Trixie360 Interviews Team Cerebral Mayhem

Published October 1, 2008

This foursome from Massachusetts is a World Cyber Games East Regional Halo 3 finalist, and is off to the National Finals in Los Angeles. Meet Team Cerebral Mayhem. Check out all the regional finalists in our coverage of the World Cyber Games.

The team Cerebral Mayhem.

trixie360: Where do you live and what do you do for a living?

drakenERA: I live in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Also known as "the dirty burg." At the moment I deliver Chinese food for Jade 2 Restaurant in Leominster. But I am currently trying to become a Correctional Officer. Although, I have to say it will be hard to say good-bye to the free Chinese food once I'm a C.O.

xavier6785: I live in Maynard, Massachusetts. I work at Roche Bros. but I'm trying to get on the police force.

drakenERAs WIFE: I live in Fitchburg and I'm a residential counselor and a teacher's aide at a residential program.

Brickyard1g: I deliver Chinese food.

trixie360: How long have you been gaming?

drakenERA: A long, long time. I started out playing video games with my big brother on the Atari and have since played on every console that has come out. I didn't get into FPS's until I played Doom, Quake, and Duke Nukem 3D for the PC. But since then I have become very competitive in shooters, and it has become my favorite gaming genre by far.

The Duke got a lot of people interested in the FPS genre.

xavier6785: Since I was born LOL.

drakenERAs WIFE: Since my husband introduced me to Xbox.

Brickyard1g: I've pretty much been playing video games all my life. I just don't stick to first person shooters, I like to play all types of genres. But if there was one person who influenced me, it would be my Mom. I remember when we would be playing Super Mario or Legend of Zelda on the NES and the SNES, she was better at puzzle games than me. Even though she passed away when I was eight, I still miss her. If she was still alive, I think she would be playing Final Fantasy.

trixie360: How did the team get together?

drakenERA: Me, my wife (drakenERAs WIFE) and Brickyard1g all live together and we have always played video games to pass the time. xavier6785 was put on the team due to one of our original teammates not being able to follow through with the tournament. We are all pretty close and usually have a BBQ at our place once a week, followed by some Halo® 3 sessions.

trixie360: Do you think World Cyber Games is a good way to get into pro gaming?

drakenERA: I would definitely have to say yes. I mean, you don't get into pro gaming by playing by yourself at home … LOL. We entered the WCG just for fun and didn't expect to make it this far. I guess you'll never really know how good you are till you try.

drakenERAs WIFE: Yes, it also gives you a chance to travel and meet new gamers.

Hail to the Chief, and good luck at the U.S. National Final!

trixie360: What do you think your chances are of making it to Team USA and going to Germany for the Grand Finals?

drakenERA: Well, I know as a team that we are good and that when we play together we almost never lose, but we are going to be playing some teams who play Halo 3 for a living. While I understand they are good and that's why they are sponsored to play, I also think that any one of my teammates could be just as good if not better than them, if they didn't have to actually work to pay the bills. Overall, I think we have a good shot but it's a long shot at the same time.

drakenERAs WIFE: I think every team has a chance to go and it depends on how your team is performing during the championship.

Brickyard1g: To be honest, I didn't think I would be going to LA in October. I know there are going to be professional teams there but I'm trying not to think about it. I think we have a shot of going but I'm not guaranteeing anything. We're going up against the best players in this country. If we go to Germany, it happens. I'm just glad to go to LA because I need a vacation from work and I have never been on the West Coast ever. So this will be a once in a lifetime experience for all of us.

trixie360: Fave film?

drakenERA: Return of the Living Dead.
xavier6785: The Dark Knight.
drakenERAs WIFE: Boondock Saints or 28 Days Later.
Brickyard1g: Gladiator or The Punisher.

trixie360: Fave artist or album?

drakenERA: Any album by H.I.M.
xavier6785: Tom Petty.
drakenERAs WIFE: No Doubt's TragicKingdom.
Brickyard1g: Follow the Leader by Korn.

trixie360: Fave TV show?

drakenERA: Ghost Hunters.
xavier6785: Family Guy.
drakenERAs WIFE: Ghost Hunters.
Brickyard1g: The Simpsons.

trixie360: Best game of all time?

drakenERA: Halo trilogy.
xavier6785: Kingdom Under Fire.
drakenERAs WIFE: Fatal Frame™ 2:Crimson Butterfly DIRECTORS CUT.
Brickyard1g: Final Fantasy VIII.

Interview by TriXie