Music and video game enthusiasts packed the Avalon nightclub Sunday for the sold-out Nintendo Fusion Tour 2003 a showcase of the company’s newest games, featuring performances from the bands Evanescence, Finger Eleven and Revis.

‘We just wanted to bring a demo of different games for people to see,’ said Kory Grow, a tour crewmember. ‘We aren’t selling anything. It’s just a place for people to have a good time.’

Nintendo had a game station set up in the club’s entrance where people could play new games featured on Gamecube and Gameboy Advance, like the popular new game Soul Caliber 2. There were also people roaming throughout the lobby letting people try out an updated version of Sonic the Hedgehog for Gameboy Advance.

Other dates on the tour featured games like the new Star Wars Squadron game, a Wallace and Grommet game and FOGX, a racing game.

‘Usually, in the bigger venues, we have eight or so games set up, but because this is a smaller club, we only have one,’ said Marty Lublin, the tour emcee.

The game area also featured gaming competitions where people could play each other, or challenge Kyle, the game master, to play for free t-shirts and posters. Nintendo also gave away two Gameboy Advance games autographed by Evanescence, allowing entertainment for those who did not necessarily want to see all of the bands.

‘Sometimes, the games take over, and people become so immersed, they miss the show,’ Lublin said.

Once inside the main room of the club, a stage was set up in the back and the dance floor was loaded with concert-goers.

Nintendo wanted to sponsor a tour to showcase the new games in order to get a large variety of people. Lublin said Evanescence was considered a perfect fit to headline because of their wide appeal.

‘Games and music go hand in hand and a lot of bands, including Evanescence, love playing games on the tour bus,’ Lublin said. ‘Evanescence is one of the hottest new bands right now and with a diehard fan base, they bring in large audiences.’

Lublin said Nintendo wanted to bring in a large crowd of all ages who could enjoy all aspects of the event.

‘This is really a family event,’ Lublin said. ‘It’s a great evening out, full of games, music and free stuff and we’ve been getting a great mix of people.’

Many people in the crowd said they were there to see the bands but enjoyed checking out the games while they were waiting.

‘I came from Maine to see Evanescence, but the games are pretty cool too,’ said 14-year-old Dan Bouyea.

‘I’m here for Finger Eleven. They are incredible and should be the ones headlining,’ said Drew Voluck, a College of General Studies freshman.

Lublin said the tour has been getting great responses thus far, with many venues selling out.

‘We hear ‘awesome’ from a lot of people on the way out,’ Lublin said. ”Awesome’ is the word of the tour.’