Event: Video Games Live Concert

Video Games Live Website: www.videogameslive.com

Company: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

CPO Website: www.cpo-live.com

Where: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

5 Stars

Reviewed by: Breanne Cursley

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Video Games Live, being one who spends little time playing PSP, or Xbox, or any others. The most experience I have had playing video games would be on my neighbour’s ancient Nintendo, with Mario. So, you can’t blame me for being a bit anxious when I found my seat between, what looked like, two avid ‘gamers’ (which I learned is the name given to video game fanatics). But it turns out I needn’t have worried; because the show was fantastic – despite the fact I’m not a ‘gamer’ it was a easy to enjoy.

The mood was immediately set as I walked into the concert hall; fake smoke was being emitted from the ceiling and the lights were dimmed. Once the show started more atmospheric touches were revealed – bright and colourful lights moved over the orchestra and the audience, as well as lasers and lots of live action! And it wasn’t just the visuals that created a unique feeling, but the audience members as well. There was a very obvious feeling of excitement and general enjoyment that was shared by almost everyone in the room whether you were drawn to the event because you are a gamer or a CPO fan. People were very enthusiastic as well; cheering and laughing as the show progressed.

Video Games Live is a traveling show that has local orchestras play the music to all types of video games – old and new – while video montages from the games are played on a large screen above the symphony. It is a groundbreaking event that has entertained audiences all over the world; anywhere from Italy to Australia and back to North America. Not only is Video Games Live very entertaining, but the show is incredibly interactive as well. At one point they picked a man from the audience to play Space Invaders, except that he himself was the joystick, and had to run back and forth across the stage. It was hilarious! After the intermission they picked two more audience members, who played Frogger against one another for a prize.

But the show wasn’t all fun and humour; there was a change of tone when the orchestra played the music from the game Medal of Honour. A rather serious yet touching video montage from the time period in which the game was set (the end of World War II) played out on the screen, quieting the audience. I thought that this showed that the video game industry isn’t all about fun and entertaining; but it also has a serious, more realistic side to it at times.

Overall, I loved Video Games Live!

Video Games Live was a very enjoyable concert, and I would certainly go again! It’s an innovative way to show those who believe video games are ‘a waste of time’ that there is a very artistic side to them, and that there is an entire culture and community eager to connect their love of the games with a love of the music behind them.