Quantcast


Otakon 2007: An import gamer's treasure trove photo

Gaming isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the term "Anime convention." Put those two words together and they'll likely conjure images of smelly otaku, swords fashioned from duct tape, hentai artbooks, and acne. Not to say that this isn't the case, as these things can surely be found at such an event. Baltimore's annual Otakon, however, is a bit different.

Held every summer, America's most attended anime event isn't about ninjas and tentacle rape as much as it is a celebration of Japanese media and culture as a whole. This, of course, includes videogames. Lots and lots of videogames. In fact, for those who happen to be gamers of the import or retro persuasion, it can be something akin to paradise if you know where to look. Let me tell you about it after the jump.
I had the pleasure of attending my fourth Otakon last weekend, and with me this year were Destructoid's Features Editor Brad Rice, Associate Editor and music man Dale North, Art Team rockstar Phist, Resident A-Hole Puppetpallmich, Photographer Pedro, and Japanator Editors God Len, John Martone, and WestCabaretDrive. After we picked up our press passes, one of the first things we set our sights on was the fabled Dealer's Room. If you've never been to Otakon, let me take a moment to describe this place. Imagine a room roughly the size of your local Target, K-Mart, or wherever you buy your laundry detergent and surge protectors. Now imagine that place filled with nothing but Japanese media and merchandise. Figures, artbooks, DVDs, posters, model robots, wallscrolls, candy, toys, plushies, you name it. Yeah, that's about right.

Now I like anime just as much as the kids across the hall, but I have to admit that this wasn't the reason I wanted to be there. I know a secret. While some congoers are shopping for pillowcases with Rurika Yamamoto printed on them, I was on a different mission. Hidden in the midst of all the Gundams and polyvinyl statues of naked chicks are some of the rarest gaming gems any collector could hope to find.

The cavernous "Hall F" of the Baltimore Convention Center was packed tightly with row after row of booths, tables, counters, boards, and anything else a merchant could use to peddle their wares, not to mention thousands of attendees. Walking through all of this madness in search of something worth this week's paycheck, I pass a few booths selling Wii games and PSP cameras, used Gamecubes, etc. Then I hear a familiar melody above the din, getting louder by the second. The Katamari Damacy soundtrack. I pick up the pace now, probably trampling a dozen or so Naruto cosplayers and punching a few babies on the way (it's all a blur at this point), until I arrive at a group of tables set up by an outfit called Mad Gear.

Sweet ... mother ... of God.

A famicom still in its original box. A Neo-Geo. Sega Saturn. A Super Famicom, bundled with Chrono Trigger. Attachments, controllers, hardware and peripherals, stuff never released outside of Japan. Best of all, tables holding mountains of games most Americans have never even heard of. Is that a Shin-Chan game for Game Boy? A boxed copy of Mother for the original Famicom? What do you mean, there was an Akira game? ZOMG GRADIUS. Holy crap, how many platforms was Final Fantasy 2 released on, anyway? They're all there. Countless little squares of electronic sex, all displayed under glass cases put in place to protect them from the overactive salivary glands of people like me.

As I scan the goods and slowly sound out the katakana on their labels, I can't help but wish some of my friends were here to see what I'm seeing. I picture Aaron snatching up everything in sight, yelling "Mine! Mine!" or Dyson pitching his wallet at the clerk like a fastball and then running away giggling with his arms full of imported hardware. Chad making his patented Chad face while he stuffs Colette's purse with as many cartridges as it can hold, her passing them to him as she makes some sort of "SQUEEEE" sound.

I could have easily spent the entire con just standing at this booth with my face pressed against the glass, but unfortunately, my wallet isn't nearly as deep as my love for classic games. I did, however, score the one thing that I'd hoped to find; a game I'd been scouring the earth in search of for almost 7 years -- a copy of Project Justice (Rival Schools 2) for Sega Dreamcast. The Japanese one. You know, the good one. The moment I walked away with that in my hand made my whole weekend.

So the next time there's an anime convention in your area, consider going for at least one day. Even if anime isn't your bag, there might be something there for you. Maybe something you haven't been able to find anywhere else. Isn't that worth having to see a couple of fat guys dressed as Tifa and Aeris? For me, the answer is ... Almost.

Almost.
LAUNCH GALLERY (20 IMAGES)
Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo









More gaming stories around the web. Got news? Submit yours to tips@destructoid.com



Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

42 comments | showing # 1 to 42
prev next

Brad Rice's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 19:49
Brad Rice
I can't believe I made it out of there without buying anything at that stand.
Topher Cantler's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 19:51
Topher Cantler
Neither can I. You're a crazy person.
Topher Cantler's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 19:52
Topher Cantler
That was directed at DMV, by the way. What the hell is WiiSucks doing back here? o_O
God Len's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 19:57
God Len
I can't believe i din't buy anything eather.
Jordan Devore's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 19:59
Jordan Devore
I can't handle the awesome.
trunxkam45's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 20:22
trunxkam45
My brother got me a master grade MS-06J Zaku II. Suffice to say I am pleased.
Moon Jump's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 20:28
Moon Jump
Yep, I know the guy who runs Mad-Gear (The bald guy in the one picture) and he always he always hooks me up with good deals at his booth.

This year he had Wrecking Crew 98' in and out of the box, but it was too rich for my blood. He also had a "Super Fami-Turbo" with Sailor Moon:Sailor Stars which was an add on cart from Bandai that was made during the end of the Super Famicom's life.

The guys at VideoGames New York were there too. They usually have pretty good prices and good selection. I visit their store from time to time when I go to the city. They have a store chock full of used games from just about every system you can think of. It's well worth the trip!

I unfortunately didn't see anybody from D-Toid or Japananatior, if I did I would have said hello. I was looking for you guys.

Did any of you happen to go to my panel this year? My friend and I hosted a panel on Friday night called "10 Games You Should Have Played" and it would have been great if one of you guys were there.

I'm going to try to set up another panel with them next year so hopefully you guys will be there!
wesman's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 20:33
wesman
....

Mother 3...

:)
Zero_armada's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 20:34
Zero_armada
I was there, I saw everything, and I cried when I looked at the 80 dollars I had in my wallet. I needs me a job. T_T

I got the best t-shirt, though...

T_T
Pedro Blandino's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 20:35
Pedro Blandino
I'm soo happy I picked up a copy of Chrono Trigger.. i sleep with it every night!

still kinda wish i paid for the beta copy.. but oh well..
smackifilia's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 20:47
smackifilia
I would have ninja kicked a pregnant woman to get copies of ESPgaluda and Dodonpachi Dai Ou Jou. Where was this?
Evil Cheese's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 20:50
Evil Cheese
I can't believe I missed it. I live in Washington D fucking C and I let this little jewel pass me by... my god it was in pissing distance. Well I just lost 1000 nerd points.
Moon Jump's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 20:53
Moon Jump
Here's the video of the game room that I took on Saturday. This place in crazy. There's a convention on Long Island New York I go to every year and the game room at Otakon is bigger then their dealers room!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqm_NAW9dvI
SaraAB87's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 20:55
SaraAB87
I am a complete cheapass so I probably would have not bought anything unless I knew it was cheaper than I would ever see it again. If i can get it cheaper on ebay then I wouldn't be paying for it there. If i was to spend my money on something it probably would have been the wonderswan crystal system since I like handhelds and 70$ isn't that unreasonable for a handheld system.
Topher Cantler's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 21:10
Topher Cantler
I can't believe Mother 3 was only $2.66 and I didn't notice it when I took the fucking picture. :(
Topher Cantler's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 21:13
Topher Cantler
Also, I just posted a bunch of Otakon ass-grabbing pics if anyone is interested. :D
Kurse318's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 21:30
Kurse318
I picked up some Super Robot Wars games while browsing the dealers room..I LOVE THESE GAMES!
wesman's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 21:38
wesman
2.66 for mother 3.
man ill read Japaneses for that price!
wesman's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 21:38
wesman
2.66 for mother 3.
man ill read Japaneses for that price!
Brad Rice's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 21:39
Brad Rice
Moon,

We wanted to go to the 10 games panel, but, well, we needed food. That was our first meal of the day.
Topher Cantler's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 21:45
Topher Cantler
@Moon Jump-

Yeah, sorry we missed that. Our Friday was spent running around picking people up and doubling over from hunger pangs. We'll catch you next time! :)
Moon Jump's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 21:45
Moon Jump
That's alright, I know how it is. Our flight was delayed so by the time we made it to Baltimore on Thursday all of the places to eat were closed and I was dead tired. The bed at the hotel didn't help either, my back felt like Jello for the first day.

I wanted to eat BEFORE the panel but we didn't have time because we had to set up. I ended up eating at 9, two hours after the panel at Hard Rock. Which, you should avoid..they raised the prices! 15.67 for Mac n' Cheese and a grilled chicken breast? I was better off eating crab cakes in the mall, much better, quicker and cheaper too!
God Len's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 21:52
God Len
I hear you kurse. Spread the word brother
HarassmentPanda's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/24/2007 22:46
HarassmentPanda
Wow! I wish I had known! I'm new to the DC-area and knew nothing about Otakon. I'll definitely be ready for next year, actually importing from Japan gets EXPENSIVE.
Phist's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 00:13
Phist
I spent way too much time creaming and drooling on shrink wrap. Want Super Famicom now. Those guys hooked us up, I'll post about my aquistion soon.
s0lesurviv0r's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 00:58
s0lesurviv0r
Neogeo aes, pc-engine, super famicom, and neogeo pocket games all in the same picture? I gotta start traveling.
Pedro Blandino's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 01:21
Pedro Blandino
i should of picked up a neogeo pocket with metal slug.
manson77's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 03:12
manson77
awsome...got...to...chrono trigger....argh!
CrackaSlim's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 03:23
CrackaSlim
A Boxed Famicom, Boxed Sega Saturn, AND SGGG! (Segagaga) DAAAAYYYNNNMMMMMM!
JonDarkwood's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 05:03
JonDarkwood
I think that was where I bought my copy of Battle Stadium D.O.N. from. I wish i'd seen copies of Mother 3, DAMMIT.
atheistium's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 06:32
atheistium
I CAME
Brad Rice's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 07:12
Brad Rice
Only $330 for the boxed Neo Geo! Plus, it comes with a free game!
galagabug 's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 08:10
galagabug
wow. radiant silvergun is really, really, really expensive.
s0lesurviv0r's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 08:12
s0lesurviv0r
@Pedro Blandino
Yes, you should have! Check out ebay, they're pretty cheap.
fetusmilk's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 08:31
fetusmilk
gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie gimmie
Ness's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 09:00
Ness
Wow, i need that Mother 3. Translated too! =D
Dacvak's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 18:03
Dacvak
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Hey Destructoid community! My name's Dac, and I was running the Mad Gear booth, as well as my friend Erik and our boss Carlson. I'm so glad everyone who went had a great time, there! If you're wondering who I was, personally, I was the dude in the sports jacket who was always demoing all the DS stuff.

Anyway, we always try to hook up the hardcore gamers. If you guys ever see us at a con, mention this article, and we'll hook ya up. (Topher, I don't know how to get in contact with you personally, but this is an AMAZING write-up. Whatever the next con you go to is, we're totally going to give you some mad hook ups. ;)

If anyone has any questions about our booth or import gaming in general, please let me know! My email address is Dacvak089@gmail.com and my AIM Screen Name is Shigeru Miyamoto . (Awesome, huh? =)

We go to a ton of different conventions, so I hope to see you all there!

~Dac

Dacvak's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/25/2007 20:08
Dacvak
Actually, the best guy to talk to is my boss, Carlson. He'll totally be able to get you some mad deals on crazy import games.

Contact him through the website www.mad-gear.com or his personal email address: carlson@mad-gear.com

Give him a shout!

~Dac
hodge's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/26/2007 02:01
hodge
Sweet holy christ how did I miss a copy of Mother 3!? I did, however, pick up Dialhex and Sound Voyager, which are both very good.
Topher Cantler's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/26/2007 02:48
Topher Cantler
Dacvak, you can email me at hushgush@destructoid.com

You guys wouldn't still happen to have that boxed black Wonderswan Color in the picture above, would you? :)
Pedro Blandino's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/27/2007 02:11
Pedro Blandino
Dacvack, do you guys still got Chrono trigger beta? I'm still kicking my self for not buying it.
prev next

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!