Trading Card Spotlight - Tim Hanson
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Tim Hanson who currently is displayed on card number 2309, from the Superstars of 2015 Collection. Tim is a huge Nintendo fan and gamer. Games like Super Metroid and Super Mario Bros. 3 to name a few. Tim finds himself collecting not only Nintendo but other retro gaming systems and newer consoles as well. His twitch channel, Timzy88, shows Tim playing his favorite retro games as well as modern-day first-person shooters on console and PC.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
The earliest memory I have is playing Super Mario Bros with my mother. I was around 3 or 4, and I can remember struggling to make a few jumps. I would pass the controller over to her, so she could make it for me and then I would take over. That slowly changed throughout the years, she was eventually passing the controller over to me in Super Mario Bros 3 or Donkey Kong County.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
Video games today are way easier than they used to be. With auto saves and guides being published, nothing is left for the creative players to find. How many players do you think found the warp whistle on their own in Super Mario Bros 3, in the first castle stage? Now days, everything is published the moment the secret is discovered, or an easy cheat is found. It takes away the challenge and excitement of playing a new game.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a Video game Trading card?
Never in a million years did I ever think I would be a trading care, let alone a Video Game trading card. It’s an amazing feeling to see something like this created to show off my accomplishments in Video Game history.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I first meet Walter Day during ICON in Iowa when he presented me with the award for my trading card. Even though we never meet he treated me as if we had been friends for the last 20 years. I was greeted with a hug and smile, he congratulated me on my accomplishment and encouraged me to sing a few of the cards on the tables for others to grab. It was a blast getting to know that group that night and I’ve ran into Walter a few times at various Gaming Expos and he treats me the same way every time.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Humble. Walter Day is one of the humblest people you will ever meet. I’ve meet him about 3 times and he’s remembered exactly who I was and still will go out of his way in a crowd to stop and say hi to me. I ran into him at Midwest Gaming Classic and he stopped me to say hi and chat for a few minutes.
How much practice did you put in before the Nintendo World Championships?
Before the regional finals, I was playing maybe a couple matches a day. I was unable to figure out the ability to combo the viruses in Dr. Mario more than 2 or 3 at a time. It was the weakest part of my game; I was able to clear Super Mario Bros 1 and 3 in a minute or less. But Dr. Mario was another story. Before the finals in LA, I was playing Splatoon and Legend of Zelda 1 a ton. I was trying to figure out the best stats for both because I knew they were a part of the competition.
What was your favorite experience from the event?
I have two moments in the event where I had to pinch myself. The first took place before the contest even started. A bunch of us were eating lunch in the room they setup for us when none other than Shigeru Miyamoto walked in to eat lunch. He sat at the table across from us and no one had the courage to go and introduce themselves. The other moment was getting a 6-kill combo in Splatoon to keep my team in the lead. Because of that kill combo my team was able to cover more ground in paint and seal the win for us.
What game was the hardest to perform and what was your favorite game?
The hardest to perform was Blast Ball. It was a brand-new game and we got the ability to play it before the main event but only a few rounds. My favorite game was Super Metroid, I remember playing it as a kid but never beat the game. Having my ability to shine in that game against one of the speed runners of the community was amazing. I was ahead on the boss fight but Sinister1 knew a few tricks that he was able to use during the escape scene to pass me, I only lost by 10 seconds.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I enjoy playing almost any video game out there. I’ve always enjoyed Platformers or RPGs. From Mario bros to Adventure Island, I’ve always loved the challenge that came with them. No matter how many times I’ve beaten them I always go back to them. RPGs to me are a cinematic adventure, you spend so much time invested into the story that you began to feel for the character. For me that’s the greatest escape you can take while playing video games.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
I’ve always wanted to own either Donkey Kong or The Simpsons arcade game. I remember growing up playing both a ton and no matter how many quarters I lost, I still had a blast. As for a pinball table, I’m really torn. There are so many great tables, that it’s hard to choose just one. But on table I always enjoy is the original Star Wars.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
Adolescents for sure, most of the targeted audience are those who have the freest time to play. But games like Fortnite or other free to play games target the child within us while bringing in complicated gameplay mechanics so the older generations will enjoy it was well.
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
While games and movies show violence, I believe it comes down to the parent or induvial to know right from wrong. Just because you play a video game or watch a movie that is graphic or violent doesn’t mean you’re going to go out and do those actions in real life. It’s easier to point the finger towards the industry than to take the blame for not doing your part in teaching or knowing right from wrong. Movies and games have a rating for a reason, if an 8-year-old is playing GTA V then it’s on the person who bought it for them. Not the industry.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
I have always had this urge to be the best at any game I play. I love the thought of going toe to toe with another player to prove you’re better than them. But I also love the traditional Story or Co-op game. I play a ton of games with my friends from High School who all live in different states now. Online gaming has given us the ability to keep in tough more often then we normally would have.
Which company makes the best games and why?
Retro – Capcom, they make some of the best platforming games ever made. From Mega Man all the way to Chip N’ Dale Rescue Rangers
Modern – CD Project, the games coming from this company are very well polished and ready for the market on Day 1. Most companies rush to force a game to market these days, but CD Project takes their time and will push back release dates to make sure it’s ready.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
The countless years playing video games has definitely gave me the abilities to excel in my day to day job. I can think outside of the box and troubleshoot issues from different angles that others don’t. Video games have also pushed me into learning more about PC. I currently work for a 911 dispatch software company as a DBA\Support Tech.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Yes, when I sit down to play a video game it’s like flipping a switch for me. Everything around me just fades away and I can lose focus on what’s been troubling me. It’s a great way to relax and clear you mind of what’s been stressing you out. Then come back a few hours later with a clear head to maybe see something or a solution to what’s been stressing you out, that you weren’t able to see before.
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Probably a very unpopular option but I love the Mario Bros and Double Dragon movie. I remember watching them as a kid and seeing my favorite characters having an actual face and personality. Sure, they weren’t the best movie around and didn’t age the greatest, but they were entertaining.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
For me it’s a tie between Luigi or Link. Both characters are the silent hero that everyone pushes around. But they keep going, neither of them asked for the power or fame they were given. Luigi lives in the shadow of his brother but still works to be his own person. The drive it takes to constantly shine above his brother is encouraging. Just because you’re not number 1, doesn’t mean you’re not great. Link is given a responsibility to constantly save the world and those he loves. Even though he is constantly being woken up time after time to save the world he does it without asking twice.
Both characters have given me the strength to be who I am today. An inspiration doesn’t have to be a real-life person, it can be a fictional character. No matter how hard life gets, you must keep going. I know sometimes you are stuck doing something you don’t want to do or wish you could it different. But life is full of choices and it’s up to you on how you interact with them. Why not make the best of situation and move on?
Where do you see video gaming in the next 20 years?
I hope to see video games in the Olympics. In 20 years if Esports continues to grow there is no reason it’ can’t be a National Sport. Imagine rooting for your favorite video game competitor as you do now for your favorite athlete or movie star. Some thing, just a different category.