizawa