Interviewing the Completionists!

[Baqsam]

Dark_Phantom_89, a 21-year old male from the United Kingdom, is a maximum clubs director and completionist with an interesting collection of platinum trophies. I am particularly fond of the FPS games that he completed and he also completed other types of games that are also difficult. In addition, he only buys DLC that he thinks he will enjoy. I also think that he is very hardworking when it comes to his staff job and extremely respectful on the forums.

1) Since when have you been a trophy completionist?
I never actually started out with the intention of being a completionist, however after obtaining my 5th and 6th platinum in really difficult games (WipEout HD and Killzone 2,) I thought to myself "If I can get the platinum in those hard games, then then why not try to get it in everything else from now on as well?"

2) Were you a completionist before trophies as well?
I'd say that I was. I remember fully completing almost all of my PS1 and PS2 games, especially Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy X with multiple playthroughs. I spent around 700 hours in FFX in total.

3) What is your policy regarding picking and playing games?
I tend to avoid PSN games without platinums for two reasons - one because they tend to be really short and I like a game that has a bit of length to it and secondly (and I'll admit this) I like seeing a nice shiny platinum trophy next to the game in my trophy collection. Sad or what?

4) I have a theory that anyone can complete any game, but the average trophy collector gives up on hard games while a completionist does not because he or she has a streak to maintain and so there is higher motivation. Do you agree?
Absolutely. I never gave up on Killzone 2 when Radec's troops on Elite were annihilating me and I made sure to see the 10,000 kills grind on Resistance 2 to the end just to get those shiny platinum trophies. The motivation and determination is definitely higher when you like to fully complete things that you know you can do.

5) Do you feel like being a completionist reflects other aspects of you in real life?
Yes and no. I like to see something through to the end which I know I can do, however I know when to stop if I try my absolute best but can't do something.

6) Which game has really pushed your limits and is your proudest completion?
I'd say it's a toss up between Killzone 2 and Mirror's Edge. Killzone 2 on Elite was one of the hardest things I've ever played and seriously tested my patience - I genuinely thought that I wouldn't be able to it. Then you've got Mirror's Edge - those speed runs and time trials were an absolute nightmare. Having to be completely flawless for around 7 minutes was just ridiculous, especially when the character just refused to jump or grab onto something when I told her to. I remember completing a majority of the time trials, scraping through on 0.00.03 under the target time.

7) Do you avoid games that you initially think you cannot complete?
Sort of. I prefer to play a demo first and get a feel for a game before taking the plunge and buying it. However, if I really enjoy a game but find out I can't complete it, then I'll try my absolute hardest to get as far as I can.

8) Do you support the concept of trophy deletion so that average trophy collectors can delete their incomplete games and become completionists?
I think the idea of being able to delete 0% games off of your list should be implemented - you haven't even played the game, so what's the harm in getting rid of it on your trophy list? However, I don't support the idea of being able to delete games which have trophies already collected in.

9) What are your tips for those aspiring to become completionists, either from scratch or on their current accounts?
Don't give up when the going gets tough and don't start a new account - it'll just ruin all of the work that you've done so far. I try to finish one game at a time and occasionally have a second to switch between. Any more than that and I risk getting a backlog.

10) Finally, if a friend came over and put a 1000-hour game into your console without your permission, will you complete it to maintain your streak?
Haha, I probably would and I'm ashamed to admit that!

[Baqsam]

eburkulosis is also a bearer of the Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 platinum trophy. He also has some other mention worthy platinum trophies in different genres such as music and adventure. Complimenting his dedication to his games is his distinct pride in his choice to become a completionist, which you will notice in the interview.

1) Since when have you been a trophy completionist?
Its a funny story, when I bought my PS3 in December of 2008 my 1st trophy supported game was Dead Space. I purposely did not pursue the trophies because I knew myself all too well and would get addicted to them...needless to say the temptation was too great and here I am...a couple of trophies away from a total 100% trophy list.

2) Were you a completionist before trophies as well?
Yes, actually on the Wii before I got the PS3 I always tried to complete everything possible in a given game...and before that I played a lot of Final Fantasy titles (all of them) and I would always do everything possible in the game and reach all my characters to level 99.

3) What is your policy regarding picking and playing games?
I try to stay away from PSN games because for one there is no plat and secondly most of them are junk compared to retail games in my opinion. I buy all my own DLC for all my games...no account sharing or anything like that.

4) I have a theory that anyone can complete any game, but the average trophy collector gives up on hard games while a completionist does not because he or she has a streak to maintain and so there is higher motivation. Do you agree?
Oh absolutely...its what drives me. The longer this streak goes on the more pressure there will be mounting to keep it going. At the same time you do not want to just pad your list with n00b games...I have had moments of weakness, for instance I platted Up! on the heels of platting Red Faction Guerrilla and Rock Band 2 in the same day because I felt I deserved a break...I've regreted it ever since.

5) Do you feel like being a completionist reflects other aspects of you in real life?
Yes, life is a grind...but an enjoyable one. I always think this when I'm jogging on my treadmill. It takes the same perseverance to overcome the pain for the glory at the end.

6) Which game has really pushed your limits and is your proudest completion?
There are two games that stick out. Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, which is THEE hardest plat on the PS3. Also, Rock Band 3...I don't know anyone else that has RB3 plat and I've had it for about 10 weeks now. I am not musically inclined so music games don't come so easily like they do for other 'naturals' But I take pride in all 56 of my games 100%'s. I will have Mirrors Edge 100% in a day or so...that will also be high on the list.

7) Do you avoid games that you initially think you cannot complete?
Not really, I'm always up for a good challenge...especially if its a good game. I have been contemplating Star Ocean because I love RPG's.

8) Do you support the concept of trophy deletion so that average trophy collectors can delete their incomplete games and become completionists?
I used to until I got on the other side of the fence. It would undermine everything I have worked for. I would be very dissapointed.

9) What are your tips for those aspiring to become completionists, either from scratch or on their current accounts?
Don't even try it...you can't hang with a true gamer like me!

10) Finally, if a friend came over and put a 1000-hour game into your console without your permission, will you complete it to maintain your streak?
People tell me all the time that they are gonna hack my account and put Warhawk on there...I tell them if they do i will just plat it.

[Baqsam]

saw3003, a male from the United Kingdom, is a decent completionist with a nice variety of platinum trophies for games such as shooters and RPGs. That is only part of the mix. He did something different by introducing himself as a completionist, which is something I encourage all to do, since he would otherwise be hard to find due to his subtle activity on the forums.

1) Since when have you been a trophy completionist?
When I first got my PS3 really, id sit there and look at the trophies I was missing and it was almost like the game was swearing at me lol, so from then on the OCD kicked in .

2) Were you a completionist before trophies as well?
Yes defiantly id start a new game if I had missed something out and couldn’t go back and get it, even if it was irrelevant, I remember when I was younger a friend of mine said if I missed a toothbrush on a level id play it again, Considering I used to play Final Fantasy quite a lot I lost a lot of hours.

3) What is your policy regarding picking and playing games?
I research my games pretty thoroughly before actually getting them, using sites like this one and gamestop looking at reviews images ect, and a demo if I can get one. I have a few psn titles some with a platinum, but that wont sway my decision on the game if I like it ill get it, same with DLC.

4) I have a theory that anyone can complete any game, but the average trophy collector gives up on hard games while a completionist does not because he or she has a streak to maintain and so there is higher motivation. Do you agree?
Well yeah I suppose so thinking about it, some people just don’t care that a game isn’t 100% personally I wouldn’t be able to stand it, even if I had the platinum, to me it just wouldn’t look right, I would have to keep going till it was 100.

5) Do you feel like being a completionist reflects other aspects of you in real life?
Yes defiantly, for me its all about details and completing every detail within whatever I do, from my career to mundane trivial things, I never leave anything uncompleted if I can help it.

6) Which game has really pushed your limits and is your proudest completion?
Well proudest and pushed limits are different for me, for sheer frustration and pushing my limits to giving up id have to give that one to vanquish (challenge 6) pain in the arse literally. I have a few completions iam proud of, but id proberly give that too killzone 2 just for the sheer determination I needed to do the whole thing, but iam sure Star Ocean; the last hope will take this when I get that done.

7) Do you avoid games that you initially think you cannot complete?
No not at all, ive been worried a few times when playing certain games, I remember thinking this game is the one to tarnish my record lol, but there is always a way to beat the game some just take patience and a break.

8) Do you support the concept of trophy deletion so that average trophy collectors can delete their incomplete games and become completionists?
No I don’t. you buy a game for the game not the trophys so enjoy it. If there was a trophy that I cant get I wouldn’t want to delete it, as I said there is always a way to get them, but just enjoy the game rather than the ping of a trophy (cant believe I just said that lol)

9) What are your tips for those aspiring to become completionists, either from scratch or on their current accounts?
Umm well, id say if your gonna do it then get the online done first as the offline you can take your time with, but most importantly buy games you like not what others tell you to get if you don’t enoy the game your never do it.

10) Finally, if a friend came over and put a 1000-hour game into your console without your permission, will you complete it to maintain your streak?
That’s tough and this friend would suck if he did that. It would depend on the game to be honest and whether I would like it or not but I would not be happy, in fact I think iam gonna keep my ps3 locked away from now on

[Baqsam]

Kittrix, a 20-year old female from Australia, is probably the only female completionist on the forums, if not the universe in its entirety! Not only is she a completionist, she also has a terrifying collection of platinum trophies in her sack for hard games, like Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 and Street Fighter IV. There's even more to that. With a collection like that, Kittrix is definitely living proof of the fact that females can be extremely good at games.

1) Since when have you been a trophy completionist?
Firstly, I got my ps3 on Christmas Day. I had no idea of trophies and when I started playing my first game which was Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, I saw a trophy appear. I didn’t have much intention on completing the list at first but after I bought a few more games the trophy huntress in me kicked in, haha. I try to work on 100% for 2-3 games at a time, it keeps me busy!

2) Were you a completionist before trophies as well?
Yes, I’ve owned other consoles before the ps3 and I would try to complete anything in a game even if it wasn’t required for completing the main story. I remember in Crash Bandicoot games I would complete all the time trials to get those platinum relics, oh, they are platinum too…

3) What is your policy regarding picking and playing games?
I know it might sound silly but I wouldn’t want something on my list that doesn’t have that blue little icon next to its title. *blushes* I do avoid PSN games unless they have a platinum trophy. Most of the time I wouldn’t consider it and the only PSN game I have on my trophy list is Trine which does have a platinum. If I ever get curious on trying out a PSN game that I might like then I would probably make a different account to play it on.
I will buy DLC for all my games. I can further explore different aspects of the games I play with new DLC trophies.
I am cautious of games that have closed servers and I won’t risk my completion streak over it.

4) I have a theory that anyone can complete any game, but the average trophy collector gives up on hard games while a completionist does not because he or she has a streak to maintain and so there is higher motivation. Do you agree?
Definitely, I think anyone can complete a game. A completionist will go out of their way to get that platinum.

5) Do you feel like being a completionist reflects other aspects of you in real life?
Yes, in a way. If I have a passion for something then I will try to achieve the best I can in it. Besides gaming, I really like art. If I’m drawing I will make sure that I put as much detail as I can before showing someone my work. I want them to be impressed by my work and same goes for my trophy list.

6) Which game has really pushed your limits and is your proudest completion?
I don’t mind pushing the limit. Being a gamer for most of my life I definitely wanted a challenge to test my gaming skills and I knew I would find that in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. It is my proudest completion so far and I enjoyed the long journey to obtain it.

7) Do you avoid games that you initially think you cannot complete?
If I think it might risk my completion streak such as a trophy unobtainable due to a server permanently down or a glitched trophy that the developers decided not to patch it then I will avoid that particular game.

8) Do you support the concept of trophy deletion so that average trophy collectors can delete their incomplete games and become completionists?
Maybe if it is a game that has a platinum trophy that is no longer obtainable. But no, if they have trophies already in that game I think they should at least attempt to complete it. I don’t support trophy deletion.

9) What are your tips for those aspiring to become completionists, either from scratch or on their current accounts?
Perseverance is one of the main factors. I believe anyone could complete a difficult game if they put their mind to it. Practice, practice, practice! You won’t go anywhere if you give up so fast.

10) Finally, if a friend came over and put a 1000-hour game into your console without your permission, will you complete it to maintain your streak?
Well yes I would. Let’s just hope it has brilliant gameplay that would keep me awake! -_-

[Baqsam]

Jeankarlo, a male, is said to have the best trophy collection in the universe in terms of quantity and quality. I had to take a look myself and I became a potential believer of his status as the best. He's basically done it all. I won't spoil anything; take a look at his collection and the interview. He also mentioned that his main language is not English and so I had to make minor grammatical and conventional tweaks.

1) Since when have you been a trophy completionist?
Since Uncharted patch, and I'm glad trophies come to PS3, I was jealous about XBOX achievements.

2) Were you a completionist before trophies as well?
Yup, I always like get 100% in all my games since PS2 - Gamecube - N64 - etc (except SNES, usually can't save progress ).

3) What is your policy regarding picking and playing games?
I usually try play games I like it, but I have a couple of friends that we always coop, so sometimes I play games that I don't really want but when you are playing with friends youalways enjoy it (except glitched games ).
About PSN games, I play them too, but I prefer a retail game, and about DLCs I get them when I enjoyed the game

4) I have a theory that anyone can complete any game, but the average trophy collector gives up on hard games while a completionist does not because he or she has a streak to maintain and so there is higher motivation. Do you agree?
My theory is that some players can do it easier and others not, is like a sport, a few have a natural talent but in the other side we have players that can't do it and I think that every player is good in certain games FPS, fighting, race games, etc

5) Do you feel like being a completionist reflects other aspects of you in real life?
Yes, completionist feel is something that is in the behavior.

6) Which game has really pushed your limits and is your proudest completion?
it depends
Skill = NGS2, SF4, SSF4, CoD WaW
Time consuming = Warhawk

7) Do you avoid games that you initially think you cannot complete?
Not really, I just want plat the games I started, and I started games that I like.

8) Do you support the concept of trophy deletion so that average trophy collectors can delete their incomplete games and become completionists?
I think that if you dont want a game in your list you should have the option to delete it, or give you the option to install or not trophies at start.

9) What are your tips for those aspiring to become completionists, either from scratch or on their current accounts?
First of all if you are going for the hard ones, have patience, remember practice make you better.
For people that just go for quantity, make a good research of trophies (glitched, difficulty, time consuming, etc).

10) Finally, if a friend came over and put a 1000-hour game into your console without your permission, will you complete it to maintain your streak?
Since I have Warhawk plat any game don't look too scary about time consuming, just hope that game is fun and have coop .

[Baqsam]

Varkovsky is yet another completionist with a true "sack" of platinums, at almost 200, with a perfect completion rate. All the way from the Singapore/Jakarta area, Varkovsky's mixed achievements and impressive DLC completions qualify him to provide you with the following detailed answers.

1) Since when have you been a trophy completionist?
I have been a completionist since I earned my first platinum which was Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune back in September 2008. At the time I had no idea what trophies are, I played Uncharted because it got great reviews. Needless to say, not only I fell in love with the game, I also got addicted to the “bling” sound that trophies make lol.

2) Were you a completionist before trophies as well?
I have always tried to complete my games 100% even from the PS1 days. I remember trying to 100% the old Crash Bandicoot games by collecting all the gems. I also used to play a lot of JRPGs during the PS2 days and I would complete them fully as well. Nowadays I mostly don’t play JRPGs anymore because they tend to be very time consuming and full of grind.
Plus I don’t want to subject my wife to more of my gaming addiction even though she also has a few platinums of her own now.

3) What is your policy regarding picking and playing games?
Naturally I would prefer a retail game compared to PSN games although I wouldn’t say no to the latter if they look interesting. As you can see, I have quite a few PSN games in my collection.
As for DLCs, I have only one rule. If the trophy list for a certain game is synced into my profile, I will make sure I maintain everything at 100%. So if a game releases 5 DLCs for example and they all have trophies, you bet I will make sure that the game is back at 100%

4) I have a theory that anyone can complete any game, but the average trophy collector gives up on hard games while a completionist does not because he or she has a streak to maintain and so there is higher motivation. Do you agree?
Yes I definitely agree with this because I am one lol. I take more pride in being a completionist and not so much in being someone who has a lot of trophies. For me, what’s important is the completion rate and not the amount of trophies you have.

5) Do you feel like being a completionist reflects other aspects of you in real life?
Definitely! I am quite the perfectionist in real life too. Some people have suspected that I suffer from a mild OCD but I do not know for sure since I have never really look into it. Certainly plausible though if you look at my completion rate.

6) Which game has really pushed your limits and is your proudest completion?
The earliest game I can think of was Super Stardust HD. Correct me if I am wrong but I think it was the first game that was given trophy support right? Anyway, I played it because everyone says it is a great game.
As most people would know, there are 2 difficult trophies for SSHD: Shock and Awe and Late Boomer. After getting all the other trophies, I decided to tackle Late Boomer first. I attempted that trophy for around 350+ times before I managed to get it. That experience really traumatized me lol and I waited one and a half year before attempting Shock and Awe.
I remember I was with my college roommate at the time and we started shortly after lunch. His job was to keep count of how many nukes I have detonated and keep me motivated. We agreed that we will not eat dinner until that trophy is earned. I think it took me around 6-7 hours to finally get it.
Other than SSHD, other games came to mind such as:
Prototype (getting platinum on all events was a bitch)
Batman: Arkham Asylum (combat challenges enough said!)
Yakuza 3 (beat all minigames trophy)
Medal of Honor: Frontline (beating hard difficulty was a nightmare)
Vanquish (it’s all about challenge 6 wave 5 lol)
Dishonored (Dunwall City Trials DLC. I hate how on expert difficulty it takes away most of your powers, which is the selling point of the game in the first place)
The most recent game is Uncharted 3. It took me 6 weeks of full time boosting until 6 am every day to get all 50 DLC trophies. I literally sat in front of the TV from the moment I wake up. Lucky for me, my wife was very understanding and she supported me throughout the 6 weeks, especially since I started boosting it right after our wedding (I got married in August 2012, which is when the DLC trophies drop lol). Definitely not something I would like to go through again for sure.

7) Do you avoid games that you initially think you cannot complete?
I used to not care how difficult it is but I am beginning to do that recently. One reason is because I have a wife now and I really don’t need the stress that comes with overly difficult games. One recent example if Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, which I am currently playing on an alternate account.
I could probably 100% it given enough time but after playing Vanquish, I don’t want to go through anything like challenge 6 again lol.

8) Do you support the concept of trophy deletion so that average trophy collectors can delete their incomplete games and become completionists?
Absolutely but only for games with 0%. If you have earn even a single trophy, you shouldn’t be able to delete it, otherwise everyone would be completionists and there is no value attached to it anymore.
It’s just like how the value of trophies have been cheapened by the rampant amount of hacking that is going on lately. This is why I use psnprofiles.com because their leaderboard is relatively free of cheaters and hackers compared to the other trophy card providers.
At the end of the day, I don’t care what people think. I enjoy playing games and earning trophies. I collect them for my own satisfaction. If you want to hack, go ahead. I know my own accomplishments and that is enough for me.

9) What are your tips for those aspiring to become completionists, either from scratch or on their current accounts?
The key to be a completionist is focus. Try to play only 1 game at a time and 100% it before you move on to other games. If you play too many games, you tend to lose focus and get distracted. When you come back to the first game, you may feel lazy. This has happened to me a few times with games like Starhawk and Super Stardust HD.

10) Finally, if a friend came over and put a 1000-hour game into your console without your permission, will you complete it to maintain your streak?
Before I get married, I would have definitely answered yes to that question lol. But knowing me, I would still definitely try to 100% it. I came really close to giving up on Uncharted 3 100% due to the DLC trophies but I pushed on and finished it. So yeah, I most probably will complete a 1000 hour game, with much emphasis on most probably lol.

***I played Mass Effect to death on PC when it first came out years ago. When it was released on the PS3, I wanted to platinum it to complete my Mass Effect platinum collection. The reason it’s at 0% is because I got distracted by a bunch of DLCs and new games. Once things begin slow down a little bit, I will definitely platinum it with a vengeance, which will be soon lol.

[Baqsam]

**Reserved for Baqsam**

[Dangles]

Nice job on the interviews baqsam. I didn't realize Dark_Phantom_89 was a completionists.

[RYU81]

great interview Baqsam

[Dark_Phantom_89]

I'd like to thank Baqsam for the excellent interviews he did with me and the other completionists. They were all a really good read - nicely done Baqsam!