SEGA® of America, Inc. announce Andrea Bonaccorso as the winner of the BAYONETTA™ contest on Maxim.com.

 

The judges were looking for the one woman who best captures the essence, personality, style and appeal of the heroine of PlatinumGames’ upcoming action game and found it in Andrea. While some entrants perfectly mirrored the outfit of the character and others simply donned librarian glasses, Andrea married both elements to come out on top.

As winner of the contest, she will receive an Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, a 50 inch Panasonic TC-P50X1 HDTV Plasma TV and a copy of BAYONETTA for the Xbox 360®.

 

Of the contest, Andrea said, "When I was 9 years old I begged my mom for a SEGA Genesis for Christmas. When I opened it, I screamed for about 20 minutes. For about 5 years after that, I was obsessed with all the Sonic The Hedgehog games, Toe Jam & Earl, and Rolo To The Rescue (a baby elephant in search of his mother). I didn't return to my game playing days until about 2 years ago, and now, I'm STILL obsessed with those old games. When I was little I would stay up way past my bedtime and if I died (in the game), I would be crushed. I'd be so mad that I'd beg to stay up and try again. And of course, I'd get my way and continue playing until my eyeballs were burning from not blinking. Yay Sega! Thanks for contributing to my lack of doing homework!! I recently was searching for a Maxim contest, and when I saw what this contest was for, I thought I'd be perfect for it. Had the glasses, the 'goth' costume, and the sexy look! haha!"

BAYONETTA is a cinematic, stylized action game from the famed creative mind of renowned game developer, Hideki Kamiya of PlatinumGames. Bayonetta, the game’s protagonist, is a graceful, gun-wielding witch who awakens after being entombed in a coffin at bottom of a lake for 500 years with no memory. As players embark on this quest with Bayonetta, they will begin to unfold the mystery behind her past and her purpose in the game, such as why she fights against angels and other countless fantastic enemies. In combat, Bayonetta uses weapons, magic, acrobatics and her larger-than-life hair to redefine the look and feel of the action genre.

BAYONETTA™ is scheduled for release on January 5th, 2010 for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. For game details, visit sega.com/platinumgames/bayonetta/.

Click here to see all of the entrants.

The original Assassin's Creed was pretty damn good. We liked it. You liked it. We all liked it. Hence, the requisite sequel now available in stores. Assassin's Creed 2 features a new protagonist (Ezio Auditore di Firenze), a new setting (Italy circa 1476), and more drama than another OMGWTFBBQ episode of Gossip Girl. (In fact, the show's narrator, Kristen Bell, reprises her role as lab assistant Lucy Stillman.) But, even with all of the newness, we can't help but make the connection between Ezio and everyone's favorite movie superhero*, Batman. Is the Caped Crusader his long lost brother from another Renaissance mother? We investigate...

*Based on domestic box office sales. That counts, right?

5. Furious Fists of Fire-nze
Anyone who played the original Assassin's Creed knows that an unarmed Altair was like an old dog at the pound: fragile, defenseless, and moments away from a cruel and unusual death.

Thankfully, Ezio isn't as physically disabled. Utilizing an array of kicks, punches, and counters, Italy's third greatest video game hero—a certain mustachioed plumber and his brother are firmly affixed at the top—is able to easily dispatch of enemies a la The Dark Knight. Sorry, the Clint-Eastwood-with-a-sore-throat voice is sold separately.

4. Smoke Bomb Exits
Cowards may run, but use a ball of smoke and at least you're doing it with style.

Ezio and Batman both carry around pellets that, once thrown on the ground, explode into a plume of white powder, allowing for an easy escape through the enemy frontline.

It's not exactly the macho thing to do, but it's better to be a breathing hero than a dead one.

3. Don't Hate the Player...
What's the No. 1 reason to wish you were Batman? Chicks, man. Chicks! When he's not chasing The Joker, Gotham's resident playboy is chasing tail, and with all the money in the world, it's hard not to want a piece of Bruce Wayne.

While not as opulent as his modern day counterpart, Ezio is just as libidinous. Before he turns into the game's cloaked protagonist, you can find him making the ladies swoon at the local watering hole. Upon donning his garb, he is able to whistle over gaggles of females and use them to create diversions in order to traverse the land. Not as awesome as macking it to Russian ballerinas on a yacht, but serviceably cool.

2. Gliding Is for Closers
Anyone can just hop on a plane and get to where they need to go, but real men—call them Renaissance men—take a more novel approach to raining down hell from above. Batman, of course, uses his massive cape to soar through the sky and land on unsuspecting foes. (It's also great for barhopping.)

Likewise, local inventor and sympathizer Leonardo da Vinci whips up a flying device for Ezio allowing him to glide around the Venetian canals. It's a bit unwieldy and looks like it weighs a ton, but having the locals think you're a flying demon gives you a bit of street cred, we guess.  Want your mind blown even more? When seeking out inspiration for Batman's look, original Bat artist Bill Finger turned to the sketches of....Leonard da Vinci. COINCIDENCE?

1. The Art of Sneak
Even with an arsenal of gadgets, gizmos, and doohickeys, nothing can compare with quietly approaching a baddie from behind and taking them out without tipping off others.

The Dark Knight uses the cover of night and shadows to easily maneuver himself in position, while Ezio uses wagons full of haystacks and his incredible climbing ability.

Oh, did we mention he also has a few tricks up his sleeve in the form of retractable blades? Not exactly Wolverine, but still pretty badass, bub.

Need more Jess? Check out her IGN Blog for updates on her daily doings. Also, follow her Facebook page and, remember, keep sending in your questions to maximaskjessica@gmail.com!

I'm 31 and have been divorced for about four-and-a-half years, during which time I've relocated a couple of times for family and work reasons. I've also been having trouble meeting single women with common interests—I'm fairly active with libertarian politics. I don't want to settle, but would like to find a steady girlfriend. Any suggestions? —
Frustrated and alone

JESS: Dear Frustrated,
Don't fret—I am in the exact same boat as you.

Speaking from experience, you are at an awkward stage in the dating pool. Most women you meet are going to either have had a past and therefore don't want to get involved right away or, if they are single, might be screwed up. If they've made it to age 31 without any relationship baggage, it makes you wonder what's wrong with them.

The best bet for you right now is to stop looking so hard for that special one. I'm not saying you should give up hope; just don't focus too much on it. The minute you stop paying attention, the faster it falls right in your lap.

---

When you're at full attention in a game and your girl gives you the "Let's go" signal, what do you do: Drop the controller immediately or attempt to save the game first? —Anonymous

P.S. We all know size matters, but does one's gamer score?

JESS: These are some pretty solid questions!

I'll have to run with option two as the proper choice. Sex with your girl lasts a few minutes, maybe an hour. Losing your game in a rush to get off? You just potentially destroyed 10-plus hours of intense gameage. You do not want to risk that! And auto-save is no excuse!

As for your second question: If you're both naked and about to ride the baloney pony, neither of you are going to be thinking clearly enough to start comparing trophies or running numbers.

---

I have no problem talking to girls, but it's hard to start a conversation without a good approach topic. What do I talk about with a girl at a bar?

JESS: It's as simple as sticking with what you know. If the girl you're talking to seems uninterested, then you should walk away. If she's not digging what you're laying down, what could you possibly have in common?

If you're attempting to hit up random topics which you don't really have knowledge of or don't care about, it's going to become very obvious, very quickly, that you have no clue. You open yourself up to potential disaster; especially if she knows about the topic at hand. Save yourself the risk of looking like a fool and stay true to yourself and your interests.

---

I'm an attractive African American male who has found a new attraction to Caucasian women. How do I cross the cultural and racial barriers? —Anonymous

JESS: The same way you would approach an African American woman: Be your handsome, charming self. Ladies are still ladies no matter what their color.

With that said, be prepared for some Caucasian women to pass on your offer. Even in modern times, it's tough for people to break the boundaries they were brought up with. Take any rejections you get with a grain of salt and keep pursuing what you find attractive and what makes you happy.

---

I've been dating this girl for more than a year and, while everything is mostly great, she still sometimes plays hard to get. She'll talk dirty and make it seem like she's horny, but I still end up working to get some lovin'. Sometimes she won't even put out. What do I do? —Anonymous

JESS: Sometimes the horny urge strikes unexpectedly for girls. If that fire isn't stoked, it can just as quickly die out. Next time your girl starts whispering nasty things in your ear, make sure to act on them pronto. Do not wait till the evening when she's exhausted from a tough day of whatever she does.

If it's during the daylight hours and you take her up on her offer for a mid-day booty call, just make sure you don't mess up her hair or makeup too bad. The added tension of having to remain presentable will up the ante on that afternoon delight! Her ability to slip back into her daily routine as if nothing had happened might help to convince her that mid-day snacks are the way to go!

If your girlfriend doesn't care and wants you to ravage her, then please, by all means, do so! Smear that lipstick as if she were the Joker!

 

---

Jessica Chobot is a lifetime gamer and zombie slaughterer. When she's not lovingly staring at her limited-edition, Japanese import Hello Kitty Dreamcast, she is a video host and writer for IGN.com and GreenPixels.com. Check out IGN Strategize, Jessica's weekly video with tips and tricks to kick ass on your favorite games.

The loud, annoying cacophonic shriek you heard Tuesday morning was the sound of millions of 12-year-olds finally getting their hands on Modern Warfare 2. But the highly anticipated sequel has company on store shelves, joined by Nintendo's 39873495783rd Mario game and BioWare's game o' sexy babes.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
Price: $49.99–$149.99
Why You Need It: If you happen to be the only person in the world not to have a copy yet, you're missing out, friend-o. Read our review to find out why.
Why You Don't: The thought of having to endure the verbal cesspool that is online gaming gives you pause. The single-player campaign (about five hours long) may not be long enough to hold your attention.


New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)
Price: $49.99
Why You Need It: The newfangled 3D Mario games may have put off some old school gamers just looking to sit on the couch without having to worry about obnoxious button combinations. Enter Mario's latest incarnation. Up to four players can play co-operatively (or compete for high score) in this Super Mario Bros. remake.
Why You Don't: We already got burned with Wii Fit, so at this point, we're convinced this is just another ploy from Nintendo to make us lose weight.


Dragon Age: Origins (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
Price: $49.99–$149.99
Why You Need It: When you're not slaying dragons and attempting to making whoopie with the female mages, DA:O does a good job of creating a gripping environment of deceit and violence. Your first run-through isn't going to cut it either: There are multiple start points and endings that depend on the decisions you make during the game, so multiple plays are required for 100 percent enjoyment.
Why You Don't: Trying to get your girl in on the action might be a tall task, unless you can effectively explain, for example, why a rogue's cunning skill is more important than his dexterity.

OUT NEXT WEEK
Tony Hawk Ride (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii), Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360), NCAA Basketball 10 (PS3, Xbox 360), Assassin's Creed II (PS3, Xbox 360), God of War Collection (PS3), Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (Wii)

If you have yet to report for duty in Modern Warfare 2, it must be awfully lonely under the rock you're living. A few weeks back, Infinity Ward Creative Strategist Robert Bowling (a.k.a. fourzerotwo in the Call of Duty community) invited us into their development studio to talk shop (and play some of the game, of course). Below, he gives you the lowdown on some of characters in the game including the new face of evil, Russian Vladimir Makarov, who, funny enough, was also a Soviet soccer player in the '70s. (Modern Warfare 3's final boss: David Beckham.)

Think you're the No. 1 Modern Warfare 2 fan? Do you have the limited edition throat communicator? Thought not.

With the next iteration of the Call of Duty series ready to make millions of gamers move into their Barcalounger on Nov. 10, the marketing machine is in full bloom. Promotional swag is being manufactured, game-related products are being given away, and magazines/websites are being skinned. (Hey, look above.)

So, what would it take for the No. 1 Call of Duty fan to gather up all of this cool stuff? We investigate...

Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller, $49.99

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition, $149.99

Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Console, $399.99

Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Throat Communicator, $29.99

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Veteran ARTFX Statue, $79.99

PS3 Modern Warfare 2 Wireless Headset, $39.99

Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Controller Faceplate, $14.99

And, everything from the Gamestop Surprize Attack Contest, including...
A briefcase containing 100,000 Russian Rubles, $3,120
Branded Ducati Motorcycle (Hypermotard 1100), $11,500
Branded Polaris Snowmobile (550 IQ Shift), $6,000
Branded Camping Tent, $60
Branded Skullcap, $9
Branded Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt, $21
Branded Hummer H2, $63,000
Branded Sticker, $1.20
Branded Gaming Chair, $90
Branded Hooded Sweatshirt, $25
Branded Sticker, $1.43
Branded Riot Shield, $85
Branded Duffle Bag, $200
A COD: MW2 Themed Game Controller, $50
Captain Soap MacTavish 12" Statuette, $80
Branded Flag, $18
Branded Dog Tag, $2.50
Branded Zodiac Boat, $2,000
An Infinity Ward Branded Teddy Bear, $11
Branded Canteen, $20
Branded Sunglasses, $120
Branded Scuba Gear Package, $500
A bar of Captain "Soap" MacTavish Branded Bar Soap, $3.50
A COD: MW2 Ghost Comic Book, $15
Branded Laser Range Finder, $200
Branded Wristband, $0.50
Branded Carabineer, $1.00
Branded Military Backpack, $150
Branded Parka, $80 each
Branded Phone, $250
A COD: MW2 Phone Case, $5 
Branded Watch, $140
Branded T-Shirt, $10
A COD: MW2 Trends International Poster, $10
Branded Field Jacket, $75
An Ultranationalist Branded Cossack Hat, $100
Limited Edition Autographed Art Print, $20
Branded Patch, $2.50
Branded Hat, $10

Grand Total: $88751.56

The joy of saving the world and then beating your friends to a bloody e-pulp: priceless.

Find other Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 branded items? Let us know!

It's been, what, a couple of months since we last had a Hero game? That's way too much downtime, according to game developers. Thankfully, we're getting something a bit more than just a glorified (and full-priced) music rhythm game in the form of DJ Hero. Also, the Tekken series returns with more panda action, Forza revs up for another lap, Ratchet & Clank are back for more bro-bot love, and Liberty City has a new main man running the town.

We already talked a little bit about Tekken 6's new cyborg babe Alisa Bosconovitch, but there's another hot number waiting to kick your ass: Zafina.

Based on feedback from fans, game director Katsuhiro Harada and his development team made Zafina specifically to address the need for a smooth-hitting, prey-stalking female in the series. Hailing from India, Zafina is skilled in the fighting styles of Kalarippayattu (a specific subset of Indian martial arts) and Ancient Assassination, incorporating stances imitating a tarantula, scarecrow, and praying mantis. Also, her outfit can be customized to make her resemble Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. We're sure that if Gandhi were alive, he'd give her a thumbs up too.

We're happy simply staring at her doing the splits, like in the picture above. She can break our combo any time she wants, if you know what we mean. We really hope you do.




Check out some other of our favorite sexy assassins.