Lauren invited me to go see Video Games Live in Kalamazoo, which takes a live orchestra and choir and has them perform video game music - LIVE!

The show was mind-blowingly awesome, playing classic titles like asteroids and space invaders, Duck Hunt and The Legend of Zelda, and even modern games such as Halo and Civilization IV. I'll try to illustrate a bit of the experience here in this blog, but this is an all-ages show that should not be missed. Especially for gamers.

After a 2 hour reception pre-show that had a Guitar Hero and a costume contest, we were admitted into the seating area and greeted by the following video:



Afterwards the host and conductor came out onto the stage and introduced what Video Games Live was all about, how long they had been running, and how many shows they were doing this year (over 70 world wide). Then they got started and we were greeted with the classic "pong" screen. However, during the course of this game of Pong, I became aware that it wasn't game noises I was hearing...but the orchestra performing it. The screen then changed to Space Invaders, and then do another game...and another! It was a trip down video game memory lane, and I was 5 years old again sitting at home and playing my old Atari system!

Many game themes were played, both classic and modern, and they even had a live piano performance from Martin Leung! He did not just one, but several songs live on the piano - and he did the Mario theme song blindfolded! Then he did it faster, as though time was running out. It was intense.

But the time the second act started, I couldn't believe that an entire hour had passed.





During the second act, more modern game music was played, and even the host got involved by jamming out with a guitar. They even had a person from the audience come onto the stage and perform Space Invaders LIVE. They were the tank and had to run across the stage to dodge the blasts, and they also controlled the shooting. It was an intense interactive experience, one that I fully enjoyed.

I encourge you all to check out the website (link at the top of this post) and see if Video Games Live is coming near you. It's worth going. Whatever they're charging, just go. It's a fun time, and something that the entire family can enjoy.