The DP Store Job Application

[digitalpress]

I'm sprucing my employment application up and want to throw a few good curves in there under the "Gaming Knowledge" section. The application is VERY brief, with just a little background and reference info required. I want my applicants to turn the page over and see a short list of questions designed to test their skills and simultaneously scare the piss out of them. Working here requires real skills, after all!

I've got some ideas but knowing the crowd on this forum, you guys will come up with some good ones. Think either "pertinent gaming history knowledge", "trick question" or anything in between.

[Vectorman0]

What is Mario's first name? I think this is a good one from last Christmas contest. Not to bad if you know your stuff, but it's killer otherwise.

You could also list ten systems and ask applicants to order them chronologically by release date, though that's sort of boring.

If I think of any others, I'll post them.

[segarocks30]

What was Peach first called?
What was the first double screened system?
What was the first Video game system to use a stylus/touch screen?

[Leo_A]

How many people would be able to say Jumpman even from this board? Was it even an official name that appeared somewhere on a Donkey Kong arcade cab?

[roushimsx]

What platform was host to the first version of Metal Gear?

Name a non-Konami game in which "the konami code" makes an appearance.

[tom]

Come on, Joe said 'good ones'.
Not just half arsed Nintendo questions (well, ok the stylus question and the MG question are not Nintendo based), bit more thought here please!

Here's a few:
Who wrote 'Interplanetary Voyage' (1973) for the Odyssey?

Title of the first hand held game (1970)

Which Kitchen brother wrote 'Bank Shot'?

[segarocks30]

What platform was host to the first version of Metal Gear?

Name a non-Konami game in which "the konami code" makes an appearance.

The first Platform for Metal Gear was the MSX computer. I didn't look it up either.

[Richter]

- Who was head of Sega of America during the Genesis?
- Before co-founding Apple Computer, Steve Jobs worked for what game company?
- In 1991 Nintendo redesigned the NES giving the console a "top-loading" feature as well as new controllers. What are the controllers commonly called?
- Who purchased the intellectual properties of SNK when they decalred bankruptcy in 2000?

[Sniderman]

Name any three gaming systems released before the Nintendo Entertainment System. (Just to make sure they have a grasp of the classics.)

[cyberfluxor]

How about how long it took for them to beat a game or top scores? If it's a more popular game and they have a quick time of victory or a really high score then you know they are either:
A) Really good at gaming.
B) They can't put the controller down and crack away until they are the best.

The second is better because it's determination, but then someone really good at a game can blaze through things and give quick advice on new released games.

[RangerG]

You want some easier questions. Thus, =

What was the name of Sega's last console?

Name one Japanese only release (game or console)?

What console did Microsoft produce before the Xbox?

Name one console from the classic era and one from the 16-32 bit era:

What is your favorite game for the original NES system?

[Mayhem]

What was the first console to use an analog stick?

Which was the first Western company to launch a machine in Japan before the US?

What are the following company names acronyms for: Namco? SNK? Capcom? Sega?

What was the first Nintendo machine to have a built-in microphone (hint: it wasn't the DS)?

Which was the first third-party videogame company?

What is the best selling videogame of all time?

Which Nintendo hardware had the lowest number of software released for it?

What is the longest running game franchise still published to date?

Name the ex-Komani programming team who left to form the collective responsible for Gunstar Heroes, Sin and Punishment and Radiant Silvergun?

Name three games from within the last five years that were released in Japan and Europe, but not in the US.

[8bitnes]

I'd have them count back change for me using the add-up method. For example, the bill was $8.15 and they paid with a $20. They would count back 8.25, 8.50, 8.75, 9.00, 10, 20 as they handed you a dime, quarter, quarter, quarter, dollar, ten dollar.

Then you will know if they can understand why someone would give $11 for something that cost $5.82 and if they can handle the situation. Too many times I have done this and gotten back $2+ extra.

EDIT: Yes, I know they can just type it into the cash register and it tells them how much to give as change, but it's a quick way to tell if they have some intelligence which goes a long way in my book.

[Damaramu]

Trick question:
How do you unlock Sheng Long in Street Fighter II?

[sega-trader]

I want to see the answers to some of these questions.

[roushimsx]

Name the ex-Komani programming team who left to form the collective responsible for Gunstar Heroes, Sin and Punishment and Radiant Silvergun?


It should read:

Name the team of ex-Komani programmers who left to form the collective responsible for Gunstar Heroes, Sin and Punishment and Radiant Silvergun?

..mainly because prior to their departure, they weren't a team.



The first Platform for Metal Gear was the MSX computer. I didn't look it up either.

MSX2 actually, but good for you. It's something someone who is into gaming should have some knowledge about given the current popularity of the Solid series and the fact that:

a) Many people aren't aware that the series didn't begin on the Playstation
b) Many that know a. don't realize that the series didn't originate on the NES
c) Many that know b. don't know that both Metal Gear games on the MSX2 are quite a bit different from the ones released on the NES.

It's not an overly difficult question if you know your stuff, but it's an easy one to trip people up on.

For the second question, there's a good number of games that they can answer with. Tony Hawk 2 and Wario Ware Inc are the most likely answers, but if they answer with anything else (or multiple answers) then you can really get a feel for their knowledge.

[boatofcar]

I think some people are approaching this the wrong way. Knowing some obscure trivia question doesn't necessarily make you a good employee. You want a prospective employee to be able to answer questions from customers who want to purchase something. No customer is going to walk into a store and ask, "Do you know the ex-Komani programming team who left to form the collective responsible for Gunstar Heroes, Sin and Punishment and Radiant Silvergun?" That's just retarded.

You want your employees to have knowledge of the products your customers want to buy, especially folks who are new to retro gaming. I would have questions that are more open-ended, like,

"Name some popular Atari 2600 games that you'd recommend to new retrogamers."

"What should you warn potential customers who want to buy an Atari 5200 about? (lack of self-centering joysticks)"

"How would you describe the differences between the Atari 2600, Colecovision, and Intellivision? What are the major releases for each system? What are the pros and cons of each system?"

[bangtango]

It should be limited to something a customer might actually ask, at least occasionally.

You've heard the arguments against trigonometry: when are you ever going to need to use it after you graduate high school? The same could be said about any number of trick questions.

Extra questions on an application might be best if they are reserved for material that may come in handy later.

This may seem like an odd suggestion but I would say at least a few basic word problems or math problems. It could come in handy for someone if they will be using a register in your store.

[digitalpress]

Name any three gaming systems released before the Nintendo Entertainment System. (Just to make sure they have a grasp of the classics.)

See, THIS is the kind of question I'm looking for (and similar to what I've already drafted - I'll share the full form with you later). Simple yet perplexing stuff like "who designed the first video game" (yes, open to multiple answers) or "what was the first home videogame system".

Think difficult yet pertinent. Or think presumably difficult.

Some of you are on the right track! I love the responses so far, keep 'em coming!

[digitalpress]

I think some people are approaching this the wrong way. Knowing some obscure trivia question doesn't necessarily make you a good employee....

Also on the right track. I don't want it to be a trivia contest. If it were that easy I'd just use the questions from our "Game ON" trivia set from a few years back (which, by the way, I often bust out at the store).

These should be thought-provoking, perplexing (if you're the wrong person), important questions. I don't want to bombard applicants with a million questions, either - I want them to answer a few questions in a way that tells me they UNDERSTAND. Understand?

[bangtango]

I think some people are approaching this the wrong way. Knowing some obscure trivia question doesn't necessarily make you a good employee. You want a prospective employee to be able to answer questions from customers who want to purchase something. No customer is going to walk into a store and ask, "Do you know the ex-Komani programming team who left to form the collective responsible for Gunstar Heroes, Sin and Punishment and Radiant Silvergun?" That's just retarded.

You want your employees to have knowledge of the products your customers want to buy, especially folks who are new to retro gaming. I would have questions that are more open-ended, like,

"Name some popular Atari 2600 games that you'd recommend to new retrogamers."

"What should you warn potential customers who want to buy an Atari 5200 about? (lack of self-centering joysticks)"

"How would you describe the differences between the Atari 2600, Colecovision, and Intellivision? What are the major releases for each system? What are the pros and cons of each system?"

Just finished my post as this came in but had to reply to this one.

My sentiments exactly. How many people who walk into the store will even know Sheng Long (or Street Fighter 2), let alone that you can't really "unlock" him?

I wouldn't be surprised if at least 20-30% of the customers who come in know very little, if anything, about the Street Fighter series or some of these other titles being mentioned. I'm assuming the store has a fairly good customer base of people who think gaming began with Sony or Microsoft. A lot of customers will be from that generation. Not a slight on them or the store, but it is probably true.

They need to be up on the most recent generation of gaming, more than anything. When new consoles come up, they damn well better be ready to bone up on those. Some kid who grew up on X-Box (or 360), as his first console, isn't going to be impressed with your knowledge of the various Famiclones, the Atari Jaguar voice modem, the different models of Sega Saturn (and how to mod them) or your collection of PAL Sega Master System cartridges.

[Darren870]

haha if i saw some of these on a application i would be stunned. These questions mean nothing in terms on knowing and selling games.

Maybe ask if they have ever heard of a certain system pre-nes.

Ask a question that is not going to take a sentance or a one word answer.

Something like whats better gameplay or graphics? and why?

You get a better feel for the person and there knowledge, if they really go into it.

Questions like that would work well.

On a side note: Joe, do you have any DC games or complete NES games in your store? Are you going to be there tomorrow also? I am thinking about coming by for a little with a few friends.

-Darren

[bangtango]

Don't want it to be said I posted twice without coming up with questions. Here are two:


#1. Name at least one title from each of the following genres?

a. Sports
b. First Person Shooter/FPS
c. Beat em up
d. Fighting game
e. Puzzle game
f. Driving game
g. Shooter
h. Role Playing Game

You could easily accept game titles from any generation, though the more current the better. Doesn't have to be the genres above, either.


#2.

It may seem stupid but you may also want to ask what the current consoles on the market are. Somebody better be able to at least name them all, or at least the console-makers currently in the game (Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony). If they can't, tell em' "Back to Burger King, son." :evil:

[evil_genius]

what is the best game of all time? (if it was NOT produced or published by Nintendo don't call them)

how many different colors were used on the lettering of the original NES black box titles. (that's a joke)

[Buyatari]

I had a test I gave employees after 30 days. They fail they are fired. No one has failed and no has received 100%

Stuff like.

Whats the name of the store?
Whats the address of the store?
What systems do we sell games for? Name as many as you can.
How do you get to the store from X side of town?
Followed by several questions on where to stock items.

[MrRoboto19XX]

Between Jhonny Turbo and George Plimpton, who has influenced your lifestyle more, and how will you apply this lifestyle to this job?

If you ask me, the choice is clear, only ones got the arcade feel.

[digitalpress]

On a side note: Joe, do you have any DC games or complete NES games in your store? Are you going to be there tomorrow also? I am thinking about coming by for a little with a few friends.

How often I forget what a small world this is.

Um, I'll be in the store until about 2:30 pm tomorrow. My number one - Matt - picks up from there. Feel free to fire these questions at him! He's not up on the pre-NES era but what makes him my number one is that he's very good at bluffing and filling in logically the areas he doesn't know.

I do have DC and complete NES games in the store, by the way. Those are store specialties that separate me from the Gamestops of the world (or at least of northern NJ).

Oh yeah, good questions by the way. I try to shy away from "essay" answers because I really don't want applicants hanging around with a pen and paper at my register area for too long. I'd prefer to hit them with the deepthought stuff after I'm impressed with their brief written skills. Still, I do want to see them think thru some tough questions on the initial application.

Plus, it makes for better stories, which is part of the reason I'm doing what I do. :)

[jgenotte]

1) Name a system released before the NES other than the Atari 2600.
2) Name a system released between the NES and the N64 other than the SNES and the Genesis.
3) What are the two standard types of Atari 2600 controllers?
4) What systems do you regularly play?
5) Name three types of audio/video connections.
6) Which do you prefer: the Xbox or the PS2? Why?
7) What are you looking forward to from the upcomming Nintendo system?
8) The NES is well known as an 8-Bit system. What bit-processor-size did the following systems have: a) Atari 2600, b) Genesis, c) N64?
9) What is your favorite genre? Why?
10) What is a "Virtual Boy?"

I think these would be good.

-james

[Richter]

how about "Any idea what a 'schmup' is?"

[Bronty-2]

That's a good test... I like the "how do you get to the store from x side of town".. they probably get asked that all time.

[retrogmr]

This thread just begs for a Fry's Electronics reference... for those of you who have been to one, you'll appreciate the humor in this link:

Fry's Electronic's Employment Application (http://braith.best.vwh.net/frys.htm)

[kainemaxwell]

Name 3 titles by Working Designs other then the Lunar games.

[GrandAmChandler]

A customer walks in the store, you greet them with:

A. Sup.
B. Hi, welcome to Digital Press! Have you been here before?
C. What the hell are you doing here? Get out, no one wants your crappy Genesis sports games for trade.
D. HEY! Want to reserve something? Buy a cleaning kit? How about a subscription to a crappy magazine? or a warranty for your games incase your dumb ass scratches the discs?
E. Ignore them.

[calthaer]

I was gonna say...some of these obscure trivia questions are not going to make a good customer service person, necessarily. I'm with boatofcar.

That said, I do think that the NES top-loader question (to which the answer was "dog-bone" controller) was a good one.

Or:

-What is one of the most common methods for getting an NES cartridge to work? (blow on it, jiggle it in the slot, etc.).

Or if there's going to be "trivia," ask some good, basic questions, like:

-Which company produces the Street Fighter series of games? Name one other game or game series from this company.

-Name three games or game series (for any system) that have gameplay or style that is similar to the Final Fantasy series of role-playing games.

Even if they don't play the Street Fighter games (and don't know how to unlock some character), they should at least know who makes the games to be able to intelligently answer customers - and hopefully cross-sell / upsell products from those same game creators. Same with the FF question - if your employees can recommend games that are similar to X or Y, you will have a better chance of selling more games to more customers.

[chrisbid]

Name any three gaming systems released before the Nintendo Entertainment System. (Just to make sure they have a grasp of the classics.)

these are the types of questions you need. stuff thats easy to most people here, but would throw off most everyone else. youd be amazed at how many people think the genesis was segas first system

[B - Mark]

My questions:
1- What the name of creators the a famous blue hedgehog?

2- What the name a monkey-like boy very famous in a Sega Master System?

[98PaceCar]

Ask them to give the major differences between the Xbox, PS2, Gamecube, and 360. Have them list game/system selections based on what a particular person likes to play. For example, if a person likes first person shooters, the Xbox or 360 is likely the best choice for them. RPG players are best served with a PS2 and people that like brightly colored animals bouncing on the screen would like GC! ;)

Seriously though, I see a lot of GS/EB employees that can't tell a customer the best system based on the types of game a person wants to play. Either that or they are a fanboy and refuse to admit that each of the current gen systems have strengths and weaknesses.

The same could apply to the PSP/DS/SP as well.

[TisLord]

Well the only ones I like so far are....

- In 1991 Nintendo redesigned the NES giving the console a "top-loading" feature as well as new controllers. What are the controllers commonly called?

#1. Name at least one title from each of the following genres?

a. Sports
b. First Person Shooter/FPS
c. Beat em up
d. Fighting game
e. Puzzle game
f. Driving game
g. Shooter
h. Role Playing Game

You could easily accept game titles from any generation, though the more current the better. Doesn't have to be the genres above, either.

10) What is a "Virtual Boy?"



the vboy one made me laugh because if they do not know the answer...you could get some interesting attempts at an asnwer

[Jumpman Jr.]

What's better: Atari or Intellivision?

Answer: Intellivision

[Sylentwulf]

I can't answer 90% of the questions in this thread lol.

Name 10 games pre-NES (from at least 2 different systems)
Name 10 arcade games from the 1980's.
Name one videogame programmer on any platform.
On your way in to fill out this application, how many different game systems did you see in this store that we carry? (estimate, list for bonus points, name 20+ and get a 1-up!)


I bet that would weed out 90% of casual gamers right there.

[evil_genius]

how about "Any idea what a 'schmup' is?"

isn't that was the jews call the piece of foreskin that is removed?


that was a joke

[bangtango]

Well the only ones I like so far are....

- In 1991 Nintendo redesigned the NES giving the console a "top-loading" feature as well as new controllers. What are the controllers commonly called?

#1. Name at least one title from each of the following genres?

a. Sports
b. First Person Shooter/FPS
c. Beat em up
d. Fighting game
e. Puzzle game
f. Driving game
g. Shooter
h. Role Playing Game

You could easily accept game titles from any generation, though the more current the better. Doesn't have to be the genres above, either.

10) What is a "Virtual Boy?"



the vboy one made me laugh because if they do not know the answer...you could get some interesting attempts at an asnwer

I thank you for singling out my question (the one about the genres). Kind of hard for a worker in the DP store to answer this question if they can't understand some common genres:

"Can you recommend me a good first person shooter or beat em' up for X-Box?"

If they don't know what the genres are and at least a good example, they will be in trouble LOL

[Kuros]

1) Name a system released before the NES other than the Atari 2600.
2) Name a system released between the NES and the N64 other than the SNES and the Genesis.
3) What are the two standard types of Atari 2600 controllers?
4) What systems do you regularly play?
5) Name three types of audio/video connections.
6) Which do you prefer: the Xbox or the PS2? Why?
7) What are you looking forward to from the upcomming Nintendo system?
8) The NES is well known as an 8-Bit system. What bit-processor-size did the following systems have: a) Atari 2600, b) Genesis, c) N64?
9) What is your favorite genre? Why?
10) What is a "Virtual Boy?"

I think these would be good.

-james

10: The most awesome failed system ever.

On topic...

I agree with some of the other responses that having a trivia contest isn't good at all. Sure, test them a bit on their gaming knowledge but make sure to test them on their interpersonal skills. You don't wanna get a guy who has great knowledge about video games but can't even talk to someone in a retail setting.

You could have some fun with SAT like questions though such as:

Fill in the blank of this ad: Genesis does what ________.

Mario is to Nintendo as Bonk is to?

[tom]

Here's an easy one:

Name the only Nintendo game available on four Atari formats: Atari VCS, Atari 5200, Atari 7800, Atari XEGS

[Flack]

Wow, after reading through these questions my hopes of someday working at Joe's store have been smashed. I'm not even sure I'd qualify for janitor!!

The questions I had in mind were along the lines of:

- Name 5 handheld systems, past or present.
- Name 5 systems released before the Playstation.
- Name 5 systems released since the Playstation.
- Name 5 Nintendo (or Sega) consoles.
- Rank the following 5 systems from oldest to newest (list)

- Name 3 2D platform games.
- Name 3 3D platform games.
- Name 3 RPGs.
- Name 3 light gun games. (etc)
- Name the 3 next-gen consoles.

[ Fill in the Blank ]

"Red Warrior shot the _____".
"It's the Legend of Zelda and it's really _____".
"I've got Pac-Man Fever, it's drivin' me ________".
"Mario's last name is ______".

[98PaceCar]

While these are all fascinating trivia questions, do they have anything to do with the day to day interaction a salesperson will have with a customer? Aside from naming games in a particular genre or possibly knowing a chronology of gaming systems, who cares what Mario's second cousin's dog named his favorite stick.

I'd suggest sticking to finding people that can interact with customers intelligently and not worry about finding someone that knows the intimate details of every single game or system out there. I'd much rather work with a salesperson that is decent to deal with that maybe doesn't know quite as much than have someone that thinks they know gaming, but doesn't know anything more than 'Ps2 rUlEz d00d'. If I want to be assaulted by a salesman that's doing nothing more than trying to impress me, I'll go to Gamestop or EB. When I go to a real game store, I want salespeople that know their stuff, but are willing to admit when they don't. If they don't know some obscure trivia point, I'm fine with that as long as they don't act like they do. Stick to finding a quality person that is willing to learn, gaining the knowledge of gaming history will come with time.

[DKTheArcadeRat]

I'd say test their business skills, see how they do on that, also then test their gaming knowledge - i'd say run the business end well and it is always possible to teach them about gaming stuff.

And just in response to the others before, who needs to know this kind of stuff?

EX:(My own questions) What do COLECO and SEGA stand for? (COnnecticut LEather COmpany & Service Games)

Dave

[digitalpress]

I'd suggest sticking to finding people that can interact with customers intelligently and not worry about finding someone that knows the intimate details of every single game or system out there.

Actually I want someone who can BOTH interact with customers AND have some basic gaming knowledge. Answering these questions doesn't qualify an applicant for the job, it simply tips me off as to what kind of gaming know-how they've got. When 100 kids apply for the job, I'm going to start with the ones who answer these questions well and then see how their interpersonal skills fare via an interview.

And you're right, I have no intention of turning this into a trivia quiz - I'll share the questions I settled on in a day or two when I've finalized the application but what I'm working with so far is much more along the lines of general knowledge, not expertise. Not trivia.

Though part of me still wants to put a wicked trick question in there just to see how creatively they deal with it. Someone who isn't easily rattled is also a quality I like on my team!

[98PaceCar]

I'd suggest sticking to finding people that can interact with customers intelligently and not worry about finding someone that knows the intimate details of every single game or system out there.

Actually I want someone who can BOTH interact with customers AND have some basic gaming knowledge. Answering these questions doesn't qualify an applicant for the job, it simply tips me off as to what kind of gaming know-how they've got. When 100 kids apply for the job, I'm going to start with the ones who answer these questions well and then see how their interpersonal skills fare via an interview.

And you're right, I have no intention of turning this into a trivia quiz - I'll share the questions I settled on in a day or two when I've finalized the application but what I'm working with so far is much more along the lines of general knowledge, not expertise. Not trivia.

Though part of me still wants to put a wicked trick question in there just to see how creatively they deal with it. Someone who isn't easily rattled is also a quality I like on my team!

Truthfully, I think having one trick question is a good idea. When I put together our last coding test here at work, I put in a bit of code that has a very common, but difficult bug in it. Just to mess with people. It was amazing how few people got it, but the guy we ended up hiring nailed it immediately.

[ubersaurus]

Name 5 popular pre-1990 video games.

Which came out first-The Saturn or the Nintendo 64?

[hezeuschrist]

While all the classic stuff is certainly required, I would think the more recent stuff would be more valuable knowledge. As long as they don't spout a bunch of random crap about the classics and stick to, you know, facts, they'd be fine.

Something like, "What was your favorite game shown at E3 this year?" would be enough to tell how much they keep up with the current trends. Thats the kind of stuff they'll be getting a lot more questions about, unless Clifton is some paralell universe that deals in majorly classic gaming over current gen stuff.

[digitalpress]

Thats the kind of stuff they'll be getting a lot more questions about, unless Clifton is some paralell universe that deals in majorly classic gaming over current gen stuff.

The thing is, my store specializes in classic stuff and draws people from quite a distance away who are only interested in vintage gaming. It's important for my team to have a good balance of knowledge both old and new.

[Flack]

Ask them what the greatest wrestling game of all time is, and if they say anything except "Mat Mania" poke them in the eye and shout GUESS AGAIN! Repeat until they get the question right, answer correctly, leave, or you run out of eyes.

[Ed Oscuro]

Wait, how does "knows arcane video game lore" equate with "good employee?"

Ask them what their favorite console of the new generation is. If they start bashing Wii/360/PS3, DON'T hire them. See? That's a good question.

But the Mat Mania question is good (x68000 port = win).

[kainemaxwell]

I'd say throw in the trick question, add some spice to it.

Another question idea:
Name 3 handheld systems other then the PSP and Gameboy/DS?

[Emuaust]

As a manager of a game store id have to say,(and im sure you as an owner know this)
It is super important that the not be fanboys/fangirls as neutral
gamers make better sales people and actually approchable
to the general public as well as gamers alike.

[Kuros]

Ask them what the greatest wrestling game of all time is, and if they say anything except "Mat Mania" poke them in the eye and shout GUESS AGAIN! Repeat until they get the question right, answer correctly, leave, or you run out of eyes.

I suppose that the last option will be used up really quick. Unless you change eyes to orifaces, then that's just fun time.

[ProgrammingAce]

I would make sure you put something based off of the DP guide too, something like "What makes a game an R10, name one"

I would imagine that sort of thing would be a common question for your employees

[Ed Oscuro]

I would make sure you put something based off of the DP guide too, something like "What makes a game an R10, name one"

I would imagine that sort of thing would be a common question for your employees
That strikes me as a very good idea!

"Uhhh....a sealed Final Fantasy II?"

[Darren870]

Thats the kind of stuff they'll be getting a lot more questions about, unless Clifton is some paralell universe that deals in majorly classic gaming over current gen stuff.

The thing is, my store specializes in classic stuff and draws people from quite a distance away who are only interested in vintage gaming. It's important for my team to have a good balance of knowledge both old and new.

Thats for sure, I went there yesterday and bought about 50 games. Cleared out most your O2 stuff. Hehe sorry.

[anagrama]

"What is the MegaDrive/PC Engine/Famicom/Videopac known as in the US?"

"Name a system [non-handheld maybe?] that can play imports without the need for an adaptor"

or, along similar lines, "Give a method for playing import games on system X"

[megamaniaman]

You will be suprised how stupid some of your applicants are going to be. Ok here are some good questions
1) What is a Heavy Sixer
2) What was the first Nintendo video game made for a console?
3) Name another Atari system besides the 2600
4) Name an extremly rare game for the Atari 2600
5) Name an extremly rare game for the NES
6) What video game made the Atari 2600 populor
7) What video game contributed to the Atari 2600 downfall?
8) Describe the video game Qbert
9) Name other old school systems besides Atari and Nintendo.
10) What was the first 16 bit system?

[scooterb23]

15. Every Thursday at DP Games is "Thong Thursday" what will your thong say?

A. "Home of the BFG"
2. "Insert coin to continue"
III. "Run, coward"
Four. "Are you a bad enough dude to rescue the President?"

[segarocks30]

You will be suprised how stupid some of your applicants are going to be. Ok here are some good questions
1) What is a Heavy Sixer
2) What was the first Nintendo video game made for a console?
3) Name another Atari system besides the 2600
4) Name an extremly rare game for the Atari 2600
5) Name an extremly rare game for the NES
6) What video game made the Atari 2600 populor
7) What video game contributed to the Atari 2600 downfall?
8) Describe the video game Qbert
9) Name other old school systems besides Atari and Nintendo.
10) What was the first 16 bit system?

I bet #10 will get a lot of people.

They'll be like *cough, cough*sega genesis*cough, cough*

Wrong damn answer! You now must get pwned by Sothy.

Ya, if they get an easy question wrong, have Sothy pwn their ass.

[Kuros]

15. Every Thursday at DP Games is "Thong Thursday" what will your thong say?

A. "Home of the BFG"
2. "Insert coin to continue"
III. "Run, coward"
Four. "Are you a bad enough dude to rescue the President?"

I pick number 2.

Put it on the back of the thong. LOL

[roxybaby]

If someone came in looking for two Genesis action titles, which ones would you recommend?

If someone came in looking for a good puzzle game for a Nintendo system, what would you recommend?

Name three titles that were exclusive to Playstation I.

How many bits did each of the following systems have: Sega Saturn, NES, Coleco.

[Coleman]

1. Who is Ralph Bear?
2. If somone comes in and asks for the SSI goldbox games what are they asking for?
3. What do you type into the command prompt on a commodore 64 so that it reads a disk?
What is a MOD chip used for?
4. What is the difference between AES and MVS refering to Neo Geo?
5. What was Atari's handheld system called.
6. Which system from atari was backward compatable, and what system was it compatible with?
7. Which system was made by Sega that specificly targeted young children with an emphasis on learning?
8. What were the packin games that were released with the Genesis system?
9. What is the difference between Homebrew and prototype?
10. What system can i find a zelda game that is not made by nintendo?

[kentuckyfried]

1. Who is Ralph Bear?


Ralph Bear is a dude that lives in Minnesota, Ralph Baer is the founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese :)

[Coleman]

1. Who is Ralph Bear?


Ralph Bear is a dude that lives in Minnesota, Ralph Baer is the founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese :)
Wrong!!!!
Nolan Bushnell is the founder of Chuck E cheese and atari.
Ralph bear is some other guy

[Xiados]

Being a pretty avid gamer for 17-18 out of my 22 years, I really don't give a crap who people are.. or what system was the first to do this or that.. and etc.

Typically I see collectors as the type to know what they're after. They're not going to ask questions in a store. The people who want to play a game would probably ask a question. To me, those who plays games, more so then not, would know more that would be focused around interacting with a customer and respond with what the customer wants to hear.

Not that collectors don't play games.. But it's sorta a frame of mind I guess. Are you more into playing that new game, or just buying it with the next one coming out in a few years.

.... I wish I could work in a game store. ;___;

[kentuckyfried]

1. Who is Ralph Bear?


Ralph Bear is a dude that lives in Minnesota, Ralph Baer is the founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese :)
Wrong!!!!
Nolan Bushnell is the founder of Chuck E cheese and atari.
Ralph bear is some other guy

Holy crap, I am extremely wrong! Thanks for pointing that out, I'm humbled :(