Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Tim Landis who currently is displayed on card number 3322, from the Superstars of 2020 Collection. Tim is a diehard arcade enthusiast. Tim does everything from talking, playing, reviewing games, going to arcades and covering gaming conventions on his YouTube channel. Tim does his YouTube for the love of video games and showing people different things in the video game community that they might not know about.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I play a lot of Atari 2600 games because I compete in Atari 2600 tournaments weekly. Some of my favorites on the Atari 2600 are the Activision titles such as Megamania, Pitfall, and Seaquest. Arcade titles that I love are Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, and Galaga. Current generation games I like to play are Battlefield games, Doom games, and The Gears of War games. My favorite genre of games is first person shooters. I love playing with a group of my friends online in first person shooters.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
My first video game was Warlords for the Atari 2600 at a family gathering at my Grandma’s house. My uncle brought over his Atari 2600 with 4 paddles and the rest is history. I became hooked on video games and have never looked back.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games?
How do you compare them to older, classic games? Today’s video games are more story-based, cinematic, or based on online multiplayer type of games. I play current gen systems and enjoy today’s generation of video games. It’s nice to be able to play with my friends online and enjoy games together. The trend for new generation games is heading more and more towards digital games. I myself buy some digital games but prefer physical games because I like to collect games.
With technology the new gen games obviously look better and are a lot different than older classic games. Older games may not have the graphics the new gen games have but I still enjoy playing the Atari 2600, NES and so on. A lot of older games were score based and I love competing for high scores on video games! For me there is a place for both types of games as long as the game is fun!
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
No. I didn’t. I collected baseball, basketball, and football cards as a kid. I didn’t even know about Walter Day’s trading cards until I went to the 35th Anniversary of Twin Galaxies in Ottumwa, Iowa a few years back where I learned about them. I have collected Walter Day trading cards ever since I learned about the cards and enjoy collecting them!
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
Donkey Kong would be my choice if I could only choose one game. Donkey Kong for me is the perfect arcade game. When I go to an arcade I always check to see if they have a Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong has 4 levels and is unforgiving and I love the challenge of playing it.
Which console company is your favorite and why?
Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft? This is a tough question for me, because I love them all. Microsoft’s Xbox One is the current gen system I play the most and is my favorite. I have my friends online on this system and I love that a lot of games are backwards compatible on the Xbox One.
What does it take to be a video game journalist?
For me I think you have to be passionate about it and love what you are doing. If you aren’t passionate about it, people will see right through you. I do my YouTube for the love of video games and showing people different things in the video game community that they might not know about.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
I think music has a huge influence in games. Games such as Pitfall 2, Super Mario, Doom, etc. have iconic music that as soon as you hear the music it brings you right back into the memories of you playing the game. Music can control emotion and establish the tone of the game. I think music can immerse you into the game.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
I think video games are aimed at all 3 fairly evenly.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
Original Nintendo Gameboy is my favorite portable gaming device. I have a lot of nostalgia for the Gameboy. Tetris was the pack in game that got me hooked on portable gaming. I spent a lot of time playing Tetris at college when I probably should have been studying.
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
I prefer console gaming over PC. The main reason for me is the convenience and that I have always bought consoles. Another big reason for console gaming for me is that all my friends are console gamers.
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
I am not a violent person and I play violent video games. In saying that though it may affect some people differently by acting out violently after playing certain games.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
Depends on my mood but typically I prefer to play online with my friends. My best memories of gaming is playing games with friends online.
Which company makes the best games and why?
The company Activision from the 80’s that made games for the Atari 2600 and Intellivision was the best company in my opinion. They made fun and interesting games in the 80’s. They gave patches to gamers who met certain criteria or that met a certain score on an Activision game. They promoted their game designers on the back of the game box and back of instruction pamphlets.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
Teamwork, communication, patience, and perseverance are a few things I have learned from playing video games.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Video games are a stress reliever for me. I’ll come home from work and get immersed in the game.
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Typically, there aren’t too many good video game movies in my opinion based on video games.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
The Doom Marine is my favorite video game character. I feel like an unstoppable renegade saving the world when I step into the Doom Marine’s shoes!
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
First thing I think of is FUN when I hear the term video games.
Of these five elements, video games, which is the most important to you and why?
Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style Gameplay is the most important element. If you don’t have good gameplay, the game usually isn’t fun.
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
In games that have boss fights, they are generally the best part of the game for me. It’s always very gratifying and rewarding when you figure out how to beat a boss in a game.
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
My favorite single player game is the Doom (2016) and Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is my favorite multiplayer game.
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
It would be a new Donkey Kong arcade game with Luigi as the main character.
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the trading card?
If so, where? No, I have not. I have a lot of friends and family that think it pretty exciting to be on a Walter Day card.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I first met Walter Day at the 35th Anniversary at Twin Galaxies in 2016.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Passionate. Walter has a real love for the video game community and preserving its history.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
I am still involved in the video game community. I have a YouTube channel called Tim’s Tiny Arcade where I cover video game conventions, review games, showcase different arcades, and cover about anything video games on my channel.
Where do you see video gaming in the next 20 years?
Digital is where games are heading. I think everything will be digital and physical games will be something we won’t see in the future.
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.
