A fun time that is entertaining for people of all ages
Extra Lives comes to the Fringe with a unique concept. They are creating a live concert based around an interactive video game. It is a fun time that is entertaining for people of all ages.
The group on stage consists of Marc Dolgin on drums, Keytar Rex on the keys and Mchael Kohl on the guitar, helped via recordings of Dave Maciel on bass. This is a well drilled band, who create music that perfectly encapsulates the video game music they are soundtracking. It follows a chiptune style, and really works with the visuals they provide. The visuals, programmed by Kohl, along with the more interactive moments, are well put together and provide a feast for the eyes as we watch recorded game play throughout the show. It is a tightly created show, with little room for error.
That comes across too in the story. They premier three different games throughout the fringe, with the one I saw being The Land of Eternal Springs. In this game we are trapped in a dystopian Land of Iron, oppressed by robotic overlords. We travel to a different, more natural land, before returning for an epic showdown. It is an engaging and fun story, billed as the more serious of their three games. This game is dark, but also has moments of levity, especially in a particular pair of dancing shoes. The comedy bridges the more serious elements together nicely, as we build to the final battle.
While the story is well constructed, and the music works well, it does lack a little of the promised interactivity. There are few choices in the game, and while they do work to engage the audience, they are sparse, often separated by long Musical interludes. It gives the idea that there is actually very little choice in the game, and it lacks a little of the chaos that could be shown in a more interactive setting. It is fun to see audience members debate what to do next, but it may be more fun to get a wider variety of choices that lead to more chaotic situations.
There are obvious drawbacks to trying to programme more interactivity, and it may lose some of its finesse in doing so. However, for families and fans of gaming, or fans of a bit of cringey silliness, this is a fun show that offers something truly unique in the litany of Fringe shows this year.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/extra-lives-the-interactive-video-game-concert
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Other Yin at Gilded Balloon Patter House
Dates: 5th – 31st August
Time: 18.05
Ticket prices: £15.00 / concessions £13.00
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 8+ (Guideline)