YouTube extaordinaire and collector of old tat Stuart Ashen presents a great little book that stays true to it's name; a small, colourful hardback packed with mini-reviews of some of the most low-key but utterly dreadful games released in the s and early s. Despite being a bit of a gaming officianado myself, I was pleasantly suprised to find myself unfamiliar with virtually all of the games in the book, so it was a real treat.
Ashen definitely knows his stuff about retro games. This book YouTube extaordinaire and collector of old tat Stuart Ashen presents a great little book that stays true to it's name; a small, colourful hardback packed with mini-reviews of some of the most low-key but utterly dreadful games released in the s and early s.
This book is brimming with awful old mostly British games for old PC consoles like the Amstad. Each game is discussed in the format of a little mini-review, complete with nice glossy screenshots and funny commentary, along with plenty of factoids and insights into contemporary small, budget video game studios.
It's simply a treat for video game fans. The book isn't without it's faults, however. Ashen has a typically British style of comedic writing, packed with hyperbole and dry sarcasm. For the most part, his writing is delightful but the style can be surprisingly repetitive at times though; I was massively irked to see certain phrases overused in this little book.
For example, Ashen likes to append 'Really. I saw this phrase used way too often and it lost it's charm. Also the book's rather short and the pages are packed with large imagery, meaning you can blast through this book in a mere day or two.
It's fascinating but it'll definitely leave you wanting more. Perhaps that's a good thing though. May 09, J.
Coutelier rated it really liked it. Regrettably this book is non-fiction. As utterly preposterous and nonsensical as it seems, SQIJ! For the ZX Spectrum is an actual thing that actually happened and manages to beat out even Barbie Dreamhouse Party in sheer WTFery well, maybe not, but it was pretty bad. Basically about the same time I started showing people my own tat and then heard there was a guy on YouTube who makes videos about it. Ashens is someone who is, to quote t Regrettably this book is non-fiction.
On his channel he reviews old video game systems, rubbish from Poundland like Dollar stores in the USA , and all kinds of junk basically. And somehow he manages to just talk about these things and makes them weirdly entertaining. These were the days when a commercial game could be written by just one or two people in an office or at home and were often just rushed out in shameless cash grabs.
Ashens discusses each terrible game and the histories behind each title with his usual dry humour, accompanied by colour screenshots when the games actually had colours in them , and contributions from other Youtubers and industry insiders. Sep 18, Craig rated it it was ok. Stuart Ashen is one of my choice subscriptions when it comes to YouTube entertainment. From subjecting himself to disgustingly out of date food to the cheapest looking tat known to retail, he is a joy to watch even if all you really see is a pair of hands dancing on a brown sofa.
Imagine my delight when I heard he had a book out, and even more so when I found out my missus bought it for me for my birthday. I gave this another read simply so I could share my opinions. Whilst Ashens is knowledgea Stuart Ashen is one of my choice subscriptions when it comes to YouTube entertainment. Whilst Ashens is knowledgeable, I found his guest spots to be lacklustre, with the exception of Guru Larry.
I'm biased however, as I also enjoy Larry's content on YouTube. I would have assumed the array of video game journalists and developers would have had more to say about the disasters but they read like stock reviews of almost any other game, with some choice adjectives replaced. They're uncharismatic and add nothing to Stuart's critique. Overall, I found this book highly enjoyable.
For one thing, video games is something Stuart is vastly knowledgeable about. Not only this, but you can tell he simply loves to talk about them, even those that dare to call themselves "games". Most sound like an absolute chore to the point it's borderline comical, and I appreciate he avoided such obvious choices such as that E.
T game which we will never mention again. Even Stuart himself isn't safe, pitting his own effort at a video game up for scrutiny.
It's this brash self depreciation which adds to the charm. Unfortunately, the book is excruciatingly short - just under two thirds of the way through, the analysis screeches to a halt and we're shown a list of backers that made the book even possible. I'm almost certain the people funding this would prefer more content too.
Feb 20, Shaun rated it liked it Shelves: humor , nonfiction. This book does deliver on it's premise. It details many video games, none of which I have heard of. Which is good, as it is what I wanted out of the book. Being an American interested in video games I have heard about many of the duds on the Atari , the NES, and so forth. So for me, it is interesting to hear about games on the computer systems that were not big here but more so in Europe.
I am familiar with Stuart Ashen from his youtube channel like most readers of this book I would guess This book does deliver on it's premise. I am familiar with Stuart Ashen from his youtube channel like most readers of this book I would guess and his humor translates pretty well to the page. The problem is, that when talking about video games, it feels like it just works so much better on youtube. He describes the horrible beeps and jerks these buggy messes make, but it just works so well to play a clip of it as you are talking about it.
It is like the perfect use of youtube. I don't begrudge him his desire to write a book, but I feel like the medium doesn't work as well for his goals. One thing I felt let down again and maybe it was my own dumb expectations was that the book was smaller than I expected. Both in physical dimensions and in reading length. Also, because it was crowdfunded it is filled with pages and pages of donors and so forth. I understand that the only reason this book exists is crowdfunding, but when a book is just shy of pages and almost 50 pages of the book are not actual parts of the book but introductions and acknowledgements it is kind of a bummer.
Still, it was humorous, and informative. I don't know if people in the UK would be quite as unfamiliar with these games as I would be, but I was pleased to hear about these terrible old games that I indeed never heard of.
Feb 11, Michelle Cristiani rated it liked it Shelves: nonfiction , humor. I actually did know 2 or 3 of these, but I enjoyed the rest and that it was crowdfunded publishing.
I am also surprised that there was a highlander video game - and sadly not surprised that it sucked. Shiver - by Allie Reynolds Paperback. Figurines Bundle. See our price match guarantee. See how a store is chosen for you. Restrictions apply. Pricing, promotions and availability may vary by location and at Target. Loading, please wait Free 2-Day Shipping. Same Day Delivery. Please select a store. Format Paperback.
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Will the trade copies be released as the same time as the special edition copies, and will these reach outside of England? Hi Alexander, Thanks for getting in touch. The trade editions will be available after the special editions. In the video, Ashens said he has been writing the book so how far through the book is he?
Has he just started or is he nearly finished? I can't really answer that as I keep rewriting bits and adding stuff. I have a deadline and that's all that matters! Hi, does anyone know if this book is going to be in portrait or landscape, or not yet decided.
I really want one, but if it's landscape it will mess up my height-ordered shelves. When pledging 25, what do you exactly mean by 'Access to the shed'? Hi Edu, Thanks for getting in touch. Access to the shed means that you will be notified of Stuart's updates and will be able to access exclusive content which is available for subscribers' eyes only.
Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coodinator. How will the E-book edition be sent? Will there be an E-mail with the code or via post? If it is by post, then my billing address is wrong. Once the ebooks are ready, supporters are sent an email where you can download the ebook in the mobi. Kindle , epub.
Apple products and other eReaders , and PDF formats. Or you'll be able to download them from the ebooks page which will appear in next to the shed icon above the pledge rewards once the ebook is available. As a result I'm having to write it all myself. Hello there. Is there likely to be any more spaces for the "Gathering of terror"? Hi there, Firstly please accept our apologies for the delay in getting back to you - your message slipped through the net.
Unfortunately due to the size of the venue, space is really limited and we won't be able to accommodate any more spaces. We're really sorry, and of course if this changes we'll let you know. Are there any games in here you have a personal vendetta against? Maybe one you saved up for as a kid, only to be disappointed?
You don't have to give any spoilers for the book, I'm just wondering if any of these games bring back any memories, like the Buzz Lightyear game for Game Boy color does for me.
Hunter was a German game, right? Assuming that it was actually translated into English, of course! It wasn't translated at all - It was only released in German. Which was a lucky escape for the rest of Europe, frankly.
Or is it one book with name in front, two more books with names in back? Hi Ian, Thanks for getting in touch. I'm a bit short on cash on the moment, but I would like to buy a signed edition in the future.
How long will it still be available before the pledging stops? Hi Stephen, Thanks for getting in touch. We'll be selling the signed editions for a few months still so you've got plenty of time to pledge for the signed edition.
Or if you like you can pledge for the hardback now and can upgrade to the signed level at a later time. To upgrade or if there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound. Hi Nikolas, Thanks for your question. The signature inside the book will be real.
If there's anything else I can help you with please get in touch via unbound. Is there a way to preorder or be reminded when the book is released? Hi McKay, Thanks for getting in touch. If you pledge for the book now that it's funded then it's essentially the same as pre-ordering a copy. We're working on getting books ready asap and are hoping, all being well, to have subscriber copies ready in time for Christmas.
Hi, super hyped for this, have pledge, can't wait. Is there a possibility of an audiobook version? Possibly in the same style as the brief narration in your youtube video? And another question, how will you be gathering the names of the backers for the book?
Will it be by user name or delivery details? Regards, Ed. Hi Ed, Thanks for getting in touch. There aren't currently plans for an audiobook but if this changes Stuart's subscribers will be the first to know.
Unless you specify otherwise the name in the back email is your user name. To check or change the names in the back just log in and head over to the 'Your Account' page which can be located at the top right hand corner of the site.
If we can help with anything else please get in touch via unbound. Is the book nearly finished now then? I received an email confirming the name in the back so I assume it is.
Do we have a more precise release date now instead of just "early "? Yes, we're working hard to get the books out by the end of this year, which is why we need to close the supporter list. If there's anything else we can help you with please just ask via unbound. Hi Ashens, Just wanted to ask, will you be including some of the games that you already covered on YouTube in the book e.
Massively hyped for the book - can't wait although I'll have to wait until the book arrives at my door, obv. I looked at the the first screenshot, and noticed that the currency exchange rate used for Deutschmark to British Pounds is off; one British Pound was equal to about 2. Stuart, I just pledged for the book, however I was curious on the inclusion of names in the book and whether you could substitute a name.
I also had 1 other question which I will include. My younger brother Logan found your channel several years ago and has been subscribed ever since. He suffers from mild autism and is very particular in channels which he follows. One of the reasons he was drawn to your channel was your voice, notably he likes your narrative videos such as the Terrible Old Games series. As such, I would much prefer that his name appear in lieu of mine in the book and shout-out video. I did not think about this before creating my account or I would have listed his name instead of mine.
This brings me to my other question on the book. Are there any plans for an audio version? I'm not sure if the format follows that of your videos for Terrible Old Games, so I don't know if it that's feasible. Thank you for your videos and for being a positive influence in my and my brother's life. Best wishes, Cody. Hi Cody, Thanks for getting in touch. Please make sure you do this before midnight on 27th September or we can't guarantee your brother's name will be inside the book.
There are not currently any plans for an audiobook, but if there is Stuart's supporters will be the first to know. If there's anything else we can help with please contact us via unbound. Hi Spider Matty, Thanks for getting in touch. If there's anything else we can help with please get in touch via unbound. Caitlin - Community Coordinator. Hi Ashens, how much is it going to cost and will it be in waterstones type shops etc?
Hey Stu or someone pls.. The payment has already gone through though? Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Corrdinator. Just to make sure, the name on the Unbound account is the name that'll go into the book, since I didn't get a chance to add it in anywhere when I threw money at you. Hi Michael, Yes, unless you changed the name via your account unbound. Despite me telling him how terrible the 8-bit days were in retrospect that is, at the time it was flipping brilliant! If I chip in a pledge, can I get his name in the book instead of mine?
Hi Kenneth, You can indeed. Any problems, please contact us via unbound. Hi Fraser, There are varying levels of support that you can pledge for, so you can choose how much you would like the book to be. Will the ebooks only be released at the same time as the physical copies, or will we get access to the ebooks as soon as it's finalised? Hi Rui, The ebooks will be released at the same time as the physical copies, but this will be before they are available in the shops. If there's anything else we can help with, please contact us via unbound.
I vaguely remember a game called "Billy and his Purple Flares" for the Speccy. A truly awesomely awful game which I bought from my local street market back in nineteen dickety two for a groat. I can't find any reference to it and am hoping it was just a rather strange Newberry Fruit fever dream. Have you come across this in your travels across the home micro landscape of yesteryear?
That's a bit good. There is no such game. Then again "Eric and the Floaters" is not only real but the first version of Bomberman, so anything is possible. Dr Ashens. I have just pledged, it was a toss up between this book and Ghost Hunting 2. The question is, did I make the right decision? That depends on your needs. I cannot claim to answer the question "Can spirits still fall in love?
Do you know if the book will be shipped internationally? Specifically Canada? Hi John, Yes, we ship the books internationally. Just enter the delivery country after hitting the 'pledge now' button.
Once we know which country your book will be shipped to we can calculate the shipping costs. I couldn't find a way in which to reply to your reply to my previous comment. The exchange rate implied by the sample page did not match my memory of the exchange rates in the nineties, so I looked up the exact rates. I have a good memory for old exchange rates one of the ways in which I'm odd , including the now-disbanded ones of the Euro countries. I did use Oanda, it's a great resource.
Early on I toyed with the idea of using adjusted prices but abandoned it, as there are so many potential methodologies and it just made the book confusing anyway! This is horrible! Ashen: Usually I don't put too much in my mouth but you kind of have to put the whole bean in and chew it a bit Referring to a broken solar-powered toy car "You could put it on the surface of the sun, and it would melt.
Ashens: " Ashens : And No rabbits were harmed in the making of this tutorial, although I did kick the shit out of a giraffe. The long necked, snooty bastard. Ashen: Leaving aside the crapulent storyline , we need to take issue with the name. Oriental Hero was clearly written to cash in on the success of Ninja Master , yet completely omits the word "ninja" from the title, thus providing no obvious link. Ashen: You astonishingly vile fuck.
There we go, that's something you don't hear on YouTube very often. Or taste. Instructions: Shane is trying to write new songs and hears an amazing one that inspires him! Ashen: So what's he do is sample it and call it Hip-Hop.
Ba-dum tsh! Ashens: Oh, bloody hell. No- Where do those things keep coming from? Ashen: No. The Silver Skull: Why not? Ashen: Because you're not funny and nobody likes you.
The Silver Skull: That never stopped you. Ashen: Good point. Ashen: Maybe that's where the "S" from the end of "Maths" ended up? Ashen: It's difficult having an international audience which is why from now on my videos will only be available in Estonia Ashen: "Feature Martin do Stuart? I'm not into that. Ashen: Now let's all agree to never be creative again. Ashen : Look, they're "boys' toys". Know your place, girls and learn how to make sandwiches because you can never have gender roles imposed on you too early apparently.
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