21 Random Qs: Getting to Know...Cliff Bleszinski (Gears of War 2)

We just discovered that Gears of War 2 and Unreal Designer Cliff Bleszinski is twice the geek we are, which is pretty incredible because we're pretty damn geeky.

How did we find out? He told us, in the latest round of 21 Random Qs. We're not referring to his love for Iron Man (see No. 1) or George Jetson's car (see No. 3). We're referring to...well, see for yourself (see No. 15).



1. Who's your favorite comic-book superhero?

Cliff Bleszinski: Iron Man. Because I love flawed heroes, and he's such a lush and a womanizer.

2. Favorite childhood toy?

Bleszinski: Transformers. Specifically, Autobots. Because Decepticons are dicks.

3. Dream car?

Bleszinski: A flying one, like George Jetson's.

4. Drink of choice?

Bleszinski: Goose and tonic.

5. Political lean?

Bleszinski: Left. Ish.

6. What one thing do you really, really hate?

Bleszinski: Naysayers, negativity, and people who say things can't be done.

7. One thing you most wish you had invented or created?

Bleszinski: RPG elements in shooters.

8. Favorite sports team?

Bleszinski: Carolina Hurricanes.

9. All-time favorite book and author?

Bleszinski: The Road, Cormac McCarthy.

10. Favorite magazine you still subscribe to?

Bleszinski: The Atlantic.

11. All-time favorite band?

Bleszinski: Butch Walker.

12. All-time favorite movie?

Bleszinski: The Big Lebowski.

13. Current favorite TV show?

Bleszinski: Breaking Bad.

14. Best prank you ever pulled?

Bleszinski: Hiding 100 electronic Psyduck motion-activated noise-making Pokémon figures around a neurotic artist's office.

15. Tell us one interesting fact about yourself:

Bleszinski: Growing up, I was a huge theater geek. I was Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, had the lead in Neil Simon's Rumors and Ten Little Indians. In spite of this and all the onstage shenanigans, I'm actually kinda shy.

16. Favorite all-time gaming platform?

Bleszinski: SNES.

17. What pieces of media or entertainment did you make your team soak up to research for Gears of War?

Bleszinski: Band of Brothers, Predator, Aliens, Starship Troopers.

18. Developer or studio you really admire?

Bleszinski: Infinity Ward.

19. Favorite Unreal weapon?

Bleszinski: Goo Gun!

20. Best shooter, excluding any you've worked on?

Bleszinski: Quake.

21. You're down but not out. Who comes and rescues you?

Bleszinski: My brother Tyler.

Comments (9)

Breaking Bad is an excellent show.
Steve Nyktas , May 19, 2009
Ummm? Mr.Hsu is this not the same interview from before gears 2 came out on 1up? very similar...and very interesting thankyou!
Brandon Van Haren , May 19, 2009
I wonder what game, other than one he has worked on,
does he think was as glitched up and broken as Gears of War 2?
Joshua McCluskey , May 20, 2009
Goose and tonic? I've never had liquifed goose before. Sounds disgusting.
Michael Donahoe , May 20, 2009
I've heard The Road is good but after seeing it's in Oprah's book club I think I'll pass.
Thomas Williams , May 20, 2009
You bet your ass that I would be there for him to "light his darkest hour". ;-)
Tyler Bleszinski , May 20, 2009
Negativity... Cliff must HATE visiting the Gears 2 forums. Heck, I hate visiting them.
Paul Perry , May 20, 2009
Fast and Furious interviewing. Got to love it.
Connor Kinnaird , May 21, 2009
...
You forgot to ask who Cliff likes better:
Jazz or Spazz
(old school Epic Game reference FTW)
...
Jay Runham , May 21, 2009

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