PSN Next Wave Revealed -- WipEout HD, Echochrome, Elefunk, PixelJunk Monsters Encore [UPDATE #2]

UPDATE: Added release timeframes for the games

UPDATE 2: Echochrome PSP details divulged

Thanks to some thoroughly unconventional machinations I was able to play the next wave of Sony's downloadable PS3 games last night.

And as has been true to the PS3's PlayStation Network games for the last year, the new slate of offerings are rich with originality and ambition.

Plus, I've learned that "Elefunk" isn't what it sounds like.

Here's the run-down of what I've got, with impressions coming throughout the afternoon...

• "Echochrome" -- This is Sony's hyped MC Escher-style puzzle game. I previewed it in December and now have a full PS3 build. This thing seems just about complete to me. More to come on it this afternoon. The game will be out in early May.

UPDATE: Just got a fact-sheet from Sony about "Echochrome." Looks like the game will be a downloadable title for PS3 and PSP. Details from the official announcement:

...echochrome is a puzzle game for PS3 and PSP available via download on PLAYSTATION Network and on PLAYSTATION Store on PC. Each version of echochrome features 56 exclusive levels -- totaling over 100 levels across both versions -- with each unique level designed specifically to match that platform’s characteristics. Gamers are challenged to play within five simple laws of perspective that govern how one advances through each stage.

• "Elefunk" -- From the title you might expect a music game starring elephants. I did. Instead, this game requires players to use a set number of struts, squares and other beam supports to build bridges for cute but gravity-prone chasms. If you're smart enough, you can build a bridge that will support their efforts to traverse deep gaps. The game will be out in May.

• "PixelJunk Monsters: Encore" -- This expansion to the tower-defense game "PixelJunk Monsters" adds the island of Toki to the original game's island of Tiki. Looks like there are at least a dozen new levels, but I need to play more to learn more. Add-on pack will be out in late April

• "WipEout HD" -- Even on standard-definition TVs this game looks like the slickest futuristic racer since "F-Zero GX." I've asked Multiplayer "WipEout" aficionado Patrick Klepek to investigate this game. He'll have impressions later today. The game will be out in late May or early June.

When are these games coming out? They all look very far along, but I don't have dates just yet. Stay tuned for more impressions and some added details from Sony as the day goes on.