Pacific Storm - Allies patch 1.52 available for download

In cooperation with Buka Entertainment and Lesta Studio, cdv Software Entertainment USA today released a new patch for their WWII title, Pacific Storm: Allies. The new patch, which brings the retail version of the hybrid RTS/strategy/action game to 1.52, includes fixes for various crashes and minor performance issues. For a full list of fixes included in this patch, please visit the game's official North American Web site at
http://pacificstormallies.cdvusa.com.

The patch may be downloaded from pacificstormallies.cdvusa.com/

Pacific Storm: Allies is the latest title in the Pacific Storm series of WWII Pacific theater games which combine real-time strategy, resource management and exciting, in-your-face combat action. In Pacific Storm: Allies, players jump into the thick of battle, playing as the United States, Japan, and a new playable nation - the United Kingdom. Allied nations, including the Netherlands, Germany and Russia, offer a new level of diplomacy and resource management to the game. An updated graphics engine brings to life new aircraft, naval ships and landscapes, showcasing them in lush, vivid detail.

As with the original Pacific Storm: Allies offers something for everyone - armchair admirals can take command of massive fleets from a sweeping strategic perspective, while the action fan can jump into the cockpit to battle it out in the skies, or man deck guns to turn enemy ships into smoking hulks.

My Baby Boy/Girl new trailer for Nintendo DS

My Baby Boy/Girl

www.my-baby-boy.com
www.my-baby-girl.com

In this lovely trailer you will discover and be touched by the interactive album of “My Baby”! Discover all the different steps of his life, and all beautiful moments you shared with
him!

Just check out all the interaction you can have with your Baby! With your voice, the stylus…

Just a few weeks left to wait...

before you could take care of your own baby!

JUNE 2008 on Nintendo DS

Combat Mission Shock Force - Marines officially announced

Battlefront.com has now officially announced Combat Mission Shock Force - Marines, the first expansion to Combat Mission Shock Force, one of the most detailed and sophisticated tactical ground combat simulations available.

Shock Force - Marines is the first of several planned expansions of the Combat Mission contemporary warfare setting.

This, the first Module, adds a significant number of new formations, units, weapons, equipment and vehicles for both the US and Syrian sides, as well as brand new missions, maps and a campaign. General game engine improvements (such as Tactical Artificial Intelligence improvements, tweaking cover values and so on) are included as well, although they are also available to all Shock Force customers. This ensures that everybody plays by the same rules and experiences the same basic gameplay.

More information about how Modules work and about Shock Force - Marines in general can be found at the official web page

So what does the Marines Module include?

New TO&E

• Marines Infantry Battalion
• Marines Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (LAV)
• Marines Tank Battalion
• Marines Assault Amphibian Company (AAV)
• Marines Engineer Battalion
• Syrian Airborne Battalion
• Syrian Mechanized Airborne Company

New Weapons

• M32 Multiple Grenade Launcher
• Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW)
• M72A7 Light Anti-Tank Weapon System (LAW)
• M40A3 Sniper Rifle
• M16A4 rifle
• M16A4 rifle w/M203 Grenade Launcher

New Vehicles
• Marine M1A1 Abrams
• Marine M1A1 FEP Abrams
• LAV-25
• LAV-AT
• LAV-C2
• LAV-25 A2
• LAV-AT A2
• LAV-C2 A2
• AAV-7A1
• AAVC-7A1
• MTVR 6x6 Armored Truck
• M1046 TOW Humvee
• M1114 Humvee w/ Mk19 Grenade Launcher
• T-90SA Tank
• BMP-3
• BRDM-2 (AT-5)

Also included are new scenarios and a campaign. Details about those, as well as details about some surprises, will be released later (if we would reveal them right now they wouldn't be surprises...)

The Marines Module is packed with a lot of cool stuff and it will be available to you all soon. "Soon" means "when it's ready". "All" means to anybody with a Battlefront, Paradox Interactive (retail), and Gamersgate (online) version of CM:SF.

CMSF Marines will be available only from www.battlefront.com and, like most Battlefront.com titles, will not be available in stores. The price will be $25.

Race Driver GRID gears up for European release on Friday

All-new glass-shattering, steel-bending, time-reversing Race Driver: GRID damage video unveiled ahead of the game's European/PAL release on Friday, 30th May.

The thrill of the race takes to the streets this week as Codemasters confirms that Race Driver: GRID is shipping across Europe and PAL territories and will launch at retail this Friday, 30th May, for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games For Windows. The game is set to ship to U.S. stores on June 3rd.

For the title that delivers a truly smashing racing experience, Codemasters has released a new video that showcases Race Driver: GRID's incredible damage engine that drives the game's signature high-impact moments. The video is now available to view and download from http://community.racedrivergrid.com/.

As Ralph Fulton, Chief Game Designer, provides commentary and details the innovative new Flashback feature, the Aston Martin DBR9, Dodge Challenger Concept, a Nissan Skyline and over 20 other thrilling real racing cars all take punishment in this bone-jarring demonstration of the EGO Engine's unparalleled damage system.

Intrinsic to Race Driver: GRID's intense, aggressive wheel-to-wheel races are its spectacular, genre-leading crashes. Up to 70 individual components on each car will damage, break or fall off depending on the severity of each collision. The damage doesn't stop there: glass shatters, carbon fibre will splinter and steel bends all in jaw-dropping real time.

Debris from damaged cars becomes a persistent danger on the tracks and must be negotiated. Taking damage also plays a vital part in gameplay as each car can take dents, scrapes and bashes to its bodywork, but too much damage on the wheels and engine bay will affect performance, ultimately terminally.

Going for that audacious over-taking manoeuvre and nailing the racing line pushes drivers and their cars to the very limit. If players go beyond that limit and write off their car, it may be time to take advantage of Race Driver: GRID's new Flashback feature, which gives players a chance replay the action and play again.

The replay function can first be used to inspect the detail of each impact through a rotating camera and witness the carnage unfold frame by frame in stunning slow-motion. Evolving replay technology, players can rewind to any point within the replay and then use Flashback to once again take control of the car and see if they can avoid the smash on the next run. Depending on the chosen difficulty setting, players can take advantage of Flashback up to five times during race at any point. Racing purists can, however, opt to disable the feature when in Pro Mode.

Gamers can experience Race Driver: GRID's amazing damage engine and Flashback feature right now in the demo, available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, PLAYSTATION Network and www.racedrivergrid.com for the Games For Windows demo. For the full game, get ready to race to retail this Friday, 30th when the game launches for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Games For Windows with a Nintendo DS version to follow.

Family Table Tennis arrives on Nintendo WiiWare

Are you ready for some Table Tennis?!

Released now - Family Table Tennis for WiiWare! Developed by Arc System Works, creators of the Guilty Gear series, players will be able to go head-to-head with your family or friends, in a friendly match of table tennis for only 500 points!

“Family Table Tennis is a light-hearted, fun-filled game that will spawn hours of enjoyment”, states Frank deWindt II, Project Lead, Aksys Games. “With an easy control scheme, people of all ages will be able to enjoy this title thoroughly.”

Key Features:

• Fun for the Whole Family!
Choose between four different family members! There’s the son, Billy, the daughter, Sarah, Mommy, and Daddy!

• Power Shot!
Stagger your opponent and unleash a special technique for the win!

• Four Groovy Table Tennis Stages!
It doesn’t matter if you’re an indoor or outdoor table tennis player! Pick your poison from a gymnasium, to a forest park, to a beach, or even an amusement park!

• Exciting Mini Games!
Try your paddle at Target Table Tennis, Thrilling Table Tennis or Matching Table Tennis!

Family Table Tennis has been rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB. For more information about Aksys Games and Family Table Tennis can be found at www.aksysgames.com.

Super Dodgeball Brawlers out on Nintendo DS

Are you ready to conquer the playground?!

Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment software, is pleased to announce Super Dodgeball Brawlers for Nintendo DS™ hits retailers nationwide! Based on the classic Super Dodgeball released on the NES®, Super Dodgeball Brawlers revitalizes the furious competition of the old-school dodgeball game while bringing a whole new arsenal to dominate the playground.

"Super Dodgeball Brawlers is a really great mix of classic Kunio series beat 'em up and dodgeball all rolled into one", states Bo deWindt, Project Lead, Aksys Games. "Long time fans and newcomers alike should be very pleased with this latest incarnation."

Key Features:

• Over 100 ball-busting special attacks!
• Dish out a variety of pain with over 100 special attacks with their own special animations and effects, like the Cactus Attack, Panda Shot and Spear.
• Finally, an open season for violence!
• There are some new rules on the playground this time around. If the old-fashioned way doesn't work for you, you can now use punches, kicks, and even weapons against the opposing team.
• Introducing the Super Gauge System!
• Activate a “Team Upgrade Attack” with the Touch Screen when your Super Gauge reaches its maximum level. Boost a team member’s status or unleash an “Instant Kill” special attack to turn the tide of battle.
• Create-a-character mode!
• Create and customize your own dodgeball dream team.
• The perfect game for multiplayer mayhem!

Compete in a traditional game of dodgeball against a friend or take part in a multiplayer street brawl with up to 8 players.
Super Dodgeball Brawlers has been rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $29.99.

Gran Turimo Academy Goes Live on PlayStation

Log onto http://www.gtacademy.eu to start your journey in the ultimate driving competition courtesy of PlayStation, Nissan and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.


Drivers of the world, start your engines - the GT Academy has arrived. The ultimate competitive driving test will begin on June 2nd when GT Academy goes live in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. The pan-European competition will be open to residents of the UK & Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Germany & Austria, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark and sees PlayStation and Nissan unite the worlds of virtual and real-life racing to make the dreams of aspiring race drivers a reality. The competition will run as follows:

Stage One: www.gtacademy.eu – 2nd June 2008 for seven weeks

The first phase of GT Academy will take place online with a giant Gran Turismo 5 Prologue tournament on PLAYSTATION Network. The competition will run for seven weeks and to enter, players must register their PLAYSTATION Network sign in ID on www.gtacademy.eu. The next time they play GT5 Prologue online they will be able to race in the GT Academy Time Trial where they will compete to be the fastest around the Eiger Nordwand track in a Nissan Fairlady 350Z.

Stage Two: National Final - July 2008

The fastest 20 drivers in each country will be invited to a national final to compete head to head on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. The three fastest drivers from the final will win a seat at the…

Stage Three: GT Academy at Silverstone - 25 August 2008

The virtual gives way to tarmac as the fastest three drivers from each country travel to Silverstone, the home of British motor racing, to take part in the GT Academy - a real-life driving competition on the track itself. Competitors will not only have to prove their driving skills in a Nissan GT-R but will also be tested for their mental and physical skills in a series of tests.

The two fastest drivers from Silverstone then have the chance to enter a four month training programme to earn their racing licenses and take part in a real life race in a fully race prepared Nissan 350Z at the 24 Hour endurance event in Dubai in January 2009.

Speaking at Nurburgring 24H race, Kazunori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital producers of Gran Turismo said: “This is a very exciting day for Gran Turismo. The Gran Turismo story started 10 years ago with the ambition to make a racing game that gives players the ultimate driving simulation experience. The GT Academy is the ultimate realisation of this ambition taking the Gran Turismo experience to the next level.

Stephane Cottin, Vice President, Marketing and Strategy, for Nissan in Europe continued: “GT Academy is a first for the motoring industry. Never before has a competition of this scale been undertaken to unite the worlds of virtual and real-life racing. GT Academy sets the challenge to see if gamers can recreate their performance behind of wheel of a real racing car and on their journey be amongst the first in Europe to drive the GT-R on track.”

WWII FPS Ubersoldier 2 - The end of Hitler comes to PC

Join resistance fighters in the battle to overcome the Nazi occupation forces

Bringing back the undead and well-armed hero Karl Stolz, ready to defeat Hitler’s forces with Ubersoldier 2 - The End of Hitler. The classic first person shooter is set in WWII with richly added RPG elements and traditional FPS features. Developed by Burut Creative Team and published by Strategy First, UberSoldier 2 will be available for PC in Summer 2008.

It is April 1945. Allied armies are closing on the Nazi capital Berlin. US planes are roaming the skies over the Reich, and the thunder of Soviet artillery can be heard even in the Fuhrer’s bunker. The fall of the Nazi rule is imminent. Even the closest aides have abandoned Hitler and are trying to find an exit strategy out of the war.



Yet, a tightly knit group of SS generals and officers, involved in the most heinous and dark deeds, are seeking a way to save the remnants of the Third Empire. They have conspired to move the leaders of the Reich, together with precious resources and classified equipment, to a remote hideout in the Tibet mountains. There, in the heart of Asia, they can wait for their time, kept safe by the tireless vigilance of zombie monstrosities created in the Nazi secret labs.

You’re Karl Stolz, nicknamed “UberSoldier”, a genetically modified ‘super-soldier’ brought back from the grave and a key member of the team. Together with your friends you must uncover the exact extent of the SS plan, face some of their bravest troops and best war machines, penetrate the occult secrets of the Black Order and travel halfway through the world to destroy your ultimate target.

“We are thrilled to bring this epic shooter to the North American market” said Brock Beaubien, Producer, Strategy First. “Ubersoldier 2 is an exciting twist to the World War 2 genre and delivers exciting fast-paced action.”

“Strategy First is known to be one of the most creative publishers in North America,” said Dmitri Kruglov, CEO of Play Ten Interactive. “We’re thrilled to cooperate on UberSoldier 2 with them.”

Ubersoldier 2 - The End of Hitler is a classic first person shooter, set in World War II, where the main hero uses supernatural abilities as well as over 21 traditional weapons such as MG-42, BAR and Panzerschreck, in his fight against the Nazis. Players will be on the edge of their seat fighting both human and unearthly enemies through a variety of adrenaline-pumping missions.

Street Fighter IV on Xbox 360 PlayStation 3 and PC - coming soon

Capcom announce the development of Street Fighter IV, the next iteration of the genre-establishing fighting game series, for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows-based PC.

Few videogame series have had such a strong impact on their perspective genres the way Street Fighter has over the decades. Creating a global legacy spanning over twenty years of fighting games, the Street Fighter series has become a pillar in the fighting videogame genre. Street Fighter IV for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and Windows-based PC continues this tradition of excellence with a return to the classic 2D Street Fighter fighting action mixed with new characters, amazing visuals, and next-generation fluid gameplay.

Street Fighter IV features a mix of returning favorites such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Guile along with new characters created for this game, such as Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus. Characters and environments are rendered in stylized 3D, while the game is played in the classic Street Fighter 2D perspective with additional 3D camera flourishes. Six-button controls for the game return, with a host of new special moves and features integrated into the input system. Mixing classic genre-defining game mechanics the franchise is known and loved for with all-new, never-before-seen gameplay systems, Street Fighter IV brings a brand new fighting game to fans the world over. With the inclusion of Capcom's latest advancements in new generation technology, Street Fighter IV promises to deliver an extraordinary experience that will re-introduce the world to the time-honored art of virtual martial arts.

More information here

Features:

• Classic “2D” Street Fighter gameplay with stunning 3D characters and environments

• New special moves that go beyond any Street Fighter fan's wildest imagination, including Focus attacks, Super Combos, and the revenged-fueled Ultra Combo system.

• Classic Street Fighter characters recreated for a new generation of gamers, including the original cast of
Street Fighter II

• New brawlers: female super-spy Crimson Viper, lucha libre wrestler El Fuerte, mixed martial artist Abel and more!

• Amazing locations never seen before in a Street Fighter game

• New gameplay elements provide new challenges for both newcomers and the most seasoned Street Fighter pro.

Play Buku Sudoku on Xbox LIVE Arcade (US only) - Win a 40 Samsung LCD TV

Merscom Announces Contest with Prizes including 40 30,000:1 LCD TV

Merscom announce that it is sponsoring a contest with Xbox360Achievements.org for the upcoming Xbox LIVE Arcade title, Buku Sudoku, which is scheduled to launch Wednesday, 28 May. A drawing will be held two weeks after launch among players who earn all 200 achievement points, with the winner receiving a Samsung LN40A550 40” television. An additional five players who complete all the achievements win a copy of Scene-It? Lights, Camera, Action for the Xbox 360 that also leverages the Big Button Wireless Controller.

Merscom chose an HDTV as way of informing gamers about the incredible high res graphics of Buku Sudoku. Just as the Samsung LN40A550 represents the next step in digital televisions, Buku Sudoku represents the evolution of Sudoku into core gaming. The HDTV features include full HD 1080p resolution, 5 ms response rate and a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1. Superb connectivity and networking with a USB port and 3 HDMI 1.3 ports with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) also makes it perfect for the gamer’s 360. Also, Samsung’s DNIe Digital Natural Image Engine improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, and white balance.

In addition to the Samsung TV, the other five players chosen from those that earn 200 out of 200 Achievement Points will receive Scene It? for the Xbox 360. Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action includes four wireless Big Button Controllers, giving each player their own buzzer. Both Scene It? and Buku Sudoku utilize the simple and intuitive Big Button Controllers for a casual and fun experience.

“We feel this contest really draws attention to the beautiful graphics in our game, as well as shows the complexity and challenges in Buku Sudoku,” said Kirk Owen, CEO of Merscom. “The Samsung TV represents the cutting edge of LCD TVs. Most importantly, though, it rewards the gamers who put a lot of time into our product.”

Dan Webb, Admin at x360a.org, commented “Everyone loves getting achievements and everyone loves Sudoku, so this is the perfect competition.”

Players can register for the contest at Xbox360Achievements, Bukusudoku360.com or Merscom’s website. Be sure to read all contest rules before entering. No purchase is necessary. The contest is only open to players in the United States You may also enter by mailing your name, address, email, and phone number to:

Buku Sudoku Free 1080 HDTV
Merscom LLC
Boyd Hall, Suite 330
55 VilCom Circle
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

SplashFighters - free-to-play casual multiplayer 3D action fighting game

Popular free-to-play online game announced - SplashFighters as the newest addition to GamersFirst.

SplashFighters is a casual multiplayer, 3D, action fighting game, and has been extremely popular in Asia. In the game, players from around the world can battle one another in challenge, deathmatch, capture-the-flag, soccer and other modes. A unique skin edit tool allows users to customize their character’s looks, and the combat system allows for over 1.8M combinations thanks to the large number of available fighting styles, accessories and weapons.

“We are excited to add SplashFighters to the GamersFirst lineup.” stated Patrick Ford, Vice President of Marketing and Community Development, K2 Network Inc. “This is the beginning of many new offerings we will have in the coming year.”

SplashFighters has over 24 million users globally and will soon be made available to GamersFirst’s 16 million registered users. GamersFirst provides a universal currency for players to purchase in game items and power ups and is the central location to find all of the K2 network titles, access customer service and view current game promotions.

“K2 Network and GamersFirst is an exact fit for SplashFighters,” says Yoshiyuki Chiba, President, CyberStep Communications Inc. “We are thrilled to partner with GamersFirst in offering SplashFighters to the North American gaming community.”

Venetica unveils new Deck 13 role-play game RPG – for the PC and Xbox 360

Venetica, a visually stunning role-play game with a cryptic storyline. Venetica mixes emotions and action in a unique free roaming and living sixteenth century world full of surprise.

In the era of Venetica, Death walks among the living as a flesh & blood being, carrying out the deeds of an ancient council known by a few as Corpus. Each generation of the Corpus is set with the task of selecting the next predecessor of the bringer of death. Unfortunately, the most recent council had unwittingly selected a crafty necromancer who is determined on bringing death and destruction to the world.

This conniving imposter has managed to transform into an undead fiend, which no mortal man can kill. This power-crazed necromancer is hell-bent on destroying the reinstated Death and the council of Corpus. Only one person stands in his way, Scarlett, the daughter of Death.

Up to now she has known nothing of her origins, her powers and the capabilities that she possesses – now she is challenged to learn how to develop and use her powers to save her father and curse the necromancer and his henchmen to the eternal hereafter. dtp entertainment is going to release Venetica in 2009 for PC and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. www.venetica-game.com

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.