1982's Video Game World Champions share their philosophies on joysticks, groupies and life.
Documentary covering the "Golden Age of Arcade Games" with the history of the Twin Galaxies video arcade and the original gamers/world record holders who set the stage and pioneered the industry. Walter Day who ran the arcade was basically put in charge by Guinness to be the official video game record/score keeper for the industry.
What I've learned:
- These players formed both the friendships and The rivalries that helped shaped the industry.
- These guys are totally focused and in tune with these games on a level few of us will ever experience.
- Ottumwa, Iowa is apparently the Video Game capital of the world.
- Gamers are definitely competitive and protective of their games and scores.
- There were video game groupies.
- Their high scores came on 1 quarter as opposed to using multiple quarters.
Billy Mitchell is prominently featured as he is apparently the Video Game player of the Century.
Some of the guys acknowledge that he is that good, others just hate the guy because he's kind of a dick.
I kinda like him. His character at least.His charisma is undeniable. He makes you want to hate him and see him lose, but he really is good. He's the villain video games need Although for scoring purposes, I feel that Walter Day and Billy Mitchell are a bit too close and it's obvious to see that Walter is a fan. He clearly favors Billy.
The classic gaming era began to decline with the rise of home gaming consoles. Arcades closed as more people opted to play at home and When the newer games came out, they weren't games that these all stars wanted to play. So they gave it up. All over the country arcades were closing and In May 1985, Twin Galaxies closed. That was the official Death Knoll for their 15 minutes of fame, but the bulk of them seemed to have landed on their feet. Decent, steady paychecks, wives and families.
I'm a sucker for video game documentaries and Chasing Ghosts sucked me in. Their enthusiasm, love of the games, competition and hubris all show through, even years later as these World Champions reflect on their fame.
Ending this on a personal note: Fuck you, Frogger! How does anyone score more than 50 in that game?
Why do you have a tie and briefcase? Fuck you. You're a frog.
Out of Ten? 8
Violence? No
Explosions? Of High Scores
Nudity? No
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