Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Dennis Bartlett, who is displayed on card number 285, from the Superstars of 2012 Collection. Dennis was fortunate enough to have grown up Ottumwa, Iowa where the Twin Galaxies arcade was first opened. He was in attendance when the famous Time Life Photo shoot was taken in 1983. In 1984, Dennis set a record on the arcade Aztarac with a score of 142,390 at 15 years old. The world record for that game still stands. Dennis also played such arcade games as Super Pac-Man and Track and Field. You can see Dennis at various events in Ottumwa, Iowa or gaming events in his area.
What is your Favorite Arcade Game of all time?
Track & Field it’s a game I still get to play today whether at the Arcade or Home, Aztarac is a really close 2nd, it is considered a Rare Game now and I haven’t played it since I was 15.
What is your current World Record on an arcade machine?
Aztarac 142.390 2/11/1984, I was only 15, I’m 50 now and the record still stands.
Do you remember your first Arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
The first Arcade I went to was in a small Garage, it had Video Games, Pinball Machines and a Slot Car track.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a Video Game Card?
No, I remember wanting to play a lot, but I had other things also, I played Baseball a lot when I was younger.
Have you ever received any Media coverage for your appearance on a Video Game Card?
No, I was supposed to do a Radio Interview about 8 or 9 years ago, but it didn’t happen.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I met Walter in 1981 in Twin Galaxies He welcomed all in his Arcade.
If you could describe Walter in one word what would it be and why?
Nice, He was just the nicest guy to be around.
What games do you play and what are your favorite genres to play?
Track & Field, Zoo Keeper, Galaga are just a few, the Classics are my Favorite.
If you could have one Arcade Game or Pinball, what would it be and why?
Aztarac, since it is the Game, I still have a record on, I have a Mini Track & Field that was made to look like the Bigger one.
What is your fondest Memory of Twin Galaxies in Iowa?
I remember watching Ben Gold play Baby Pac man, video game Olympics was pretty cool to see also.
Do you prefer to play arcade games alone, against friends and why?
Alone, makes me concentrate better.
Do you Learn anything from playing Video Games?
Hand Eye Coordination and Concentration.
Are Arcade Games good for relieving stress?
Definitely, keeps your mind on what you are doing in the game.
This is one of an ongoing series of articles based on the Walter Day Collection of e-sports/video gaming trading cards – check out more information at thewalterdaycollection.com.
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.
