Feature: Funde Razor 2007 @ Brooklyn Barcade

Barcade is an easy favorite for old-time video game enthusiasts. The occasion on this December night was Funde Razor 2007, the second annual Guitar Hero video game rockout for the eminent video game charity, Child's Play.

Guitar Hero may have started the karaoke-style video-games-in-public phenomenon, but Funde Razor II was all about Rock Band. The Game Grump crew got there early, so we were able to sneak in some non-competitive Free Play. It was good that we did, because once the competition started, the crowd was crushingly dense. Which, for the charity, was awesome. For my claustrophobia, not so.

After our free-play, but before the crowd really set in, Dan and I visited with Weighted Companion Cube and explored the subtle arcade alterations found in vs. Super Mario Bros, one of the more than two-dozen classic arcade machines you can enjoy while you quaff pints. (Cliff notes on vs.SMB: the later worlds have a lot of content from SMB: Lost Levels. Now that's... interesting!).

While waiting for the competition & raffle to start, I took some time to play the big-brother role and explained to Dan what the fuck was going on in the Tron Arcade game. I would have liked to get in some Rolling Thunder time, but that game was blocked by the Rock Band stage. Alas.

The competition didn't kick off until well after 10pm. But it was worth it; we were all there for the 'Funde.' And wow, there was a great turnout.

[2008 update: the grand total for Penny Arcade's 2007 Child's Play Charity was 1,300,000 dollars. I don't know what Funde Razor's contribution was, but it was great to just be a part of it. Pics below.]

-- MAtt Dujnic

The big stuffed Weighted Companion Cube (grand prize) among loads of raffle prizes.


The beginning of Free Play. It was still early. Apologies to the emcee for forgetting his name.


This is still a light crowd. Final turnout density was crushing. I hope everyone bought a raffle ticket (or two!)


The first free-play band, kicking off just after 8pm.


Dan from Game Grump takes up the bass and rocks out in proper unassuming bassist manner (I'm more of a lead-guitar man, myself).


Dan the Bassist again. This was the first time we'd laid hands on Rock Band, but Guitar Hero skills served us well.


The man in the lower left was taking copious video. Is this video posted anywhere? [2008 update: Er, probably not.]


Some quality time with the cube. It's okay to be jealous. Of course, soon we had to murder it.


MAtt (um, me) gets to touch the cube, too. No, we didn't win it. Not even close.


The Game Grump Bros. outside Barcade (Tracy Sham, future Mrs. Grump, on camera).


Dan heading home. Find Barcade off the Lorimer St. stop in Williamsburg. Best damn bar in the city.