PAX Prime 2010 will be the fourth gaming convention I’ve been to. PAX Prime 2009 took my convention virginity, and after that I went crazy with PAX East in March and then E3 in June. I’d *like* to think I have a general idea about how these things called “gaming conventions” work, so I can confidentially say I’m looking forward to the following.
The Atmosphere: Rarely are you able to walk into a room, let alone a ginormous convention center, and be surrounded by people that share the same passion as you. I mean, hello, this is an entire CONVENTION about videogames and all things related. For the most part attendees and developers alike are extremely friendly and are always willing to talk shop. How can one not look forward to that type of atmosphere?
The People: Going solo to these kinds of events can be fun, but I personally find it much more enjoyable when you go with a group of friends. You may not stick together the entire time, but regrouping later to discuss what everyone has been playing is something I always look forward to. It’s also a blast running into people from social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, or any other online community you may be a part of. One of the definite highlights from PAX is meeting people, period.
The Games and Tech: This is totally vague, I know, and an obvious one, but I mean this is PAX. Gaming is a part of it…right? In all seriousness, being able to go hands on and experience hardware and software that not too many people have…it’s a prideful feeling. For example, let me revert to my time at E3 when I dinked around with Move, Kinect, 3DS, Skyward Sword, Fable 3, the new Twisted Metal…okay, I’m going to shut up before I start sounding like a bragging b-word.
The Zaxy Party: Major Nelson! Ken Jennings! Alcohol! Trivia! Alcohol!
I’m extremely pumped for the Zaxy party this Friday. We have some fun things lined up, and I really want to meet you guys! To be completely honest, I don’t really know what to expect (besides the awesome events we have lined up) as this is the first event I’ve been to where I might have a tinge of responsibility, but that makes it all the more exciting. We will also have a camera crew following us around to catch the shenanigans. Remember to RSVP here!
Yesterday I said a cute webcomic made my day. However, Bioware’s official reveal of Dragon Age 2 this morning has made my life.
I was a tad late to the Dragon Age: Origins party last November, but once I got started on that bad boy, there was no stopping. I quickly became addicted and obsessed with the world of Ferelden, so much so that I own three copies of the game, three different guide books, the novels (still need to pick up the comics), a huge poster and a tabletop RPG I’ll never probably play. If it has Dragon Age plastered on it, I must own it.
Before diving into Dragon Age, it had been ions since a title had turned me into the obsessed freak that I became (last to do so was Final Fantasy IX), but after breaking it down, it makes sense. Dragon Age includes all of the elements I want in an RPG: A medieval setting, romance (go ahead, call me a girl), humor, likeable characters with distinct, lively personalities, an ever-changing story, and of course a dorky redhead named Alistair.
I kid. Dorky redheads are neither a requirement nor a part of my approval rating.
Yep, so that is why my life was made this morning. Granted, we knew a sequel was in works already, but when the juicy details for any anticipated game begin trickling in, it’s squeal-worthy.
Experience the epic sequel to the 2009 Game of the Year from the critically acclaimed makers of Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect 2. You are one of the few who escaped the destruction of your home. Now, forced to fight for survival in an ever-changing world, you must gather the deadliest of allies, amass fame and fortune, and seal your place in history. This is the story of how the world changed forever. The legend of your Rise to Power begins now.
Key Features:
Embark upon an all-new adventure that takes place across an entire decade and shapes itself around every decision you make.
Determine your rise to power from a destitute refugee to the revered champion of the land.
Think like a general and fight like a Spartan with dynamic new combat mechanics that put you right in the heart of battle whether you are a mage, rogue, or warrior.
Go deeper into the world of Dragon Age with an entirely new cinematic experience that grabs hold of you from the beginning and never lets go.
Discover a whole realm rendered in stunning detail with updated graphics and a new visual style.
I was sorta kinda hoping Bioware would do what they did with Mass Effect and integrate old saves, but it sounds like a brand spankin-new story and characters are in place.
Nevertheless, it is still too early to tell and I am beyond thrilled, excited and giddy over this. As soon as the new issue of Game Informer hits my mailbox (did I mention there will be a 10 page reveal on Dragon Age 2?) I will shut myself off from society and read it like…3,659 times.
Although the news of Jill leaving is quite sad, I am extremely excited to get to announce the two new lovely ladies joining the Zaxy team.
The first girl is a friend of mine: She’s roommates with one of my friends from college, and I’ve gotten to know her a bit better over the last year or two. (Here she is as a zombie for Night Zero!)
(Apparently this is her dressed as Sporty Spice hugging a Chicken McNugget sign? I don’t ask questions.)
I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated the first time I met her. You see, Kristina is a bit of a YouTube celebrity. She’s got a huge following (40,000+ subscribers!), but she’s totally sweet, down to earth, and hilarious. You’re going to love her! She also used to write a Lost reaction blog, and I know you guys are into that.
She’s about to go on tour with her bands (I know, right!?), but will be updating us on her adventures on the road. Once she gets back, she’ll be updating us on things like books, comics, movies, and gaming!
She’s a big fan of Harry Potter, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Lost, Internet Memes, TV, Movies, and board games.
Watch for her first post following this one. And if you want to get to know her a bit better, feel free to contact her!
Our next Zaxy girl is fresh from E3. Once she gets acquainted to the real world again, she’ll write up a great E3 recap post, and I’ll formally introduce her!
Be on the lookout for a new Zaxy website, some great “About us” pages, and new Zaxy pics in the next couple months!
Nintendo has announced that Retro Studios will be re-doing Donkey Kong Country… for the Wii. This was one of my fave games back in the day, and I cannot wait to try it on the Wii.
But playing with the Wiimote? How do you think they’ll integrate that into the game?
Browncoats, get ready: On May 25th you’ll be spending your day reading.
There’s a Firefly book coming. But not just any book. Sure, it has production stills, behind the scene photos, memories from the cast and crew, and a tribute to its fans. But it also has something we’ve all been waiting for: New stories from the writers. It’s like fan fic… but written by people who know how.
I’m particularly excited for “Fun With Dick and Jayne”, written by Bed Edlund.
Robot Unicorn Attack, a free online game on AdultSwim.com, is by far one of the most stressful games I’ve ever played at work. Holy CRAP! I don’t think I’ve blinked in the last 20 minutes.
In the game, you play the robot unicorn, where you jump from platform to platform trying to catch all those rainbow floaty thingies and barge through all the big star statues. As time goes on, the game’s speed gets faster and your blood pressure rises. I nearly screamed at work after reaching my top score. You want to know what my top score was? Well too bad, because it’s not good at all and I’m still playing.
Because you’re sick of your fake bear skin that you got last year, you hipster! Jokes. Apparently these bad boys don’t come out until August 25th but that won’t stop me! I want a Wampa Rug from ThinkGeek.com and I want one naoooooooow! Hmph. By the way, anyone want a golden goose egg?! I got a million of these things and I’m sick of ‘em.
Yes it’s true. The amazing award winning puzzle/adventure game Portal, is on Steam and it’s FREE. Yes, free …but only until May 24th! So get off Facebook, download Steam if you don’t have it already and get to playing!
If you haven’t downloaded Steam yet, Mac users click HERE & PC users click HERE.
All users, Mac & PC, click HERE to download Portal!
My download is in process as we speak! Username: thekillajilla
Hope my work doesn’t mind me hogging all the bandwidth for a moment… or two. *Hehehehehehehehe..*
