Best of... worst of...

IN THE FIRST OF AN OCCASIONAL SERIES, FUSION ASKS OUR READERS TO TELL US ABOUT THE BEST AND WORST ITEM IN THIER RETROGAMING COLLECTION. THIS ISSUE IT'S THE TURN OF CARL BUNGAY

Hi, let me introduce myself — I'm Carl, a 35 year old Lancashire lad who has had a passion for gaming since I was 5, when my dad introduced me to the wonderful world of video games.

My first gaming memory was sitting down with my dad and playing on his Sega Master System II, whilst he helped me with the puzzles on Alex Kidd in Miracle World. Ever since my first experience of seeing the wonderful sights and sounds I was hooked and although we were by no means a rich family, my mum and dad tried their best to make sure I had consoles over the years to support my hobby. I'm sure some part of this was because my dad loved gaming as much as I did though (not that I was complaining).

This brings me nicely on to my collection and

my prized possession, which is my wonderful Sega Master System II, that has been with me since the beginning. I know it's not a sought after console or anything special to many reading, but it means a lot to me. It is also the only part of my collection that is my original console and not a replacement, or something I've got after its original lifespan.

Yes it's tatty and well used but to me that's what makes it the best part of my collection. This little console has been with me for 30 years and still works like it was purchased yesterday. As for why it's so special; it's the memories it holds for me and the fact it reminds me of simpler times, when games were fun, easy to pick up and a way of losing yourself in some far off fantasy world. I mean I enjoy games today, but sometimes I find them too realistic and I must admit that bores me a little.

Now for the elephant in the room .... the worst part of my collection and I have to say it's my Atari Jaguar. Well, not the Jaguar per se, but it's extremely uncomfortable, oversized and over complicated controller! The console itself isn't bad at all, I also really like the way it looks, but that controller is just awful. It's cumbersome, uncomfortable to hold and the amount of buttons makes a NASA space console look simple. I just don't see the need for something so complicated, but maybe that's just me.

Anyway that's the best and worst parts of my ever-growing collection of consoles, computers and handhelds (55 or so at the last count) which currently occupy the spare room of our house. Thankfully I have a very supportive and understanding wife who doesn't mind the fact that I probably pay more care and attention to that one room than anywhere else in the house! The only caveat is that

I share it with our pet rabbit Wilson, who happily sits on my lap whilst

I'm in there whiling away the hours on whichever system takes my fancy that day.