musopantz

Thursday was the official opening for the PS3 and XBox 360 versions of Street Fighter 4, and Gametraders held a Launch Party to celebrate its release!

I had only vaguely heard about Perth-based launch parties before so I thought I’d head down to see one. Of course there were going to be an abundance of gamers around, though I had also expected there be some fairly “hardcore” fans there… possibly cosplaying as their favourite Street Fighter characters? But alas, there were only guys wearing their Capcom or Street Fighter related apparel. Fairly typical of the fighting-game genre, there weren’t many girls there. And although there were, some were brought there by their boyfriends.

Since this launch party was at the Reading Cinema in Belmont, you had better expect there be some serious big screen gaming! There were three games simultaneously played with an XBox 360 on the small screen and PS3s on the big and other small screen. Oddly enough, the big screen was not being played in 16:9 widescreen? Anyway, with each game having a ladder of 32 contestants, all players were in the running to win a copy of Street Fighter 4 and a $50 Gametraders voucher for the runner-up. With the cinema setup, it was extremely satisfying watching Ultra combos being pulled off on the huge screens!

There were two guys who brought their USB Arcade sticks to plug into the consoles. I think that classifies them as “hardcore” Street Fighter gamers. Given fighting games had their roots at the video arcades, it’s pretty easy to say that you get the most out of the games tapping sticks and mashing buttons.

Funnily enough, neither of the “hardcore” stick players made it into the finals. As you can see this guy here sitting on the floor, about to slam his control deck in disappointment as he is “K.O.ed” in the last round of his fight. I wonder though- since the cinema-screen SF4 game was connected to the back-room projector, if the stick fighters were to get to the finals, how would they connect their non-wireless controllers to the console?

Fun times were had by all Street Fighter winners, losers and spectators though. It was a pretty good turn out too. Enough for Gametraders to plan regular Street Fighter tournaments. Many players signed up to it. Let’s hope it raises the profile of gaming in Perth!

I have a few more snaps in my Flickr photo set… have a look!

Last time I saw The Mountain Goats was on 2nd January 2007 and, oh boy, was that a joyous show! And though they had originally planned to come back April this year, it had to be cancelled for “personal reasons”. But, being huge fans of Australia, they promised to be here later in the year… and they did! I’m only a modest fan, only owning The Sunset Tree and Get Lonely, but John Darnielle is such a great storyteller. He gets very emotive while on-stage and always puts on a good show. Given the packed out crowd and loud reception, I reckon The Mountain Goats earn the title of “folk rockstars”!

I was pretty surprised at the mix of people at the show. The Mountain Goats are truly ones to bring everyone together. I also didn’t expect to be squashed into the front of the stage either. Gosh, that place needs some better ventilation! Though I think the situation has improved there since the renovations. Anyway, I don’t think I can say much more… excuse this poor excuse for a blog post. Though, here’s another photo for you.

One thing that I will have to post is the autographs I got from both John and Peter Hughes after the show. I shall post it soon… it’s very special. Here’s a bit of trivia for you: John Darnielle doesn’t shake hands - he would rather hug you. He’s also a big fan of Missy Higgins, having toured with her in the US. Rumour has it that she has actually immigrated to America! I guess that explains why she does all her touring there!

A couple more shots are on my Flickr photostream. And there’s a review and a (really tiny) photo in this week’s Drum Media Perth.

Here’s something a bit different…

Now, I’m probably the last person you’d think who would go to the V8 Supercars up at Barbagello Raceway. I’d be doing a disservice to the male population if I said I had no idea about cars. Well, I know a little so it was going to be, at the very least, interesting to watch these cars speeding around on a track.

I had won the Corporate Box ticket through a Surge Protector seminar, held by Phoenix Contact. Door prize raffle! Free drinks, free food and special viewing at the starting line. Since I was headed off to Elton John after the Supercars, I had my camera gear with me. So I thought I might try taking photos of some cars. Read More »