Trading Card Spotlight - Shawne Vinson
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Shawne Vinson who currently is displayed on card number 440, from the Superstars of 2013 Collection. He is also featured on cards 1076, 2412, and 3200. Shawne, who is known as the “Nintendo Master of Sacramento, can be seen in the 2016 Edition of Guinness Book of World Records – Gamers Edition. With many world record scores on the Twin Galaxies scoreboard, Shawne is always motivated to break more records and be the best gamer in his hometown. He just beat the two hard mini shooting games, which no one has ever completed, Swan Shooter and Night Strike. It's called the Furu Furu Park and it's on Wii. One of his games he is currently working on setting records for are the puzzle games, such as Super Bust-A-Move. You can see Shawne on his YouTube Channel "ShawneTheGreatGamer". You can also find out more about Shawne on his video adventure story of his gaming career and culture. "Shawne Vinson's Video Game Journeys".
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
I was performing a world record for highest scores and winning streaks. I will able to determine my destiny for my video game journey, and I’m going to try for the video game world tournaments, and championships I know I can do my best gaming from now on. As for older classic games, in the 90’s and 2000’s, some games were targeted at Game Crazy Store from Hollywood Video and even EB Games. In the past it had a preowned price and the MVP was a service offered by GameCrazy which provided customers with a 10% discount on used games and accessories as well as a 10% increase in video game trade-in value.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
The first arcade game I ever played was Millipede at the age of five and my first two console games were Jr. Pac-Man and Commando on the Atari 2600 at the age of six.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
Not exactly. I was just making my way in the beginning for my future appearances and for the video game trading card. In 2013 I was doing my part and dong well for gaming history.
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the trading card? If so, where?
I received media coverage while at the Sacramento Raw Radio Show. I was interviewing for my gaming story on March 13th, 2013, and June 23rd, 2013, and and again on August 6th, 2013 at the J’aime Deorosan’s Fashion Show Event from Downtown Sacramento. I had more interviews and appearances at the Video Game Trading Card Award Ceremonies at the Arcade Expo 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 in Banning, California.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I was in chat online at Twin Galaxies using the America Online service. It was back in 2004, and I finally meet him at the Museum of Pinball from Banning, California back in October 15th, 2015.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Video Game Hero. Because I will continue his legacy. And I have risked for my humanitarian spirit and work on my video game journey. I always wanted to be a “Video Game Hero”.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
Yes. I have responsibility for my video game journey, as long as I create it. And I just determined to my destiny. Video games was life, it was my other different time for the beginning and I just made my own journey, when I was imagining for my advantage, at least I was good at it. I am determined to get to my destiny. Video games was my life, it was a different time from the beginning and I just made it my own journey. I imagined it and it happened. I was good at it. I love to play the Puzzle Bobble/Bust-A-Move game and Bust-A-Move BASH, and more. My goal is to become a Bust-A-Move/Puzzle Bobble Champ or a Puzzle Master.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
I love Game Boy Advance. I believe it makes me intelligent as long as I can learn from this game.
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
I would like to play every Nintendo console. Any different game consoles would also be ok for me. I’d give it my best shot.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I just love Puzzle Bobble/Bust-A-Move games of the series, and even the video games of the 90’s and 2000’s.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
I would like to get the Ultracade or Global Arcade someday. It’s a revolutionary multi-game video arcade machine that lets you select and play hundreds of LICENSED and LEGAL video arcade game classics from major game makers, and is made with the commercial owner/operator in mind but can also be used for home use.
Which console company is your favorite and why? Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft?
I love Nintendo. Nintendo is the coolest name of all of the video games and consoles. It has been developed as a gaming company and is the most influential in the industry. I should know how to handle and collect some games. I went to the store and shopped online and got a bunch of Nintendo swag like T-shirts, cool hats, cool belt buckles, notebooks, pajamas sets, wall decorations, wallets, folders, notebooks, and of course video games! "Nintendo comes up with cool new stuff all of the time, even special rewards. It’s possible to keep up with all of it. It’s a cool way to be collecting all of this swag and dressing up in Nintendo swag and not just gaming alone but being part of the brand."
What does it take to be a Video Game Journalist?
I would do my best with the knowledge I have with the various genres and different games which would be the key I believe.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
I only listen to the video game music including video game remix, electo. And techno music.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
My brothers and sisters and I fell in love with playing video games when we were kids way back in the 90s.
Do you believe some Video Games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
I’m not interested in violent video games.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
I love to play video game online with Wi-Fi, a gaming network online and gaming with an online live stream. People get to know me from all over the world. They have video game tournaments online. I’ve won an online tournament recently and two from a while ago.
Which company makes the best games and why?
Taito of course. Taito made Bubble Bobble in 1986 and was very popular. Puzzle Bobble a.k.a. the Bust-A-Move series is one of my favorite, and I believe playing it makes me smarter.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
I played the NES and played in the arcade when I was eight years old. I have enjoyed learning about the history of video games and have been studying the history since the age of seventeen. I just love reading video game magazines and learning all that I can.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Yes. I finally beat the game Puzzle Bobble/Bust-A-Move with no continues achieving many high scores, making my goals. I learn from it by beating every adventure game as well.
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Yes. It was called The Wizard the video game movie. It is my favorite. I saw it way back in 1989. It’s a story about a boy and a girl. The boy takes his genius little brother to the video game championships in Los Angeles.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
Bubblun & Bobblun (Bub & Bob) are adorably amazing. I just figured the difference between their bubble powers and rainbow powers, when they were humans.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
I was just searching for the arcades, anytime, anyplace, and having the time of my life. Even the video game night life at the café was great and having my own gaming company.
Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why? Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style
I’d like to make a great story about me and my great adventure. I already have the perfect name for it,
“Shawne Vinson’s Video Game Journeys”.
That’s me.
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
Yes. Just about every adventure and fighting game has boss battles. I think it is positive and is good for the game..
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
I just love to play Bust-A-Move ’99 on Nintendo 64 for a single play when it has a differences for a great level. In the “Edit Mode” I create every level by myself. As for my favorite multiplayer game I play Bust-A-Move BASH! On Wii, when it’s got eight players I’m so good at it.
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
I have my own special Nintendo idea for the ghost type known, as the “Boos”. It was based on Super Mario. The main characters name is…Lady Bow.
Where do you see Video gaming in the next 20 years?
I just heard about all of the video game tournaments and championships. Many generations have passed. Gamer's have to compete and win battles, to get the highest scores and a winning streak and even the best time in speed runs. A number of referees and adjudicators know of the importance of the historical contribution of qualifying for video game tournaments, championships, and world records. I have to compete for now on. It is my video game journey.