Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Greg Bond, who currently is displayed on card number 190, from the Superstars of 2012 Collection. You can see Greg in the documentary, The King of Kong. Greg was around for most of the movie footage when the Donkey Kong competitions were being held. He is a world champion and record holder at the classic arcades game Mappy and Make Trax. Also, an avid pinball player, Greg has a love for classic arcades and has been a big part of the gaming culture throughout the years.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
I’d like to own a Zookeeper and Millipede or pinball Guardians of the Galaxy. Those games are fast paced and seem to keep your reflexes good!
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
I don’t remember my first video game, I was more into pinball, but the ones caught my eye were Zookeeper, Centipede, Robotron are a few.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
Today’s games are more fighting and car games, in my opinion, they don’t compare.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a Video Game Trading card?
No, I never thought I would be on a card, let alone setting a world record.
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the Trading Card? If so, where?
No media coverage, only a clip or two in the King of Kong movie.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
Walter was at Funspot 2001 and watched my Mappy game.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Founder, Walter took the initiative to track high scores and world records.
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
I prefer PC, I practice on MAME.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
Currently Zookeeper and some Millipede, seems to be puzzle games for me.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
The music helps, it seems to get you rhythm going in the game.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
I think it’s a combo of all three.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
I like all three, mostly with friends.
Which company makes the best games and why?
I like the Williams line of games, 2nd would be Atari.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
Yes, I think you learn patience.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Yes, they can relieve stress at times.
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
I think it’s ok if done the proper way.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
I think of the classics right away, probably because it’s what I grew up with.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
Yes, I still play some, I’m not sure what role, just none as a friendly guy!
Where do you see Video gaming in the next 20 years?
I think they will continue with the style of games they put out now, I don’t see much of a change.
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.
