The Kotaku crew is heading to the lovely and historic Golden Gopher in downtown Los Angeles for a night of drinks, chit chat, and Galaga playing on Sunday, May 31st, the night before a slew of E3 press conferences and appointments kick off.

This year, we'll be doing things a little different, adding some musical accompaniment thanks to Mike "Special Attack" Z, lots of sweet game trailers, courtesy of Mr. James Ondrey, giveaways and more. Of course, we'll have an open bar (for a limited time!), all sponsored by your good friends at Meat Bun. That's right. Me and my cohorts are going to buy you a drink. And you'll even get first crack at our new line!

The bar opens at 8 PM and that open bar tab is gonna go fast, so make sure you're on time and of drinking age if you'd like to spend Sunday night happy hour with us. Yes, that means this is a 21 and over event.

The whole thing kicks off tomorrow night at 8 PM, with a "surprise unveiling" at 9:15 (again, no Keeley). The usual snacks, drinks, giveaways and general fun will be dished out by the folks from EA and Fox, so make sure you show up on time. To pass the time between now and tomorrow night's early access to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game, we certainly don't suggest at-work Google Image Searches for the above Briton. It's not worth throwing your career away for.

Plus foosball! It's got some foosball.

Check out tons of new screens in our gallery, then get informed, press release style. Michael McWhertor

EA turns soccer star Ronaldinho into CUSTOMIZED character for FIFA Soccer 08 on the Wii

Pass, Shoot, and Perform Trick Moves With A Flick of the Wrist

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - June 14, 2007 - FIFA Soccer 08 cover athlete Ronaldinho, one of the most talented and recognizable athletes in the world, will become the first professional soccer player to appear as a customized character exclusively for the Wii™, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today.

EA has created a unique character of the celebrated Brazilian International soccer star that will be playable in FIFA Soccer 08 on Wii. The Wii-exclusive Ronaldinho will host a game mode designed and created exclusively for Wii called Footii Party with Ronaldinho. With this mode, EA introduces unique party games - including Table Soccer and Shoot Off - where you can play as your self-created Mii™ character to unlock Ronaldinho and take on the champ. Each Footii Party game is created as a multiplayer, social experience designed to engage and entertain fans of all ages.

Ronaldinho commented on the character, "My character looks like he enjoys playing football and shares my passion for the game. This is important to me. Whether you are playing football on the pitch or my party games in FIFA Soccer 08 on the Wii, it should be a fun and enjoyable experience."

"When Ronaldinho steps on to the soccer pitch, he plays with passion and energy. We've brought that same spirit to FIFA Soccer 08 on Wii - it is fun, high-energy entertainment the entire family can enjoy," said senior producer Tim Tschirner.

The game's revolutionary FreeMotion™ controls help level the playing field for all players and turns FIFA Soccer 08 on Wii into a physical, social activity. It also provides gamers with a truly authentic soccer experience with more control than ever before. It's easy to pick-up and play and with the in-game Soccer Academy you can learn basic and advanced controls in more than 30 interactive tutorials. Each lesson teaches you how to master the FreeMotion controls and perform all the necessary movements to dominate on the pitch.

Play FIFA Soccer 08 to take your favorite team and players to Cup glory. Mesmerize defenders with authentic individual skill and play like a real soccer player. Now you pass, shoot, and perform trick moves all with a flick of the wrist. Dictate the play with all-new controls for through-passing and crossing, or control your goalkeeper in one-on-one situations to deny an onrushing striker.

FIFA Soccer 08 delivers complete authenticity with licenses for all of the world's top leagues, including MLS and Mexican 1st Division in North America, and 28 others from more than 20 nations. This year you can choose to play with one of over 570 licensed teams and more than 14,000 players to win glory with or against up to three of your friends.

FIFA Soccer 08 is developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. It is scheduled for worldwide release this fall on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, PC and mobile. FIFA Soccer 08 is not yet rated by the ESRB and PEGI.

Toro (AKA the Sony Cat) celebrated his birthday over the rainy weekend. Star of Doko Demo Issho, the character was given flowers and posed for photo ops with fans. There was even a birthday cake! But, is this really a birthday cake or actually a game cake? Puzzled. Brian Ashcraft

Toro B-Day [Famitsu]