This has nothing to do with the interview, but I'm guessing by your last name that you're Asian. Am I correct?

   Yes you are correct. My father's parents were from Japan.

   So tell us, who IS Aaron Nanto?

   Hmmm, good question :) I am a 23 year old male who loves video games. I also have one of the most comprehensive TurboGrafx/PC-FX sites in the world That pretty much sums it up.

   Okay, that's sounds pretty basic and to the point. What's your current status? Married, single, or the typical stereotype of a video gamer (living with the parents, no friends, has never seen a live girl, etc...)

   Well, lucky for me, I never was the stereotype video gamer. I always had a girlfriend growing up though videogames took up a lot of my time. I've been living with my girlfriend for over one year now. Luckily, she likes videogames to.

   At a time when the major contenders were the NES and Genesis, what brought your attention to the TurboGrafx?

   Well, I think it was because of the graphics at first that drew me to the Turbo. After I finally bought a Turbo and had a good library of games, I realized that it was more than the graphics that kept me coming back for more. The Turbo had a different "personality" about it that made stand out from the other systems. Additionally, I've always supported the underdog systems more so than the systems that have lead the market in the past.

   I know what you mean. I loved looking at those Turbo displays at Toys R Us.

   Other than poor marketing, what else do you think hurt Turbo sales in the states?

   Well, it was a combination of factors. Some people say it was too little, to soon. I think that NEC didn't realize that it's a cut-throat market out there - you gotta be in to play or suffer the consequences. Not enough high-profile games, not enough 3rd party developers, lack of interest on NEC's part...the list goes on and on.

   Yeah, the TurboGrafx was able to compete with both the SNES and Genesis. Could you imagine what would have happened if they had stayed around for at least five more years?

   If NEC were still in the videogame market for five more years, I think we would have saw some really great games come out. We might have seen an American release for the Arcade Card for the TurboDuo, and other American releases for games such as Dracula X and Macross 2036.

   Do you own just about all the other Turbo/PC-Engine systems?

   Hahah, actually no. I haven't got around to collecting all of the different Turbo/PC-Engine systems yet...I'm focusing on collecting all of the games first - I have 98% of all of the TurboGrafx CD games so far.

   Damn, that's a pretty good collection, got any advice on how to find those rare games?

   Well for the most part, the place that I've got 90% of all of my games from are off of eBay. Use common sense, look around, and keep watch on eBay and you will find what you are looking for.

   Do you have a favorite one out of the group?

   If I had to choose, it would be the TurboExpress. It can play the same games as the TurboGrafx-16, it has an awesome color (back-lit) screen and great sound, and when you play it in public places people gather around you like you are holding the holy grail :)

   Since I asked about your favorite system, do you have a favorite game? Tell you what to make things easier on you, let's hear your fave Turbo, Pc-Engine and PC-FX game.

   Hmmm... Well, my favorite Turbo game must be Lords of Thunder. Awesome graphics, thumb-numbing gameplay, and a soundtrack that is still one the best ever in a videogame, makes this one my pick for the Turbo. For the PC Engine...I got to say Dracula X. This one just blows you away! By far one of the best in the series. And lastly, my favorite PC-FX game must be either Chip Chap Kick, or Battle Heat. Both have great gameplay, graphics, and sound and are really fun with two players.

   I certainly do admit that I'm impressed with the PC-FX. What are your thoughts on the loss of support for it?

   It's unfortunate. Being a huge fan of the PC-FX it's disappointing to see what NEC did with the FX. First off, their direction with the FX was completely misguided - limiting the FX to anime-style (non 3D) games, limiting what 3rd party developers could create on the FX, trying to make it into a computer...that wasn't what gamers wanted in what was supposed to be the 32-Bit successor to the PC Engine. But at least NEC tried. We gotta give them credit for that.

   I recall seeing those cool shots of Battle Heat in game magazines. Do me a favor and tell me what it's really like.

   Well, it is unlike any other fighting game you have ever played. It's fast, fun, and furious. Unlike other FMV games in the past, this one has no lag time after you execute a move...so if you decide to go a super combo, once you hit the buttons, you see it displayed in all its anime glory. Blocking in the game is very strategic as well (you have high, medium, and low
blocks)...overall very addicting gameplay once you get into it. Every PC-FX owner should own this game.

   How long has pcenginefx.com been up and what brought about your decision to create it?

   Pcenginefx.com has been around for over 4 years (however the content has been around a lot longer than that.) I already created the Turbo and PC-FX sections, but wanted a domain name that visitors would recognize. So I took the names "PC Engine" and "PC-FX" and meshed them together. Ever since then I've been expanding my coverage of Turbo/PC-FX related news and info, and have also created a lot of great features for Pcenginefx.com visitors to enjoy.

   What brought about the creation of "Y's Online"?

   I have a good friend that I meet over the Net' that was interested in coding an online RPG based on the Ys series. He gave me the details, and I offered to host the official site for his project. The end product that we are hoping for is an RPG that is playable online with other people in which you an choose to be the warriors, or the baddies. An epic project to be sure, but I think we can make it happen.

   I know you worked on "J-Fan Radio" for awhile. What was it like working with Neo-Alec?

   Working with Alec has been great. He is really pro-active in his site www.j-fan.com, and he has took a lot of time expanding it to cover more Japanese music, anime, and culture. I'm still doing J-Fan Radio, which is updated every week with new J-POP music.

   Now that we have FMV, almost realistic 3D environments, etc. What are your thoughts on the current state of gaming?

   I think the state of gaming at our current time is great. Developers are pushing the envelope of graphics, sound, and gameplay all the time. Plus with the upcoming new consoles on the horizon, I can't wait to see what developers have in store for us.

   But you Do have to admit, better graphics and sound don't make a good game. Look at Lord's of Thunder, a simple shooter that became more with the substitution of a warrior instead of a ship. I think the game would still be kick ass if it didn't have the rock soundtrack.

   Oh yah. If the gameplay is trash, great graphics and sound only take you so far. Lords of Thunder got it right in every department.

   Out of the newer systems out, is there one that stands out in your mind?

   Well, I love the Dreamcast. I've always been a Sega supporter, and Sega makes games that are some of the most original games ever made.

   Got any thoughts on Sega's move to concentrate on 3rd party support?

   I think it is a good move for them. I'm sorry to see them moving away from making anymore consoles, but what can you do? In today's market bringing out consoles is expensive for a company, and Sega has been loosing money for years. I'm glad to see Sega turning 3rd party, and I'm sure we will see some great games from them in the years to come.

   Here's a staple question: Where do you stand on video game violence?

   Well, I think that the video game rating system is a good thing, and that certain games should not be played by younger gamers... but I think this issue will remain a topic of heated debate as games become more realistic. Perhaps one day we will need stricter regulations for video game violence, but for now I don't view it as a problem.

   Got a favorite munchie while you game?

   Hmmm...anything I got in the house that I can grab and eat right away :) Usually crackers with cheese wiz, or Doritos.

   Between the two mascots, which do you like? Bonk or Zonk?

   Well, Bonk was the first, but Zonk appeals to the more "90's" audience because of his coolness. I gotta say that I like Zonk the best.

   Speaking of Zonk, do you have any idea what the hell happened to Super Air Zonk? I admit to not playing it, but I've heard it is horrible.

   HAHAH....Super Air Zonk? I own it on SuperCD. It's similar to Air Zonk, but with a CD soundtrack. Most people I know don't like the music that much (and I must agree...it's nothing that special)

   Do you have anything else you want to say before we conclude this?

   I just want to say that I thank you for your questions, and giving me the chance to speak out about the PC-FX and PC Engine. It was fun :)