Today, the OmniTechNews crew took a trip to downtown Seattle. More specifically, the Seattle Convention Center. Even more specifically, PAX 2010. As you likely know, PAX is the Penny Arcade Expo, a HUGE gaming convention hosted annually in Seattle. This is OTN’s second time attending the convention and we had a good time last year, but an even better time this year. What kind of awesome goodies did we see and try out?  Things like Halo Reach, Microsoft Kinect, Playstation Move, Portal 2, and the new 360 controller were some of the major highlights. Of course we also saw the latest from companies such as Alienware, Nvidia, and Intel. Unfortunately, the only video we really got at PAX 2010 was an interview with the Rooster Teeth guys. We were all so busy having fun! So, I figured that I should take the responsibility of telling you about our PAX 2010 experience.

Major Nelson’s Podcast

After picking up our badges, we headed over to Benaroya Hall for Major Nelson’s live podcast recording which was fantastic. The show was full of humor, great conversations, and tons of giveaways. One person even left with a limited edition Halo Reach Xbox 360! Larry Herb was amazing on-stage as well as off. We got a chance to see him on the show floor and try out the new Xbox 360 controller.

Halo Reach

Halo Reach was the first game we tried on the show floor. After waiting our fair share of time in line, we got our turn at the Firefight goodness. Reach was fantastic and packed with cool new features. Learn more in Robert’s multiplayer beta demo video from a while back: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xz_nruK7Zs. Bungie did a great job with Reach and the whole team was even there signing posters!

Portal 2

One of my personal favorites at PAX 2010 was the Portal 2 Co-op demo. Carson and I waited in yet another line and I have to say it was very well worth the wait. Getting to see this sequel’s incredible graphics, physics, and new gameplay elements was really cool. The Co-op mode looked absolutely fantastic as well. I’m really excited to try Portal 2 when it comes out in February.

Playstation Move

The Playstation Move didn’t really have a line. This was kind of disappointing considering that it was actually pretty neat. Carson and I both agreed that the Move is better than the Wii remote and even a decent competitor to the Kinect. It’s nothing revolutionary though.

Microsoft Kinect

There’s been controversy over Kinect. Some people don’t think that it will be at all functional for hardcore gaming. This is absolutely true. However, for more family oriented Wii-style gaming, the Kinect is fantastic. Trying Kinect Adventures was actually really fun and I’d actually recommend it to anyone who enjoys that style of gaming.

Overall

These were just a few of the many amazing things we saw at PAX 2010. We had a blast this year and we’re likely going to be attending again next year. We also recommend that you join us in 2011. PAX is a fantastic experience for geeks and nerds all over the world. So, if you can, come to PAX next year. We’d love to see you there.