Museum of Science & Industry,
Chicago, IL
February 4, 2006
Story and Photos by Chris Spice (Darth Spice)
Additional Photos by Jason D. Myers, Ret. (Dead Hero)
WHO GOT
GAME? If you grew up in what could be known as the golden age of video
gaming chances are you would really enjoy the latest exhibit that is
being featured at the
Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL.
Game On is an exhibit of video games going all the way back to
relics such as the original Pong, Pac Man, Space Invaders, Dig Dug
and many of the all-time favorites that many Troopers around the
world pumped a lifetime of quarters into at places like Aladdin’s
Castle. The Midwest Garrison was on call to do what they do best,
attract attention!
While I was not on the active roster
for this mission, I packed my “Smoketrooper” gear in the event of
too many last minute no-shows. I had some unexpected company with
this tour of duty, our old friend Sandtrooper Jason (currently under
the handle of Dead Hero) accompanied me on this mission to the Windy
city to help me capture surveillance photos of the poor clueless
civilians that needed some influence or an old Jedi mind trick if
you will, to steer them into the new video game exhibit. The
Garrison had a slew of Star Wars characters on hand; there was no
shortage of Troopers for the Battlefront exhibit. Darth Vader,
Anakin, Stormtroopers, Biker Scouts, TIE Pilots, many Stormtroopers
and several other characters were spread out all over the main
entrance hall and the sea of flashbulbs erupted. It was really
enjoyable to not be in costume and sit the bench, watching the
people come up debating, fighting, too embarrassed, whatever the
case may have been, finally take the picture! Museum employees,
adults, teen-agers and even a small platoon of Boy Scouts received
instruction on what to do when you have a Jawa dead center in the
scope!
It was a complete success, while I
didn’t take the time to go in and play all the games I would have
liked, I did see many people in there having the time of their life.
Back in a time where twenty five cents could actually get you
something. Much like Star Wars collecting, video games are a very
big part of our childhood. I could never imagine while I was playing
Defender, it would be in a museum someday. After they stood in line
to get photos with their favorite Star Wars characters, the
museum-goers made way for the promise land of Game On. I would
highly encourage any Trooper in the area to make way for the Windy
City and take part in modern video game history it is your destiny!
Sandtroopers.com would like to thank the
Midwest Garrison and the kind people at MSI for clearance and
providing such great hospitality. We were honored to be your guests.
I look forward to making it to the active roster in a couple of
weeks, but I can’t decide what I’m looking forward to doing more.
Playing games or playing TD7306? I hope some of you great Troopers
will come out and join me! United We Find.
PHOTO GALLERY To see the photo gallery
containing 33 photos click
here.
If you grew up in what could be known as the golden age of video
gaming chances are you would really enjoy the latest exhibit that is
being featured at the
While I was not on the active roster
for this mission, I packed my “Smoketrooper” gear in the event of
too many last minute no-shows. I had some unexpected company with
this tour of duty, our old friend Sandtrooper Jason (currently under
the handle of Dead Hero) accompanied me on this mission to the Windy
city to help me capture surveillance photos of the poor clueless
civilians that needed some influence or an old Jedi mind trick if
you will, to steer them into the new video game exhibit. The
Garrison had a slew of Star Wars characters on hand; there was no
shortage of Troopers for the Battlefront exhibit. Darth Vader,
Anakin, Stormtroopers, Biker Scouts, TIE Pilots, many Stormtroopers
and several other characters were spread out all over the main
entrance hall and the sea of flashbulbs erupted. It was really
enjoyable to not be in costume and sit the bench, watching the
people come up debating, fighting, too embarrassed, whatever the
case may have been, finally take the picture! Museum employees,
adults, teen-agers and even a small platoon of Boy Scouts received
instruction on what to do when you have a Jawa dead center in the
scope!
It was a complete success, while I
didn’t take the time to go in and play all the games I would have
liked, I did see many people in there having the time of their life.
Back in a time where twenty five cents could actually get you
something. Much like Star Wars collecting, video games are a very
big part of our childhood. I could never imagine while I was playing
Defender, it would be in a museum someday. After they stood in line
to get photos with their favorite Star Wars characters, the
museum-goers made way for the promise land of Game On. I would
highly encourage any Trooper in the area to make way for the Windy
City and take part in modern video game history it is your destiny!
Sandtroopers.com would like to thank the