Otronicon, short for the really long Orlando Electronic Interactive Entertainment Convention, features the latest in gaming, education, flight simulators and even a Rock Band Battle of the Bands competition.

Some of the newest features at this year’s event include:

Halo On The Giant Screen: Open play and competitions will feature game action projected onto the  Cinedome screen, turning the game into a spectator sport. The giant screen transforms the gaming experience into  a cinematic setting with monumental sound. The highlight of the experience is Halo 3: ODST. Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by developer Bungie, Halo 3: ODST is a new game in the Halo saga that lets people experience events leading up to the epic story told in Halo 3 through the eyes of an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper).

Da Vinci Robot: Florida Hospital’s  da Vinci Robot is an  innovative robotics tool that provides surgeons a minimally invasive application  to perform complex surgeries.

Armor Games Presentation: Find out what goes into making a great video game and building a video game company. The presentation will be done via Skype in Dr. Dare’s Lab.

Beatles Rock Band: The Fab Four are back and they’re looking for a fifth band member – you.   Play the newest Rock Band release, Beatles Rock Band, on a real concert stage. You’ll feel like you’re on the Ed Sullivan Show as you play under real stage lighting and concert sound.

Armor Games: Some of the titles the company they will be showing at Otronicon include:
• Crush the Castle: Award winning simulator; at more than 14 million plays, the most popular game on the site. Also the first title by Armor Games to be released as an iPhone application.
• Achievement Unlocked: An odd game where winning is the last thing on your to-do list. Winner of E4.com Game of the Year for the category: “OMG LOL.”
• The Majesty of Colors: An artful exploration of human relationships, emotions and morality – as a three-eyed sea monster.
• Hedgehog Launch 1 & 2: Be the first animal to reach another planet – but on a budget.
• I Love Traffic: Control traffic lights to get all the cars safely where they need to go.
• I Hate Traffic: The inevitable sequel about objective-based vehicular destruction.
• Gemcraft: Construct magical towers to defend your castle from hordes of invading monsters.
• Dale & Peakot: A simple farmer and his trusty pet go on an adventure to rescue their chickens from those hungry coyotes.
• Robotics Obstacle Course: U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) will provide a Mini Robot Road Race for entertainment and competition.

Another highlight of the four-day event is the Jan. 15 costume contest. Cosplay, short for costume play,  gives fans the opportunity to dress as their favorite video game character. Judges will be looking at the costume itself, the workmanship, design and inspiration. The competition is  open to groups and individuals, experts and novices and costumes from mainstream or self-creative. Cost is $5 to register, in addition to the Otronicon/ science center admission.

For contest rules and other details, visit www.otronicon.org.
For an all-adult look at Otronicon, the center will host Cocktails & Cosmos, Saturday, Jan. 16.  Cocktails & Cosmos  includes the technology event as well as fashion shows and music  by Drop Shop Record Store. Admission is $17. The center also offers a childcare program during the adult event. It includes dinner and fun activities at an additional cost.
For more information, call the center at 407-514-2112.