Best Gaming Convention You've Been To

[jjgames]

What is the best gaming convention you've ever been to?

I went to E3 three times back in 04-06 but after seeing this E3 I don't think I will see that again. What are some other good conventions you have been to so I can pick one to attend? They can be retro or new games, I like it all.

[Oobgarm]

E3 2004.

CGE is a good time, too.

[jjgames]

What does CGE stand for? I've seen it before

EDIT: Never mind. Classic Gaming Expo. Found it

[Sniderman]

What does CGE stand for? I've seen it before

You have GOT to be shittin' me, Pvt. Pyle.

www.cgexpo.com

[venturousviking]

I had a great time at Blizzcon!

[Apollo]

Although I haven't been there yet, I am determined to make it to PAX eventually.

[nestlekwik]

E3 2004 definitely was a good one.

Since no events ever happen in my area, I usually can't afford to travel to many. I had a lot of fun and picked up some great items at East Coast Gaming Expo 2006. When I'm actually able to, I'd really enjoy being able to hit a bunch as part of a road trip or something.

[Trebuken]

Cinci-Classic. Been twice...it's the only one I have gone to so I have nothing to compare it to, but I know it does not compare to CGE.

[blissfulnoise]

E3 in 1995 (the first one).

At the tender age of 16, I wasn't prepared for the onslaught and it sticks as a high point in my life.

[InsaneDavid]

California Extreme, step back into 1982.

[djbeatmongrel]

I've only been to TMG twice but it was pretty ace.

[roushimsx]

E3 1997. Between the Quake tournament, the final decent showing for the Saturn, the impressive Nintendo booth, Metal Gear Solid's trailer, Psygnosis' awesome booth and Activision's fucking awesome lineup, I'd say it's my favorite convention yet. Crystal Dynamics and 3Dfx had some really nice booths away from the main hall that were fun to kick back in and I think I had a bit more fun fucking around with the console in Daikatana than I probably should have had. It's their own fault for leaving it enabled in a Quake-based game during the height of Quake's popularity, I say. :(

[rolenta]

CES - Winter & Summer 1983

[jjgames]

Has anyone been to PAX or E for All? Were they any good and did they have any retro gaming or just new stuff?

[ubersaurus]

Seeing as how I've barely been to any, I'd have to go with CGE 2k7. 2k4 was a blast, but I had more fun with the Vegas show than the San Jose one.

Planning on hitting PAX this year though, so it may have some competition!

[s1lence]

MGC 2006-2008

I haven't been to CGE so I can't verify that, but the Midwest Gaming Classic has always been a blast.

[Aussie2B]

I've only been to last year's PAX and MAGFest. In and of themselves, they weren't that thrilling. I had the most fun just from the company I had with me, but the concerts at both were really slick. If anybody is going to PAX this year, do make sure you see The OneUps perform, at the very least. For the size of PAX, the Exhibitioner's Hall didn't excite me much. Too many no-name companies and stuff that doesn't even remotely relate to video games. A lot of big-name developers were completely absent, and those that were there didn't show anything really newsworthy. Mostly just games that were already out or due to come out in a week or two. Not much neat promo stuff either. There really weren't any panels worth attending, and the biggest celebrity they had was Wil Wheaton. In terms of retro games, there was a pretty neat little room with a bunch of systems hooked up and games available to play, which I think was arranged by some members here, but it was mostly for people just starting to recapture their childhood gaming. If you already have a huge collection like me, it's nothing you don't see everyday.

As for MAGFest, it's a small-time convention created by fans for fans. I think they have, what, about a thousand people that attend? It's more about a social gathering than exhibits and such. They have a huge gaming hall with classic and modern games, though, and a fair amount of arcade cabinets set on free play scattered around. There's a big focus on music, so if you're into video game music, there are plenty of interesting panels and great shows.

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

CGE 2k3 and 2k7 stand out as favorites, as well as OVGE 2k4.

[otaku]

I've never been to any conventions. Hoping to go to Tokyo game show and CGE and dragon con eventually. We have a decent anime/game/fantasy/scifi convention in my area called fandemonium that I might attend this august

[newcoleco]

I didn't go to many game conventions, but I really enjoyed PhillyClassic (USA) and Arcadia (Montreal, CA).

[Mianrtcv]

I have been to two cgexpo's and a phillyclassic. All were fun.. CGE just was grander. Vega$ didn't hurt either (except my wallet).

[DigitalSpace]

I've only been to two local ones so far - NWCGE 2K6 Vancouver and NWCGE 2K7 Portland. My third will be coming up next weekend - NWCGE's Portland Retro Gaming Expo (http://www.retrogamingexpo.com/).

I'd say NWCGE 2K7 Portland was the best (though I expect the upcoming show to take the crown).