PlayStation Network finally up and running again

The PlayStation Network is back, back, back! Yes, more than a month after Sony's online services were hacked, full service has been restored to the gaming network.

As of today, Sony has restored all the shopping functions and features of the PlayStation Network, so you can once again buy games, redeem vouchers, and use the Qriocity film and music service. From today, you can also begin to claim the free stuff Sony is offering as compensation for the last few weeks of chaos, although many of you feel the compensation package is not enough, according to our survey.

European gamers can download two free games, as well as free movies, choosing from Dead Nation, inFamous, LittleBigPlanet, Super Stardust HD, Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty and Wipeout HD Fury for the PlayStation 3, andLittleBigPlanet, ModNation Racers, Pursuit Force and Killzone: Liberation for the Sony PSP Go. Free identity-theft packages are also being offered to users, as well as extended subscriptions to premium services.

Sony reckons it's increased security to protect our data in future. That's why the network has been down for so long -- Sony was rebuilding its virtual fortress.

Sony had promised that normal service would resume by the end of May, a deadline missed by two days. Hey, we all know what it's like when you have a deadline but you can't focus, so, y'know, you tidy your room a bit, watch the Discovery Channel, and maybe play a little PlayStation -- oh.

Parts of Asia are now able to access the rebooted PlayStation Network too, but other countries are still waiting.

What an epic journey it's been. There have been tears, laughs and even a couple of heartwarming life lessons learned. Who could have known what a rollercoaster ride we'd be going on together when the personal and financial details of over 100 million people were stolen in mid-April? 

Let us know your feelings about the whole business in the comments section below or on our Facebook wall.