We are gamers volume 10 – Chicago Retro Gamer

You know what retro folks, I have been hitting the online gaming scene for a while now, but I had never met someone like today’s guest.
Humble, unselfish, extremely supportive and with a huge gaming culture. He taught me a lot, without even realizing it. It is an honor for me to feature him on my blog for the “we are gamers” series.  In addition to that, he comes from a city that is dear to me, so I believe we have some sort of a special connection. The retro floor is yours Steve, we are ready to go back in time…

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1. Welcome Steve and a big “thank you” for accepting my invitation. For a starter, please  introduce yourself to RGL’s readers.
Hey everyone! My name is Steve, and I started the Chicago Retro Gamer a few years back when I lived in – at least in my humble opinion – the best midwest city on the planet. I started CRG to build a community where gamers of all different backgrounds, likes, and interests could come together for our shared passion of video games. Our motto is “Damn It Feels Good to be a Gamer” and we aim to embody that in all we do.  I have been playing video games for almost 4 decades now, so I generally prefer older or “retro” video games, but I still like trying out new games too, especially for the Nintendo Switch and potentially PS5, if I can ever get my hands on one!

2. What was the first video game you ever played?
I can remember as a vivid childhood memory when my big brother and I received our NES along with Super Mario Bros. and Tetris. My brother and I – along with my mom and a few family members and friends – played Super Mario Bros. for the next year straight. It was the first game I played, and really the game that started my long-time love for video games in general.

3. What about the first gaming system you ever owned?
Most definitely the NES. That was maybe the memorable holiday gift I ever received as a child. The only potential rival to that might be the Game Boy I received several years later.

4. Were you an arcade gamer? If you were, what about your favorite titles back in the 80s / 90s?
I went to the arcade whenever I possibly could! I loved the excitement of fellow arcade gamers trying to get high scores, testing out the latest cabinets, and playing legendary titles like Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, Turtles the Arcade Game, X-Men double screen, The Simpsons, and NBA Jam just to name a few. To be honest, there aren’t many arcade cabinets I don’t at least moderately enjoy playing. It’s a whole different, wonderful experience.

5. I am going to name a few video game genres: please tell me your favorite retro title for each of them:

A) Adventure
Yars’ Revenge, I think that counts as an adventure game, right? haha. If not, then I am going with Phantasy Star IV, which is also an RPG, but adventure-wise, it’s amazing.

B) Platformers
Super Mario Bros. 3

C) Puzzle Games
Dr. Mario

D) Role-playing games
This is a 3 way tie between FF3, Chrono Trigger, and FF7. But it’s hard to pick here, since RPG’s have been my favorite type of game for a long time.

E) Racers
Outrun hands down!

F) Sports Games

NBA Jam TE for the Sega Genesis. In my opinion, the most fun sports game ever developed.
 
G) Shooters
Those with guns, I am going with the arcade classic Time Crisis.

Those without guns, I am going with Wild Guns.

H) Any other games whose genre I did not mention?
I would add two additional categories:

This one hit me right in the feels…

Run and Gun = my favorite game here is Contra, closely followed by Metal Slug.
Side-scrolling beat ’em up = Double Dragon II: The Revenge

6. While growing up, what gaming system did you have the most fun with? Are you still a regular gamer?
Most definitely the Sega Genesis. I was definitely a Sega kid growing up, although I now realize how awesome the SNES is as well. I still game all the time on the weekend, I don’t think I will ever give it up.

7. What is your relationship with the online gaming world? Do you play online with your friends/family members/random gamers?
I like to play some online games like Warframe, Dead by Daylight, Rocket League, and then online co-op games via Nintendo online. I also stream on Twitch periodically, it’s a fun community.

8. What are your finest memories related to video games?
All the awesome times spent with family and friends, cheering each other on and also competing at times to win it all. We still have a ton of fun playing games.

9. What prompted you to start a YouTube/Twitch channel?

Steve’s YouTube channel: Chicago Retro Gamer.

Really just sharing in the gaming community and creating my own content as well.

10. What is the goal of Chicago Retro Gamer?
Honestly, to have as much as fun as possible. It would be nice to grow the community as well, but right now the primary focus is on having fun through gaming.