NAVA Gamer's Meeting, June 26th: "And Now For Something Completely Different"

[digitalpress]

NAVA = North Atlantic Videogame Aficionados. This is a FREE event bringing gamers together for competition, trading, and chatter.

Previously at NAVA...
- We celebrated the year 1981 with games, video, and music from that year.
- Mattel alumni Keith Robinson (designer of Tron Solar Sailer and owner of Intellivision Productions) made a guest appearance.
- A "new" VIC-20 game was debuted (Tac-Scan) - to be released at Classic Gaming Expo later this summer.
- The store's previous high score on Astro Blaster was blasted by Ryan "Pingvinbluejeans" Fahy.
- Games and systems traded hands between attendees who brought their own trade boxes.
- Pictures tell it best:

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

Let's play something different.

In past months, we've gotten our game on with XBox 360, Wii, and PS3, and in NAVA tradition we usually mix it up with popular classic consoles like the NES, Atari 2600 or ColecoVision. This month will be dedicated to the "nooks and crannies" of gaming. Those systems that received little attention but have their own share of fun titles - even if it is only an afternoon's worth. Expect to see Emerson Arcadia 2001, Panasonic 3DO, Vectrex and 32X on display. Revel in the games that NO ONE talks about. We'll dig up something good that you've never played before.

At 6PM it's TOURNAMENT TIME. Get your button-mashing fingers ready for the fighting game of the century: Way of The Warrior for 3DO. Will you take bo-stick wielding Aussie "Shaky Jake", trailer trash biker "Crimson Glory", steroid-crazed officer "Major Gaines" or one of the other equally un-interesting characters into the fray? Way of The Warrior is a Mortal Kombat-styled fighter developed by Naughty Dog and featuring an awesome soundtrack by White Zombie!

This month's arcade high score challenge will be "I'm Sorry", an obscure Japanese maze game circa 1985. This is a favorite of mine - extremely goofy and a lot of fun, and in the spirit of the day's theme, something you probably haven't played before. 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!

Get your trade boxes in order, it's NAVA time!

When: Saturday, June 26th, 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.

[Greg2600]

Arcadia = scary. Playing 3DO will be nice, I haven't played one since it was on display at Sears 16 years ago. I think the first NAVA I came to, there was a Vectrex, too, a few years ago.

[Sniderman]

I think the first NAVA I came to, there was a Vectrex, too, a few years ago.

Not only will I bring my Vectrex, it's up for sale. As are a Sean Kelly Multicart, Nebula Commander, and I, Cyborg (not available anymore). So anyone who wants an Instant Vectrex Collection (good condition, joystick works nicely, plus a converted Genesis controller for some serious button smashing) should look me up. Plus I'm bringing an assload of clocks.

And - yes - I said I'm making the trip out this weekend. ;)

[Vectorman0]

I'm not sure if I can make it, but I hope to. If I do, I would love to be able to try a Laseractive.

[Greg2600]

Ironically, Sniderman was also at the first NAVA I went to, as well.

[jbrodack]

I think I might have to make this one. I like obscure stuff and discovering something new. Plus, I've been thinking of getting a vectrex and had been watching ebay for the lowest price. Now, I can see one in person and get an idea if I really want one.

I wonder what other interesting stuff will be on show. Maybe a cd-i?

[toraborakid]

So let me get this strait there will be an emerson arcadia 2001 for playing or for show?

and if so what game will be played on it?

[DKTheArcadeRat]

There needs to be a CD-i and the Thunder In Paradise game for CD-i in the store.

I'm planning on coming up as of now, but plans could change as the week progresses.

[Press_Start]

We gotta have Neo Geo Pocket Color. It's arcade fun on the go! Fatal Fury, Samurai Showdown, Match of the Millennium (think SNK vs Capcom), Puyo Pop, Magical Drop, etc. A good chuck of it is meant for great 2 player fun. I wonder if Chris (guy with the Game Boy Camera) is going to bring his this time.

I'll give him a PM and see.

[NoahsMyBro]

Don't have many games for it, but I can bring a NeoGeo Color along if anyone wants me to.

[toraborakid]

what is everyones thoughts that i bring a neo geo AES or an odyessey 2?

[digitalpress]

So let me get this strait there will be an emerson arcadia 2001 for playing or for show?

and if so what game will be played on it?

Indeed. I unpacked my personal system which I haven't used in easily 10 years, works great! There are about a dozen games here at the store, I plan on bringing another dozen or so particularly obscure ones from my collection.

I can do a CD-i or even a Laseractive but there's only so much space to display the stuff. We'll see!

[NoahsMyBro]

I'm very surprised that there are at least 24 games for the Arcadia. Now I'm off to the Guide to educate myself about Emerson Arcadia games!

[toraborakid]

I'm very surprised that there are at least 24 games for the Arcadia. Now I'm off to the Guide to educate myself about Emerson Arcadia games!

Actually the arcadia is a pretty good system, to bad it was not well reveled.

I remember when i first saw it at CRAZY EDDIE and played around with a little known game called tanks a lot.
I was blown away with that game and was one of the reasons was a game called pleads.

[supergoldzero]

I shall be bringing my Game Boy Colors, DS's, and Neo Geo Pockets Colors for some great multiplayer action! I will be posting my Game Boy Camera and DSi pictures from last month's NAVA by this Saturday.

[NoahsMyBro]

I'm surprised I'm asking this, but does anybody have a portable digital TV they can bring, to display the US World Cup match in the store?

[TonyTheTiger]

I'll ask around. I'd like to watch the game myself.

[Kid Ice]

yah mo be there

I dumped everything I haven't been able to trade for a year or so in a $1 box. Come and get it.

I will also have some valuable items for sale to finance my summer ops.

Count me as another vote for some CD-I action. I would like to try the Joker's Wild game. There aren't too many games I've never played in my life, and that's one of them.

[TonyTheTiger]

The Wacky World of Miniature Golf is probably my favorite game for the CD-I. Then again, everything is great with Eugene Levy.

[Greg2600]

I'm surprised I'm asking this, but does anybody have a portable digital TV they can bring, to display the US World Cup match in the store?
Doesn't Joe get some cable TV in there?

[jbrodack]

This is sounding like its gonna be good. I had seen cd-i in stores when I was younger but the main game I've wanted to play for it was always burn cycle. Was never on another system and cd-i doesn't seem to be able to be emulated well enough to play it either.

Any kind of Neo geo action would be welcome as well.

[Squarepainter]

Hi everyone I just found out about Digital Press and stopped in yesterday. The NAVA event going on at the end of every month sounds so awesome. Anyway i'll be there tomorrow with my artwork, I do paintings from old 8bit and 16bit video games (predominantly Nintendo). You can check out all of my work here: http://squarepainter.deviantart.com/

[Sniderman]

I'm posting this message from my hotel on the PA border. See everyone tomorrow!

[supergoldzero]

Here are the Game Boy Camera and DSi pictures I took during last month's NAVA meeting: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2193620&id=26107746&l=8d342556c9

Can't wait to see everyone!

[toraborakid]

OK HERE IS A HEADS! I will be bringing a neo geo aes boxed japan edition to the meeting with a few games so bring lots of cash u will need it.

also im thinking of bringing a atari 7800 as well.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Hi everyone I just found out about Digital Press and stopped in yesterday. The NAVA event going on at the end of every month sounds so awesome. Anyway i'll be there tomorrow with my artwork, I do paintings from old 8bit and 16bit video games (predominantly Nintendo). You can check out all of my work here: http://squarepainter.deviantart.com/

Always nice to have new members!

Looking forward to seeing those paintings in person. Are they acrylic? Oil? Gouache?

[LucidDefender]

Thanks for another great NAVA, Joe.

I was able to experience the Arcadia for the first time. Hobo is an interesting game -- one that suffers from poor controls. Spider was a unique take on the Space Invaders concept. Turtles... I don't really know how to explain Turtles.

The pick of I'm Sorry as the arcade contest game for the day was fantastic. I haven't sunk so much time into an arcade game in a long while. It seemed to be a hit with the whole NAVA crowd.

[Greg2600]

Thanks to Joe for bringing in those classic systems for everyone to play.

[Baloo]

I want to try to make it to the next NAVA, does anyone happen to know if it's possible to take public transportation from Philadelphia to the Digital Press store?

[digitalpress]

There is a stop for Port Authority from NYC (the 190 line) at the corner of Main and Piaget (2 blocks from the store) but I'm really not familiar with the PA public transportation system. Wish I could help more.

[fpbrush]

Is there no NAVA gathering this month due to CGE? Trying to actually make it out to one of these this summer..!

[digitalpress]

Is there no NAVA gathering this month due to CGE? Trying to actually make it out to one of these this summer..!

August 28th... I'll announce officially here when I'm back from CGE!

[Propane13]

Did you mean Aug 21? If so, I may be able to make it.

-Propane13

[christo930]

Is this related to the old NAVA meeting that used to meet at a video game store owned my a guy named Mike? Mike's mom was pretty cool, I saw her a number of years ago at Columbus flea market. I have been out of the loop for a number of years. Philly classic is gone, to the best of my knowledge. Do the guys from the old NAVA meeting still attend? I didn't see anyone I recognized in the pictures, but I think 2003 is the last time I attended and a lot can change in 7 years (not to mention my memory)!

Chris

[Vectorman0]

Is this related to the old NAVA meeting that used to meet at a video game store owned my a guy named Mike? Mike's mom was pretty cool, I saw her a number of years ago at Columbus flea market. I have been out of the loop for a number of years. Philly classic is gone, to the best of my knowledge. Do the guys from the old NAVA meeting still attend? I didn't see anyone I recognized in the pictures, but I think 2003 is the last time I attended and a lot can change in 7 years (not to mention my memory)!

Chris

Yes, this is that same NAVA meeting that has been going on since the 90's. While the majority of regular attendees (like myself) are new to the meet since its (re)start at the DP store, there are still a bunch of guys who have been coming to NAVA forever, and just can't stop. John Hardie, Len Herman, Al Backiel, and Joe Santulli, among others. Even Mike Etler has been to a few of them. NAVA is usually on the last Saturday of the month. Check back here in the events forum for the official announcement.

[Porksta]

Did you mean Aug 21? If so, I may be able to make it.

-Propane13

No, he meant Aug 28, the last Saturday of the month.