By Hector Cortez Jul 26, 2010, 4:20 GMT
Familiar video game footage appeared on three large screens, while an orchestra sat below, at the ready. The video game: Pong. The footage began to play and so too did the orchestra. What began as a series of bleeps and bloops became a full-on orchestral arrangement. This was no longer Pong, the video game rather, it was Pong, the experience. Such was the feeling throughout the San Diego Civic Center, as a crowd of thousands sat and experienced their favorite video game music.
Tommy Tallarico, veteran video game composer and co-founder of Video Games Live, emceed the event, introducing special guests throughout the night and also joining in on the fun by rocking out on a slew of amazing guitars including a ridiculously awesome steam punk creation. This thing weighs more than I do, joked Tallarico. This was one of many humorous remarks throughout the night and truly embodied the spirit of Video Games Live. In fact, Tallarico suggested, nay, insisted that people shout and express their excitement whenever they felt the need to; reminding everyone that this wasn't a traditional night at the symphony. Suits and evening gowns were replaced by Green Lantern and Scott Pilgrim shirts.
People of all ages and ethnicities were brought together by the conductor's swaying baton leading the exuberant crowd on a journey through video game history. The concert began with a retro medley, followed by video game soundtracks of every console generation. Some of the music performed included: Frogger, Super Mario Bros., Castlevania, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Legend of Zelda, Halo, World of Warcraft, StarCraft, God of War, End of Nations, Guitar Hero, Final Fantasy, Silent Hill and many more. Much to my surprise, the night ended with a Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross arrangement. I sat and listened to the beautiful notes emanating from the stage and was immediately transported to the period in my life when I played through Chrono Trigger, my favorite game, for the very first time. The entire night was very nostalgic and emotional. As gamers we feel a personal connection to the games we play. A good game sticks with you forever. As the music resonated throughout the Civic Center, I felt a certain energy that was unlike anything I'd ever felt before. Everyone in attendance was there because they love video games. Everyone was there because they wanted to not only listen to, but feel, their favorite video game music feel the gaming memories tucked away in our filing cabinet brains. In case you forgot, they're in the folder labeled Happiness. Tallarico and Video Games Live succeeded in every regard. I urge anyone who is a gamer to purchase tickets immediately at videogameslive.com. You will not be disappointed. If you do attend, I recommend going with someone you care about. Whether it be a sister, son, father, spouse you'll want someone to share this unique experience with. You'll want someone who's arm you can cling to when the excitement level rises. You'll want someone to turn to and smile at when their favorite video game soundtrack is played. The look in their eyes will be worth the price of admission.
At the San Diego Civic Center, a crowd of thousands sat and experienced their favorite video game music.
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