Most collections we have featured so far have been general in nature, with maybe a leaning toward one or more console manufacturers. Some people though, specialise in a certain franchise and Paolo Zoratti (@pablo_ha55an) is one such person. The franchise he has chosen is none other than that behemoth of an RPG series; Final Fantasy from Square Enix. What Paolo doesn’t know about Final Fantasy is probably not worth knowing and the passion he shows for the subject is reflected in his social media activity (links at the bottom of article) and his tattoos. So without further ado, look through his wonderful collection and read our interview with the man himself.

Click on images to enlarge

The Collection

Artwork and Tattoos

Q and A with Paolo Zarotti

When did you become interested in video games and what was the first video game you played?

Paolo: I became interested in video games waaaaay back when the NES was released, RYGAR was the game that started it all off the sheer tension of that game when trying to get to the end of the level and then defeat the bosses was superb, it was a game I played with my Bro taking it in turns when we each lost a life!!

What was the first games console or computer you owned and how old were you?

Paolo: The BBC Home computer was the first we owned lol around the age of 5 or so several years after its release.

What got you into collecting videogames, computers and consoles?

Paolo: Well  as I was into video games from the NES era that only got more so when the SNES came out, while not a collector of such then its was ultimately the start of something lol But it really kicked off when the Playstation came out and I started to work for a video game company called Jakarta, I was introduced to the world of NTSC RPG’s and importing which meant ebay and never looked back.

Where do you source most of your retro purchases from (ebay, flea markets, yard sales etc) ?

Paolo: I get most of my stuff from ebay tbh, but more recently social media like Twitter, Instagram and its wonderful video games community have helped with trades.

What is your most prized retrogaming possession and how much did it cost you?

Paolo: Ok, my most prized possession used to be my Final Fantasy Limited Edition PS3’s until literally the other week I got the amazing Final Fantasy XII GABRANTH helmet, cost a lot !!!

What is your favourite hardware manufacturer (Sega, Nintendo, Atari Commodore etc.) ?

Paolo: I used to be a huge Nintendo fan in the days of NES & SNES but they went off the boil for me and Playstation for me is now my favourite.

What is your favourite console or computer?

Paolo: I’d have to say SNES. So many amazing games and memories from that console.

The burning house scenario: which collection would you save first?

Paolo: Depends how long I got lol, as I’ve far too much stuff that I would want to save but if I had to choose something then parts of my Final Fantasy collection!! Ultimately that would be after the kids and wifey were safe!!!!

The Desert Island scenario: which one console and game would you take?

Paolo: I’d probably take the PS2 and my copy of FFXII, but thats becuase its the game atm I most want to play again so if you asked me in a months time I would say it will be different.

Where do you want to go now with the collection?

Paolo: Well as most know me im a huge Final Fantasy fan so its all about collecting Final Fantasy merchandise from the series!!

Have you any tips for budding retro games collectors?

Paolo: Well nothing apart from the obvious really about checking car boots, ebay etc. I would also recommend joining social media like Twitter and Instagram as its a great way to meet fellow collectors or video game enthusiasts that can help you out.

 

Links

Twitter: @pablo_ha55an
Instagram: @pablo_ha55an
Website: the-besaid-wanderer.blogspot.co.uk