So to test this one out, I’ve decided to use our very own Nicole as the guinea pig for this change. I’ve summoned her from the depths of her dungeon and now has willingly sat down and talked for the interview.

We were studying at the same college why didn't I meet any gamer girls like her? *bitter*

Haoson: So what was your first video game?

Nicole: I believe it was Tetris. Or Galaga. Or Balloon Fight. Good god, I sucked so hard at Balloon Fight.

Haoson: TARA BALLOON FIGHT TAYO IN REAL LIFE!

Nicole: HAHAHAHAHA SHIT TAPOS MAY EVIL SEA CREATURE DIN?

Haoson: lol Anyway so I assumed that your first console was the famicom? What’s your fondest memories of the unit?

Nicole: Hihi, you said ‘unit’.

Haoson: LOL

Nicole: Okay seriously now. hahahaha I won’t call it the fondest memory but it happened so many times it’s ingrained in my system. I’m talking about that wonderful ritual of blowing the cartridge and praying to all that’s holy that the unit runs the game. (there are so many innuendos in this answer that I won’t even bother correcting myself haha)

Haoson: Umagang umaga nicole GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF! haha!

Nicole: But it’s the truth! Tell me you didn’t blow on your cartridge!

Haoson: I did blow that slot…. a lot of times….

Nicole: HAHAHAHA SEE! I REST MY CASE!

Haoson: Anyway what was your most favorite famicom game and why?

She plays DnD too hence the Dungeon Master Bit *wink wink*

Nicole: CONTRA. FOREVER. I remember being immensely satisfied with finishing Contra. It’s a surreal feeling, finishing a Nintendo Hard game. I vividly remember begging my brother “CAN WE PLEASE UP UP DOWN DOWN now?” Before I was educated about the Konami code, I called it Up Up Down Down. haha!

Haoson: Could you chronicle your game history after famicom? SHOW YOUR GAME CRED GIRL FRIEND *snap snap snap*

Nicole: After Famicom these are the games I loved. I played a lot of other things that I didn’t love. LOL. These are the life-changing ones that turned me into the antisocial loser I am today.
SNES – this marked the beginning of my love affair with RPGs. I will be forever thankful Nintendo <3

• Legend of Zelda
• Lufia 2
• Chrono Trigger
• Earthbound
• Ogre Battle
• Zombies Ate My Neighbors
• Final Fantasy VI (arguably the best FF there is)

PSOne – jumpstarted my love affair with Sony.

• Brave Fencer Musashi
• Final Fantasy VII
• Castlevania
  

  This goes right here says nicole :3

• Wild Arms
• Breath of Fire
• Final Fantasy Tactics
• Saga Frontier

PS2 – I was sad that PS2 only had a short life before Sony introduced the PS3. Short but meaningful tho.

• Persona 3 and 4
• Bully
• Final Fantasy X
• DMC 3 <3
• Kingdom Hearts 2
• Silent Hill 3
• Fatal Frame Series

PS3 – light of my life, fire of my loins

• Uncharted 2
• Heavy Rain
• Fallout 3
• Fallout: New Vegas
• Bioshock 2
• Dragon Age Origins
• Dragon Age Origins: Awakening

PC – forgotten realms and post apocalyptic dystopia is <3 (also zombies!)

• Dungeon Siege
• Neverwinter Nights
• Baldur’s Gate
• Icewind Dale
• Fallout 2
• Fallout Tactics
• Left for Dead 2

MMO – marked the dark ages lol

• Ragnarok Online
• Cabal PH
• Lost Saga
• Aika Online
• Aion Online
• Dance Battle Audition
• Dragonica
• Luna Online
• Granado Espada

Haoson: OH SNAP RO

Nicole: OH HELL YEAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *wink with open mouth smile*

Haoson: Seeing your list it seems that you are a big RPG fan, why is that?

Nicole: I’ve been writing stories since I was 10 years old. Games allow me to not only create  but actually be part of another world.

Haoson: With that said have you had the experience of being too “engrossed” in your own world?

Nicole: I would probably lose a lot of girl points by saying this but I once skipped bath for 3 days because I was too ‘engrossed’ in another world. I was like, “My character smells minty fresh! I DO NOT NEED A BATH!”

Haoson: What game was that?

Nicole: Happened once while I was playing Aika Online, and more times than I dare to admit while I was playing Dragon Age Origins

She likes to cosplay a missing pink eared cat-- oh that's billy beside her btw

Haoson: What made you decide to FINALLY take a bath?

Nicole: …. I was.. uhh.. starting to get itchy. Too gross?

Haoson: No, not really I’ve heard of worse things. So moving on, You’re a big DAO (Dragon Age Origins for you people who don’t know) fan right? What made you sooooooo love the game?

Nicole: Aside from Alistair? (this is the part where I desperately try to prove that I am a girl lol) It HAS to be replayability. I can tell a HUNDRED stories with what DAO was able to offer. I got to be a slutty heroine, a stoic noble girl, a lesbian lover, a mage hater. Create your own story is the future of RPGs! Haha

Haoson: So among the above mentioned characters you created what character archetype was the most fun to play? why? HERE WE GO [evil grin]

She wore my roy mustang cap during the mini meet with writers XD

Nicole: Oh dear. I enjoyed a lot of characters (the girl with the elf fetish is one of the fun ones) but I think I love my Noble Queen the most. I love her the most because I got to marry Alistair! THERE, I ADMIT IT.  It was that brilliant gem of a moment, when Alistair was introducing me as the hero of Ferelden, when his voice went all booming, “And, as a reward for your heroic efforts” and then adding in a voice meant ONLY FOR ME, “and as an engagement present.” I melted!

Haoson: So… do you consider your current BF as YOUR Alistair?

Nicole: He actually has a lot of things in common with Alistair. They’re both temple boys, both capable of delivering witty one-liners, they both fumble when trying to express their feelings. And… uh, I can also imagine going through that iconic Alistair conversation with him. (stalling this) hahahaha!

Haoson: Go on…. [evil smirk]

Nicole: The player would ask Alistair something like, “Since you grew up in a temple does that mean you have never…?” Alistair would say, “Never what? Had a good pair of shoes?” “You know what I mean” Then of course the convo escalates until Alistair admits that no, he has never had that kind of uhm, activity with women. His words, “The chantry isn’t exactly the place for rambunctious little boys” Boyfriend is exactly like that. And now I shall remain silent.

Haoson: So if your bf does that to you what would happen? [grin] (and yes dear readers, I’m purposely STRESSING THIS TOPIC)

Nicole: Does WHAT to me? [eyebrow raise]

Haoson: THAT [points at earlier conversation] the Alistair thing.

Nicole: well if he starts beating around the bush when I ask him if he has ever done it with a woman, I’d probably say “Awww… that’s really cute ” (which I think I did because the conversation DID happen OMG I SHOULD STOP TALKING NOW).

Haoson: Uh yeah you should there are areas where we uh… can’t tread ( at least not in the interview anyway, so we chat about THAT in the future ayt? LOL). So continuing on with DA II coming out what’s your thoughts about it?

Nicole: *nervous laugh* Boyfriend is so going to kill me for this. Anyway, YES, DA2! There has been a lot of talk that DA2 is going to be a dumbed down DAO. And I don’t want to believe it. I trust that Bioware will still give me the same depth and wonderful experience I had with Origins. It’s tough to shake the worries away though.

Haoson: so among the game devs is it safe to assume that you OH SO LOVE BIOWARE?

Nicole: YES! THEY ARE MADE OF WIN AND AWESOME AND UNICORNS AND HAPPY LAUGHING BABIES!

Haoson: If you’re given a chance would you jump at the next plane and visit their office?

Nicole: I’d WALK to Edmonton if I have to!

No it wasn't forced really... it wasn't

Haoson: You love them THAT Much eh?

Nicole: I was a dying gamer before Dragon Age Origins arrived. The last best RPGs I’ve played was Persona 3 and 4 and Square Enix was making me a sad panda game after game.  DAO came out and my hope for humanity burns once more. haha.

Haoson: So do you consider yourself a socially inept person? Since a lot of people consider gamers to be too reclusive to even work normally in society.

Nicole: Socially inept… probably not. However, I do manifest strong antisocial tendencies. (I have cancelled dates to stay home and play one too many times lol) Too reclusive to work normally in society? HAH! That’s exactly the thing. Personally, I treat my whole life like a game. I develop social links, stomp on goombas and level up. I work hard at what I do because I know that it will pay off in the end. The gamer in me knows that and believes that. If anything, games has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, saying the right things at the right time and luck.

Haoson: What do you consider as your real life “goombas”?

Nicole: Douchebags, people who pull other people down in order to get ahead, people who cut lines, people who litter, jeepney drivers who smoke while driving (SRSLYWTF)

Haoson: Since you mentioned smoking Jeepney drivers, I had to ask, do you have any vice?

Nicole: Coffee. And alcohol.  and, hohyeah I’m going to be cheesy here, GAMING! GLORIOUS GAMING!

Haoson: So do you also agree with what kevin butler said on his time on the E3 Sony Conference? (which I personally think is the ONLY HIGH POINT in the sony part of E3)

Nicole: FOREVER MAY HE REIGN. *bows low*

Haoson: Sooo… what’s your message to other gamer girls out there? [smirk]

Nicole: I hate you Vince

Haoson: Thanks I love you too

Nicole: Okay, here’s my message: Nowadays, you give any chick a controller and she’s immediately marketed as a gamer girl. Doesn’t matter if the only game she ever played is Sims 3. “Girl Gamer” has become such a target for advertising that it loses its true meaning. It’s tough enough to be taken seriously as “girls who game” we don’t need this stereotyping to make it more difficult! I challenge every self-confessed girl gamer out there to explore new territory. Break the stereotype! Log out of Farmville! Play a game not just because it’s cute or because you can change outfits. PLAY IT TO OWN IT.

Haoson: So does this mean there’s a distinction between GAMER girls and girls who play video games?

Nicole: I’m usually averted to labels and titles which is why this whole “gamer girl” schtick makes me really uncomfortable. But I think the title “gamer” is such a big word to call yourself. It’s like calling yourself a writer. If you have to call yourself a writer, then you probably aren’t one. Everyone can play video games, but not everyone is a gamer. I think I’ll leave it at that.

Haoson: Okay thanks for the time! You can go back to your dungeon and torture people nao

Nicole: Great! My torture candle and whip has been waiting for me.

*whipish*

• Lilium
• Rukia9

Game/s Played:

• Final Fantasy 5-12
• Chrono Cross
• Xenosaga Episode II-III
• Kingdom Hearts 1 & 2
• Ar Tonelico
• Brave Story
• Samurai Warriors 1 & 2 (includes both Xtreme Legends)
• Fable II
• Obscure II
• Resident Evil 2 & 3
• Bully
• Odin Sphere
• Left 4 Dead
• Left 4 Dead II
• Audition
• Perfect World
• O2Jam
• Tekken 1-6
• Soul Calibur IV
• Gears of War 2 and the list goes on XD

Game/s currently playing:

• Final Fantasy 7 (PSP Re-release)
• Final Fantasy 13
• Bayonetta
• Assassin’s Creed II
• Burnout: Dominator

What’s your main game?

• Left 4 Dead, I will always prefer the first game. I like how they gave character to Zoey, she’s into gaming as well.

How did you start playing video games?

• It all started with my FAMICOM. I felt cool back then having one. XD

What was your first game?

• Super Mario Bros.

Your proudest gaming moment?

• I was with my college friends in the arcades, I borrowed 1 token because I was being frugal that day. I played this game called “Rumble Fish”; I was going through the stages smoothly, friends were amused by all this they started challenging me and they couldn’t win. FYI, it was my first time playing Rumble Fish. I reached the final boss but was defeated I think I won one round but it was all in vain, hehe. I’m proud of this ‘cause it all happened with 1 token, I’m not really an arcades person.

Game Affiliations: (guilds, clans, forums etc.)

• Pixel Otaku (long ago was FFWorlds)
• I founded the once Friendster group called “RPG Masters”.

Preferred Game Genre: (mmorpg, fps, rpg, action, etc.)

• Definitely RPGs! I’ve always wanted games that deliver an in depth storyline which is commonly found in Role Playing Games.

Preferred Gaming Platform: (PC, consoles or handeld)

• It is quite a tie between consoles and handheld; consoles because it’s worth it, every month its bound to have a new game released, most of the games that I’ve been very fond of I’ve played in consoles. Handheld, well simply because of the fact that it is very handy, you can anywhere as long as the situation allows you to; my PSP has become of the things I’ve become accustomed to bringing with me.

If you were given a choice for a free console what would you choose from the three? Wii, Ps3 or Xbox360?

• PS3! Why?! Well…first off, I don’t have one. I’m a 360 owner. I’d like to see what the PS3 has to offer, with all the great reviews and feedbacks it’s been getting, I can browse the internet, there definitely is something with that console and it’ll be a great addition to my Playstation collection. I would also like to try MGS.

How about if you were given a free handheld what would you choose? Nintendo DS or PSP?

• NDS! I’ve yet to play with it so it would be really great if I had one!

Are you more of an online or offline gamer?

• I’m more of an offline gamer; I haven’t played MMOs for a long time.

Let’s say you were given the choice to change the world into one of the games you played before (or you are currently playing), what game would it be?

• Definitely Final Fantasy 8, I really liked the whole school concept. It would be great to actually have a school like Balamb Garden,  I really liked how they designed it, makes you envious of Squall The towns in the game are also great, if I’m to live there, I’d live in Balamb City because it seems like a peaceful place.

If you can change yourself into one of the many heroines in any game, who would you change into?

• Mitsuru Kirijo from Persona 3; she’s one of my ultimate favorite heroines. Mitsuru’s character really amuses me, I like her snobbish I’ll kick your arse if you get too close personality. Plus, she lives in Japan and points a gun on her head to summon her Persona. It’s pure win.

If you would be given a power from a game character, what kind of power would you ask for? Why and what will you do with it?

• Sonic’s ability to run fast! Haha, I would really like to have that to avoid the heavy traffic I usually stumble upon, I wouldn’t  need a car anymore I’ll just grab my boyfriend then and we’ll head off to school! XD

What are your other hobbies aside from gaming?

• My boyfriend and I are fond of web designing; I’m currently learning how to do things.  I’m also into graphic designing; I update my DeviantArt whenever I have something new. I like learning new things especially when they’re related to computers. I enjoy watching movies, tv shows, J-dramas with my boyfriend.

Why do you think pinay gamers rock?

• Because we can kick just as much arses

What’s your message to all the gamers out there?

• Video games will never fail to entertain you, but it should be done in moderation. I think you’ll be able to enjoy playing video games even more when you have nothing to worry about school, so school tasks always comes first. School and video games are two things that will never agree with each other. There’s time for school and there will always be time for gaming ^__^