SKU: | MASTERTRONIC |
As a retro-games collector this is a great reference and I found the sales numbers listed for each entry very valuable. The layout and texts for the games are of high quality and an interesting read. Some suggestions for improvements - Update the games checklists for the Rack-IT (Shockway Rider missing) and Americana (Foto Fitter, Knockout!, Pacos Pete, Space Shuttle Simulator missing) labels to be complete - Include an introduction to the different loader variations (for the 199 range) - Emphasize that the book is delimited to tape releases only - I think is is only mentioned on the back of the dust jacket. However, the (rare) European disk releases could be marked for each game, and would be very relevant info for collectors - Update the "Also released on" info with 16-bit and PC platforms Retrocollector.org is a useful source for much of this information, as it has the most comprehensive and complete database for physical C-64 software collectors. Please notice that a user account here provides much more information than the anonymous public access.
If you are a C64 lover and want to know more about these pocket money priced games then this can't beaten. Itsa well researched and beautifully presented book.
I have a few Fusion Retro books, (Ocean, US Gold, etc) and expected this to be along the same lines. Oh no. This absolute brick of a book covers not only the main Mastertronic (199) range that sapped my pocket money, but the subsidiaries and reissues - and who knew they tried their hand with a word processor? Reading the capsule reviews brought back memories, even if it reminded me of how a lot of Mastertronic's catalogue consisted of knock-offs or semi-demos. (There was certainly another edition of BMX Racers: a straight track, random obstacles, and about 18 notes in a loop passing off as music.) But Kikstart, Finders Keepers, Kentilla, and respective sequels were highs that punched well above their weight. Well researched and presented (odd gaff aside) the books a great time sink and a worthy addition to the Fusion Retro catalogue.
Worth reading & worth every penny. :-)
The Commodore 64 Collectors Guide To Mastertronic is a stunning book, filled with facts, pictures and information on every Mastertronic game released on the C64. With over 500 pages, and in the usual high quality you normally expect from Fusion Retro Books, this is a must-have book for any 8-bit fan, and for anyone who has an interest in early gaming from the 80s and early 90s. I can't recommend this book enough! Buy it... You will not be disappointed.