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: Shawn Long.
What’s the first game you remember playing?
Super Mario Bros. My Uncle had just gotten an NES and I remember going to his house and playing it and being blown away by it as a little kid and falling in love with games.
When did you realize you were a gamer?
Probably the first time I picked up an NES controller. It just felt natural, the late 80’s/early 90’s was an amazing time for gaming and you were seeing all this technology rising and it made it amazing.
Is there one story in your life that was directly impacted by a game?
For sure, Metal Gear Solid 2 pretty much saved my life. I have a video of it up on my channel but long story short in high school I was kind of getting heavy into drugs and stuff and basically I got snowed in one weekend, took out my PS2 and a copy of MGS 2 that I had got for like $5 and never played, and got so sucked into the universe and story that I got back into gaming heavy instead of the partying scene.
What’s your favorite video game genre?
Tough to say because I play so many different types of games. I think 3D action-RPG’s are my favorite though, I always seem to sink the most time into those.
What’s your favorite video game franchise?
Another tough question, lol. I’d say across the board, the Mario franchise. Super Mario Bros, Super Mario 64, and Super Mario Odyssey are some of the greatest games of all time and are timeless classics. Zelda, Shenmue, older Metal Gears are in the running as well.
Is there one game you’ve never had the chance to play that you regret not playing?
Interesting question. With emulation it makes it pretty easy to experience whatever, but I’d say Steel Batallion (with the crazy controller) and Burning Rangers on Saturn are probably two games that I still haven’t had a chance to play.
What’s the best video game purchase you made?
I recently got a PC-Engine with CDROM 2 attachment from Japan from a YouTube friend named KidShoryuken who was kind enough to track one down and send it to me for a VERY “bro-price”. Much cheaper than if I picked one up in the States, and I’ve really been enjoying the system which I probably would have never gotten to check out if it wasn’t for him. I don’t find many “crazy” deals.
What’s the worst video game purchase you made?
Spider-Man: Web of Fire for the SEGA 32X. $300 for a TERRIBLE game, but I needed it to complete my 32X collection. lol.
What video game character do you most relate to?
Solid Snake for sure. Trusts no one, smokes cigarettes, and is a loner with a beard.
If a game based on you was made what would it be like?
I actually have a 2D platformer on the NES! RGT 85: The Video Game! It’s a ROM hack done by John Riggs of a Famicom game. As far as something built from the ground up? Probably just an “error” screen. lol.
What are you playing now and what are you looking forward to playing in the near future?
I play a lot of random smaller Switch games for coverage on the channel so those are taking up some time. I’m looking forward to Wild Guns: Reloaded on the Switch this month, along with God of War for PS4.
Your desert island games?
Shenmue, Metal Gear Solid 3, and Super Mario 64.
How can people keep up with everything you’re doing?
RGT 85 is the name on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook!
