Despite having sold 1.5 million units globally, Nintendo"s NES Classic Edition has remained somewhat elusive for those wanting to relive a bit of retro gaming through official means. While getting hands-on time with some classic titles will likely be the most popular way for gamers to reminisce about the 8-bit and 16-bit gaming eras, there is a rather novel alternative.
Bitmap Books is planning to launch a book called The unofficial SNES/Super Famicom: a visual compendium as a tribute to Nintendo"s iconic 16-bit systems. With the help of a crowdfunding campaign via Kickstarter, the book, which will come in soft and hardback editions, will include at least 300 pages, with plans to add more as subsequent stretch goals are reached. Approximately half the book will be comprised of full spread images for over 100 individual games accompanied by a 200-word overview.
Having already released four books in its "Visual Compendium" series covering the Commodore 64, Amiga, Sinclair ZX Spectrum, and the original NES/Famicom, the content in the SNES/Super Famicom book will apparently take visual cues from classic RPGs (that"s "Role Playing Games" for those playing at home). With sections of the book represented by a variety of destinations, such as a cemetery for unreleased games and an art gallery for box art, it could perhaps provide an added element of nostalgia.
The book isn"t just about visuals, though. It"ll also include an overview of how Nintendo"s 16-bit console came to be, interviews with notable individuals associated with the gaming era. In addition, the compendium will include a foreword by Steve Mayles, former game designer and graphic artist from Rare.
Having already racked up over £60,000 and attracting 1500 backers in its first day, six stretch goals have already been unlocked with another 17 currently offered. the last of which currently topping out at £200,000. While those just interested in getting a digital copy of the compendium in PDF format can simply contribute £10, the softcover and hardcover versions can be had for pledges of £25 and £30 respectively (both of which also include the PDF version).
Of course, with any crowdfunding campaign, a pledge does not necessarily guarantee delivery of goods. However, with four books in the series already under its belt, Bitmap Books may not have much to worry about having already smashed its £25,000 goal with just under four weeks left in its campaign.
Source: Bitmap Books (Kickstarter)