Trading Card Spotlight - Adrian Rodriguez
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Adrian Rodriguez who currently is displayed on card number 3972, from the Superstars of 2021 Collection. Adrian got into video games at a young age. Adrian really got into video games when Mario Forever was on the PC. In the early 2010’s he got into fighting games such as Street Fighter. In 2018 he achieved his first world record on Konami’s Kicker with 12 million points. His next goal is the Black Tiger world record, which he has got really good at.
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
Not all of them are violent but there has been a lot of controversies in video game history. For example, I think there have been controversial cases like where people imitate GTA (Grand Theft Auto) to steal money and commit murderer. Nowadays video games aren’t leading violence too much, I think.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
My first arcade game was actually Donkey Kong. I remember when I saw this arcade machine that contains Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Junior and Mario Bros. This machine was at an arcade in Century Theaters at Daly City, California, United States.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
Somehow, I can really tell I’m not too familiar with games today like Fortnite, Call of Duty and Minecraft. I can compare these games to the classic Mario games, Double Dragon and Final Fight because those were defining 8 bit and 16-bit classics when it comes to the elements of Retro Gaming.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
I somehow never thought when I was younger to have the idea to be included on a video game trading card. Most likely when I was 18, I wanted to be featured on one of Twin Galaxies trading cards but didn’t have interest in it. Until now for the first time I’m thankful to be included on a trading card.
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the trading card? If so, where?
Right now, I haven’t had any attention with my appearance on the trading card. But likely it can happen anytime soon.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I’ve chatted with Walter on Facebook but somehow, I never met him in person. I’m willing to meet him one day when I travel anywhere to go to a Video Game Festival or Convention.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
I can say Walter is an ICON because he’s not very sensitive or antisocial but he’s a very great guy.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
Mostly Arcade because it’s much more than a console as you can tell the graphics are much better-quality using Sanyo or CRT monitors and also when it comes to drop a quarter as you must challenge for a one credit playthrough.
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
Console gaming for sure cause I really like how games are ported from the original arcade to console. They make it slightly different, but the gameplay is similar.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
The current games I’m focused on are Black Tiger, Ninja Gaiden on the NES mini and the speedup hack version of Pac Man. For my favorite genres of gaming that would be a difficult one to answer. I bet beat em ups because it is fun to beat a large number of enemies and face a boss.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
I would own the original arcade Mario Bros from 1983. Because it is an easier game than Donkey Kong and it plays very similar to Joust. One of my favorite parts of the game is the coin bonus stage.
Which console company is your favorite and why? Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft?
Nintendo because one of their greatest consoles was the NES and the SNES. Because they make the controllers unique and very old school fashioned the way they are.
What does it take to be a video game journalist?
Video game journalists need to have knowledge by discovering the elements of Video Games.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
I think video games are aimed for all ages because everybody loves gaming by learning particular strategies.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
Mastering. They have made me become skilled and I’m very gifted for this. They’re always important for my life.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
Likely I would play video games with my cousins and friends. Because I may feel tired of playing alone but at times I enjoy playing with my friends and my cousins so then they can see how great I am at my gaming skills.
Which company makes the best games and why?
Nintendo because they make better games than Sega. As I can tell one of their best games ever created was Super Mario 64 as it was totally the bestselling game due to the 3d graphics and particular design on the painted world levels.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
I learn some strategies that were made up on my own and I also learn them on YouTube or in the books.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Yes. They can prevent stress if you are dealing with something.
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
However, if they make a live action remake of Super Mario Bros and be very accurate to the game that will be surprising. But I’m not deep with movies anymore unless I hear a video game movie adaptation in the works.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
Charizard from Pokémon. He has great fire breathing damage to the poke monster enemy and he’s really furious.
Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why? Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style
Art style because depending how they make the game like realistic 16-bit style graphics that’s what is most important so then they can be unique and better.
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
Oh yes of course like in Final Fight where you face the 5th boss Abigail as you better be careful with his fist that takes almost a lot of damage and yeah this is where I find the best part of the game although there will be a lot of enemies when you face him.
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
For a single player my favorite is Dig Dug and for a multiplayer game that would be The Punisher a unique capcom beat’em up.
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
Likely my own game is currently in the works as I have ideas how the game would be about. It takes place in the New Generation of the 27th century and the main character would be myself insert so of course important updates of the game will be revealed later.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
Yet still I am involved with gaming and I’m currently an artist by drawing my independent artworks and comics too.
Where do you see video gaming in the next 20 years?
I can tell that in 20 years I would feel like we need older graphics back in the Golden Age of Video Gaming in the 80s and the 16-bit era because in those later year’s games will probably be uninteresting material in my opinion.