Post by wafflerevolution on Sept 8, 2013 23:53:45 GMT
The Basics:
Number of Systems: 20, 24 including the doubles
Number of Games: About 730 (still a few to add onto the GS list)
When did you start collecting? Age 3; officially collecting 21
What was your first system? Atari 2600
What was your first game? Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Bowling 2600, and Home Run 2600 (all of which I still own & still work)
Before we get into the interview I've always wondered what the origin of your screen name is, and while I could probably find out by using the internets but I'm a busy man with limited time, so just tell me.
Yagami-Iori is the main foe of King of Fighters character Kyo Kusanagi. He comes from the Yagami clan, which was involved thousands of years ago in working with those of Orochi blood in a blood pact, which cursed their bloodline forever and to drive them to want to kill the Kusanagi clan bloodline.
Basically, he's a total badass with a great attitude and is still a very original fighting game character. He's up there with my fictional heroes of Travis Bickle and Gendo Ikari (and real-life hero John Lydon)
Well, I guess now everyone knows I've never played any of my King of Fighter games... When did you feel a tipping point from gamer to both gamer and game collector?
That was definitely towards the end of college when I was finally gaining my own income and had reached about 300-400 games. At that point I realized I was really starting to get somewhere and could really expand my collection.
What are your goals as a game collector, how have you developed them, and how do you feel about your progress toward them?
My goals for game collecting... quite honestly, I can't say I have any in particular. I'll switch off from collecting from one system to another based on what opportunities are presented to me and my own moods. The only real focus I have is I am always trying to increase my Dreamcast stuff. It's probably the jewel of my collection.
Did you get most of your Dreamcast games new?
Just about. In the included picture, you'll see a lot of used stickers, but I bought a lot of games after another collector went into the local EB and traded everything in. It was all near mint, except for the stickers. I already have replacement doors, I just haven't put the door on.
How many Dreamcasts do you have? Are there any differences between them?
I currently have 2, both the same US used units. But I'm probably going to buy a totally boxed one soon and also am desperately seeking a full demo unit. I may also buy a universal system.... Or a Treamcast! The novelty of that system is up there. I'm also thinking of trying to replicate a Ben Heck type thing and make a portable Dreamcast myself. But I don't have great tech knowledge, so... it's more a pipe dream than anything.
How many games, systems, etc. are "enough"?
I can't say there's a top level number. I will say this though, once games go fully electronic, I'll begin just collecting older games.
You mean once they go 100% digital distribution?
Exactly. Digital distribution is the bane of my existence, along with blister packaging.
What's your proudest moment as a game collector?
Hmm... getting the free Xbox demo unit. Demo units and arcade systems are always rarer, so to have one for myself is awesome. It's definitely the cornerstone of my gameroom.
If you don't mind that Yagami got this store display for free, then you don't have a pulse. Or you are a monk, Tibetan or Catholic, take your choice.
Yeah, I remember that. Now you have stirred up previously toxic levels of jealosy. GWAR! How did you score that again? Right place, right time right?
Completely... and I've also gotten to know the people in local stores like GameStop & FYE, the latter being the guys that hooked me up. I know everyone thinks these stores are evil, but seriously, if you have half-way cool people in the local store, get to know them, chat, and be NOT the normal pain in the ass they usually have. Things can come to you... I've gotten a LOT from them over the years, like the Super Mario Galaxy standee.
What's your least proud moment as a game collector?
Actually, this occurred before I was a real collector. I used to have the old GameBoy Pocket Ice Blue, the Pikachu GameBoy Color, and a GBA without the backlight. I couldn't play them anymore cuz the amount of eye strain it did was just awful for my eyes. SO I gave away all the games & systems to different people. I wish I had all that stuff back... it's 40-50 games I'll never have again and systems I'd like to have back.
Ouch. Amongst your non-gaming friends are you proud of your collection or is it something you don't bring attention to?
I'll bring it up, cuz it's my only hobby. I have nothing else to TALK about, really.
What's your favorite part of your collection?
Dreamcast. Anything Dreamcast. I have so many accessories... I almost consider the collection complete for my purposes. All I need is a complete Samba De Amigo and the Twin Sticks and I'm done.
Ah the Twin Sticks controller. I'm afraid if I got one I could never go back to the standard controller.
I've played Virtual on with the standard and it's near-unplayable with it. It only really goes with that one game, but it's suppose to be perfect for it.
What would you like to improve in your collection?
I would definitely like to add more 8-16 bit to my collection. I want to buy a large SMS collection, there are some key NES titles I am after and I also have some large holes in my Genesis & SNES collection that need to be filled. And as I wait, they only get more expensive!
What would you like to get rid of in your game collection within the next year?
Nothing. A real collector holds onto everything, because you never know what could actually become valuable in the future.
What do you think was your best deal while game buying?
While game buying, that would be the bargain bin Ikaruga sealed for GCN I got for 20 dollars. I know someone in the union got it for like a penny, but really, that's the best deal I've had. I'm not a bargain hunter, I believe that quality costs a lot, so I'm willing to pay more for good stuff. Oh and Steel Battalion with the box for controller & instructions for $80 in near mint condition was great, too.
What do you feel is the most valuable and/or rare item in your collection?
Probably my Dreamcast collection... I have many mint games and a lot of rare accessories for it, which I'll take a picture of. I'm hoping the sealed PAL Shenmue 2 gets some value, too
What item in your collection do you feel you overpaid for?
A - Probably the flight stick & 6 games for Dreamcast... I got stuck in a bidding war with one other person and they ended up pushing me up to $250 for the flight stick and games. I really only wanted to pay 150.... 200 TOPS. But I had my tax rebate at the time, so I was willing to go a little crazy.
What do you feel is the strangest or weirdest item in your collection?
Hmm.... Nothing sticks out in my mind as being weird. Maybe just that I have quite a few doubles of systems... Nintendo DS lite, N64, Game Boy Micro, Dreamcast and there will be more. I just like to have doubles in case something ever breaks, it's cheaper to buy it now & store it than have it break in 30 years and have to replace it later.
What item(s) do you not have in your collection that people are surprised to hear you don't have?
For the longest time, it was the NES. I actually didn't get one until 2 years ago. It was my uncle's that he had for YEARS and never touched (I probably played it more in the few visits to his place than he ever did). Now though, as far as the commonly known systems, I have most of them, so most of the audience that sees the collection isn't really shocked.
Where/how do you store it all?
I have a game room for everything. Right now, I have an older bookcase for the game room and a smaller one for the current system downstairs. I only moved into my condo a few months ago and just finished my busy time at work, so I can finally work on making a wall of shelves in the game room to hold everything, because those cases are PACKED!
Is there anyway you'd ever stop collecting?
I die.
Agreed. Do you have a funny story about your collection?
A priest, a rabbi, and my game collection walk into a bar...
No, I actually don't have anything that funny. I'm not exactly a social butterfly and am kind of paranoid in showing off the collection, so it doesn't lend to any stories.
Have you ever had to move your collection to another house? What was it like?
I've done that move TWICE. The first was when I moved from my parent's house into my apartment about 18 months ago. At that point, my collection was at maybe... 450 games. I actually put most of the DVD type cases into a giant roller suitcase, which ended up weighting over 100 pounds. The CDs & carts went into two other boxes, all well packed and I moved it all in my truck. The Dreamcast collection was only touched by me. I don't even think my girlfriend of two years has touched my Dreamcast games yet, and she's a gamer. It's a special thing to me.
What do you think of the current state of SEGA?
Awful, Nintendo really should have bought Sega back when everything went down because they would have meshed so nicely in with them. Oh well.
If you're significant other told you no more games, what would you do?
Wonder who the hell body snatched my girlfriend! She is a gamer with about 200 games herself and when we merge collections in about a month, she'll add maybe 50 unique titles. She had a Saturn, Genesis, N64, Wii, GCN, GBA, DS, and a couple others. I couldn't date a non-gamer, because it's the biggest part of my life.
What is the best game in her collection (that you did not buy her)?
Hmm... she really doesn't have anything that's popped yet, at least for me. She's not a collector, really, just has a lot of games that she likes & keeps. She actually makes fun of me buying sealed games to keep for the future (in a joking way).
What percentage of your games are still sealed?
At this moment, about 2% are sealed. That will go down to just two games soon enough. I'm currently doing a job search (still have a job, I just hate it is all) and studying for the CPA exam, so it's slowing my ability to play games. The FYE near me had a big sale, so I bulk bought while the games were still there.
What percentage of your game have you actually played? Completed?
Oh jeez... I've played everything except the sealed games. I'm of the mind set that games are for playing. Completed though.... Maybe 50%, if that. I don't usually finish many, I just play them as much as I want & move on. As long as I enjoy them, it's all good.
Yagami, thanks for your interview, for promoting the union and for being a long-term member, I always enjoy your posts.
Number of Systems: 20, 24 including the doubles
Number of Games: About 730 (still a few to add onto the GS list)
When did you start collecting? Age 3; officially collecting 21
What was your first system? Atari 2600
What was your first game? Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Bowling 2600, and Home Run 2600 (all of which I still own & still work)
Before we get into the interview I've always wondered what the origin of your screen name is, and while I could probably find out by using the internets but I'm a busy man with limited time, so just tell me.
Yagami-Iori is the main foe of King of Fighters character Kyo Kusanagi. He comes from the Yagami clan, which was involved thousands of years ago in working with those of Orochi blood in a blood pact, which cursed their bloodline forever and to drive them to want to kill the Kusanagi clan bloodline.
Basically, he's a total badass with a great attitude and is still a very original fighting game character. He's up there with my fictional heroes of Travis Bickle and Gendo Ikari (and real-life hero John Lydon)
Well, I guess now everyone knows I've never played any of my King of Fighter games... When did you feel a tipping point from gamer to both gamer and game collector?
That was definitely towards the end of college when I was finally gaining my own income and had reached about 300-400 games. At that point I realized I was really starting to get somewhere and could really expand my collection.
What are your goals as a game collector, how have you developed them, and how do you feel about your progress toward them?
My goals for game collecting... quite honestly, I can't say I have any in particular. I'll switch off from collecting from one system to another based on what opportunities are presented to me and my own moods. The only real focus I have is I am always trying to increase my Dreamcast stuff. It's probably the jewel of my collection.
Did you get most of your Dreamcast games new?
Just about. In the included picture, you'll see a lot of used stickers, but I bought a lot of games after another collector went into the local EB and traded everything in. It was all near mint, except for the stickers. I already have replacement doors, I just haven't put the door on.
How many Dreamcasts do you have? Are there any differences between them?
I currently have 2, both the same US used units. But I'm probably going to buy a totally boxed one soon and also am desperately seeking a full demo unit. I may also buy a universal system.... Or a Treamcast! The novelty of that system is up there. I'm also thinking of trying to replicate a Ben Heck type thing and make a portable Dreamcast myself. But I don't have great tech knowledge, so... it's more a pipe dream than anything.
How many games, systems, etc. are "enough"?
I can't say there's a top level number. I will say this though, once games go fully electronic, I'll begin just collecting older games.
You mean once they go 100% digital distribution?
Exactly. Digital distribution is the bane of my existence, along with blister packaging.
What's your proudest moment as a game collector?
Hmm... getting the free Xbox demo unit. Demo units and arcade systems are always rarer, so to have one for myself is awesome. It's definitely the cornerstone of my gameroom.
If you don't mind that Yagami got this store display for free, then you don't have a pulse. Or you are a monk, Tibetan or Catholic, take your choice.
Yeah, I remember that. Now you have stirred up previously toxic levels of jealosy. GWAR! How did you score that again? Right place, right time right?
Completely... and I've also gotten to know the people in local stores like GameStop & FYE, the latter being the guys that hooked me up. I know everyone thinks these stores are evil, but seriously, if you have half-way cool people in the local store, get to know them, chat, and be NOT the normal pain in the ass they usually have. Things can come to you... I've gotten a LOT from them over the years, like the Super Mario Galaxy standee.
What's your least proud moment as a game collector?
Actually, this occurred before I was a real collector. I used to have the old GameBoy Pocket Ice Blue, the Pikachu GameBoy Color, and a GBA without the backlight. I couldn't play them anymore cuz the amount of eye strain it did was just awful for my eyes. SO I gave away all the games & systems to different people. I wish I had all that stuff back... it's 40-50 games I'll never have again and systems I'd like to have back.
Ouch. Amongst your non-gaming friends are you proud of your collection or is it something you don't bring attention to?
I'll bring it up, cuz it's my only hobby. I have nothing else to TALK about, really.
What's your favorite part of your collection?
Dreamcast. Anything Dreamcast. I have so many accessories... I almost consider the collection complete for my purposes. All I need is a complete Samba De Amigo and the Twin Sticks and I'm done.
Ah the Twin Sticks controller. I'm afraid if I got one I could never go back to the standard controller.
I've played Virtual on with the standard and it's near-unplayable with it. It only really goes with that one game, but it's suppose to be perfect for it.
What would you like to improve in your collection?
I would definitely like to add more 8-16 bit to my collection. I want to buy a large SMS collection, there are some key NES titles I am after and I also have some large holes in my Genesis & SNES collection that need to be filled. And as I wait, they only get more expensive!
What would you like to get rid of in your game collection within the next year?
Nothing. A real collector holds onto everything, because you never know what could actually become valuable in the future.
What do you think was your best deal while game buying?
While game buying, that would be the bargain bin Ikaruga sealed for GCN I got for 20 dollars. I know someone in the union got it for like a penny, but really, that's the best deal I've had. I'm not a bargain hunter, I believe that quality costs a lot, so I'm willing to pay more for good stuff. Oh and Steel Battalion with the box for controller & instructions for $80 in near mint condition was great, too.
What do you feel is the most valuable and/or rare item in your collection?
Probably my Dreamcast collection... I have many mint games and a lot of rare accessories for it, which I'll take a picture of. I'm hoping the sealed PAL Shenmue 2 gets some value, too
What item in your collection do you feel you overpaid for?
A - Probably the flight stick & 6 games for Dreamcast... I got stuck in a bidding war with one other person and they ended up pushing me up to $250 for the flight stick and games. I really only wanted to pay 150.... 200 TOPS. But I had my tax rebate at the time, so I was willing to go a little crazy.
What do you feel is the strangest or weirdest item in your collection?
Hmm.... Nothing sticks out in my mind as being weird. Maybe just that I have quite a few doubles of systems... Nintendo DS lite, N64, Game Boy Micro, Dreamcast and there will be more. I just like to have doubles in case something ever breaks, it's cheaper to buy it now & store it than have it break in 30 years and have to replace it later.
What item(s) do you not have in your collection that people are surprised to hear you don't have?
For the longest time, it was the NES. I actually didn't get one until 2 years ago. It was my uncle's that he had for YEARS and never touched (I probably played it more in the few visits to his place than he ever did). Now though, as far as the commonly known systems, I have most of them, so most of the audience that sees the collection isn't really shocked.
Where/how do you store it all?
I have a game room for everything. Right now, I have an older bookcase for the game room and a smaller one for the current system downstairs. I only moved into my condo a few months ago and just finished my busy time at work, so I can finally work on making a wall of shelves in the game room to hold everything, because those cases are PACKED!
Is there anyway you'd ever stop collecting?
I die.
Agreed. Do you have a funny story about your collection?
A priest, a rabbi, and my game collection walk into a bar...
No, I actually don't have anything that funny. I'm not exactly a social butterfly and am kind of paranoid in showing off the collection, so it doesn't lend to any stories.
Have you ever had to move your collection to another house? What was it like?
I've done that move TWICE. The first was when I moved from my parent's house into my apartment about 18 months ago. At that point, my collection was at maybe... 450 games. I actually put most of the DVD type cases into a giant roller suitcase, which ended up weighting over 100 pounds. The CDs & carts went into two other boxes, all well packed and I moved it all in my truck. The Dreamcast collection was only touched by me. I don't even think my girlfriend of two years has touched my Dreamcast games yet, and she's a gamer. It's a special thing to me.
What do you think of the current state of SEGA?
Awful, Nintendo really should have bought Sega back when everything went down because they would have meshed so nicely in with them. Oh well.
If you're significant other told you no more games, what would you do?
Wonder who the hell body snatched my girlfriend! She is a gamer with about 200 games herself and when we merge collections in about a month, she'll add maybe 50 unique titles. She had a Saturn, Genesis, N64, Wii, GCN, GBA, DS, and a couple others. I couldn't date a non-gamer, because it's the biggest part of my life.
What is the best game in her collection (that you did not buy her)?
Hmm... she really doesn't have anything that's popped yet, at least for me. She's not a collector, really, just has a lot of games that she likes & keeps. She actually makes fun of me buying sealed games to keep for the future (in a joking way).
What percentage of your games are still sealed?
At this moment, about 2% are sealed. That will go down to just two games soon enough. I'm currently doing a job search (still have a job, I just hate it is all) and studying for the CPA exam, so it's slowing my ability to play games. The FYE near me had a big sale, so I bulk bought while the games were still there.
What percentage of your game have you actually played? Completed?
Oh jeez... I've played everything except the sealed games. I'm of the mind set that games are for playing. Completed though.... Maybe 50%, if that. I don't usually finish many, I just play them as much as I want & move on. As long as I enjoy them, it's all good.
Yagami, thanks for your interview, for promoting the union and for being a long-term member, I always enjoy your posts.