Collecting Classic Video Games by Billy Galaxy

[Alex]

Here are my thoughts on this book:

 

The majority of the book (140 pages) is taken up by photographs and small captions. For the most part, each caption just says what the item is and what the "current market value" is. Each major system has a paragraph or two introduction, but that's about it - the main feature here is the photographs. The 2600 gets the largest section at about 60 pages.

 

It is nice to see so many photographs in one place. Unfortunately many of them seem a bit washed out, but it's still fun to flip through. There are many rare items shown, as well as the more common popular items. The photo section of the book is not comprehensive by any means - it feels more like a photo archive of somebone's amazing collection.

 

As for the prices, they seem to range from reasonable to very high. As anyone who has attempted a price guide can tell you, it's no easy task. However, the fact that this price guide was created by a dealer (Billy Galaxy owns a collectible toy/game store in Portland Oregon) makes me question the objectivity. In any event, I would say the prices should be taken with a large grain of salt.

 

In the back of the book is a more traditional price guide that covers the major systems. It lists the game title, company, and separate prices for loose, with instructions, complete in box, and new condition items. This section is more comprehensive than the photo section, but still omits some of the more esoteric cartridges.

 

The production values of the book are very nice. Slick glossy pages, color throughout, and a nice cardstock softcover.

 

I'm not sure who the target audience is though. Hardcore collectors may find it somewhat lacking in depth. Casual collectors may find the $30 price tag intimidating. The main appeal here is the photos, so if that's what interests you, this book may be a good purchase for you.

 

[ 03-10-2002: Message edited by: Alex ]

[Albert]

The NorthWest Classic Game Enthusiasts have a review of this book on their site for those who'd like to learn more.

 

..Al

[Alex]

http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid...64&bfmtype=bookCollecting Classic Video Games is a new book by Billy Galaxy from Schiffer Books. Here is what the publisher has to say:

 

"Here is a grand review of the home video games that entertained the nation, and much of the world, during the 1970s and 1980s. In over 1000 color photographs, many of the video games for the extremely popular Atari, Colecovision, and Intellivision systems are displayed, ranging from Asteroids and Donkey Kong to Pac-Man and Zaxxon. Games from less familiar systems, such as Bally's Astrocade, GCE's Vectrex, Magnavox's Odyssey, and RCA's Studio II, are featured as well. Also included are examples of each system for which games are displayed, a wide variety of hand-held, table-top, and stand-alone games, video game memorabilia, an engaging text, and current market values both in the captions and listings in the back of the book."

 

You may purchase Collecting Classic Video Games at Barnes and Noble.

[Atari Master]

Dosent he own www.billygalaxy.com?I go there to look at there Godzilla stuff.