Donkey Kong world record in peril
At E3, "King of Kong" star Steve Wiebe took another shot at the "Donkey Kong" world record. Whether he makes it or depends on how well he keeps his cool.
Wiebe playing
Steve Wiebe, the star of the documentary, "King of Kong: A fistful of quarters," in which he attempted, but failed, to set the world "Donkey Kong" record, is at it again. At E3 2009, he was hosted by TV network G4 in an attempt to finally break the current record of 1,047,200 points.
Here, Wiebe plays the game in front of G4's raucous crowd at E3.
Here, Wiebe plays the game in front of G4's raucous crowd at E3.
Hammer Time
G4 asked members of the audience watching Wiebe's attempts to hold out a sign that read, "Hammer Time," a reference to the hammers that "Donkey Kong" players must grab in the game that can help them smash oncoming hazards for additional points.
Donkey Kong
Watching a game of "Donkey Kong," one is reminded how well it holds up over time. Many of the arcade games from the '80s are still considered classics, and are regularly re-issued by their original publishers or others.
Wiebe concentrates
As seen from underneath and to the right, Wiebe concentrates as he pursues the world "Donkey Kong" record.
123,400
Within about 20 minutes, Wiebe had reached 123,400 points, an impressive score for most people, but still far short of the world record.
Power outage
Things were going well for Wiebe when, suddenly, the power on his "Donkey Kong" arcade game went out, causing the video screens displaying the game to go haywire, and forcing him to temporarily stop his record attempt.
Working on the wiring
G4 technicians work on the wiring to ensure that Wiebe's attempt is not delayed again by a power outage.
Wiebe joking around
While he waited for his "Donkey Kong" machine to be powered back up, Wiebe joked with the G4 crew. For someone pursuing such a notable effort, he seemed very calm and collected.
Back at it
The wiring fixed and the power back on, Wiebe gets back to his world record attempt. Unfortunately, he had to start his game over.
Wiebe, the machine and the video
Wiebe's face is seen between the "Donkey Kong" arcade machine and a video displaying his game play to the gathered crowd.
Wiebe on camera
Wiebe's game play is captured on G4's video cameras.
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