Gamer Corner: Kai

Hey Everyone, 

Please meet Kai. My first female gamer interview!

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself?

I'm 52.  I started gaming with Pong in the 1970s.  My first console was an Atari 2600.  I am married, have two adult sons (both gamers, tabletop and console) and two grandchildren. 

2. What system do you currently game on?

I do tabletop RPGs, including DnD, Champions, GURPS, and Fudge.  I also play on the Xbox 360 and on the Wii, and I have a couple of games through Steam on my laptop.  I also play standard board games, CheapAss games (that is a brand), and some card games (but not the Magic-like collectibles).

3. What game is currently in your system right now? 

In the Wii, Lego Lord of the Rings.  In the Xbox 360, Walking Dead (the first chapter).

4. Do you enjoy that game, why? How’s the overall game play?

I like the combination of problem-solving and combat.  

5. Would you recommend it?

I don't recommend the Wii: it's slow and not very responsive (i.e., the controller doesn't always cause the action onscreen that you performed in your hands).  I really like Walking Dead, it's a great mix of problem-solving and combat.

6. Are there any games coming out that you are looking forward to?

I intentionally don't follow news about gaming, because they (gamers, manufacturers) all think that because I'm a woman I don't matter.  Worse yet, I'm an old woman.  They seem to forget that I taught my kids to game and I'm teaching my grandchildren too.  

7. What kind of gamer do you classify yourself to be? ie. Harcore, RPG gamer, etc. 

I don't.  I just game.  I play lots of games, I GM a DnD game and play in another group that moves around from Champions to GURPS to World of Darkness stuff.  I play arcade games and FPS on the XBox, and I use the Wii Fitness stuff.  I also occasionally play old text-based computer games like Adventure.  You can't put me in a box and game companies should stop trying.  

8. So with the new consoles coming out, which way are you leaning One or 4?

Neither, I'm sticking with my Xbox 360.  I'm a late adapter.  Besides, one of my sons will get the Xbox One and then tell me how it is, whether it's worth getting. 

9. Favorite Video Game of all time and why?  

Heroes of Might and Magic on the XBox 360.  The art is cute, it's a great mix of puzzle-solving, strategy, and combat, and it has good replay value.

Thank you so much Kai. Great interview and information.

If you would like to be interviewed for Gamer Corner. Please contact me at
Victoria.M.White.MA@gmail.com.