Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Allen Staal who currently is displayed on card number 392, from the Superstars of 2012 Collection. You can also see Allen on card numbers 1754, 2139, 2173, 2467, and 2597. Allen is a huge Donkey Kong fan, as well as a competitive player. He has traveled a couple times from his home in Australia to compete against the best in the world at the Kong Off. Allen is the first Australian ever to beat Donkey Kong with a kill screen 10 times. You can see Allen streaming his games on Twitch as well as YouTube. Allen has grown many friendships over the past years and still looks forward to seeing everyone at events.

What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games?  How do you compare them to older, classic games?

Today’s video gamers I think are more advanced than yesteryear gamers because of the new technology with gaming, don’t get me wrong, early gamers were fantastic and were great with Billy Mitchell.

Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card? 

No not at all until my son alerted me to the movie King of Kong and built my first ever Donkey Kong arcade cab that I would ever be considered to be or get my own trading card I love it.

Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the trading card?  If so, where?

I was interviewed at Denver Colorado at the Kong off in 2012 regarding my game play as such but with my game card a lot of people were a where of it and liked it and were happy for me.

Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?

The first ever video game I played was Nintendo NES Mario Bros. It was a hard game back in the day.

When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?

I first met Walter day at Kong off in Denver Colorado in 2012 it was a great time meeting him and all my Fans as well lol.

If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?

LEGEND.

What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?

Donkey Kong the hand-held orange version, its portable and easy to play.

Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?

I prefer console gaming because it’s better to have a real arcade cab when playing.

What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?

Today I only play Donkey Kong because I’m crap with all other games lol. Only retro games are best.

If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why? 

I own 2 donkey Kong’s, a Galaga and a Space Invaders cabinet. They are true classics in my opinion.

Which console company is your favorite and why?  Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft?

Nintendo is my favorite because I built my Donkey Kong cabinet from scratch.

What does it take to be a video game journalist?

It takes Grit determination and courage.

How does video game music influence games past and present?

I think it creates excitement when playing the games. It continues to be used now and back then too.

Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?

Video games are made for all walks of life without them who knows what we would have done for our sanity.

Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?

Yes, possibly some are very graphic and Violent But in saying that if you choose to watch it, it’s up to every individual to play it or buy it.

Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?

I like to play online against my mates Brian Allen lit we have a feud between each other friendly of course.

Which company makes the best games and why?

All companies are good with what they make I like all of them.

Are video games good for relieving stress?

No they are not I get frustrated with all video games just look at my videos.

Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?

Yes, its great Pixels was Brilliant so was King of Kong lit.

What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?

Billy Mitchell.

Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why?  Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style

Music is life keeps you calm excited and neutral.

Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?

No not really, I only play Donkey Kong (kill screen coming up if anybody is Interested lol).

What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?

Only Donkey Kong as such for a single play.

If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?

I would love to make a Space Cadet pinball machine as this is the best pinball emulator game on the planet. No character just the game.

Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?

Yes, I am involved in gaming today as I have built my donkey Kong cab Painting it Red and also purchasing another plus buying an original Galaga and space invaders cabinet. I have an active role in gaming by keeping my Fans liking my game play and tuning in on twitch watching me play.

Where do you see video gaming in the next 20 years?

Hopefully it will still live on God bless America 😀

 https://www.twitch.tv/muscleandfitness

This is one of an ongoing series of articles based on the Walter Day Collection of e-sports/video gaming trading cards – check out more information at thewalterdaycollection.com.