Page 9 - OSG Presents Video Game Trader Magazine #14

about training to become television anchors rather hairstyles?
than actual groupies of the industry. Host Taryn
Southern seems to be the exception and is excep- Many of those interviewed offer some real insight
tional. She is truly the brilliant gem among the into their own personal lives. Who knew that Arka-
stones in the garden. Alan Akin is a bit rough to noid World Champion Zack Hample is as ob-
watch, but considering that he is also translating sessed with the sport of Baseball as he is about
between English and Japanese in real-time, he busting digital bricks? Owning 2496 baseballs, all
scores kudos for working in such an environment. personally retrieved in stadiums across the coun-
Some of the other reporters‘ inquiries are rather try, is quite a feat. Hearing that he taught himself
basic, and their questions seem to display their several languages, including sign language, in
lack of knowledge about the subjects they are order to communicate with foreign players so that
interviewing. Some questions, such as ―Are there he could request a game ball is truly extreme.
any other games that you particularly like?‖ seem
just plain ridiculous to ask one of the great game And ―extreme‖ is what the Coin-OP TV project is all
designers of all time. Of course Eugene Jarvis about. The whole production screams of fanatics
likes games! How could he be so successful in the going past the norm to celebrate the hobby that
field if he didn‘t like games! Despite such rudimen- they love! I get that, and I very much salute Coin-
tary questions, many of the interviewees had some Op TV for what they have delivered. While flawed,
great information to offer, such as Jarvis speaking it is exceptional and succeeds on several levels.
about ―conflicting goals‖ in game design. The entire design is a mixed bag as the level of
quality peaks and dips. The production values of
One portion of the DVD features several world
record holders discussing their favorite arcade the disc are disjointed. The editing overall is solid.
games. In what would surprise no one, they all The filming, including the lighting, is respectable
seemed to mostly pick the same game titles for considering the venues where the interviews are
Coin-Op TV DVD Volume 2 is overall a nice dis- conducted. However, actual videogame footage
traction and pleasant romp through the coin-op which they hold the world records. It seems obvi- shown is very blurry. This is not forgivable as the
niche. If you enjoyed the first volume, expect more ous that for any of them to be able to score so well game play footage was added after-the-fact in post
of the same. and push the games to their max the way they do, -production.
they might actually enjoy playing those particular
This second video embraces interviews with gam- titles.
ing pioneers and gaming personalities. Included Please recognize that I am covering this DVD
within volume two are Robotron and Defender In addition to the interviews, the disc also includes review as a video professional, involved in the
creator Eugene Jarvis; Gears of War‘s Cliffy B; a short tribute to the game Galaxian called the industry for well over a decade. Normally I would
personality Tommy Tallarico; SNK‘s KOF Falcoon, Galaxian Defense League. This unexpected sur- acknowledge that this is a compilation of footage
Dragon‘s Lair Project founder and coin-op collector prise, while intentionally corny, offers up many originally created for internet viewing, and leave it
Jeff Kinder; several world record holders; Anime clever anecdotes that are very amusing and pro- at that. However, Coin-Op TV tries to present itself
cosplayers; ―I am 8-bit‖ artists and more. Some of voke many new thoughts about a common friend. as serious journalism. Provided that you recognize
their limitations, even when they do not, you can
those interviewed are real stars, while others leave A great deal of anime shares similarities and even look past the shortcomings.
you scratching your head as to why you are watch- characters with their videogame counterparts, so I
ing the video. For every Cary Grant, there is a B- can understand the link with videogames. While I You may take that as a slap in the face to the pro-
movie actress waiting in the wings. grew up on Robotech and can appreciate Japa- ducers, but that is simply not the case.
nese animation, accepting cosplay can sometimes
While volume #2 is new, the interviews included on The DVD is obviously a labor of love by many of
the disc are several years old. I know this because be hard to swallow. The individuals that Coin-Op those involved. I‘m a BIG supporter of hobbyist
I worked on several of Leonard Herman‘s books TV chose to interview do not represent cosplayers projects and products, and I‘ve launched dozens
myself, and while being interviewed he is holding a very well. After watching the interview with myself. We all know that if we waited for network
draft of the book cover that I designed. The disc cosplayer Man-Faye, any respect that you may news crews or, God-forbid Hollywood to cover
also features two consecutive annual ―I am 8-bit have been generous enough to give to other such events, that the sands of the hourglass would
events‖ dating the content almost as if done on cosplayers will forever be tarnished. I also learned surely expire and we would all be disappointed.
purpose. If you are looking for something modern, that a one hundred pound ―stick-man‖ - who takes Coin-Op TV fills this void. Small players with big
you‘re in the wrong place. But if you‘re in a retro five months to grow a ―goatee‖ in preparation for dreams make such projects a reality!
mood, then this will be just fine as there is no real the convention - should not attempt to emulate the
rush with classic gaming… it just becomes more God of War. In a more positive light, who knew While it is definitely low budget, it doesn‘t mean
classic! that green and pink would make for such sexy that fans of the grand ol‘ arcades of the 80‘s, and
even modern game players, cannot enjoy it. There
The impressive venues span the globe. In ninety is a lot to celebrate when watching Coin-Op TV. If
minutes you will travel from New York City to Cali- you love the big arcades of the past and care for
fornia to Japan. Interesting locales go beyond the gaming in general, the lore alone will be enough to
typical convention and show floor, such as the feed you quite well at the table.
FunSpot Arcade, Leonard Herman‘s backyard, an
art gallery and the Videotopia warehouse. Coin-Op
TV deserves credit for locating able talent across
the planet.
The interviewers are very casual. While it may not
be the case, some seem to be more concerned
www.VideoGameTrader.com • Winter 2009/2010 • Issue #14 • Video Game Trader Magazine • 9