Manchester Play Expo - October

[aeroflott]

I just miss seeing the friends i've made on the forum and the shows are a great social vehicle which is what made me chime in on this thread really in the first place.

But that's the issue I think - the show as a whole is geared up for the general public to enjoy, rather than the enthusiast. The Arcade Club meet later in the month I think better caters for forum members - it's more intimate and the focus is arcade related rather than all the other guff that comes with Play Manchester.

I do think there is much more that could be done to raise the profile of "arcade" at the show. I can't believe it would be beyond the wit of man to get members of the community to stand up and talk about our hobby in a variety of ways, and I'm sure most would do it for free.

maybe its just me, but since showmasters bought the event are the retro sections reducing slowly??

I very much got a sense of this at the last show.

 

[vib_ribbon]

with regards to glare, yes, i have experienced this playing on pinball tables at certain arcades in southend, it was impossible to play. however, as a temporary measure, have you considered building some cardboard hoods like those you see at japanese arcades for the cocktail tables? they might not look pretty, but they cost zero money and are effective.

 

[vib_ribbon]

are you buddies with tadashi on facebook? lemme borrow one of his photos:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=960625174062891&set=pb.100003462537442.-2207520000.1473708595.&type=3&theater

 

[ben76]

I should be there as usual. The only thing is whether to take Riley or not as it can be a bit overwhelming due to the size, noise and also he's not keen on dark areas.

- Ben

 

[aeroflott]

You boys need to get with the programme - arcade screen glare is all part of the fun!

 

[Hurray Banana]

You boys need to get with the programme - arcade screen glare is all part of the fun!

I agree, it's why we evolved necks that let our heads wobble around

 

[vib_ribbon]

You boys need to get with the programme - arcade screen glare is all part of the fun!

well, the box is removable/ optional.

 

[Pacman83]

You boys need to get with the programme - arcade screen glare is all part of the fun!

Not for perfect Pac Man it's not ....

 

[vib_ribbon]

well, considering that you've dragged a 90kg antique cross country and taken all the necessary precautions to make sure that it works, you wouldn't want the player to have anything less than a stellar experience on it because of some bleeding spot light that's pointing right at it so they can't see.

 

[tb lilley]

I find Play Manchester a bit impersonal. That's nothing new or recent for me though, always felt that way about it. Dunno. Manchester. Trafford centre. All very 'corporate' and I get enough of that Monday to Friday. Not really 'the original spirit'. Much prefer Blackpool - has a much better vibe. Seedy hotel that's seen better days? Check. A seaside resort well past its prime? Check. It all harks back to halcyon days long gone. Which is a pretty good fit for VAC really. ....

 

[subzero]

i dunno, i even found this years event in blackpool a bit 'dissapointing'

 

[aeroflott]

It all harks back to halcyon days long gone. Which is a pretty good fit for VAC really. ....

Ooof.

 

[shaunholley]

A seaside resort well past its prime? Check.

I disagree. There's been a lot of money put into regenerating Blackpool promenade in recent years and it's really quite nice now. There's some decent pubs and eateries. I suspect it will always retain its cheesy charm, however, and continue to attract the hen night / stag do crowd, but that's all part of the attraction

Rant over. I must defend the jewel of the north.

 

[tb lilley]

Hey. I love Blackpool. It's my kind of town.

 

[subzero]

a lot of hotels/guest houses wont accept hen/stag parties staying so they are usually going elsewhere...ive been going to blackpool every year for the last six and only seen one hen do!

 

[Mr20to5]

Another shout out for Tackpool. I spent countless trips here as a kid and my kids love it too. The front is as good now as ever, with some serious cash thrown at it. Yes it's a bit ropey walking a few blocks inwards but it doesn't hide that either. I think that as long as you keep your expectations levelled you will have a great time. Not cheap though!

 

[bomjac]

Well, let me just say that my favourite meets at this time are Eurocade & NERG.

Cost wise Eurocade was £59 Ryanair to Bremen, €150 for the hotel, €17 on tram/train and €20 for the ticket. Think of RGP V5.0 with less people and cabs but more space.

Certainly no more expensive than NERG Taking transport and Hotels into account.

 

[shaunholley]

Well, let me just say that my favourite meets at this time are Eurocade & NERG.

Cost wise Eurocade was £59 Ryanair to Bremen, €150 for the hotel, €17 on tram/train and €20 for the ticket. Think of RGP V5.0 with less people and cabs but more space.

Certainly no more expensive than NERG Taking transport and Hotels into account.

Bloody hell when I looked at Eurocade flights from Manchester it was £160!

 

[retromax]

I bought my tickets for play expo yesterday, going on the Saturday with my son

 

[JohnnyChaos]

I'll be there with the usual car load with an odd mix of outfits!

I'm surprised people think the retro side of it is less than before. I was thinking the modern side was less than before.
First year we went Oculus was there with the HD Prototypes. Sony were showing off their new PS4 and Nintendo had a cool area showing their new releases.
Since then it's seemed more Indy and retro to me. But I enjoy it all the same.
Looking forward to trying the PSVR and hunting for dreamcast stuff.... and shooting rebel scum