About the Book
8-bit classic video games are burned into the collective consciousness of an entire generation thanks to countless hours spent with Pac-Man, Mario Bros., Zelda, Mega Man, and others.
Now, what was once considered only video games is also celebrated for its fine art of design. This lavish art book traces the graphical evolution of these early game classics. Filled to the brim with stunning artworks of the most iconic 8-bit games and a gallery of the corresponding platforms, this beautiful book is a nostalgic stroll down memory lane invoking entertaining flashbacks with the turn of every page. A must-have for more seasoned gamers, 8-bit is an essential look at how pop culture's latest invention--the video game--has become known for its artistic elements as any part of culture there is. Includes limited edition sprite poster and features artwork from classic video games produced from 1975 to 1993: 1975 - Gun Fight; 1976- Blockade; 1977 - Indy 500, Combat; 1978 - Space Invaders; 1980 - Pac Man, Wizard of Wor; 1981 - Donkey Kong; 1981 - Centipede, Galaga, Qix, Frogger, Super Cobra, Ice Hockey, Yar´s Revenge; 1982 - Popeye, Dig Dug, Pitfall!, Zaxxon, Pole Position, Robotron 2084; 1983 - Lode Runner, 1Excitebike; 1984 - Kung Fu, Duck Hunt, H.E.R.O., Marble Madness, Balloon Fight, Paper Boy, Circus Charlie, Bomb Jack, Tetris; 1985 - Super Mario Bros., Ghosts 'N Goblins, Ice Climber, Hang On, Space Harrier, Commando, Teddy Boy Blues, Gradius, Tehkan World Cup, International Karate; 1986 - The Legend of Zelda, Castlevania, Metroid, Kid Icarus, Bubble Bobble, Wonder Boy, Astro Warrior, Alex Kidd in Miracle World. Arkanoid, Fantasy Zone, Championship Sprint, Kid Niki: Radical Ninja; 1987 - Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!, Final Fantasy, Shadowgate, Maniac Mansion, Leisure Suit Larry In The Land Of The Lounge Lizards, Phantasy Star, R-Type, Zillion, Shinobi, Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2, Contra, Wonder Boy: Monster Land, R.C. Pro-Am, Bionic Commando, Metal Gear; 1988 - Grand Prix Circuit, Super Mario Bros 3, Mega Man 2, Ninja Garden, Double Dragon II, Town & Country Surf Designs: Wood & Water Rage, Cloud Master, Super Mario Bros. 2; 1989 - Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, Batman: The Video Game, Kwirk, Super Mario Land, Prince of Persia, Tecmo World Wrestling, Sailor Fuku Bishōjo Zukan; 1990 - Dr. Mario, Zombie Nation, Kabuki Quantum Fighter, Krazy Kreatures, F1 Race, Nintendo World Cup, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of the Foot Clan, Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers; 1991 - Power Blade, Star Wars, Gorillas, Isolated Warrior, Metal Storm; 1992 - Konami Hyper Soccer, Land of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse; 1993 - Kirby's Adventure
About the Author:
Stephan Günzel is Professor of media theory at the Berlin Technical Art School. He previously taught at the Humboldt University of Berlin and at the universities of Jena, Klagenfurt and Trier. From 2008 to 2010 he was coordinator of the Center for Computer Game Research (DIGAREC) and researcher at the institute for arts and media at the University of Potsdam.
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