Shmups.org collector BIO, habits/preferences

[Skykid]

FUCK THE VGA ~ PLAYAZ 4 LYFE!


FORMAT/S: Mostly everything. Would be easier to compile a list of what I don't have, so I'll just say I've got aspirations for an X68000, a PC-FX (only for Vajura Fight) and maybe an FM Towns. I don't generally look to buy a console for any other reason than because there are games I want to play on it. I don't keep 3 different versions of a console either, just one I consider superior or to my taste (Panasonic Q, Slim White PS2, PCE Briefcase etc). I have a lone Egret II for PCB escapades, mah arcade baby. I adore old console stuff, even handhelds like the GT and Nomad despite rubbish screens. Nothing cooler than chilling with an OG GameBoy. I spend far too long gazing at my Mark III and examining its paper stuffs.
All my consoles are Japanese, bar the extra PAL 360 I had for reviewing, and I don't do unboxed.

REGION/S: NTSC-J. I grew up longing for Japan's beautiful, exotic art and 60hz gaming. I like the fact they are the original versions (often unedited) and don't mind not being able to read the text. Japanese packaging presentation is stunning. Super Famicom is probably the greatest compendium of box art I own, and when picking something to play I often get distracted for far too long just browsing covers.
I make regional exceptions for PCB's with unchanged content, or console games with heavy text. I usually go US rather than PAL, with some rare exceptions. I have no desire toward PAL gaming whatsoever, still feels dirty to me despite being perfectly optimised on today's platforms. Old habits and all that. I find the current eBay trend toward hugely expensive PAL games completely baffling.

CONDITION: Not as anal as I used to be. Hell, I've even got a few broken jewel cases and spindles. 99% of what I have is CIB - I really don't do loose carts unless there's an incredibly good reason - but I've ended up with a couple of games with no manual due to coming in bulk deals or freebies, that I don't have any desire to sell. Condition needs to be good to mint, but depending on price I can occasionally live with a little creasing, wear or even occasional sunfading on one edge (not on a front or back cover) if the overall pros outweigh the cons and the game isn't at the top of my lovelist. If a title is particularly special to me, I'll want it as new as possible; obi's for the bigger titles preferred, but the lesser (Power Stone, for example) not at all bothered. I don't do scratched discs, and I'll try to clean anything that could use it, from carts to PCB's.

WEIRD HABITS: Loads I think.

- I've become good at opening games in card boxes (e.g, LE's) while leaving the shrinkwrap on them. Don't know why I do this.
- Weekend binges to clear as many games as possible, usually with a friend.
- I get antsy if I think the backlog is building up and I start to think about a collection cull.
- I find it extremely difficult to get enthusiastic about current gen, unless it's in 2D.
- I like to buy games with an appealing premise that I know very little about, and refuse to pre-sample in emulation.
- Sudden purges. I'm all about quality, which can be defined also by scarcity/rarity, than quantity. So sometimes I just start trimming the collection with reckless obsessive compulsive abandon.

FAVOURITE/DEFINING GAMES: Gawd. Double Dragon, Aliens, KOF '98, Link to the Past, Majora's Mask, Cho Ren Sha 68k, Esprade, Ketsui, Daioujou, Secret of Mana, Mario World. There are so many experiences I've treasured over the years, it's very difficult to come up with a definitive list. Defining console is the Super Famicom, no-doubt. I was hooked beforehand, but that was my gateway to Japanese gaming. Never looked back.

FAVOURITE GAMES/GENRES: I'm all about arcade action, which is probably why 16-bit is my favourite era. I like fighting games pre-2000's, arcade racers, and of course shmups, but also into action platformers and the like. I'll play anything, really, but I don't find strategy or sports stuff appealing at all.

PLAYER OR DISPLAYER: Playah. The fact I have a display of games is completely superfluous. I absolutely love sitting down with everything I buy, as soon as it comes in. The ritual of opening the package, soaking up nostalgia from the box art, manual, and then putting the cart/disc/card into the original hardware and booting up, is the hobby's real pleasure for me. It's a time capsule.

PERSONAL STATEMENT:

I love pixel art and scanlines. They're my drug. Few things more evocative than a beautifully drawn lo-res game glowing through a screen full of lines.
I can't stand collections that exist purely on the basis of volume. Buying everything just for the sake of it is really pointless and wasteful to me. Quantity is not pretty, it's low class collecting imo. Being selective, keeping it lean and mean, like a fine wine connoisseur, is the way I feel it's done best.

I consider my library a mode of time travel and preservation: whether looking at a cover, a poster, or hearing the opening company jingle, it leaps you back to a specific, memorable era. I think I have this bug from my Dad, a comic book collector, who taught me the beauty of classic cover art from a young age.

I like the idea of having a collection that talks about me as a gamer, my tastes, my respect for the classics, and the type of stuff I value in the hobby.

Sprikid's Final Thought:

"The beauty of gaming is in the playing and the memories. These experiences aren't meant to be sealed.

Take care of yourselves... aaaand fuck the VGA."

[Turrican]

Let's reserve a spot here, it may become useful for the day I'll have to look at my collector's habits.

In the meantime, collectors who are reading the thread, please help me complete my R-Type Final dogtag set, thanks! (see Damocles' dogtags thread in trading station)

[system11]

FORMAT/S: Arcade hardware including cabs and pinball machines, Sega Megadrive (JP), PC Engine, not enough of anything else to really count as collecting as opposed to just failing to throw things out. A few Saturn titles you can't get anywhere else like Tryrush Deppy and Assault Suit Leynos 2.

REGION/S: Wherever it was released, preferably Japan for arcade titles except where I grew up with the western name - for example Gradius will forever be Nemesis to me.

CONDITION: As good as possible, I like to collect original art to go with the PCBs too. I like to own complete kits, I like serials to match, I like PCBs to be clean and with as few repairs as possible, but as a board repairer myself I'm realistic about this. A lot of people aren't. I'd sooner take a repaired PCB over one with light oxidisation or lots of dirt.

WEIRD HABITS: Collecting weird Korean or minor maker titles. Semicom, Comad, Eolith and all sorts of others.

FAVOURITE GAMES/GENRES: Scrolling beatemups and shmups. Favourite game of all time in the arcades is probably Robocop or Black Tiger. I play a lot of new console games too, recovering Phantasy Star Universe addict.

PLAYER OR DISPLAYER: I don't play things as much as I should, racks of PCBs in boxes everywhere. My skills are weak.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: It is a compulsion and I spend too much money on it.

[scrilla4rella]

Cool thread! Now that PC-Engine Fan X! has posted his bio we can consider the thread complete

FORMAT/S:
Consoles. I'm mostly focused on Saturn and PCE for shmups. Basically I'm into any console that has a respectable library of games. I'm not like those hardware fetish freaks on Youtube who worship their Jaguars and Virtual Boys. Sega CD=good, 64DD=expensive junk. I have about 5 PCBs but I mainly stick to console games because of cost and space/storage issues.

REGION/S:
whichever region the game costs less in, provided I can play it. I also think it's weird how ethnocentric most US collectors are when it comes to games, especially cartridge games. I understand why someone wouldn't want to play an RPG in JPN if they can't read it, but when an SFC cart of an action game goes for a fraction of the price of a NA cart then why not go SFC?

CONDITION:
If I can get it complete for a reasonable price then I'll go for that but if the price on a complete copy is ridiculous then I just settle for loose.

WEIRD HABITS:
For the longest time I refused to buy a game if I already had another version or port of it. I thought that the money should always be used to buy a new game that I've never experienced before. I have recently relaxed this rule a bit but the general spirit behind it still remains. However I've been finding some great SFC games that I already own in the dollar bin at Book-Off lately. I have a hard time passing these up as NA SNES games are getting prohibitively expensive for most folks. My idea is to eventually hook some people up with quality SFC games when/if the above-mentioned ethnocentric views dissipate.

FAVOURITE GAMES/GENRES:
Battle Garegga and shmups in general. Radiant Silvergun sparked my initial post 16-bit interest in shmups but after I got into Battle Garegga in 2001 (thanks to the people on this forum) my gamming world would be forever changed. I guess that doesn't differentiate me much from others around these here parts but amongst my other gamer friends and colleagues I'm definitely known as "that guy that's into Neo-Geo and arcade games".

PLAYER OR DISPLAYER:
If it was possible for me to have a decent display I would, but most of my collection is in bins and scattered around. I'm def a player and have always disdained those who collect just to collect and be surrounded by clutter. I will never completely understand the appeal of getting a "complete" collection for a system, especially a system that had/has so many shit games (like the PSOne or NES). Again, I'm thinking of a few prominent Youtubers...

PERSONAL STATEMENT:
N/A

[Ruldra]

FORMAT/S: PS3, emulators.

REGION/S: Preferably NTSC, but it really doesn't matter to me.

CONDITION: I keep my collection in top-notch condition. I handle everything with care and refuse to lend my games to anyone, even close friends.

WEIRD HABITS: I absolutely hate games dubbed/translated to portuguese. If a game has language options, I'll play in english even if it has a portuguese option. If it was released in portuguese, I'll ignore it and go after the english version.

FAVOURITE GAMES/GENRES: With the exception of sports games, I play pretty much anything. Although I tend to prefer games that require skill and quick reflexes.

PLAYER OR DISPLAYER: 100% player. I hate hoarding games and keep my collection to a minimum. I'll promptly get rid of any game that I'm done with or don't intend to play in the near future.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: After 20+ years dedicated to gaming, I just don't feel the same way about it anymore and I'm slowly walking away from it. I stopped buying new games and I'm focusing on a few ones I want to finish. After I'm done with them I'll probably hang the controller and pursue other activities. Life is too great to be stuck in the same hobby forever.

[Dave_K.]

FORMAT/S: PCB primarily, although I do enjoy PCB console ports that have extra options and content

REGION/S: I am not an obsessive Otaku, I don't care about PCB region

CONDITION: Doesn't matter as long as it works

WEIRD HABITS: I respect the credit and use coins for all my cabs. I'm also a hardware nut.

FAVOURITE GAMES/GENRES: STG primarily, although I do like addictive/unique arcade puzzle games. I favor Raizing and NMK over Cave, and seeking out hidden gems that are typically underappreciated.

PLAYER OR DISPLAYER: I'm a player and also a collector. This means I play every PCB I own as often as time allows. I don't buy PCBs I wouldn't keep for a lifetime, and as a result I rarely sell (exception for broken or duplicates due to broken PCBs). I do like artwork to decorate my cabs and walls like a real arcade, but I'm not obsessive about it.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: Having only limited time to play, and built such a large collection over the years, I share the experience with as many people as I can who can't afford such things.

[Skykid]

Bumping this one because it was really interesting to read about your habitz. Must be some others willing to contribute, let's hear from you!

[Dragoforce]

FORMAT/S: Everything basically. I'd love to say that I prefer arcade games, but I've had a lot of fun with games like Harvest Moon as well.

REGION/S: Prefer NTSC-J as long as the language is not an issue.

CONDITION: Complete games is a must, preferable in near-mint condition.

WEIRD HABITS: Can't think of any, I probably have a lot though.

FAVOURITE GAMES/GENRES: Shmups of course. I love RTS as well and pretty much everything apart from Fifa/NHL/NBA/Whatever-games.

PLAYER OR DISPLAYER: Both. I spend hours playing game each day, but I buy far too many games to be able to play them all.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: I've come to the realization that games is one of the most important things in my life. I've never had any period where I didn't play or bought games. If I quit playing today and sold all my games, my apartment would be empty, I wouldn't have anything to talk about with my girlfriend but I'd probably be filthy rich...

[broken harbour]

FORMAT/S: Pretty much anything, though I have a soft spot for PS1 and Saturn. Don't do PCB's or handhelds, don't have the room for an arcade machine and having less systems on hand allows me to focus on my collecting a little better. Having said that I own 11 systems not counting my PC (all hooked up and ready to play) so I'm still a bit scattered. Lately I've tried to collect for just one or two systems at a time until I get everything I want. I still have aspirations to get a Sega Genesis/CD/32X combo, and a Neo Geo console, and an NES, just because. I have a strict no-emulation policy. I try not to buy PSN or XBLA games if a physical copy is available.


REGION/S: NTSC-U if possible, but will buy NTSC-J if necessary. I prefer English manuals and box art I can actually read. Sometimes Japanese releases had advantages over NA releases.

CONDITION: Complete, the only exception being SNES carts, as getting them CIB is expensive and a pain. I can always buy cases from Retro Game Cases anyways if I want.

WEIRD HABITS: I hoard, I used to have a great collection as a kid/teenager and sold it all when it wasn't worth anything. I regret that now as I'm buying it all back at way higher prices, so I'm not selling anything now, even if it sucks.

FAVOURITE/DEFINING GAMES: Mass Effect series, Raiden Series, Fallout Series, Darkstalkers, Metal Slug Series, Street Fighter Alpha 1 & 2, Samurai Showdown, Tekken Series, Gran Tourismo Series, Duke 3D, Quake Series, Ratchet and Clank Series, loads more I'm sure.

FAVOURITE GENRES: I'll play nearly anything so long as it's fun. Fighting, Shmups, RPG's, FPS's, Sim Racing, you name it.

PLAYER OR DISPLAYER: Both. Life keeps me busy, so my skills are a tad rusty. Sure looks nice on my shelf though

PERSONAL STATEMENT: Embrace all styles of games, don't be snob, all genre's have great games and something to offer the player.

[rapoon]

FORMAT/S: Saturn, PS2
REGION/S: Don't care.
CONDITION: M, NM
WEIRD HABITS: use to dismantle all my controllers and give them a thorough cleaning every 6 months or so.. done this several times w/ my Saturn's (2) and PS2's (3).
FAVOURITE GAMES/GENRES: Rail shooters (Panzer Dragoon series), 3rd person beat'em-up, hack n slash (Godhand, Blood Will Tell, Berserk). I bought Aero Blasters on a whim as a kid and it turned me on to shmups.
PLAYER OR DISPLAYER: Lately I've gotten bad about buying shit and not using/playing it for months.
PERSONAL STATEMENT: I rarely buy games anymore. doubt i'll ever walk away entirely but for the time being i'm focused on other activities and interests

[caldwert]

FORMAT/S: NES/Famicom, Genesis/MD, Turbo/PCE, Saturn, PS1, PS2, DC, 360, Jamma, pinball

REGION/S: If a certain region has a better, more complete version, thats what I'd like. All things equal, I'd rather play it in English.

CONDITION: Only fussy about complete Genesis games, and no disc only/rental bullshit for disc based systems. Anything besides Genesis is fine cart only.

WEIRD HABITS: I'll buy every single version of games I like just to see if there's any slight differences, then keep them all

FAVOURITE GAMES/GENRES: Jamma - Bad Dudes, Bust A Move, Metal Slug, Raiden Fighters 1, Outzone, anything Data East, I tend to like Raizing better than Cave

Pinball - EM then its Gottlieb, SS then its Williams/Ballys all the way; Fav Games: Diner, Theatre of Magic, Riverboat Gambler, Tales of the Arabian Knights, Cirqus Voltaire, Whirlwind, Bride of Pinbot. Typically System 11 Williams machines are my favorite.

PLAYER OR DISPLAYER: I tend to buy based on reputation then play and end up selling a lot of stuff. Lately though, definitely a displayer.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: I don't view the hobby as a waste of money as "adults" probably do. I view it as a playable, usable collection compared to something like baseball cards or stamps or whatever. Also, I view the hobby as my emergency fund. I tell people all the time that they might think I'm buying trivial bullshit, but I can get my money back anytime I want. Also, more and more I think of cashing out large chunks for a house/more pinball machines.

[gabe]

FORMAT/S: Arcade, Saturn and Dreamcast have been my primary focus as of late, though I dabble in many other areas.

REGION/S: NTSC-J... Mostly because it makes games from my youth feel fresh - different artwork, titles that never saw a North American release, etc. I fetishized import games growing up because they were the "forbidden fruit". Part of that stuck.

CONDITION: Console titles must have spine cards, be as mint and complete as possible, and be stored in protective sleeves. On the flip side, I have no problem with loose PCB's, or MVS carts with shitty labels.

WEIRD HABITS: I'm a sucker for console box sets, especially controller/software bundles. I'm also a big fan of obscure arcade hardware - not just PCB's, but cabs, monitors, etc. I like collecting things that are rare and hard to find, but not necessarily in high demand.

FAVOURITE GAMES/GENRES: STG's. Expanding on that, I find myself drawn to Japanese developed arcade titles from the 80's-90's.

PLAYER OR DISPLAYER: I fancy myself a player, but time restraints often reduce me to a displayer. None the less, I have intentions of playing everything that I own.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: My collection is not very big, but I built an API driven web app to manage it, because that sounded like my idea of a good time: http://gabes.in/thearcade

[BIL]

REGION/S: NTSC-J... Mostly because it makes games from my youth feel fresh - different artwork, titles that never saw a North American release, etc. I fetishized import games growing up because they were the "forbidden fruit". Part of that stuck.

I definitely have a bit of this, too. I do consider a lot of Japanese boxart flat-out superior (Vampire Killer, Prince of Persia SFC and Strider Hiryuu I & II all obliterate the NA counterparts I once owned, to name but three). And no degree of presentation will make me acquire something I don't enjoy playing here and now. But there's no denying that aspect of being a kid again looking at all the colourful, often unobtainable import stuff in the back of EGM / CVG, etc.

Just the green/red Japanese MD logo gives me a bit of a kick, although again, I think it genuinely shames the XTREEM METAL Western equivalents.



Beautiful.