A new old book project

I tend to have about three or four different book idea-irons in the fire at any given time, because I have this unhealthy fixation on putting stuff into print. I don’t know why. It’s just a weird thing about me. After converting all the Anatomy of Games books to an Amazon-friendly format, I decided it might be interesting to try reworking an issue of GameSpite Quarterly as well. Ultimately, I decided to give GSQ5 (the NES 25th anniversary book) a shot. Maybe it could be made newly relevant in time for the system’s 30th anniversary, I figured.

So I got started on converting the compact B&W paperback book to a full-color 8×10″ format. Alas! In the process, I realized that GSQ5 was about 60% terrible. It was packed with great features and reviews, yes, but it also included dozens of (more than 100, actually) compact game write-ups that, frankly, were embarrassingly superficial and stupid. I wrote them, so I’m allowed to say that.

Thus I am working on a total revamp of GSQ5 to bring it up to a higher standard. The good, meaty articles will remain more or less as they are, but all the tiny write-ups are being greatly expanded. I’ve also added in entries for several dozen new games that were inexplicably absent the first time around. How did I neglect to include a Dragon Warrior IV entry, for example? All the sins and failings of the original edition will be rectified; and, despite a reduction in page count from 440 to about 300 pages, it’s going to include considerably more material. The pages are twice as large as they were for GSQ5 (8×10″ versus 5×8″). So the new book is like a 600-page edition. I guess.

Example spreads (one game per page) from GSQ5:

gsq5-sample-01
gsq5-sample-02

Rough layouts (two games per page) for the same titles in the new edition:

gsq5-redux-sample-01

gsq5-redux-sample-02

I’m still fine-tuning the design and the new text needs a proofing (to correct typos like “SG-2000” instead of “SG-3000”), but it’s coming along. It’s a huge project that I’m only able to work on in little chunks each evening, so expect it in, say… August? He said, ruefully shaking his head at his foolish optimism.

3 thoughts on “A new old book project

  1. Just in time for my brother’s birthday in December. His favorite system of all time is the NES. Thanks Jeremy you’re the best. I’ll also buy it day one 2 copies.

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