New Multiplayer Demo Released for Sword of the Stars - Collector's Edition

A new demo is released in honour of the recent launch of the critically acclaimed 4X space strategy game Sword of the Stars - Collector’s Edition. This demo was taken from the gold master code, which is the very latest version of the game, and represents the Sword of the Stars universe as it is now.

Sword of the Stars: Collector’s Edition began hitting store shelves across the UK earlier this month. It brings the entire Sword of the Stars universe together by including the official add-on Born of Blood and further upgrades. The Collector’s Edition is also packed with exclusive bonus material and a 150+ page Sword of the Stars paperback novel entitled, The Deacon’s Tale, penned by renowned science fiction author Arinn Dembo.

Chris Stewart, Producer at Kerberos Productions said, "This new demo covers gameplay leading up to the Cruiser/Fusion era and is based on version 1.5.2 – the most awesomest version – of the game! We also created a comprehensive tutorial video pack to help ease new players into the Sword of the Stars universe. With multiplayer action for up to three players and two wicked maps, new players will get a taste of what Sword of the Stars: Collector’s Edition has to offer. Our goal is to leave players drooling for more!”

Demo Features:

• Created from the gold master version of Sword of the Stars: Collector’s Edition, version 1.5.2
• Play as Human, Liir or Tarkas races
• Two maps (2D and 3D sphere)
• Limited to 150 turns
• Features just a few of the fun and devastating weapons in the full version of the game
• Single player and multiplayer campaigns (against other 1.5.2 demo players) Leads up to the Cruiser/Fusion era
• Tutorial video pack can be downloaded separately and installed into this new demo

Sword of the Stars: Collector’s Edition Includes:

• The popular base game Sword of the Stars*
• The highly acclaimed add-on Born of Blood*
• The first ever Sword of the Stars paperback novel, The Deacon's Tale written by renowned science fiction author Arinn Dembo (150+ pages)
• A Bonus CD with stunning concept art, video interviews, trailers, music tracks, and extensive backgrounds on each of the five races

Updated to version 1.5.2 featuring standalone server capabilities and the ability to create custom maps.

To download the version 1.5.2 demo and the tutorial video pack, visit: www.lighthouse-interactive.com

Major League Eating - The Game - Meet the Eaters Week 2

Erik ‘The Red’ Denmark
Seattle, WA
Age: 29
Weight: 208

Erik "the Red" Denmark, a golfer living in Seattle, embodies his namesake's passionate hunger and also enjoys a similar respect - not just from Greenlanders, but from all who have witnessed his tireless determination at the competitive eating table. He boasts a tolerance for hot and spicy fare, having performed in jalapeños, huevos rancheros, and buffalo wings. In Major League Eating: The Game, Erik dominates the competition when shrimp is involved, and is especially strong when it comes to Spicy, a flaming belch of flames. He’s most vulnerable to Rotten Food.

Records:
Native American Fry Bread: 9.75 in 8 minutes
Shrimp: 4 lbs, 15 oz. Spot shrimp in 12 minutes
45 Krystal Burgers in 8 minutes
61 Hard-Boiled Eggs in 8 minutes


Richard LeFevre
The Locust
Henderson, NV
Age: 63
Weight: 132

The Locust is known for a strong jaw, and stomach capacity that seems to increase, not decrease, as a contest progresses. Previously considered an outsider in the competitive eating community, LeFevre embraced the formal eating circuit for the first time in 2002, participating in hot dogs, all-you-can-eat buffet and chili. Since then his prowess and reputation have grown. In Major League Eating: The Game, LeFevre shines when confronted with Jalapeños or Spicy, but has difficulties with Antacid.

Records:
Jalapenos: 247 in 8 minutes
Huevos Rancheros: 7.75 lbs in 10 minutes
SPAM: 6 lbs in 12 minutes
Chili: 1.5 Gallons in 10 minutes


Patrick Bertoletti
Deep Dish
Chicago, IL
Age: 22
Weight:190

Patrick Bertoletti is a gurgitating force of nature. He has beaten every major eater, taking out two superstars at one chomp on October 9, 2007 with his victory over Takeru Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut in the Spike TV televised Las Vegas chicken wing "Chowdown.”

Bertoletti considers himself a sweet specialist but proven himself capable of claiming victory regardless of food type. Some say the intimate knowledge of food he carries as a recent culinary school graduate gives him an unfair advantage. Others credit his habit of using the music of Irish punk band Dropkick Murphys, channeled in via earphones, to maintain pace during competitions. However, no one disputes his stature as true force of nature in competitive eating and one of the greatest eaters of all time. In Major League Eating: The Game, Bertoletti is strong in Pizza-eating events and Mustard Gas, a dangerous gaseous cloud, but weak against Invincible.

Records:
Grits: 21 lbs in 10 minutes
Waffles: 14.5 lbs in 10 minutes
Strawberry Shortcake: 15.25 lbs in 8 minutes
Ice Cream: 1.75 Gallons in 8 minutes


El Toro Jimenez
El Toro
Las Vegas, NV
Age: 30
Weight: 187

El Toro has a big mouth, although it doesn't seem to serve him well in competition. Fond of extravagant claims, personal attacks on other eaters and all sorts of theatrics, he is usually at the bottom of the pack at the end of any given contest. Other eaters see him as abrasive, offensive, and void of talent. He does, however, contribute to the sport by setting an example of what not do.

Records:
6.66 lbs Cranberry Sauce in 8 minutes
10 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs in 12 minutes
11 Bratwurst in 10 minutes
34 Hard-Boiled Eggs in 8 minutes

New German units in the free addon for Sudden Strike 3 Arms for Victory

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Leading video game developer and publisher, Fireglow Games, presents a pack of screenshots showing new German Jagdpanther, Jagdtiger, StuG IIIg in the free addon for Sudden Strike 3 Arms for Victory.

Design a Poster for GRID - win a scolarship

In anticipation of Codemasters new racing game GRID, Codemasters has teamed up with Brickfish to launch the “Design a Poster for GRID” campaign located here.

The campaign invites entrants to design a poster that captures the thrill of the race and the intensity of the competition.

The grand prize winner, selected from the top 100 highest scoring entries, will win a $1,000 scholarship or cash equivalent, a version of GRID on the platform of their choice and have their entry featured on the GRID website as downloadable wallpaper.

Codemasters will also give away prizes for two runners-up, most viral and sign-up sweepstakes.

Cal Ripken's real baseball announces second tournament for 2008 season - home-run derby contest

Free MMO Sports Game Tournament to Involve Teams From Around The World Competing Head to Head

Cal Ripken's Real Baseball, the world's only massively multiplayer online sports game (MMOSG) for baseball, announced today they will host a Home-Run Derby Tournament scheduled to begin on June 2nd at 12:00 PM PST.
The Home-Run Derby Tournament is a revolving two-week competition, meaning a new winner will arise from the competition every two weeks.

In order to foster competition, each player will compete against players of his or her own skill level. Unlike most Free Agent Tournaments, formal registration for this event is not required. The only requirements to participate in this event are an active account and the ability to provide an accurate character profile with current contact and personal information.

Players may participate in the Home-Run Derby Tournament at any time of the day during the set time parameters established by Cal Ripken's Real Baseball. Home-Runs are not accumulated during the two week term. The player with the most home-runs at the end of ten outs, at the end of two weeks, will be declared the winner. Winners of the Home-Run Derby will earn a spot in Cal Ripken's Real Baseball Hall of Fame! The winners will have the option to place a photograph of him or her in the list of honorees.

"Cal Ripken's Real Baseball brings video gaming and baseball to a whole new level. Players can continue to enjoy the head to head competition with tournaments and other events we have to offer," said Andy Wang, founder and CEO of Netamin Communication Corporation.

Regarding the nature of a new tournament like this, Andy went on to mention that "it is a single player tournament, and players will not just experience winning or losing but learn about playing the game of baseball as well. It will help players to have better experience when they start to play with real people!"

Like baseball in real life, Real Baseball hosts different types of events throughout the year. These include tournaments, Homerun Derbies, and Rookie Challenges. Tournaments for Real Baseball are Level based tournaments and grouped into the following categories:

Minor, Major, All Star and MVP, are either single elimination or double elimination. Rookie Challenges are fun and educational, intended for new players, and are designed to get them ready for the big leagues and the tournaments.

About Real Baseball

In Real Baseball, baseball enthusiasts and gamers compete in 3D virtual stadiums. With stunning graphics and surround-sound audio reactions from the crowd, participants control customized characters for each position and compete together against other Real Baseball gamers.

Players use an avatar to bat, pitch, field, run, steal and perform any baseball action. Participants can practice, play pick-up games, join or found their own teams, compete against rival teams, play in specialized tournaments, and win league championships in post-season play. Gamers create their own characters and build their skill level (player stats) through successful play on the field against other real human players. Unlike current video games that aim to simulate professional sports, Real Baseball delivers a first-person perspective of a character, created and developed by the player, interacting online in real-time with teammates and opponents.

Enkord releases Gunrox beta

When was the last time you played a turn-based squad-oriented tactical combat game? Okay, but when was the last time you played a GOOD turn-based squad-oriented tactical combat game? We'd like to point you to the beta of an up-and-coming title from developer Enkord called Gunrox.

In it, you create a squad of soldiers and battle players around the world in head-to-head or cooperative skirmishes. Highlights include simple character customization, the acquisition of powerful weapons and useful skills, and a highly accessible battle system. Give it a play while it's free and have a hand in shaping the final product:

http://www.enkord.com/games/gunrox/

Finish the fight with the upcoming free veteran map pack for EA's army of two

Free Downloadable Content Features Two New Campaign Maps and Enhanced Versus Map

This year’s breakout 3rd person co-op shooter just got more intense! Players now have the chance to extend their ARMY OF TWO experience with two brand new co-op campaign maps and an enhanced multiplayer map that offers more opportunities to show that a two-man team can be unstoppable. The free Veteran Map Pack, sponsored by Pontiac, will be available on May 29 in North America and Europe on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PLAYSTATION Store.



Players will experience an all-new map as they find themselves underground in a subway station in Kiev where they must find and destroy the central hub of a dangerous militia. The second map takes players back to SSC headquarters in Miami where they finally get the chance to take out Dalton, Rios and Salem’s ex-boss and the man responsible for framing them, in an intense boss fight where the glory of revenge is finally felt. The Veteran Map Pack features dynamic and interactive environments including destructible objects that were not available in the retail version. The action also continues online with two-on-two teams battling it out in the China Canal Lock map.

WiiWare add Dr. Mario - Family Table Tennis - Metal Slug - City Connection to Wii shopping channel

This week's Wii-kly Update pretty much covers the full spectrum. Maybe you'll want to blast away with an arsenal of old-school weapons. But then again, three-day weekends are a good time to relax. So maybe you'll take a wild road trip or settle in for some table tennis. And if you overdo it, we have a physician standing by.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

WiiWare

Dr. Mario Online Rx (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points):
The doctor is in! Mario takes a break from his adventuring ways and once again dons his stethoscope for a new generation of germ-battling mayhem. In addition to the classic mode of using vitamins to exterminate viruses, you'll find two battle modes and an online multiplayer mode where you can hone your skills against players from around the world. Feel like challenging a friend who doesn't have Dr. Mario Online Rx? Then the WiiWare-exclusive Friend Battle Demo is just what the doctor ordered. Or maybe you'd like some help taking on those nasty viruses? Try out Virus Buster, where four players can simultaneously move capsules simply by pointing at them with a Wii Remote™ controller. Any way you look at it, Dr. Mario Online Rx is a prescription for fun that everyone can enjoy.

Family Table Tennis (Aksys Games, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points):
It's time for some good old family fun, and what's more fun than table tennis? Just like a real family, choose your character from a cast of four, which includes Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy. There are four table tennis-tastic stages where it doesn't matter if you're an indoors or outdoors table-tennis player. Pick your poison from a gymnasium, a forest park, a beach or even an amusement park. Choose from Single or Versus mode, or select a minigame to play. In Versus mode, you and a friend can play against each other to see who is the better table-tennis player. And if Single and Versus modes aren't enough, select between three minigames, which include Target Table Tennis, Thrilling Table Tennis and Matching Table Tennis. The appealing cell-shaded graphics and endearing music, on top of the super-fun game play, will have you and your family playing from morning till night. Get your paddles ready.

Virtual Console

City Connection (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, Tobacco Reference, 500 Wii Points):
Based on the arcade hit, a young man born in California sets out to tour famous sites and cities around the world. As he drives the highways surrounding these locations, the road is painted white as proof of his visit. Only once all sections of the road have been painted will he move on to the next location in his world tour. Not surprisingly, the local police will chase the driver and do their best to stop him from completing his goal. In addition, cats roam the highways and spikes lie in wait for unsuspecting drivers. To combat these dangers, the driver's customized car can jump, fire cans of oil and collect balloons to warp to a new stage. It's the ultimate road trip.

Metal Slug (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen - Blood, Violence, 900 Wii Points):
Released in 1996 by SNK, Metal Slug is a side-scrolling military-action game. Players control Marco and Tarma, both members of the special-ops force Team Peregrine Falcon (commonly known as Team PF), and battle their way through stage after stage of intense action. The goal is to try to overthrow General Morden and win back the stolen weapon, the Metal Slug. Players must blast through waves of enemies and machines (while also jumping over any obstacles in the way) to advance through the stages. It's not as hopeless as it might sound, though—weapons such as heavy machine guns, shotguns, rocket launchers and flamethrowers, as well as the Metal Slug itself (which appears frequently in the game), will make the battle easier. Take on General Morden with a friend to lighten your load and ramp up the excitement even more.

Rockstar 08 to offer unsigned talent a chance to record an album

Organisers of the first annual rockstar competition supported by michael eavis, peter gabriel's real world studios and scouting for girls have made entering the competition a must for budding musical talent by also offering the opportunity to win a recording session to produce a debut album.

RockStar 08, the national live music competition to discover the UK brightest unsigned musical talent, today announced a staggering bonus for the winner of the competition – a further chance to win an additional two weeks to record a debut album in Real World Studios.

The competition, which is open to any unsigned band or artist, has already been dubbed a must enter competition for any budding musician, with the prize offering a live set at Glastonbury 2009 festival, and a live set at Michael Eavis’ own famed Pilton Party and a two day recording session at the world famous Real World Studios. But now organisers have upped the stakes by offering the winner of this competition the chance to also qualify for a further two week recording session to record a debut album.

Real World Studios boasts a line up of huge bands and artists who have recorded there, including Massive Attack, Goldfrapp, Manic Street Preachers, New Order, Paul Simon, Stereophonics and Robbie Williams.

Budding music stars and bands hoping for their big break need to visit the official website (www.rockstarbands.co.uk), download and complete the entry form and return it to the competition return address before June 19th 2008 to ensure their entry is received and ready to be judged.

RockStar 08 open to everyone, young old, groups or soloists, with the only stipulation being that any entrant must be unsigned and ready to lay everything on the line in the pursuit for ultimate victory.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Frame Rate Issues in the Final Build

CVG Staff have confirmed that the frame rate issues in NG2 were found in the final build of the PAL version.

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