Retrovision 2012: May 4th - 7th May: Oxford

[StarshipUK]

It used to be, early on, that lots of people would bring their kit to the event (I brought some Nintendo consoles I recall), but now it's generally down to 2-3 people such as StarshipUK and Jagfest who provide most of the gear.

Credit also needs to go to Psycohorob who has been going to RV's and providing kit to them for far longer than I have (and taking masses of kit by train to RV's before he could drive!). Also to Matt B who made this years event something really unique and rather special by providing many of the TVs, other kit and for making it all flashy and furry. Also to Jason B for taking along an impressive PS2 based setup this year. And to Kieren for taking his complete Jaguar setup and his enthusiasm in the event.

For the size of the event the team is now pretty massive (about 9+ people) with Markie organising it and the famous Curries. Myself, Psychorob, Jason B as kit providers. Matt B as kit, table and lighting provider (still hoping Matt B will also do some DJ'ing next year!). Kieren as kit provider, forum provider and in charge of forum advertising. Matt C in charge of competitions and keeping things running during the event. Amy in charge of the charity auction. Fearn in charge of Board Games. As well as those who attend helping out here and there with things.

I do have to say though I though this years Retrovision 2012 event was the best ever, even though it seems less people attended this year compared to previous events for me it was much more relaxed, laid back and enjoyable. Having such a fantastic crew also helping to take kit along (so I did not have to take so much) also helps.

The idea of people bringing their own kit is nice, but then people sometimes let you down (sometimes at the last moment) and it is always good to have a backup plan. Plus nowadays not so many people are prepared to take their own kit as they were used to, and not everyone has a stash of CRT TVs they can take along. It also does not help if someone wants to provide kit, but then leave early and take their kit with them.

[Mayhem]

Indeed. There was no Vectrex this time, which was sad. People always seem to like playing that. I'd bring mine if I was there for more than just the one day.

[StarshipUK]

The problem with the Vectrex is they are so damn fragile and unreliable. I have three of which two have major faults making them unusable and one is partly working with some problems. The thing is no one knows how to repair and fix them, and I expect in most cases it is cheaper just to buy another one rather than getting them repaired.

[Mayhem]

That is true. Conversely the three I've got are still working fine, even the one I've owned for 13 years and gets a regular playing. I do consider myself rather fortunate with hardware, even my three year old Falcon 360 is still running fine...