Video Game Trading Card Spotlight – Gaspar Ferreiro

Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Gaspar Ferreiro who currently is displayed on card number 3910, from the Superstars of 2021 Collection. Gaspar’s pinball game of choice is Slugfest. If he could design his own pinball machine, he would love to do either an 80’s band pinball with music and toys from Motley Crue, Deff Leopard, etc., or something similar with an 80’s new wave theme like Frankie goes to Hollywood, ABC, the cure, OMD, etc. If Gaspar could own only one pinball game it would either be Guns and Roses, or else, Jurassic Park by Stern.

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

Nope.  I do not believe they had video game cards in the 80’s (or at least, I didn’t see any), so I would have never imagined being in one either.

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

I have not had the pleasure to meet him yet but look forward to the day.

What was the best era for pinball gaming in your opinion?

I really like the 90’s pinball machines, with their fancy toys and dot matrix displays.  All the cool license tie ins are also a big plus!

In your opinion, are there enough or too little Pinball Expos and conferences held each year?

I think the amount is about right but would love to have a few closer to my hometown.

What’s your opinion of the Console Pinball games (Xbox, PlayStation) that recreate the original machines onto the TV screen? 

They serve a great purpose of preservation and allowing younger generations to try some old classics, but at the end of the day, NOTHING COMES CLOSE TO THE REAL THING.

Do you remember your first pinball machine you played and what do you remember about it?

Not sure if it was the first one, but I recall playing High Speed and Monte Carlo in the 80’s and loved it.  I would go nuts when the toper on high speed would light up with the patrol chatter.

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

I really like the gameplay and feel, and the high challenge and variety they bring. I find myself gravitating more to those on my collection than the classics. Yet, todays build quality is horrendous compared to classic pinball tables.

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

Iconic!  He is an institution in the hobby, and we owe a great deal of gratitude to him for all his efforts of promoting and preserving the hobby.

What is your favorite pinball machine past and present and why?

I currently enjoy playing Stern Deadpool Premium.  It is not the most challenging machine, but it seems to be the most fun.

What would your design and theme of the perfect pinball machine be and why?

I would love to do either an 80’s band pinball with music and toys from Motley Crue, Deff leopard, etc., or something similar with an 80’s new wave theme like Frankie goes to Hollywood, ABC, the cure, OMD, etc.

Are you fan of the new digital pinball machines and what makes them better or worse than the standard machines?

If by digital, you are referring to the virtual pinballs with a large tv as a playfield… I totally hate them… I almost bought one, but after playing and noticing the fake physics and lag, I just could not stand it.

If you could only own one pinball machine, what would it be and why?

I guess I would either keep my guns and roses, or else, Jurassic Park by stern, they have enough challenge and modes to last a lifetime J  and are fun as well.

Are pinball machines aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?

I think that’s there are machines aimed at different audiences.   Like hot wheels and TMNT are aimed at younger crowds, while titles like GNR or Led Zeppelin are for the older crowd.

Do you prefer playing pinball alone or against someone and why?

I prefer to compete head-to-head… its more challenging and rewarding.

Which company makes/made the best pinball machines and why?

I believe Williams made the best machines, they had really good design, themes, quality and have endured the test of time.

Do you learn anything from playing pinball?

Not sure if I learn anything per se, but I do practice my focus and coordination.

Are pinball machines good for relieving stress?

Sometimes… depends on the title… some can be stressful and demanding… but others are very slow and forgiving, which are nice to relieve stress.

Where do you see the pinball world in the next 20 years?

I see pinballs integrating augmented reality, either by the use of headsets, or holograms, seeing characters and effects all over the playfield.

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