Strangely, you don't seem that surprised by the stealth announcement, made via the soon-to-be-released MLB 2K9 from 2K Sports and rooted out by IGN. But if you're pleased to read that there may be a copy of The Bigs 2 in your future, the announcement trailer of the arcade-style baseball video game sequel is worth a peek.

The game is slated to ship sometime this Summer, according to the teaser.

What we don't know yet are on which platforms, but, as IGN points out, it certainly looks like a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 title. Considering the original went to the Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP as well, we'd think the sequel is likely to also.

The Bigs 2 This Summer [IGN]

Recently added videos on the Blue Castle web site feature interviews with team employees who call one of their upcoming games "probably the most sought after projects in Vancouver" amid bleeps that might give some indication about what they're working on. Another interview with the art staff talks of working on "far more interesting things than stadium artwork" including "city streets, weapons and vehicles." While that in no way comes close to confirming that they're working on Dead Rising 2 for Capcom, the chatter we heard at last week's GDC makes it sound like the rumor has some basis in truth.

It wouldn't come as much of a surprise, as Capcom has shown that projects managed by its Japanese HQ and farmed out to Western talent is something the publisher is actively pursuing. Capcom has moved development on Bionic Commando, Dark Void and Okami for Wii to external teams, something it seems happy to continue doing.

When we contacted Capcom about Blue Castle's involvement, they opted to neither confirm nor deny the rumor. Likewise, our e-mails to Blue Castle went unanswered, so consider this rumor for now.

• The Darkness (X360, PS3) Gangsters and demons are a lethal combination.
• Overlord (PC, X360)
  Which side will you choose, evil or evil?
• Transformers: The Game (X360, PS3, PS2, WII)
  More than meets the eye. We hope.
• Driver: Parallel Lines (PC, WII)
  Everyone loves a good car chase.
• Pokemon Battle Revolution (WII)
  Get your Pokemon ready for the battle of the century on the Wii.
• Grim Grimoire (PS2)
  a young magician goes to a school for magicians...hmm, sounds vaguely familiar
• The BIGS (X360, WII, PS3, PS2, PSP)
  The new baseball game hits one out of the park.
• Final Fantasy Anniversary Edition (PSP)
  Get back to your RPG roots with a revamping of the game that started a franchise.
• Ratatouille (PC, X360, DS, WII, PS2, XBOX, PSP, GC, GBA, MOBILE, MAC)
  Rats in your room! Or at least your console, handheld, computer or phone. Did I miss any?
• Hour of Victory (X360)
  Another WWII epic.
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (WII, X360, PS3, PC, PS2, PSP, DS)
  Put your wand up in the air and wave it like you just don't care.
• Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (PC)
  Battle big bugs in icy landscapes.
• Hitman Trilogy (PS2, PC)
  The entire Agent 47 saga all in one tidy box.
• Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas (PS3)
  The game the Mayor of Vegas doesn't want you to play.

Instead of megaton bombing the press, Nintendo wisely, but cruelly, focused on games that are expected to ship before the end of summer. This gave some of their first and third party titles an opportunity to shine before E3 kicks off in July.

So what was shown in the fine city of Seattle this week? In addition to third-party efforts like Carnival Games, Drawn To Life, Jam Sessions, Boogie and The Bigs,which I've already covered, we played:

• Mario Strikers Charged (Wii)
• Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (Wii)
• Pokemon Battle Revolution (Wii)
• Mario Party 8 (Wii)
• Brain Age 2: More Training In Minutes A Day (DS)
• Planet Puzzle League (DS)
• Picross DS (DS)

For the next few posts, expect impressions, new screenshots and new video of all of those titles. There's plenty to see, so stay tuned. Michael McWhertor

Pujols has lead the major leagues in RBI, runs, bases, and extra bases since 2001, the first major leaguer to ever hit over 30 homeruns in each of his first six seasons, and the youngest player ever to hit 250 home runs. In short, he's the man.

"I'm honored to represent this revolutionary new baseball title from 2K Sports," said Albert Pujols. "I've been blessed to have played in some monumental baseball games in my career and it's amazing to see how The BIGS captures the most dramatic plays and brings them to life in a baseball video game."

2K Sports Names Albert Pujols Cover Athlete for The BIGS

New York, NY - May 3, 2007 - 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals All-Star first baseman and power hitter, will be the cover athlete for The BIGS. The BIGS is an innovative, action-packed pick-up-and-play MLB licensed video game that will be available this summer.

"The BIGS celebrates the heroes of Major League Baseball and the epic moments of professional baseball," said Erik Whiteford, Vice President of Marketing at 2K Sports. "Throughout his career, Albert Pujols has delivered unforgettable plays at the most amazing times. His larger-than-life abilities and flair for the dramatic embody the spirit we are striving to capture in this game, making Pujols the perfect cover athlete."

"I'm honored to represent this revolutionary new baseball title from 2K Sports," said Albert Pujols. "I've been blessed to have played in some monumental baseball games in my career and it's amazing to see how The BIGS captures the most dramatic plays and brings them to life in a baseball video game."

As the youngest MLB player to hit 250 home runs, Albert Pujols has garnered many accolades in his young career. With three Silver Slugger awards, Pujols added his first Gold Glove in 2006 playing for the 2006 World Series Champions, the St. Louis Cardinals. The bigger the moment, the greater Pujols performs, making him a natural choice as the official representative player for The BIGS.

The BIGS will be available this summer for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and Nintendo's WiiTM.