As the month of April comes closer to its close, Empire Arcadia hosts one more tournament in Neutral Ground. Attendance was far better than before however a couple of games had to be cancelled due to the lack of players that did not show up for those games that were set to be played. Halo and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 were the two games that were cancelled during the April 18th 2004 Gaming Nam tournament. The tournament started as everyone signed up for the games that were being played. Games such as Super Smash Brothers Melee, Dead or Alive 3, Soul Calibur 2, and the " Academy of Interactive Arts and Science " fighting game of the year, Virtura Fighter 4.

Contestants played ferociously as the players from the original tournament returned to defend their positions in Super Smash Brothers. As Super Smash Brothers was the first game to come to a close, repeaters defended their position, from 3rd place Rafa, to 2nd place Wess, and finally to 1st place Mike G. Notables for 4th place was Kreymore of Empire Arcadia and 5th place to Phoenix.

Dead or Alive 3 was the next game up for show, as Infinite of the $yndicate showed up to represent Empire Arcadia, and his division, the $yndicate. Playing a match of round robin, Infinite posted a score of 4-1 verses Smithy 5-0. Unfortunately Smithy's perfect was just too much for Infinite as Agent smith took 1st for Dead or Alive 3. Infinite placed 2nd and Robert placed 3rd . Closing out the first Dead or Alive 3 tournament hosted by Empire Arcadia. A notable was Rondey (Konjou) who placed 4th and also just started to play the game.

Soul Calibur 2 featured a late arrival that joined the tournament as a surprise visit. Empire Arcadia's Santhrax showed up to participate in the tournament. However New Jersey's Steve H. was a bit too much for even Empire veteran Santhrax to handle in this game. Steve flawlessly scrapped all competitors and was a bit disappointed in the outcome and also the competition level of the game. In the end Steve H. came out on top with 1st place, 2nd was Erik X, and 3rd position was Dyse who is a returning competitor. Notable 4th was Jaxel. (Unfortunately, pictures of Soul Calibur 2 winners were not taken)

Virtura Fighter 4 was the game of the day, as it held the most competitors and had the best matches that had everyone glued to the screen. Players displayed their skills on a formidable level as players arrived with their own sticks and in numbers to compete. Nebraska legend Rodney "Konjou Akria" arrives at the tournament to meet his friends and compete in Virtura Fighter 4 after laying off of the game for many months. He is a personal friend of Harlem's hero who is a part of team Harlem of Empire Arcadia Inc. Norman boasted to many that there is a secret weapon that the empire had and he was not kidding.

As the tournament progressed, Shen Yin of Empire Arcadia Inc. gave a great showing for the Empire after surfacing from the grave since last years East Coast Championship 8. He was put in the losers bracket until he knew he had to get serious and came out winning his final game with a perfect; Using Fei lei. In the finals it came down to Empire vs. Empire to see who would be the finest Virtura fighter. In the beginning, Rodney Dominated with Akria countering and bashing Fei Lei around like a rag doll that put Rodney up 3 games to 0. On the bring of a sweep Shen Yin fortified fighting style and decided that he had to be more patient and leave space for him self to work. Winning two games and staving himself from elimination Shen Yin brought the score to 2 - 4. However it appeared that Rodney needed to show that his introduction to the empire needed to be known with an exclamation point, Rodney closed out the last match with two perfects to seal the victory. Akria dominates! 1st place Rodney, (Empire) 2nd place Shen Yin (Empire), and 3rd place Razel. Notable for 4th was San ken (Empire).

The tournament came to a close as gamers gathered around to play a couple of hours of free play. T.F.G.M. was caught playing Viewtiful Joe again, as Santhrax and Jeron caught up on old times. Harlem's Hero shows off Killer Instinct to his friends. Rodney joins Empire Arcadia; Rodney takes a picture with T.F.G.M. and with his old friends, making Team Harlem of Empire Arcadia complete. This small battle is just the beginning for what lies in store for Empire Arcadia Inc. As their biggest challenge of the year yet awaits them only one month away. Next Stop: EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIP 9!

GamingKnight .
Knights of Empire Arcadia Unit Leader / Webmaster.