Any Good Books on Arcade Games?

[Rogmeister]

I'm wondering if there have been any good books published on arcade video games. I would think there would be but I thought I'd ask before I start ordering things blindly. I'd like either a good book on the history of arcade games or even just one that's nothing but gobs of photos of the classic arcade games (if such a thing exists). Any recommendations would be appreciated. I think I started a topic once before on books on video games, but perhaps not specifically on arcade machines.

[Gamereviewgod]

Arcade Fever and Supercade.

[zmweasel]

There's also an excellent book about collecting coin-ops:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0375720383?v=glance

-- Z.

[Sniderman]

I highly recommend Arcade Fever. Some of the facts are a bit "loose", but I love the format. The classic arcade machines each get their own two page entry with plenty of pictures and info and trivia. Starts with Computer Space and works its way through the biggies through the ages. You can grab a copy off eBay for a pittance.

[slip81]

I also highly recomend Supercade, it is a very nice book and can be gotten fairly cheaply used on amazon.com

[Rogmeister]

Thanks, guys. I've certainly heard of Supercade as well as Arcade Fever. In fact, I'm not positive but I may even have a copy of Arcade Fever...the cover seems VERY familiar. I'll have to dig through my tons of books to see if I have it before I order another copy...at Amazon.com, I also came across a book by Bill Kurtz titled The Encyclopedia of Arcade Video Games (Schiffer Book for Collectors)...anyone familiar with this?

Added Note: Okay, I looked and I did find my copy of Arcade Fever so I was right about having that. So I may order Supercade (there's a cheaper softcover as well as the expensive hardcover edition) and maybe that other book as well...

[Rogmeister]

Well, I got the 2 books I ordered but was surprised...I thought Supercade was about arcade books but it actually seems to be a history of the home video game scene. I'm not that disappointed as it still looks to be a very interesting book...it just wasn't what I was expecting. I really am interested right now in reading about the arcade games of that era. The other book I got was David Ellis' Official Price Guide to Classic Video Games.

Just found out I lost in the maseta lottery again. Bummer...

[Lady Jaye]

Supercade is actually about both the arcade and home consoles, up to 1984. Did you get the softcover or the hardcover edition? I have the softcover one, and it's still a pretty heavy book (I made the mistake of lugging it with me for my commute to work -- I'm almost surprised I didn't injure my wrists holding the book while reading it!).

[Rogmeister]

I got the softcover one...I think it was cheaper and I figured it was good enough for me. :) The first thing I did was open it up and look in the index...no listing for Mappy! I looked that up because that's what I've mostly been playing lately...on the Ms. Pac-Man Plug & Play TV Games unit... :D

[NE146]

From what I've read.. I think Arcade Fever (one of my favorite books) is EXACTLY what you're looking for.. did you ever find if you have a copy or not? :?



Of course there are also lots of 'classic' arcade books. i.e. books from the early 80's too you might want to check out if you ever come across them. Although most of them are 'how to win' guides.

They won't give you that overall history perspective that you might be looking for, but they're still nice to read.. since they come from the time most everyone was still in awe of the machines :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/b2stoys/invasion.jpg

[Rogmeister]

Yes, I did find my copy of Arcade Fever so I never had to order that one. I will probably continue to look for different books...it'll be one of those things I look for periodically...

By the way, I just came across a book at amazon.com titled Gamester's Guide to Arcade Video Games which is by Paul Kordestani. It came out in 1983 from a company called Tab Books. Is anyone familiar with this? They have several copies below $20. On the other hand, the cheapest copy of Invasion of the Space Invaders they have is $175!

[maxmouse2008]

How is Supercade? I have and read (about a million times) Arcade Faver. and the Price of the softcover (supercade) Thnxs

[Captain Wrong]

There's also an excellent book about collecting coin-ops:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0375720383?v=glance

-- Z.

Ooh. That's a new one on me. Thanks!

Personally, I'm kind of iffy on Arcade Fever. You can pick up a cheap copy used, which tilts the scales in it's favor, but I found it a little lightweight in the content department. It's kind of like VH1 or HGTV did a show on classic arcade games and this is the companion book. It's that style and format. Good for casual fans but, as Snider pointed out, a little loose with the facts and the kind of thing that probably isn't going to provide much new information.

Supercade is a great book, however. I return to that one time and time again. That's a killer book.

Also, stay away from "High Score" unless you're interested in PC gaming. The arcade scene is barely mentioned and the console information is slight and full of errors.

[o2william]

Of course there are also lots of 'classic' arcade books. i.e. books from the early 80's too you might want to check out if you ever come across them.
Just don't go looking to buy the book in NE146's picture. I've never seen "Invasion of the Space Invaders" listed for less than $100. Some used book sites want as much a $400 for a copy! @_@ It's because Martin Amis wrote it, I think.

[Lady Jaye]

Was the console info ever corrected in High Score's second edition? And it's true that its title is misleading, since it's a computer history book, not an arcade or console history book.

Supercade is indeed a great book. Very interesting, lots of info, and some extra texts by "guest writers", including William Cassidy (our own O2William). The design is very coffee-table bookish, except the fact that it's more substantial, text-wise, than most coffee table books.

It costs $20 US on Amazon for the softcover edition. The hardcover edition is out of print, but Amazon's third-party sellers, sell it for as low as $15.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0262524201/qid=1115141141/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/104-3568325-8652717?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

[Rogmeister]

It costs $20 US on Amazon for the softcover edition. The hardcover edition is out of print, but Amazon's third-party sellers, sell it for as low as $15.

You're right...perhaps that's why I ordered the softcover edition, so I could order a couple of books in one package rather than pay shipping for a couple different orders.

[o2william]

Hmm, I simulposted with Rogmeister up there. $175 is not unusual. I'm going to try to get that book through interlibrary loan... I'd love to read it, but there's no way I'm paying that much.


Supercade is indeed a great book. Very interesting, lots of info, and some extra texts by "guest writers", including William Cassidy (our own O2William).
I'm famous! :) Actually I wrote a big one page of the book, but Van Burnham was kind enough to stick my photo in the back anyway, right below Ralph Baer's. To be in such exulted company...

David Ellis' book is also a good one. He received lots of input and contributions from members of the collecting community. I gave him a few O2 photos.

[zmweasel]

Was the console info ever corrected in High Score's second edition? And it's true that its title is misleading, since it's a computer history book, not an arcade or console history book.

HS! authors Rusel DeMaria and Johnny Wilson recruited Nintendo-lovin' freelance journo Chris Kohler to touch up and expand the console content of the second edition of High Score!, which I've heard about but haven't seen. Rusel and Johnny are both very much PC gamers (Johnny was the editor of Computer Gaming World for years and years), which explains HS!'s computer slant.

-- Z.

[Rogmeister]

I just did a search for "Invasion of the Space Invaders" at Bookfinder.com and came up with 38 copies ranging in price from $96.54 to $775.76...many of the more expensive copies have been signed by the author. Go grab your copy now...I won't stand in your way LOL

[NE146]

Holy crap. I didn't realize Invasion of the Space Invaders went for that much.

I still have my original copy and yknow what.. there is a copy right next to me at the Bellevue Public Library (literally right next to my apt. less than a block away) Well... at least it was there the last time I went which was about 2 years ago. :hmm: I wonder if it's been swiped since then.. bu then again this was just 2003 or something that I saw it there.

Anyway. Heck.. if it's so pricey, why don't I just scan it? :D

[rolenta]

Supercade is indeed a great book. Very interesting, lots of info, and some extra texts by "guest writers", including William Cassidy (our own O2William).

Hey, what about me? I wrote the chapter on the Atari 2600!

[Lady Jaye]

Sorry Len!!! It's been a while since I opened my copy of Supercade, but you're right, I should have remembered your entry as well as William's. :embarrassed:

[inkedfrog]

Hello all. I guess I'm a lurker, but a "good" friend of mine is a prominent member of the forum and I'm looking for a Christmas present for fore mentioned friend. He mentioned a book written by another supposed member about his personal arcade collection and the stories of how he collected his different machines. I am now looking for that book and have had no luck on Amazon or here on the forums (which is where I assume my friend heard of the book). I know that the book can be found on some book site but the author receives more per sale through his publisher's website. If anyone could grace me with the author's site or name or even the name of the book, I would be eternally thankful.
..Now here is hoping said friend doesn't notice that I've posted...

[Pantechnicon]

Hello all. I guess I'm a lurker, but a "good" friend of mine is a prominent member of the forum and I'm looking for a Christmas present for fore mentioned friend. He mentioned a book written by another supposed member about his personal arcade collection and the stories of how he collected his different machines. I am now looking for that book and have had no luck on Amazon or here on the forums (which is where I assume my friend heard of the book). I know that the book can be found on some book site but the author receives more per sale through his publisher's website. If anyone could grace me with the author's site or name or even the name of the book, I would be eternally thankful.
..Now here is hoping said friend doesn't notice that I've posted...

Invading Spaces by Rob "Flack" O'Hara

Link directly to the author's purchase page:

http://www.robohara.com/invadingspaces/buy.htm

[inkedfrog]

Invading Spaces by Rob "Flack" O'Hara

Link directly to the author's purchase page:

http://www.robohara.com/invadingspaces/buy.htm

Thank you so very much!