Brett Weiss's Blog, page 2

Fan Expo Dallas 2025: A Pop Culture Powerhouse with an Unbelievable Celebrity Lineup

Fan Expo Dallas 2025 is right around the corner, and from the looks of the guestlist, it’s shaping up to be an awesome weekend. As always, the show is bringingtogether fans of comics, sci-fi, superheroes, classic TV and film, andeverything in between. I’ll be there covering it all for AntiqueWeek, myYouTube channel, and my social media platforms, so if you’re planning toattend, be sure to track me down.

Oneof the biggest highlights this year is the Back to the Future reunion, which isgoing to be a real treat. Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd,Claudia Wells, James Tolkan, Harry Waters Jr., Donald Fullilove, and even HueyLewis will be there. It’s rare to see this many cast members in one place—andyes, that means photo ops, autographs, and probably a lot of folks quoting“Great Scott!” all weekend long.

Andthe guest list just keeps going. It’s stacked with familiar faces from acrosspop culture:

Actionicons and wrestling legends like Mr. T and Dolph Lundgren will be inattendance, bringing plenty of throwback energy for fans of '80s cinema. JohnCena, now a Hollywood staple as well as a wrestling champ, will also be makingan appearance.

Onthe sci-fi and beyond front, Star Wars fans can look forward to meeting AnthonyDaniels (C-3PO) and John Boyega (Finn). The Lord of the Rings crowd will beexcited to see Orlando Bloom, and Walton Goggins—whose work spans everythingfrom Justified to The Hateful Eight to the recent Fallout series—is anothersolid addition. LOVE him in Righteous Gemstones!

Fansof superheroes and teen-era favorites are covered, too. Tom Welling and MichaelRosenbaum—Clark Kent and Lex Luthor from Smallville—are both confirmed. There’salso a nice lineup of '90s and early 2000s film stars like Alicia Silverstone,Heather Graham, Heather Locklear, and Parker Posey, whose careers defined ageneration of coming-of-age classics and cult hits.

Comicbook fans have plenty to get excited about as well, with big-name creators likeScott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley, Clayton Crain, and AlessandroCappuccio, among others, appearing at the show. Whether you're into Batman,Spawn, Invincible, or Moon Knight, there's going to be something to geek outover at Artist Alley.

Ona personal note, I’m really looking forward to meeting Seth Green and DavidBoreanaz. As a longtime Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, that’s definitely high onmy list. And my wife, Charis, is hoping to meet Steve Guttenberg—she’s alwayshad a soft spot for the Police Academy and Short Circuit star, and I can’t sayI blame her.

Gamersaren’t left out, either—Garrett Hedlund from Tron: Legacy will be there, whichis exciting. I’m hoping he’ll talk a bit about his experience in the Grid.

Beyondthe star-studded guest list, Fan Expo Dallas is always a great place toexplore. The vendor room is one of my favorite parts of the show. Whether I’mhunting for collectibles for my personal stash or items to resell in my antiquemall booth, there’s always something interesting to find. From vintage games,toys, and comics to original art to trading cards and oddball treasures, it’seasy to lose a few hours just browsing.

Therewill also be cosplay photo ops, Star Wars-themed events (lightsaber battlesincluded), and appearances from top video game voice actors. Add in panels,Q&As, and fan meetups, and it’s the kind of weekend where you’ll wish youhad more time just to take it all in.

Ifyou’re going to be there too, I’d love to connect. I’ll be sharing updates,photos, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the weekend on all mychannels. Keep an eye out—there’s no telling who we might run into.

Seeyou in Dallas!

Texas Frightmare Weekend 2025: The Ultimate Horror Convention Returns!

 

If you’re a horror fan, there’s no better place to bethan Texas Frightmare Weekend, one of the largest and most legendary horror conventions in the nation. Now in its 16th year, this event has solidifieditself as the Southwest’s premier horror convention, drawing in fans from allover for a weekend packed with celebrities, vendors, panels, and all thingsmacabre.

This year’s lineup is absolutely stacked, featuringBruce Campbell, Ti West (I LOVE the X trilogy!), Lauren LaVera, Linda Blair,Sybil Danning, and Tom Savini, among many others. I’m especially lookingforward to meeting Kevin Dillon—I’ve been dying to ask him about hisexperiences working on The Blob remake and The Doors, one of my all-timefavorite movies. Another highlight? Jack Osbourne will be there, and I’m hopingto share a fun piece of personal history with him. Back in 1986, I met his dad,the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, and even asked him if he wanted to play Pac-Man! Istill have the photo, and I can’t wait to see Jack’s reaction when I show it tohim.

Of course, no horror convention experience is completewithout diving into the vendor’s room, which is always my favorite part of anyshow. This is where the true gems are found—vintage horror collectibles, rareVHS tapes, posters, t-shirts, books, toys, and more. I’ll be on the hunt forsome unique treasures while also recording footage for my YouTube channel andtaking notes for my upcoming article in AntiqueWeek. There’s nothing quite likethe thrill of finding a rare horror relic or an obscure movie collectible thatyou never knew you needed until you saw it.

Between the celebrity meet-and-greets, the incrediblevendor hall, the film screenings, and the energy of being surrounded by fellowhorror fans, Texas Frightmare Weekend 2025 is shaping up to be anotherunforgettable event. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-timer, thisconvention is truly a celebration of all things horror. See you there—justdon’t forget to check behind you… you never know what might be lurking in theshadows!

Texas Frightmare Weekend - March 23-25

Irving Convention Ctr

500 West Las Colinas Blvd Irving, TX 75039

Texas Pinball Festival 2025 Walkthrough Tour - Rare Pinballs and Arcade Games

 

If you’ve never been to the Texas Pinball Festival in Frisco, Texas,you’re seriously missing out on one of the most electric, nostalgia-packedevents in the state. Held this year from March 21–23, the festival once againtransformed the Embassy Suites Convention Center into a buzzing, blinkingwonderland of classic and modern pinball machines and arcade cabinets—and yes,I was there, camera in hand.

If you want a full look at what this amazing event has to offer, I’ve gottwo walkthrough videos I highly recommend checking out. One focuses entirely onthe arcade games, featuring everything from rare oddities to fan-favoritecoin-ops. The other is a deep dive into the pinball lineup, showing off justhow many machines you can actually play at the show—no quarters needed.

This year’s festival was packed wall to wall with pinball greatness. Amongthe many standouts were Star Trek, Star Wars, KISS, Mr.& Mrs. Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, and Super Mario Bros.—Ilove video game-themed pins. The lights, sounds, and gameplay brought theseiconic licenses to life in ways that only pinball can. And that was just theclassics! They also had some fantastic modern tables like X-Men, EltonJohn, and Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye, which drewmassive crowds and proved that the art of pinball is still very much alive.

But it wasn’t just about flippers and multiballs. The coin-op arcadeselection this year was extremely interesting, including several machines I hadnever seen in person before. One of the highlights for me was stumbling upon amachine that holds a special place in my heart—the very first arcade video gameI ever played. Sure, it got crowded at times, especially Saturday afternoon,but this just shows how popular pinball has gotten in recent years.

Whether you’re a die-hard pinball wizard, a retro arcade fan, or justsomeone looking for a blast of nostalgia, the Texas Pinball Festival delivers.And for those who couldn’t make it this year, my walkthrough videos will giveyou the next best thing. It’s an experience I look forward to every year—and ifyou love classic gaming, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye – A Pinball Quest Worth Taking

I had the chanceto play Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye for the first time the otherday at Arcade 92 in Flower Mound, Texas, and within minutes, I knew this wassomething special. Pinball and Dungeons & Dragons feel like a match thatshould have happened long ago, but Stern has finally made it a reality. Thismachine doesn’t just borrow the branding—it embraces the core of what makesD&D great, offering a persistent adventure that evolves the more you play.

Players take onthe role of a Dragonshield Guild member, battling to stop Tiamat from returningwhile dealing with enemies like Rath the Relentless, an incredible animatronicred dragon that reacts dynamically to each game. Stern is known for pushing thelimits with mechanical features, but this dragon takes it up a notch. It movesfluidly, breathes fire (by launching extra balls from its mouth), and forcesyou to react strategically. Hitting the three-bank target to steal its treasureis satisfying, but you’d better be ready for the chaos that follows.

What truly setsThe Tyrant’s Eye apart is how it saves your progress. Thanks to Stern’s PinSaveSystem, everything from your experience points to your acquired items carriesover between games if you log in through Insider Connected. That’s unheard ofin pinball and makes this feel more like an RPG-infused quest than a standardhigh-score chase. The sense of progression kept me playing again and again,eager to see what treasures and abilities I’d unlock next. If you prefertraditional pinball, you can play without saving progress, but I love havingthe option.

The playfield ispacked with D&D-themed surprises, from an electromagnet-powered GelatinousCube that freezes the ball to dungeon doors that open to new areas. There’seven a shop where you can buy power-ups, reinforcing the RPG feel. Randomizeddice rolls influence parts of the game, and you can choose your pathways invarious dungeons, ensuring no two playthroughs feel the same.

I’ve played a lot ofpinball over the years, dating all the way back to the early 1970s, but TheTyrant’s Eye instantly became one of my all-time favorites, right up there withWilliams’ Monster Bash, which features Universal Monsters like Frankenstein andhis Bride, and Jersey’s Jack’s recent Elton John, which is sensational. TheTyrant’s Eye is dynamic, challenging, and dripping with Dungeons & Dragonslore in a way that feels natural rather than forced. If you’re a fan of eitherD&D or pinball, this is one machine you need to track down.

Superman: More Relevant Than Ever Before - Movies, Comics, TV & Beyond

Superman has been acultural icon for nearly a century, embodying hope, strength, and the idea thatdoing good is always the right choice, especially for the downtrodden. Sincehis first appearance in Action Comics #1 in 1938, the character has beenreinterpreted in countless ways, across comic books, television, and film (theless said about the video games, the better). I discovered Superman when I wasvery young via The Adventures of Superman with George Reeves and The Super Friends cartoon series, right around the time I began reading thecomic books.

Recently, a handful of Superman-related eventshave reminded fans why the character remains so compelling, from the emotionalfinale of a television series, the excitement surrounding an upcoming movie, adeeply moving documentary, and even the staggering sale of his first appearancefor a record-breaking price.

One of the most recentand heartfelt interpretations of the character came through Superman &Lois, a TV show that not only honored the legacy of Superman but alsopresented him in a way that hadn’t been explored in live-action before. Ratherthan focusing on the origin story or endless battles against alien threats(though there were some), the show centered on Clark Kent and Lois Lane asparents, raising their two sons in Smallville while navigating the struggles offamily life alongside Clark’s duties as Superman.

The final seasondelivered an emotional conclusion, bringing closure to four seasons of interesting,well-written stories. The finale featured a climactic battle against Doomsday,a fight that pushed Superman to his limits, while also reaffirming his corevalues—protecting his family, his friends, and the world at large. But whatmade Superman & Lois truly special was its ability to balance thelarger-than-life heroics with small, deeply personal moments. Tyler Hoechlin’sportrayal of Superman captured both the power and kindness that define thecharacter, making his journey resonate in a way few other adaptations havemanaged. I wasn’t crazy about his take on the character in the SupergirlTV show, but I thought he was great in Superman & Lois.

While Superman &Lois brought an end to its story, another take on the Man of Steel is justbeginning. James Gunn’s Superman, set to release in 2025, has alreadygenerated massive excitement, especially after the trailer drop in December.The teaser introduced audiences to not only a new Superman, played by DavidCorenswet, but also several DC characters making their live action cinematicdebut. Krypto, Superman’s superpowered canine companion, stole the spotlight inthe trailer, and the mere confirmation that he’ll be in the movie thrilledlongtime fans. Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, complete with his signature bowlhaircut, promises to bring some humor and arrogance to the mix, while Hawkgirland Mr. Terrific expand the film’s scope beyond just Superman’s personal story.There’s a clear sense that Gunn is embracing the broader DC Universe, makingthis film feel like a fresh and exciting new chapter for Superman on the bigscreen.

Superman’s legacy hasalways been larger than just one actor, but there’s no denying that for many, includingme, Christopher Reeve remains the definitive portrayal of the character. The2024 documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a powerful,deeply moving look at his life, career, and the unimaginable tragedy thatchanged everything. Watching it, I couldn’t help but tear up, thinking aboutthe contrast between the towering, handsome, and robust man who definedSuperman for a generation and the reality of his later years, where he facedincredible adversity after his riding accident left him paralyzed. It’s hard tocomprehend going from being the embodiment of power and grace to suddenlylosing nearly all mobility. And yet, rather than retreat into bitterness, Reevebecame an advocate, using his platform to push for advancements in spinal cordresearch and to inspire millions.

Superman: The Movie starringChristopher Reeve was one of the few films my parents took me and my brother tosee in theaters when we were kids. That experience is forever etched in mymemory—the moment when Superman first took flight, the way Reeve seamlesslytransitioned between Clark Kent’s awkward charm and Superman’s commandingpresence. Watching the documentary reminded me of those early memories, of howthat film defined what a hero was supposed to be. It wasn’t just thesuperpowers or the fights against Lex Luthor; it was the warmth, the unwaveringsense of right and wrong, and the belief that one person—superpowered ornot—could make a difference. In short, Chris and Supes were and are downrightinspirational.

Even decades after hisfirst appearance, Superman continues to hold immense value, both emotionallyand financially. Recently, an original copy of Action Comics #1,featuring Superman’s first appearance, sold for a staggering six milliondollars, setting a new record. It’s incredible to think that a single comicbook, one that originally sold for just 10 cents in 1938, could be worth thatmuch today. But that price tag is more than just a reflection of rarity—it’s evidenceof Superman’s lasting impact. He isn’t just a character; he’s a symbol, a pieceof cultural history that has resonated across generations.

Thinking abouteverything Superman represents—from the hopeful father in Superman &Lois to the fresh start in James Gunn’s film, the bittersweet legacy ofChristopher Reeve, and the historic sale of Action Comics #1—it’s clearthat he is more than just a superhero. He’s a reflection of our ideals, ourstruggles, and our hopes. No matter how many times his story is retold, whetherin comics, TV shows, or films, his message remains the same: that doing good,standing up for what’s right, and believing in the best of people will alwaysmatter. In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, especially in today’spolitical climate, Superman endures, reminding us all that we can still striveto be better.

Retro City Games in Houston, Texas - A Great Video Game Store for Nintendo, PlayStation, Imports, and More.

 

If you’re a fan ofretro gaming and happen to be in Houston, you’re in for a treat. Retro City Games, located at 11300 West Rd, Suite P, Houston, TX 77065, is the newestvideo game store in the area, having opened its doors around three months ago. Despitebeing a fresh face in the scene, it has already made a significant impact onthe local gaming community with its incredible selection, welcoming atmosphere,and deep commitment to preserving gaming history.

I recently had theopportunity to visit Retro City Games, and let me tell you—it’s a must-see forboth collectors and casual gamers. The moment you step inside, you’re greetedwith an impressive mix of old-school classics, rare imports, and modern hits. Theirstock includes hard-to-find titles for the Famicom, Super Famicom, and FamicomDisk System, along with more contemporary offerings for systems such as thePlayStation 4. They have a nice selection of collectibles as well. If you’re aSony or Nintendo fan, you’ve got to check them out. Whether you’re looking fora nostalgic throwback, wanting to explore a game you’ve never heard of butlooks interesting, or hunting for a game you passed on previously, there’ssomething for everyone.

To give you acloser look at what they have to offer, I actually did a video on Retro CityGames, which you can check out HERE. The video highlights their fantasticselection, including a Super Famicom item I had never seen before. At the endof the video, I even had the chance to speak with the store’s owner, Richard,about his vision for the shop and the challenges of launching a retail businessin today’s gaming market. I had met Richard previously at Retropalooza andother gaming conventions, and I can confidently say that he’s one of the goodguys in the industry—genuinely passionate about games, collecting, and thegaming community as a whole.

If you’re in theHouston area, I highly recommend stopping by Retro City Games. You can reachthem at (832) 409-7944 or retrocitygamesllc@gmail.com. You can also check outtheir Facebook page for updates on new arrivals and events. Supporting localbusinesses that are run by passionate gamers makes a difference, and with thededication and effort Richard is putting into this store, I have no doubt thatRetro City Games will become a go-to destination for Houston’s gaming communityfor years to come.

My Amazing Royal Caribbean Cruise from Galveston to Costa Maya and Cozumel

 

There’s somethingmagical about setting sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and my recent trip fromGalveston to Costa Maya and Cozumel was an unforgettable experience. From the momentmy wife and I stepped aboard, we were blown away by the sheer size and beautyof the ship—it was like a floating city packed with entertainment, incrediblefood, and stunning ocean views. I even made a YouTube video covering the entire trip, so if you want to see the highlights firsthand, be sure to check it out!

One of the firstthings I did was head to the sports deck, which quickly became one of myfavorite spots. I jumped into some intense basketball games, dodged and doveduring dodgeball matches, and even challenged myself on the rock climbing wall,which was both fun and a serious workout. No matter what kind of activity youenjoy, there’s something for everyone on board.

Of course, one ofthe best parts of any cruise is the food, and Royal Caribbean did notdisappoint. The buffet was absolutely amazing, offering everything from freshseafood to Indian cuisine and decadent desserts. Whether we were grabbing aquick breakfast before heading to shore or indulging in a late-night snack,there was always something delicious waiting. Even the pizza was surprisinglygood!

Another unexpectedhighlight was the full-size arcade. I was excited to find a couple of retrotitles among the modern machines. In the evenings, we made sure to catch someof the spectacular shows onboard. From Broadway-style performances to comedyacts and live music, Royal Caribbean knows how to entertain. We enjoyed the iceskating show so much we went to an encore performance!

When we arrived atCosta Maya and Cozumel, we got to explore beautiful beaches, shop forsouvenirs, and soak in the vibrant culture of Mexico. Whether it was relaxingby the crystal-clear water or enjoying tacos and margaritas, each stop addedsomething special to the trip.

From start to finish,my Royal Caribbean cruise was an adventure packed with fun, food, andunforgettable memories. If you're thinking about taking a cruise fromGalveston, I highly recommend it. And don’t forget to watch my YouTube videofor a closer look at the trip!

Major Life Change - From Freelance Writer to Video Game Cataloger at Heritage Auctions

 

For more than two decades, I was a full-time freelancer. In addition to authoringbooks about video games and popular culture, I wrote for numerous journals,magazines, newspapers, and websites about pretty much anything and everything.It was fun while it lasted. You could call it my dream job, and many peopledid. During my peak time, I would have more than 80 articles published in printeach year, plus a ton of online content.

Most weekdays, I’d start early with a strong cup of Earl Grey (a laCaptain Picard) and make the short commute to my home office, just a few stepsfrom my bedroom. Like many in the field, I took on a few side gigs to helpsupplement my income—selling on eBay and running a booth in an antique mallamong them. It was great: I was my own boss, made my own hours, avoided rushhour traffic, and spent my days doing things I enjoyed. I could even take awalk or a nap pretty much whenever I wanted, especially once the kids startedschool.

During this time, one of the biggest challenges I faced was the sharp risein health insurance costs after the Affordable Health Care Act initiative,which was signed into law in 2010 and took full effect in 2014. I’d been payingaround $100 a month for a basic plan that met my needs, but with the ACA’srollout, I lost that plan, my access to CareNow Urgent Care (the nearbysubstitute was like something out of a third-world country), and my doctor, whoI absolutely loved—despite assurances from President Obama that wouldn’thappen. My new policy cost over $600 a month and offered fewer benefits. WhileI recognize that the ACA helped many, including my son, it was a serious blowfor freelancers, business owners, and self-employed people like me, makingaffordable healthcare ironically harder to obtain. Cheap plans that were not throughan employer simply did not exist anymore.

As the years went on, many of the publications I wrote for shut down,victims of the digital age. For those that remained, such as AntiqueWeek andthe Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the pay dropped drastically, and I found myselfleaning more and more on my side-hustles. I started walking dogs through Wag,which was fun (I love pups and the outdoors!) and provided grocery and gasmoney, but eventually I had to confront the reality that I needed a job with steadypay and full-time benefits. I ended up taking a graveyard shift loading trucks atFedEx, which came with excellent benefits—good health insurance for only $9 amonth—but the hours and the job itself were grueling. I could never adjust mysleep schedule, and exhaustion quickly took its toll. I was weary all the timeand knew I needed to find something else.

About three-and-a-half years ago, during the “dark period” (what I call mytime at FedEx, which lasted an interminable two years and nine months), my wifeand I went to see a Pink Floyd cover band at a local bar. I knew the frontman,Greg Holman, an old friend from my time working at Lone Star Comics, a chain inthe Dallas/Fort Worth area. Before the show started, we caught up, and he talkedto me about his job as a comic book cataloger at Heritage Auctions, which hadrecently moved from Dallas to Irving near DFW Airport—much closer to where Ilive in Fort Worth. For years, I’d thought working at Heritage would be a fantasticjob (I’m a huge comic book fan), but the old commute would have been too far,and I’d been happy freelancing. Now, with their new location, a budding videogame department (which started in 2019), and my own financial needs, it feltlike the perfect fit.

I applied to Heritage Auctions the following week, was hired soon after,and have been cataloging video games ever since. My work is similar to what I’dalready been doing with my books—writing brief descriptions of video games. Thelistings appear on the Heritage website and, for their Signature sales, inprinted catalogs as well. However, rather than writing reviews or gameplaysynopses like in my books, I focus on rarity, condition, and the collectiblenature of each item, requiring me to adjust my style. The notion of going to anoffice Monday through Friday took some getting used to, but after a couple ofmonths on the job, I adapted. More importantly, I really like my co-workers andthe advantages that come with working for a great company.

A few months after starting with Heritage, I got a nice promotion to LeadVideo Game Cataloger. Around that time, Cierra Caballero, one of my bestfriends and someone whom I’ve collaborated with on many projects, startedworking at Heritage as a video game cataloger after my recommendation. She’s agreat fit for the department and super fun to work with, bringing her positivityand unique perspective. I’ve also been traveling with Heritage to video game conventions, working at their booth. These developments only made my job better.

Some of the most exciting items we’ve sold at Heritage show just how farthe video game collectibles market has come. A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros.brought in an incredible $660,000, while a pristine Super Mario 64 shatteredrecords at $1.56 million, becoming the most expensive video game ever sold. The Legend of Zelda also turned heads, fetching $870,000 for a sealedearly-production copy.

Sonic the Hedgehog had his moment in the spotlight when a copy of theoriginal Genesis game fetched an impressive $360,000. Meanwhile, John MaddenFootball for the Genesis outpaced it, achieving a staggering $480,000. Althoughthese prices reflect a market bubble from two to three years ago, and we maynever see these lofty numbers again, video games as collectible commoditiescontinue to thrive as a robust industry. Heritage and other auction housesfrequently sell games for amounts comparable to the price of a brand-new 2024Porsche, unthinkable just a few years ago.

Some of Heritage’s more recent highlights include: a Wata 9.8 A++ firstproduction copy of Super Mario Bros. 2 for $137,500; a CGC 9.6 A+ firstproduction copy of Metroid for $125,000; a Wata 9.4 A first production copy ofSuper Mario World for $125,000; a VGA 85 NM+ NES Deluxe Set console for$120,000; a Wata 9.6 A++ first production copy of Duck Hunt for $120,000; aWata 9.8 A++ mid-production copy of Pokémon Red Version for $118,750; and aWata 6.5 grey Nintendo World Championships cartridge for $62,500.

It’s been interesting watching thevideo game market evolve over the years, expanding to the point where thesepieces of electronic plastic housed in cardboard are considered collectibles comparablewith coins, baseball cards, and comic books. While not everyone is happy withthis development—some prefer a time when retro game collecting was a nichehobby, and I totally understand that—it was inevitable considering the ubiquityof the medium and the explosion of collecting and popular culture in general. Gamesthat people were literally throwing away during the 1990s are now antiques worthpreserving.

If you’ve got sealed vintage videogames or some truly rare and/or valuable items—like original artwork,prototypes, or other gaming collectibles—you might want to consider consigningthem with Heritage Auctions. It’s a great way to find new homes for yourtreasures among serious collectors who will appreciate them. If you’re curiousabout how it works or just want to chat about your collection, feel free toreach out to Valarie Spiegel at valaries@ha.com or Evan Masingill atevanm@ha.com. They’re always happy to hear from fellow gamers and potentialclients. If you just want to check out some of the cool stuff Heritage sells,head over to HA.com.

As for me, working at Heritage hasbeen a rewarding way to combine my passion for video games with my experienceas a writer. Cataloging games gives me the chance to interact with incrediblepieces of gaming history, from sealed classics for the Atari 2600,ColecoVision, Intellivision, Genesis, NES, and Super NES to unique artwork thatreveals the creative process behind beloved titles. It’s a role I neverexpected to find during my early freelance days, but it feels like things havecome full circle, and I’m enjoying it. Watching the gaming world evolve—from casualswap meets to games selling for thousands of dollars through prestigiousauction houses—has been truly fascinating.

If you’d like to read my essay on thehistory of why video games have gotten expensive, you can read it HERE. Or, youcan watch my video on the topic HERE.

As always, thanks for reading!

~ Brett

Rolling Stone Magazine's List of 50 Greatest Video Games of All Time

 

Rolling Stone recentlyreleased their list of "The 50 Greatest Video Games of All Time,"sparking lively debates among gamers on social media. This ambitious rankingcelebrates the best the medium has to offer and showcases a diverse array oftitles spanning decades, genres, and platforms, though there is plenty ofrecency bias. This refers to the tendency to overvalue newerexperiences while overlooking the historical impact and excellence of olderworks.

Some of the choices havestirred controversy, particularly regarding the absence of NES titles and iconicclassics like Donkey Kong and Galaga. Others might argue that groundbreakingtitles such as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night or The Legend of Zelda: ALink to the Past deserve higher placement, given their excellence and profoundinfluence on the industry.

Meanwhile, the inclusionof games like Fortnite and Minecraft raises important questions about how wedefine "greatness" in gaming. Is it measured by cultural impact,innovation, user base, or simply the fun factor? Rolling Stone provides insightinto their selection philosophy in the introduction, which adds some helpfulcontext to the rankings.

The challenge of creatingsuch a list lies in comparing vastly different experiences. How do you weighthe simple, yet intense gameplay of Robotron: 2084 against the sprawling,cinematic ambition of Red Dead Redemption 2? These contrasts highlight the evolutionof gaming and the personal nature of what makes a game resonate with players.

To add my perspective,I’ve created a YouTube video analyzing Rolling Stone’s selections and offeringmy take on each game featured. I discuss why certain titles might deserve theirspot while others seem questionable.

Check out my fullbreakdown of the list by clicking HERE. I’d love to hear your thoughts in thecomments—what games do you think were ranked too high, too low, or left outentirely? Let’s keep this conversation going!

My Top 5 Games at The 8-Bit Guy's Time Rift Arcade - Bedford, Texas

If you’ve everwanted to experience the magic of an old-school arcade, Time Rift Arcade inBedford, Texas, is the place to be. Owned and operated by David Murray, betterknown as The 8-Bit Guy, this spot isn’t just an arcade—it’s a celebration ofgaming history. Whether you’re a retro gaming fan or just curious about whatmade arcades so iconic, stepping inside is like traveling back to a time whengaming meant crowded rooms, flashing lights, and the thrill of high scores. Allthe games were in excellent working condition when I went.

The arcade is hometo around 100 games, spanning both classic favorites and a few modernsurprises. Add to that a fantastic selection of pinball machines, and you’vegot a gamer’s paradise. The moment you walk in, the neon lighting and the humof vintage monitors pull you in, while the constant chorus of game sounds setsthe stage for an unforgettable experience.

In my latestYouTube video, I take you on a walkthrough of this incredible place,highlighting my top five arcade games of the night. Picking favorites was noeasy task—there’s just so much to love here. From nostalgic hits that broughtback childhood memories to games that hooked me with their sheer fun andchallenge, every choice was a tough call. But hey, narrowing it down is halfthe fun!

If you’re intofighters, shooters, or quirky hidden gems, there’s something here for you. Andhonestly, Time Rift Arcade is more than just a collection of games. It’s thevibe, the energy, and the sense of stepping into a living time capsule.

So, if you’recurious about what makes this place so special—or if you’re wondering whichgames made my list—check out the video on my channel by clicking HERE. Trustme, you’ll want to see this arcade in action. Don’t forget to like, comment,and subscribe while you’re there! Let me know which games you’d choose as yourfavorites.

You can also checkout the full walkthrough of the arcade I posted a few weeks ago by clicking HERE.