HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Scott Mosey and Roxy Hinze, owners of Retrocade, displayed on card number 2318, from the Superstars of 2015. Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Retrocade was opened by Scott and Roxy on December 5th, 2013. Scott has been repairing coin-op games since the he was very young and Roxy adds her creative décor to the business. The arcade features over 40 retro classic arcade games as well as a few pinball machines. Classic tunes are played with the vintage jukebox to make this throwback arcade a reality. It is people like Scott and Roxy that are passionate with bringing the old 1982 arcade era back to the current time and have the newer generation enjoy gaming with the original generation.
https://www.facebook.com/retrocadesd/
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
The game would be an epic journey through ancient eras, discovering the technologies of the past to unlock the secrets that will shape the future with Walter Day as your travel guide.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
1st video game: Atari’s Football…I remember playing this at the local bowling alley. I remember the fun my brother and I had rolling that big ball, even though it pinched hand.
1st arcade game: Chicago Coin’s Flying Tiger….loved the sounds on this game.
1st pinball: Gottlieb’s Baseball….played this in a laundry mat and pinball became my favorite!
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
I prefer the classic gaming… but of course, the graphics and detail of game play has improved immensely over the decades.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
No, I never dreamt I would be honored on a video game trading card …it is truly amazing!
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the trading card? If so, where?
Not as of yet, regarding the trading card, but we have had a few local newspaper and magazine articles about our arcade.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
Yes, as a retro arcade owner, I am a repairman of all things past so they may be experienced in our present and future.
When did you first meet Walter day and where was it at?
We first contacted Walter via Facebook and met him in person at Icon 2015 (Fairfield, IA) and the Ottumwa Plaque dedication ceremony. We greatly appreciated our Trading Card award and meeting Walter at the ceremony was fabulous!
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
Mattel’s Armor Battle, which was one of several handheld LED games in the 1970’s. This game was a Christmas gift from Santa and I played it for countless hours, using many 9 volt batteries.
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
I prefer the Console games because I grew up with them, the first game being “Pong”.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I still play the classic coin-op arcade games, mostly pinball and the early maze type video games.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
Arcade and pinball games are like potato chips, you can’t have just one.
Growing up were you team Sega or Nintendo and why?
Trick question? My favorite was the Bally Astrocade because I love the graphics and game play on that early Console.
What does it take to be a Video Game Journalist?
A true passion for all gaming past, present and future and a degree in journalism wouldn’t hurt.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
A good game soundtrack, whether past or present, pulls the player deeper into the game’s universe.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
The video games are for all who wish to have fun challenging themselves and/or others.
Do you believe some Video Games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
I think there are games that are too violent but they do not lead to violence in America…I believe that a lot of violence in America (and the world) could be due to the sensationalism in the global media.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
I prefer playing video games alone and pinball against others because I “sure play a mean pinball”.
Which company makes the best games and why?
That’s like choosing my favorite cat.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
Yes, but it’s different for every individual.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Yes…and also for causing it. Ha, ha!
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
I believe some have been very well done.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
My favorite character would have to be “Winky” from Exidy’s Venture video game…. bow and arrow with a smile!
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
The “Odyssey Arcade” in Sydney, Nebraska.
Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why? Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style
To me, that is a unique element depending on the game.
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
No. It’s the journey.
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
As a collector, I have too many favorites, but I have a soft spot for black and white.
Where do you see Video gaming in the next 20 years?
I think it will evolve into a highly competitive sport showcasing the earth’s top talent and beyond…perhaps.
Todd Friedman is heavily involved in the retro gaming community and has co-promoted the Video Game Summit in Chicago, IL for the past 16 years. He also has published 2 books and written for various different gaming magazines including Old School Gamer.
