Page 19 - OSG Presents Video Game Trader Magazine #14

Vintage to creating entirely new genres. The authors tell 2084 and Star Raiders. For those on the fence
you about this ground breaking design by intro- about buying the book, the online content will give
Games duce the game in questions, explaining what it did you a good indication of what is inside the book, so
and how it defied other games of its genre, show if you enjoy the stuff on the site, expect the same
An Insider Look at the the history of the game over the years, and finally in the book.
History of Grand Theft tell the reader which modern games are influenced
Auto, Super Mario, and by them today. The layout of the book is really nice, and the color
the Most Influential images are something I was pleasantly surprised
Games of All time Repeat that for 408 pages and I just summarized to see. The screen shots looked great in color and
By Bill Loguidice & Matt the book for you. stood out in each chapter. This is unusual in most
Barton, distributed by However, the games featured in this book are not books out today, but I applaud the authors for
Focal Press what you would expect. Sure you have the big realizing the potential its pictures would make and
allowing the reader to see everything in color.
Vintage Games, available from retailers worldwide, hitters like Doom, Super Mario Bros., and Final
is a full color, illustrated book, that explores the Fantasy VII. But some other games are highlighted There are many good things to appreciate about
greatest and most influential videogames of all that you wouldn't of expected to make an impact. this book, however reading it from cover to cover is
time, including Super Mario Bros., Grand Theft Like Flight Simulator, Dune II, and Ultima (both on- dull beyond belief. It‘s written more like a technical
Auto III, Doom, The Sims, and many more. While line and off). It was interesting to see how these book, that‘s not meant to be read from cover to
each chapter's focus revolves around the game games meld their way into other genres, and for cover to begin with.
title in question, precursors, clones, sequels, most of the modern gamers this will be a nice read In the end I really can‘t recommend this book for
gameplay and mechanics, and the genre itself are about something that they are not completely fa- everyone. The book is good reference piece for
discussed, along with plenty of quotes, references miliar with. the video game history buffs, but the presentation
and full color illustrations. There is also a ton of bonus content on-line for you makes it more a chore
Vintage Games is proof, once again, that the to access. The Authors have released bonus chap- for a casual reader.
shorter your main title is, the longer your subtitle ters not found in the book online at ArmChairAr-
should be. cade.com/vintagegames. They include; Pong,
Pinball Construction Set, Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater,
What is this book about? Take a game that was so Elite, Rogue, Spacewar!, Defender, Robotron:
original and ground-breaking that it paved the way

www.VideoGameTrader.com • Winter 2009/2010 • Issue #14 • Video Game Trader Magazine • 19