While there have been countless number of “Top 100” lists about video games published – there’s never been a book – until now! The book goes in to more detail – exhaustive detail, if you will. (Their words, not mine!) Each game has details such as production histories, sequels, remakes, ports for current consoles, anecdotes, creator info, collector pricing, comparison to similar games, comparisons to lesser versions of the games and quotes from industry professionals. See? Exhaustive. (I’m exhausted just typing all that out!)
The book focuses on games from 1977-1987 so I was curious to see how many I have played (if any) considering I was only alive for 3 of the years covered in the book. Turns out it was 4 or 5 – though probably not the same versions as are mentioned in this book. (With the exception of Mario Bros. We had that one when I was very little!)
It is interesting to see some of the captures from the game to see just how far technology has advanced in the last 30-40 games with videos games. I also liked seeing the cover art for the games to see how things have changed as well. Some of these covers are just SO 80’s!
If you are a gamer or just interested in the history of video games, then this book is certainly for you! I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.
About the Book
There have been many top 100 books before, but rarely one like this. Here are the best of the early video games, shown in over 400 color photos and described in incredible detail in the entertaining and informative text. Each game’s entry features production history, critical commentary, quotes from industry professionals, gameplay details, comparisons to other games, and more. This book celebrates the very best of the interactive entertainment industry’s games from this highly crucial, fondly remembered decade. This pivotal period was marked by the introduction of the indispensable Atari 2600, Odyssey2, and Intellivision, the unleashing of the underrated Vectrex, the mind-blowing debut of the next-gen ColecoVision and Atari 5200, plus the rebirth of the industry through Nintendo’s legendary juggernaut, the NES. Whether you’re young or old, new to the hobby or a hardcore collector, this book will introduce you to or remind you of some of the greatest, most historically important games ever made.