Player 5
Franck Thomas
Q1
What’s a childhood memory or early gaming experience that stayed with you?
I am a child of the 1990s and my first gaming memories are from playing the Super Nintendo with my sister, or rather watching her play as it was her console and I was kind of scared of playing myself. My childhood game must be The Legend of Zelda : A Link to the Past. I still play it occasionally, no later than late 2024 for the last time. It holds up well even today, and it laid the ground for what Zelda was to be for 25 years until the franchise was revolutionized in 2017. Other standouts for me on the Super Nintendo are Super Mario All Stars, a remaster of the first three Mario games for the NES, and Donkey Kong Country.
Q2
What’s something you played recently—alone or with others—that really stuck with you or taught you something?
My most recent memorable gaming experience would have to be Cyberpunk 2077. I started the game in 2021, played for about 15 hours and then stopped my playthrough because the game didn’t click for me. I recently decided to start it up the again and I was blown away by the universe, the characters, the lore and the story. The game forces you to ask yourself some deep questions about AI, what is the human mind, can it be separated from the body and what it means to be alive, in the flesh or inside of a computer chip.
Q3
What’s a moment in gaming that made you feel truly accomplished—like something you’d brag about in a job interview? Think boss battles, platinum trophies, or anything that shows your resilience and excellence.
I platinumed Kingdom Hearts 3 in 2019, which made me happy because I had just discovered this franchise a few months prior and fell in love with its unique blend of Disney, Final Fantasy and JRPG vibes.
Q4
A game that offers deep immersion, challenge, or relaxation—perfect for solo play and personal growth.
The solo game I would recommend depends on playstyle and type of game that you love. The one that comes to my mind though is with Alien Isolation, that is if you are ready to be scared out of your mind. This game is a love letter to the first Alien movie. You play as Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley, and you reach a space station where the black box of the Nostromo (the ship Ellen Ripley was on with her team before disappearing) has been collected. Let’s say that things go from bad to worse from there. Being hunted by a killing machine like a xenomorph for 15 hours is a one of a kind gaming experience.
Q5
I am not much of a multiplayer gamer, but I will have to say the greatest classic of all multiplayer games: Mario Kart! The next one releases on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, and I can’t wait to put my hands on it and of course on the new console!
Q6
Which character best reflects your role in a team project at PNO? The silent strategist, the chaos coordinator, the morale booster?
That is one tough question. If you consider a proposal or the credit tax as some sort of pirate treasure that you have to reach and secure, I guess I could identify as Nathan Drake from the Uncharted franchise, climbing and stealthing my way to the treasure while solving riddles and fighting the enemies and zombies (in my head).
Q7
Imagine you’re sent to the ultimate beach office. What one game would you bring to keep yourself entertained, sane, and possibly productive?
This question comes down to what is my favorite game. It is way too hard for me to give an answer, so please indulge me and let me choose at least five games to bring to a desert island, along with the consoles to play them on of course. You wouldn’t want me to get bored of a unique game, would you? I would choose The Last of Us Part II, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Uncharted 4 (yes, Naughty Dog games are the best in my opinion), Alien Isolation and Ori and the Will of the Wisps.
Q8
From teamwork and adaptability to decision-making under pressure or creative problem-solving—what gaming lessons show up in your day-to-day?
Escaping from the clutches of the xenomorph in Alien Isolation forces you to come up with clever tricks, master your nerves and keep on going forward with absolute resolution and courage. It also teaches you patience as you will die a lot. Fortunately, this is a video game so you have second chances. Just keep on trying and learn from your mistakes, and eventually… Well, I won’t spoil the end of the game as it is a must-play for anyone who loves a good scare.