Trading Card Spotlight - Blake Reinke

Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Blake Reinke, who is displayed on card number 3344, from the Superstars of 2020 Collection.  Blake is a competitive gamer from Wisconsin that always like to challenge himself and try to break world records. The most recent attempt is on a game called “Intelligence Cube”. Blake also has his eyes set on getting a “kill screen” on the Donkey Kong Arcade machine. A game he has loved since a kid. You can see Blake at video game conferences in the Midwest. Blake is also a very skilled gaming technician who can fix most gaming consoles and peripherals.

Did you break the record at Intelligence Cube for the PlayStation and if so, what are your next goals?

Not yet, but definitely will be picking it up again soon as life slows down for the summer.

Besides Intelligence Cube, what are some other games you tried or did break a world record in?

Crash Bandicoot Warped, Donkey Kong, Warp & Warp.

What was your first video game console and what do you remember about it?

Super Nintendo! I remember getting TMNT turtles in time from a local video rental place for free that my dad was doing a remodel job at. I still love that game till this day!

Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?

A video game trading card, no. But I did think it would be cool to be on a trading card!

When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?

I sent him a DM on Facebook, and we met at a Timber Rattlers game he was attending in Appleton Wisconsin. We sat and talked for probably 40 mins. It’s like we had known one another for years.

When did you first play Intelligence Cube and where was it at?

I remember my mom picking it up from Toys r Us back in 97-98ish, she was into puzzle games, and I was hooked ever since.

What was the best era for video gaming in your opinion?

Back when I was growing up, I would have said the PlayStation era, now I definitely say anything 1980s to 1990s arcade.

What kind of machines or consoles are you good at repairing and when did you first start fixing them?

Pretty much any arcade machine and any consoles. Electronics in general. I first started building pcs back in 2010 but have always been interested in how electronics work.

Do you remember your first arcade game you played and what do you remember about it?

Donkey Kong! I thought it was stupid, now that I’m a 500k point player, it’s downright a pain in the rear end lol. Anyone that plays knows what I mean lol.

What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?

They are obviously way more advanced, visually stunning and the story lines that compare to a Hollywood movie. But as far as the nostalgia factor the classics are better in my opinion.

If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?

Selfless.

Besides Intelligence Cube, what is your favorite PlayStation game, past and present and why?

Crash Bandicoot. It’s what got me into platformers!

If you could only own one arcade or pinball machine, what would it be and why?

Donkey Kong. Then I could dedicate my time to kill screening.

What does it take to be a world record holder on a video game?

Lots of dedication and time. Trying unorthodox things.

Which company makes/made the best consoles and why?

I’d say growing up Nintendo. Now I only play on PC.

Are video games good for relieving stress?

I think they are good for passing time. They sometimes are stressful but in a good way. Tense.

Where do you see video gaming in the next 10 years?

More immersive, if VR takes off than that. But at most just graphically better.