You've probably heard about it by now. It's been all over the net. The first ever retro video game art exhibit, I am 8-bit. The event was huge and we were there to check it out and give you guys a first hand exposure of what was like to be there.

Hosted by Gallery Nineteen Eighty Eight and Acme Game Store, I am 8-bit is smack in LA. The party started up at 7PM and was still kicking past 11, even though the art gallery was closed. One of the major highlights was shown off in the Acme Game Store, a huge Nintendo controller where gamers could take on the challenge of playing Super Mario Brothers on. The controller (first shown off on G4TechTV) was so large that it required two people to control one tiny Mario. The optimal situation had one person mastering the D-pad with another player focused on jumping. Even if you've memorized where every goomba popped out and the locations of the hidden 1-up mushrooms, the experience was a challenge. Just vaulting over pipes was a challenge that required good communication, perfect reflexes and plenty of luck. It was so hard that few people were able to make it to the first warp zone on Level 1-2! Being able to play with the huge controller was worth it to come check out the event alone and that's just the beginning of the good stuff.

Performing specially for the show were the musical geniuses 8-bit weapon. Inspired by classic video games these innovative artists sample sounds by well known games. Blending the sounds together with old video game systems like Game Boys and an Intellivision synthesizer is a pretty amazing feat. What's even cooler is the music sounds really good. It's sure to make retro gamers reminisce while keeping a steady beat that was perfect for the exhibit. Don't take it from me, check out their site and listen yourself. Later on a DJ took over spinning more well known songs. At the end of the night the real dancing started to come out, with a group of breakdancers taking center stage.

The show was really about the art and maybe the generous free drinks. No, no, it was the unique artwork that took center stage. The original pieces were spread out over the Gallery Nineteen Eighty Eight and the Acme Game Store. Most of them were available for purchase with the option to pick up some reprints too. Instead of describing the artwork, we took a lot of pictures. So you can see a large amount of the gallery first hand. Protip: Click on a thumbnail to see a full shot.

Ok so you missed out of the launch party, the 8-bit weapon performance and the fountain of free drinks. But you still have to check out this exhibit. It's markedly unique, with fresh game inspired art! How often can you see something like that? Between April 19th to May 20th you can drop by and visit the gallery. If you're one of the lucky people checking out E3, this would be the perfect event to see while in town. Conveniently, there is a party for all the E3 attendees on May 18th. Don't miss it.