Kotaku: Swag

Inside The BlizzCon 08 Swag Bag

Mike Fahey — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:40:00 MDT

The folks at Blizzard don't beat around the bush when it comes to their swag. You show up to pick up your badge, and bam, big bag of swag, for you! Once I got back to my secret lair at the fashionable Super 8 Hotel, I did what many folks who have stayed in this hotel in the past have done before me - I spread it out and started taking pictures.

Highlights of the bag include the inflatable Frostmourne sword, the Diablo III stress ball, Padaren Brewmaster beer cozy and bottle opener, and of course the card containing the codes for the polar bear mount and Starcraft II beta. My personal favorite? A small box of tissues labeled "QQ nOOb." Awwwwwww.

Amazon Offers Persona 4 Social Link Expansion Pack

Mike Fahey — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:00:00 MDT

Atlus fans are also big fans of Atlus swag, and you cannot get much more swaggy than the Persona 4 Social Link Expansion Pack. This limited edition bundle, available for pre-order now via Amazon.com or Amazon.ca for our brave Canadian Ice Spider Assault Teams, features four choice bits of Persona 4 memorabilia for the low price of $29.99. The pack includes a Teddie Plushie, an extremely sexy Konohana Sakuya t-shirt, the "Side B" soundtrack CD, and a 2009 Calendar
you can mark all to hell when they finally announce a new Persona game for the PlayStation 3 *fingers crossed*. The pack will be shipping out December 9th along with the game, so you'll be able to seek comfort with Teddy hugs when things inevitably get weird.

Why I Will Never Sell My Gaming Swag (Again)

Mike Fahey — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:00:00 MDT

Isn't that beautiful, ladies and gentlemen? That is a relic from E3 1998, given away to members of the online and offline press who participated in a tournament of Working Design's RPG light gun shooter Elemental Gearbolt for the PlayStation. A brushed metal assassin's case embossed with the game's logo, opening the case reveals a shiny gold-painted Guncon, a memory card, and of course the game itself, nestled snugly in molded foam. Less than 50 of these babies were ever made, and those that were took a full year to get to the recipients. Why is this important? If you look at the list of participants on the Game Rave web page detailing this rarity, you'll see. Yep, I had one of these in my hands. And I sold it.

Granted I sold it for over $500 to help finance a move across the country, but it seems that every time I marvel at some of the cool swag game companies create, someone points me to this page to remind me exactly how young and stupid I once was.

Elemental Gearbolt: Assassin's Case [Game Rave]

Celebrate The LittleBig Planet Launch October 21st Safely Within Your Spacesuit

Mike Fahey — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:20:00 MDT

It's nearly here! LittleBigPlanet has gone gold, and will be hitting stores in North and Latin America on October 21st. Of course certain safety precautions have to be taken whenever you launch a new title into an unfamiliar atmosphere, so Sony is serving up these limited edition spacesuits as free DLC. They're only going to be available for the first week, however, so those of you buying the title online might want to upgrade your shipping, just in case.

Also up for grabs during week one is the rare "I was there Week One" t-shirt, which is indeed so rare that I've placed it after the jump.

Awww, isn't he cute?

Its Official! - LittleBigPlanet on shelves 10/21/08! [PlayStation Blog]

Age Of Conan Invades GC

Mike Fahey — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:20:00 MDT

Don your loincloth, polish your bastard sword, and get ready to invade Germany as Funcom announces their plans for Age of Conan at next week's Games Convention in Leipzig. They'll be showing off new locations, new content, and new features of their massively-multiplayer swords & sorcery title during live stage shows at the convention, with Blue Orb on hand to show players how to work the game with a gamepad and the TripleHead2Go guys granting hands-on time with the game on a three-screen setup. There's also loot to be had in the form of free game trials, limited edition game DVDs, and inflatable swords - because giving out real swords would have been pricey, and things would have gotten ugly rather quickly.

They'll also be showing off features of the DirectX version of the game behind closed doors to members of the press. Hopefully I'll get a chance to slip inside one of the sessions while I'm in Germany next week to see what's what. Hit the jump for full details on Conan's German invasion.

DirectX10 Features in Age of Conan Exclusively Revealed at Games Convention

- New Locations, Content and Features to Be Revealed for Both Press and Consumers at the Show -

- Thousands of Exclusive Give-Aways, Including Free Trial Accounts and Limited Edition Game DVDs -

DURHAM, N.C.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Conan is invading this year’s Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany. Funcom and Eidos invite everyone to come join the festivities at his majesty’s outpost located at stand B10 in Hall 5. Behind the tall walls of the King’s fortress press and gamers alike can play the game, meet and chat with the developers, collect amazing give-aways and observe live stage shows where Funcom will reveal and demonstrate brand new and never-before-seen locations, content and features that will be put into the recently launched massively multiplayer online game ‘Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures’ in the months ahead.

“We are very pleased with the tremendously successful launch that we had,” says Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Funcom, Morten Larssen. “But this is where the real journey starts for ‘Age of Conan’. In the months ahead we will be putting a lot of effort into expanding and improving on the game, and we look forward to using the Games Convention to unveil some of the locations, content and features we have in the pipeline.”

During the live stage shows Funcom will present new locations, content and features coming to ‘Age of Conan’. Blue Orb Inc. will also be present to demonstrate how you can use their software to play ‘Age of Conan’ with a gamepad, while the guys behind ‘TripleHead2Go’ have prepared a machine with a three screen setup so that gamers can come and play ‘Age of Conan’ in all its unprecedented visual glory using cutting-edge technology. Funcom will also be giving away exciting loot such as the legendary inflatable swords and free trial accounts together with limited edition DVDs containing the entire game. This is the first time Funcom hands out free trials and the supply is limited, so we encourage you to make your way to Conan’s outpost as soon as possible!

Behind closed doors members of the press will also be treated to a presentation of exclusive DirectX10 features, technology that will add even more power to the spectacular graphics featured in the game. Press interested in attending these presentations should contact Funcom, but please note that seating is very limited at this point.

‘Age of Conan’ launched in May this year and immediately topped sales charts around the world. It has received more than thirty magazine covers and more than fifteen major awards, including numerous "Best MMO of E3" awards and the "Best Online Game of Show" award at GC 2007. The game has received numerous glowing reviews, including a 9.4 score from US website GameZone. ‘Age of Conan’ is a key title in Microsoft's Games for Windows line-up, as well as a showcase title for nVidia thanks to its jaw-dropping graphics.

For more information on the game and instructions on how to order your copy today, visit www.ageofconan.com.

Funcom looks forward to seeing everyone at the Games Convention – we will be at stand B10 in Hall 5!

A GTA IV Baseball Bat? The Better To Beat You With, My Dear

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:40:09 MDT

From the Good Ideas Division at Rockstar Games comes new Grand Theft Auto IV branded swag that's sure to get the game violence wonks in a lather. Popular Mechanics bloggers were on the optimal end of an aluminum baseball bat recently, something they wanted to show off. No word if that's fake blood or just sloppy calzone eating. Now, the mailman has already come to my house, but perhaps Rockstar has dispatched these via UPS or DHL. They always run a bit late.

You know, I actually live in a sketchy neighborhood, Rockstar bat-givers. If I'm assaulted by a local vagrant, you'll have my blood on your hands. Just a thought.

GTA IV Baseball Bat Moves Gaming Violence From Couch to the Streets [Popular Mechanics]

We Love Golf Preorder Nets Wiimote Body Bag

Mike Fahey — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:40:00 MDT

We Love Golf is coming out on July 15th, and if you preorder now at Gamestop, Game Crazy, Circuit City, Toys R Us, the Official Capcom Store, and several other fine gaming retailers you can get your hands on this snazzy red Wiimote body bag! Now you can recreate scenes from the hit television show CSI: Mushroom Kingdom, zipping up your dead controller in this stylish corpse sack before loading it into the Wii ambulance peripheral and spraying the area for fluids.

Pretty nifty preorder bonus if you ask me, but what the hell does a body bag have to do with golf?

We Love Golf Preorder Gift [Capcom Unity - No, I'm not actually that stupid]

The Extremely Limited Edition UK MGS4 Watch

Mike Fahey — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:00:00 MDT

Isn't she lovely? This lovely Limited Edition Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots timepiece, now up for preorder at UK online retailer Gamestation, has been lovingly crafted using the finest stainless steel, engraved and numbered, and packed in a lovely black box with a silver MGS4 logo stamped on top along with a certificate of authenticity from Konami. Approved by Kojima himself, only 500 of these babies are being released on October 31st of this year, and they're only going to be available through Gamestation...who only ships to the UK, making me sad.

One of the team responsible for creating the limited edition dropped us a line to let us know that Gamestation accidentally put it up for order before the big announcement, so this would be an excellent time to order one before the rush. At £99.99 it makes an excellent gift for any member of the American gaming press sitting at their computer desk drooling over a watch.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Exclusive Watch [Gamestation Preorder Page - Thanks Dan!]

Fallout 3 Collector's Edition In The Flesh

Mike Fahey — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:40:00 MDT

Bethesda has posted the official contents of their Fallout 3 Collector's Edition package, leaked and confirmed in April via GameStop, and while everything promised is indeed represented, from lunch box to art book to making off DVD, but there is something different about the Vault Boy Bobblehead. Rather than the approving, thumbs-up tossing bobble I received back in July of last year during the press preview, this Vault Boy stands in judgment, arms folded across his chest as he weighs your worth and finds you joyously wanting.

This of course means that the thumbs-up bobblehead could still be auction viable, should some unscrupulous member of the gaming press choose to part with him. Unfortunately I've grown accustomed to the daily affirmation my little plaster pal gives me, so for now he stays on my mantle lovingly nestled between Cortana and Kos-Mos, as he should be.

What we packed for lunch [Bethesda Blog - Thanks Dave!]

Free EoJ Card Friday Take 2

Mike Fahey — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:00:00 MDT

For those of you who missed out on the Official PlayStation Blog's free Eye of Judgment card giveaway last Friday, do not fret! The response for the free cards was so overwhelming that they've decided to go another round. This Friday at 5PM Pacific you can hit up the OPB and submit your email for another chance at the increasingly less rare set two promo cards. I myself completely forgot about the promotion last week, so I welcome the chance to completely forget it again this week. What was I writing about again?

THE EYE OF JUDGMENT- FREE CARD FRIDAY RESULTS [Official PlayStation Blog - Thanks Velglarn!]

GTA IV Box O' Swag

Brian Crecente — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:00:00 MDT

I received a big, flat square box in the mail today packed with Grand Theft Auto IV swag. It included some pretty funny stuff:

A Swingers baseball cap
A Swingers baseball T
Two GTA IV stickers
A foam GTA IV four-finger
A mousepad from in-game cybercafe tw@
An I <8LC lapel pin
A N1KO license plate

Now I just need to figure out if I should give this stuff out on the site or keep it for this year's Funde Razor Child's Play party as a giveaway.

If you're jonseing for GTA content with about two weeks left till the game hits hop over to our round up of impressions and details.

GameStop Details Fallout 3 Collector's Edition

Mike Fahey — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:00:00 MDT

Dammit, I knew I should have hit up eBay earlier. GameStop has the details on the collector's edition of Fallout 3 due out this fall, and some of the contents look rather familiar. For $20 more than the normal edition ($79.99 console, $69.99 PC), you'll be receiving the much-coveted Vault Boy bobble head in all its encephalitic glory, a hardcover Art of Fallout 3 book, a Making of Fallout 3 DVD, and the game itself. All of this comes neatly packaged in a completely customized Fallout 3 lunch box, which I now have in both broken and non-broken varieties, thanks to the lovely folks at Bethesda. This is one collector's edition that seems well worth an extra $20, unless of course you already own half of it.

Fallout 3 Collector's Edition [GameStop - Thanks Dave!]

Valve Restocks Companion Cubes

Mike Fahey — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:20:02 MDT

The Weighted Companion Cube is not supposed to make people cry, but it most certainly did back in late December, when Valve's official plushies sold out within 24 hours of going on sale. We did not hate Valve for this. We were patient. We bided our time. Oh the biding we have done! Now said biding has paid off, as a fresh shipment of Weighted Companion Cubes have shown up at Valve's store, both in plushie and fuzzy dice formats. Both are available for $29.95, and both will more than likely be sold out within days, if not sooner. Aperture Science takes no responsibility for customers trampled to death in the ensuing rush.

The Valve Store [Valve - Thanks Everyone!]

Codemasters Connect Offers Shirow Armor, Jumpgate Beta Keys

Mike Fahey — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:40:10 MST

Codemasters' Connect '08 event at the Omega Sektor in Birmingham England is coming March 14th and 15th, and they've lined up some truly amazing freebies for visitors to their MMO showcase. Probably the coolest item is for RF Online players. They've had Masamune Shirow of Ghost in the Shell fame create a suit of armor for every class in the game, and my god are they beautiful. The suit above is for a female Cora Warrior, and the rest are just as cool! Lord of the Rings Online players who attend will get a special in-game title for their character, while Archlord players will get some exclusive armor. All attendees will also get a Jumpgate Evolution pack complete with a beta key! I was invited to go myself, but seeing as I am moving on the 15th there's not a chance in hell...and I want some Shirow armor dammit! You go look at the pretty armor while I go cry.

Exclusive Armour set for every connect attendee! [RF Online Forums]

Japanese Club Nintendo Members Get Even More Cool Swag

fdemarco — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:00:00 MST

We all know by now that Nintendo of Japan offers its Club Nintendo members way better swag than we will ever see here in the States. But in case you needed more proof, here it is. Currently, Club members are being offered a choice between three gifts that range from so-so to totally awesome. First there's the so-so Nintendo desk calendar followed by two much better choices: a two-disc Super Mario Galaxy Soundtrack and a Wii classic controller shaped like a SNES pad. Something tells me Nintendo is going to end up with a lot of calendars sitting in a warehouse somewhere.

[via: Digital Battle]

The Feather Stylus Arrives

fdemarco — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 16:00:00 MST

I was pleased as punch to receive a little package from Nintendo in my mailbox yesterday with my feather stylus. My Nintendo members who registered their copies of Phantom Hourglass were treated to this free prize from the Big N. I still say Japan gets all the best swag, but this is pretty sweet and will add one more to my ever growing stylus collection. I can hardly wait to whip this one out on the subway and touch it thoughtfully to my lip, looking like a modern day Oscar Wilde as I attempt to solve the latest New York Times crossword puzzle on my DS.

Going Postal: The Postal 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition

fdemarco — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:00:00 MDT

Running With Scissors' Postal, the game that has a little something to offend everyone, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a Collector's Edition that creator Vince Desi describes as "The mother load of swag." The package includes Postal (Classic and Uncut with the bonus Special Delivery levels), Postal 2 (the full and expanded version including Share the Pain multiplayer), Postal 2 Apocalypse Weekend expansion pack (with new weapons, characters, dismemberment and 20 new maps) plus a bunch of fan-made mods including Eternal Damnation, A Week in Paradise and A Very Postal Christmas! Also included is a CD entitled Music To Go Postal By, 10 sets of Postal Babe photos, POSTAL Comics; Posters and POSTAL 3 concept art, preview screens and a sheet of nostalgia inducing Postal colorforms. All this fun comes stuffed in a Krotchy O's cereal box with word puzzles on the back and will be available on Tuesday. Part on an insane balanced breakfast, Uwe Boll not included.

Postal 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition [Running With Scissors]

TGS' Biggest Fans

Brian Crecente — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:00:57 MDT

OK, maybe not the Tokyo Game Show's biggest fans, but certainly the most useful.

Ninja Gaiden: The Best Damn Swag on the Planet

Brian Crecente — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:00:02 MDT

The Tecmo press party enticed us with the promise of maid waitresses in a pirate-themed bar, but made us happy by slapping these amazing DS styluses in our hands as we walked out the door.

And the Ninja Gaiden stylus doesn't just look cool, it's also serious deadly. Check, for instance, the "usage notice" on the back of the pack:

This stylus tool is only to be used for touching screens.
Do not pole or swing this stylus tool when near other people.
Do not use this stylus tool if the tip is broken or becomes dirty.
Do no over-stretch the strap.
Please close tightly after using this stylus tool.

I am so ignoring every one of those rules, well except for the dirty one.

World In Conflict Game Off - Results

Mike Fahey — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:00:56 MDT

So the World In Conflict Game Off challenge has come and gone, and if you look closely in the smoking ruins of a small northwestern town you might catch a glimpse of mine and Crecente's battered bodies laying in pieces along a mile of crater-pitted roadway. Two rounds were played, one with Kotaku representing the US and the other representing mother Russia, and in both instances devs Vextor and Emma completely decimated our pitiful team in minutes. The third round we swapped partners, with Vextor and I facing Crecente and Emma. Showing what a difference a good partner makes, this time the game lasted until the timer ran out, and when the smoke cleared my team stood triumphant, waving the American flag while enjoying some hot dogs and apple pie. Remember, just because we were pathetic losers doesn't mean you have to be. Keep an eye posted for the aforementioned cool swag that we'll be giving away in the near future!

The Heavenly Sword Letter Opener

Brian Crecente — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 15:00:32 MDT

I love letter openers, especially game-themed ones... and now I have three. A King Arthur sword, a Link sword in stone and this very nifty Heavenly Sword sword on a nice stand. Now off to flail the paper from my bills and slit the lids of unsuspecting packages.

The World in Conflict Game Off

Brian Crecente — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:00:18 MDT

The Massive folks have challenged Team Kotaku to a little game-off in World in Conflict this week. They will be pitting two of the guys who helped create the game against myself and Fahey, in other words we are going to have not just our asses, but just about all of our body parts handed to us.

In exchange for this online pummeling we've agreed to undertake, Massive is going to send us videos of our digital disgrace for posting on the site and whether we win or not we take home some prizes. Not prizes for us, no, all we get is the public humiliation, the prizes will be for you, dear readers.

The Massive folks are going to hand over several copies of World in Conflict, some sort of autographed World in Conflict swag and some uber prize, perhaps a World in Conflict Skateboard or track jacket. I'm hoping to get you guys the board, because I've seen it and it kicks ass. No promises yet on what exactly we'll be getting for you, but it's going to be super cool.

Check back Friday evening to see just how horrible Fahey and I were whooped.

The Halo 3 Hoodie

Brian Crecente — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:10:13 MDT

Bungie folks handed me one of these hoodies, made exclusively, I'm told, for the writers who attended the Halo 3 review event, as I left their office for the airport yesterday. On the front is an emblem with the letters UNSC and on the back is a giant image showing the outlines of a bunch of Halo 3 weapons. Pretty cool. I love the obscure stuff.

Logos Academy Swag Bag

Mike Fahey — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 09:43:43 MDT

While I am still busy processing everything that went on at last night's Tabula Rasa Logos Academy event held at Richard Garriott's sprawling estates, I thought I could share with you all the contents of the swag bag that was dropped into our weary laps as we shuffled onto the tour bus at the event's end. The bag itself has a very military feel to it, definitely a step above your standard swag holder. Inside I found a Tabula Rasa t-shirt, coin, dog tags, knit hat, and a tin that when opened revealed a shiny silver compass, flashlight, and pocket knife set. Classy and shiny at the same time. This should take up more space in my luggage quite nicely indeed!

Obligatory Picture Of A Bag

Mike Fahey — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 08:30:50 MDT

Despite a multitude of mysterious forces working against us, Kotaku has landed at the Austin Game Developers Conference, and by Kotaku I mean the entire Fahey division. To commemorate my making it to the Austin Convention Center without spontaneously bursting into flame, I present you this picture of a bag and stuff. Every industry event begins with hundreds of people with various bags on them being handed another bag. Sometimes the bag is filled with goodness. Sometimes pamphlets. This one is the latter. Whee. It's not a major gaming event until Kotaku starts taking pictures leaflets. Stay tuned for more from the AGDC floor!

On the Games Convention show floor, McWhertor spotted a horsey friends DS game that asked players to use what "to take out swarms of enemies"?

The Lair Lighter

Brian Crecente — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:00:24 MDT

The folks at SCEA sent me this spiffy Lair-themed lighter along with my copy of the Playstation 3 game. Expect to see it hit a contest on the site in the near future.

Mercenaries 2 Gel: Hair On

Brian Crecente — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 09:00:52 MDT

T-shirts and inflatables might be good enough for the E3 and Penny Arcade crowd, but in Germany if you want to make a splash with gaming swag you've got to go big... big hair.

Electronic Arts was giving out these tubes of Mercenaries 2: World in Flames HaarGel or hair gel for those non-German speakers out there. I, of course, had to take the stuff for a spin as soon as I got back to the hotel. The gel's rich texturing and high poly-count left me with the sort of three-foot high flattop perfect for open world mayhem and Brigitte Nielsen-inspired discotheque dance parties.

Blizzard Booth Swag Found (Passports Probaby Lost)

Mark Wilson — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:00:30 MDT

It's pretty much guaranteed from the early crowds—Blizzard's one-two punch of Starcraft II and WoW's newest expansion will cause fan overflow out of their sizable GC2007 booth, with stinky fanboys and journalists alike knocking over pricey custom PCs and Hollywood-designed sets just to get a closer look. Here's the swag they'll get for their troubles.

That Starcraft sticker is not covering my precious Apple logo, but I'll tell you, if I were running a Dell...A pack of WoW cards and a cellphone charm/necklace adornment are also in the package. Look for the sweat-crumpled artifacts in a Kotaku contest near you!

Sacred 2 Bringing Arena to Leipzig

Mike Fahey — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:00:46 MDT

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel developer Ascaron is one of Germany's leading game developers, so you know they're going to be rolling up on Leipzig in style. Not only are they staging a worldwide exclusive test of the multiplayer aspects of their latest action RPG, they've constructed a 1600 foot arena separate from their main booth for visitors and press to battle it out on. Preregistered contestants will be ushered from a briefing room to the arena floor accompanied by fanfares as they take their seats and compete for exclusive prizes. If you are among those lucky enough to be attending the 2007 Games Convention, hit up www.sacred2.com to sign up for a slot. Everyone who enters receives a GC T-shirt, a copy of the original Sacred, a 5 Euro Wirecard voucher and a Sacred novel. Exactly the sort of thing that made the old E3 so much fun!

SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel: Spectacular Multiplayer Arena at the Games Convention
Potsdam, August 2 2007 Ascaron, one of the leading German computer game developers, is delighted to reveal details about its booth at this year's Games Convention. Starting on Thursday, August 23 2007 visitors will experience a worldwide exclusive test of the multiplayer aspect of SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel.

As of now, interested gamers may book time slots for this event.

A spectacular, 1,600 ft² SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel arena guarantees excitement in an authentic medieval atmosphere. Throughout the event our booth staff - community moderators and developers in medieval costumes - will be directly available for any questions or requests gamers may have.

In each match 16 players in four separate networks will compete against each other simultaneously to find the best PVE and PVP players of the GC 2007. More than 3,000 visitors and journalists will have a chance to test their mettle at this year's Games Convention.
After fighting tough battles for pieces of armor and gaining as many strength points as possible, players have to collect important bonus points in the final PVP part, which they may lose again if their character is knocked out.

A ranking system will determine each day's and the overall champions, who can look forward to exclusive prizes.

Before competing in the long awaited battles for Ancaria, competitors will be treated to extensive training in a dedicated briefing room, Then players claim their seats to the sound of fanfares and finally raise their swords.

"It is essential for us to make sure all visitors feel they are a part of SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel. We don't only focus on the look of our booth: we want to spend time with each of our visitors and acquaint them with the game before they actually start testing it. Our booth with its focus on a comprehensive player briefing and its staff of community members and developers is really something special, and we look forward to welcoming our visitors!" says Heiko tom Felde, Director of Publishing at Ascaron.

Now visitors may book a free time slot on our web site www.sacred2.com.

Every pre-registered competitor is already a winner, because apart from their time slot they will also get a strictly limited special GC T-shirt, a copy of the original SACRED, a 5 Euro Wirecard voucher plus a SACRED novel (while stocks last).

The SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel arena is located in Hall 4 / Booth F31.

And All I Got Was This Stupid T-Shirt

Mike Fahey — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:30:36 MDT

Perhaps there were oceans of swag at this year's E3 that I just couldn't see due to my gifting of a taxi cab driver with my glasses, but that doesn't mean I walked away empty-handed. I did get a real cool Fallout 3 t-shirt that I kinda technically already had, only three sizes too small for me. Oh! And I did snag a few of those nifty E3 hats that were being given away every time someone got off the shuttle bus at the main convention hangar, which are excellent for soaking up sun-melted Kotaku writer juice. You probably don't want the hats then. Can't say I don't blame you. Oh! And while I was supposed to be at E3 when I missed my initial flight on Tuesday, the nice folks at Bethesda delivered unto me a new lunch box, totally unsullied by airport screeners' hands! I love happy endings, don't you?

NCSoft's iPod Schwag

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:40:35 MDT

NCSoft gave intrepid reporters this cool little NCSoft-etched iPod during their hands-on meetings. This might be the schwag of show. I think we know where NCSoft spent all of the money they saved from not having a live band and fire-eaters at their booth this year. - Joel Johnson

The Lunchbox Of Happiness

Mike Fahey — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 15:00:34 MDT

Upon arriving at the styling Helix Hotel in downtown Washington DC, the man at the desk informed me that there was a special gift waiting for me in my hotel room. I rushed up the elevator...somehow, and into my room to find...free coffee! Completely complimentary! Unfortunately my room had been missed in the swag rush, but I was hooked up the next day at Bethesda with this awesome Vault-Tec lunch box, with faux vintage ads on both sides. Within it I discovered a Fallout 3 t-shirt (a 2X, no less!), a can of Nuke Cola, and the amazing Vault Boy bobblehead, whose thumbs up pose is perfect for validating anything in your life, except perhaps ignoring airport security rules.

On the way home with my carry ons I was stopped at the security checkpoint, where they proceeded to literally break open the lunch box, confiscating the Nuke Cola in the name of national security. My poor poor lunch box, killed for the cause of freedom. He was so brave! *sniffles*

NetDevil Swag Bag

Brian Crecente — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:00:27 MDT

Net Devil was giving away these cool swag bags at their anniversary party Friday night. It included an asset CD, a little paper bag and these cool Net Devil LEGO sets. It also included a neat T-shirt, which I promptly lost. I noticed some women at the party walking around with LEGO roses as well. Very cool. Brian Crecente

Stranglehold's Gun Porn

Brian Crecente — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:00:48 MDT

I received this wood box in the mail yesterday afternoon, inside was a set of these Inspector Tequila pistols with Stranglehold engraved on the sides. The best part? They're also lighters. Now I just need to find to people who need a light at the same time. Brian Crecente

8-Bit Drum Kit

Mike Fahey — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:20:14 MDT

Do you not want to work? Would you rather just bang on your drum all day? I know I do, but I am sorely lacking in both the 'drum' and 'rhythm' department. Were the latter not the case, I just might have to invest in a set of these beauties here.

This is a custom drum set created by drum maker Phattie, whom I have never heard of but a drumming friend of mine assures me is a manufacturer of the highest qualitie. Were I in the market for such a set, I would definitely inquire with them. Then I would catch a look at how much a nice drum set costs and put that money towards better use, like the down payment on a house or that kidney operation I'd been eyeing. Still, lovely set. Michael Fahey

8-Bit Old School Kit [Phattie Drums - Thanks JC!]

Sam and Max Box Set Bonus

Mike Fahey — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:20:46 MDT

So you've religiously followed the Sam and Max episodic adventure series from JoWooD since its inception, and you're wondering why you should bother picking up the official retail box set when it hits in August? Well wonder no more, fair reader. The list is in, and it isn't bad at all. Along with the six episodes themselves you shall receive:

An all new "Making Sam & Max" behind the scenes video
A full-sized printed poster featuring artwork by Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell
Trailers for all six episodes
Previously unreleased character bios
Loads of concept artwork
Desktop wallpapers
An MP3 soundtrack sampler

Also included: A box! The opening theme music on the soundtrack sampler alone is worth the set's $29.99 price tag for the sheer cruising down the road pretending you're a dog and a rabbit-thing factor alone.

Perhaps that's just me.

Anyway you look at it, it is a fine set that could very well inspire me to play episodic adventures like I watch television...waiting for the box set. Michael Fahey>

The Adventure Company And JoWooD Announce Bonus Content For Sam & Max: Season 1 Retail Release

Funniest game of the year to retail with a full-size printed color poster and a Bonus CD of extras!

Toronto, Canada; Vienna, Austria. June 7, 2007. After much anticipation, Sam & Max, the legendary dog and rabbit crime-fighting stars, are making their way to all major retail stores worldwide in August 2007 with Sam & Max: Season 1 for Windows® - and they're bringing along a full-size printed color poster and a Bonus CD full of hilarious extras!

This is the stuff of every collector's dream, with goodies that include:

* An all new "Making Sam & Max" behind the scenes video
* A full-sized printed poster featuring artwork by Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell
* Trailers for all six episodes
* Previously unreleased character bios
* Loads of concept artwork
* Desktop wallpapers
* An MP3 soundtrack sampler

All of this is included with The Adventure Company/JoWooD retail version of Sam & Max: Season 1 for Windows® releasing to fans around the world in English, French and German!

Sam & Max aren't your average crime-fighting duo. Sam is a six-foot tall canine shamus with a love of justice. Max is hyperkinetic rabbity-thing with a taste for violence. Together, Sam & Max are the Freelance Police, ridding the streets of bottom-feeding sludge one dastardly miscreant at a time. Now you'll finally be able to learn how this episodic series came together with its bizarre humor, vivid 3D graphics and clever gameplay in the all-new behind the scenes video footage. Hear development secrets about Sam & Max, straight from the mouths of series creator Steve Purcell and members of the Season 1 development team.

"We are very excited to bring Sam & Max: Season 1 to a bigger audience than ever with our Windows® release this summer and can't wait to give fans the treats they've been asking for on the Bonus CD!" said Albert Seidl, President and CEO for the JoWooD Group.

Sam & Max: Season 1, the funniest game in years, will be released worldwide for Windows® in August 2007 for a suggested retail price of $29.99 USD/€29.99.

Charitii Auction Wraps Up Today

Brian Crecente — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 14:00:47 MDT

The Jennifer Ann's Group Charity Auction wraps up today. If you're interested in bidding on the Wii Pack, DS Lite Pack. Nintendo Swag Pack or the Seagate Harddrive you better get on it in the next hour or so.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the auction will go to Jennifer Ann's Group, the charity my brother started in the wake of his daughter's murder to help others through the education and prevention of teen dating violence.

Hit the jump for a listing of each auction and the ballpark on where the bids stand.Brian Crecente

The Wii Pack
Price: $610
A brand new still-in-box Wii (which comes with the Wii console, a remote controller, a nunchuk, a stand, a sensor and a copy of Wii Sports.)
An extra nunchuk controller
Wii Play game (which comes with Wii Play and an extra remote controller.)
A Wii Messenger Bag
WarioWare Smooth Moves game
Excite Truck game
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess game
A Nintendo notebook
Nintendo paper shopping bag

The DS Lite Pack
Price: $242.50
A brand new still-in-box black DS Lite
A DS Lite carrying case
A Nintendo WiFi USB Connector
Elite Beat Agents game
Wario Master of Disguise game
Brain Age game
New Super Mario Bros. game
A Nintendo notebook
Nintendo paper shopping bag

The Nintendo Swag Pack
Price: $162.50
Brand new Nintendo Collector's Edition of Monopoly
Mario Kart DS 3D puzzle
Resizeable red Mario ballcap
Resizeable white Wii ballcap
Wii Rock sticker
Green Zelda Triforce T-shirt size Large
Pink Princess Power T-shirt size X-Large
Glow in the dark Mario Power-Up Boxer short size Large
Nintendo noisemaker which makes the "Start" sound
Nintendo noisemaker which makes the "Big" sound
Two blue rubber "Player" bracelets

Seagate Harddrive
A Seagate 750GB Pushbutton Backup External Hard Drive
Price: $235.50

Buy a Wii, HD for Charitii

Brian Crecente — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:54:30 MDT

Just a quick note to point out that I've listed gaming auctions on eBay for a DS Lite Gift Pack, a Wii Gift Pack, a Swag Gift Pack and a Seagate 750 GB external hard drive.

Hit the jump for a listing of each auction and a link if you're interested in bidding. And a special thanks to Nintendo and Seagate for the donations. Brian Crecente

The Wii Pack
A brand new still-in-box Wii (which comes with the Wii console, a remote controller, a nunchuk, a stand, a sensor and a copy of Wii Sports.)
An extra nunchuk controller
Wii Play game (which comes with Wii Play and an extra remote controller.)
A Wii Messenger Bag
WarioWare Smooth Moves game
Excite Truck game
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess game
A Nintendo notebook
Nintendo paper shopping bag

The DS Lite Pack
A brand new still-in-box black DS Lite
A DS Lite carrying case
A Nintendo WiFi USB Connector
Elite Beat Agents game
Wario Master of Disguise game
Brain Age game
New Super Mario Bros. game
A Nintendo notebook
Nintendo paper shopping bag

The Nintendo Swag Pack
Brand new Nintendo Collector's Edition of Monopoly
Mario Kart DS 3D puzzle
Resizeable red Mario ballcap
Resizeable white Wii ballcap
Wii Rock sticker
Green Zelda Triforce T-shirt size Large
Pink Princess Power T-shirt size X-Large
Glow in the dark Mario Power-Up Boxer short size Large
Nintendo noisemaker which makes the "Start" sound
Nintendo noisemaker which makes the "Big" sound
Two blue rubber "Player" bracelets

Seagate Harddrive
A Seagate 750GB Pushbutton Backup External Hard Drive

DS Headset In Hand

Brian Crecente — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:40:50 MDT

I received this nice little surprise from Nintendo today: Professor Rowan's Briefcase. Inside a delicious collection of Pokemon goodies. The box included copies of Pokemon Pearl and Pokemon Diamond as well as the two free pre-order styli and the very swanky Nintendo DS headset.

I haven't had a chance to dig into the games, but I can say the headset feels awfully comfortable and the wire connecting the headset to the DS Lite seems plenty long enough.

I promised to give this Pokemon a try and I will, and will post back once I do. Brian Crecente

Sweet Pirate Swag

Brian Crecente — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 10:00:27 MDT

Yesterday I received a box in the mail.

Cracking it open I found inside this odd assortment of a toy, some sweets, a little alcohol and an asset CD from the Pirates of the Burning Sea folks.

What the hell!

I turned to my wife and said: "Why would someone send me a YoYo, some HoHos and a bottle of rum?" and then I burst into laughter. Classic. Brian Crecente