Trading Card Spotlight - Bobby Wilson

| Trading Card Spotlight
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Bobby (Q43) Wilson, who conveniently displayed on card number 43, from the Superstars of 2011 Collection.  Bobby is also on other “43” trading cards such as 1043, 1143, 1243, 1343, 1943.   Bobby can also be seen on card number 1610.   Bobby has held many world records on the Sega Genesis as well as MAME related games.  Bobby’s biggest video game accomplishment is his perfect game on Rock ‘N Roll Racing, a rare Super Nintendo cartridge where Bobby won all 144 races and scored 57,600 points.    

Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?

I’m sure the programmers/ creators want everyone from 3 - 143 playing their games. Never a good idea to limit your customer base. I do however see games created specifically for a target audience. I find the best games appeal to all age groups.

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

The first game I recall playing was Zaxxon. It was at my local carry out and I was 9. I remember it being incredibly difficult for me. I found the gameplay to be quite frustrating, shortly after the carry out replaced it with a Gorf machine, which I loved.

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

All the games I play were made before 1997, with very few exceptions.

Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a Video game Trading card?

No, my whole experience with the classic video game scene has been a little surreal.  

Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the Trading Card?  If so, where?

No, and I would do my best to avoid such things.

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

I first met Walter at one of Richie’s events, I’m pretty sure it was the first Kong off. I asked him to sign my book (which I find to be a great ice breaker) and ever since that moment he made me feel as if we were old friends. Some people just have that ability; Walter is definitely one of those types.

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

Awesome, as explained in my previous answer. 

Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?

Not really, I still play Tetris, and Puzzle Fighter almost daily but my competing days are done.

What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?

The PSP is the only one I’ve ever played. I purchased it for a very long plane ride back when it was first released.

Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?

All I play on is MAME and SNES, and I love them both dearly.

What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?

All I ever play is Tetris, and Puzzle Fighter, so I’m going to have to go with Puzzle based games.

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

Puzzle Fighter, It’s the only game I play. (Except Tetris, and I dislike the original Tetris arcade version)

Growing up were you team Sega or Nintendo and why?

Nintendo, mainly the controllers.

What does it take to be a Video Game Journalist?

I imagine you would have to get a somewhat factual article with a Video Game related theme published.

Do you believe some Video Games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?

I don’t see how games can be too violent; there are certainly games out there that would be inappropriate for a younger audience. No, I do not believe that running around in a FPS all day will create an urge to hide out with a rifle in a bell tower. If anything I imagine such a game might actually be a release for someone with such thoughts. Psychology is definitely not my forte but I remember some having issue with Mortal Kombat, and when I was a kid the concern was Looney Tunes being too violent. Both concerns seem kind of silly in hindsight.

Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?

For me it’s all about the head to head competition, the best games are played against human opponents that you can communicate with directly.

Which company makes the best games and why?

I’m going to go with Capcom, because they released Puzzle Fighter.

Do you learn anything from playing video games?

I learned how to flip tetrominoes around to fit in where needed, so I guess that’s something.

Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?

They haven’t made a decent one yet.

Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?

Olaf, a character I played in the game that got me into competitive gaming. (Rock n’ Roll Racing)

Where do you see Video gaming in the next 20 years?

Not sure but I hope it involves holograms and lasers.

© Copyright 2020 Walter Day