Gaming Forums => General Gaming => Topic started by: Svevan on February 14, 2008, 12:49:35 PM
Title: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Svevan on February 14, 2008, 12:49:35 PM
This is the thread for us at NWR to use, from now until August (yeah I know it's early) to plan the greatest NWR meetup in the history of mankind.
Please do not clutter this thread with "I'm not going to PAX" posts. Only post and contribute if you plan to attend and have something useful to say.
In this thread you can discuss: carpooling from your exotic home to rainy Seattle, hotel plans, length of stay in Seattle, etc.
AS A FIRST DISCUSSION TOPIC I propose all NWR-ers who are going to PAX should pick the same hotel so we can party like we're in room 1999. We can also move as a group as much (or as little) as we like, which means INSTANT friends at the show. Thoughts on this plan or suggestions for hotel (there are three with PAX rates listed on the PAX website)?
On a second topic, I am planning to drive from Medford, Oregon, to Seattle. It's about 7 hours (that's over the speed limit, buckle up). Plans may change all things considered.
So! Who's going?
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: ShyGuy on February 14, 2008, 07:55:52 PM
I will attend this Penny Arcade Expo with extreme justice.
http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/registration.php (http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/registration.php) Sign up before March 31st for only $40!
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: NWR_Karl on February 14, 2008, 08:49:13 PM
Mike and I are flying out to Seattle as well. Hope to see you dudes there!
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on February 15, 2008, 12:19:09 AM
I'm planning on attending PAX, my fourth in a row after missing the first one. Better yet, I'm going to be a contender in the Omegathon. I, under the name MNC Dover, came in 2nd place last year having lost in the final round of Halo 3 to Accalon. Stupid Halo 3. For 2nd place, I automatically got entered into next years tournament for another chance at eternal glory. I hope my NWR brothers will be there to cheer me on. I'll be looking out for everyone.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Svevan on February 15, 2008, 03:47:46 AM
I will attend the Omegathon just to cheer you on. You better give us a shout out.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on February 16, 2008, 05:57:31 AM
Of course I'll give the NWR a shout out, Brotha man. I might be asking for some help with training for the games once they announce the list, which happens about 6 weeks or so before the event. Last year I barely squeaked by in the Calling All Cars and Quake 3 rounds, so I'll definitely need to get more practice in for this year.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Dasmos on February 21, 2008, 04:02:52 PM
I'm not going to PAX.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: RABicle on March 16, 2008, 09:18:37 PM
Neither
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: animecyberrat on March 21, 2008, 02:38:49 AM
what is this PAX you speak of? Honestly I never heard of it.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on March 21, 2008, 09:29:21 AM
http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/
The long and short of it is this: Gabe and Tycho run the web comic site called Penny-Arcade, found here at http://www.penny-arcade.com/ (http://www.penny-arcade.com/). A few years back, they decided to hold a local convention for fans of the website to gather together and play games over a weekend. The attendance was over 3,000 people, far more than they expected. The expo has doubled it's turn out every year since, with last year showing an amazing 37,000 people attending. It's becoming a gamers paradise and shows no signs of slowing down.
There are concerts, free play console rooms, a massive PC lan room, key note speakers, vendor booths, movies, and the Omegathon. The Omegathon is a tournament that consists of 6 rounds of games which vary each round. 20 people are chosen at random from the people that pre-register. Each round 4 people are eliminated until the 5th round in which 2 people are eliminated. The final round is the last event of PAX and is played on a stage in front of thousands of people. The game is never revealed until the contestants are on stage.
The games that have been in the finals in the past include:
04 - Pong (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve3h6vsj9XI) 05 - Combat 06 - Tetris (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DovY7YBcrGQ) 07 - Halo 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysxzStAxGpo) BTW, that's me playing, and losing, in the final round.
The winner gets a huge prize:
04 - a $25,000 bundle of mixed games 05 - a package containing a NES system, every single NES game and accessory ever made, and an Alienware PC 06 - a brand new Scion car fully loaded with custom wheels, custom sound, LCD tv, Xbox 360 Premium, wireless controllers, and more 07 - a fully funded trip to Japan, all hotels and meals paid for, 2 tickets to the Tokyo Game show, and $5,000 spending money (I got a $250 gift certificate and am reentered into next year tournament)
I highly encourage everyone who likes games to attend. It's table top, PC, consoles, and portables. Google search videos and images to see thousands of like minded people playing games all weekend long. It also has a cult following of events that happen during the week before PAX even starts. Hit their forum to see the insanity. (http://forums.penny-arcade.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26).
I will be bringing around 5-8 of my friends with me. I'd love to meet some fellow NWR peeps. I got to meet Shyguy last year, who is quite contrarily, not shy. Hmmm... Anyways, show your gaming love and at the very least cheer me on as I try and win it all this year! ;D
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: animecyberrat on March 21, 2008, 01:23:25 PM
I wanna go, when is it?
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on March 21, 2008, 02:11:32 PM
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: animecyberrat on March 24, 2008, 11:22:11 PM
So it's only $50 at the door, I am sure I can manage that plus travel expenses. I am going to see if I can bring my brother-in-law who is a HUGE gamer also. He isn't into Console games thought, mostly WoW, Counterstrike, Star Craft, and similar type games. I have a few other gaming friends I might try and tag along. This $^#& looks like it could be fun.
Yeah sorry, I was doing some other stuff on my PC when I read that first post and didn't actually goto the website.
No problem. Does your brother in law still play Starcraft? I'm looking to get some people to play with me in a casual environment. Maybe get some of the NWR regulars to play.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: NWR_Neal on March 29, 2008, 03:01:15 AM
As of a half hour ago, I ordered my ticket which means I am now in 'saving money to buy airfare' mode. Hope to see people at the actual show as I will probably be crashing at my sister's since I haven't seen her in (by that time) close to a year and she lives about 20 minutes away.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: animecyberrat on March 29, 2008, 11:56:45 PM
Well my brother in law said he will ride up with me to the expo but he is going to something different but close by that is also gaming related, but I forgot what he called it.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: ShyGuy on March 31, 2008, 10:16:23 PM
I bought my tickets for $40 today, suckas! If you don't get them now, you will pay $45-$50 for a three day pass.
I haven't booked a hotel yet, but I saw one hotel had a double available for same price as a single. I may possibly be interested in room sharing, please apply for the preliminary screening process.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: animecyberrat on March 31, 2008, 10:30:57 PM
Well I found at least one more friend who will come along with me so I am now up to three. I have two more people to invite so if they all say yes then Imma bring half my squad. Ok maybe less than half but still.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: animecyberrat on April 08, 2008, 05:27:44 PM
So turns out I might not get to go after all. We might be moving to Nebraska at that time.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on April 20, 2008, 10:56:28 AM
Update! It looks like my final friend count will be 11 people attending. 9 are from Georgia, 1 driving from California, and 1 from Seattle. The entire MNC (Monday Night Crew) will be staying at the Sheraton hotel located 1 block away from the convention center. As we draw nearer to the event, I'd like to get a final 'head count' so to speak of who's going to be attending. We can then set up chances to meet each other and such.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: animecyberrat on June 01, 2008, 02:11:06 AM
Well unless a miracle happens, I sadly won't be attending.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Halbred on June 11, 2008, 03:14:10 PM
I'm going, but I haven't booked a hotel yet. I'll probably just stay in the one they recommended. I was just in Seattle last month, looking for hotels while my wife attended an English conference. They're all expensive downtown, it's just a matter of figuring out which one is the LEAST expensive.
I will be wearing gaming shirts every day. And sweats. I hate jeans. And I'll probably have a drawing pad.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Svevan on June 11, 2008, 09:01:35 PM
People who wear sweats in public...well, I have no comment.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Halbred on June 13, 2008, 06:53:17 PM
Hey now, sweats are awesome. Comfy, lightweight, and you can reach into the pockets when you're sitting down.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: NWR_Karl on June 21, 2008, 06:54:45 AM
Zach, if you wear sweats in my presence, I will laugh at you.
More than once.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: ShyGuy on June 21, 2008, 07:55:41 AM
I need to reserve my hotel room soon. I'm thinking of taking a train to Seattle because of the increasing flight costs.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Halbred on July 09, 2008, 04:21:46 PM
Karl, I look forward to seeing you there. Hopefully, amid the massive crowd. We need to set up a meeting place and time. Also, you will get plenty of laughs out of me. I've already got my PAX outfits planned. For each day.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: DAaaMan64 on July 09, 2008, 06:29:19 PM
I might be able to go to this. I'll have an apartment down there by then.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on July 14, 2008, 05:55:29 PM
They began to announce the competition for the Omegathon this year. Hopefully, they'll release the game list soon. I got to get going on my training.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: ShyGuy on July 15, 2008, 03:00:13 AM
I got my Hotel Room today, staying at the Hilton. Hotel taxes suck.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on July 16, 2008, 08:28:10 AM
I got my Hotel Room today, staying at the Hilton. Hotel taxes suck.
Tell me about it. My room tax is 15.6%! Explain to me how that is legal.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Smakian on July 28, 2008, 11:56:47 PM
Half an hour away, so I go every year. Haven't decided yet if I'm going to call in sick to work to make the first day, though.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on July 30, 2008, 10:19:52 AM
Ok guys, we are 30 days away now. I'd like to get everyone that's attending to meet up at least once to say hi before disbanding into nothingness. To make this possible, could each of you PM me the following information:
-Which days you plan on attending -What hotel your staying at -Your forum name and real name -A brief description of what you look like (maybe attire as well) -Cell phone number (if you want) -Where you'd prefer to meet at PAX -Your email address -Any events or parties you plan on attending that others might find interesting -DS/PSP games being brought for multiplayer -Any open invites or challenges to gaming in the freeplay areas (not console specific)
I'll compile all of this data into an email and send it out to everyone. This way we can keep personal information, er...personal, and keep the forum clear of our PAX clutter. How about we say that I'll send out this email about two weeks before PAX, which should give everyone here about two weeks to send me the info.
Or am I just being too controlling again? :D
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: ShyGuy on July 30, 2008, 10:53:18 PM
You're not the boss of me now! PM Sent.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on August 05, 2008, 09:22:58 AM
Only 2 people responding thus far? Surely more there are more NWRers that want to meet each other. As a clarification, in my earlier post when I asked for:
-Any open invites or challenges to gaming in the freeplay areas (not console specific)
I should have said this instead:
-Does anyone want to play any specific games in the free-play areas of the convention. For example:
"I'm bringing F-Zero X for the GC and want to see if anyone wants to step up to the challenge!" or "I want to play Co-op Ikaruga with someone, can someone bring a copy?".
This isn't limited to consoles either, portables make up a HUGE portion of PAX. Personally, I'm looking for someone to play some Contra 4 with. My only request is to that you try real hard not to take all my extra lives only to die 3 seconds later.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Svevan on August 05, 2008, 10:19:43 PM
I thought I was going, but I probably won't be able to. We'll see.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Halbred on August 06, 2008, 04:37:50 PM
I'll also bring Space Invaders Extreme, duh!
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: ShyGuy on August 06, 2008, 07:19:58 PM
Hey Halbred, are you going to be doing official NWR coverage of the event?
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Halbred on August 06, 2008, 07:31:46 PM
As far as I know, yes. I'm gonna try and fanagle a laptop off my brother for the event, so I can blog about it nightly.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on August 06, 2008, 09:11:33 PM
Shoot me a PM with your info Halbred if you want to meet up with anyone.
Oh yeah, they announced my games:
Round 1: Peggle (WTF?) Round 2: Boom Blox Round 3: Pictionary (WTF?!) Round 4: Rock Band Round 5: Jenga (Dear God, not again...) Round 6: Mystery game
This is the most casual, blue ocean Omegathon I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: ShyGuy on August 07, 2008, 12:34:13 AM
Remember the secret to Pictionary is communication, not artistic skill. It's easier to draw a cartoon crown than Louis XIV when the word is "king"
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Halbred on August 07, 2008, 02:17:03 PM
I PM'd you awhile back, boss, when you initially asked for PM's.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on August 07, 2008, 05:36:20 PM
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on August 21, 2008, 10:58:51 AM
They changed round three from Pictionary to the competitive king in Geometry Wars 2. I'm happy that I don't have to play Pictionary anymore, but sad that I've got little time left to learn this game. Oh well, them's the brakes.
As far as meeting up at PAX, since only two of you responded, we may as well just make the meeting place the first round of the Omegathon. That round will be held in the PC Freeplay area at 3:30. I'll be the one shooting Peggle balls and hoping for a lucky bounce. You can call me Ben instead of bosshogx if you like. See you guys next week.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Smakian on August 21, 2008, 09:34:13 PM
I'm not adverse to meeting up with some NWR people, but I can't imagine I'll be hanging out and playing games in the freeplay areas much. From the looks of things I'll be spending almost all of my time there either attending panels or in line for things at the exhibition hall. I just went through and made a list of the games I want to check out there, and it's lengthy. I'll keep an eye on this thread though.
Halbred, that's hardly laugh-worthy. I chose which shirts I'd be wearing to each day of PAX weeks ago. Friday, All Hail Ball. Saturday, my cool abstract Serenity shirt. Sunday, my cool abstract Portal shirt.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Halbred on August 22, 2008, 05:10:53 PM
Me? It's all about the gaming. One day I'll probably go with just a T-shirt. The other two days will be my Wii pullover and my old NES controller zip-up. Yeah. YEAH. And of course, there will be a different T-shirt for each day. Assassin's Creed, Guitar Hero 3, Super Mario Bros. 3, MGS4...the possibilities are limitless!
But probably the same pair of sweat pants all three days.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on August 22, 2008, 05:28:44 PM
Pull a "Nintendojo" and wear the same shirt all 3 days.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Svevan on August 22, 2008, 05:31:39 PM
Ugh, gamers, the only group that thinks funny/logo t-shirts are the epitome of high fashion.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Smakian on August 23, 2008, 01:01:51 AM
I will be there Saturday until the evening. Where do we find you?
I'm only going up Saturday. What time you gonna be there? I'm bringing my roommates.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: ShyGuy on August 28, 2008, 07:43:07 PM
I will be attending between 10 and 5 most likely. Mostly on the show floor with an occasional conference.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: DAaaMan64 on August 29, 2008, 02:16:32 AM
Alright cool. Umm I'll PM you.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: DAaaMan64 on August 29, 2008, 04:46:27 PM
ShyGuy, where can I find The Conduit? I'm pretty much paying 30 bucks to go try that out ;)
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Smakian on August 29, 2008, 05:38:35 PM
I'm there now, have a running twitter feed up at twitter.com/smakian
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Halbred on August 29, 2008, 10:46:46 PM
Jeezus, it's crowded in there. I just came back to my hotel room (it's almost 8) and I'm freaking SPENT. I saw the Q&A, even asked a question (about Gabe's art) and gave him a present.
If any of you guys want to meet me (I'd sure like to meet you), I'll be attempting to play Castlevania and/or The Conduit tomorrow around noon, maybe a little earlier. Sweatpants, friends, and a green messanger bag. And glasses. And short black hair.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: ShyGuy on August 29, 2008, 11:10:23 PM
Greetings from PAX! I tried to watch bosshogx in the first round of Omegathon, but an Enforcer kept me out. :(
I didn't see Castlevania, but I guess let's try to meet around Conduit around noon on Saturday. I'm the half bald guy in the short sleeve dark green shirt, and I will more than likely have a mean look on my face.
Here's how to find Conduit: After ascending the waterfall of escalators, make your way to the Glass bridge. Enter into Exhibition hall and take a left. Keep going left until you hit the Energy drink from the movie Idiocracy. Turn right there and Nintendo is a block away. The Conduit Kiosk is on the top side next to Tales of Symphonia 2. Conduit is great by the way, I'll talk about it more in the Conduit thread.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: DAaaMan64 on August 31, 2008, 12:26:19 AM
Okay, I spent the day there. It was really great! Prince of Persia looked pretty good and FarCry's Level editor was crazy amazing!
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Smakian on August 31, 2008, 03:17:45 AM
Was it? Crap. I left the panel halfway through the Far Cry bit.
Tomorrow, I'm rushing straight to Fallout 3 at 10:00 when the doors open. The presentation today was awesome, and I need to get my hands on that. Depending on how long that takes, I may try to squeeze in Starcraft II, which I also need to play. At 11:30, I'm off to get in line for the Penny Arcade panel, which is always entertaining. Then straight out of that to the line for the Spore demo, most likely. After that, I'm spending the rest of the day in the expo room...Starcraft II if I didn't make it before, then some other games as time permits. Spore, Sonic Chronicles, Mirror's Edge, Valkyria Chronicles...does THQ have Deadly Creatures? I don't have that information. I believe Hothead is showcasing Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2, need to check that out. Finally, if there's time I'd really like to have another go at Left 4 Dead. That is hands down my favorite game of the show.
Yeah, I know, I should see more panels. But there are only a few that really interest me, and I can't look up hands on experience with a game later on YouTube.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: DAaaMan64 on August 31, 2008, 03:36:26 AM
Dude you have no idea. That was the most amazing level editor in any game ever, and I never even use level editors.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Nephilim on August 31, 2008, 06:17:22 AM
Am i the only one dissapointed that PAX was hyped as the new E3, yet barely any news has come from it? other then a few interviews and new vids
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Smakian on August 31, 2008, 10:59:37 AM
We're still in transition. It might be a year or two before the publishers really start to treat PAX as a media event instead of a fan one. They seem to want to move into doing their own events separately, but that's asinine and hopefully won't last.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: ShyGuy on August 31, 2008, 11:16:58 AM
Interestingly enough there was some periphary stuff going on outside PAX. I stayed at the Hilton and they had a conference room marked NCSoft on Friday. There was also an Ultima Online sign up in front of a conference room Friday and Saturday. NEW UO CONFIRMED??
All in all the show felt much more crowded this year and trying demos almost always meant a twenty minute wait commitment.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on September 02, 2008, 12:50:19 AM
Hey all, sorry I missed everyone. The Enforcers were instructed to keep everyone out of the PC area so that no one could cheat during the Peggle round. Sucks to be sure. I'm totally worn out from all the flying, but I'll get back to this thread tomorrow.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: bosshogx on September 07, 2008, 11:10:55 AM
The PAX experience was awesome. It keeps getting better every year. The highlights included being in the Omegathon, catching the Wil Wheaten panel, and having a conversation with Felicia Day (yes, I have footage of that so it did happen). The only thing that sucked was missing my fellow NWR members and being eliminated in Rock Band.
I've spent the better part of this weekend converting and uploading video of the Omegathon rounds to youtube. If you want to see what you missed, check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/MNCDover
The Jenga and final rounds should hopefully be up by the end of the evening.
Title: Re: Official NWR PAX 2008 Thread
Post by: Pale on September 26, 2008, 05:33:34 PM
