Metroid, Halo, Mario, Civilization, World of Warcraft, and even the Metal Gear series were some of the many notable highlights, each of them garnering high volumes of eardrum shattering applause. Live action segments were also incorporated in the video game rock show with Tommy Tallarico dressing up as Solid Snake from Metal Gear, even going as far as bringing with his Snake's most formidable weapon – the infamous cardboard box. Contests were also embedded into the experience as a lucky (or unlucky? You decide.) member of the audience was tasked with beating a high score set on the popular shooter Space Invaders, but with a catch – the gamer was literally the spaceship, wearing a special shirt
that allowed him to translate his movements to the big screen. You haven't seen anything until you see a middle-aged man run back and forth across the stage attempting to blast aliens in the hopes of winning the gaming prize. Let's just say he didn't get that prize.
But talking about Video Games Live certainly doesn't do the interactive musical experience justice; it's really a lot more and Tallarico know this too. “It's about making people see and realize that video games have become a culture and an art form, not just something negative that many people label it nowadays,” Tallarico said before starting with a song from Chrono Cross, an exclusive treat for Austin gamers as the performance at the Long Center was also its' premiere.
Culture, art, entertainment, and social discussion – this and much more can be experienced at Video Games Live, which is currently on tour. Visit www.videogameslive.com for more tour dates and ticket information.