This past Fanime seemed different then previous FanimeCons I have been to over the years. As my friends and I experience a terrific time in Fanime, something just didn't feel right. This would be my 4th Fanime I've been to and I always had fun, but I think what really derailed this Fanime from other years is that there were not as many events I was interested in. Don't get me wrong, there were some new ones I did check out and did like, like the AMV hell videos, one of the main video rooms I didn't expect to see that at all. I only wish I stayed for the whole thing. Usually every year I make a list of things I want to check out and honestly there were not as many. The panels that were fan made were not the best in the world, but there were a few and I do know it takes a lot of work to put a panel together, but there weren't any that sparked my interest. The Blazblue and Guilty Gear panel were great, and it was a good Q&A panel, but other then that, a few other panels were not as good as previous years. The videos checked out were all of the Zero Punctuation reviews and late night laughs with the AMV Hell videos and the hentai AMVs were great. I have to say the hentai AMVs were very funny and fantastic; one of the best times I've spent in there laughing my ass off. The video game room was as great as ever; the arcade was there with a few new editions, the tables were set up for tabletop gaming, and the consoles were set up so you could sit down and play. My only complaint about the video game room is that they brought back PCs this year, but only 4. On top of that, the games you can play on them were good, but just not enough PCs for a more competitive tourrney other then Starcraft. Maybe next year they can bring more PCs and the ability to play on Steam so we can have tournaments like Team Fortress 2 and other popular titles.
The space given for cosplayers and con goers alike has always been a strong area in Fanime. There's so much space in the convention center that there is no problem. Every year somebody with big armor or anything to move around in have plenty of room to move freely. Every year, Stage Zero is always one of the best things at Fanime. Why? The game shows, the special guests, the charity tournaments. Stage Zero has always been good at these. I love the fact even in my busy times at Fanime I can walk by the Stage Zero and stay for a few minutes to see whats on stage and then go on about my day. Even then, if I am busy, that doesn't mean I'm enjoying myself. There are times when people get bored. And in those times, they can rely on Stage Zero. Sometimes they play music, sometimes they play Youtube poops, they really cater to the audience. Whatever they feel like viewing, they go for it, especially around the early morning hours.
This was probably the 1st time I've been to the Artists Alley. My initial thoughts were that it was just like the Dealers Hall, only less crowded and more quiet. I did enjoy the cool things you never see in the Dealers Hall that are in the Artists Alley, like being able to get advice and let them check out your portfolio, and buy shirts that make you more of a nerd then ever. I will say when I do have more money for next year, I will probably check out the Artists Alley more and probably ask for some advice since I am an avid fan of, well, anime and the like. I don't know but for some reason I feel right at home when I am in the Artists Alley. The Dealers Hall was just as the same as previous years but it's not a bad thing, no, actually I do like how it is. It's open enough for people to get around and there are items at a reasonable prices. It's very easy for someone to walk in there with $120 and walk out with only $4o.
Both dances, the Black and White Ball and the Rave were handled pretty well. Besides a small health incident at the Rave, it was all handled the way it should be. The B&W Ball was interesting mostly because they moved it to a much bigger room. Great idea on the Rovers part, since last year it was packed, but never the less it was great idea. There was more room to walk around and the tables that were set up for people to rest at and chat. Everyone looked very nice, both ladies and gentlemen and people in cosplay were also in appropriate attire. It was like a high school prom in many ways and it certainly did have that type of atmosphere about it. Plus it was free, bingo. (You know, cause
The last thing I wanted to say is that even though I did not get to everything I wanted to, I still had a great time. However, the sinking feeling that this Fanime wasn't as good as past Fanimes saddens me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something about it wasn't as great, but regardless of this I still had a blast. The last thing I wanted to say is that staff (Rovers) at Fanime were great and they had a lot of patience to deal with all of us. I do applaud the staff and security for doing a great job making sure nobody did anything stupid, though I wished the police (SJPD) were not there as much as previous years. Their presence gave the folks a strange feeling of insecurity. (Though I am not everybody, this is just my opinion) Although this year's event wasn't as good as past events, it was still fun. For a lot of newcomers, this was a blast, and in some cases, this is true. However, I'm hoping the next following years to come will be enjoyable for everyone, new or old.
-Anthony Beanes
-Anthony Beanes
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