In-game advertising gets ridiculous with the introduction of Smooth Jarvis, whose "Double Pits to Chesty" special move mimics the actions involved in applying AXE brand deodorant products. Players who use PAIN's in-game video function to capture Jarvis combining the Double Pits move together with other pain moves between September 1st and 30th can enter to win fabulous prizes, like a 42" Sony HDTV, or a custom Smooth Jarvis action figure. Yay.

If you were going to be outraged over in-game advertising, now would be a good time.

PlayStation and AXE Introduce "Smooth Jarvis" and New Moves in PAIN [PlayStation Blog]

The Gene Simmons Axe Guitar features 'ultra-responsive frets' and an 'analog whammy bar' but fuck all that - this is a guitar shaped like a battleaxe as used by the guy from Kiss with the tongue and the big face who was in that film with Magnum and the killer robots. You know the one.

This beauty is compatible with Rock Band and Guitar Hero and seems to feature Simmons' signature as well as a representation of his greasepainted mug, so one would assume it is an official Simmons Product. Santa, I hope you are reading this and can take a hint.

Gene Simmons Axe Guitar [Amazon - thanks to Nick LeBlanc for the tip]

Sony just let Harmonix know that they are taking down Amplitude's online server on Monday, Feb. 26... permanently. Yep, after Monday you will no longer be able to go online to play the amazing music PS2 sequel to Frequency.

It's not clear why Sony is axing the game's online support other than it might be part of a routine culling of older games from their servers.

As word hit the unofficial Amp online community, panic ensued, to be quickly quieted by Harmonix's Sean who promised to try to put together some sort of "online reunion/send-off/Irish funeral for the game" on Sunday, the day before the game's online elements start pushing up daisies.

Sean is shooting to kick the game wake off about 7 p.m. EST and he hopes to have a bunch of the Harmonix folks on that night so they can have their collective asses handed to them by fans.

"I think it will be a cool way to see the old girl off."

If you own the game, or can get your hands on it, and have the PS2 online attachment, then make sure to hit up this one last hurrah for a fantastic and under-appreciated online title.

Who knows, maybe this is the first step toward seeing the game reappear on the PS3 through the store or a disc. Brian Crecente

I'm not sure how I feel about this video. On the one hand it's in-your-face in-game advertising for Axe. On the other hand, it's pretty damn funny and not really that intrusive. Brian Crecente