SINGAPORE: There's more to Games Convention Asia 2008 than goodie bags and booth babes.

Head to the Public Exhibition area and you can, for instance, sit on chairs that have been fitted with subwoofers and speakers.

Though the chairs from local company au:sense cost a pricey S$799 to S$1,299, the booming subwoofers and amplified sounds do add another dimension to your gaming experience.

au:sense has models that feature 4.1 high-definition speakers and connectivity options for iPods and iPhones.

You can also try racing around virtually on the Singapore Formula 1 circuit recreated in 3D by students from Nanyang Polytechnic, who hooked up the simulator to seats that feature force feedback so you get to feel every bump and grind.

Game companies are holding game tournaments at the convention. Try your luck at "Soul Calibur IV" and "Guitar Hero: Aerosmith" and win hampers of Xbox 360 games from games distributor New Era. New Era has also set up 15 kiosks where you can play new Xbox 360 titles including "Sacred 2" and "Far Cry 2".

If you think you've got the right music chops, you can compete in Electronics Arts' (EA) Rock Band tournament from 4pm to 8pm daily and stand to win a set of the game.

The much-delayed game will see its local launch on September 25. In addition, EA has some unreleased games that you can try out, such as "FIFA 09", "Need for Speed: Undercover" and "Mirror's Edge".

At Nintendo's booth, Wii fans can play four yet-to-be released games, such as "Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party", "Dokapon Kingdom" and a new version of the classic "King of Fighters". You can even use the Wii controller to brandish your light-sabre in the Wii version of "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed".

But it's not just fun and games. If you're keen on getting an education that revolves around the game industry, head to the booths by the DigiPen Institute of Technology, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic to see what their courses have to offer.

WHAT: Games Convention Asia 2008 (GCA 2008)

WHERE: Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Level 4, Hall 403 (GCA Public Exhibition)

WHEN: Sept 18 to 20, 11am to 9pm

COST: Admission is free - TODAY/fa