Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Kyle Goewert, who is displayed on card number 26 from the Superstars of 2011 Collection. Kyle is also featured on cards 327A and 554. Kyle is one of only a few that have competed in the Kong Off, an annual Donkey Kong arcade championship. Kyle has achieved the kill screen as well as scoring over one million points on Donkey Kong with 1,012,800. Kyle has the complete NES game collection of every game created in North America. Living in Kansas City, MO, Kyle also fulfilled his dream by creating a website that sells classic video games and other vintage items. You can visit his site at www.JustGoVintage.com.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I first met Walter Day at the 2010 Big Bang event in Ottumwa, Iowa. I was in communication with him prior to the event because I was interested in bringing some of my original NES collection for the museum room at the event (which I brought). I met Walter there along with Steve Wiebe& Billy Mitchell prior to achieving my first Donkey Kong kill screen. I didn’t realize that would later briefly achieve 4th place on the Donkey Kong arcade high score board on Twin Galaxies.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Personable. After meeting Walter, one amazing trait I noticed is that he would never forget my name or the names of many others even if he only met them once before. He always made you feel like you were welcome.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
Since my first job was at a movie theater back when they used to have large dedicated arcade areas, I had access to many arcade machines. I can’t remember one specific game that I played first, but the ones that stand out in my mind are the 4 player TMNT, Pac-Man, & Pole Position.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video game? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
The classic games are better than today’s generation of video games because I feel they have a higher replay value, meaning that I can play them more often without getting bored of them.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
After the Kong Off 1, 2, & 3 competitions, I have been less involved in the gaming community, although I still have ambitions to improve on my Donkey Kong arcade high score in the future. I know I can score a lot higher then my current high score just over 1 million, but I haven’t really put in the time to try. After getting a kill screen in the Kong Off 2 & 3, I basically took an extended break from the game feeling satisfied with what I had achieved in those competitions. I know I can’t stay away from playing Donkey Kong forever though.
I am also involved with gaming via my e-commerce site www.JustGoVintage.com where we mainly sell video games plus other vintage items from the 70’s, 80’s, & 90′.
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.
