Trading Card Spotlight - Greg Sakundiak
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Greg Sakundiak who is displayed on card number 84, from the Superstars of 2011 Collection. Greg is also on trading card number 3359. Greg was a member of the 1984 U.S. National Video Game Team and broke many records back then in such games as Dragon’s Lair, Tag Team Wrestling Arcade and Target: Terror. He was also the high-scoring star of the Twin Galaxies’ Legend of the Golden Age Championship held in December of 2005. His latest claim to fame is being one of a very few to get a Perfect Pac-Man score of 3,333,360 on the arcade version, which he achieved on the 40th anniversary of the game. Greg was dubbed the 40th anniversary champion and known as Mr. Perfect.
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the trading card? If so, where?
Back in the 80’s I had lots of media coverage in the newspaper and TV. Recently with my 40th Anniversary of Pacman World Record I received lots of media coverage all around the World and was dubbed the 40th Anniversary Champion which instilled the Twitch name MisterPerfect2020.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
To be honest I hate most of today’s video games. I think they are focused on unnecessary violence and have no meaning.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I first met Walter Day in Victoria B.C Canada. It was the 1985 Video Game Masters Tournament & The Iron Man.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Describing Walter Day in 1 word is impossible.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
My favorite portable gaming device is my Samsung phone. Technology has come a long way in a few short years and has made leaps and bounds in the gaming industry.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
Actually, no I never even dreamed of being on a trading card. I never thought that the video game industry would have such a thing. I did know in the 80’s that things were moving forward, and I hoped one day that video games would make me famous.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
The first video game I ever played was Pacman. I remember walking into the arcade which was called “The Fun Factory” and seeing it. I played it and moved on then came back to it about a month later and I was hooked.
Do you prefer arcade or console gaming and why?
Well since I own an abundance of classic arcade games, I think I’ve always wanted to own a Punch Out. I just love the 2-monitor thing.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
The games I play today are Pacman, Donkey Kong, Dragon’s Lair, Space Ace, Robotron, Ms. Pacman and various other Classic arcade games.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
Well, I do own a lot of arcade games and I own them all because they challenge me with my skills.
Which console company is your favorite and why? Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft?
In my opinion the only console is the original Nintendo NES system the rest are garbage.
What does it take to be a video game journalist?
I used to write for Canadian Coin Box & Replay back in the day. I just wrote down my thoughts and insight on games and how I thought the game play was.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
I think music plays a big part in past and present video games. It adds to the excitement and intrigue as long as it’s presented at the right time.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
I think that video games are aimed at teens mostly as they are the most vulnerable
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
I mostly prefer playing games by myself about 90% of the time because it’s mostly me against the game.
Which company makes the best games and why?
I can only comment on the classic video arcade game and in my opinion Bally/Midway was the best. The produced a lot of real challenging games.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
By playing video games I learn better hand eye co-ordination, reflexes and how to deal with personal problems, by escaping, playing & thinking of how to resolve issues that arise in my life.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Video games totally relieve stress.
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Yes, I love it when Hollywood makes movies from or about video games. I hope one day I might be in one of them.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
My favorite video game character, hmmm. I’d have to choose Dexter from Dragon’s Lair. I actually named my dog after him.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
When I hear the term video games. It always makes me think of the Classics
Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why? Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style
The 5 elements, the only one that matters is game play, if the game doesn’t play well there’s nothing to it
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
My favorite 1 player game is obviously Pacman, my favorite multi player game is Gauntlet.
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
If I was to design, my own game I’d have to definitely make it a survival game with the main character being Les Stroud. I’d try to make it as real as possible.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
Yes, I’m still involved in gaming today, I recently owned a video game route and arcade up here in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Where do you see video gaming in the next 20 years?
I think video games in the next 20 years will kind of be like in the movie Ready Player 1