CAX Observations and Feedback

PrairieDillo

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CAX Observations and Feedback

I was there most of today and came home to help get the kids to sleep.
Here are my random observations from today and helping setup/load in yesterday.

I thought that there were a great list of games with tons of stuff I wanted to play.
I thought that this years crowd was much more balanced from last year. I had skipped it in the past thinking that it was filled with creepy people but I think that this show is moving in the right dirrection when compared with last year.

There were TONS of pins and they were everywhere. I'm not a pinball player so I don't have much to comment on them but there were many and I understand a great collection.

Organization
I thought that there could have been also better organization but I think it's up to the guys helping to load in and help sort them out. I guess I could have been more assertive with a few other guys yesterday in sorting out stuff to keep them together. Notably there wasn't a significant Nintendo Row, Fighter Row. Drivers were mostly clumped together where they could be so that was good. We were able to make a classic Taito and a small JAMMA Taito row which I contributed 3 machines to. I'm proud to say that the JAMMA Taito row had really great traffic. There was even sort of a rhythm row. The two DDR machines should have been put together.

CAX really needs an ambassador to the SRK Fighter crowd and the Bemanistyle folks. If this could happen I think there would be hundreds more folks. The fans of those games would benefit in checking out other stuff also.

The crowd
I think that the age range was pretty awesome. I saw lots of young people and not a crusty group of old dudes that one would suspect. It also wasn't just women dragged along as the SO also. The crowd was a pretty diverse. There were more than a few game industry folks from the area also. I saw Jeff G (formerly of GameSpot) Ed Boon and others ...

Whoever is shooting for the "women of CAX" thread won't be looking too hard for subject material.

The smell was better than last year... showers and clean clothes seem to have caught on.

KLOV folks
I was glad to catch up with many of all of you today. The group photo was huge and I made sure not be caught behind the pole again!!!! Thanks to those that moved the two umbrellas!
Sorry if I didn't get to say hi to everyone... Mostly I was putting faces to the names of local people from this area. I probably among the closest at 11 miles.
 
I just got home too and had a flippin' blast with all the pinball. I also spent most of my time playing games I've never tried before, unlike last year when I just ran straight to my old standbys. About 70% of the games I played this year were first timer's.

Organization
I don't know if it was just me, but the physical layout was kinda confusing. I liked how the games were grouped though. I think having them all mixed up encourages people to try things out of their comfort zone. On the other hand, seeing a whole lineup of some theme is pretty sweet. There was a little of that, like the pinball lineup of amusement park themed pins and some others.

The Crowd
I agree, this year there was a great demographic, considering the stereotype. I actually think in about two years I'll be able to take my kid. It definitely seemed to be family friendly. I heard only two slips of the tongue in 10 hours.

KLOV'ers
It was nice to meet the few of you I did. I should have said hi years ago. At least I made it in to the pic this year!
 
This was my second trip to CAX and first time bringing games. I missed last year, so I can only compare to 2009.

Positives:

- Finally and formally meeting a bunch of KLOVers left and right. One of the greatest reasons to stay in the hobby and attend CAX. I think I spent a large chunk of my time just hanging out and chatting/catching up with folks. Unlike 2009 when I was a noob who barely knew anyone.

- Amazing selection of games and pins compared to 2009. I found myself playing and trying out a lot more games.

- As mentioned, great turnout of all kinds of people. Even though it was crazy jam packed, it was a good thing to see almost all games were being played. Just a fun atmosphere all around.

- Friendly and helpful vendors.

Constructive Criticisms:

- I know it's very hard to plan the layout when you have games coming at different times and even days, but it would have been cool if more games were grouped together by company/type rather than randomly scattered about. Although there was no DK Jr, DK3 or Popeye, it would have been nice to see the Nintendo row of DK, D2K, Mario Bros., Punch-Out! and Super Punch-out!. Also, there were a few Taito games (Rastan, Whack-a-mole type game, Zeke's Peak, etc. which could have been grouped with the classic and JAMMA Taito rows). Of course, this is all easier said than done, and this isn't to say the guys planning the layout are doing a poor job. Maybe it is better to get a healthy mix, but it helps to find games easier if you know they are grouped together that way. But with all the time to spend in there, I guess it doesn't matter in the end. Just something to consider.

- The dude playing the 6-string bass. Okay, I know he's talented, but I could have done without him playing practically the whole day and on full blast. He overpowered that whole side of the room.

- I know this is not in their control, but seriously, people need to shower (with soap and shampoo) and use deodorant before coming to the show. Maybe do a stink check before allowing people in? Illegal? Also, they need to have a designated fart area (maybe the courtyard). No joke, I got game over on a few games because I was distracted by the smells of CAX.

- It's only two days. ;)

Grade: A

Thank you to all who plan this show and get everything together. It's definitely something to look forward to for years to come.
 
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I didn't get down there till 3:30pm, so I missed out on meeting KLOV related people. :p I did see Prairied's Taito row though with two people enjoying Cadash on one side.

I liked having things mixed, especially the pinball. Last year it was kinda deflating walking into, say, the Star Wars heavy cove. Variety makes these things pop out a lot more IMO.

Unless I happened to miss the one part of the show that featured a ton of these, classic CPS-1 Street Fighter II was under-represented AGAIN. :p Partially my fault. I was going to bring a Z-Back Hyper Fighting cabinet, but I backed out of that about two weeks ago because of time and some physical issues (arthritis in my back acting up again...wasn't about to lug it out of my house). I swear. Next year I am bringing it and we're doing that shit right. Still. There was one cabinet with Hyper Fighting and it was tucked away in an armpit. Which believe it or not, is better than last year.

BTW, FYI whoever owns that: Your player 1 side stick is jacked up. It felt like it was coming undone and threatening to fall off. Buttons on that side weren't really responding either (one wasn't responding at all...IIRC medium kick). I moved to the player 2 side where things were fine. There was spittle streaking down the monitor glass, so I imagine the damage was from someone new to the game having a really good time mashing and yelling. :p

P.S. Speaking of demographics: What the was the monster in the box guy's deal now? The one lurking outside of the pinball tournament area? And did I see Mormons/Jehova Witnesses directing traffic and cleaning the bathrooms, or did I imagine that?
 
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There is a very stinky man in attendance. Very stinky. He is here every year and is always stinks real bad. 20 minutes before he walks past you, you can begin to sense that he is getting closer. It's obnoxious.

- M1A
 
And did I see Mormons/Jehova Witnesses directing traffic and cleaning the bathrooms, or did I imagine that?

You didn't imagine it, there's a Jehovah's Witnesses convention taking place there this weekend. On the marquee it said Friday - Sunday. Sure filled up the parking structure.

There is a very stinky man in attendance. Very stinky. He is here every year and is always stinks real bad. 20 minutes before he walks past you, you can begin to sense that he is getting closer. It's obnoxious.

- M1A

lol He stood next to me when I was playing Carrier Airwing. Just stood there, didn't play, and only hung around long enough to let his odor fully permeate the area before walking off.
 
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There is a very stinky man in attendance. Very stinky. He is here every year and is always stinks real bad. 20 minutes before he walks past you, you can begin to sense that he is getting closer. It's obnoxious.

- M1A

Snap a pic for future reference so we can all clear a perimeter. How was that Round Table, Todd?
 
Alright Sosage. HF all fixed. I didn't check on the game last night before I left. I'm pretty light on the controls at home I didn't account for people being tough on the controls at the show. 4 buttons came loose and the 1p joystick was collapsing. Crazy players. :)

Double Dragon was out all morning because I forgot to unlock the coon door. TrevEB put a sign saying it would be back up at Noon. I got here at 12:30 and there were two guys waiting. Lol.
 
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You didn't imagine it, there's a Jehovah's Witnesses convention taking place there this weekend. On the marquee it said Friday - Sunday. Sure filled up the parking structure.



lol He stood next to me when I was playing Carrier Airwing. Just stood there, didn't play, and only hung around long enough to let his odor fully permeate the area before walking off.

I saw a few people playing the carrier airwing.. I was not going to bring it, but it was in the way so I took it.. glad it got some play.. I should have taken the SF alpha 3 for you fighting guys..

I am pissed the 600xl is failing in the maxflex. I tried swapping PS and no change. I am going to modify a 800xl and put it in there.

Missile command ate its flyback on staruday. I replaced it saturday eveing when the show calmed down..

My biggest gripe is people don't put credit buttons or put their games in free play.

Someone took a mario bros and it has no credit button. The coin door switches were missing their wires.. I was able to put credits on it 2 or 3 times during the show, but it was not registering credits late sunday..
 
The automated band setup was awesome.
The dude with the bass instrument was irritating and unnecessary IMO.

The selection of games was awesome.
The availability of games was not. (But then again, we like big turnouts like this! :))
 
This was my first CAX and it was cool! I almost decided not to go because I was bummed about my car being totaled last month. I attended Saturday only. Didn't recognize any KLOVers besides mrBill.

I enjoyed it overall, so I'll just mention some of the things I think could be improved a bit.
I didn't like the fact that you couldn't hear some of the sound on the arcade games. The volume was either too low, or drowned out by other games. It takes away a little of the game experience for me when you can't hear all the cool sounds in a game. But I realize with so many games operating at once it's expected. But why were some games set lounder than others? Is there any requirement how loud games can be set?

The automated band setup also drowned-out some the nearby games. They should set that up next to old games like Pong and some older pinball games that don't have any music or sound effects. Makes sense (to me).

I may bring some games next year. Do they let you keep your collection together? I have an EM game but would they let me keep it next to my JAMMA cabs or would they put it with other EM games?

And I didn't see some games that were on the list for this year. Didn't see Bagman, Gunsmoke, Marvel vs. Capcom, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Satan's Hallow, Strider, Super Contra, X-Men vs. Street Fighter. And I couldn't play the DECO Burgertime because the pepper button didn't work. And I couldn't play Wild Western because the credit button didn't work.

Also, the CAX 2011 website says "Please be aware that tickets purchased as the door must be paid for by cash, check or money order only." You can go read it yourself, before they change it, if you don't believe me. I didn't have time to get cash before leaving, so I just grabbed my checkbook thinking I could pay at the door. When I try to pay with a check they tell me cash only! I told them the website says cash or check. The lady said "that must have been last year". What the fuck?! So I had to use the hotel lobby ATM and get a $3 service charge on top of whatever my back my charges me! I hope the CAX website gets things straight next year. I don't like starting things off on a negative as soon as I get there and having the feeling that the people running this thing aren't aware of their own policies/procedures and then try to put blame on me. But if that happens again next year I will definitely make a scene if I'm in the right. I let 'em slide this time.

But overall it was cool to see that others are keeping their games running for everyone to enjoy.

If I can, next year I'll bring Outfoxies, Ninja Gun, Ninja Warriors and maybe some more. But I'll need help getting them there. And since CAX lied about accepting checks this year, next year they have to let me have 2 free nights at the Hyatt and free weekend admission for me and 4 friends! ( I can dream, can't I?)
 
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Anthony-sorry I missed you man!

Next year bring the outfoxies and the Ninja Warriors for the Taito Row!
 
Yeah, you need to give me your number again so we can communicate at CAX next year. I might bring 2 Outfoxies. That game is sure to get lots of play. So I may also need to find an extra JAMMA cab between now and then. I'll also be looking for a nice 4-player cab between now and next year for Mach Breakers and Numan Athletics. If I can bring all these games, it would be a CAX not to be missed! Or maybe some one could bring the cabs and I'll bring the pcbs.
 
I hope to meet you sometime Anthony, we were talking about adding a few more Taito games like Outfoxies, Elevator Action Returns, etc. so it would be so fitting if you brought a few to add. Just having Cadash and Double Dragon was a huge hit. I kid you not, they were played practically the whole weekend. I refilled my Double Dragon to 99 credits at 1PM yesterday and had to refill it 3 times. So there's definitely a demand for JAMMA Taito games.
 
I like the layout better than last year but didn't like the dead ends. Ok the mechanical band stuff was cool and all but way too f-ing loud. I did not enjoy playing games anywhere near that corner and unfortunately my favorites were all near the band. Oh yeah and that guy needs to leave that friggen whistle at home. The band was bad enough but trying to concentrate on a game when some kid is going bonkers pulling the whistle blowing cord is damn near impossible.
 
Yeah the auto band was too loud where it was. Especially that whistle. I was bummed I didn't see DKJR or Satan's Hollow.
I do know I need to bring some games next year.
 
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+1000

Andrew

I like the layout better than last year but didn't like the dead ends. Ok the mechanical band stuff was cool and all but way too f-ing loud. I did not enjoy playing games anywhere near that corner and unfortunately my favorites were all near the band. Oh yeah and that guy needs to leave that friggen whistle at home. The band was bad enough but trying to concentrate on a game when some kid is going bonkers pulling the whistle blowing cord is damn near impossible.
 
Oh yeah and that guy needs to leave that friggen whistle at home. The band was bad enough but trying to concentrate on a game when some kid is going bonkers pulling the whistle blowing cord is damn near impossible.

Those damn kids! I pulled that cord everytime I walked past, I couldn't resist, it might as well have had a sign on it saying "DO NOT PULL CORD."
 
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