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What it has that E3 doesn't
Excluding the presence of Mega Man 9, E3 '08 was pretty devoid of classic gaming love. Wii Music? Microsoft avatars? WTF is this shit? E3 has always been a showcase for the latest technology, so we aren't suggesting that it ought to become a classic gaming convention, but maybe a little inspiration from the past would remind its exhibiters of what we like about gaming.
Above: Oodles of classic arcade games... or a bunch of adults flailing around?
That inspiration can be found at the yearly California Extreme – an orgy of classic, playable pinball machines and arcade games. Enthusiasts bring their collections and you play them - we can't think of a better way to spend a weekend.
When? Where? Can I go?
The 2009 convention will happen at Parkside Hall in San Jose, CA (the dates aren't yet finalized, so you'll have to check the site later to find out). Admission is generally $35 for Saturday and $30 on Sunday ($60 for the whole weekend) - but keep in mind that there are no quarters involved, all of the games on the floor are free to play. Yeah, it's worth it.
