Meet GameOPS' Newest Gurl Gamer

GameOPS' return of the comeback is barely a month old and our family is getting bigger. We are proud to introduce our newest Gurl Gamer, Debbie. Debbie is not your typical gamer since she was once part of E-Games Philippines. To know more about her, read our interview below.

1. Could you tell us something about yourself? How old are you? Where are you located and what are you currently engaged in?

I used to work as a game operations staff and as a software tester. There were instances wherein I had to prepare technical documents about car audio products and provide images as a part of work. I enjoy watching anime and I've been attending anime con and gaming events lately, I also know some Japanese words and characters because we were trained as a part of work preparation. I just turned 25 last April. I'm currently at Laguna doing the preparations for a small internet cafe.

2. When was the first time you actually played a video game? What's the name of the game and game system? What or who made you play?

As far as I could remember I played video games during my early elementary days, back to the time of game and watch, Nintendo's Mario brothers, and family computer. I didn't had much playmates that time even if I had a lot of toys, so I played video games since you could have opponents or team mates. I also enjoyed finishing the games and finding out what the ending is, which could be frustrating if you compare the Family Com endings to FMV's of video games nowadays.

3. Do you own a video game console? If yes, what system? Was it your very fist console? What video game platform do you prefer? (PC, Consoles or Handheld)

I have the following consoles: (ordered from date of acquision)
- Family Computers
- SEGAs
- Playstation 1 (+ light gun and dance pads)

I also have a laptop and a Gameboy Advance. I prefer consoles, but I've been playing on-line games lately as a means of bonding with my brothers and I also met a lot of friends in-game as well.

4. What is your favorite video game? Why?

For Playstation 1, I enjoy the Final Fantasy series, Bust A Groove, and Crash Bandicoot. For PCs I like RAN online and Dance Battle Audition. I like FF because it gives your mind a challenge like you have to solve some puzzles and there are a lot of sidequests that you could unlock. It appears that FF also set-up the standards for game animation and design. Crash Bandicoot and Bust A Groove on the other hand are a barrel of laughs. On-line games such as RAN and Audition gives you the chance to play and compete with other players. Audition also has nice sounds to soothe your stress after a day's work.

5. How about a particular video game character, who's your favorite? Why?

I like Rinoa and Squal of FF since they are able to summon GF or guardian forces, not to mention the fact that FF character's clothing and hair nowadays could be very detailed. Most female lead characters of FF are patterned after Rinoa like Garnet/Dagger, Yuna, and Tifa.

6. Do you play online games? What are your current and alltime favorites?

As mentioned earlier, I enjoy RAN online and Dance Battle Audition but I tried almost everything that came out. Those that I continue to play aside from the two are the following: MU, Gunbound, Pangya, BP, and O2 Jam.

7. If you were to convince a friend or co-worker to play video games, how would you do it? Would you do crazy stuffs just to convince him or her?

As far as I could remember, there was a time when I just asked an officemate to play a game with me, and the next thing I know he became more addicted to it than I am. I just showed him the game and how to play it, everything else follows.

8. Are you part of a clan or guild? If yes, can you give us some info about your guild?

I've been a part of several guilds at RAN like Seigaku but I still received invitations from time. I declined them because I told them that I don't participate in clubwars anymore so its better for them to recruit someone else. Saigaku was once a guild created by mariele_cryzette, an archer. Everyday, we would play from around 8~12 to gain level, share stories, and sometimes just to have fun. Most of the main members are now on different well known guilds at that server since the guild masted no longer plays.

9. Did playing a video game made any difference in your life? If yes, could you tell us?

Yes, I think it created the background I needed for my previous work as a software tester, wherein you have to be critical with the timing, display, and details.

10. Do you have any personal video game related story that you can share with us?

I played RAN online as a means to relieve my work stress and bond with my brothers during weekends. However, I have a critical eye for details since my work involves finding "bugs" or mistakes. I saw a lot of bugs while I played the game. When I resigned at my work to continue my studies, I finally had the time to report it. I didn't knew they had a helpdesk that time so I just posted it at the forums. My post caught the attention of some of the GMs (Game Masters) and players as well. It became a sticky topic and people even went there to ask for opinions, share views, and give assistance for quest problesms. I never thought the simple post would draw that much attention. Other forumers even thought I was a GM but I told them I'm only a regular player like them. Later on I applied for a job at the company when they had a vacant position. I was lucky enough be given the opportunity, I thought that their staff would bite my head off because of the bugs I reported (*laughs*) but they were all nice.

11. Have you ever bought (or played) a pirated copy of a video game? Could you tell us about it?

I bought pirated copies as well because original video game copies could cost you an arm and a leg. There are instances wherein I could finish a game in as short as 15minutes, and I don't think its worth it spending around a thousand pesos for mere 15 minutes of game play (Tamiya's race game for PS1). Its a good way to be able to filter which ones are worth spending your hard earned dough for hours of gameplay and collecting the original copies you enjoy most.

12. Any last message you wish to impart to our readers? Any greetings and link-love to your friends?

Goodluck to the game quests you have. Some could seem to be impossible at first glance but there is a way, just take some time to observe what you have and your goal. All things will be clear later. Gaming is similar to programming. Its not necessary to learn every programming language, console, or game that comes out, what is important is the logic behind things. Most
importantly, don't forget to meet friends and have fun while you're at it. ^^