Retro Gaming: A Byte-sized History of Video Games

by Mike Diver

Packed with all the characters, games, consoles and franchises that you used to love (and possibly still do), this is a compact, conversational compendium of all-time highs—alongside just a handful of humorous (in hindsight) lows—from over 40 years of arcade, computer, console and handheld hits. From Atari’s early arcade classics and home games consoles of the 1970s, through to classics that keep on giving, such as Halo and Tomb Raider , this book summarizes the significant releases, research and revolutions that have made video games a massive industry. Evergreen favorites from Nintendo, SEGA and Sony are present and correct—no collection would be complete without entries for Mario and Sonic, Tetris and Crash Bandicoot. But we also give credit to the less-celebrated but utterly vital titles, characters, controllers and systems that have helped the world of gaming expand and evolve. 

Genres: Video Games, Nonfiction, History, Computers, Gaming, Games

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Довольно удачная компиляция описаний всех значимых платформ и игр вплоть до 6-го поколения. Конечно, книга не очень объемная и весьма поверхностная, но прочитал с удовольствием. Отдельно отмечу отличную верстку и подобранные иллюстрации / скриншоты к играм.

Ума не приложу, зачем российские издатели изменили название книги, странное решение, на мой взгляд. Также не обошлось без некоторых косяков перевода и пары фактических ошибок, но в целом издание приличное.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an adequate coverage of the history of video games. This book has many pros; it has color photos, and it has real photos from the games it covers, unlike many of the previous books I've read. My complaint is that this book doesn't go into a lot of depth when it comes to covering the systems and the games. The author knows what he is talking about, but he seems to have wanted to keep his book to a certain length, which definitely limited the scope of the coverage.

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title reads: A Byte-Sized History Of Video Games. The book lives up to this description taking the reader on a journey through video game history starting with the Atari 2600. Since I grew up during this era of video gaming, I was feeling nostalgia as I read while, at the same time, getting introductions to the history of other important systems like the Commodore 64 and the Spectrum. Ironically, as the booked moved toward SNES/Genesis generation and beyond, I was fully aware of much of the information. Still, I can easily recommend this book to anyone born in the PS2/Xbox 360 era and beyond for an easy to read introduction to this hobby that we love so much.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covering a very tiny cross section of video gaming history (it does say a BYTE-SIZED history), it is over all a fun read. It's strong UK leanings do show often and made me wonder how bad the gaming scene in the UK really was for someone to consider the C64 as a Cadillac of home computers. A few typos and some very easily debated subjective claims for some titles don't distract too much and if you'd like a quick afternoon stroll down memory lane, it is worth picking up a discounted copy to read.

[Michael Rudzki · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent summary of the best of video games, from their genesis in the 1970s through the early 2000s, Retro Gaming is a nostalgia-filled read for anyone who grew up with an Atari hooked up to their grandparents' spare room TV like I did.

The book is filled with the games you remember from Atari, Nintendo, Sega, and more. Some you never played will make you want to find a retro console or an emulator so you can experience those 8-, 16- and 32-but classics you missed.

[Adan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick and informative stroll through the history of video games. I enjoyed the sidebars about lesser known consoles, like the Fairchild Channel F, Vectrex, BBC Micro, NeoGeo Pocket, PC-FX, et al., but its meaty chapters on the bigger consoles with larger libraries are obviously where it’s at. Every chapter focuses on one or two consoles and details various games that were exclusive or best on those consoles. I have added many titles to my retro games wishlist :P

[Shaun Jex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun overview of the history of gaming from its earliest days up until sixth generation consoles like XBox/PS2/Game Cube. The bulk of the book is spent on mini-profiles of the most popular and impactful games from each era and system. If you grew up playing these games, it's a great reminder of old favorites, and if you're new to the world of retro gaming, it is an awesome introduction to must play titles.

[J Grimsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book 3 stars as. being of an age where I played these games it left me wondering why it left so many out. The Hobbit Stronghold Dungeon Keeper even Space invaders was mentioned only briefly. I was pleased to see Tetris and Elite were mentioned but not many sports games and flight simulations.
I probably bought the wrong book.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started in the 1980s for me and here I found all the great memories of fantastic computer games. All the machines, feature titles, the big brands in the field. Absolutely enjoyed every single page here. If you ever were into gaming or still are an absolute must read. This is the ultimate history of video gaming with its essential machines. Highly recommended!

[Abel Pederson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this...now this is the best video game history book out there it give you info on the classics and everything and tells you whats good or bad its the best game reference I've read (I've seen a lot of game history its the best BOOK i'm a game historian)

[Elysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want that guy's review on the Wii and its accessories. Sure, it may not be retrogaming YET, but that's bound to become retrogaming at some point.

[Chris Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great summary and memories

Loved the book. Nice narrative of the development of new systems with some of the key games chosen and reviewed.

[Tim Drury · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and colourful look at video gaming history, definitely an inspirational read if like me your favourite kind of gaming is old school.

[Zoidberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick history, included some gaming systems I didn’t know about. And I question the inclusion of double dragon over golden axe.