Videogames are one of the most culturally, socially and economically significant, not to mention pervasive, media forms. The global videogames industry is worth billions of dollars and growing year on year as it releases yet more innovative products that synthesize cutting edge technology, ease of use, accessibility and, most importantly, fun. It is hardly surprising then that every day, millions of adults and children around the globe dedicate countless hours to exploring virtual worlds, assuming alternative identities and engaging in digital play. Yet for all this, there is relatively little critical discussion of videogames and they remain the poor relation of contemporary media criticism, leaving those new to videogames struggling to find information about key titles and the cognoscenti hungry for insight into their favourite titles. James Newman and Iain Simons' guide provides a map of the most important games from the 1960s to the present day that will satisfy both novices and acolytes alike as it journeys through the most interesting, innovative and entertaining titles of the first forty years of videogames.
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About the Author
James Newman is Senior Lecturer in Media Communications and Cultural Studies at Bath Spa University. Previous books include Videogames (2004) and Teaching Videogames (2006). Iain Simons is a Writer & Curator and Founding Director of GameCity Festival. He is currently writing a book about the birth of the UK games industry and his new book GameLives will be published in 2007 by Laurence King Publishing.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is an excellent book. Intentionally resisting the desire to create a list of games in any numerical order or indeed in terms any perception of the `best games', the authors set out to provide a discussion of 100 videogames which they argue `are worthy of play as they highlight something interesting and noteworthy about the form or advanced it in some interesting way' (p. xiii).
Aside from the merits of the games under discussion - and whilst I haven't played them all their case for inclusion seems compelling enough - what is particularly impressive about this book is the way that the reviews actually succeed in moving beyond discussion of the game mechanics and methods of play, frequently demonstrating the cultural and social impact of the game in question. Whilst discussion of games such as Manhunt and the Grand Theft Auto series are able to draw on a well told body of media and social commentary, it is in their discussion of more obscure or older titles that the authors love of the medium and desire to celebrate games and gaming comes to the fore. Examples such as the review of Amiga classic Cannon Fodder, which sets out the satirical depiction which the game made of war and the furore which greeted its release or of Fahrenheit's ultimate failure to bridge the gap between interactive movie and game are illustrative enough.
Overall, this wonderful book is a must read for anyone serious about games and gaming. It is thought provoking, engaging and fuelled with genuine passion from two people who clearly have a love of games and wish them to be taken seriously. It comes highly recommended - the fact that you can fit it into your pocket and each of its entries can be comfortably read in a couple of minutes is icing on a very sizeable cake!
Aside from the merits of the games under discussion - and whilst I haven't played them all their case for inclusion seems compelling enough - what is particularly impressive about this book is the way that the reviews actually succeed in moving beyond discussion of the game mechanics and methods of play, frequently demonstrating the cultural and social impact of the game in question. Whilst discussion of games such as Manhunt and the Grand Theft Auto series are able to draw on a well told body of media and social commentary, it is in their discussion of more obscure or older titles that the authors love of the medium and desire to celebrate games and gaming comes to the fore. Examples such as the review of Amiga classic Cannon Fodder, which sets out the satirical depiction which the game made of war and the furore which greeted its release or of Fahrenheit's ultimate failure to bridge the gap between interactive movie and game are illustrative enough.
Overall, this wonderful book is a must read for anyone serious about games and gaming. It is thought provoking, engaging and fuelled with genuine passion from two people who clearly have a love of games and wish them to be taken seriously. It comes highly recommended - the fact that you can fit it into your pocket and each of its entries can be comfortably read in a couple of minutes is icing on a very sizeable cake!
By Big Bando
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this as a christmas present for my son, who really likes it. James Newman is one of his tutors at Uni. This isn't just grovelling - in case he might read the review!!
By Finn Dave
Format:Paperback
This is a concise, funny, detailed and thoughtful overview of significant video games from the inception of the genre right up to when the book was published. Each game is given one or two pages and, for me, makes a great bedtime read as you can spend as little or long with it before sleeping/passing-out as you want.
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