

"Everyone's Going Ape Over Donkey Kong!" So Claimed Nintendo back in 1981 at the launchof their brand new video game. Your challenge was to "Maneuver little Mario the brave carpenter up the steel structure, while helping him avoid the rapid-fire succession of hazards that come his way". It was a massive success and heralded the beginning of not one but two bank busting game franchises. However Donkey has arguably always played second at the very top of the arcade pile to a game 'born' the previous year - Namco's Pacman. In 2007 the balance of power shifted. It could still be argued that Pacman was still more renowned amongst the general public. However within the video gaming community Donkey Kong definitely now delivered Nintendo's promise at the game's launch. "If you want the most talked about family video game on the market, don't monkey around with anything other than the original Donkey Kong". The reason? An eighty three minute long insight into the world of competitive video gaming titled  The King of Kong, a fistful of quarters. For the uninitiated, it documented the tug of war battle for the Donkey Kong world record between newcomer Steve Wiebe and established gamer Billy Mitchell. The validity of more or less everything in the film was questioned and continues to be today. Nothing escaped the scrutiny of the gaming public. The editing of the films main characters along with the very fabric of the high score submission process were high on the list of (rather heated) discussions across the internet. The main question of just who out of the films two protagonists was the better player was soon to be answered from a very unlikely source. In a twist of fate this new story was also captured on camera. Film director Alexis Neophytides decided to make a documentary on 5 or 6 regulars at the Barcade bar in Brooklyn. Looking for interesting characters she struck gold when frequently in through the door walked 35 year old plastic surgeon Dr. Hank Chien. Sometimes still dressed in his scrubs Dr. Chien just came in for a quiet beer and a game or two on the resident Donkey Kong machine. A friendship was formed. Neophytides new subject was happy as long as he would be seen in a good light. Filming began in Nov. 2009 on Doctor Kong  cutting up the competition. This wasnt the original title and the directors original concept of 5 or 6 different characters changed too. Four months into filming Dr. Chien suddenly became far more interesting than originally hoped! Unable to get to work due to a New York snowstorm Dr. Chien slept for most of the day. When he awoke he cranked up his own Donkey Kong cabinet and walked away 2 and a half hours later with a new world record. He suddenly became an overnight celebrity. The plastic surgeon didnt give up his day job as video gaming doesnt pay that great. He has though, spent the last 18 months in a steady relationship with Donkey Kong. He reclaimed his record back (on another snow day!) after Mitchell then Wiebe had upped the ante. On 27 Feb 2011 he followed this up at Funspot arcade New Hampshire by increasing his own record. This current record of 1090400 stills stands to date. His greatest achievement though was probably on the weekend of March 19-20th this year. Sixteen players from the cream of the Donkey Kong arcade and MAME crop (including Mitchell and Wiebe) converged on Richie Knucklez arcade N.J. for The Kong Off. Two gruelling days later it was Dr. Hank Chien who walked away the undisputed new King of Kong. Dr. Chien was kind enough to talk to us about his 18 months in the spotlight and his plans beyond this. - Retro Uprising: Its been well documented that you only seriously got into video games after watching King of Kong. Sum up exactly the total amount of gaming experience either console or arcade youd had prior to K.O.K?

- Dr. Hank Chien: Video games have been a recreational part of my life, on and off, since I was about 9 or 10. During college and residency, I rarely played any video games. During less stressful periods of my life they were a fun diversion. I was primarily a console player prior to Donkey Kong. I only caught the tail end of the golden arcade era as I was only 7 when Donkey Kong was released. Like everyone else, I would occasionally visit a Dave & Buster's or local arcade, but these became increasingly hard to find by the time I was in my 20's. My first home computer was a Commodore 64 and as a 10 year old with little responsibilities, I definitely had my share of gaming on that system. My first home console was the SNES and I've since kept up with each new generation of consoles. - R.U: How soon after watching K.O.K. did you decide you fancied a piece of the action? Given the fact that the film doesnt shy away from how difficult Donkey Kong is  the obvious question is WHY did you decide to take up the challenge?

-H.C: I actually saw the K.O.K. shortly after I finished my residency in late 2007. The timing was great since I took a long vacation after finishing my residency. The film got me curious about the game. The fact that the film made it sound so hard got me especially interested. I like challenges! A common misconception is that I saw the K.O.K. and then decided I wanted to break the world record. That's not how it happened. It was more about satisfying my curiosity and having a little fun. I remember playing a few games of Donkey Kong on MAME around that time thinking "Hey I'm pretty good at this." However, I didn't think much more at the time. After my vacation was over, I had to make a big transition in my life and had a lot of other responsibilities. It wasn't until a year later (late 2008 ) when things started to settle down and I was able to start playing again. -R.U: Did you progress from MAME or have you only ever played on an actual D.K. machine?

-H.C: I started on MAME since I had no idea where I could even find a DK machine. I played on MAME for about 3 months until I reached my first killscreen. At that point I decided to transition to a cabinet so I could record a killscreen on a machine. I still play on MAME these days, but mainly to test out new strategies since it's a lot easier to skip to a certain point in the game on MAME. -R.U: How often were you practicing?

-H.C: In the first 3 months, I would play 2-3 hours a day. My rapid improvement in the game kept me coming back. After I reached my first killscreen, I had a big sense of relief and toned down my plan to about 1 hour a day. Nowadays, it depends on what's happening. I'll go months without playing to give myself a mental break from the frustration that comes with DK. If I'm trying for a world record, I'll play about 1 serious game per day (a serious attempt usually takes at least an hour). -R.U: How long would you estimate it took you from scratch to W.R. time wise?

-H.C: Its hard to say exactly how long it took to break the W.R. since I didnt keep a log. I would estimate about 500 hours/ a little more than a year. -R.U: Finding and buying your own D.K. cabinet was a big commitment. Were you still playing for fun at this stage or was this the point you began to think about the World record?

-H.C: Actually the biggest commitment is the space it occupies in my Manhattan apartment! Fortunately I was able to find a relatively cheap machine off craigslist. In terms of dollars I spent per hour of entertainment, it's probably the best purchase I've ever made. Even at the time I bought the machine, I was still not going for a world record. My plan was to record a killscreen, submit it to Twin Galaxies, and then sell my machine. -R.U: On your route to the record was there a particular point in the game that became your Achilles heel? Ive read you nearly gave up on a few occasions  What made you decide to carry on?

-H.C: Probably the biggest obstacle in learning the game was the bottom hammer on the barrel boards. Getting the bottom hammer is an absolute necessity for getting a high score on the game but it increases the risk tremendously and completely changes the board. I pretty much had to relearn how to play the barrel boards. It wasn't really that I nearly gave up because breaking the world record was never my goal until about 3 or 4 months before I did it. I was just out to have fun and I almost stopped playing several times along the way. Remember, I was going to sell my machine once I submitted a killscreen. However, in the process of getting a killscreen, I still found myself improving. So when I reached the killscreen, my plan then became breaking a million and then retiring. I remember telling everyone that "I'm going to retire after a million." I wasn't even sure if I could break a million and it happened very unexpectedly. My 1st million point game was so close to the world record that I couldn't retire then. Back then, any score over a million had to be performed live in front of a Twin Galaxies referee. Imagine debating between scoring 999,900 (or even trying to worry about getting that score on the button without exceeding it) when you're near the end of the game of your life. Fortunately Twin Galaxies changed that rule around the time I was in the million point range, so it didn't delay my progression much. -R.U: I guess your first Kill screen (First Ramp Stage on Level 22) preceded the W.R. How did it feel when you conquered the machine for the first time?

-H.C: I was extremely excited when I reached my first killscreen. Back then, there were only a few people who could reach the killscreen. I remember my hands were shaking in nervousness and excitement on the last spring stage. To make things worse, the game dealt me a difficult spring stage. That was one of the happiest days of my life. -R.U: How did you feel when you finally beat the previous W.R. score?

-H.C: Ironically I was not as excited when I broke the world record compared to my first killscreen. Of course I was excited, but nothing beats that first killscreen. I think the difference was I knew I could break the world record at the time whereas I wasn't sure I could reach the killscreen when I was trying for that. -R.U: K.O.K. documents quite clearly the potential minefield when submitting an official score. How long were you waiting for your score to be verified and what were you thinking as you waited for conformation?

-H.C: Actually my score was verified pretty quickly. I was extra careful in filming all the requirements because of all the controversy in KOK. It took me about a week to convert the video to a user friendly format and send it in and it only took Twin Galaxies about a week to verify the game, write an article about it and post the score. It was pretty hard for me to keep my lips sealed for those 2 weeks. In fact, a lot of my friends thought I was joking when my facebook status read "I just broke the Donkey Kong world record." -R.U: On that same subject  are there any changes YOU would make to the current score verification process if you were in charge?

-H.C: Overall, I think Twin Galaxies did a good job in coming up with a thorough yet painless way to verify recorded submissions. The only thing I'd change would be the recording requirements for restarting a game. Right now, you have to kill off your remaining men, enter your initials and wait for the attract mode to cycle. This only takes about a minute, but the world record is high enough now that you need a very good start for a world record attempt. Donkey Kong is more random at the start, so combine that with taking lots of risks to get a good start and you're looking at tons of restarts which translates to tons of minutes. After an early death, psychologically, you want to restart right away. Waiting that minute is pure torture. -R.U: So youre suddenly the World record holder for arguably the most recognised video game in history  Your life changed overnight, right?

-H.C: My life hasn't really changed much. In the month after my first world record things were a bit crazy, but nowadays, it's pretty much life back to normal. Occasionally I'll get recognized or be asked for a photo/picture, but that's about it. -R.U: Have you received any official recognition from Nintendo themselves?

-H.C: Actually Nintendo has not contacted me. I'm a bit surprised since DK has such an important role in Nintendo's history. If not for DK Nintendo probably would not exist today. Probably the fact that I'm in NY and Nintendo is in Japan (with the U.S. headquarters being in Washington state) doesn't help. Twin Galaxies and Guinness Book have both reached out to me though. -R.U: Apart from loads of well wishers, Ive read you also received some messages you described as hateful. Were you surprised by this and how strong exactly were they?

-H.C: I'm a bit surprised, but I guess I shouldn't be. I think anyone that is in the public eye is going to have some haters. I've had everything from accusations of cheating to racist remarks thrown at me. These people are usually ignorant. I've played enough times in public now that anyone "in the know" couldn't possibly think I was cheating. In fact, my most recent record was at Funspot in public and recorded. It doesn't get much more official than that. R.U: Did you enjoy being the star of your own film Dr Kong?

-H.C: Filming for Doctor Kong was lots of fun but really I did it for Alexis, the director. I met her along this DK journey and she has become a good friend of mine. She was looking for subjects for her next documentary and I gladly agreed. R.U: You've had some free time to really embrace some of the public gaming events in person - can we use that as an indication that the number of people having nose and boob jobs is on the downturn?

-H.C: The number of cosmetic surgeries performed is sensitive to what's happening in the economy. I had more time earlier in my D.K. career as I had just finished my residency AND the economy was poor at the time. Ironically, now that I have the world record free time is at a premium! -R.U: Since becoming the D.K. champ youve really embraced the hobby by appearing at various gaming events. Do you prefer the vibe of playing in public or on your own terms back at home?

-H.C: I actually prefer playing at home. At home there are no distractions and I am comfortable with the controls and monitor of my own machine. However I realize the importance of playing in public and "live" scores, so I've been trying to adapt. -R.U: The most famous of these events you participated in and triumphed in has to be The Kong Off. Do you consider beating the cream of the D.K. crop (which included King of Kong protagonists Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell) a greater achievement owning the W.R?

-H.C: Winning the Kong Off was definitely THE highlight of my DK career. In some ways, I do feel it was a greater achievement than owning the world record. However, I feel that on any weekend any one of us could have won the Kong-Off. DK is a game that partially involves luck. During that weekend I just had the right combination of skill, strategy and luck. Actually there's been talk of having a Kong Off 2 even before the 1st one happened. In fact, Richie was asked to do a 2nd Kong-Off just weeks after finishing the first (at the Northwest Pinball Show). However, Richie thought it was too early. I believe he's going to do a "Pac-Off" first. Kong-Off 2 probably will happen in another year, but it will probably be at a different location (Ottumwa or Seattle). -R.U: Ive watched the Kong Off footage  was the atmosphere on the gaming floor really as respectful and friendly as it looked?

-H.C: The crowd at the Kong Off was actually very respectful. However having 200 people watch you play is going to be nerve racking no matter how respectable they are. There were definitely people who were rooting for Billy or Steve or others, but everyone was very friendly to each other. Scott Cramer who attended and filmed the 1st Kong Off (in conjunction with borrowed footage from Brent Dolan) is making a short documentary about the Kong Off. He is in the final stages of editing and from the people who have gotten a sneak peak, it seems to be very good. I think he will make it available online when it's finished. See The Kong Off for details. -R.U: (Based on your experience of attending events)Once you become a "household name" Do you feel there becomes far too much expectation to constantly perform at a really high level?

-H.C: There is a level of expectation that comes with having the world record. For example, at the Kong Off, a lot of people considered me the favourite since I had the world record at the time. I knew however that any one of us could have won. Its a bit stressful trying to live to a reputation. -R.U: Your latest record was set at Funspot did it feel any sweeter setting it at such a recognised place? On The K.O.K machine?

-H.C: Ive attempted to break the world record a few times in public before Funspot, but DK is not a game that you can do well every time. I went up to Funspot just to have fun. Yes, I did want to break the world record there, but you cant plan these thingsit was totally unexpected. And yes, it was definitely sweeter! -R.U: Improving your own W.R. really showed you were the player at the top of the tree  Have there been any instances where you were all set to achieve an even higher score only to crash and burn at the last hurdle?

-H.C: After my most recent record, I've adjusted my game to a higher risk/higher reward style. I've gotten close several times at home and in public (about 80% there), but when I'm beating my own score, I just go "all out" and end up dying. Usually if I have a target score in mind, I'll take just enough risk early in the game to beat that score and playing it safely at the end. Plus, it's hard for me to find time to play and if you don't play consistently you lose that fine tuning. The score right now is still very beatable and I know there are several players (not just Billy and Steve) who can break it. -R.U: Many of the top D.K. players (yourself included) have really dissected the game play and continue to do so. Using this information in what amount of points would you consider the D.K. Holy grail score to be in the region of? How close do you think you are personally to achieving this?

-H.C: I think the holy grail score is around 1.2M. Of course even that score is beatable, but with the current collective knowledge of the game, it's around the realistic maximum. I'm not very close to reaching that and I'm not sure if I ever will be. Right now, if everything came together in one game, I'd have around 1.15M. 50K points doesn't sound like a lot, but as you approach the maximum, it's tremendous. -R.U: Do you think the popularity of D.K. will decrease if a saturation point is reached regarding the score?

-H.C: Actually I do. I think there will always be people playing DK as long as the cabinets exist and even if they disappear, people would probably still play on MAME. However, the interest would probably die down if the score was nearly unbeatable. I say nearly because there is no unbeatable score. You can always press a little higher or get a little luckier. -R.U: What are your thoughts on the lack of prominent players from the Far East such as Japan and China setting High video Game scores Scores? Given that the majority of popular games originated from this part of the world and how popular they were - Why do you think there is this "Black Hole"?

-H.C: I think its mainly an availability issue. There arent a lot of DK machines in Japan! DK actually has a Japanese ROM set that plays differently from the US version. So even if there were Asians playing DK theyd probably be playing on the Japanese ROM set. Furthermore, I dont think DK enjoyed the success in Asia that it did in the US. -R.U: Your D.K. record score must be one of the most coveted out there. Is there a particular score owned by someone else that you are in awe of and wished was your own?

-H.C: I've been playing a bit of Centipede It is a game that I'm trying to get better at, but the current record holder Donald Hayes is unbelievable at that game. Although I wish I had the record, I don't think I will ever get as good as him. Plus I have the utmost respect for his gaming abilities and I wouldn't want to take that away from him. -R.U: A large number of wealthy Sports/Pop/film stars who let T.V cameras into their homes own arcade games. I take it youve had no requests from A-list celebrities wanting a private D.K. lesson?!

-H.C: No celebrities have contacted me for DK lessons. I know Eminem plays a bit of Donkey Kong. I believe his high score is in the 460K range, a very respectable score. Also the late Michael Jackson had a DK in his collection. -R.U: Surely, given the popularity of D.K. and media exposure to K.O.K. a new rival to your scores would have emerged is there was one?

-H.C: Yes I would mostly agree with that, but what most people don't realise is that this is not just a three man race (Wiebe, Mitchell, Chien). There are a lot of people who are capable of beating the record RIGHT NOW. To avoid the risk of leaving someone out, I don't want to list names, but trust me there are several - even players I concider better than myself. Furthermore, I think there will always be the next generation of gamers that will come along and learn from scratch and build on what we already know. No one thought Michael Johnsons' 200m world record would ever be broken and then Usain Bolt comes along. -R.U: Someone decides to take up D.K. today, In a nutshell what's the one KEY piece of advice for success?

-H.C: Persistence. D.K. is not a game you can learn overnight. No one is born a killscreen player. Don't be discouraged at first and learn from your mistakes. -R.U: I've read various interviews where you've played down the chances of going for a W.R. on another game title. Is this still the case?

-H.C: Yes, I have no intentions of breaking any other world records. I think agter I retire from Donkey Kong I will go back to playing completely recreationally. Holding and defending the world record is a bit stressful! -R.U: I can imagine the gameplay of whoever holds the D.K. record next is always going to be compared to yours. Do you honestly think you'll be "allowed" by the gaming public to ride quietly into the sunset and into retirement?

-H.C: Certainly the gameplay of the top players will be compared. There are so many different ways to play DK, that youll find even among the top players we all have varied styles. However, newer players have an advantage over older players, since they can build on prior knowledge. Theres just so much known about the game now and its all available on the internet; it makes learning the game a lot easier. In fact, theres a lot more information now then there was when I started playing. So just as I had an advantage over Mitchell and Wiebe learning the game; the next generation will have an advantage over me. I believe most of the gaming public are Wiebe or Mitchell fans. I think the Chien fans are in the minority! At a certain point, I think the score will be out of my reach. Of course I can always get a little better, but as the score gets higher, it will require more and more attempts as well (due to the luck factor) and therefore more and more time. Im not sure that Ill be able to find the time. Unless a professional DK player can make more than a doctor, I dont think Ill be quitting my day job. -R.U: Do you honestly believe you have a strong enough character to one day draw a line under everything and NEVER go back?

-H.C: It will certainly be difficult! Well see. -R.U: What other games do you enjoy and consider yourself proficient at?

-H.C: I enjoy light gun games and driving games the most, specifically the Time Crisis and Gran Turismo series. -R.U: Do any of the members of your family or close friends play?

-H.C: I have taught a few friends how to play DK, but unfortunately no one Ive taught has killscreened yet! I think my friends and family are all sick of hearing about DK. -R.U: Whats been your best experience as a result of your D.K. journey?

-H.C: For the most part every experience I've had as a result of DK has been great. I think all the great friends I've made as a result of DK has been the best. I've met some people that will probably be lifelong friends. -R.U: And the worst?

-H.C: My worst experience has probably been reading all the hateful comments. All over a video game?! -R.U:Thats Brilliant Hank. Many thanks for your time. The one last request I have is could you please do the honour of beating our Donkey Kong score for us here at Retro uprising?

-H.C: I'd be glad to! I can pretty much whip out a 900K killscreen on demand. I don't want to upset the current high score holder though! -R.U: Our best wishes to you whatever you decide to do next.

-H.C: Thanks! Dont forget if you want to catch Doctor Kong the movie it plays on the Documentary Channel (at least in the US). Click here to play online >>> Donkey Kong <<< Tips From the Champ  The Basics:

-RAMP STAGE

(1) Generally Leave the bottom hammer alone unless its an emergency. Use to top hammer to make a path to the far right ladder on the later levels when things get crowded. (2)Barrels on the same level as Mario never roll down ladders  Use this to your advantage after jumping double/triple barrels by quickly back moving down to the next level via a ladder and repeating the same jump. This tactic is risky and doesnt increase your score that much  However if youre aiming for the W.R.  you need to do it!! (3)From Level 4 onwards the barrels become more responsive to Marios movement (works 75% of the time). With skill they can be manipulated in your favour. To force a barrel down a ladder simply move the joystick in the direction of the ladder as barrel approaches it. (The barrels respond to your joystick position and not the direction Mario is moving in) This trick can be performed whilst Mario himself is on a ladder. - PIE FACTORY

(1) The first conveyor belt will either move to the left or the right. Mario will be carried along with it. His speed depends on whether he runs with it or against it. This belt will switch directions whenever Donkey Kong is all the way to the left on his belt, so be alert. (2) The second conveyor belt is split into two. Both sides will either move towards or away from the oil drum. The top conveyers are always moving toward the oil drum when Mario is on the top 1/2 of the screen. On this belt you are prone to both pies and fireballs, so its best left quickly. (3) Fireballs always jump out of the oil can in Mario's direction. That is, if Mario is to the left of the oil can, they will jump out to the left. At the start of the level, several fireballs will spawn. Wait for them all to come out before crossing over to the opposite side of the screen, and there's a good chance that side will be safe. The number of fireballs that will spawn at the start of the level is the same as the level number, up to a maximum of five. That is, on Level 3, three fireballs will spawn; on Level 4, four fireballs will spawn, etc. - ELEVATOR STAGE

(1)If Mario is above the fireball that is positioned between the two elevators, it will generally take a ladder up. If Mario is below the fireball, it will drop down the ladder. Use this to your advantage before you jump on the first elevator. (2) Once you reach Kongs level - The safest strategy is to stand directly over the right elevator, let the springs bounce over Mario, and make a run for the ladder as soon as a spring clears his head. (3)From level 4 onwards things quicken up! (Spring X First bounce is to the left of D.Ks foot. - Spring Y first bounce is directly over the left Elevator.) Stand on the Safe Spot directly above the ladder to the level. (Wait for a X Spring). As soon as this spring makes contact next to Mario immediately dash to the other Safe Spot directly above the right Elevator. Do not try to sneak nearer the final ladder as this can mess up the timing. When the Y spring lands its first bounce, get ready. (If you don't feel ready, don't go - wait for another) After the Y spring's second bounce (when it sails over your head) make a dash for the ladder. Now for the hard part: the next spring should be a X spring. If it's not an X spring, you'll have to quickly run back to your Safe Spot. (If you started your dash too close to the ladder, you'll probably be too high up the ladder and get hit.) If it is an X spring you must go for it or youll get hit on your return to the Safe Spot. Now, often the second spring will be neither a perfect X spring nor a perfect Y spring  it will land somewhere between DK's foot and the elevator  and you'll have to use your judgment!! However, if the spring falls completely to the left of the elevator, it should be safe. - RIVET STAGE

(1)Firefoxes always spawn on the opposite side of the screen from where Mario is standing. The center of the screen is counted as the left side, so Firefoxes will spawn on the right side while Mario is climbing a ladder in the middle. (2) Like other fireballs, Firefoxes will never go down a ladder unless Mario is at a lower elevation than the Firefox. (The reverse is not true: they can still go up ladders even if Mario is lower than the Firefox.) (3) The safest strategy is to clear the left side, then clear the right. (4)Find the Hot Spot (The pole on the right of D.K.) Jump straight up and move the joystick right whilst in mid air. You will receive 100 points for each jump! However watch out for the Firefoxes and the timer.

Interviewed by: Josephjo@Retrouprising 28/10/2011

Click here to play >>> Donkey Kong <<<



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