Methos: How long have you been into computer games and what were some of your favorites prior to Quake coming along?

Reptile: Hrm....I think the first computer game I really got into was Wizardry or Might and Magic for the Mac (don't hate me =P ). After that, hrm, Doom/Doom ][, more Might and Magic, Syndicate, Xcom. Those are just some of the games I remember enjoying. =)

Methos: What were your first impressions of Quake? How did it differ from other games you had played previously?

Reptile: My first thought when playing Quake was...."Woah! You can look up and down!".  Hehehe.  I really think that was the main thing that I found interesting when I FIRST played Quake.

Methos: You reached a high level of skill at a very early point. Can you relate to us what kind of practice and training you did to get to the skill level you're at now?

Reptile: Well, I think coming from Doom/Doom ][ background really helped me. I know that when I first started Quaking with my co-workers (later becoming Clan POSTAL), I had an edge on them right away from my Doomin' Days. Now, I think its just mainly lots practicing (numerous hours a day), and playing against stiff competition. The game is as much a mental game as it is a reflex game. I know one thing that helps me, is that I'm USUALLY able to to see what I'm doing wrong and I then I do my best to fix it or improve on it.

Methos: One of the few 1st person POV demos that people have seen from you is the DM6 demo between you and Paradox. The comments you hear the most are regarding your incredible aim and player prediction. Is it possible to practice these two talents? (as opposed to rocket jumps etc..)

Reptile: Well, player prediction is something that comes with time in playing the same levels over and over, and against various opponents. You learn the way people move, and the way people think. Player prediction is one of the key skill sets of top Quakers (or any competitive game/sport). The aim is also something that can come with practice, but in some aspects, some people can only get so good no matter how much they practice.  Some people say natural talent has something to do with it, but I'm not one to critique myself about that.

Congratulations on defeating Thresh. When word arrived that you had beat Thresh in a 1on1 match on DM4 (Demo avalable here) during the PGL tournament, people were quite surprised that Thresh had lost a match. Let's get some info on that particular match.

Methos: Most people rarely get 1 frag against Thresh, in that DM4 match, how did you manage to get 9 frags in under 5 minutes to comeback and win the match? What did Thresh do wrong and conversely, what did you do right?

Reptile: Well, I was actually really calm (so I think) during the match. I didn't have anything to lose really since he was the favorite. I just remember thinking "Hrm...I wonder how much time's left in the match". I asked that in the game and I was told 5 minutes. I guess I either kicked it into another gear when I realized that there was only 5 minutes left or I just got lucky or maybe both. =) I'm not sure what Dennis did wrong, but my best guess is that he let his guard down once he had a good size lead. The tables can turn very quickly on DM4, and I guess that's what happened. As far as what I did right, I just think I did some strange stuff like rocket jumping from the lower level up to the 3rd level (right next to quad) and I did some weird teleporter moves where I was able to splash off some of his armor. (shrug)

Methos: Tell us a bit about what the reaction was like after you defeated Thresh. Were you surprised by all the attention you received? How did you feel about the victory?

Reptile: Very surprised by the attention!  Everyone ran over to interview me and not Thresh.  That was a shock. I don't think I was ready for any of it. I just smiled and tried to be cool about it without getting too happy. I knew that Thresh had another crack at me if he could beat Unholy. I was VERY happy that I beat Thresh, but on the other hand, I couldn't be too happy for beating my friend Dennis.

Methos: Thresh went on to win the two games of the finals in the PGL tourney. The last match was on DM6 where you are considered one of the best and many thought that you would win. Tell us about that final match and what you would try to do differently if you could play it again.

Reptile: To tell the truth, once I beat Thresh and put him into the losers bracket, I felt that I had accomplished what I came to do. I was just looking to beat Thresh and put on a good showing at the PGL finals. After that, I was more than content. The 2nd two games we played, were merely another two games to me. I was ecstatic over the $4,000 I knew I had already won. Now that I look back on it, I should have been shooting for the #1 spot and not the #2 spot. As far as the actual game play on DM6, I got up 2-0 and then I lost. That's honestly all I remember, or probably chose to remember. I remember thinking not to go running around for desperation frags and let him run the score up on me.  I wanted to keep the score close rather than go 'balls out' and go for the win. I'm pleased with the 5-2 outcome though.

Methos: After the PGL tourney, you left Clan Postal to join Clan DeathRow. You've always been a person who stresses loyalty to your clan. How tough was the decision to leave your friends in Clan Postal (which you founded) to join DeathRow?

Reptile: I could probably write a book on this subject so I'll make this as short as possible.  Club, Weasel, and Da5id all went inactive after the PGL leaving POSTAL with myself as the veteran LPB. I was too tired to try and rebuild POSTAL again and lead a team against my real life friends in DR. Another reason I joined up with DR, is because the place we were playing from (a room basically with computers and T1) had members from 3 different clans in it, XP, POSTAL, and DR. It only made sense to join forces rather than compete against people in the same room as you. Everyone knows playing in the same room with your friends/clanmates is much easier for teamplay and much more enjoyable. So those are the reasons I joined DR. 

Methos: This leads to the obvious question, what's life like in DeathRow? How is DeathRow run as compared to other clans you've been with?

Reptile: Hrm, good question. Well, I've only been with one other clan (POSTAL), which I ran and where everyone came to me for the answers. In DeathRow there isn't any sort of hierarchy so that's different. Also, I'm the 'new guy' as opposed to someone who is looked to for advice, everyone seems to be giving me the advice now. =P I'm enjoying it though.

Methos: Is there any truth to the rumor that Clan DeathRow will be going to Sweden around May of this year to play against Clan [9]? How do you think DeathRow will do against this extremely talented clan?

Reptile: I'm currently DeathRow's self appointed coordinator, and YES, we are working on the trip to Sweden.  Things are looking very shaky right now, but if it does happen, we will go to Sweden to face their #1 clan, Clan 9, in June sometime.

Methos: What are your opinions of Quake 2? Is it the game you thought it would be? What do you feel are the good and bad points to the game?

Reptile: Its not the game I thought it would be, but then again, I'm not even sure what that is anymore. I honestly haven't played Q2 enough to make a fair critique about it. My first impressions though were um, it sucked. =P  My friends are telling me to play it more and my opinion will change. I'm sure that once Q1 totally dies out, I'll move over to Q2. That is, if Q3 isn't out by then. heheh. The best description as to why I don't like Q2, is because I don't feel one with the weapons, movement, or game itself. That's the best way I can describe it.

Okay, time for the quickie questions.
 
Methos: Favorite map?

Reptile: DM6

Methos: Favorite player and please don't say Jarlaxle :) (Spookie)

Reptile: Jarlaxle is a kickass guy though =).  Hrm..favorite player..No clue. Unholy and I are good buds and so are Da5id and I, well $hi+...Any of the DR guys are my favorite players =) and any of the old POSTAL guys too. ( I think that was a safe enough answer...hehe)

Methos: Toughest opponent?

Reptile: Hrm...Unholy and I always have good games...he's probably my toughest opponent.

Methos: Favorite snack food and drink while playing?

Pepsi, McDonalds, Taco Bell.  (Close fast food places to me so I don't have to spend too much time away from Quake)  hehehe

Methos: Oh, I almost forgot. Our buddy Jarlaxle (Spookie Side) wants to know if you can get him into DeathRow without him having try-out against other players? :)

Reptile: DeathRow's membership is currently closed =/

Methos: Thanks for doing this, Jim.

Reptile: Talk to ya later! Reptile