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Jumping for Joy: The History of Platform Video Games: Including Every Mario and Sonic Platformer
“[A] thorough recounting of the facts of the genre’s biggest players while still offering a subjective curated list of forgotten platformers.” ― TheGamer
The platformer is one of the most well-loved video game genres ever, having entertained players for over 40 years. Jumping For Joy is a celebration of everything platform games have to offer, spanning their entire history. The first part of the book is a complete guide to every platform game starring Mario, Nintendo’s mascot and the most popular video game character of all time. With nearly 80 games featured in this section, it’s the definitive history of a true gaming hero. There are always two sides to every story, though, so the second part of the book focuses on every one of the 50+ platformers starring Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario’s former rival. After this it’s the book’s main a huge 100-page section detailing 50 other iconic and notable platform games covering the entire history of gaming, from the days of the Atari 2600 and ZX Spectrum all the way up to the Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Whether you’re a long-time veteran of platform gaming or a newcomer who wants to learn more about one of the most entertaining genres in video games, this is the perfect book for you. And there are some bad jokes in there too, if that’s your thing.
The platformer is one of the most well-loved video game genres ever, having entertained players for over 40 years. Jumping For Joy is a celebration of everything platform games have to offer, spanning their entire history. The first part of the book is a complete guide to every platform game starring Mario, Nintendo’s mascot and the most popular video game character of all time. With nearly 80 games featured in this section, it’s the definitive history of a true gaming hero. There are always two sides to every story, though, so the second part of the book focuses on every one of the 50+ platformers starring Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario’s former rival. After this it’s the book’s main a huge 100-page section detailing 50 other iconic and notable platform games covering the entire history of gaming, from the days of the Atari 2600 and ZX Spectrum all the way up to the Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Whether you’re a long-time veteran of platform gaming or a newcomer who wants to learn more about one of the most entertaining genres in video games, this is the perfect book for you. And there are some bad jokes in there too, if that’s your thing.
- GenresGaming
168 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2022
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September 17, 2022
An entertaining romp through a varied selection of influential platform video games, written in a winning, friendly tone.
The book is divided into three thirds, focusing on: all Super Mario games, all Sonic the Hedgehog games and then a mini-encyclopaedia of 50 important platformers over the past couple decades.
The information is clearly presented with screenshots and release information. Chris’ write ups are concise and knowledgable. There are hidden gems here, such as Gris, which he has now persuaded me to try out!
Looking forward to future encyclopaedias by Chris!
The book is divided into three thirds, focusing on: all Super Mario games, all Sonic the Hedgehog games and then a mini-encyclopaedia of 50 important platformers over the past couple decades.
The information is clearly presented with screenshots and release information. Chris’ write ups are concise and knowledgable. There are hidden gems here, such as Gris, which he has now persuaded me to try out!
Looking forward to future encyclopaedias by Chris!
Displaying 1 of 1 review