Simulated Starcade at November 2007 NAVA

[digitalpress]

This is sort of a pre-NAVA bulletin.

I'm currently scripting a simulated "Starcade" for the next NAVA. This is a show that ran from 1982-1984, pitting two gamers (or pair of gamers in partner matches) against one another in a series of five arcade games. Using our new MAME machine, my trusty bullhorn, and some other special effects that exist in the DP Store, I plan to recreate the Starcade experience for the November gathering. There will be prizes. There will be a "Kevin". There will be silly quips. And yes, the crowd will count down the final five seconds for you if you're a contestant.

The NAVA date is all that's left to work out, because we're up against that crazy Black Friday weekend and may need to shift up or down a week. Stay tuned for more details but get ready to attend, cheer, and hopefully contend!

In case you didn't click on the Starcade link above, here's a fun thread reminiscing and chatting about the show:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7369

Here's hoping all your troubles get zapped. Bye bye!

[Sniderman]

In the video game "Frogger," the main character is...
A. A frog or B. A poisonous lizard?


Man, I loved those softball toss-up questions. I'd go NUTS when someone got it wrong.

[digitalpress]

Great picture. One of the fun little things about the show were those podiums contestants stood behind. The scores would occasionally go over 100,000 which meant they didn't have enough digits on the podium to show the whole score. Classic. Also hard to replicate.

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

If this becomes an established tradition, I want to be the first phone-in contestant.

[Cav]

If this becomes an established tradition, I want to be the first phone-in contestant.

"POW!"

[Barbarianoutkast85]

This sounds excellent, and I cant wait. Hopefully its AFTER the 13th, then I would actually be able to come.

[digitalpress]

Who wants to be really creative and record your own "Hotline" for me? This would be a one-minute video showing off some sort of gaming innovation. On Starcades past this was used for everything from announcing new technologies (Dragon's Lair on laserdisc) to highlighting special fan clubs or creative individuals (like the guy who made up a theme song for Crystal Castles backed by his own harmonica).

I can take them in just about any video format. I need at least two.

Any takers?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Who wants to be really creative and record your own "Hotline" for me? This would be a one-minute video showing off some sort of gaming innovation. On Starcades past this was used for everything from announcing new technologies (Dragon's Lair on laserdisc) to highlighting special fan clubs or creative individuals (like the guy who made up a theme song for Crystal Castles backed by his own harmonica).

I can take them in just about any video format. I need at least two.

Any takers?

I'm definitely up for that!

I'll sit down for a creative writing session today and see what I can come up with.

I'll keep you posted.

[Apollo]

Please try to not have NAVA on Black Friday, that would be ten different kinds of shitty, especially considering I'll most likely be working at Toys R Us on black friday, which is going to be hell.

[fergojisan]

Who wants to be really creative and record your own "Hotline" for me? This would be a one-minute video showing off some sort of gaming innovation. On Starcades past this was used for everything from announcing new technologies (Dragon's Lair on laserdisc) to highlighting special fan clubs or creative individuals (like the guy who made up a theme song for Crystal Castles backed by his own harmonica).

I can take them in just about any video format. I need at least two.

Any takers?

I think this is the perfect opportunity to reveal to the universe the Pitfall II "got the prize" lyrics.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I'm definitely up for that!

I'll sit down for a creative writing session today and see what I can come up with.

I'll keep you posted.

I sent a treatment for my proposal over via PM, and I have a 1st draft completed.

It's been a while since I've done a good produced video segment - and I'm really happy with it so far.

[digitalpress]

Cool.

We're scripting things on our end as well. Maryah will play the part of "Kevin". We're working out some of the logistics, like "how will the audience see the game screen while the contestant is playing" and "how will we have the 'voice of Kevin' speak above the existing festivities?". It will be a challenge, but it's a fun one. I think this is going to be a truly awesome, memorable event.

Then again, I thought "The Suffering: Ties That Bind" was going to be a truly awesome, memorable event. Clearly, your mileage may vary.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Go with a wireless mic setup and an inexpensive PA system for the voice of Kevin, that way he can be anywhere (most importantly off-stage).

[NE146]

We're working out some of the logistics, like "how will the audience see the game screen while the contestant is playing" and "how will we have the 'voice of Kevin' speak above the existing festivities?".

Aside from the scripting, is this really going to be an actual competition as well? Then pleeeeaassee choose some games with similar scoring. There was nothing sadder in Starcade than someone getting a couple thousand point deficit from a hi-scoring game (e.g. Star Wars). Then trying to make it up by shooting 10-30 point aliens in Space Invaders.

[digitalpress]

Go with a wireless mic setup and an inexpensive PA system for the voice of Kevin, that way he can be anywhere (most importantly off-stage).

I've got that covered. I'm going back to something I tried in a tournament last year, using the three store TV's which are all networked into the center island, then using a PS2 loaded with a game with a microphone setup screen to announce through. That will create the omniscient voice we need.

Aside from the scripting, is this really going to be an actual competition as well? Then pleeeeaassee choose some games with similar scoring. There was nothing sadder in Starcade than someone getting a couple thousand point deficit from a hi-scoring game (e.g. Star Wars). Then trying to make it up by shooting 10-30 point aliens in Space Invaders.

That was always a complaint of mine as well, it seemed very unfair if you were really good at a game that didn't have high scoring potential. I'm studying Starcade episodes all week to find the best candidates for the game.

Thanks for the suggestions, folks!

[Kid Ice]

I think 80s attire should be required for participation. Remember, this is pre-Miami Vice men...think beige and big collars.

[Apollo]

But for the love of God, don't make me and Kid Ice play Warlords.

[Kid Ice]

Before the competition starts, people need to run a full lap around the store, like the show did (probably to eliminate those with weak hearts).

Anyone who attends NAVA knows this won't be a problem for me! ::

[Apollo]

I'll run it backwards. And probably trip in the process.