Trading Card Spotlight - Gustavo "Gus" Rodriguez
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Gustavo "Gus" Rodriguez, who currently is displayed on card number 3494, from the Superstars of 2020 Collection. Considered an ICON of game culture in Mexico and Latin America, Gus is the founder of the prestigious Club Nintendo Magazine, Latin America edition. Another big gaming item in the 1990’s that Gus created was a popular TV show called Nintendomania with his son Javier. Javier is currently the host of a TV show called Zero Control and COO of the Mexican Esports Federation. Gus passed away on April 10, 2020. His son Javier was kind enough to do the spotlight on his behalf.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
It’s great to see that the industry is growing constantly. Sadly, I think old school gamers enjoy more game plays and get more impressed because they remember how does this started because the Z Gen is only worried about the graphics, questioning if the campaign of a game is not too long or doing speed runs instead of enjoying the game.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
The first video console I played was Intellevision, I enjoyed playing Burger Time with my family.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
Switch, I enjoy it with my kids.
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
Console is the way I grew up.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I like shooters, but my favorite is Zelda and The Last of Us.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
TMNT, I really enjoyed that game with my friends when I was a kid.
Which console company is your favorite and why? Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft?
The Sony PlayStation is the best because the servers are very stable, and the controller is comfortable.
What does it take to be a video game journalist?
Be objective, be smart and not to be a fan when playing.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
A lot, I really like Koji Kondo composing and created one of the most famous songs worldwide.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
To everyone, they have different segments and a lot of options, but the adults are the one whopay for them.
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
No, it doesn’t have to be seen as it. In fact, I think the video games help to release the stress and anger when you play then.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
With my friends, is a good hobby when you can also talk to them.
Which company makes the best games and why?
There are a lot of studios, I can’t name just one. But one of my favorites is Naughty Dog
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
Yes, to keep calm, to think more in puzzles, to have ability using my hands and thinking faster.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
Link, of Zelda. Is my first playable hero.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
Joy and fun.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a Video Game Trading card?
No, I’m very surprised that my dad could make this.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I knew some of his career.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Respect, for his job in the industry.
Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why? Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style
Gameplay: because you can have all of them but if you can’t really enjoy the way to play, the controller, the instructions that you give to the character, it won’t be enjoyable.
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
One of them. You always know that is the goal of the game.
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
Zelda, TLOU… in multiplayer, Destiny 2.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
I am host of a TV show called Zero Control and COO of the Mexican Esports Federation.
Where do you see video gaming in the next 20 years?
As a common lifestyle, esports over conventional sports.