Ground Kontrol’s bimonthly Video Game Quiz Show is one of the most elaborate trivia nights in town. Gaming geeks compete on teams—like in a real television game show—using custom-built, light-up buzzers and a huge game board rivaling Jeopardy’s. 

It’s hoot to watch. And watching is what most people should do. Winning the grand prizes—which include vintage consoles, hefty gift certificates and rare comic books—is as tough as Dark Souls. The show’s popularity has increased, even drawing a few odd and unfamiliar guests into Link’s lair. Guests of the Croftian variety.

“There’s a big increase in female participants, which we’re happy about,” says Art Santana, manager of Ground Kontrol.

So how geeky do you need to be to win? Here’s a smattering of typical questions. If you’re not able to answer these, Ground Kontrol has a full bar and lots of pretty lights and binging buzzers to entertain your comparatively feeble mind.

1. What Super Mario Bros. 3 item allows you to warp between worlds?
2. Who was Donkey Kong’s original captured damsel?
3. In Super Mario Bros. 3, how many kids does Bowser have?
4. In the movie Ghostbusters II, what controller was used to control the Statue of Liberty?
5. In Mega Man 3, Proto Man was introduced under what alternate name?
6. In the GameCube’s Resident Evil 1 remake, what musical piece must Jill Valentine play on the piano to open a secret passage in the mansion?
7. What items does Sonic the Hedgehog obsessively collect as he races through levels?

Click here for answers.

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GO: The Video Game Quiz Show is at Ground Kontrol, 511 NW Couch St., on Sunday, Jan. 15. 7-9 pm. Free. 21+.

Headout Picks

WEDNESDAY JAN. 11

DICK DALE
[MUSIC] The father of surf guitar recently beat cancer, and now he’s about to beat your ass with some rad, reverb-drenched guitar. How many 74-year-olds get down like this guy? Star Theater, 13 NW 6th Ave. 9 pm. $25. 21+.

THURSDAY JAN. 12

KILL ALL REDNECK PRICKS
[MOVIE] Great bands and stories are often derived from childhood friendships, and this caring, low-budget documentary collects the raw, surviving footage of a K Records power trio that was poised for success before an unavoidable implosion. Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., 281-4215. 9:30 pm. $7.

FRIDAY JAN. 13

SCHOOL OF ROCK AND PDX POP NOW! BEST OF PORTLAND
[MUSIC] This fine benefit features teenage kids playing songs from bands like the Thermals, Menomena, Red Fang, Blitzen Trapper and Typhoon—alongside members of said bands. That’s called synergy, people. Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St., 225-0047. 8 pm. $14 advance, $20 day of show. All ages.

CRAIG ROBINSON
[COMEDY] The real star of The Office comes to Helium for one night. Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th Ave., 888-643-8669. 7:30 and 10 pm. 21+. $30-$35.

SATURDAY JAN. 14

KEITH MURRAY
[MUSIC] Long Island MC Keith Murray isn’t a household name, but the boom-bap rapper is clever, funny and punishing on the microphone. The Crown Room, 205 NW 4th Ave., 222-6655. 9:30 pm. $5. 21+.

SUNDAY JAN. 15

BUCKMAN-KERNS BREWFEST
[BEER] EastBurn hosts the now-annual gathering of breweries from the Buckman and Kerns neighborhoods. Getting sudsy this year are Lucky Labrador Brewing Company, Coalition Brewing Co., Natian Brewery, Migration Brewing Co., Buckman Brewery, Cascade Brewing Barrel House and Burnside Brewing Company. EastBurn, 1800 E Burnside St., 236-2876, theeastburn.com. Noon-8 pm. Admission $10 (includes pint glass). Drinks tickets $1. 21+.

TUESDAY JAN. 17

NORTHWEST NEW MUSIC
[MUSIC] Some of the city’s top musicians perform works inspired by the seventh-century-B.C. Greek lyric poet Sappho, including pieces by 20th-century composers Iannis Xenakis and Jacob Druckman, and acclaimed contemporary composer Daron Aric Hagen. Lincoln Hall, Portland State University, 1620 SW Park Ave. 7:30 pm. $5-$20.


Answers: 1. Warp whistle. 2. Pauline. 3. Seven: Larry, Morton, Wendy O., Iggy, Roy, Lemmy and Ludwig von Koopa. 4. The NES Advantage. 5. Break Man. 6. Moonlight Sonata. 7. Rings.