Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Paul Juray, who currently is displayed on card number 4187, from the Superstars of 2022 Collection. Paul’s gaming journey started with a Pac-Man machine that he owned. When the monitor broker he decided to try and fix it, which he did. He has been repairing monitor chassis for the last 20 years and owns his own business (KWP). Paul is very talented and can fix most every arcade monitor created.
Are you still involved with repairing monitors, and what advice do you have for others who want to?
Yes, I repair monitors full time, I have my garage set up to with rigs for different sizes and models of monitors, best advice is to get good solder and good tools, the 5 dollar soldering iron doesn’t do a good job and can damage traces.
Do you remember your first arcade game you played and what do you remember about it?
I was 5 and it was a pong at Pathmark grocery store.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older,
classic games?
New games are great, my son loves them. I can’t beat him on any newer game, but he can’t beat me on Pac-man or donkey Kong.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I’ve met Walter several years ago at free play Florida and see him once or twice a year at similar events.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Dedicated
What was the hardest monitor you had to fix and why was it a struggle?
Most are straight forward; I get bogged down when a part that never fails decides to. I had a k7000 that had vertical collapse, the part that failed wasn’t shorted but was reading about 30 ohms and until I took it out of circuit to test it, I kept going around in circles.
When did you first play Pac-Man and what was your impression?
I was about 5 or 6, pretty magical to a little kid first playing it, the sounds the colors….
If you could own one arcade game besides Pac-Man, what would it be and why?
EDOT, I love this game cabinet is awesome, you are immersed in the game with sound and flashing lights.
Growing up were you team Sega or Nintendo and why?
I guess Nintendo as it’s the one I owned.
What does it take to be an arcade repairman?
Experience! You will see the same failures again and again and know how to fix them quickly.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
They are aimed at everyone, there is some type of game out there that will appeal to every age.
Do you believe some games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
If someone is going to do something bad, I don’t think it’s from playing a game.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
It depends on the game, I like playing SF2 head-to-head with friends or Dr. Mario with my wife.
Which company makes the best games and why?
I like Namco/midway games because I always the Pac-man games.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
I don’t think so, just entertainment.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
LOL, they cause me more stress when I lose!
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Yea, something from my childhood makes it to the big screen!
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
Jumpman/Mario, Donkey Kong told a story and an objective, save the lady!
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘Pac-Man’?
My Pac-man collection
What is your favorite singe player game and favorite multiplayer arcade game?
Pac-man Dr. Mario
If you can design your own arcade game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
Wow, tough question, just about every game scenario has been done. Maybe a cat game where he patrols the neighborhood avoiding dogs, catching mice and knocking down the Christmas tree.
Where do you see video gaming in the next 15 years?
I would say more VR, that’s seems popular and will get even more lifelike as time goes on.
