Fan Post: Video Games Live @ Wolftrap

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I don’t think that it is any secret that without you our readers, this site would not exist. Each one of the writers on staff loves getting feedback from you (whether positive or negative) and we figure that this is another way your voices and opinions can be heard. So with that being said, if any of you run across something that sparks that creative fire within you, or if you are planning to attend an event taking place in the area; let us know ahead of time and we may feature your article on the site as well.

Here’s Tina’s review of Video Games Live at Wolftrap from last Friday (7/10):

Watching video games and listening to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has never seemed so natural. Friday night at Wolftrap was a unique and enjoyable event showcasing the NSO as they performed the music of video games while the images played on big screens behind them. The NSO did a wonderful job, a few times I forgot I was listening to a live orchestra!

They started with oldies like Pong and Frogger, moved to favorites like Donkey Kong and Duck Hunt, and ended with more impressive scores from God of War and Halo. Even non-gamers like me were impressed with the obvious evolution of video games and their accompanying music throughout the years.

Getting to Wolftrap was a breeze using the direct entrance from the Dulles Toll Road. Parking was free and very painless, as was getting my ticket from will-call and finding a great place to sit on the lawn. The weather was perfect and the crowd was a pleasant mix of children, teens, and adults (a large proportion were clearly moms). If it wasn’t a sold-out show, it looked pretty close. And since you can bring your own food and drinks into Wolftrap, including alcohol, the scene was that much better. While most people appeared to bring their own munchies, the prices at the concession stand were very reasonable.

A creator of Video Games Live served as the show MC and kept the performance moving along with enjoyable energy. A costume competition started the show and was a pleasant surprise to those of us that were wondering why so many people were dressed up like Zelda. Pac-Man won as the clear crowd favorite.

Two other instances of crowd participation kept the audience captivated €“ the first involved a live-action version of Space Invaders and the other an impressive Guitar Hero performance. I almost feel bad for the first guy. He volunteered to beat a level of Space Invaders for a great prize, only to find out he had to physically play the laser cannon by wearing a special electronic t-shirt and running around onstage and shooting the aliens on the big screen. It’s unclear if he didn’t know how to play, or he just couldn’t figure it out, nonetheless the crowd was less than forgiving when he lost. Everyone within earshot concluded they could have done a better job. Either way, it was a lot of fun to watch.

On the other hand, a Guitar Hero performance by another audience member later in the show was pretty amazing. He apparently won a Guitar Hero contest some time earlier to be chosen for this contest. The song was €œSweet Emotion€ by Aerosmith. The level was programmed to Hard, until the audience insisted on Expert. After a streak of more than 600 notes, and topping the required 200,000 points, a few keys were dropped, but dude still scored 99%. He received the only standing ovation of the night, well deserved.

Overall, the NSO and Video Games Live put on an entertaining show that the whole family could enjoy. Around two hours long with a short intermission, it was a great way to spend a Friday night.

Thanks Tina — Food for thought, udothedishes . . .

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