Trading Card Spotlight - Luke Brynycz
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Luke Brynycz, who is currently displayed on card number 3519, from the Superstars of 2021 Collection. Impressively, Luke started playing Donkey Kong in the arcade in 2019. Less than a year later, he achieved the very difficult feat of getting a Kill Screen! On March 15th, 2020, Luke became a member of the Donkey Kong Kill Screen club. Since then, he has purchased his very own original arcade machine, and has achieved a few more kill screens, slowly increasing his score. After a short break, he plans to go for 900,000 then 1,000,000 points. Luke is from the United Kingdom, and the group of Kill Screen achievers is very few there. He is among the elite.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
When I was younger, I didn’t think anything existed other than my Mega Drive and SNES, so yes, to be an arcade Superstar in my mid 30s is something that I am both proud and shocked about.
Do you remember your first arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
The first arcade game I played was Pacman. I managed to get to the 9th key a few times and will one day ‘cross the desert’ to get a split screen.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of arcade games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
Most of today’s games lack the addictiveness of the arcade classics, but there are some exceptions such as Rocket League which will be a future classic in my opinion.
When did you first meet Walter day and where was it at?
I have only met Walter via social media unfortunately, but if he was to ever come to the UK, it would be excellent to meet him.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Legend.
When did you first play Donkey Kong and where was it at?
I first played Donkey Kong in 2019 at Arcade Club in Leeds.
When did you decide you wanted to get a kill screen on Donkey Kong?
I first decided to get a kill screen around the time I hit 100k and discovered the King of Kong documentary.
Do you prefer the original arcade or MAME gaming and why?
There is only one answer to this question, but to clarify: Arcade.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I play a lot of Rocket League, Battlefront 2, and Streets of Rage 4.
If you could only have one arcade game besides Donkey Kong, what would it be and why?
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs.
What does it take to get a kill screen in Donkey Kong?
Lots of dedication, a state of Zen, and lots of swearing.
Are arcades aimed mainly at children, adolescents, or adults?
I’d say they are an adult thing. Kids get bored when they die almost instantly then move onto another cab.
Do you believe some arcade games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
Not at all. Adults need to be responsible for their future generations. Idiots will be idiots, regardless of a video game.
In your opinion, which company makes the best arcade games and why?
For casual play, I believe Capcom were the leaders.
Do you learn anything from playing arcade games?
My coordination and mental health benefits greatly.
Who is your favorite arcade game character and what makes that character special?
I’d say the coolest was Axel from Streets of Rage 2. That game will always be iconic for me.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘Donkey Kong’?
Allen Staal punching his cab and saying every swear word under the sun.
What is your favorite arcade game of all time?
I would have to say that Donkey Kong is the one that keeps me coming back for more.
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
I’d likely do a DK remake but with a better variety of levels for those long kill screen games.
Where do you see arcade games in the next 20 years?
I believe more VR will be used, which could be a good thing, but only once It’s seamless and perfected. I’m not a fan of the current iterations.