Videogames Hardware Handbook Vol 1: Everything You Need to Know About the History and Games of Retro Gaming Systems
Videogames Hardware Handbook Vol 1: A Retro Gamer's Guide to Classic Consoles
If you are a fan of retro gaming or just curious about the history of videogames hardware, you might want to check out Videogames Hardware Handbook Vol 1, a book published by Retro Gamer magazine that covers many of the greatest games machines ever made from 1977 to 1999. This book is not only a comprehensive guide to the technical specifications and features of each system, but also a fascinating behind-the-scenes story of how they were created, marketed and received by gamers around the world. You will also find a selection of the best games for each system, with screenshots and descriptions that will make you want to play them again or for the first time.
Videogames Hardware Handbook Vol 1
In this article, we will give you an overview of what you can expect from this book and why it is a must-read for any retro gaming enthusiast.
The History of Videogames Hardware
The first part of the book is dedicated to exploring the history of videogames hardware from its origins in the late 1970s to its peak in the late 1990s. You will learn how videogames hardware evolved from simple arcade machines and home computers to sophisticated consoles and handhelds, and how each generation of systems introduced new innovations and challenges to the industry and the players. You will also discover the stories of the people and companies behind these machines, their successes and failures, and their impact on the culture and society of their time.
The book covers the following periods and systems:
The Golden Age of Arcade Games
The late 1970s and early 1980s were the golden age of arcade games, when millions of people flocked to arcades to play coin-operated machines that offered immersive and addictive gameplay, colorful graphics and catchy sound effects. The book features some of the most iconic arcade games of this era, such as Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede, Frogger and more. You will learn how these games were designed, programmed and manufactured, how they influenced the development of home gaming, and how they spawned countless clones, sequels and spin-offs.
The Home Computer Revolution
The early to mid 1980s saw the emergence of home computers as a platform for gaming, offering more variety, creativity and affordability than arcade machines. The book features some of the most popular home computer systems of this era, such as the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Amstrad CPC and more. You will learn how these systems were developed, marketed and sold, how they competed with each other and with consoles, and how they fostered a vibrant scene of hobbyists, programmers and publishers. You will also find some of the best games for these systems, such as Elite, Manic Miner, The Secret of Monkey Island, Lemmings and more.
The Console Wars
The mid to late 1980s and early 1990s were the era of the console wars, when console manufacturers engaged in a fierce competition for market share and consumer loyalty. The book features some of the most legendary console systems of this era, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Master System, Super Nintendo, Sega Mega Drive, TurboGrafx-16 and more. You will learn how these systems were conceived, produced and distributed, how they battled with each other and with other platforms, and how they shaped the tastes and preferences of gamers around the world. You will also find some of the best games for these systems, such as Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Street Fighter II and more.
The Rise of Handheld Gaming
The late 1980s and early 1990s also saw the development of handheld gaming devices, which allowed gamers to play their favorite games on the go. The book features some of the most influential handheld systems of this era, such as the Game Boy, Game Gear, Lynx, Nomad and more. You will learn how these systems were designed, engineered and marketed, how they competed with each other and with other platforms, and how they expanded the reach and appeal of gaming to new audiences. You will also find some of the best games for these systems, such as 71b2f0854b