Top 10 - Reasons to be at Armageddon

Emily checks out the Top 10 Reasons to be at Armageddon

No, it's not the end of the world (although it might be if Summer Glau cancels on us again). It’s almost time for the 2006 Auckland Armageddon Expo. Touted as a "Pulp Culture" Expo, you can experience three days of hyperactive fun that includes celebrities, gaming, wrestling, science fiction, comics, DVDs and animation. Sound pretty geeky to you? Well, it is. But if you're even mildly interested in any of the above areas, it can be a surprisingly good weekend. For those of you unsure what to expect, this Top 10 feature will give you a clue. Go to www.pulpexpo.com for event details.

10. Promo girls
After the E3 exhibitors got told to cover their promo girls up, will our lovely Auckland ladies suffer the same fate? Notoriously clad in very little, you'll likely see a wide range of promo girls roaming the event in small groups (to protect themselves from hoards of drooling guys following close behind). While a few of these girls are no doubt tasty dishes, the majority tend to be a suspicious shade of orange. Whether you’re there to admire the girls, or mock their ability to apply fake tan, keep in mind that they are actually working at the event. And no, they won’t go out with you.

9. Lasertag
At the cost of only $3 each, why on earth wouldn’t you? Up to 12 people can play at once, giving you free licence to drag all your buddies in too. Shooting annoying strangers with laser guns is fun – shooting your friends is much much better.

8. Stormtroopers
I might be the only one to admit it out loud, but I know I’m not the only one thinking it. "Why can’t I be a stormtrooper?" My mother told me I could be whatever I wanted when I grew up. Now that I'm all grown, I know my life has been leading up to that very career path. And in the mean time, while I go locate a full stormtrooper outfit, there'll be plenty of these guys wandering round ready to pose for your every picture-taking whim. If you're not partial to stormtroopers, there’ll almost certainly be a sandtrooper or two lurking around the place (hiding from the bad-ass stormtroopers I bet).

7. Card Tournaments
For years now I've been trying to learn to play with Magic cards. Actually, that's a lie. I thought about it once and then promptly forgot. But with a massive hall filled with Magic/Yu-Gi-Oh!/Duel Masters/Dragon Ball Z/Pokemon tournaments, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained if you’re into that type of thing. You may think you’re pretty good, but that’s only until you get beaten by an 8 year old kid who can barely see over the table.

6. Cosplay competition
While I've never actually entered this competition (see number 8 re: the only thing I'd want to be is a stormtrooper) there's much enjoyment to be had watching those who do. With the actual competition taking place on Monday the 23rd, you'll need to register by mid-day Saturday if you're thinking of entering. Previous years have seen some amazingly detailed and professional looking costumes, but don't let that put you off. Get creative and take advantage of this perfect excuse to showcase your imagination and costume making skills. Plus, you know, you get to dress up.

5. Guitar Hero 2 Preview
For anyone who hasn't had a go at the original Guitar Hero, a visit to the Softprint Interactive stand is practically compulsory. Since most of us wouldn’t know one end from the other of a real guitar, this is a chance to shine without looking like a total fool. In the same vein as Singstar, Guitar Hero will trick you into thinking you can play the guitar and what's more, it'll trick you into thinking you actually look good while you 'play'.

4. Jennifer Hale
If you're not keen on spending all day oogling Summer Glau, or are too skint to afford a celebrity photo, head to the Level 5 animation signing area. For the price of a smile, you can grab the autograph of one of the most talented voice actors to visit our fine shores. A few of you might remember the slightly awestruck column I wrote a while back focusing on voice actors and Jennifer Hale in particular. If you've ever watched a single cartoon, or played more than one video game in your life, chances are you've heard Jennifer's voice somewhere in there. Will somebody please give this lady a pat on the back from me?

3. Wii preview
Want to catch your first glimpse of the 'revolution'ary Nintendo Wii? You probably won’t be able to get your hands anywhere near the actual console, but there's sure to be some interesting footage of the launch titles being shown. At only $499, the Wii is going to be flying off the shelves this Christmas, but if even that sounds a little pricey, don't panic – while you're there, you'll be able to go into the draw to win your very own Wii!

2. Pillow Fight
"Lame!" Yeah, maybe if you're having a pillow fight with your little sister and her best friend in the lounge. This is a pillow fight of a scale you can’t even begin to imagine. Anyone who saw the photos from the Wellington Armageddon pillow fight will be able to tell you how crazy, extreme and totally insane this is going to get. Swallow your maturity, hold your breath and get ready to have the stuffing knocked out of you.

1. Summer Glau/Clare Kramer/Tom Lenk
As a surprise last minute addition, Tom Lenk rounds off a Whedon-esque collection of celebrity guests that would give anyone and everyone a solid reason to attend this year's Auckland Armageddon. After Wellington missed out on both Summer Glau and Clare Kramer, Aucklanders will be lining up around the block to grab an autograph from one of these adored stars. If these guys don't float your boat (are you insane?) there'll be a whole score of other celebrity guests to keep you entertained. Damn you Auckland!