We usually don’t flatter ourselves but in honor of the Donkey Kong hi-score record we will.  Back in August, our retro writer, Gonzalo, predicted that Dr. Hank Chien will surpass the 1 million mark and eventually set the new record for Donkey Kong.  Guess what, he did!

Dr. Chien surpassed the 1,050,200 Donkey Kong mark set by Billy Mitchell, with an unbelievable score of 1,061,700 in 2 hours and 35 minutes according to Twin Galaxies officials, ending the game on the famed kill screen.

The Perezstart.com staff first met Hank early in 2009 at a Richie Knucklez competition in Flemington, NJ. We remember seeing Hank playing on the Donkey Kong arcade machine wearing his medical scrubs. We then saw Hank again at the Richie Knucklez’s Invitational, and noticed something special brewing after he broke the 900k mark. Hank is a cool and calm customer, he has nerves of steel and exudes brilliance with every move that he makes.

Hank began practicing Donkey Kong on the MAME version and then invested in his own Donkey Kong arcade machine. The game of Donkey Kong requires impeccable hand eye- coordination and precision. It is only natural that the steady hands of a Plastic Surgeon could attain this phenomenal feat.

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Perezstart.com took a ride down to Flemington, NJ for Richie Knucklez’s World Record Weekend this past weekend.. Where top players from all over the world, (and we do mean the World) met up to compete for the top spot of their respective games.

Of course as gaming fans ourselves, we took advantage of the great selection of Classic Games that Richie has to offer. Our EIC and his wife (Juan and Melissa Perez) were fascinated by the Tapper machine. Tapper is an excellent game, but even better when you play it on an actual arcade machine because of its unique controls.

I made my way around the arcade and played a few all time favorites. From Qbert, to Ms. Pacman to Punchout and Galaga. Ritchie’s collection was new and fresh from our last visit a few months ago. He had a new Championship Sprint game that I spent some time on.

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PerezStart had the pleasure of taking a field trip this past weekend and visit the Classic Arcade Gaming Tournament hosted by Richie Knuckles (RK’s) in Flemington, NJ.  Upon entering the “arcade games” I felt a happiness I haven’t felt in a long time…a long time..

Gonzalo Perez scoring in Q*bert

I was greeted by the most knowledgeable lady, Ms. Paige Knucklez, who made us feel at home and was most cordial. We discussed Richie’s history in starting his passion of arcade gaming.  Unfortunately, we missed Walter Day so my Guiness Book of Video Games is still unsigned .  After our salutations, we ventured throughout the room and were amazed by what we saw. Not only were the selection of games outstanding, but most importantly the condition and quality of the cabinets were impeccable. I must of played Qbert 20 times and I could not get over how responsive the controls were. “No joystick lag here”

Juan Perez with Richie Knucklez

We met Tim Sczerby who was the Donkey Kong scoring Champion before Billy Mitchell surpassed him (he’s currently ranked 3rd). He was attempting to break the world record again that night, and we witnessed his score of 582,000.  Watching the former World Title holder of Donkey Kong, Tim’s mechanics and concentration demonstrated his passion for Arcade Gaming.  His secret?  A McDonald’s #1 meal and lots of gaming space. He monopolized the entire isle with his imposing posture and his score sheet letting him know if he was on par to break the points record.  Honestly, I would have preferred him to perform a “Kill Screen” at RK’s since that would have been that locations first one!

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Coming this weekend, is the Classic Arcade Gaming Tournament in Flemington, NJ hosted by Richie Knucklez Arcade Games.  The event takes place on Saturday March 14, 11AM – Midnight and Sunday March 15th, 10AM – 4PM.  If you’re a true old school gamer, this weekend is the place to attend.  The founder of Twin Galaxies and Head Referee Walter Day will be in attendance signing autographs and greeting fans.  The $40 admission fee will cover unlimited play for 19 hours as well as 4 hours of Friday evening.

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