Relive the glory days of the Nintendo 64 with Chris Scullion's The N64 Encyclopedia. This definitive guide covers every single game released for the iconic console, from legendary titles like Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time to the more obscure gems. Explore the console's revolutionary impact on gaming, its unique four-player multiplayer, and its surprisingly diverse library, including Japanese exclusives and Nintendo 64DD titles. With over 400 games detailed, accompanied by screenshots and Scullion's engaging writing style, this encyclopedia is a must-have for N64 fans, game designers, and anyone interested in video game history. Prepare for a nostalgic journey through a console that redefined gaming expectations.
Review The N64 Encyclopedia
Oh my gosh, I absolutely adore "The N64 Encyclopedia"! As a huge Nintendo 64 fan, this book is basically a dream come true. It's not just a list of games; it's a nostalgic journey back to my childhood, revisiting familiar favorites and discovering hidden gems I never even knew existed. Chris Scullion's writing style is perfectly pitched – it's informative without being stuffy, engaging without being overly gushy. He manages to capture the spirit of that era, reminding me of the sheer joy of those four-player multiplayer sessions and the thrill of unlocking new areas in Ocarina of Time.
The sheer comprehensiveness of the book is astounding. It covers every single game released for the N64, including those elusive Japanese-only titles and the games for the notoriously rare 64DD. This level of dedication is truly impressive, and it makes the book a must-have for serious collectors and completionists. I love how it delves into the lesser-known games, giving them the attention they deserve – it's fascinating to learn about the titles that didn't quite reach the same level of fame as GoldenEye or Mario Kart 64, but still contributed to the overall richness of the N64 library.
The inclusion of screenshots for every game is a fantastic touch. It's like flipping through a digital museum of gaming history, bringing back those pixelated memories with incredible clarity. The visual appeal is a major plus, adding to the book’s overall enjoyment. Even if you’re not intimately familiar with every game featured, the screenshots act as a great visual guide, allowing you to instantly recognize games you might vaguely remember, or even spark interest in exploring a title you never considered.
While some reviewers wish for personal review scores alongside the game descriptions, I appreciate the objective approach taken. The inclusion of quotes from various publications offers diverse perspectives, preventing a single, potentially biased opinion from dominating the entries. This allows for a broader understanding of critical reception and ensures a more balanced representation of each game's place in N64 history.
Overall, “The N64 Encyclopedia” is a beautiful, hefty tome that's a joy to hold and even more enjoyable to read. The quality of the book itself is apparent, reflecting the love and care that went into its creation. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia, information, and visual delight – a true celebration of a beloved console and its unforgettable game library. If you're even slightly interested in the N64, this book is an absolute must-buy. You won't regret adding this fantastic piece of gaming history to your collection.
Information
- Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.6 x 11.6 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 256
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: White Owl