Welcome to the first Bitmobber Twitterview!
A Twitterview is an interview done over Twitter. Each Twitterview will consist of me asking questions of one of the Members of the Bitmob Community.
First up is Ultan O'Connell. He has been posting on Bitmob for about a month now, and is one of the youngest Bitmobbers. He is a comic-lover from the Emerald Isle, and a very nice Dude.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Ultan O'Connell. I am 16. I live in Co.Clare in the west of Ireland. Hobbies besides games include Comics, rugby, football and movies. I also enjoy music. I am a big fan of Podcasts and like to hang out with my friends.
What is your earliest gaming memory?
I believe it is Mario 64 on my cousins N64. I was enthralled and instantly wanted one for Christmas, but I got a PS1 instead.
What PS1 game hooked you first?
Crash Bandicoot 3. It was the first game I owned for it and it sucked me in - I loved that game, and still do.
What got you interested in video game journalism?
I started reading about games on the Internet and in magazines, and I realized that people could get paid for writing about games. I enjoy games and I enjoy writing so it seems a natural occupation for me
Are you planning on going to college with that career in mind?
Yes. There is a Journalism and New Media course in the college I want to go into. I plan on doing that!
Who are some journalists who you like, or have a style you prefer?
Sure. Guys like Jeremy Parish, Justin Haywald, Ray Barnholt, Shoe, and Ryan Scott. You can probably tell it was when I started reading 1up that I decided I was definitely going to be a Game Journalist.
How did you hear about Bitmob?
I think it was through the at1up podcast, or maybe Geekbox.
You have written 4 articles in the last month, do you like the responses they received? Are you happy with them?
Yeah I am. I am just glad anyone read them so I am overwhelmed that someone actually commented on them!
In your latest post, you talked about your love of comics. What are some of your favorite comics and why?
I love Green Lantern, the writing and art is superb, and the characters are fantastic. I also really love The Boys and Preacher. They deal with more adult themes but are still full of wit and great characters. Also a special mention for Spider-man - he brought me much joy
How do you feel about Marvel being bought by Disney?
I actually think it’s a good thing. Disney has a great business model and they seem like they will take a hands off approach. I think only good things will come.
Are you allowed to write about video games for any school essays or writing projects?
Not really. I did a review of Super Mario Galaxy a few years ago for an assignment but that’s just about it. I try to work video games into essays if I can, even if it’s just a background character playing them.
So the response is positive from your teachers when you do write about games?
So far it seems to be. I haven't been pulled up on it yet. I got an A on that review.
You have posted about the "easy" mode in Bayonetta, and also reviewed a "hard" game called Trials - Do you like your games really hard or a little easier?
Hmm, I would say in the middle. I would always pick the "medium" difficulty first. Then replay through on "easy" or "hard” if I wanted to enjoy it a bit more or if I wanted an extra challenge. I do however always play Devil May Cry games on the harder difficulties.
What games are you most looking forward to?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is way up there. Along with L4D2 and Bayonetta. Tekkan 6 is much anticipated too.
Do a lot of your friends play online? Does that help you decide what game to get?
Oh yes, most of my closest friends all play online, so that kind of influences what I buy. There is nothing quite like killing the infected with friends!
Do you feel that reading about video games takes away or adds to you anticipation of playing a game like CoD:MW2?
I feel that it certainly adds to the anticipation but that it can detract from actually playing the game. Too much hype is a bad thing
As a younger gamer, where do you see yourself in 10 years - in the industry? Still playing games?
I would hope to be in the industry writing and of course still playing games. I have changed a lot over the last 10 years but my love of video games has only grown stronger, and I can only see it getting stronger over the next 10 years.
Do you see school as getting in the way of you writing your own stuff for Bitmob?
Yeah, kind of. It’s my final year and it can be pretty draining. I have no energy left in the evening and that stops me from writing
Is there anything different you would like to see on Bitmob? Are you happy with the content of the site? Are you informed and entertained?
Yeah, I really like the way Bitmob is now, the community is great and the articles are always fantastic. I only wish the community was a bit bigger and that I could contribute a bit more!
Thanks Ultan!!!
Ultan O'Connell Selected Blography:
Episodic Gaming - Part of the Future?
Next up for a Twitterview: Jazz English
