Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 Bundle
To coincide with the much-anticipated North American launch of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots in late Q2 2008, SCEA will introduce a PS3 bundle, which will include an 80GB PS3, the upcoming blockbuster Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for $499.99 (MSRP).

As has been announced previously, MGS4 will include a Metal Gear Online “Starter Pack.” If you can’t wait to try out MGS4, the good news is you don’t have to much longer. Those who pre-order the game will be guaranteed access to a multiplayer beta test for Metal Gear Online scheduled for late April.




God of War PSP Entertainment Pack
In June, a new PSP Entertainment Pack will be hitting stores, featuring the famous face of the Ghost of Sparta — Kratos. Here’s what you get in the bundle, which will be available for $199.99 (MSRP):

Limited-Edition “Deep Red” PSP with Kratos silkscreened on the back
God of War: Chains of Olympus
Superbad on UMD video
Voucher to download Syphon Filter: Combat Ops from PLAYSTATION Store for free
God of War: Chains of Olympus still arrives for PSP on March 4, 2008.



DUALSHOCK 3
The final piece of big news coming out of DPS is another much-requested release date: SCEA will introduce the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for the first time in North America in April 2008 for $54.99 (MSRP). Compatible with more than 100 PS3 games, DUALSHOCK 3 has both rumble and motion-sending SIXAXIS technologies. So now you’ll be able to play Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, and, yes, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots with rumble turned ON.

MTV News' Stephen Totilo managed to snag a plethora of details on the PSP 2000 (that's what they're calling it internally) from SCEA's head of marketing for the PSP division John Koller.

All future PSP titles from Sony will utilize the upgraded 333MHz clockspeed, reportedly without a hit on battery life, said Koller. A second thumbstick was considered, as was (briefly) a built-in hard drive instead of Memory Stick. Both ideas were ultimately turned down.

Sony has given the PSP-2000 a Japanese release date of Sept. 20. The handheld will release for ¥19,800 ($162) in six colors (black, white, silver and three pastels). If you'd like to know more about the gooey innards of the machine, feel free to check out the manual. PSP-2000 units will cost $199 in the US for an entertainment pack and $169 for the stand alone, they'll replace the original PSP model the same way the DS Lite replaced the phat.

From Marvel:


Hey web-heads, here's some news to get your Spider-Senses tingling: SPIDER-MAN 3 arrives on on DVD and Blu-Ray in just a few short months! The third installment of the franchise featuring everyone's favorite Wall-Crawler swings onto shelves on October 30. Just in time for Halloween, early holiday gifts, Autumnal celebrations and well, just 'cuz!

Sony Pictures Entertainment is releasing the film—which already grossed a whopping $888 million worldwide in the box offices—in six different arachtastic ways that are sure to get your Spidey-juices flowing! At the top of the list is the "Spider-Man High Definition Trilogy" pack delivering all three films on Blu-ray disc—imagine all the Goblin, Doc Ock, Sandman and Venom-ous glory in HD. Go on. Imagine it. It's quite nice. The three-pack is the only shot fans will have at owning the first two Spider-Man films in the tasty hi-def Blu-Ray format, so true-believers better pounce! For those who want the trilogy but don't have the drool-worthy HD capabilities, never fear: the package will also be available on standard DVD.

If you already have the first two films of the saga or only want the tertiary chapter, it will also be released in single- and double-disc editions in both Blu-Ray and standard format DVD. The solo-disc DVD is packed with super special features like a gag reel, still galleries, a Snow Patrol music video and two audio commentaries, but the double-disc DVD boasts another disc jam-packed with walloping extras such as behind-the-scenes looks at the creation of Sandman and Venom and international TV spots. And finally, SPIDER-MAN 3 will be available for Spider-fans on the run via PSP UMD.

With all those options, it's time to get your pre-orders in order!

This game looks kinda cool, but reminds me of Legos Star Wars. I'll be keeping an eye on this one. Spider-Man:Friend Or Foe will be released on all the next gen consoles this fall. In the meantime, check out the trailer:

press release:
EA’s Super Hero Fighting Videogame to Feature Character Back-story Written by Millar and Artwork by Dodson

At Comic-con 2005, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that acclaimed comic writer, Mark Millar, and artist, Terry Dodson, will be joining the roster of top comic book talent, including Jae Lee, on the development of Marvel Nemesis™: Rise of the Imperfects™.

Set to release this fall, the game features multiple Super Heroes™ from the Marvel Universe as well as a new set of characters created by EA called, “The Imperfects™.” Millar’s past works include the hit Marvel Comics’ series, Ultimate X-Men, The Ultimates, and Ultimate Fantastic Four, the highest-selling comic launches in the year they were released. He is also currently working on two major screenplays. EA is working closely with Millar to create the back-stories for the new family of Super Heroes as well as the story-line for the single player mode in the game. “It’s been an incredible experience to see this new family of Super Heroes come to life from initial stages of character development to the videogame screen,” said Millar.

“Videogames are not all about mashing buttons anymore; they’re filled with intriguing stories and memorable characters. I’m thrilled to be a part of this project.” Dodson’s credits include Marvel’s X-Force, House of M and Marvel Knights Spider-Man. Exclusive to the PSP version of Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects, Dodson has helped with the character concept designs of the Marvel Super Heroes appearing in the game including Spider-Man, Wolverine and Captain America. Captain America will be an exclusive character only available for the PSP.

Dodson is also working on the front-end interface for the PSP version. Jae Lee is lending his artistic talents on Marvel character concept designs and the game interface for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® videogame system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube™ versions. Lee has illustrated high-profile comic titles including Spider-Man, Uncanny X-men, and X-Factor.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects is being produced at EA Canada and developed by Nihilistic Software. For more information on the game, please visit: www.marvelnemesis.ea.com. Screenshots can be found at http://info.ea.com.

press release:
PSPcmx.com, the premier licensed comic book online portal, has announced their official release of the first issue of Lions, Tigers and Bears Volume 1. With the first three issues of the acclaimed Lions, Tigers and Bears mini-series from Image Comics sold out, this will provide millions of PSP users with their first opportunity to enter the world of the Stuffed Animal Kingdom.

"We’re extremely overjoyed that so early in PSPcmx.com’s launch we’re able to offer Lions, Tigers and Bears to the PSP audience! When I tell you this series is written with sensitivity and adventure and drawn in a captivating animated style, it isn’t just because I am part of the original comic book team – but as a comic fan, it is a style of book that I’ve waited all my life to read!" said Dave Lanphear, co-founder of PSPcmx.com. "Lions, Tigers and Bears is terrific all-ages reading!"

Lanphear’s twenty years of award-winning print production experience, accentuated with his decade long emphasis on pure digital production and his strong, personal ties to the comic industry through his studio Artmonkeys.com, has opened a large library of comic book properties for PSPcmx™.

"I’d heard Dave raving about Lions, Tigers and Bears earlier in the year, and he lavished a lot of time on the books," recalls PSPcmx.com’s other co-founder Gabo Mendoza. "When I saw the online version, it was my first time seeing the books, and it’s nothing short of a blockbuster animated film and fun video-game brought to life as a comic book! I was blown away!" Mendoza is best known by his first name, Gabo of Gabocorp.com. Since 1997, Gabo has been lavished with international acclaim for his revolutionary vision and online exhibitions of cutting edge web and media development.

"When we were approached by PSPcmx to put the first issue of Lions, Tigers and Bears out on the PSP, the only thing I could think of was just how utterly cool this is," exclaimed Mike Bullock, creator and writer of the critically acclaimed comic book series. "I’ve been a fan of the Playstation since the first time I ever laid eyes on a Twisted Metal commercial on television and to be able to look at the gorgeous artwork Jack Lawrence created for Lions, Tigers and Bears on a Playstation console is just unbelievable!"

PSPcmx.com will roll out the first issue of Lions, Tigers and Bears over two downloads, keeping file sizes optimally small and quick. The first download, Lions, Tigers & Bears 1A, is online now and can be downloaded directly from the site at www.pspcmx.com. The update for Lions, Tigers & Bears 1B will be available May 25th 2005.

For fans of either the PSP or Lions, Tigers and Bears this couldn’t come at a better time, with the recent announcement of the 112-page Lions, Tigers and Bears trade paperback, collecting the entire mini-series and made available through comic book retailers and book sellers worldwide in July from Alias Entertainment and Runemaster Studios, Inc.

Press Release

(Los Angeles, April 20, 2005) – In a revolutionary move for the manga industry, Seven Seas Entertainment announced today the release of 155 pages of downloadable manga content specifically converted for optimal viewing on the new Sony PSP.

The entire first chapters of the four flagship Seven Seas titles -- Amazing Agent Luna, Blade for Barter, Last Hope and No Man’s Land -- have been been made available on Gomanga.com for manga fans to download and read via the Sony PSP’s built-in photo viewer. Each special preview consists of thirty to forty pages of story and gives readers on-the-go the perfect opportunity to sample the Seven Seas titles.

All visitors need do to access this free content is to visit Gomanga.com, download their choice of four zip files and simply follow the included instructions for transfering the manga to their PSP’s memory stick.

About Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC:

Seven Seas Entertainment is the first publisher in the United States to be devoted solely to the creation of original manga in the Japanese style. Established in 2004, the company has debuted its first three titles -- Amazing Agent Luna, Blade for Barter, and No Man’s Land -- in early 2005, and has an impressive array of new manga lined up. Seven Seas launched its web site, www.gomanga.com, in October 2004, and it has become a daily stop for visitors eager to read manga online and contribute to an ever-growing forum community.

Lara Croft is on the move again. The upcoming Tomb Raider:Legend is previewed in the May issue of PSM. A far cry from her early days in TR1 & TR2, this version of Croft appears more lifelike & realistic. Hopefully so will the gameplay (Angel of Darkness for PS2 had numerous bugs.)

This title is in pre-production & should be out between July of this year & June 2006. It's also rumored this game will debut on the PSP and X-Box 2 later this year. Keep a lookout on the official Tomb Raider site & E3 next month for more news.

COMIC NEWS:

TOMB RAIDER: THE GREATEST TREASURE OF ALL

Written by Dan Jurgens, art and cover by Joe Jusko.

The greatest Tomb Raider saga ever is worth the wait! Lara thought she had recovered the most precious items history had to offer...until now. Hop on for Lara's most unique adventure ever as she treks through the jungle of death to experience the unreal. This is classic Lara Croft at her best in a very special story by original Tomb Raider scribe Dan Jurgens, with stunning, lavish, painted art & cover by Joe Jusko. Five years in the making…at last! See the book George Pérez calls "an out-and-out revelation!"
Full color 48 pages $6.99 one-shot special- coming in June


click here for a larger view

The PSP (short for PlayStation Portable) is a sleek device resembling a polished wedge of black granite. With flush buttons on its gleaming surface, it's a designer device that's cool to see and be seen with.The PSP delivers when it comes to entertainment, playing everything from movies to PlayStation 2-quality games.

The PSP uses software that rivals the performance of TV console games, thanks to a fast 333MHz processor and an integrated proprietary UMD optical drive. It has a built-in 4.3-inch color flat-panel (measured diagonally) and built-in stereo speakers. At about 8 ounces, this true handheld is far more than a game. It's powered by a rechargeable battery or with an AC adapter. It has an Infrared (IrDA) wireless interface for simultaneous communication with other PSP units in the same room plus an integrated 802.11b wireless WiFi adapter to allow online playing over wireless networks. You can even use the PSP to listen to your favorite MP3 files, view movies, and store digital photos and videos, in addition to playing advanced games. What's really stunning is that all this technology has been incorporated into a super compact 6.7" wide x 2.91" deep x 0.91" high, jacket pocketsize unit.

The UMD is the Universal Media Disc. It holds up to 1.8GB (that's 1.8 billion bits of information) of data storage, which translates to powerful game action and visuals. It can also play movies, released on the UMD format. When connected to a computer (and Internet connection), through the USB 2.0 port, it can record ATRAC and MP3 music files, MP4 video files, and JPEG digital photo files. Each UMD disc can hold up to two hours of DVD-quality music videos or four hours of standard quality. At this point, Sony and other developers are creating game and video software for this format. It's also MemoryStick friendly. This popular digital-media memory format is used in Sony digital-cameras, PDAs, computers, camcorders, and other devices. Sized smaller than a stick of chewing gum, the MemoryStick Pro Duo memory card can be inserted into a slot of the PSP. This memory format is available in models with up to 1GB capacity. The unit comes with a 32MB card, fine for saving games but not nearly big enough to handle photos or music. A really unique PSP feature is integrated 802.11b WiFi connectivity.

The 4.3-inch screen uses the same technology found on flat-panel HDTV and computer monitors. With the capability of displaying up to 16.7 million colors, it offers widescreen viewing in a 16:9 perspective, just like a movie theater screen. The TFT LCD panel produces image resolutions up to 480x272 and offers selectable brightness modes of up to 200 nits (cd/m2) brightness, depending on the power source. This means that it's bright enough to comfortably view in virtually any lighting situation.

The first million PSPs sold will come with the movie Spider-Man 2, and it looks great on the device. Colors are bright, movement is crisp and, with the supplied earphones, sound is just right. Play this on the bus or plane and people will be looking over your shoulder. Sony, Buena Vista and Lion's Gate studios support UMD, and movies are expected to retail for $20. Gaming, however, is the heart of the PSP, and it shines almost as brightly as the reflective black surface. The sampler that accompanies the device features clips from games and movies, so plan on another $40 to $50 for a game (24 titles were available at launch March 24). Ridge Racer and Tiger Woods PGA Tour shine on the PSP. Controls are tight and responsive on Ridge Racer, a colorful and entertaining race-car game.

Sony has sold more than 1.1 million PSPs in Japan since December. But the company put off its launch in Europe in order to have enough units in the U.S. Supplies are good, he said, but after the initial allotment runs out soon, there's no telling exactly when more PSPs will arrive, he said. He remembered the launch of the PlayStation 2 at the same store in 2000, when Sony had only 500,000 units on hand across the country. For Sony, which just promoted Howard Stringer as CEO, the PSP is an important product. "The timing of this launch is good. We've got a new management team, and I believe they know the importance of the games division.''

Check out the official PSP site for more info. Get the latest walkthroughs & cheats at ign. Also, ign has an article about the PSP's wifi. Learn how towatch videos on the PSP (and download video) at PSP Connect & see which games are/will be available here.

Fantastic Four
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Seven Studios
Systems: GameCube, PC, PS2, Xbox
Release Date: July 8, 2005

In development with Seven Studios (Legion: Legend of Excalibur, Defender), Activision is moving forward with a multi-platform game based on Marvel's greatest comic book teams. Slated for a near simultaneous summer release (on GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox) along with the movie on which it's based, Activision's one-to two-player action title enables gamers the chance to handle The Human Torch, Ben Grimm, Mr. Fantastic, and the Invisible Girl.
Using the slightly altered origin from the movie (in which the foursome are on Victor Von Doom's research space station), the group is exposed to cosmic rays, altering its very genetic makeup and rendering each uniquely super-humans. Johnny can manipulate fire, Sue telekinetics and invisibility, Reed transforms into a human rubber band, and Ben becomes an oddity of rock-muscle and power. Using a cinematic third-person camera that changes from fixed to moving positions, the game enables players to alternately switch from two to four of the team members. The first level demonstrates how each character learns their unique powers, and tasks them with escaping from Doom's research hospital. The following levels switch from two to four characters and progressively throw more difficult enemies on screen.

As you would expect, the characters play to their own unique strengths. Ben is uncomplicated: for him, it's always clobbering time. He easily lifts objects like trees and lampposts to swat enemies like flies. Additionally, he delivers rabbit punches, suplexes, and can grapple enemies. Reed combines close-range attacks with long-range throws; he can transform his limbs into objects such as hammers to attack enemies and useful tools to unlock doors. The Human Torch is good for long-range attacks, using fireballs and walls of flame to create space between the four and their foes. Using her ability to turn invisible, Sue performs one-hit stealth kills. She's good at close and long-range combat, too, using force blasts, telekinetic throws, and force encapsulation to halt enemies in a split-second.

For most of the game, Fantastic Four enables you to play as one or two of the FF members, though in several missions you'll be able to switch to all four. The game strategy evolves from single character action to team-based, strategic encounters, and it features mini-games to challenge players' knowledge and skill of each team member. In other cases, some bosses require complete team work to defeat them. You can even play as characters outside of the Fantastic Four, though exactly who hasn't been revealed. Even if you cannot play the enemies themselves, you will see classic rivals from the fabled four's comic book past, including arch enemy Dr. Doom, Annihilus, Diablo, and Puppet Master.

One of the more satisfying elements is that each character is capable of 40 moves, nearly all of which are upgradeable with significantly different moves. Players earn points manually attributed to each character's skill set, meaning that, if you have the points, you can upgrade any one at any time.

Visually, the characters' traits manifest in numerous ways, with Johnny showing off a heat blur, Reed's head stretching out backward as he's socked in the jaw, and Sue's telekinetic shield blocking and reflecting enemy projectiles.


Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects
Available: Fall 2005
System: Xbox, PS2, GC, PSP
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Nihilistic Software
Electronic Arts announced recently that Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects under the EA GAMES brand will be released this fall for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox videogame system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube and the PSP handheld entertainment system. The game will feature Super Heroes from the Marvel Universe as well as a new set of characters created through collaboration with EA and top comic book industry talent.

“Marvel Nemesis delivers the definitive Super Hero videogame allowing gamers to play as and against the world’s greatest Super Heroes,” said Marc Aubanel, Executive Producer, EA Canada. “Marvel Nemesis truly captures the Marvel Universe offering players an authentic Super Hero fighting experience that comic book fans and gamers have been asking for.”

Ames Kirshen, Director Of Video Game Development at Marvel Enterprises, added, "We are thrilled to be working with EA and collaborating with some of the top talents in both the videogame and comic book industries in creating this groundbreaking comic series and innovative fighting game franchise."

EA is calling on the talent of top comic book writers and concept artists, such as Jae Lee, for Marvel character and game design as well as renowned artist, Paul Catling, among other industry talents, to create a new family of Super Heroes that will go face to face with an all-star line-up of Marvel characters for the ultimate showdown.

Lee has illustrated high-profile comic book titles including Spider-Man, Uncanny X-men, X-Factor, Captain America, Transformers Versus G.I. Joe and his own creation Hellshock. Catling is best known for his concept artwork and character design on Hollywood blockbuster films including Spider-Man 2, AVP: Alien Vs. Predator, The Punisher, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects will feature more than a dozen fighters in fully interactive and destructible environments. Gamers will have full control over the individual characters with each fighter having unique attributes and super powers that are true to their background adding more depth and fighting strategy to the game.

The Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects videogame also spawned the new Marvel six issue mini-series, Marvel Nemesis: The Imperfects™, launching this May. In the comic book, Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, Wolverine, The Thing and Elektra clash with EA’s Niles Van Roekel, an evil alien scientist out to create a super army of vicious warriors. Through the comic books, the new EA characters will be unveiled each month leading up to the launch of the game. The Imperfects serves as a prequel to the game and is being written by capable Marvel scribe Greg Pak (X-Men: Phoenix - Endsong).
The only in game images shown so far are one on one combat. Added to that, EA Canada is producing the title, so here's to hoping this doesn't turn out being Def Jam Fight 4 New York with Marvel characters. Nothing against that game, but fans would like to have a fresh experience here.

the concept behind Marvel Nemesis begins when an alien scientist obsessed with creating the perfect warrior arrives on Planet Earth. As the series progresses, we'll see him tangle with Marvel heroes, transform a group of misfits into savage, cybernetically enhanced superwarriors, and precipitate a mind-blowing showdown in which heroes and villains alike must confront the question of what it means to be perfect. Marvel Nemesis will be unveiled at E3 2005



The Darkness videogame to hit next-gen consoles in '06
March 21, 2005 Majesco, a provider of diversified offerings and content for digital entertainment platforms, today announced it will publish the video game adaptation of the popular comic book series, The Darkness, for the next generation of consoles. Scheduled for release in 2006, The Darkness is being developed by Starbreeze, the acclaimed development studio behind the top-selling video game, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay.

Based on the best-selling Top Cow comic book, The Darkness casts players as Jackie Estacado, a fearless Mafia hitman for the Franchetti crime family who is suddenly possessed by the terrifying and spectacular powers of The Darkness. Throughout the game, players must learn to control and harness The Darkness power in order to overthrow the vicious mob boss and fulfill their destiny.

"We are excited to have secured Starbreeze, a highly talented and respected team, to develop one of our first titles for the next generation of video game consoles," said Jesse Sutton, president of Majesco. "Combining the top-tier development talent and technology of Starbreeze with the compelling content of Top Cow's The Darkness comic book series provides a solid foundation for success."

The Darkness features a seamless and unique blend of modern crime drama and supernatural horror through first and third-person, non-linear gameplay. Utilizing the Starbreeze engine for next generation consoles, The Darkness features single and online multi-player action across highly realistic environments.

Union Entertainment, a feature film and video game production company, packaged the deal which includes Paul Jenkins, a seminal writer in The Darkness comic book series, who will provide game story and dialogue.

The Darkness comic book series launched in 1996 and is currently published in 19 different languages around the world. The highly popular comic sells more than 500,000 copies of each issue and generates more than $25 million annually across its various brand extensions. "The Darkness" live action film, produced by Platinum Studios and Dimension Films, is estimated for release in 2007.

Other Game News:

Ultimate Spider-Man
Publisher: Activision
Developer: TBA
Systems: GameCube, PC, PS2, Xbox
Release Date: Late 2005
Based on Marvel's popular Ultimate Spider-Man series, Activision's next Spidey game puts you in the role of a very young Peter Parker. Uncertain about his role as a superhero and featuring the kind of acerbic wit not seen in the movie versions, this is a very "human" Spider-Man. With Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, Powers) set to script Spidey's ultimate adventure, this should be quite a unique title in the web-head's video game collection. Villains are unknown, but if the game follows the comic in any way, expect every evil-doer who meets the wall-crawler to figure out Spider-Man is really Peter Parker. We should learn a lot more at E3 2005.

Spider-Man Classic
Publisher: Activision
Developer: TBD
Systems: GameCube, PC, PS2, Xbox
Release Date: TBA 2006
Though the title may be deceiving (and will likely see a change long before release), this is not a collection of classic Spider-Man videogames. Instead, Spider-Man Classic puts you in the role of the traditional Spider-Man. This has no association with the Sony Pictures films, though it's not clear what significant difference will be seen (aside from Spidey having to build his own web shooters). Villains and allies have yet to be announced, but we're certain it takes place in Manhattan. At least that's something.

Spider-Man 3
Publisher: Activision
Developer: TBA
Systems: PC, PS3, Xbox 2
Release Date: May 2007
Based on the third movie, which is set to release in mid-May of 2007, Spider-Man 3 will likely offer a similar design to 2004's Spider-Man 2, with a wide-open New York City to explore. Rumors peg the Lizard and the Green Goblin (this time Harry Osborn) as the villains of the film, which would in turn make them the baddies in the video game. Don't expect to hear anything on this one for a long, long time, but it has been confirmed so start saving now.

X-Men Legends 2
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Raven Software
Systems: GameCube, PS2, Xbox
Release Date: Late 2005
Shortly after the release of X-Men Legends, Activision announced a sequel. Likely to come out later this year, Legends 2 uses the same engine as the original, but introduces new characters not seen in the first game. This time around, development is expected to focus on four-player gameplay, alleviating the issues of the original Legends, which sometimes forced gamer's to play solo. The storyline and further details remain a secret for now, but look for news later this spring.


Marvel Vs. EA
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Electronic Arts
Systems: GameCube, PS2, Xbox
Release Date: Late 2005/Early 2006
Almost nothing is known about EA's upcoming fighter. What we can tell you is that it will feature a variety of characters from the Marvel Universe and numerous original characters created by EA specifically for this fighting game. Considering the current standard for fighters, it's likely that Marvel Vs. EA will be playable online on Xbox and PS2. It's also a safe bet that some familiar EA characters are set to make an appearance. Final Boss: Madden? Dare to dream.

E3 Sells Out

LOS ANGELES--March 21, 2005--The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo), the world's premier computer and video game trade event, has sold out of exhibit space for this year's show, making 2005 the fastest sell-out in five years. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today that to date, E3Expo 2005 has sold more than 540,000 net square feet of exhibit space covering five exhibit halls in the Los Angeles Convention Center, the largest amount of space sold since 2000.

"E3Expo 2005 brings us to the threshold of a new era of creative and technological innovation for the global computer and video game business, providing first looks at the next generation of hardware and previews of the advanced titles and technologies that consumers will be bringing home this holiday season," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the ESA, the trade association that represents U.S. computer and video game publishers and owns E3Expo. "With a show floor the size of 2,700 city blocks, an unparalleled business conference program, and more than 400 exhibitors from 87 countries, E3Expo is truly the best place on the planet to get down to the business of fun."

E3Expo 2005 will offer an unparalleled panel of 150 industry leaders who will share their knowledge during 34 educational conference sessions and workshops. E3Expo, now in its eleventh year, is scheduled to take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 17-19 for conference program and workshops, and May 18-20 for exhibits.