The annual rAge event was once again phenomenal! There is nothing better than “a galaxy of geek”. The combined forces of the latest tech, hardcore gamers and techies.
Every year this massive gaming expo takes place over the course of three days. It was the 15th anniversary with the event hosted at the Ticketpro Dome. The event continues to evolve with an ever-growing head-count with cosplay forming a large part of that. To get an idea of the numbers just for the NAG LAN event: there was 1 network connecting over 2000 gamers for a 52 hour duration. How crazy is that!
Game on
The exhibit hall was packed with fans queuing up to play the latest and greatest. Enthusiasts were surrounding all four walls to make the journey into Ancient Egypt to explore Assassin’s Creed Origins. Microsoft Studio’s Forza Motorsport 7 was not shy to make its presence felt with a fierce looking Ford Focus RS with shades of black and green anaconda.
The game was built for a 4K racing experience with impressive graphics showing every bit of detail both interior and exterior. A full racing rig together with a hood view (recommended) produces the most realistic experience. However, without the rig the cockpit view would do the job and give one time to admire the detail. I took on the classic Nürburgring race track with a Nissan GTR.
Just some history into the circuit: the circuit is seen as one of the most challenging and fearful circuits to ever exist. It is known as “The Green Hell” by the racing legend Jackie Stewart (“Flying Scot”). Due to the circuits narrow design, it became more and more dangerous especially as F1 cars advanced. These concerns started way back in the 1960s. There were safety concerns especially for a long track distance with numerous turns and many fatal accidents at the circuit.
The game play was not what I expected, perhaps too ambitious to take on such a challenging circuit. Although using a 9 and 3 racing grip, there was too much assistive technologies with the steering wheel trying to dictate everything. It takes a few drives to get used to it but it is best to explore and tweak a few settings to suit your driving style.
VR gaming was a lot bigger than the previous year. One of the games on display was Space Pirate Trainer. Somewhere in the mix was a beaded Bulbasaur made by a lady Liezl. It is perler bead art which basically involves a peg board, ironing paper and iron.
Cosplay
Amongst all the tech, high-spec’d gaming PCs with the very best Intel core processors and flashy gaming towers, were the cosplayers. Characters such as Tomb Raider in anticipation for the 2018 movie, a Wonder Woman (not Gal Gadot) and Stormtroopers. Also, Maleficent, a Veteran Ranger from Fallout, Black Panther (can’t wait until 2018) and of course our friendly neighbourhood Spiderman.
The one character above appears to be a gargoyle from the Hunchback of Notre Dame. A mythical figure that directs rain away from walls thereby minimising damage and mortar erosion. Tommy Oliver is the main Power Ranger above. Originally Tommy was green but according to the White Light saga he became the White Ranger through the light of goodness.
The Power Rangers theme song for old times’ sake:
Some future advice when deciding which stalls to visit first: start furthest from the entrances as most people usually go to the first thing they see.
