Nitro's animated style gets a bit more animated with the inclusion of custom car skins from celebrated brands tokidoki and Upper Playground and the video game culture celebration that is i am 8-bit. Not only have each contributed full vehicle skins to the game, they've also provided more that 140 brushes that players can use to add their own personal touch to their vehicles, from Lamborghini to Volkswagen.

"tokidoki, Upper Playground and i am 8-bit create art with distinct and cutting edge personalities," said Gil Rimmer, Art Director, EA Montreal. "With Need for Speed NITRO, we wanted to give players a variety of ways to customize their vehicles, introducing vivid and fresh urban art styles that have never been seen in racing games before."

Nitro keeps looking better and better. I've been captured by the unique art direction of the title since the first set of screenshots were released, and the contributions of these three lifestyle brands just make things that much sweeter.

Need for Speed Nitro for the Wii and DS is slated for release on November 17th.

Like Ich Bin 8-Bit (cute), a spin-off show that's running until April 4 at the nuerotitan gallery in Berlin. It's like i am 8-bit in that it's focusing on game-related art, but it's not like i am 8-bit in that it's going to be made up entirely of art pieces constructed with post-it notes, which are "the ultimate pixelated canvas".

If you're in the neighbourhood, it looks well worth checking out, as it's going to be dominated by a large Jude Buffum piece and features, amongst other artists, Jim Mahfood.

Ich Bin 8-Bit

Arriving well after the suggested time — and half an hour after the show had officially opened to the public — we were met with an insurmountable crush of people. It wouldn't have been a surprise to learn that those who showed up when we did, sans press access, faced a two-hour wait to get in. And when they did, the vast majority of artwork on hand had already been sold to a collector.

Our favorite piece from the show, a moody Link versus Ganon painting, shown after the jump, was fortunately priced out of our range, so that particular sell-out didn't phase us.

Like previous showings, Nintendo characters dominated walls. The evening's soundtrack, courtesy of Computer Jay, DJ R-Rated and Leeni, was similarly Nintendo saturated, as chiptunes were interspersed with dance beats. This resulted in some of the evening's "over-served" patrons busting some awkward moves, in turn making for some unfortunate shirtlessness.

The crowd was a healthy mix, part nerd, part scenester, with reps from PR, the artistic side and the press making for an atypical gallery opening.

And they weren't just there for the Colt 45s, despite its promise of working every time. They were there for the art, which drew inspiration not just from Nintendo's stable of IP. Yes, Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid and The Legend of Zelda were more than well represented. I Am 8-Bit 2008's artistic set also drew from games like Tron, Street Fighter, Bionic Commando, Earthworm Jim, Chrono Trigger and more. We even spotted a few pieces based on Elevator Action and documentary The King of Kong.

As we ogled artwork and mingled with the crowd, the gallery did brisk business. Tracking down the curator and salespeople was no easy task. It took us a good portion of the evening to secure this set of Pac-Man ghosts for our personal collection of things we don't really need.

It's foolish to call the fourth I Am 8-Bit showing anything but an unqualified success. The show has continued to outgrow its venue, with security turning folks away at the door when the show met capacity and artwork being snapped up before almost anyone got to lay their eyes on it.

To be there, virtually, check out our gallery from the show. Be warned however that more than one shot is not safe for work. This episode of the show was certainly more sexually charged than the last, thanks to Bionic Commando fighting off naked Nazi vampiresses, some underclothed Nerdcore models and one skilled Princess Peach fetishist. You've been warned!

The shenanigans kick off at 8 PM and will feature musical performances from Computer Jay and DJ R-Rated, which means that the gallery opening will require those seventeen and under to be accompanied by a guardian. Colt 45 may very well be served.

The art appreciating thrills are happening at the World of Wonder Storefront Gallery in Hollywood. If you can't make it tonight, things will be hanging on the walls until Sunday, September 7.

I Am 8-Bit

The free show will include free drinks and free posters as well as performances by Computer Jay & DJ R-Rated. Oh, you can also peruse some might damn fine art.

The whole thing kicks off on Aug 14 at 8 p.m. and runs until midnight at the World of Wonder Storefont Gallery, 6650 Hollywood Boulevard, at the corner of Cherokee.

If the art, the music, the posters don't attract your to the opening night, know this: One of the sponsors is Colt 45.

I Am 8-Bit and Couch have teamed up to sell these spiffy Space Invader-infested guitar straps, perfect for dangling faux guitars from your neck between sets on Rock Band or Guitar Hero.

The vinyl straps feature a swarm of Space Invaders at either end in either blue or black and sell for $33 a pop. Best part? It's wearable art.

"I am 8-bit by Couch" Rock Band/Guitar Hero Strap [Couch]

There's bonus 8-bit therapy, too!
Giant Atari Joystick [BB TV]

I Am 8-Bit Version 2.007 kicked off at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles last week, featuring over two hundred pieces of original artwork from over a hundred artists. Artwork on hand spanned the globe from local area artists such as painter Luke Cheuh and Jose Emroca Flores to Japan-based miniature sculptor Shuji Suzuki and painter Yosuke Ueno.

While the representation from artists worldwide and various industries was impressive, with artwork crammed into every available space, the crowds were reassuringly mad in their attendance. Some 1400-odd art-loving geeks lined up to take a peek at the 8-bit inspired showing.

The opening night reception kicked off at 7 PM, but I didn't meet up with my fellow attendees until ninety-minutes later. In the typical LA fashion, no one leaves the house until their actual meeting time.

Tokyo Game Show 06 contributor Scott Andrews and I crossed paths just outside of Pink's Hot Dogs, just prior to our run in with the already in line Mr. Wabiszczewicz. One horribly rude line-cut and ten minutes later, we're in.

Just inside the walls of Gallery 1988, moderate in size, the temperature rose an uncomfortable 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. As Scott put it, "Wow, a congregation of gamers can produce some serious BTU's." With all that fleece, extra body fat, not to mention the burning light shining from overhead and from the GameTrailers TV lights, the outside chill was nothing but a fading memory.

The throngs of shuffling gawkers moved at chaotic snails pace throughout the gallery, making art appreciation a daunting task (by art appreciation standards).

Many of the show's artists tackled familiar topics, such as Nintendo properties Mario and Zelda, with the next most popular subjects being classic arcade games such as Pac-Man, Q*bert, Dig Dug and Joust.

All were represented in a wide array of methods and situations, with Anna Chambers "Link to the Plush", a rather self-explanatory soft fabric sculpture of the elfin Zelda hero taking up the naturally pleasing end and Jude Buffum's "Happy Ending" series filling out the more sexualized, borderline offensive end. Buffum's 8" x 8" acrylic paintings put Nintendo's princess, Bowser, Mario and Kung Fu stars in a four-part sequence of overtly sexual poses to great effect.

Travis Louie's "Q*Bert Apprehended" turned Midway's orange noser into a straight-jacket restrained madman with more serious tones, with Joust getting cutesy (Chueh's "Joust Bird-Shit"), comical (Joe Vaux's "Joust") and fantastical (Rich Tuzon's "Joust V1.0 Morning Flight").

Other artists took on 80's era throwbacks like Metroid, Burgertime, Bubble Bobble and even the Nintendo Power Glove, in sculpted and painted forms.

Some artists, including California native Brandon Bird, touched on more non-traditional subjects. In his painting "Battle of the Heroes" he imagines a Konami developed arcade hit based on the Craig T. Nelson television show "Coach" to a refreshingly believable effect.

His previous blend of celebrity and videogames, "No One Wants To Play Sega With Harrison Ford" was also available for sale as a print at the show.

Other more obscure games that were thankfully represented include Karnov, The Adventures of Bucky O'Hare, Berzerk and NARC. Hopefully, in the future, a broader range of games with unique aesthetics will inspire artists to create, as Mario and his co-stars could be considered over-represented.

Slightly more gimmicky, but no less impressive, was Jason Torchinsky's 5-foot tall Atari 2600 joystick. Built from scratch and (mostly) functional, the controller was hooked up to an Atari VCS behind the gallery, with pairs of players attempting to wield the massive stick in a futile attempt to control Pitfall star Pitfall Harry. Standing proud in the midst of the partying masses, who drank for free, their only payment being a long line wait, the stick presented an extra dose of challenge for Atari fans looking for a retro fix.

As we left the show about a half-hour before it was scheduled to wind down, the crowds hadn't noticeably thinned. Nor had the line. Still hoping to attend the opening reception, the queue still spanned most of the block, meaning at least a 45-minute wait for those near the end.

To say that the gallery's I Am 8-Bit opening was a success could only be considered an understatement. Packed to capacity crowds aside, when I revisited Gallery 1988 later that weekend, more than half of the show's pieces had been sold, with dozens of fresh visitors making inquiries about paintings and sculptures. There is still plenty of artwork still available for purchase from the event, with Gallery 1988 listing prices and availability on their official site.

I picked up three pieces from Japanese artist Suzuki, including a Kid Icarus sculpt and a set of Toaplan's Snow Bros.

The show runs until May 12, so if you make it to the LA area, you'd do well not to miss it. In the meantime, check out our I Am 8-Bit photo gallery for over fifty original shots of the artwork. Thanks to Scott Andrews for his contribution to this story and the gallery.

Therefore, after a FAQ guided speedrun of Metroid Prime 2, it's off to my local brick and mortar electronics store to pick up some SCEA developed hack and slash goodness.

Other fun weekend plans include immersing myself in the fine arts, as I attend the Mark Ryden exhibition at the Kohn Gallery, then back to the I Am 8-Bit show for a saner, less sweaty visit. What's your weekend shaping up like? Any gaming on the horizon? HIt up the comments! Michael McWhertor

Featuring some 200 pieces of art, as well as a custom made Mega Man game for the Atari 2600 and 5 1/2 foot Atari 2600 joystick, the show will highlight the works of over 100 artists. Musical performances from ComputeHer and 8 Bit Weapon will also keep the throngs entertained.

It's free, minus the valet parking, and kicks off at 7 PM. The show will run until May 12 at the Gallery 1988 in LA. I'll be heading out to the show early, so, if you're planning on attending, let me know.

Shots of the beastly controller are after the jump! Michael McWhertor

I Am 8-Bit

Jon Gibson reminds us that his latest I Am 8-BIT show will be opening up next week at Gallery Nineteen Eighty Eight with performances by 8-Bit Weapon and Computer Her and plenty of game art to ogle.

The opening night party runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 17 and along with the music and 200 pieces of art, attendees will be able to check out a five-and-a-half foot Atari 2600 controller, some Mega Man 2600 Homebrew and drink some free brew.

Sadly, it being in LA, I can't make it, but you should. Brian Crecente

Gallery 1988

Think you've got the artistic chops to make it with the big boys? Well, now is your chance to prove it. I AM 8-BIT, IGN, Gallery Nineteen Eighty Eight, Capcom, and Foundation 9 Entertainment are teaming up once again to scout for talent for the upcoming I Am 8-Bit art show. In case you've been living under a rock, I Am 8-Bit is an amazing art show that is based entirely on olde school gaming. Entries range from drawings and paintings to sculptures.

Submissions are currently being accepted at IGN for a chance to win a coveted spot in the upcoming show. Entries will be taken until April 6th when ten finalists will be chosen. A panel of judges will choose the winner which will be announced on April 12. The winner will receive a load of prizes including:

* A Collection of Mega Man & Street Fighter action figures
* One Booster and Starter decks of Capcom Collectible Card Game
* Capcom Classics and SEGA Genesis Classics Collections games
* An autographed "I AM 8-BIT: Art Inspired by Classic Videogames of the '80s" book
* An I AM 8-BIT "limited edition" t-shirt

If the winning piece is knock-your-socks-off amazing, the artist will be given the opportunity to have their piece displayed in the actual I Am 8-Bit show this year. The nine runner ups will also receive prize packages that include the above list sans the action figures.

You've only got 6 days left to complete your masterpiece so you better get crackin'. For complete contest rules and where to send your entry, check out IGN's article here. Flynn De Marco

Red Octane, Harmonix and Capcom have teamed up with I Am 8-Bit to create an exclusive mod of the guitar playing game for the art show's opening.

The modded game will feature two songs playable in the games single and multiplayer modes. Both the theme for Mega Man by The Acro-Brats and the theme for Ikari Warrios by Artillery were recorded by the in house Harmonix bands.

You can only check out this sweet mod at the opening:

Gallery Nineteen Eighty Eight
7020 Melrose Aveune
Los Angeles, CA 90038

I interviewed Jon M. Gibson, the man behind the I am 8-bit art show and recently released video game art book, for the Rocky Mountain News.

The story touches on why Gibson decided to put on the show, how it was viewed by the art crowd and its success so far.

The show opened April 19 to a crowd comprised of equal parts art connoisseurs and game aficionados, Gibson said.

"We didn't really know until the opening night what was really going to happen," he said. "I'd say about half of the people were people who had never stepped foot in an art gallery, let alone buy something in an art gallery - something that's going to look great on their wall so they can finally take down that Spiderman poster.

"The other half was very snooty, very judgmental."

Despite the oil-and-water mix of attendees, that show was a huge hit, with 70 to 80 percent of the pieces selling for $50 to $3,000.

Art Imitates Game [Rocky Mountain News]

After checking out my review of his I Am 8-Bit art book, author Jon M. Gibson dropped me a line to remind me that he is working on collecting game art for a brand new exhibit at Gallery 1988 during this year's E3.

This time around, Gibson teamed up with IGN to seek submissions from not-so-established artists. If you're interested hop over to IGN to check out all of the rules. You have until April 7 to submit.

Wanna Be a Famous Artist [IGN]

Jon M. Gibson just sent me a copy of his video game art book I Am 8-Bit. The hefty collection of original game art is 156 pages thick, with many of the pages taken up with vibrantly colored reproductions of the artwork first displayed together at the Gallery 1988 in Hollywood.

Gibson and I have been talking about the project since he first got it off the ground and started hunting up artists to contribute. I wasn't able to make the show, which closed during last year's E3, and I really regretted it.

Now, having had a chance to flip through the strange, emotional and sometimes funny artistic representations of my, our culture, I regret it even more.

One of my favorite pieces of work in the book include Shawn Barber's Forerunner inspired by Space Invaders. The image shows the close-up of a face staring straight ahead, eyes wide, jaw slack, paint sort of running down. If you look closely into the glassy eyes, you'll notice a tiny abstract game of Space Invaders going on.

I highly recommend picking up the book. Oh, also my name's in it, so that makes it that much cooler.

The official site for the i am 8-Bit video game art book and shows just relaunched. The new site has a very cool retro arcade machine interface with links to wallpaper, the place to order the book and some sweet Merch.

i am 8-Bit [Official Site]

i am 8-bit: Art Inspired by Classic Videogames of the '80s hits streets in late March, but Amazon has already started pre-selling it at a discount. The current price is a mere $15.61, a deep 32 percent off the regular price of $22.95. Author Jon M. Gibson tells me the book is a 156-page softback that measures 9-inches by 9-inches, like a big pixel. The chunky collection of 100 pictures of game art weighs in at nearly two pounds, and sounds like it's worth its weight in gold.

i am 8-bit [Amazon]