Ten Ton Hammer - Taking MMO Gamers to the Next Level!

FanFaire 2009 is finally upon us and I for one can’t wait to get things started. After the initial (though necessary) pain and suffering known to all of us as airport security was done and over with, it was time to relax and enjoy a pleasant flight. Unfortunately, that just wasn’t meant to be.

The flight crew, pilot, and plane itself all did an admirable job, but it seems without doubt that I am forever cursed to be within a couple rows of that notorious monster known as a screaming baby.

Despite the popular opinion of my friends and family, I actually do feel for those parents. I’m sure their feelings of mortification at having their child assault the senses of a large crowd in an encapsulated tube of metal shooting through the sky does little for their mental well being. Add in the fact that there’s nowhere they can escape to, and you’ve got the prime ingredients for a mental breakdown… for both of us.

The fact that I can sympathize with them still doesn’t save me from the hell of listening to their little ball of flesh wailing behind me. Luckily, the flight was only a little over 90 minutes and the new headphones I grabbed last week did a relatively good job at helping me keep my sanity. After a pain free check-in at Bally’s, it was time to get checked in with SOE.

Last year, FanFaire was held at the Hilton. It was nice, but at times felt cramped and some of the panels were off in the dark reaches of the hotel where even the cleaning crews dare not tread.

This year, the venue is bigger and brighter, but the all the magic was still alive as players got ready to celebrate the 10th anniversary of EverQuest. The line for registration was unbelievable as people from around the world lined up to get their badges, the keys to SOE’s fun and excitement for the weekend.

I’ve got my badge. I’ve got my schedule. It looks to be a great year, and maybe (just maybe) even one of the best FanFaires yet. Stay tuned for news and more about all your favorite SOE games from FanFaire 2009!