Known for his pointed, over-the-top reviews, Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw recently entered the entrepreneurial business and -- with the help of three close friends -- hopes to create the coolest drinking venue in Australia.

With a "release date" of February 2010, the Mana Bar is set to become Australia's first gaming bar and promises custom cocktails, a funky atmosphere, and the opportunity to play games before they're officially released. In a statement released by the owners, the bar will target the large, casual gaming market while simultaneously indulging the hardcore crowd.

Considering the tired, stagnant circumstance of bar scenes in most large cities, it's refreshing to hear about a watering hole which has a game of Halo 3 on the plasma instead of a game of football. If you live in the Brisbane suburb of Fortitude Valley, consider giving the bar a visit [via Joystiq].