*WARNING: This blog is text and graphic heavy, as well as somewhat sappy story heavy*

So, I’m a little late with this and all, but I’ve got a lot on my plate. Over a month ago, some sort of gaming event/convention happened. You guys may have heard of it before . . . the Penny-Arcade Expo, otherwise known as PAX. It was something I had been wanting to go to for years, yet never got around to. Ever since last year, seeing all the blogs and pictures from the community, I just knew I had to go this year. So, with close to a year of planning, one member from my crew bailing, and another just magically deciding he wanted to go, it happened. With that, I’ll start with the “less” important part of my trip to Seattle, the actual Expo itself.



Traveling to Seattle and rooming with two of my buddies from Calgary was great fun in itself, but actually seeing the coveted show and all was beyond words. People familiar with me know that I’m quite a compulsive collector of any and all things video game related, so just anticipating the mountain of freebies and swag available for a bunch of games I’m actually interested and all, left me on the edge of my seat. It was pretty typical for what I expected. Lines of people to play games and buy stuff, cool appearances of people, just a lot of cool stuff to see in general. With that said, here are some of the highlights of the expo itself.



So, standing in line to play Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story (the first time, just to get a beanie, and having to bail due to the Destructoid Panel), the man himself, Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo of America, as well as Adam Sessler from G4TV, had a little film and talk about 5 feet from me. I thought it was pretty cool, although, I resisted yelling at Reggie for screwing over North American Nintendo supporters.



There were cool mascots and all around the whole show, but seriously . . . The Prince!?!?! How could I say no? Especially one that was feeling up my DOMO-KUN!



I freaking loved BioShock, so seeing this set that was in reality just a phenomenally done recreation of their “under the sea” set and all, was freaking awesome! The attention to detail and just the amount of cool stuff was awesome. They even had that vinyl record that was featured on the site a couple months ago playing on an old phonograph. I was tempted to add it to my vast collection of swag, but thought twice, since I didn’t want to get kicked out on the first day.



So, I don’t know about you guys, but I love newspaper comics. Attending PAX was my favorite ones ever, and this should make some of you guys happy, he’s a GIANT World of Warcraft fan as well. Going to his panel, and meeting and talking to Bill Amend was one of the coolest things I’ve managed to do. He’s really down to earth, knows a bunch about video games (primarily World of Warcraft, he doesn’t play “much,” as he only has 3 level 80’s and a full Tier 6 set on his Warlock), and was all around cool. He even signed and drew a picture in my first FoxTrot book, which you’ll see in my PAX haul blog.



In terms of “properly” done booths. Capcom probably was the best in my opinion. As it was spacious, had a bunch of demos for games, had the register to get into a demo to get a free zombie shirt, and best of all, actually had a goddamn shop where you could buy Capcom stuff and Japan exclusive stuff. All other companies should base themselves off of Capcom’s booth.



Now to move onto the more “heartwarming” section of this blog. While PAX the show was all nice and dandy, as others have previously stated, the most awesome part of the trip to Seattle is seeing and talking to all the awesome people from the site. Now, with this being my first PAX adventure, I wanted to see the show and all, but I think I had a pretty good balance of doing my own thing with the people I came with, and hanging out with fellow Dtoiders. With that said, I still found myself wanting to have spent more time with you wonderful people, just to talk and hang out. I’ve got one hell of a shout out list, much like Kryptinite that I somewhat sorted into people I had a fair amount of time to talk to, those I wish I did more than a glancing “hey,” and those who didn’t make the trip. Interspersed will be pictures with said people, and stories of why Destructoid is truly an online gaming (not even sometimes) community like none other, and that will probably not be replicated anytime soon. Onto why I <3 Destructoid!



So, if I recall correctly, myself and garison didn’t join the site too far apart. Don’t know if he lurked as long as I did, but finding out he was Canadian and totally awesome was super sweet. Meeting him at PAX and buying him some “children” drinks we shall call them, was cool and I still expect you to come to Calgary sometime and just live in my “museum” for a few days.



Next up, Dyson. Never really talked to you until you started up the RetroForceGO Trading Forum, which got me into using the Forums. Still, listening to you rabble about stuff while drunk out of your mind was awesome! Also, you coming to the realization that I’M NOT WHITE was one of the funniest things ever. Although, after 30 – 45 minutes of listening to it, might’ve annoyed Kryptinite.



Kryp, dude, you are like the most chill guy ever! Talking about our collections, what we’re doing in life, how you proposed to your fiancée, how you’re buying a house, just so awesome man. Good effing times. Also, if you’re still interested in stuff, hit me up with an email or in the Forums. Then we have GuitarAtomik who I just chatted the crap out of with at the Palomino.



Dale North, I don’t think I’ve met anyone else who is as knowledgeable and obsessed with Atlus, NIS, and Working Design games than you, particularly the beyond awesome company of Atlus.



Now, what could I possibly say about Hamza? Standing in line for the Destructoid panel, he comes walking by and simply just says “And you must be Funktastic!” pointing to the DOMO-KUN I was carrying! I don’t think we could possibly ask for a better Community Manager than this great guy!





Yet another fellow Canadian I got to meet was ScottyG. Meeting him and talking about our trades we’ve done and seeing him setup the Destructoid canvas gift to Niero was nothing short of epic. Then we have Mr. Squid himself, Qalamari. Seeing him in his Blue Shell hat, and having a Pokémon battle in the middle of the Elephant and Castle was awesome, plus talking to him and him suggesting having a picture of the CBlog Recappers was pretty sweet. Yet another CBlog Recapper I met was the great Pendelton21. The dude got a freaking TATTOO of Mr. Destructoid on his arm! Talk about dedication and such, but just talking to the dude about both of our future goals and what we’re taking in school, it was just mad chill and awesome. He also apparently thinks I’m “racist” too! ;-D



Now we have a dude who made it to Seattle by claiming he was going to his brother’s “wedding” all the way from Australia, The GHost. The guy went to university in the same province I live in, and just talking to him about his pursuit of a medical degree makes me know he’s one hell of a smart guy and will become a very successful doctor. Then we have a guy who I’ve never even seen/heard about on the site, Volkarin, who despite a super limited budget, made the trip and was just so cool to hang out with. Then we have a guy who is now classified as a “collector” buddy, Necros. The guy knows his special editions, and believe it or not, he finally started Dead Space, hahaha!



I was also fortunate enough to meet Simmy, a Brit I didn’t even know was on the site, and ended up being one of the coolest people I met. Much like bunnyrabbit2, the head of DtoidUK, and just a very cool sentimental guy you can relate to.



Then you have the resident, all around awesome guy in NihonTiger90, who is also getting into journalism and of whom I wish the best to. Ben PerLee. I don’t know what I could possibly say about you that you didn’t already know! I’ll just stick to you’re freaking goddamn awesome! Then we have good old AgentMOO, of whom talking to you about your game and passion for it made me feel all inspired inside.



Now we move onto the list of people of whom I wish I had more time to talk to.





LostCrichton, seeing you as Little Mac was so awesome, and meeting a fellow good natured Asian brother in Hoygeit was also badass. Coonskin05, the guy wears a freaking sailors hat! Do I really need to say more?



Then we have the artist of the Destructoid Comic and artist extraordinaire, Mikey, who is one of the most talented people I wish I could’ve talked more to. That also includes GrumpyTurtle, who I saw/passed by numerous times, but never really got a conversation going with.



Which leads me to probably one of the most well known Dtoiders in phoenix-blood (Hollie), who everyone seems interested in talking to, of which I wish I had the chance to talk to about being a midwife and just how she has time for everything she does!



Then there’s the couple of Nintendoll and Wardrox, who just seem like awesome people.



Now, the problem with a gathering like this is that you don’t get everyone’s name, which is the case in Arttemis/Digital, of whom appears in this picture, so if you could correct me, it’d be greatly appreciated.



Goddamn, meeting my Asian sister was awesome! Stella (Aiya) is just beyond cool! Words can’t explain how awesome she is!



Although, bushofghosts (Maya) would probably fit into the same category and all, even though she comes from Hongcouver! =P



I REALLY wish I talked more to Mr. Fedora himself, Tactix, as his friendly charm and all that is just so seductive! Plus, he actually knows and can relate to my avatar picture of DOMO-KUN, which is totally beyond awesome!



The most chill person around award would probably go to another fedora toting dude in Solgrim. I was him for like 3 seconds, but being able to chat with Technophile would’ve been super cool, same with Chooly, of whom I got like 3 words with. Another dude that has piqued my interest ever since I discovered Destructoid was blehman, of whom I wish I could’ve chatted with, same thing applies to Knives and McSnow. Then on the last night I got a few words in with Senisan82 and rawnewdlz. I saw TheCleaningGuy on the PAX show floor for about a total of like 5 minutes, where I heard a sad story of how someone stole his backpack, which was totally not cool, but people able to talk to the “Servbot Guy” was totally awesome. Then we have another European who I wanted to talk to more, since we both travelled to PAX to trade games, and his name was Tremulant.



Now we have the rest of the Destructoid staff of which I never really got a word in with, all of whom seem to have very different, but nonetheless super cool personalities and such. Colette, your consistently happy demeanor and love of toys and such as shown on Tomopop are a few of the things that translate to everyone else. Ashley Davis, Anthony Burch, and Ashly Burch, you guys just simply rock with your videos and artistic talents. Mr. Rock Band, Nick Chester, I couldn’t stop laughing at your contribution to the song at the end of the Destructoid Panel.



I don’t think any other “face” is more ingrained into the community than your’s Chad. Who could possibly forget Mr. My Birthday Is Everyday, Samit, and Mr. Video Guy in Rey?



Then we have the man himself who is one of the most modest, humblest, and just very relaxed people ever, Niero. The man who had a dream of going to E3, and ended up creating something so much more than he could’ve probably imagined. A man who is literally responsible for bringing all of us together, and if not for his passion and love of video games, very few of us would’ve ever met. To him, as many others of said . . . “thank you.”



Now to move onto the list of those who I wish I could’ve even just met, but unfortunately couldn’t make the trip. SilverDragon1979 and Y0j1mb0, two CBlog Recappers and two men who enjoy sharing their “slightly more elderly” wisdom. God I wish you two could’ve made the trip! Then you have RiotMonster who apparently wants to steal my Halo Wars standee, and I’m assuming since it’s on her sidebar, is a big fan of one of the BEST TV shows ever, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia! There’s also Tales fanatic SakuChan and Prinny lover and super cake creator taticakes. I also can’t forget about fellow super collectors ChillyBilly and WryGuy. And then there’s also my fellow football (yes, it’s call FOOTBALL goddammit) fans CWal37 and deBLOO. Liverpool and Chivas suck! =P Then there’s the Destructoid editors Jim Sterling and Topher who couldn’t make the trip. Obscurer Tribune reporter BulletMagnet, super creators and artists in riomccarthy and Togail. Then there’s the guys online who I seem to have a bunch of conversations with in lastSKYsamura, Magnalon, CharlesSharam, and BenHaskett. Special mention to a guy who didn’t make it to PAX, but of whom I instantly got along with and talk a ton with to nowadays in JoeCamNet.

<Insert picture of fellow Calgarians I somehow didn't get a picture of>

Special praise goes to my fellow Calgarians of whom I’ve known for a while and all got to visit Destructoid daily. Props to possumwrangler (another super collector) and GraveRisen for making the trip with me to Seattle and just being all around great buds. I think Kryptinite has a picture of the 3 of us somewhere, so if you’re reading this dude, throw it up in the comments or something mate! =D Then my other 2 homies who couldn’t make the trip in Zoel (Japanese import fanatic) and sylphx (Persona movie trailer guy) for always being around and putting up with my shenanigans.

Holy balls that was one hell of a shout out section, but each and everyone of you deserved a mention in my book for just piquing my interest or just being all around awesome. Hopefully I didn’t miss out on anyone, if I did, I apologize and just mention something in the comments.

NOW, IF YOU WERE BORED WITH THE SHOUT OUTS, AT LEAST READ THIS PART!

One of the biggest reasons I love Destructoid is because of how much more unique it is compared to other gaming communities. It’s been said time and time again, but you’re not going to find another online community like the one we’re all a part of. With the freedom of expression we’re given in the comments and especially the CBlogs, to how the staff/editors don’t hold themselves upon a higher perch, and actually participate in discussions and read our own blogs. You’d be hard pressed to find another site that has this kind of interaction. Plus, the number of friendships that have formed over not only just gaming discussion, but over just common interests and such, it’s truly a marvel at what Niero has done.

PAX is probably the best example of this. I challenge any of you who doubt me to find another website/gaming community that can get people from literally ALL OVER THE WORLD to gather in one place and just hang out. People from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, the UK (jesus christ, that’s across the fucking Atlantic Ocean), to even goddamn Australia (and then the Pacific Ocean), to anywhere else I missed, all convening in one place to talk about a common passion, and to just get to know one another better. A group of people that with a common interest, have embraced one another and have forged genuine friendships. A group where some people you meet, you don’t even know their avatar name, let alone their real name, yet can instantly strike up a conversation about gaming or just what’s going on in their lives.





A community where if one of us is sad, then we band together to do what we can to make that person feel better. This situation also happen at PAX, with the ever so lovable and awesome Stella! For those of you I don’t have on Facebook, I originally withheld posting the next picture since I didn’t know if Stella wanted it public, but she told me to throw it up, due to the fact it would bring back great memories, so here’s hoping those memories come flooding back again. I still don’t know the full story, but on the last night of PAX, Stella was feeling sad and all. I don’t know why or what caused this, but all I know is that one of our fellow Dtoiders was feeling blue. Mikey, being the super awesome guy he is, got a card started and was getting everyone to sign it. After what seemed like everyone getting their signature in, he surprised Stella with it, and one of the most heartwarming moments of the entire weekend occurred. It didn’t matter that many of us had never met, nor known about Stella before. All we knew was that she was sad, and we had to do something to make her happy. Literally, strangers, banning together to make another stranger have a smile on her face. Truly memorable.

Here, have a few extra pictures I wanted to include, but couldn't find a spot to put them . . .













With that, I conclude my PAX memories and explanation of why I <3 Destructoid. Typing this up in Word, I got 5 pages, so hopefully I didn’t bore you guys to death. I just thought since I don’t really blog per se, as opposed to sharing my collection and latest video game hauls, that I’d put an extra little bit of effort into this one. Still, continue being a brother (or sister) to one another mates. As I said, I apologize if I missed you in my shout outs or caused your computer to lag with all the pictures, but I look forward to still chatting to all of you here and there online, and also seeing you all once again at PAX West, as I will unfortunately not be able to make it to PAX East. Latez yo!