At Origins, I had a great time playing in the Mech Warrior pods. When I first sat down in one, I was worried my experience would be something similar to the green mech in today’s image. I’m happy to say that I held my own, and didn’t get last place.
The great thing about the Mech Warrior pods was the gradual learning curve that the game provided. In my first attempt to play the game, my controls were relatively simple, and the most complex function was the jump maneuver (I had to push two buttons at the same time to make it work). After just two rounds, I felt comfortable with switching to the advanced controls, and I felt my game improved dramatically. It’s always a testament to good design when a game can be enjoyable to both the noobie and the expert. As long as the game delivers the right amount of transitions from frustration to satisfaction, it will keep the players coming back for more.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to talk to the MechWarrior Pod guys at Gen-Con this year until the very last day. They suggested that they might go to GenCon next year, but that they would definitely be attending Anime Central (ACEN) in early May.
Gen Con was simply amazing! I recorded a few interviews, got several snippets of costumes, and had a wonderful Saturday evening with the artists of the show. I still need to think it over, but I think I am going to show my own work there next year. I’m going to have to hustle if I want to get my stereoscopic book together by then. I think that will be a big selling point for the show.
By the way, I’ve also added a new show for this year’s line up: Con on the Cob. If you get a chance, head over to Andy Hopp’s site and check it out.