05/03/2019

Fangamer [VERSUS] Attract Mode… Opening Night (From The Attract Mode Archive: #009)

by Matthew Edward Hawkins

The following post originally appeared on attractmo.de, on September 17, 2012.
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As promised a couple weeks back, highlights from the VERSUS show at PAX Prime 2012!

Which, for the most part, are courtesy of Jeffrey Benson, from Fangamer. With the exception of numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8, which were taken by partygoer Darwin Yamamoto.

Going in, prepping for the event went as smooth as can be, all things considered (it being our first time at 1927 Events, and Penny Arcade Expo happening in the background). But one of the biggest fears that comes up when putting anything together is that no one will show up. As silly as it sounds, and despite all the overwhelmingly positive buzz that had been built up, I was still worried.

After all, Saturday night at PAX is when attendees have hundred of parties to choose from, hence fears of being lost in the shuffle. Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo handy of the ridiculously long line that practically wrapped the block, an hour before show time (EDIT: actually, found one, courtesy of Steve Courtney). So right off the back, such fears were completely unwarranted.

Thankfully, there’s also no pictures of me running around like a chicken with its head cut off either. At the last minute, all manner of things started going haywire, like the projectors for our two games going on the fritz, and being down two controllers very suddenly.

But stuff happens, and which were all resolved, just in time for the crowd to pour in…

Concerns over attendance were ultimately silly, but there was an even bigger question, one that seemed far more legitimate: would artwork actually sell that night?

After all, and once again, it was a party night, so would people honestly want to paint the town red with arms filled with fine art prints? The answer was a resounding yes. Mostly due to the fact that it was most people’s sole destination for the evening.

In retrospect, it was hardly a surprise. In addition to all the fabulous artwork, we had fabulous games: Cumulous Nimbers (which was just released into the wild, btw) and Super Time Force

One of the most gratifying moments of the weekend was Nathan Vella, president of CAPY, explaining to me that, almost immediately after I had secured his studio’s latest and greatest for VERSUS, he was immediately pinged by several other (rather high profile) parties.

Who all wanted Super Time Force themselves, but were politely shot down. Even better was watching Nathan and his crew simply enjoying themselves, witnessing their game thrive in such a setting…

Oh, and let’s not forget our drink menus. Sadly, I never did get to get to see what the Shigeru Miyamojito tasted like, but I had like eight Metroids (and they were good)…

The place was pretty much this packed the entire time…

Thankfully, a good number of participating artists were able to make the opening. Here we have, from left to right, Maré Odomo, Zac Gorman, and Kyle Fewell…

Ashely Davis, sporting her new ‘do…

Michael McWhertor, of Meat Bun and now Polygon fame, with myself…

2 Player Production’s very own (plus fellow Attract Mode member) Asif Siddiky, and Fangamer’s very own (plus the guy who got the ball rolling on VERSUS in the first place) Jon Kay…

I still remember Kyle’s very first take at combining Dark Souls and Studio Ghibli on Tumblr and pretty much demanding that he do something like that for the show…

The always dapper Chris Furniss…

Here I am introducing one of our musical acts for the evening (I think). You can always tell if I’m drunk if my little pinkie is sticking out like that…

First up was Raheem Jarbo, aka Random, aka Mega Ran, who tore the house down with his silky smooth (and crowd-pleasing) lyrical skills…

You know you have the hottest ticket in town when Mega 64 shows up…

Not only was Laura Wilson on-hand to celebrate her handiwork, but it was also her birthday that evening!

Melissa King and Jon Magram, two surprise participants from the Fangamer side, taking a bit of a break…

I loved how all manner of games were being played, all night long, even stuff that some had chosen to bring themselves. It’s honestly why PAX, the people who come out, and the energy it creates, is so amazing.

Fangamer’s head honcho, Reid Young…

Danimal Cannon is pretty much a musical staple at PAX, so to have him onboard (to help blow the roof off) was a legit honor…

Again, our fine musical guests for the evening!

Without question, the very best part of VERSUS was being able to work side by side with Jon, without whom, that night would have never happened…

As noted previously, VERSUS was a celebration of the Fangamer X Attract Mode relationship, which was forged a couple PAXes back. But it was also an experiment; I’d later discover that Fangamer had been itching to throw a party for some time. Given Attract Mode’s track record in that area, once our partnership was official, the time was finally right.

An experiment that was a resounding success. We were all delighted and humbled to hear from partygoers who were genuinely blown away by what they had seen and heard (and played). Plus being told how VERSUS was precisely what Penny Arcade Expo needed, and that we absolutely need to it again, for PAX Prime 2013.

While it’s way too early to make an official comment… let’s just say it’s a safe bet. Also, for those who couldn’t make it that night, 99% of all the work will be available online in just a few short weeks. Once everything is up, a head’s up will be given. Till then, thanks again for everyone for making the night such a success!

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