Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Si Janna who is displayed on card number 354, from the Superstars of 2012 Collection. A huge fan of Street Fighter 2, Si has played and mastered multiple arcade games in his gaming career. He has maxed out the scores for both Magical Drop II and III, with a score of 9,999,999. Other high scores he has submitted are on the Arcade game Bust-A-Move Again. Today Si just plays games for fun and still plays Street Fighter 2, his favorite game of all time. On a personal note, Si has an M.S. in Mechanical engineering and is a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
I like the diversity of the current games. I appreciate that all demographics are being targeted. Today’s games require much more time to master. I appreciate being able to pause the console games today.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
I’m just an average daily player.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
The Nintendo dedicated LCD Donkey Kong. I was addicted.
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
Console. I have had horrible lag experiences with the PC. I’m sure it’s all been worked out.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I play Street Fighter 2 periodically. I also get a little Golden Tee in. Daily, I play Clash Royale and Boom Beach.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
I have owned a Neo Geo 4 slot. I currently own a Golden Tee Fore 2005 and a MAME cabinet.
Which console company is your favorite and why? Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft?
Nintendo. Just because most of my console experience was with that brand.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
No question, the video game makers are targeting all audiences.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
Currently I like the 2v2 mode on Clash Royale playing with my good friend Jeff Ham.
Which company makes the best games and why?
I’m fond of Neo Geo, Supercell and Incredible Technologies.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
Sure, patience and awareness.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Sometimes yes, sometimes they contribute to stress.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
Monster Panic – an LCD dedicated handheld game
Eagles Nest Toledo, OH
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Not particularly.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
I guess I like Ken from SF2 since I spent many thousands of dollars and hours on him.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
A montage of video games/arcades
Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why? Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style
Game play is all I have really thought about. I usually turn the sound off and have no interest in the story. I guess I appreciate the art style.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a Video Game Trading card?
I never thought there would be a person, so dedicated to the games as Walter Day, that would produce a series of cards honoring the players.
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the Trading Card? If so, where?
Not to my knowledge. My wife likes to tell her friends about it.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I think I first met Walter around 2000 at the Fun Spot during one of their classic arcade tournaments.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Dedicated. This man has dedicated his life to video games, amazing.
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
I think they can give a sense of accomplishment.
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
Tetris is my favorite single player game. Right now, Clash Royale is my multiplayer go to.
Where do you see Video gaming in the next 20 years?
Virtual Reality – putting the player actively 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.
