VS: 25 Head-to-Head Battles that Shaped the Evolution of Video Games

by Nick Nelson, J. Spencer Jr (Graphics)

[PAPERBACK VERSION] It's a book about video games. Their history, their evolution, their place in society. The narrative unfolds through a unique (and uniquely fitting) a series of head-to-head battles, each telling another vital part of the story. We pit games, franchises, creators, and even intangible concepts against one another in this fast-paced ride. Each of the 25 chapters includes meticulously researched backstories for the contending sides, followed by a thoughtful exploration of their intersection and impact. 245 pages, full color. Also available in ebook format for half the price at //gumroad.com/versusthebook/

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Dale Kulas · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are unfamiliar with the "greatest hits" of video game history and want a different way of catching up on some of the biggest stories and moments of this medium, you cannot go wrong with "Versus." Pairing off some of the biggest video game rivalries over the years like the "16-Bit Wars" of Genesis/Super Nintendo, the video game violence controversies, and the infamous fallout between Hideo Kojima and his old employer, Konami, alongside other unexpected match-ups with the tech of today and the future like Virtual Reality.

Each of the 25 "Battles" gives well-fact-checked references and quotes from many developers, press members, and other luminaries from the video game industry over the years. Each chapter is only about several to a dozen pages long, however, so while it covers each moment fairly extensively, it does not overburden you with all the intricacies and finer details. That means this book is perfect if you want a quick weekend read for those unfamiliar with the industry or want a quick refresher, but it is a far cry from being the in-depth encyclopedia of video game history. Which is totally fine, and the supplemental cheeky artwork is a perfect fit for the lighthearted tone of the overall writing style.

TLDR - Perfect for people unfamiliar with video game history and wanting a quick and amusing rundown, pass for folks wanting a "definitive, all-encompassing" guide to video game history.