GameX 2009: Consumer Show Wrap Up

The GameX Video Game Expo and Media Convention had quite a bit to offer those who made it out to the show. From Jedi training and video game previews, to retro gaming and even some creative cosplay, there was something for game fans of all ages. What an event for the East Coast!

East Coast unites! Although the stage was set here on the eastern seaboard, people of all ages travelled from all over the country to GameX . We spoke with people from Philly, NYC, Boston, Maryland and even California. The turnout was simply amazing and the enthusiasm was energizing.

As soon as you entered the doors of the show floor, you were witness to EA and their amazing booth showing off Dante’s Inferno.  The setup offered plenty of space for fans to try out the game first-hand. Giant scythe wielding dudes and amazing construction made this booth very impressive.

With stunning graphics and unparalleled action - EA is breaking barriers with Dante’s Inferno. The company is pushing the envelope of traditional action game art, design, and mature themes. Dante's Inferno will be available in 2010 on the PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and PlayStation Portable.

But that's only the beginning... let’s not stop there!

There were so many things to see that it was almost daunting. Around every corner there was something cool to look at or engage with. For example, once you made a left past EA’s booth for Dante’s Inferno, you ran straight into a giant RC racing track. The setup was pretty cool and it featured four stations in where players could take control and race against one another.

Right in front of the RC Racing track was the Rockband (and real band) stage.  This is where it all went down. Live bands jamming to the tune of your favorite video game theme songs - honestly what more could you ask for? The Rockband competitions were also loud and fierce with some great competitive action on display.

One of the most nostalgic aspects of the consumer show was the inclusion of retro console areas strewn throughout the event.  There were multiple vendors present where you could purchase old consoles such as the regular Nintendo (NES), Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64 (N64) and even the original Atari. These shops also featured rare and classic games for each of the above consoles as well as peripherals that I personally haven't seen in ages.

Original Duck Hunt NES Gun controller? Check! NES Powerglove? Check! 

It was a flash back to my childhood and I didn't want to leave. Seriously, who would?

Even better, there was a separate area that had an assortment of retro consoles hooked up that you could actually sit down and play. Everything from the Famicom, Sega Dreamcast, NES and Atari were present and that's just to name a few. This is where I spent a lot of my time. Most of the passersby were in awe of the old consoles and it brought a tear to many of thier eyes, including my own (it was just that beautiful - "sniff").

Another fun aspect of the consumer show was that GameX had an area setup specifically for LAN play. Sponsored by Alienware, the spread looked like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie. They were running ‘The Gauntlet’, which allowed participants to put their gaming skills to the test on leading titles such as: Counter-Strike: Source, Team Fortress 2, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Unreal Tournament 3, and the newly released tactical shooter Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising published by Codemasters.

To wrap it up, the event was a real blast and jam-packed with fun and entertaining things to see and do. From checking out the newest games, to taking a trip back in time by schooling some of the crew on Goldeneye 64, there was more than enough game culture on hand to fill up a weekend... or two. You can be sure that I'll be at the next GameX event. Hope to see you there next year!