The Sony sponsored online show Pulse and the PS3 Fanboy blog indicate that Pain, a game released in November 2007 in North America, is the most popular downloadable title available at the moment on the PlayStation Network.

Sony has not unveiled the exact methodology behind the chart published, but it is believed that Pain has become popular because a free download was included as a part of the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots release, one of the biggest of the year for the PlayStation 3. The game itself involves loading a poor fellow into a catapult and then launching him out to cause as much damage as possible.

The Sony developed High Velocity Bowling, which is a little more than a classic bowling simulator, is at number two in the popularity chart, while Super Stardust HD, created by Housemarque, is at number three. The game was initially launched in June 2007 and Sony promoted it as proof that the PlayStation Network is a viable platform to release small and engaging games.

PixelJunk Monsters, created by Q Games and using a Tower Defense like concept, is the fourth most popular game and flOw, from hatgamecompany, is the fifth. The remainder of the list is made up of: multiplayer game Warhawk, virtual aquarium Aquatopia, Namco Bandai’s Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection and Sony’s High Stakes: Poker Edition.

The PlayStation Network, as a service, has several advantages over the Xbox Live, with the most prominent being the way multiplayer games are handled. Xbox 360 players need to pay for an Xbox Live Gold membership, while PSN players can enjoy multiplayer for free. On the other hand, the Xbox Live boasts a more attractive and extensive array of games that can be downloaded and played for a fee.