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This week, actually we've been taking a break from interviewing because we wanted to find the perfect candidate, and by golly I think I found the perfect fit. Ross Lefko is not only an avid gamer, he's very knowledgeable of the industry, and if that wasn't enough, he can be labeled as a true vintage gamer. He probably knows more about games than your average older nerd dude. So Mr. Lefko, do you mind me giving you the "Vintage Gamer" label? Does that make you feel older or just wiser?
"Nah, I don't mind at all! It makes me feel good to be a vintage gamer. I have seen so many things change over the years; it’s been a fun ride indeed. I am always excited to see where the gaming industry is going to go next."
From what you've seen, heard, and experienced, what has excited you the most? Has any system forced you to find a cardboard box and sleep next to the drunken homeless dude in order to get a system at the first second of its launch?
"I would have to say the most exciting thing I have seen occur, is gaming being more accepted into mainstream culture mostly due to the rise of multiplayer internet gaming. I think a lot of people who never played games before are starting to get into the genre simply by playing online "Hearts" or something similar on their computers. From there, that can lead to WoW or XBOX Live, and then you have a serious gamer on your hands! I have never gotten a console on launch! I treat them as new cars, its best to wait a year or so to work out all the kinks before plunking down the money. I think the only system I got during its first week out was the original GBA because a co-worker of mine was playing Super Mario 2 on it, and the emulation blew me away. I had to have it!"
You sure don't look your age, granted you are not much older than any on us, but you had a chance to live out the 1bit era of gaming, how was that like? Would any of those games be worth playing now?
"Yes, I started gaming when I was very young, and it's all my father's fault! He is always into new technology, so when the Atari 2600 came out he bought it with like 30 games. It was more for him I suppose, but I totally got into it. I loved Pitfall, Pac-Man, Galaga, Miner 2049, and Defender to name a few. I still have that system to this day, and it still works! Those games are totally worth playing now. A good game is always good. I think it may be hard for someone who is not used to the graphics being so simple to get into them, but if you give it a shot, I think you may find it a fun departure from today’s games."
You have recently purchased the newly price-slashed 360; does that mean the Wii will be forgotten? What do you think each system needs to fulfill its potential, or have they already?
"Yes, I LOVE my new 360. It's a really great system that I think is only now starting to come into its own. I think its major hurdle is its perception among the gaming community. I thought the XBOX was all about Halo and Gears of War and 8 year olds screaming at you over the headset. It's really a great system for anyone. There are a lot of games and features that cater to the wide spectrum of gamers. Microsoft definitely needs to market it more towards families. They could definitely overtake the Wii if done right."
I don't want to take too much time away from your digital quests, so one last query, what's your favorite game of all time? Can you translate its title to Spanish- for our Spanish readers out there; it would make them very giddy.
"Hmmm, that is tough. I like so many different genres it would be hard for me to say that just one game is my favorite. I'll have to go with a couple from different genres and platforms. Galaga is probably my favorite Arcade game followed closely by Pac-Man. As for newer stuff, I love Final Fantasy VIII, SSX Tricky, Resident Evil 2, Windwaker, Punch-Out. As for my favorite PC game I would have to go with The Secret of Monkey Island. Hmmm, what would the Spanish translation be? El Secreto De La Isla Del Mono? Is that it? I love monkeys."