Interview

Susan Whittaker
Keyor, Michigan

All right Lets Start with some background questions for those viewers who haven't had the pleasure of meeting or knowing you yet. 

1. Scuba-Have you ever played a CCG before UFS? 

Susan- Yes, Judge and player for Yugioh and Full Metal Alchemist.

2. Scuba-Are you a fan of any of the games and/or licenses?  Or, do you just like the UFS engine? 

Susan-I like Street fighter. That is what got me into UFS at first.

3. Scuba-If you did play one of these games, does that sway you to that license for choosing a character when in the deck building process?

Susan-Usually go with a street fighter character over others.

4. Scuba-How did you hear of UFS and STG?

Susan-I saw epic battles and it crossed over to me finding out about UFS.

General Questions:

1. Scuba-Of girls who play UFS do you think it is better for them to learn from guys or girls? 

Susan-I think girls are better. I think we take the time to teach on a more fun level where guys are on a more competitive level.

2. Scuba-Depending if another girl or a guy teaches a girl do you think it holds an advantage one way or the other?

Susan- If a guy taught a girl, they are teaching you the basics and what it takes to win.  A girl explains more detail and more in depth so they have a further understanding of the game. 

3. Scuba-Do you think girls have enough girls to play against in a general playgroup or do you view this as a current problem? 

Susan-Not enough girls. I am the only one.

4. Scuba-Do you think sometimes a reason a girl won't get into a CCG like UFS is because they aren't comfortable playing against a group of guys being the only girl? 

Susan- No, it depends on the person. If they are into CCG's, then yeah, they will play games like UFS. If they are into going to the beach or mall type thing, don't count on it.

5. Scuba-Would you feel comfortable showing someone else how to play the game, why or why not?  Does the answer change depending on the gender of your student?

Susan-I would teach anybody how to play. Doesn't matter if it's a guy or girl. 

6. Scuba-Do you prefer your opponent to play to their full potential, or let you feel like you're in the game?  Do you want cat-n-mouse, or reality?  Does the answer change if the opponent is willing afterwards to give you their tips on plays and deck building and how they were able to win (if they won, that is, hehe)? 

Susan-I would get insulted if they just let me win. I want everyone to play their best.

7. Scuba-If you ever lose a match do you ever ask your opponent for some help and what is the general answer? 

Susan-I do, especially from the top ranked players.

8. Scuba-Do you ever go to a local tournament or travel to a tournament?  

Susan-When I can and am not too busy with my other job.

9. Scuba-Do you only play with 'pretty' characters? (I know guys that do this, so don't be offended) Have you ever used, for example: Nightmare, Hugo, Cervantes, or Astraoath?  

Susan-I mix it up. Started with Chun Li, and I have now been playing Cervantes. 

10. Scuba-What kind of hobbies do you have outside of playing UFS?

Susan-Like to write and play online role-play games, and I am a big art type person.

11. Scuba-How often do you get harassed by male players when you play against them and how do they take it when you beat them? 

Susan-I don't really get harassed much. I beat Andrew Olexa and he didn't get mad. He was proud I beat him.

12. Scuba-Do you try to bring other friends who are non-gamers (Guy/Girls) to play the game?

Susan-We have tried but with little success. Either they don't want to play it or have given up half way.

13. Scuba-Did you get dragged into gaming by a significant other or was it always one of your callings?  

Susan-I have been a gamer from a start.

14. Scuba-Who do you think is the strongest player in your area? 

Susan-Andrew Olexa and his group.

15. Scuba-Do you feel comfortable approaching this person and asking for advice? Why or why not? 

Susan-Yes, we are all good friends.

16. Scuba-Do you ever feel intimidated?  Why or why not?

Susan-Sometimes when I go into a big event I think a lot of the other players will beat me. That might be why I don't do so well at some of the AOP's. 

17. Scuba-How much do you buy?  If you're in a relationship with a gamer, do you ask said gamer to build you decks, or do you take initiative and acquire your own cards? 

Susan-We buy a lot because we collect.  We split SNK, Street Fighter, Soul Caliber, and Dark Stalkers. 

18. Scuba-Do you have other girls that game in the group or are you the only girl in the group? 

Susan-I am the only girl and have been used to it from my other CCG's.

Susan-Yes. Guys I think play to win whereas we try to play around our particular character.

20. Scuba-Do you think it is possible for men or women to step out side the box and try to think like one another to get in their heads or are our brains just too different? 

Susan-Yes, I think we can adapt to the guys but I still think that we will always keep our own play style. 

21. Scuba-Knowing that guys strongly dominate the CCG world do you ever use that knowledge to your advantage?

Susan-No, I don't ever try.

22. Scuba-Do you ever try to play mind games with your opponent thinking they will underestimate you? 

Susan-I do that with twelve (especially in my match with Amy she got really mad at me) often and some times will call enhances even if they don't play a factor in the game. 

23. Scuba-Do you ever intentionally act like you're new at the game to get your opponent to take match lightly?  

Susan-No I don't.

24. Scuba-How do you play in your normal playgroup compared to the matches you might get at a Nationals or Worlds event? 

Susan-I don't play top level at my home store but am more serious at bigger events. 

Susan-I don't think so. I think people can tell if the card game will be serious or not.

Closing thoughts:

Susan-UFS is a great game and don't be afraid to try new things. Anyone who loves the game should go for it.

If you have any questions about any of the topics discussed or anything in general contact me on the boards or email me This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .