In this next evolution of “The Video Gamer’s Experience” I turn to you, the gamer, to find out what makes you tick when it comes to this entertainment medium based on interactivity, technological boundaries being obliterated, and emotional moments shared by thousands of people across the globe. Today’s interviewee: Cory Vincent.
What’s the first game you remember playing?
The first game I remember playing was the Original Mario Bros./Duck Hunt combo except we didn’t have the gun accessories so I really just stuck with Mario.
When did you realize you were a gamer?
My dad managed to get a hold of a Sega Genesis and we had Sonic the Hedgehog. I loved that game and spent hours on it, then we picked up Super Baseball 2020 and then WWF Royal Rumble. I loved all these games and just got hooked.
Is there one story in your life that was directly impacted by a game?
As a kid my parents would use my love of gaming to keep me on track. To get my first PlayStation I had to get straight A’s. When I wanted the GameCube I had to spend the summer chopping and stacking firewood. I credit a lot of my doing well in school to gaming.
What’s your favorite video game genre?
I can’t pin it down to just one genre. At one point or another I’ve been hooked on platformers like Sonic or Crash, shooters like Halo, Mobas like SMITE and League, RPGs like KOTOR and Fallout 3, mmorpgs like Guild Wars, rts games like Command and Conquer Red Alert, turn based games like alpha centari, fighters like Tekken 2 and USFIV, I went through the guitar hero phase, and even simulator games like the original Sims. I can’t choose just one.
What’s your favorite video game franchise?
Halo is my absolute favorite franchise. The mechanics, the story telling, the music and atmosphere are unmatched in my opinion. Back in high school I even ran my own branch of a Halo 2 clan called DoG No Mercy. That game will always have a spot in my heart.
Is there one game you’ve never had the chance to play that you regret not playing?
I regret not playing the Mass Effect franchise. It was just a game that I never got around to playing and I don’t have a good reason why.
What’s the best video game purchase you made?
Has to be the Xbox 360… best console of all time.
What’s the worst video game purchase you made?
Destiny… the game was fun and all, but I felt used and taken advantage of when I was constantly being nickel and dimed for each and every expansion I purchased day one.. The major updates weren’t apart of the season pass I purchased, and then people who weren’t day oners would get all the stuff I paid hundreds of dollars for, for way less money a few months later. BETRAYAL…
What video game character do you most relate to?
Stanley from the Stanley Parable… constantly in a state of existential crisis and confusion.
If a game based on you was made what would it be like?
The game would be incredibly difficult in the beginning… get depressing in the second act… and then do a 180 and become incredibly fun and awesome… then after years of grinding hopefully a satisfying and rich end game.
What are you playing now and what are you looking forward to playing in the near future?
It’s all Overwatch for me right now.. I’m obsessed and all I can focus on is getting my rank up (I’m a normie high gold/ low plat player). I’m looking forward to playing a spectator in the Overwatch League later this year.
Your desert island games?
They gotta be games that never get old or are at least extremely replayable. I’m assuming single player unless there is Internet. I’d say that Fallout 3, Skyrim, KOTOR, and Super Mario 64.
How can people keep up with everything you’re doing?
Twitter mostly @WhatsUpPizzas, or the Videogame BANG! Podcast available on iTunes, Google music and streamed live on Twitch.. Professionally you can see my work all across all of the NRG Esports and San Francisco Shock social media channels.
