Hola --
I've been posting to the forums for a bit, so here is my proper introduction.
I'm 32 and in a marriage based upon the principle we are not having children. Before my parents were impoverished, they purchased an Atari 2600 and an Atari 800 -- which, like many things introduced in childhood, informed my tastes. After that, came the destitution in which I did not own a computer or game for the next decade. When others were going to college, I was taknig care of my parents and stumbled into the tech industry. Being around a gaggle of nerds and geeks rekindled my love for all gaming things: computer games, console games, board games... With a disposable income, I began buying systems to support my Bomberman addiction. While I initially bought these systems for Bomberman, soon I discovered other titles which made me a complete console addict. Party games, in particular, are a favorite of mine -- gathering friends around to play some frantic Chu Chu Rocket, or idiotically dance with Samba de Amigo, remain a habit.
On the computer, I'm particularly taken with the Worms series -- at least until it made the transition to 3D, which I consider a mistake. While games like Civilization and their ilk still appeal to me, they simply require a time investment I'm not willing to make. I much prefer simulation games that operate in a chapter mode, such as Roller Coaster Tycoon.
Knowing how to solder, trace circuit boards, and perform general repairs tempted me into the purchase of a pinball machine. Funhouse, which was an addiction in high-school, which I would play at a local pizza joint/bar, teased me. As a child, going to arcades, you always wanted to own a real arcade game. Suddenly, as an adult, I realized it was possible. Thus began another addiction which now consumes most of my basement -- 16 pinball machines and four video cabinets. The price of pinball machines, even those which are broken and criminally trashed, have soared since I entered the hobby -- which has certainly curtailed the acquisition of other machines (space is another issue).
My other gaming hobby is that of designer boardgames. Boardgames and cardgames are presently in a renaissance -- the games are engaging, relatively simple to learn, and are vastly more tactical and strategic than the crap we had when growing up. Part of what I enjoy about it is the simple gathering of friends to play -- the more a game fosters social interaction, the happier I am. To illustrate my obsessive nature, I have over 700 of these alone -- consuming an entire 30 foot wall in the basement, and a small alcove. I highly recommend anyone who likes strategy games of any type, or social interaction, to give them a try. Play many newish and popular titles online at
http://www.brettspielwelt.de . Germany is at the forefront of this movement, and thus the site is heavily influenced by that language -- still, most of it has been translated to english and is quite usable.
So, those are games. Like everyone else, I enjoy music and veer towards that nebulous thing called Dance music (techno, trip-hop, acid jazz -- whatever); I like music that sets a mood, sustains it, and doesn't bug my brain with poorly written lyrics.
I do pen & ink illustration on the side, with a little water-color -- more in the tradition of classical illustrators such as Lee Brown Coye and Virgil Finlay. I read a great deal -- fiction in fits, but mostly historical non-fiction. My wife has an obsession of animals, and hopes to enter some career involving critters of all kinds -- to that end, our house is partially a zoo.
My real name is Jon
PS: I should also say that Racketboy has been an invaluable resource to me. As mentoined, unless I was playing at a friends house, I didn't touch video game consoles. I tend to like simple games -- quick to pick up, but deep and engaging gameplay. These kind of games are at the forefront of the 16 and 32 bit eras. Racketboy, or more particularly, the people who frequent this site have introduced me to a wealth of titles I would not, otherwise, have known about. The few SHMUPS I played in the arcade I did not enjoy, but now I'm utterly addicted -- Radiant Silvergun, Under Defeat, Gigawing 2... so many. You guys are filling in my catalog of all those great titles I missed. Thank you!
My main hunt right now is Sonic Jam, but I can't find a working backup, or the actual thing :/
but its alright. My Parents have a 30" flat screen CRT which is superb for playing anything in 4:3 and old! Saturn just looks awesome!
