Well, as everyone now knows after having read Sean’s and Coop’s updates, Gamervision invaded Philadelphia’s Video Game Expo this weekend. Having never been to a video game convention before, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. However, I’m pretty sure that despite some flaws, everyone there had a lot of fun.

I have to agree with everyone else about the general lack of organization at the expo, especially with the doors opening almost two hours late on Friday. Some of the other events ran late as well, which was a little frustrating. I tried not to let it bother me; after all, the VGXPO is still young and finding its way, and I figured getting to hang out in a room full of gamers all day would more than make up for it.

The Gamervision table was set up right next to a table of old-school video games and systems up for sale. Being surrounded by so many NES, PS1, and Genesis games, I was, of course, a kid in a candy store, but I managed to show an amazing amount of restraint and only bought one thing: a perfect NES copy of Crystalis, which I’ve been trying to find for awhile. I also ended up buying a Link ring. Even though I rarely wear jewelry, I’m pretty sure this was a good purchase.

On Friday I spent a lot of time playing the many arcade games they had set up for free play (including Tron!), talking to people about Gamervision, and checking out the sights. Saturday was much more eventful. The highlights of my day included playing Rock Band on a stage and rocking out to David Bowie, checking out the Cosplay Costume Contest, and watching Jack Thompson and Lorne Lanning debate each other, all of which I will go into more detail about later.

Overall, being there was a really fantastic experience despite the organization issues. Gamervision made a lot of new friends, we came home with some swag, and I got to play Tron AND Rock Band. What more could I ask for?