There are a few things in this world we like. One being other people doing the work for us and then them telling us about it. Makes life easier for us, and frankly, that's really what it's all about. Our friend Zach (I call him friend but we've never met, but he did send us a nice email and he enjoys 8bit stuff so in our book he's a friend) sent us a 'Best-of' compilation gallery of all things 8bit. The above rendition of a close hero to us all is one example of many. So head over to gawker.tv and check out the rest of the gallery and enjoy Zach's hard-work damnit. We know we will. Note: if you're a hardcore 8bitreview fan some may seem familiar, but I don't think any hardcore fans exist. Le sigh...[thanks Zach]

Top Chef / reality game show meets video games. A tad on the long side and GoW not exactly a FPS, but we'll let it slide. If you know the characters it's chuckle worthy. Master Chief in particular. [thanks dave]

Google just can't stop worming its way into my rotting heart. Ben Firshman has ported a NES emulator called vNES into JavaScript, Despite the misleading title JSNES, this is a near perfect product when you run it using Google's new web browser, Chrome. 8bit shout outs go Stan Schroeder at Mashable for this nugget of information. I personally haven't played an emulator since my snark infested college days. Head over to Benfirshman.com to check out his work of art or to strike up a conversation about bass guitar.

As the battle between Microsoft and Sony continues, I for one have reached a point of total apathy. For those of you unfamiliar with the current state of affairs, in mega-corporate-overinflated video game world, both Sony and Microsoft have announced a price cut on their gaming consoles. (Meanwhile, Nintendo is working on new technology that actually turns you into a WiMote thus negating the danger of hurling the controller into your television.) [ more.. ]

Finally, this Friday we'll get a little taste of the much hyped Batman: Arkham Asylum title. Well I had a little taste awhile back and enjoyed it quite a bit, but apparently this demo will be a little more. Releasing for the 360 and PS3 the demo will take players through the first portion of the game. Where the Commish and Dark Knight are leading the Joker to Arkham Asylum. Below is yet another trailer - the demo trailer shows off a bit more of the game, but at this point does it matter? Just release the damn game already.

LucasArts has announced new expansion for the hit Star Wars: The Force Unleashed as well as a new retail version of the title Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition. The expansion, is a basically a Tatooine Map that will take players on an entirely new unexpected direction after the end of The Force Unleashed. Re-imagining the saga as if the secret apprentice had killed Vader and assumed the role of the Emperor's apprentice, becoming the most powerful Sith Lord in the universe. The 'new' story line has you traveling to Tatooine to hunt down Obi-Wan. The Ultimate Sith Edition is looking to release this holiday season and will combine The Force Unleashed story line with three new levels to create the ultimate-evil storyline of the events between the two movie trilogies. The additional content will be two levels, Corusant and Tatooine, that are already available via direct download and a new level only available in the Ultimate Sith Edition. The exclusive level has the secret apprentice traveling to Hoth to crush the Rebellion once and for all with a face to face with Luke himself. Check out the official site for more info. 

New trailer for Borderlands - the game I was really excited about until they completely revamped the art style and made it look like a cartoon. Lame. But looks like it could still be good - 4 player co-op could be really cool along with 87 bazillion guns. Being toted as an RPS (role playing shooter) Borderlands is looking at an 10/20 release date.

Activision and Treyarch have announced Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3 earlier today while I was asleep at the posting wheel. The pack, which will feature three multiplayer maps (Battery, Revolution, and Breach), will be available sometime in August. On top of those 3 maps which were co-developed with partner Certain Affinity will be a new zombie map "Der Riese." Visit www.codwaw.com for more info.

I'm not sure which Ubisoft game I'm more excited about; Assassin's Creed II or Splinter Cell Conviction. Maybe equally excited. The Dev Diary series has started for AC II and Part I is all about our new assassin, Ezio. The video talks about Ezio and gives alittle insight about the character but more importantly it shows off some sweet footage which looks amazing. Check out the official Assassin's Creed website for more info and if you look hard enough you can find an interesting puzzle site.

EA has been making awesome improvements to the NHL franchise since '07 and with '09 being possibly the best hockey game ever, how can 10 beat it? Well, check out all the improvements / additions in the video and that's how. If they can pull off the board play correctly this may just over take the 09 crown. All the additions are great and hopefully are executed right. Although the first person fighting mechanic - I'm not totally sold on. And the after the whistle stuff is going to take a bit to get used to - since '08 I'm always just high sticking guys so they'll scream out.