I wasn't as pleased with the ODST launch event as the previous events through the week. I think I kinda preferred the events where there was a steady stream of traffic of people coming through to interact with. A Midnight launch event is kinda like a layover at the airport.. the same 30 people in the room for 2-3 hours, slowly getting more and more bored with looking at each other. Eventually you get to talk to everyone, just because there's nothing else to do.
I did talk up the 405th quite a bit and there are some people from the event that I fully anticipate that will join up now.. who are very intent on making or acquiring armor.
When I first came in they were in the middle of a Halo 3 tournament, and it felt a little like I was interrupting them. I hung out at the counter, answered questions, took pics with fans, and handed out cards. Went outside and shot more pics, came back inside and waited for midnight to come.
Once midnight rolled around everyone's attitude changed. People were excited, posing for more pics. I handed out the first games to customers from behind the counter and wisecracked about how the cases felt a disc or two lighter than they should.
Once everyone made their way through the register, we packed it up to go home and play. The store hooked me up with a free copy of ODST and another game of my choosing.
BTW, I painted up one of Adams AR's he gave me at Dragoncon '08 at the last minute. I figured I should change up the Energy Sword for the night although I brought it and demo'ed it for the customers.
It was a good night and a fitting end to a very hectic few months for me. Now I can get my life back in order, clean house, sort out orders and prices, and take my time to make the suit perfect now that the game assets are fully available..
Here's the pics:
BTW, the guy you see in the photo giving me my copy of the game is this guy Ira.. he's an ex-pro Halo player and runs the store with the owners. Apparently he's been to Bungie studios on more than one occasion back in the Halo1/2 days when he was top ranked.. We traded stores of Halo nerddom.. and discussed getting him some props to start a collection. I may be contacting a few of you making stuff to place orders for him in the near future.
Additionally, they're carrying our cards at the front counter of their store now too. Go 405th!
Great launch! See you guys online!