1. What’s your favorite kind of video game to play with your parents?
I’m a big fan of cooperative stuff. I’m a big fan of rhythm games, so Rock Band is huge on that list. There’s a big synergy there and my family really likes to sing and act like rock stars, so it’s a perfect game to play together.
2. What’s your favorite quality in a male game character? Female game character?
I like game characters that are very aloof and relaxed, but headstrong and willing to take charge when it matters. I’m absolutely in love with characters that are comedic and quick-witted. On that note, I’m not picky when it comes to gender as long as the character fulfills the personality I have a strong affinity for.
3. What kind of game do you avoid?
I typically avoid games that are high on the list of hardcore gamers. Typically Call of Duty and Battlefield. I don’t avoid most FPS games, but those ones stand out as rotting hives of indecent language and behavior.
4. What’s your favorite quality in your gaming buddies (kids or not)?
I love that my friends are always willing to be better at the game. We play a lot of competitive games together, and I’m a big fan of coming up with skills or strategies to work better as a team or against each other. The constant desire to play a game to the best of their ability is what really draws me to ’em! But outside of competition, their willingness to play cooperative games with me is a bonding experience like no other.
5. What’s your main fault as a gamer?
I get really angry. Super angry. I mean, anger for days. I remember breaking my Guitar Hero disc back in the day because I couldn’t hit all the notes in ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” on EASY. I’m a lot better about it now, but I can’t help but look back and shake my head at my short temper.
6. How has gaming shaped your identity?
Gaming has shaped my identity as a competitor. I often have friendly competition with my friends, and in some cases it’s shaped my own sense of confidence. I can largely attribute my confidence in my ability to pick things up quickly to video games.
7. What’s your idea of a miserable gaming experience?
A game where I can’t understand controls, game mechanics, or how things generally work. A game where I continuously die with no perceivable way to obtain a different outcome.
8. In which virtual world would you choose to vacation?
Bladehenge, the world of Brütal Legend. Because it’s full of so much cool architecture, amazing creatures, badass cars, and excellent characters.
9. Which game did you find most visually appealing?
I really loved the aesthetic that The Last of Us brought to the table. It’s basically nature retaking the ruins of cities. So it’s gritty, lush, mechanical, and organic all at the same time. I loved it.
10. Which game soundtrack would you listen to on repeat?
The Final Fantasy X OST. I love all of the tracks from that game. Nobuo Uematsu is a mad genius.
11. Which game has your favorite story?
Oh god, this is a really tough one. I have a lot of favorites. I’ll probably go with Final Fantasy Tactics. For its time, it has one of the most gripping and compelling stories I’ve ever experienced.
12. Which video game character would you choose to be a hero for your kids?
( IF I HAD CHILDREN) I would choose Ramza Beoulve from Final Fantasy Tactics. He’s a noble who comes from an upper class who chooses to fight for justice and completely disregard the established system of “peasants and nobles.” Throughout the entire story he finds out about corruption and does his best to stop it. More over, he’s loyal to his friends and is both compassionate and has a great sense of judgement.
13. What are your favorite gaming snacks?
I’m kind of a terrible snacker when it comes to gaming, but I’m generally a fan of Chex mix, Gardettos, and other snacks like that.
Also Cookies.
14. What’s your favorite video game villain?
I love Doviculus from Brütal Legend. I really love any voice acting Tim Curry does, and he really brings to life the sinister yet playful nature that Doviculus embodies. It’s creepy but in a way that’s VERY impressive. He’s ruthless, and not above taking a chance to kill opposition when it’s so easily in front of him.
15. Which video game ability/item/superpower would you most like to be gifted with?
I would like the ability to make my guitar summon cars and wild beasts as well as call down lightning to attack my enemies, à la Brütal Legend (I seriously love Brütal Legend you have no idea).
16. What video game character would you pick to cosplay if you had unlimited time and resources?
Probably a Terran Marine or a Terran Marauder from Starcraft II. Those suits of armor are so elaborate.
17. Most interesting or annoying way you’ve ever died in a video game?
In Dark Souls, there’s a boss called “The Capra Demon.” You enter the room he’s in, and with no warning, a gigantic Demon and two wolves come charging at you. If the Capra demon hits you and you’re blocking, you lose all your stamina (which means you can’t attack) and then the wolves just take cheap shots at you. It ends up being that you die a good number of times before you just get a lucky break.
