SAN JOSE, Calif., (October 6, 2011) – Leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced a clubNAMCO exclusive version of TEKKEN® Hybrid for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

This exclusive bundle includes TEKKEN Hybrid’s Limited Edition two-disc soundtrack and art book, along with an exclusive Mad Catz® all-black "TEKKEN Hybrid – Namco Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition ‘S’”. The TEKKEN Hybrid “Extreme” bundle will be limited to 1000 units and will be sold exclusively through the newly revamped clubNAMCO online store at www.clubnamco.com for $249.99.

Most of us, at some point during our competitive lives, have thought something along these lines: "I know I would have beaten that guy if I spent as much time playing the game as he does." In fact, it's because enough people have explained to me that I only won a match because, instead of practicing, they spend all of their free time having sex with supermodels, making irrational amounts of money, and curing cancer all at once that I'm writing this column and sharing some of my most closely guarded nerd secrets. Consider it a thank you to all of you sex-having, bill-stacking Nobel laureates out there for doing so much and asking so little in return.

Kayane has created a thorough write up of her and France's impressions of Soulcalibur V from the invitational session that was recently held in Paris, France. Included in the write are pictures and videos from the event, selected match videos, and detailed impressions of the characters from French players.

Make sure to check her blog for the full rundown. I would also like to thank Namco Bandai for helping to organize this event and to Kayane for creating this write up and gathering this information for us to check out.

We didn't get many entries for the prior Fanart Friday, so I extended it for two weeks... and we still didn't get too many entries. That's okay, it wasn't a topic I expected to appeal to many users. So this week will have a much broader appeal!

This week's topic is simple... Soulcalibur characters in present day! Just like Zasalamel's ending in Soulcalibur 4; what would your favorite characters look like if they were alive today? Be as creative as you want.

This weekend, Namco Bandai will be bringing the TGS build of Soulcalibur V to Battle Arena Melbourne which is held in Melbourne, Australia and presented by CouchWarriors. You be able to watch the SCV action being streamed on Twitch.tv starting Saturday at 3PM Local | 1AM Eastern. You can also check out this press release for additional information.

I would also like to thank Namco Bandai for bringing the game out to another event for people to check out.

Like many of you heroes out there, I spent several hours last Friday watching the French play Soul Calibur 5. As the stream ended, I found myself reflecting on two major issues: first, a suffocating, heady mix of shame and loathing at having lost a beautiful day, and second, the traits that make games compelling for spectators.

In fairness, Friday's exhibition wasn't my first rodeo; I've waved a fond farewell to countless hours of my life as I watched them spiral away down the match video/tourney stream toilet, which makes sense within the context of Soul Calibur matches because I'm personally invested in the game. Then again, I've also found myself watching intently as people I don't know play games I've never touched, and I've loved every second of it. So what gives? How does a game become "good tv?"

Kayane, with the help and generosity of Namco Bandai, have come together to organize an event where the top Soul Calibur players in France have been invited to play the demo of Soul Calibur 5. The event starts Friday, 9/23 at 6:30PM local time and will also be streamed through Twitch.tv with Kayane answering questions that are given in chat.

I would like to thank Namco Bandai for allowing this event to take place and for our top players to get their hands on the game. Hopefully this is the beginning of more events to come for SC5. Check after the break for a list of local times and Kayane’s blog for additional details.