NAVA Gamer's Meeting, May 29th: "Party Like It's 1981"

[digitalpress]

NAVA = North Atlantic Videogame Aficionados. YOU are an Aficionado. It's a FREE event. Thus, you're SUPPOSED to be there.

Previously at NAVA...
- Everyone blew things up, especially each other! The tournament was a 10-player (at the same time) knock-down, drag-out fight on "Saturn Bomberman".
- The DP store's very first employee Jenn returned to "the island".
- The store's previous high score on City Bomber was smashed by Micky "Vectorman0" Wright, who also won the Bomberman tournament!
- Games and systems traded hands between attendees who brought their own trade boxes.
- Pictures tell it best:

http://www.digitpress.com/images/store/

Where were you in 1981?

Some of you are too young to remember - or weren't even born yet - but for those of us who lived through the year, it was a memorable one. In music, we had Tainted Love, Don't You Want Me?, Turning Japanese, Our Lips Are Sealed, Jessie's Girl, Don't Stop Believin', Who Can It Be Now?, 867-5309, Working For The Weekend, The Stroke, Stray Cat Strut and I Love Rock 'n Roll. Popular movies included Raiders of The Lost Ark, Superman 2, Stripes, For Your Eyes Only, Clash of The Titans and Escape From New York. We all watched the launch of MTV and maybe a little too much Dallas, Three's Company, Dukes of Hazzard, Alice, Too Close For Comfort and One Day at a Time. In sports, big winners included Marcus Allen, The Celtics, Islanders, Raiders and Dodgers.

And in videogaming, nearest and dearest to NAVA attendees, we were introduced to Astrosmash, Castle Wolfenstein, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Galaga, Kaboom!, Ms. Pac-Man, Yars' Revenge and Zork II. The very first IBM PC rolled off the production line, with its 8088 processor running at a whopping 4.77mhz. The first magazine dedicated to gaming, "Electronic Games" debuted, and Commodore released their home computer VIC-20.

So we're going to commemorate the year in a single day. The VIC-20 will be the centerpiece, including every game cartridge ever made for the system as well as one NEW VIC-20 game being debuted for the very first time! 1981 movies and music will be playing throughout the day. We'll set up an Atari 2600 as well, the system that was at its peak at the time.

This month's arcade high score challenge will be Astro Blaster, which arrived on the arcade scene in 1981. Where I grew up there was an Astro Blaster arcade cabinet in a local record store. If you haven't played it, perhaps you've played Activision's Megamania - a game clearly inspired by Astro Blaster. It will be set up on FREE PLAY for the whole day at NAVA. The person who logs in the highest score by 8pm will get a $20 gift certificate for the Digital Press store and will be added to the new "house champion" tournament plaque on the Wall of Fame located just above the arcade section of the store. Get your practicing in now!

Yet another NAVA tradition recently started, I've been holding out the past months' best trade-ins so I can offer them to the NAVA collectors first. This month so far:

-A factory sealed (bricked rated 85) NES Zelda: Link.
-Boxed TG-16 games Air Zonk, Galaga '90, Addams Family, Neutopia, Exile, more.
-Boxed SNES Final Fantasy III, Mr. Nutz, more.
-Complete Saturn Shining Wisdom.
-Sealed Atari Jaguar games, lots of different titles.

Serious offers only, but "on hold" for NAVA attendees. Whatever's left over goes on the shelves on the 30th. Get your trade boxes in order. Get your 1981 "look" on. It's NAVA time!

When: Saturday, May 29th, noon to midnight.
Where: Digital Press Videogames: http://tinyurl.com/yscakm
What happens: Gaming, trading, tournaments, big prizes! Extra game stations are set up around the store. Attendance is FREE. Half price for kids!
What can I bring?: Snacks, soda and beer are always appreciated. Cakes have been very popular as well.

[Pat the NES Punk]

Pat will perhaps be there.

[PingvinBlueJeans]

This month's arcade high score challenge will be Astro Blaster, which arrived on the arcade scene in 1981. Where I grew up there was an Astro Blaster arcade cabinet in a local record store. If you haven't played it, perhaps you've played Activision's Megamania - a game clearly inspired by Astro Blaster.
As was Threshold by Sierra On-Line (even moreso).

Good choice. :)

[wallywoo5000]

Pat will perhaps be there.

Uh oh, the infamous Pat the NES Punk with that wacky hair of his may show...

Micro Machines for NES? GAME ON!

[killersquirel]

While I do enjoy Micro Machines for the nes, the nes wasn't around in 1981. We are going to party like it's 1981.

Special props go to people that dress like it was 1981.

Game on!

-mike

[digitalpress]

Special props go to people that dress like it was 1981.

The beauty of this is that for you and I, this is just putting on whatever we were going to put on that day anyway. Maybe the t-shirt theme has to be in check, that's about all we'll have to think about that morning.

[wallywoo5000]

the nes wasn't around in 1981.

Hm, true...

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Word of advice...keep open flames away from that Vic 20 multicart. Last time Mike opened the box it smelled distinctly like turpentine.

[DarthArma]

a copy of WWF Raw for the Sega genesis. I really want this game. It makes me cry tears of laughter.

[NoahsMyBro]

Damnit, where did I put that pink & grey, narrow leather tie??!!?!

:D

[PingvinBlueJeans]

Word of advice...keep open flames away from that Vic 20 multicart. Last time Mike opened the box it smelled distinctly like turpentine.
Guess we'll have to confine the cigar smoking to the basement this time.

[ACiD]

I wish i could go.. stupid high taxes!!

[wallywoo5000]

I wish i could go.. stupid high taxes!!

Awww... I'll take pics and email em to u!

[Davedeadly]

i'll be there once again tryin to sell a PS1 system (the original) and possibly a super nintendo.

[wallywoo5000]

I will be selling:

SNES unfolded Display Boxes of:
F-Zero
Ken Griffey Jr: Major League Baseball
Ken Griffey Jr's Winning Run
Pinocchio
Starfox
Stunt Race FX
Super Punch-Out!!
Tetris Attack
Toy Story x2
Vegas Stakes

A gold N64 with all hook ups, 2 gold controllers and N64 Zelda Ocarina of Time Collectors Edition Hologramish box, manual and inserts... but NO game... it also still has the shrink wrap on it, but opened on one side.

A SNES Killer Instinct Console Box, foam, manual, inserts

[digitalpress]

Yet another NAVA tradition recently started, I've been holding out the past months' best trade-ins so I can offer them to the NAVA collectors first. This month so far:

-A factory sealed (bricked rated 85) NES Zelda: Link.
-Boxed TG-16 games Air Zonk, Galaga '90, Addams Family, Neutopia, Exile, more.
-Boxed SNES Final Fantasy III, Mr. Nutz, more.
-Complete Saturn Shining Wisdom.
-Sealed Atari Jaguar games, lots of different titles.

Serious offers only, but "on hold" for NAVA attendees. Whatever's left over goes on the shelves on the 30th.

[wallywoo5000]

Ill take the Boxed SNES Final Fantasy III, Mr. Nutz and possibly what ever else u have in the "more" category for SNES... but I wont be there til later... anything I have u want to trade for???

[Greg2600]

While I do enjoy Micro Machines for the nes, the nes wasn't around in 1981. We are going to party like it's 1981.

Special props go to people that dress like it was 1981.

Game on!

-mikeD'oh, unfortunately I can't make it, and thus neither can my Indiana Jones attire.

[digitalpress]

Ill take the Boxed SNES Final Fantasy III, Mr. Nutz and possibly what ever else u have in the "more" category for SNES... but I wont be there til later... anything I have u want to trade for???

You don't. I've got dozens of those SNES display boxes already. Not interested in the other stuff. Bring your wallet :)

[toraborakid]

QUESTION: Will anyone be bringing any atari or neo gem aes games?

and as for the atari any model is fine by me.

[wallywoo5000]

You don't. I've got dozens of those SNES display boxes already. Not interested in the other stuff. Bring your wallet :)

Oh I am :)

[fergojisan]

QUESTION: Will anyone be bringing any atari or neo gem aes games?

and as for the atari any model is fine by me.

I have a lot of 2600 games, but I wasn't planning on bringing them because no one was interested the last two times I brought them. I can send you a list in a few days if you want.

[Vectorman0]

I'm not sure if I will make it to this NAVA. I was really looking forward to doing the high score challenge again. If I do come, it will probably only be for the first quarter of the day.



QUESTION: Will anyone be bringing any atari or neo gem aes games?

and as for the atari any model is fine by me.

I brought all my boxed Atari 2600 games with me last month. If I make it to NAVA I will bring them again, and hopefully someone will want them this time.

[fergojisan]

I'm not sure if I will make it to this NAVA. I was really looking forward to doing the high score challenge again. If I do come, it will probably only be for the first quarter of the day.




I brought all my boxed Atari 2600 games with me last month. If I make it to NAVA I will bring them again, and hopefully someone will want them this time.

That will hopefully be me, I updated my list in the last week. What exactly is the first quarter of the day? I don't know if I will be there before 3. With my luck that will start the 2nd quarter of the day. I do have a good amount of boxed games, so I'm hoping that you have some that I don't have. Boxed 2600 games make me all drooly.

[Davedeadly]

i'll be bringing a gamecube system with no wires again and will let it go for $5. hopefully i can find some good games for sale.

[toraborakid]

I have a lot of 2600 games, but I wasn't planning on bringing them because no one was interested the last two times I brought them. I can send you a list in a few days if you want.
That would be cool thanks man, im also looking for some of the more rare a5200 and some 7800 titles as well loose or boxed would be cool.
as i go through my list i might need some intellivision or colecovision as well.

[fergojisan]

That would be cool thanks man, im also looking for some of the more rare a5200 and some 7800 titles as well loose or boxed would be cool.
as i go through my list i might need some intellivision or colecovision as well.

I'm just going to bring the 2600 box with me, I still have some to test out, and I don't think I'll have time to send a list (2 finger typist, me). I will only be there between 3 and 5 though, hope that doesn't pose a problem for you. I may have a 5200 game, but all my 7800 doubles are gone. Which reminds me, I am still looking for the box and docs for 7800 Tank Command, I have at least 6 copies of Combat that I am willing to trade (including the oodly-rare foil label).

[portnoyd]

As one of member of High Score Super Squad, I will be in attendance.

[Vectorman0]

As one of member of High Score Super Squad, I will be in attendance.

Be there early! Sadly, Spastic said he wouldn't make it to this one.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

As one of member of High Score Super Squad, I will be in attendance.

Will we be wearing our matching spandex costumes?

[toraborakid]

I'm just going to bring the 2600 box with me, I still have some to test out, and I don't think I'll have time to send a list (2 finger typist, me). I will only be there between 3 and 5 though, hope that doesn't pose a problem for you. I may have a 5200 game, but all my 7800 doubles are gone. Which reminds me, I am still looking for the box and docs for 7800 Tank Command, I have at least 6 copies of Combat that I am willing to trade (including the oodly-rare foil label).

ok how about 3pm it is

[toraborakid]

I'm just going to bring the 2600 box with me, I still have some to test out, and I don't think I'll have time to send a list (2 finger typist, me). I will only be there between 3 and 5 though, hope that doesn't pose a problem for you. I may have a 5200 game, but all my 7800 doubles are gone. Which reminds me, I am still looking for the box and docs for 7800 Tank Command, I have at least 6 copies of Combat that I am willing to trade (including the oodly-rare foil label).

ok how about 3pm it is

[toraborakid]

While im on the subject of gaming, im looking to sell my Japaneese NEO-GEO AES boxed with 2 controllers, and 8 games.

Im looking for a fair price for it all, so no lowballers please.

If the numbers are right ill bring it all to this nava meeting.

[onReload]

Gonna be there tomorrow, hopefully as early as I can be....I've even had one of those job things recently so I may make some bad decisions that will leave other people wealthier! ...just not by much.

I've also been working on a film project about the disappearance of arcades, but I've expanded it to show all kinds of game communities, why they're fun and important, and where gaming-as-community is going - if anywhere at all.

I did a rough version for my class' midterm a few months ago (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142964), but that was more tightly focused on the vanishing of arcades for fighting games.

Since I was already planning to stop by NAVA, I figured many of you will have great things to say about: arcades, events like NAVA itself, online play, gatherings at people's homes, and anything else I'm forgetting. Memories, opinions, feelings, predictions, ideas for places to film,...all that good stuff is what I'm looking for.

I'll probably just randomly ask people if they want to be involved, and this is just here to give a heads-up. I also will film people playing games, but I will try to give notice whenever possible, e.g. "Hey, do you guys mind if I film you playing/trading a little?"

I'm a film student who loves video games and the people who play them, so there's really no need to feel nervous or obligated. You can either let me know if you want to (or explicitly do NOT want to) be on camera in PM, or just wait until you see the idiot with the camera. :D

See you all tomorrow!

[Zap!]

Gonna try and make this tomorrow, should be tons of fun.

[fergojisan]

If anyone is interested, I will be bringing a Toshiba Pocket PC e350/e355 (with all the trimmings) and a Pioneer Laser Disc player LD V4400 (with nothing) to sell. Plus I will have some free stuff to root through. Hope there's enough room! Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow, however briefly. :)

[Vectorman0]

Are there any aspiring N64 collectors interested in purchasing a large lot of N64 boxes & manuals? I have a few hundred that I was going to sit on while N64 stuff dried up, but I would rather sell them now and have the space. I will only sell them as a lot, and I probably want around a couple hundred dollars for everything. There are literally hundreds of pieces, most of which are in great condition. PM me by morning if you are interested.

Is anyone interested in 2007 vintage Halo 3 Gamerfuel? It's just what you need for the upcoming Halo Reach. (safety not guaranteed)

[supergoldzero]

Here are the Game Boy Camera/DSi pictures and videos I took during April's NAVA.

Pictures- http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2189147&id=26107746&l=b1697374fb

Video of Alfonso dancing - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3zJz042xZA

[portnoyd]

Good times. Astro Blaster is similar to City Bomber as in the 3rd stage is total bullshit. But definitely fun!

[Zap!]

Had a great time meeting you guys today, can't wait for the next one.

[Vectorman0]

What was the final high score in Astro Blaster?

[killersquirel]

Ryan won with a score of 25,000 and something. I beat your score, but didn't get his. I was ROBBED though as three guys started playing some cheesy sailor moon beat em up at 7pm and played straight until 8pm. Joe allowed me 3 attempts and I was starting to get into a flow with the game on my third attempt when I got a score of 21,000 and something.

-mike

[PingvinBlueJeans]

Ryan won with a score of 25,000 and something. I beat your score, but didn't get his. I was ROBBED though as three guys started playing some cheesy sailor moon beat em up at 7pm and played straight until 8pm. Joe allowed me 3 attempts and I was starting to get into a flow with the game on my third attempt when I got a score of 21,000 and something.

-mike
:sob: :king:

[Vectorman0]

:sob: :king:


Haha.

[killersquirel]

Cheated!!