- Paperback: 466 pages
- Publisher: B W D Pr (Nov 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0970475500
- ISBN-13: 978-0970475503
- Product Dimensions: 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,738,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The title relates well to the overall read - this is indeed a (videogame-chronicling) experience like not many others, and though the book has been updated with an (albeit badly-titled) 'modern' look - The Ultimate History of Videogames - this is the original, and more entertaining, volume from Kent.
Rather than tying everything up in the same fashion as David Scheff does in the seminal 'Game Over', Kent's account is just that: an account - a vehicle with which fact is imparted rather than really mulled over. The danger here, of course, is that videogaming's history could have been painted in an awkward light, but Kent's supremely exhaustive research ensures that nuggets of insight into what went on behind the scenes, irrespective of their value in terms of how the medium moved forward because of their existence, leap from nearly every page.
Without doubt, this work is an epic in every sense of the word. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather tead this than any other 'Supercade' virus that plagues my retrospective reading.
But why Kent repeatedly selects Molyneux's inexplicably untalented hand to write the preface for his books is a mystery to me.
Rather than tying everything up in the same fashion as David Scheff does in the seminal 'Game Over', Kent's account is just that: an account - a vehicle with which fact is imparted rather than really mulled over. The danger here, of course, is that videogaming's history could have been painted in an awkward light, but Kent's supremely exhaustive research ensures that nuggets of insight into what went on behind the scenes, irrespective of their value in terms of how the medium moved forward because of their existence, leap from nearly every page.
Without doubt, this work is an epic in every sense of the word. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather tead this than any other 'Supercade' virus that plagues my retrospective reading.
But why Kent repeatedly selects Molyneux's inexplicably untalented hand to write the preface for his books is a mystery to me.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
33 reviews
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
A word from the author
28 Oct 2001
Format:Paperback
I want to thank the people who were so kind in their reviews.
The First Quarter has been re-released as The Ultimate History of Video Games by Prima Publishing. This new version of the book includes an additional chapter, a time line, the oft-requested index, additional art, and above all--PROFESSIONAL EDITING.
As stated in many reviews, The First Quarter suffered from my lack of editing skills. I self-published that book. While my writing skills may be questionable, my editing abilities are indisputably bad.
Finally, I want to thank the people who bought my book and read it. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing my enthusiasm for video games.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Great attention to detail, behind-the-scenes secrets !!
3 Nov 2000
Format:Paperback
Incredible insight into the creation of some of the biggest video games. What's fascinating about this book are the revealing details behind the creation of these games. Having been in this business for 14 years, I was amazed with the amount of information that was acquired and only wish the book could have been even longer. Highly recommended!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Very nicely done history of video games.
10 Jan 2001
Format:Paperback
This is a well researched book on the history of video games, starting from its roots. It is full, and I mean FULL, of anecdotes from the people who were there. The author does a good job of clarifying and expanding upon those stories.
I have a few quibbles: In the early '80s the author goes into great detail about Atari and even Coleco but doesn't cover Mattel's contribution enough. And later the Nintendo Game Boy is covered appropriately but the Sega Game Gear is hardly mentioned. There are also some minor formatting errors but my biggest gripe and the reason for 4 rather than 5 stars is the lack of an index. I don't think I've ever seen a nonfiction title like this one without an index. Want to find out who programmed Pac-Man? It's in the book but you won't find it easily. Still, I really enjoyed reading it.
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