A British television show, The Gadget Show, built a complete mock up of the level all the way down to the amount of targets, civilians, and distance it takes to get to each target area.  Why would a television show do this?  To challenge a real life  ex special ops soldier to take on the course while host Jason Bradbury plays the 360 version of "The Pit". 

Who do you think won?

True/Slant

Japan has found a new a way to train employees working at the fast food chain McDonald's, making learning everyday life skills through trail and error and let's not forget common sense, a thing of the past. 

Two Nintendo DS's are being given to every McDonald's in Japan nationwide to help train part time employees.  Each DS is fitted with eSmart software that McDonald's is claiming will cut down the amount of time that it takes to train part time employees to 20 hours.   

The eSmart software will show employees how to complete different kitchen duties including deep frying and how to speak with customers.

The DS training program will cost McDonald's $2.2 million dollars. 

Fox News

If you are in need of making the upgrade to a bigger hard drive it will cost you $129.99.

Offical Press Release via Gamerscore Blog

Available in stores today, Xbox 360 introduces the 250GB Hard Drive, which offers more space to store your favorite game and entertainment content.  Available at the incredible value of $129.99 (U.S ERP), the 250GB Hard Drive offers more freedom to download the latest demos, Xbox LIVE Arcade games, full game titles with Games on Demand, TV shows, movies and more straight to your Xbox 360 console.

 Xbox LIVE is the premier destination to download the best games and entertainment at the touch of a button, 24x7. With a growing library of more than 13,000 pieces of gaming content, and more than 25,000 movies, TV episodes and music videos available to download or stream instantly – you’re bound to find something you love.

 Want to express your personality and style on Xbox LIVE? With the added storage space of the 250GB Hard Drive, it makes it easy to download and save new Avatar clothes and props from your favorite clothing brands and games, including Roxy, Quiksilver, Adidas, tokidoki, “Halo,” “Gears of War” and more. Or, download a pet to keep your Avatar company.

 More detailed information can be found at www.xbox.com.

BioWare has released information on an upcoming DLC pack for Mass Effect 2.

The DLC pack, "The Kasumi – Stolen Memory" will contain a new master thief character, Kasumi Goto.  Kasumi can be recruited into Shepard's squad during new missions allowing Kasumi to be used throughout the entire game.

"The Kasumi - Stolen Memory" is set to be available sometime in April for 560 MS points on XBL and $7 or 560 BioWare points on the PC.

Official Press Release

BioWare Unveils New Recruit in Massively Acclaimed Mass Effect 2

EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today revealed an all-new playable character to the Mass Effect™ 2 universe, a master thief named Kasumi. Coming this April in North America and Europe, the Kasumi – Stolen Memory PDLC pack will introduce Kasumi Goto, the galaxy’s most enigmatic and cunning master thief. In addition to being able to recruit Kasumi in all new missions, players will be able to utilize her special skills as a member of Commander Shepard’s squad throughout the entire game. The Kasumi – Stolen Memory PDLC pack will be available for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system at a cost of 560 Microsoft points, and on PC for 560 BioWare points or $7.

“Mass Effect 2 is BioWare’s highest Metacritic game to date, and we are excited to be able to expand that experience by introducing another engaging new character in Kasumi”

“Mass Effect 2 is BioWare’s highest Metacritic game to date, and we are excited to be able to expand that experience by introducing another engaging new character in Kasumi,” said Aaryn Flynn, Studio General Manager for BioWare in Edmonton. “Kasumi – Stolen Memory is a testament to our promise to continue to provide fans with new, compelling, high quality post-launch content.”

Cerberus has procured the service of Kasumi Goto, the galaxy’s most enigmatic master thief. In return for her help, Kasumi has asked for Commander Shepard’s help on a dangerous heist to infiltrate the vault of a deadly master criminal named Donovan Hock. Players must gain Kasumi’s loyalty on the planet Bekenstein, where Hock is throwing a party for some of the galaxy’s richest and most deranged criminal minds. The mission: recover data of great importance to Kasumi, and to the galaxy at large. In addition to this new mission, players will also receive a new research upgrade, one new weapon, and a new achievement in this PDLC pack.

Prior to the launch of Kasumi in April, also being released on March 23 through the Cerberus Network is the Firewalker DLC pack, which includes five heart-pounding missions taking place on five uncharted worlds. Players will be able to explore planets and engage in combat in the new Hammerhead hover-tank.

Mass Effect 2 was released to worldwide critical acclaim on January 26, 2010, and is available for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and the PC and is rated ‘M’ for Mature by the ESRB and ‘18+’ by PEGI. For more information, follow the development team on Twitter at http://twitter.com/masseffect2 or visit http://masseffect.bioware.com/.

For male avatars:

• "Your Squad Needs You!" tee - (80 MS points) Army green with Captain Price's face
• "Addict" tee - (80 MS points) Black with a skull emblem
• "Army Ranger" Uniform - (400 MS points) - Military styled Ranger uniform

For female avatars:

• "Your Squad Needs You!" tee - (80 MS points) Army green with Captain Price's face
• "Addict" tee - (80 MS points) Pale pink with a skull emblem
• "Army Ranger" Uniform - (400 MS points) Military styled Ranger uniform

Unisex:

• "Riot Shield" item - (240 MS points)
• "Gas Mask" item - (240 MS points)
• "Night Vision Goggles" item - (240 MS points)

A countdown timer has appeared on BioWare's website earlier and it is counting down the days and minutes leading up to some kind of an announcement.

Just what is the announcement?  You can speculate that is has something to do with Mass Effect 2 considering that Shepard and Miranda Lawson are right above the timer and that when you click on the timer it takes you to BioWare's Mass Effect 2 page.  However we all know that appearances can be deceiving, so your guess is about as good as mine.

Confirmed today on Major Nelson's podcast is the rather large price tage you will be paying for only five maps.  Are you ready for this?  1200 MS points.  That's right folks, 1200 MS points is what you will have to pay up for Overgrown, Crash, Storm, Bailout, and Salvage.

Are five maps worth a 1200 MS points price tag?  I think not, but only you can decide that for yourself.

News

Final Fantasy Fanboys Boo the 360 - For a launch party for a major title in the gaming industry, you would think that it would be filled with happy, cheerful people with a few drunk people running around making idoits of themselves.  Well well.  Enter the Final Fantasy XIII launch party.....

Battlefield Bad Company 2 Rank List and Calculator - How long do you think it will take you to reach the highest rank in Battlefield Bad Company 2, General of the Army (level 50)?  Thanks to a post on the Achieve360Points forum you can find out.

Telltale Announces Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse - A psychically empowered lagomorph battling unusual and fearsome villains can mean only one thing: Freelance Police Sam & Max are coming for a new series of monthly episodic games.

EA Takes a Stab at Activision and Infinity Ward - Infinity Ward announced earlier this week that the first of two DLC packs that they will doing for Modern Warfare 2 will be out on March 30th and EA has answered that announcement with one of their own all while taking a shot at Infinity Ward’s “Mapathy” ad for “The Stimulus Package” DLC.

Return to Monkey Island This Summer - Guybrush & Company will be returning to Monkey Island this summer with Monkey Island 2: Lechuck’s Revenge Special Edition.  Like last years surprise XBLA hit, The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition, Monkey Island 2 SE will feature the ability to switch between the classic graphics and SCUMM interface of the 1991 PC classic as well as enhanced HD paint style and full voice soundtrack. 

Untold Stories Bundle For Resident Evil 5 - Capcom has announced that the “Untold Stories Bundle” for Resident Evil 5 is available for download right now on XBL for 960 points.

Modern Warfare 2 DLC Dated - One of the two DLC packs being brought to you by Infinity Ward for Modern Warfare 2 will be releasing on March 30th.

Crackdown 2 to Feature Video Replays - In the newest addition of OXM set to hit shelves on March 11, Microsoft reveals their plans to add video replays into future DLC for Crackdown 2.

Need For Speed Shift DLC - EA has announced that Need For Speed Shift is getting seven new cars and a new racetrack in the new DLC pack, Exotic Racing Series.

EA Signs Publishing Deal with 38 Studios - Read the full press release here.

New Iron Man 3 Trailer Now Online - This one has new footage that includes more Whiplash, suitcase armor, etc. Looks very very good.

Gamercide Homegrown Originals

Fail of the Week Award - Ladies and gentlemen, another week has come and gone and that means it is time for the Fail of the Week Award.

Gamercide Member Corner

Birthdays

Happy Birthday CB and TK

Happy Birthday Stardy

Happy Birthday Von Jesse

Game Discussions

FFXIII Discussion

Brink Trailer

Mafia 2 Gameplay

Best Sandbox Games on the 360

AO2 40th Day

Fanboys represent the lowest of the low in terms of fans of either a series or console in the gaming industry.  These trolls scan forums, news posts, and anything they can find to infect the interwebs with there immature one sided views of their beloved favorite game or favorite console.  So what happens when you get a bunch of "hardcore" Final Fantasy fans in the same room as an Xbox 360?

That's right.  These self professed "hardcore" Final Fantasy fans booed the Xbox 360 Final Fantasy XIII Bundle that was being offered as a prize and they also booed the 360 logo that appeared on a trailer for the FFXIII all while in the presence of the producer and art director for Final Fantasy.  This booing of a free prize and a logo proved that fanboys for any series or console are asshats and these Final Fantasy fans commited some of the most biggest asshattery that I have ever come across.

For this reason, the Final Fantasy fanboys are receiving the Fail of the Week Award for March 7th.  We here at Gamercide happily accept this award on your behalf.

The Koalition

One of the users came across a website that allows Battlefield Bad Company 2 players to enter their current rank and it calculates how many pins, kills, assists, insignias, and actions it will take them to reach level 50.

At my current rank of Private, it will take me 50 insignias, 24,312 pins, 30,390 kills, 12,156 assists, and 100,612 actions for a grand total of 6,325,600 experience points.

Infinity Ward announced earlier this week that the first of two DLC packs that they will doing for Modern Warfare 2 will be out on March 30th and EA has answered that announcement with one of their own all while taking a shot at Infinity Ward's "Mapathy" ad for "The Stimulus Package" DLC.

EA announced that they are putting out DLC maps on March 30th that are free by stating on Battlefield Bad Company 2's website, " We’re dedicated to taking care of this product for a long time – helping you avoid “mapathy” without getting nickel-and-dimed".  These so called "free" maps are only available for those that purchased the game new and have access to the VIP in game store or have paid to have access to the VIP in game store.

The "VIP Map Pack 2" contains:

• Arica Harbor Conquest mode - US Command launches a break through action directly at the Russian base. Collateral damage is of no consequence. Capture and secure tactical positions in Conquest Mode across the vast Arica Harbor map.

• Laguna Presa Rush mode - The valley and surrounding mountains possess a strategic value in the battle for South America, and an infantry assault supported by light armor vehicles is likely by both armies as US forces defend the nearby Dam.

EA also states that they are commited to stabilizing the online game experience after Battlefield users have been expressing issues with the servers and it appears that PS3 users are having problems accessing the VIP in game store.

"While the core of the dev team here at DICE as well as all the back-end teams at EA are 110% focused on stabilizing the game experience...."

So there you have it folks.  EA is hard at work on fixing your gaming experience and making sure not to nickel and dime the gamer with the free "VIP Map Pack 2".

Capcom has announced that the "Untold Stories Bundle" for Resident Evil 5 is available for download right now on XBL for 960 points.  It will be available tomorrow on PSN for $12.50.

The bundle includes both Desperate Escape and Lost in Nightmares chapters and two alternative costume packs.

One of the two DLC packs being brought to you by Infinity Ward for Modern Warfare 2 will be releasing on March 30th.

The "Stimulus Package" will bring back two favorites from the original Modern Warfare, Overgrown and Crash.  Besides Overgrown and Crash, the new DLC will introduce 3 new maps Complex, Compact, and Storm.

According to CVG, there is a rumor going around that XBL will be getting the DLC a whole 30 days before the PC and PS3 get to see it. (Update - According to the press release from Activision that you can view below, XBL is receiving the the DLC before the PC and PSN)

Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 Stimulus Package Coming to Xbox LIVE March 30

SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 10, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Begin the countdown to a new infusion of Call of Duty! The Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 Stimulus Package will strike worldwide on March 30. Representing the first new multiplayer maps from the biggest entertainment launch in history, Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package will release first on Xbox LIVE®, Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today.

Additionally, Silver Xbox LIVE members who have not yet experienced the exciting adrenaline rush of "Modern Warfare 2" will be able to try it with a Multiplayer Unlock event running from March 12 to March 15.

Developed by Infinity Ward, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 became a cultural phenomenon when it launched to the world in November. The epic title set new entertainment records for the greatest one-day and five-day openings in history* on the way to topping $1 billion in sales and becoming the best selling title ever on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Additionally, Xbox LIVE celebrates having the largest Call of Duty community than any other entertainment system.

The Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 Stimulus Package is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. For more information, visit www.modernwarfare2.com.

In the newest addition of OXM set to hit shelves on March 11, Microsoft reveals their plans to add video replays into future DLC for Crackdown 2.  The video replays can be saved and shared with other gamers. 

Executive Producer Peter Connolly who spoke to OXM about the video replays and what it can do for the four player co-op.

"We wanted to get that functionality into this game,

 "It won't be there at release, but that doesn't mean we're not going to work on it. We want to do it properly.

"That's an important part of Crackdown, the emergent gameplay. People did a lot of things in the first game that we didn't really know could be done. We've expanded it a bit now so we're expecting them to do more with it this time. But in order to do a replay system in a four-player co-op game is not a simple task, and we want to do it well."

For more details about the DLC that is planned for Crackdown 2, head to your local newstand on March 11th and pick up the latest addition of OXM.

EA has announced that Need For Speed Shift is getting seven new cars and a new racetrack in the new DLC pack, Exotic Racing Series.

Fans of Need For Speed will be able to download the Exotic Racing Series DLC pack on March 18th for the price of $10.00 on the PSN and 800 MS Points on XBL.

You can read the official press release below.

Need for Speed SHIFT Expands the True Driver’s Experience With Exotic Racing Series Pack

Get in the Race with Seven Celebrated New Cars on the New Riviera Track

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced the all-new Exotic Racing Series pack for Need for Speed SHIFT. On March 18th, gamers will have access to seven phenomenal new cars and an amazing new track in the game. Highlighting this exclusive pack of cars are the McLaren MP4-12C and the legendary BMW M1. Players won’t find more brilliance, innovation, or drama than in these magnificent machines, where each is a potent mix of race car and road car. The Exotic Racing Series pack will be available worldwide on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system for $10.00 or the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system for $10.00 or 800 Microsoft Points*.

Over 50 exciting new events have also been created specifically for these cars including time challenges, endurance and sprint races. The challenging and spectacular new Riviera track boasts four unique layouts, each with daring corners, multiple blazing straight-aways and a few hairpins that will push these cars to the limit. Players that complete the package will receive an additional 125 Microsoft gamerpoints or 5 PlayStation Trophies as a reward for undertaking various exciting challenges.

The Exotic Racing Series pack cars include:

1. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

2. BMW M1 Procar

3. GUMPERT apollo

4. Honda NSX

5. McLaren MP4-12C

6. Maserati GranTurismo S

7. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss

Need for Speed SHIFT features an intense first-person crash dynamic and a signature cockpit view that delivers a true driver’s experience. The game further personalizes the experience through the all-new driver profile -- a unique persona based on the driving skill and style of each player. With a perfect ‘10’ score from GameSpy.com and G4TV.com, and 90+ scores from IGN.com, Official Xbox Magazine, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, Team Xbox.com, Game Daily.com, Gametrailers.com and more, Need for Speed SHIFT is the highest rated Need for Speed game in years.

Need for Speed SHIFT is now available on the PlayStation®3, Xbox 360, PC, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, mobile and the iPhone™. More information can be found at www.needforspeed.com or follow us on Twitter at NeedforSpeed.

Game Developers Conference 2010

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced an agreement with 38 Studios, LLC to publish the company’s first video game, an epic single-player role-playing game codenamed ‘Project Mercury’. 38 Studios is the creative enterprise of World Series MVP and avid gamer Curt Schilling. ‘Project Mercury’ is being developed at Big Huge Games, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 38 Studios, under the leadership of Ken Rolston, former lead designer of the critically acclaimed hits, Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The game marks the first entry into the company’s vast universe created by New York Times best-selling fantasy author R. A. Salvatore, with artistic direction by Todd McFarlane, renowned artist and creator of Spawn.

“We are thrilled to be working with 38 Studios. The world of RPG gaming is so rich and it is a perfect complement to our partners and title portfolio in EAP”

“From day one, 38 Studios has been focused on creating the next generation of entertainment experiences that embrace all mediums, including film, television, comics, novels, toys and, of course, games,” said Curt Schilling, Founder and Chairman of 38 Studios. “We are creating an enormous world, with heroes and villains and a rich back story from the brilliant minds of R. A., Todd and Ken at its heart, and I can think of no finer partner than the global powerhouse that is EA Partners. Being able to leverage the expertise of EA's publishing organization to bring our first product to market is a dream come true for 38 Studios."

“We are thrilled to be working with 38 Studios. The world of RPG gaming is so rich and it is a perfect complement to our partners and title portfolio in EAP,” said David DeMartini, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EA Partners. “Project Mercury is bursting with first-rate talent, with passion that spans across the board, from Curt to R. A. to Todd and Ken. We look forward to collaborating with them to create an amazing game set in this incredible new world.”

R. A. Salvatore, who has sold over 15 million books worldwide, will be at the Game Developer’s Conference in San Francisco this week speaking about the creative process of building fantasy worlds. His lecture, entitled “From Fantasy to Franchise: How to Build a Universe Worthy of Devotion”, will take place on Thursday, March 11th from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM in Room 306 in South Hall at the Moscone Center. Salvatore will discuss his past experiences in writing and games, as well as touch upon his role at 38 Studios as Executive Creator of Worlds.

Project Mercury will be available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, and PC. For more information about 38 Studios, please visit www.38studios.com.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light finds Lara gaining some aid in the form of a playable partner, Totec who is a Mayan Tribesman.  Each character has their own weapons and set of skills to aid them in battle.  Lara and Totec will also be able to do co-op maneuvers.

Besides the addition of co-op, another change is that Lara's latest adventure will be available for digital download sometime this summer.  As far as price for the download, nothing has been stated.

For the full preview, please check out Gamespot.

“Sony should [sue] or if I owned the rights to TWISTED METAL and GOD OF WAR, I sure as hell would at the least send a sternly worded legal letter.  Heck, I’d send two legal letters if it were me.

I mean, first Microsoft puts out a car combat game and calls it SCRAP METAL? Hey, looks like a great game! Right up my alley! Day one purchase for me. But come on guys, isn’t that just a little too close to Sony’s own car combat game TWISTED METAL?

And then Sony has GOD OF WAR, a game and potential movie about mortals fighting ancient Greek Gods. And then this movie gets announced called WAR OF THE GODS about- yep!- mortals fighting ancient Greek Gods.

And look: Sony doesn’t- and should not- own the concept of the Greek Myths. Nor should they own the idea of mortal fighting ancient Gods, Greek or any other kind. That’s all public domain stuff. But the TITLE? Sony DOES own that. And GOD OF WAR/WAR OF THE GODS seem a little too close to comfort ya’ll.

Anyway, like I said, not my fight. I don’t own shit!"

He has since updated his blog regarding his rant and it's full of more colorful language and an image of Chris Rock.

VG247

The first 10 minutes of God of War III were leaked and according to  VG247 it is full of spoilers.  VG247 is also reporting that the video has been pulled from one website, but still remains up on

Lara's developer, Crystal Dynamics announced  that a new Lara Croft game is on the horizon, but missing from the game is the name "Tomb Raider".  Instead the game is being called, "Lara Croft And The Guardian Of Light" based on the logo.

No information on what consoles the game will appear on, but it does appears that Crystal Dynamics is looking for a 2010 release.

Press The Buttons

For those who think the internet consists most of trolls and hyperactive a-holes, we're glad to report that there is still hope for the online community.  Roy Williams and his friends answered the online request of fellow gamer Jordan Verner for help in completing the Nintendo 64 classic The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time by providing a walkthrough of the game.  Why not just snag one from Gamefaqs?  Because Jordan Verner is blind.  Roy and his friends recorded every single action, no matter how trivial, onto a document that would later be read aloud by Jordan's computer. With this document, Jordan was able to complete the entire game in November 2009.

Sure, we all boast about games we can beat blindfolded, but these guys have literally done it. Think you can too?

Video provided by CNN.com. Via Topless Robot

Hothead Game's action role playing game, Deathspank will be releasing on XBL and PSN while Klei Entertainment's 2D side scrolling action title will be available on XBL, PSN, and PC.

Shank will be releasing sometime this summer, but no date has confirmed for Deathspank.

Joystiq

*Update.....According to the press release from EA, Deathspank will be releasing in 2010

EA Partners and Hothead Games Team up to Deliver DeathSpank in 2010

EA to Publish the Latest Game from Industry Icon Ron Gilbert

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EA Partners, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and leading independent developer Hothead Games announced today an exclusive publishing agreement that will bring DeathSpank to Xbox LIVE® Arcade and PlayStation®Network in 2010. Developed under the vision of The Secret of Monkey Island creator and industry icon Ron Gilbert, DeathSpank blends a story filled with Gilbert’s unique humor and wit with classic and addictive action RPG gameplay.

“The team at Hothead Games is a perfect fit for EA Partners. They are a great example of how the EA Partners program continues to emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with the world’s top indie developers”.

“The team at Hothead Games is a perfect fit for EA Partners. They are a great example of how the EA Partners program continues to emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with the world’s top indie developers,” said Jamil Moledina, Outreach Director, Business Development at EA Partners. “DeathSpank is an engrossingly fun and hysterically funny experience, and we are all excited to have the opportunity to help introduce DeathSpank to gamers across the world.”

Ian Wilkinson, CEO of Hothead Games added, “We are proud of our independence, but are very excited to be working with EA Partners on a title as big as DeathSpank. With EA Partners handling distribution and marketing, Hothead can continue to focus on what we do best, making great games.”

The game casts players in the role DeathSpank, the Hero to the Downtrodden, a Vanquisher of Evil and Defender of Justice as he fulfills his life-long destiny and searches for a mysterious and magical item only known as "The Artifact". Along the way he'll rescue a few Orphans, defeat a local tyrant and tumble headlong into the even deeper mystery surrounding the legendary Thongs of Virtue in an epic adventure game that includes collecting loot, crazy puzzle solving, witty dialogue, collecting loot, over-the-top animations, fun, accessible action combat, and of course, collecting loot. For more information on DeathSpank, please visit www.deathspank.com