Anyone who knows me is aware that ever since my trip to E3, I’ve been waiting for Elebits for the Wii more than any other game set to release. In fact, many people who previously did not know me (read: people on the street as I walk past) are now aware that I am anxiously awaiting the game (read: I scream “ELEBITS” at them and they run away). You can imagine my surprise when I discovered that IGN had lied to me about the game coming December 19th. I had planned to get a lot of work out of the way so I had time to enjoy my Elebital experience. (Elebital is now a word.) Checking the ol’ Cubetoons Forums on Tuesday, I nearly went into shock to discover than my precious Game of the Year was set to ship not the following week, but THAT DAY. Plans needed moved up. Not wanting to somehow arrive after the game was sold out (EB is no longer exactly trustworthy about pre-orders), I had decided that 3AM was the magical hour in which I would travel to that game store of choice and park myself in front to be sure I didn’t miss my chance. Anyone who has never camped for a game or game system previously may find the following “Guide to Camping Gear” helpful: (1) Apparel displaying your love for the game or company of your choice. Having not found an Elebits T-shirt in stores (they must have been sold out) I made my own. (2) A handheld system to keep you busy while you wait. This is a must. (3) Never hurts to have a backup, in case you can’t find a plug to recharge (2) (4) Should you be outside, and should it rain, it doesn’t hurt to have one of these. (5) Gotta keep those sugar levels up, or someone might steal your place in line when you pass out. (6) For coming up with new Cubetoons comics while you’re delirious from standing around so long. (7) Books are like movies for your imagination. Having all my gear in order, I proceeded to dress for the occasion. At this point I ran into a dilemma. If I were to wear a coat, no one would see my glorious craftsmanship of outerwear, but if I didn’t, I would die. Solution? Who ever said you had to wear T-shirts UNDER coats! The ensemble would not be complete without the official Elite Beat Agents hat. It’s official, and not just a sticker stuck to a plain hat. Really. Ahh, 3AM. The bewitching hour. Time to go out into the night and secure my place in Elebitastic history. (Elebitastic is now a word.) Huzzah! First in line! Take that suckers! At this point I am certain that I must have beaten the second person in line by mere moments. Lucky I left when I did. Also, it is raining some form of ice. Not water, not snow, but wet, horrible ice. I plopped down on the little EB brick wall and prepared myself for what would be a very cold, very Elebitless night. (Yep, that’s a word too.) Q, the one taking the pictures, for some reason did not feel the desire to sit outside in the hail-slush with me for 7 hours. I imagine it is because she thinks she can play MY copy after I purchase it. Like that’ll happen. So I bade goodbye as she headed back to a warm, cozy bed for the rest of the night and was left in the darkness with my sack o’ stuff to keep me company. Well, not just my gear, because every few minutes a police car drove by, slowing more each time. A terrible thought occurred to me. If I’m arrested before Elebits is released, how will I break out of jail in time to get the preorder Plush Doll that comes with the game? Sure enough, after about the fifth pass, a patrol car stopped along the curb and a very suspicious looking officer rolled down his window. I believe the conversation went something like this: Policeman Jim: Do you need help with something, sir? Me: I’m waiting for Elebits! *proudly points to shirt* Policeman Jim: *stern look* Me: Uh… Yeah, I mean, there’s a game coming out tomorrow and I’m camping out for it so it doesn’t get sold out before I get here. Policeman Jim: *stern look* Lucky for me, he must have been a Wii fan, so he warned me to be careful and was on his way. I took comfort in knowing that if another crazed Elebits fanatic came by and tried to take my spot, I could fall back on my new friend. Also, his name probably wasn’t Jim but I decided to call him that. I’m not sure what time it was when my fingers froze and I lost the use of my hands, but I think it was within minutes of the train of thought of “Boy, I’m an idiot for forgetting gloves”. Lucky for me a brisk wind had picked up and was very helpful in turning the pages of my novel for me. Dawn came quickly (since I think I may have lost consciousness at some point) and soon the main street was busy with people on their way to work. They looked at me with knowing smiles that either said “Don’t you worry, JKR, I’ll be buying Elebits later today” or “That man is a crazy person”, I’m not sure which. I was very close to attacking the tall, bearded guy who attempted to cut the line and get in front of me in the 9 o’clock hour, but stopped just short when I realized it was the friendly manager who informed me that they weren’t open yet. Having little energy left for speaking, I grunted twice and poked at the lettering on my shirt. He smiled that same smile as the passerbys and went inside. It’s a bit hazy after that. I remember going inside when the store finally opened. I remember something about “the UPS guy hasn’t brought our shipments in yet”. I remember lights… lots of lights… and running very fast. But now I’m happily at home, calling the store every 12 minutes and asking if Elebits is in yet. They don’t seem very pleased with my calls. I know this is because they want all the Elebits for themselves. I’m not going to let that happen. They can’t keep me away from my precious, precious Elebits.