thebowandthebook's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Interesting book, rather sensationalized style of telling, but overall a enjoyable read on an area of video game history. I really enjoyed the writing style as someone who doesn't care about video games that much, but I did feel it ended a bit abruptly.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Violence
perch15's review against another edition
5.0
For those of us growing up in the 80s and early 90s, this is an indispensable read. An entertaining and hyper-informative peek behind the curtain of our generation's version of Beatles/Stones. And in case you were wondering...I'm a Nintendo and Stones guy.
thechris's review against another edition
4.0
What I liked: This book was a fun read that cranked the nostalgia dial up to 11. It's fantastic to see who the people were and the thinking behind the decisions that were so influential in my very young life. Mr. Harris drives home the passion and personalities of the players, and even though we all know how the story ends, it's a fun ride getting there.
What I didn't like: The dialogue. Sweet pickled pineapple, the dialogue in this book. It's either horribly dry or so ludicrously unbelievable that it jolts you away from what's going on. I just had to keep reminding myself that some dialogue had to be invented for this style of book to work.
Overall: Big fan. Anyone gamer who lived through the great console wars will love this book on subject matter alone. It's a fun read that I went through quickly. I just wish this book had been a bit better, because it could easily have been fabulous.
What I didn't like: The dialogue. Sweet pickled pineapple, the dialogue in this book. It's either horribly dry or so ludicrously unbelievable that it jolts you away from what's going on. I just had to keep reminding myself that some dialogue had to be invented for this style of book to work.
Overall: Big fan. Anyone gamer who lived through the great console wars will love this book on subject matter alone. It's a fun read that I went through quickly. I just wish this book had been a bit better, because it could easily have been fabulous.
jenyenydot's review against another edition
3.0
A good read, but too novelized
This book was a ton of fun to read - I am a gaming executive myself - but there was a bit too much novelization in the writing. These stories are interesting enough without pear phrased conversations and invented jokes and segues. Fun to remember these days!
This book was a ton of fun to read - I am a gaming executive myself - but there was a bit too much novelization in the writing. These stories are interesting enough without pear phrased conversations and invented jokes and segues. Fun to remember these days!
heyfluxay's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not sure what can really be said. If you grew up during the days of Sega vs Nintendo, this is a must read. It offers a very interesting look at some of the struggles and politics that took place behind the scenes. Put on those rose colored glasses and travel back to simpler time. Did you play it loud or were you welcomed to the next level?
A must read from me 5/5!
A must read from me 5/5!
slightly_devious's review against another edition
4.0
A good read for anyone who grew up as a gamer.
adrenallynn's review against another edition
Didn't engage me + wasn't what I expected personally.
canadianoranges's review against another edition
5.0
The focus for this book seems to be more regarding Sega than Nintendo. Part of that is due to Nintendo's unwillingness to change or react to anything done by Sega.
The stories of the backroom deals and technical breakthroughs are compelling. The setup of Nintendo's demise (or close to it) by their betrayal of Sony is almost glossed over. Perhaps something to be covered in a sequel.
Very interesting and entertaining nonetheless.
The stories of the backroom deals and technical breakthroughs are compelling. The setup of Nintendo's demise (or close to it) by their betrayal of Sony is almost glossed over. Perhaps something to be covered in a sequel.
Very interesting and entertaining nonetheless.