What is it that appeals to you about the Game & Watch games themselves?
AC: To me it's the simple design, chunky graphics, and great playability. No clones of the era ever looked as good, and I don't think that Nintendo created any portable game that was quite so well-designed until the DS Lite.
MP: Most collectors start collecting out of sentiment because the games remind them of their youth. I'm no exception. The games were very addictive back then, despite their simple design, and they still are, at least for me. The build quality was amazing. After all, 99.9% of the games still work today! When I got my first Game & Watch game, it was magical. That feeling came back when I got my first game off of Ebay. The whole process is just magical for me.
What's your favorite model, and why?
MP: The one game I'm most fond of is the Donkey Kong Jr. Tabletop model, mostly because I played with it a lot when I was little, and also because it still stands out from the rest of the games due to its colorful sprites, music, and varied gameplay.
AC: Ooh, tricky one. I couldn't pick a favorite game because there are so many games that I love playing. For the gameplay, I'd have to narrow it down to three: Chef, Mickey Mouse, and Bombsweeper. I think that the original Wide Screen series is my favorite design, which narrows it down to Chef or Mickey Mouse overall.
Do you still play them, and if so, how regularly?
AC: Not often nowadays. Probably only if I get them out of the case for some other reason. Maybe a couple of times a year. I have two small kids and no spare time!
MP: Yes, I do occasionally play with my Donkey Kong Jr. Wide Screen game, but my free time is rather limited, so I won't break any high scores any time soon.
What do your immediate family and friends think of your hobby?
MP: Actually they were quite impressed when I showed them my collection! Most of my friends used to play with the games when they were little as well so they share my sentiments. My wife was a different matter. She was also impressed when I showed her my special Super Mario Bros. game and some of my other games, but when she heard how much I've spent on them she nearly killed me!
AC: They don't think I'm mad if that's what you're thinking. The wife was a bit surprised at some of the prices, but luckily I never went too over the top! Generally, they think it's a worthwhile pastime.
_thumbnail.png "Defenders of Law, Inc: Crime in Willburg (PC Screens)")
