The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters is a 2007 documentary film that follows the story of two gamers, Billy Mitchell and Steve Wiebe, as they compete for the high score in the classic arcade game Donkey Kong. The film explores the competitive world of arcade gaming and the lengths to which some players will go to become the best.
The film begins by introducing Billy Mitchell, who has held the world record for the high score in Donkey Kong since 1982. His reputation as the best Donkey Kong player in the world has made him a celebrity in the gaming community and he is often referred to as the "King of Kong." However, in 2003, newcomer Steve Wiebe set his sights on beating Mitchell's high score and submitted a video of his gameplay to Twin Galaxies, the organization that tracks high scores in classic arcade games.
When Mitchell learns of Wiebe's attempt to beat his record, he sends a video of his own gameplay to Twin Galaxies, reclaiming the top spot. This sets off a back-and-forth battle between Mitchell and Wiebe as they try to one-up each other's scores. Along the way, the film delves into the competitive gaming community and features interviews with other notable players and personalities, including Walter Day, founder of Twin Galaxies, and Brian Kuh, a self-proclaimed "gaming savant" who serves as Mitchell's ally.
As Wiebe's scores continue to climb and he becomes a serious threat to Mitchell's throne, tensions between the two players escalate. The film culminates in a showdown between Mitchell and Wiebe at the 2007 Kong Off, a special Donkey Kong tournament held in Hollywood, Florida. With the help of his supporters, Mitchell tries to sabotage Wiebe's attempts to beat his score, but in the end, Wiebe emerges as the winner of the Kong Off.
Overall, The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters is a funny, engaging, and at times, tense look at the world of competitive gaming. It highlights the fierce rivalry between two players and the lengths to which they will go to prove their gaming prowess.
