Name: Gavin Cooke
Nintendo Network ID: Gaming98
StreetPassUK Username: Gaming98
StreetPass Hits: 581
Plaza Population: 2762
Favourite Outfit: None
Location in the UK: Manchester
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SPUK: Hello! Please tell us a bit about yourself, including how you first came to play Nintendo games…
GC: Hello, my name is Gavin and I’m 22 years of age. It all began one faithful Christmas day way back in 1998. I awoke that morning, unknowing to what would await me, and lo and behold, a Nintendo 64 with a copy of Mario Kart 64! I set it up in a haste and played for many hours, learning all about the way the game worked, what the buttons did, and so on. I was so entranced by it all that I felt like this would forever change my view on video gaming. Indeed it did! Sure, I was playing games before then, but that time was where I felt the true impact.
SPUK: You’ve been attending StreetPass Manchester events since they first began, what is it you like about StreetPass events?
GC: Mainly the fact that I can be around those with the same interests as me. Growing up, the majority of people around me practically never played Nintendo, so I couldn’t always fit in. Events like these are what I always strived for, and StreetPass UK has made it a reality! And besides all that, such events can be more beneficial for me. Without really going into the lengthy details, I’m not exactly, shall we say, the greatest socially. Such events make me feel at home and allow me to put all the troubles behind me and enjoy myself, as well as let me get used to such social situations.
SPUK: You seem to have a passion for competitive games, where did this originate from?
GC: Hard to say exactly, but I’ll try to explain. It’s probably that whole feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment you get, knowing that all your time and dedication has paid off. It’s a little like that with most other games too, like how I say to myself “I’m gonna 100% this game!” and “I’m gonna get every reward this game has on offer!”. Some would say it’s obsessive, and maybe it is, but I do it mainly because it’s within possibility. Plus, it makes you feel good if you do so.
SPUK: And what’s your favourite competitive Nintendo title?
GC: I’m not normally someone who plays for the competition, but rather the fun. But tournaments and competitions awaken the serious side of me! To answer the question itself is tough, as I was considering Smash Bros. Brawl, but usually, when I play the game, it’s casual and for a laugh because, as we all should know, the game can deliver moments of hilarity, uproar and even those that make us scratch our heads in confusion. So, I’ll be going with Mario Kart 7. Sure, you could argue that Mario Kart can be random, and I agree, but there’s still the point of staying in first and going around the tracks the best way you can without messing something up. That in itself can be competitive.
SPUK: Have you got any standout moments from StreetPass Manchester tournaments? Any wins you’re particularly proud of?
GC: One of my personal favourite moments would be from December 2013’s Winter Brawl tournament. I chose to play as Wario, who also happens to be my main. During my first match I was knocked to the left of the stage. Instead of recovering, I let my opponent approach me in his attempt to guard the stage. At that point, I use Chomp to grab hold of him, causing us to fall down to our deaths together. The reaction from the crowd made it all worth it! [Check out this moment on YouTube by clicking here]
SPUK: We also believe you might like Snivy, do you like Snivy?
GC: Yes, I like Snivy, a lot.
SPUK: So, time for the nitty gritty… What’s your favourite 3DS game?
GC: I would be the majority here and say Pokémon X and Y, but not quite. It’s Mario Kart 7. After the previous instalment at the time, Mario Kart Wii, left me with this feeling of annoyance and dislike, I literally prayed that the next game in the series would fix what felt broken. And thankfully it did. I felt so relieved to know that Mario Kart 7 wasn’t quite as unforgiving, and my faith was restored.
SPUK: What do you love about StreetPass?
GC: Aside from the events that can be organized from it, it’s the replay value it can add to games. It’s also good for those who can’t really play games with others, as well as give this warming feeling that you helped contribute something to a complete stranger, merely by being within vicinity of them. It’s truly revolutionary.
SPUK: Which game, do you feel, has the most interesting use of StreetPass?
GC: The quality of StreetPass functionality differs greatly from one game to another, so there’s many to pick from. From what I’ve personally played, I’ll go with Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. When it comes to the Zelda series, Dark/Shadow Link has always proven to be a worthy opponent for Link, and incorporating StreetPass into this idea is a cool concept. Having other players be represented by these shadows for Link to battle shows the struggle Link sometimes has to face: confrontation with a foe equally matched in power.
SPUK: Are there any games with StreetPass features that you wish more people played?
GC: Not really. All the games with StreetPass uses I’ve played are already popular, or I personally believe aren’t worth the time for some people.
SPUK: What upcoming 3DS game are you most looking forward to?
GC: Obviously Smash Bros. 4. Sure, the Wii U version will be the bigger thing, but there’s no denying that the 3DS version still has significance.
SPUK: Ok, let’s broaden things. What’s your Favourite Nintendo game of all time?
GC: Ooh, tough call, this on. There are several I hold very close to my heart, but in terms of both impact and nostalgia, I’ll go with Zelda: Ocarina of Time. I was totally immersed in its world, as throughout my time playing, it made me feel all kinds of emotions, mostly intrigue and happiness. There were even moments that made me scared, but I loved the game too much, so I kept playing anyway!
SPUK: And your absolute Favourite Nintendo series?
GC: That would be Pokémon. I was around when the craze first took off, and it was an amazing and memorable time. While the whole thing faded for some, it remained for me for all time. While I’m not too into the deep competitive scene, this is a series I still remain as loyal to as I was 15 years ago.
SPUK: And finally, what’s the one game – be it a dream sequel or funky spin off – that you’d sell your left pinky to see Nintendo create?
GC: I’m going to dive into obscure territory here and say that I would like to see a new StarTropics game (pictured above). The series was only around for two games that appeared on the NES. They were Zelda-style adventure games that haven’t been seen again for 20 years. Over the past few years, many old franchises have been seeing reboots, so I think it’s time for Nintendo to dust off this long forgotten series and let it see light for just one last time. Going back to popular grounds, I want a F-Zero game for the Wii U. The HD graphics will definitely do this series justice.
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