Ohio Expo Center & State Fair

★★★★★ Space/Layout ★★★★★ Event Management ★★★★★ Ambiance ★★★★★ Value ★★★★★ Safety ★★★☆☆ Location/Accessibility ★★★★☆ Overall experience Date visited: 11/11/2023 On a crisp and sunlit weekend, my friend KK and I embarked on a journey to the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, drawn by the allure of the TORG Retrogame Expo. Our pilgrimage was shared with another duo, my friend MW accompanied by her formidable friend, and fellow gaming enthusiast. The clock struck 9 am as we approached the epicenter of nostalgia, signaled by a burgeoning line of cars stretching into the distance. The anticipation hung thick in the air, but the efficient procession swiftly led us to a parking haven, where a mere $7 granted us access to the realm of pixelated wonders. Navigating towards the entrance was an effortless endeavor, guided not only by directional cues but also by the gathering throng congregating in excited anticipation. The eclectic assembly comprised a multitude of gaming enthusiasts, with only a sprinkling of cosplayers adding a dash of vivid color to the wintry scene. Amid the chilly morning, I couldn't help but admire the dedication of a chubby cosplayer embodying Juri Han from Street Fighter 6, valiantly braving the cold with a considerable amount of exposed skin. A smattering of other attendees donned less conspicuous Mario character costumes, injecting a whimsical charm into the frosty ambiance. The issuance of wristbands marked our passage into the warmth of the expo center, unveiling before us a tapestry of vendors and stores adorned with the treasures of gaming's yesteryears. However, the privilege of early exploration belonged solely to the elite holders of VIP tickets, leaving the rest of us in eager anticipation. As we bided our time amidst the crowd, I couldn't help but notice the impatience etched on the faces of some cosplayers, deciding against intruding on their wait for a coveted souvenir photograph. The gates were finally unbarred, and the surge of eager attendees flooded the expo grounds with the fervor of a midsummer tornado. The expansive interior unfolded before us, organized to accommodate the myriad offerings of the retro gaming universe. I meandered through the labyrinth of vendors, pausing intermittently to inspect their wares. Retro game paraphernalia, ancient consoles, vintage comics, plushies immortalizing beloved characters, and an assortment of mystical charms beckoned from every corner. A particular vendor caught my fancy, featuring anime accessories and pillowcases adorned with the visages of fictional characters. Meanwhile, KK found solace in the embrace of a comic vendor, immersing himself in the pages of superhero antiquities. His eyes lingered on a $1000 original Spiderman comic, a treasure that he eventually traded for a more modest $40 alternative. Personally, I abstained from purchases, cognizant that the allure of these relics could be sated through online avenues. Our paths converged with MW and her imposing companion, M, at the food court. The duo exuded an air of characters from a crime noir, a mistress flanked by her vigilant bodyguard, despite the absence of overt costuming. Life stories were exchanged before we ventured forth for additional exploration. Before bidding adieu, we indulged in the delights of antique arcade machines, repositories of retro video game magic, all graciously free to play. The pull of these pixelated wonders was undeniable, but alas, other commitments beckoned, drawing our outing to a close. In retrospection, the TORG Retrogame Expo proved to be a well-orchestrated spectacle, providing an enjoyable sojourn into the realms of gaming nostalgia. The ticket price was justified, the venue impeccable, yet a yearning lingered for more immersive shows to captivate the diverse audience that congregated beneath its gaming banner.