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PAX East returns for another successful year in Boston

(Photo courtesy of Shacknews) “PAX East is a yearly tradition for many Bostonians who come together to celebrate their favorite hobby.”

Tanner Hume
Connector Editor

PAX East returns for another year filled to the brim with games and overpriced merchandise. If there is one thing gamers can agree on, it is that PAX East is always packed with people wanting to see what the next big things are, or what there is to buy at exorbitant prices.  

PAX East once again required all attendees to wear a face covering due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This did not discourage the faithful gaming community from showing up in droves to watch tournaments in the PAX Arena, try out games/game demos and explore ancient consoles from generations past. There was something for everyone to enjoy. 

In the PAX Arena, there was a Pac-Man 1999 Challenge tournament, where the goal was to be the last person standing in a team vs. team style competition. There were also Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tournaments being held, with Nintendo Switch gamers showing off their skills on the track. There were blue shells flying through the skies, and players were questioning their own sanity with each shell thrown their way.  

There was a large turnout at the Apex Legends booth as well, as fans got to see steamers such as Yvonnie (Yvonne from OfflineTV) and StarSmitten compete alongside fans in interactive deathmatches that were enjoyable for everyone.  

Meanwhile, Nintendo had two areas side by side, with one being a Pokémon-exclusive area and the other featuring tons of Mario VS. games. There was also a photo area where fans could take pictures with Mario and/or Luigi.  

Even wrestling fans had something to enjoy as there was an area set up around the game “WrestleQuest.” This area had a mock wrestling ring for fans to enter and take fun photos in, along with a customized championship belt. The booth also had a couple of guest speakers to talk about wrestling games in general, with appearances by WWE superstars Tyler Breeze and Xavier Woods joining the panel.  

Scattered throughout the Boston Convention Center hall, there were plenty of games from previous generations of consoles, ranging as far back as the Nintendo Entertainment System and the original Playstation and Xbox consoles. Some booths even had these older consoles up for sale, to the delight of console collectors.  

Unfortunately, if the convention-goers got hungry, they had to be prepared to pay an arm and a leg just to get their hands on a hot dog, as the food at the convention center was seriously overpriced. For such expensive food, one would think the quality would at least be adequate enough to match the expense. Yet, in one instance, event-goers described the burgers as “bland and seasonless.” Leaving the convention to eat may be a better option for those looking for a mid-day meal.   

But at the end of the day, there was always something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it be tabletop games, console games or everything in between, PAX East was once again a major success and proved to everyone that gaming is for everyone, regardless of taste. And that is all one can really wish for.  

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