BACK TO THE INDEX.
Game Boy Games she is in: Advance Wars, Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising.
Also called: Sammy, Sammi, Domino.
DMG Ice: Welcome to another beautiful edition of DMG Diva. Today, we have the prodigious pearl of proliferated paunche: Sami! Hello, Sami! Or is it Sammy? Frankly, we're a little unsure at times.
Sami: It's Sami. You got it wrong on the cover. But just call me by my Japanese nickname: "Domino."
DMG Ice: That works. Anyhow, here we are again for another edition of DMG Diva!
Domino: YAY! Everyone applaud!
DMG Ice: Our star and cover girl this time is Domino from the Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2 for the Game Boy Advance. Sadly, those are the only "Wars" games to make it to the United States, so we may have missed a performance from our darling diva of demolition. But that won't prevent us from spending some time and asking some questions. First things first, what inspired you to join the military?
Domino: Kind of a military-esque kind of girl. It just seems like a natural descision to join up and be a Commanding Officer or a CO for short. I enjoy taking charge of armies and leading troops to victory!
DMG Ice: Will you CO my armies?
Domino: Umm. No.
DMG Ice: Ahem. Actually, I've been dying to ask you this one: What makes a good leader?
Domino: A good leader is a person who can see a situation from many angles. In a way, being a CO is like playing chess. The best can see far ahead in terms of moves. The worst can not see beyond the piece they are about to move. A lot of people say that being able to "understand" your troops is more important than being able to anticipate moves several moves ahead. But that really is not the case, especially when you are in charge of ever larger armies. The worst kinds of leaders have a personal attachment to all of their troops. That personal attachment can get in the way of their duty and cause them to fail. You have to use your head more than your heart when being a good leader. It sounds cold and cruel; but in a war time situation: You may have to sacrifice a life to save more lives. Anticipation of moves works best when you trust the people you have with you to get the job done. You do not have to understand a troop to trust them. Once you have that trust and you know what to expect, you can look ahead in moves. However, you must be prepared to get rid of a troop that doesn't do what you trust them to. So, you have to look at everyone as an enemy as well as a friend. It is confusing to explain; but simply put: "The best way to lead is to be a few steps ahead of those who follow."
DMG Ice: Wow. That was something, Domino. My next question is a little tougher. Advance Wars came out in the United States on September 11, 2001. That may have seemed like terrible timing for a game about going into a war. However, I would like to thank you, your fellows COs, Nintendo, and the game developers for that fact. At that point in time, it was important for people to be cheered up and to have something to do as a way of relaxing or recreation. Advance Wars really tapped into many of the Game Boy playing publics attention when it came out. It became a true glimmer of happiness and fun in a world that seemed to just die for so many people. The time now is February 2004. This September will be the third anniversary for September 11, 2001. What would you like to say to everyone in regards to September 11, 2001?
Domino: I think people have already forgotten it. Everyone thinks we can stop wars with papers and ribbons. I think people need to take a long, hard look at the idea of proactively removing those who would attack us and strengthening our defences. I think on March 25, 1775; Patrick Henry said it best. "It is in vain, sir, to extentuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
DMG Ice: I take it you've been doing well in the academy?
Domino: Thank you, I try to cram some stuff in this head of mine.
DMG Ice: Some of the characters in the game, like Olaf, have holiday themes that are alluded to. Olaf is based on Santa Claus. So, what holiday would you be?
Domino: I'm the EASTER BUNNY with a gun! Hop hop BANG!
DMG Ice: Okay, an easy question! How do you ever put up with Andy?
Domino: I carry a pouch of little tiny candy coated chocolates with me everywhere. He's bugging me? I eat a chocolate. They help me relax. But if he gets too annoying, I just smack him.
DMG Ice: Amen. So, read any good books lately?
Domino: Aside from Players Guides?
DMG Ice: Ha ha! I hope you're joking.
Domino: Yeah, I'm joking. I've been reading my textbooks mostly, gotta study and do well in the Academy! That way I be prepared when Sturm eventually returns! Been reading Sun Tzu's the Art of War on the aside; but also as a way of strengthening resolve.
DMG Ice: Speaking of Sturm: Who do you think is behind Sturm's mask?
Domino: A Sturm-acidal maniac who enjoys blowing things -including himself- to smithereens? Although, I suspect that Sturm is really Andy in disguise. I mean, seriously. He could be! Well, I am between classes, so I need to cut this short. Sorry about that! Well, good luck with everything and we'll do another, longer interview some other time!
-Interview by Philip Wesley for DMG Ice ONLY-
-Sami is pretty.-
-Property of dmgice.com-