Hi ZnorXman. Inspired by Andrew Rollings great book i wanted more and more reviews to read on the loo, ahem i meant in my house. Spoke to Michael Fraser who runs the Rubber Beermat website as he had about 70 reviews already on his site, he agreed to let me use those and also became co-editor/author kinda thing.
..with lists of games for each year (always add more, the lists arent final) and we pay 50p per review. Some people offer them for free (thanks !), others to charity (to www.bleakholt.org).
Once we receive all the reviews for a book i then pay everyone via Paypal. Do 10 reviews get a fiver.
Each review is 200-400 words long, i then add a few screenshots.
Our tag is 'for the fans by the fans' kinda thing which is true. I find it interesting reading other peoples experiences with these games back in the 80's, if they stand the test of time now, whats great about the game or bad. I dont want all the famous ones, also like reading about the bad ones, ones i've missed out on for whatever reason kinda thing.
We've done two books already, Book 1 (1982-1984 - 270 pages) and Book 2 (1985-1986 - 370 pages) and we're near the end of Book 3 (1987-1988) which currently is at 420 pages.
We get the books printed at lulu.com which is print on demand, we dont make much each book as lulu take the vast majority of the dosh (print on demand often is like that) but on the other hand i dont have to put up 2 grand up front and my wife moaning at me as i have stacks of books waiting to sell ! Colour books are very dear sadly at lulu but again i cant put a ton of money up front for a load of books which may/may not sell.
Books 1 and 2 are on sale at lulu currently and we've received good feedback from lots of people.
Book 4 (1989-1990) will be worked on from Sept-end of Nov to come out in time for Xmas.
I must admit i cant wait for Book 6 (1993-200x) which will have tons of reviews of homebrew games.
All reviews are from the fans, none from Crash/YS/SU etc so its all new. Theres a 30 page preview at lulu.com
We're not in this for a huge profit (If we were i would make the price much higher !), after paying out a good chunk to everyone for their reviews we then have to sell a fair few books just to break even but i dont mind being in the red for a bit till we sell enough. For me i love having a book full of reviews i can read, i LOVE trips down memory lane and i get that just from a screenshot or someones review so i love it !
After all 6 books are done we're going to look at getting ISBN numbers.
If you want to contribute please do, more the merrier !
Well, all I want for my efforts is copies of the books themselves, which I believe I've earnt (so far)...
Any pay left over from all six books can goto a childrens charity (I think there is one which helps children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (which my daughter has) - not all of them have access to support or treatment my daughter has).
An idea for one of the books Paul - why not have an interview or two with a developer? I happen to have a Dave Perry interview in my archives which I conducted with him which would be perfect for Book 3 or 4, maybe even Book 6. (DP & Nick Brunty are heroes of mine along with the Oliver Twins).
If there were bits from the programmer about a certain game it would be good to mix it in with the review.
Dont really want standalone interviews though in these books as i want these to be like an a-z of games.
After the 6 books though it could be a good idea to do something slightly different.
Long way off but wondering what to do after books 1-6 are done ! Might do a single book (All years) of games which werent in books 1-6. Eg 700 pages full of various reviews over the years. Could be tough as all the popular games will be done but theres still obviously a lot of more unknown ones which could do with reviews some point in the future.
An idea for one of the books Paul - why not have an interview or two with a developer? I happen to have a Dave Perry interview in my archives which I conducted with him which would be perfect for Book 3 or 4, maybe even Book 6. (DP & Nick Brunty are heroes of mine along with the Oliver Twins).
Not sure how good an idea that is?
My own opinion is that the books should be dedicated solely to game reviews, after all, the collection of books is called The Spectrum Games Bible. I feel that it would ruin the concept and flow of the books if interviews where added at this stage.
I would imagine Paul has enough problems trying to get people to submit their reviews on time without the extra hassle of adding interviews.;-)
All reviews should have been recieved by Sunday but by all acounts he is still waiting on quite a few.:o
If there were bits from the programmer about a certain game it would be good to mix it in with the review.
Dont really want standalone interviews though in these books as i want these to be like an a-z of games.
After the 6 books though it could be a good idea to do something slightly different.
Long way off but wondering what to do after books 1-6 are done ! Might do a single book (All years) of games which werent in books 1-6. Eg 700 pages full of various reviews over the years. Could be tough as all the popular games will be done but theres still obviously a lot of more unknown ones which could do with reviews some point in the future.
Love the idea of a single book to cover all years with as many games crammed into it as possible that were missing from the original collection of 6. I can think of a load of games from the first two books that were missed out. Can't think of too many from Book 3 that have not been covered though.
Would need to try and get a lot more adventures in the one off book if it ever happens. Sherlock, Twin Kingdom Valley and quite a few others spring to mind.
Love the idea of a single book to cover all years with as many games crammed into it as possible that were missing from the original collection of 6. I can think of a load of games from the first two books that were missed out. Can't think of too many from Book 3 that have not been covered though.
Would need to try and get a lot more adventures in the one off book if it ever happens. Sherlock, Twin Kingdom Valley and quite a few others spring to mind.
I agree about the text adventures, wanted many more of those but i think i need to get some big time adventure fans on board for those.
That single book would take a fair while to do but it would be good to list out all the missing games people wanted to see in it and slowly go through those. Bit like - The Spectrum Bible - The Deeper Dungeons (expansion pack!) ;)
If there were bits from the programmer about a certain game it would be good to mix it in with the review.
Dont really want standalone interviews though in these books as i want these to be like an a-z of games.
After the 6 books though it could be a good idea to do something slightly different.
Long way off but wondering what to do after books 1-6 are done ! Might do a single book (All years) of games which werent in books 1-6. Eg 700 pages full of various reviews over the years. Could be tough as all the popular games will be done but theres still obviously a lot of more unknown ones which could do with reviews some point in the future.
I'll see what comments I have about his games in the interviews, and I'll send them to you.
I've sent out a few emails to people who have remaining games to review.
Dont take them the wrong way or that ! Just some other people have offered to help with the reviews so if theres any left which you arent so keen on doing or dont have enough time just let me know and i'll re-allocate those ones.
Just need a certain cut off point specially with me going away and then Michael soon after
I'm away fri-sat and so Sunday morning i'll put it altogether, send it to Michael for final editing and then once hes had it for a week or so to check i'll put it up on lulu.
But the finallll deadline is Saturday night. After that i cant accept anymore reviews if theyre late etc
Been awake for a couple of hours, only been out of bed for about 25 mins, getting started on Street Hassle now. Should be real easy to review since I've played it recently, and still do every now and then.
Then I guess I'll do Streetfighter before I do vixen
Vixen heheh! Suppose I have to get a few "Phwoars" in there somewhere :lol:
I've made a little error in the Street Fighter review, nothing too, bad infact nothing anyone may even notice, but I noticed it so it'll bother me if it's not fixed. there's the bit when I talk about Joe and Mike, then after that I say "Birdie and Mike", it Should say "Birdie and Eagle".
I'll cut and paste the bit I mean if you don't see it?
Zeropolis has computer problems, theres a few remaining he cant do...
Supersports
Time and Magik
Last Ninja 2
Rolling Thunder - Reserved Mike.B
If anyone can do these by saturday night please let me know
Cheers
Bloody BT phone lines in Gosport/Fareham have all gone bust and with it our internet access. I'm using a public computer in my local library to write out this message. They say they won't be able to do anything about the problem until the 21st of this month (bloody thing).
It's because of this, I'm unable to do the final few reviews I booked for Book 3. At least I managed to submit the Where Time Stood Still review before everything went wrong.
I'll do Dragon Ninja if I have the time, unfortunately I'm a firm hater of the last ninja games so I can't give the fair trial Last Ninja II (supposedly) deserves.
I only ever played the SU Covertape demo of Cabal, and didn't really think much of the coin-op either?
I used to like Dustin, and I'd love to write the review for it, but I don't think I'll get it finished for when you get back? Although hang on I thought you got back tomorrow, but you haven't went yet? Now I'm confused?
I got back this morning so i finished putting in all the reviews i've received.
I've sent the document to Michael who is doing final editing/checking this week but i must admit those extra games i wouldnt mind pasting in (it'll be right near the final deadline before i post it to lulu).
I'll see if anyone else gets back to me about Cabal as thats a great game
Comments
Still a fair few reviews still to come (hopefully get them all end of this week).
38 reviews now left !
Done the 'skeleton' of book 4, the deadline for this will be end of Nov.
What happened to 4 :D
Just received a few more reviews, nearly at 420 pages now !
Hi ZnorXman. Inspired by Andrew Rollings great book i wanted more and more reviews to read on the loo, ahem i meant in my house. Spoke to Michael Fraser who runs the Rubber Beermat website as he had about 70 reviews already on his site, he agreed to let me use those and also became co-editor/author kinda thing.
Set up a basic website...
http://www.spectrumgamesbible.co.uk/
..with lists of games for each year (always add more, the lists arent final) and we pay 50p per review. Some people offer them for free (thanks !), others to charity (to www.bleakholt.org).
Once we receive all the reviews for a book i then pay everyone via Paypal. Do 10 reviews get a fiver.
Each review is 200-400 words long, i then add a few screenshots.
Our tag is 'for the fans by the fans' kinda thing which is true. I find it interesting reading other peoples experiences with these games back in the 80's, if they stand the test of time now, whats great about the game or bad. I dont want all the famous ones, also like reading about the bad ones, ones i've missed out on for whatever reason kinda thing.
We've done two books already, Book 1 (1982-1984 - 270 pages) and Book 2 (1985-1986 - 370 pages) and we're near the end of Book 3 (1987-1988) which currently is at 420 pages.
We get the books printed at lulu.com which is print on demand, we dont make much each book as lulu take the vast majority of the dosh (print on demand often is like that) but on the other hand i dont have to put up 2 grand up front and my wife moaning at me as i have stacks of books waiting to sell ! Colour books are very dear sadly at lulu but again i cant put a ton of money up front for a load of books which may/may not sell.
Books 1 and 2 are on sale at lulu currently and we've received good feedback from lots of people.
Book 4 (1989-1990) will be worked on from Sept-end of Nov to come out in time for Xmas.
I must admit i cant wait for Book 6 (1993-200x) which will have tons of reviews of homebrew games.
All reviews are from the fans, none from Crash/YS/SU etc so its all new. Theres a 30 page preview at lulu.com
We're not in this for a huge profit (If we were i would make the price much higher !), after paying out a good chunk to everyone for their reviews we then have to sell a fair few books just to break even but i dont mind being in the red for a bit till we sell enough. For me i love having a book full of reviews i can read, i LOVE trips down memory lane and i get that just from a screenshot or someones review so i love it !
After all 6 books are done we're going to look at getting ISBN numbers.
If you want to contribute please do, more the merrier !
Any pay left over from all six books can goto a childrens charity (I think there is one which helps children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (which my daughter has) - not all of them have access to support or treatment my daughter has).
An idea for one of the books Paul - why not have an interview or two with a developer? I happen to have a Dave Perry interview in my archives which I conducted with him which would be perfect for Book 3 or 4, maybe even Book 6. (DP & Nick Brunty are heroes of mine along with the Oliver Twins).
Dont really want standalone interviews though in these books as i want these to be like an a-z of games.
After the 6 books though it could be a good idea to do something slightly different.
Long way off but wondering what to do after books 1-6 are done ! Might do a single book (All years) of games which werent in books 1-6. Eg 700 pages full of various reviews over the years. Could be tough as all the popular games will be done but theres still obviously a lot of more unknown ones which could do with reviews some point in the future.
Not sure how good an idea that is?
My own opinion is that the books should be dedicated solely to game reviews, after all, the collection of books is called The Spectrum Games Bible. I feel that it would ruin the concept and flow of the books if interviews where added at this stage.
I would imagine Paul has enough problems trying to get people to submit their reviews on time without the extra hassle of adding interviews.;-)
All reviews should have been recieved by Sunday but by all acounts he is still waiting on quite a few.:o
What does everyone else think???
Yeah i know what you mean, be an interesting idea possibly for something after the books are done.
The deadlines been extended slightly. The deadline for Book 4 should be good for everyone though (End of Nov).
Love the idea of a single book to cover all years with as many games crammed into it as possible that were missing from the original collection of 6. I can think of a load of games from the first two books that were missed out. Can't think of too many from Book 3 that have not been covered though.
Would need to try and get a lot more adventures in the one off book if it ever happens. Sherlock, Twin Kingdom Valley and quite a few others spring to mind.
ive done mine now, been a bit busy etc. paul's got it now.
I agree about the text adventures, wanted many more of those but i think i need to get some big time adventure fans on board for those.
That single book would take a fair while to do but it would be good to list out all the missing games people wanted to see in it and slowly go through those. Bit like - The Spectrum Bible - The Deeper Dungeons (expansion pack!) ;)
But book 6 is the one i'm looking forward to most
Love that Title. You can rely on some reviews from me for it, if and when it happens.
BTW - Check your PMs :)
I'll see what comments I have about his games in the interviews, and I'll send them to you.
Dont take them the wrong way or that ! Just some other people have offered to help with the reviews so if theres any left which you arent so keen on doing or dont have enough time just let me know and i'll re-allocate those ones.
Just need a certain cut off point specially with me going away and then Michael soon after
I'm away fri-sat and so Sunday morning i'll put it altogether, send it to Michael for final editing and then once hes had it for a week or so to check i'll put it up on lulu.
But the finallll deadline is Saturday night. After that i cant accept anymore reviews if theyre late etc
Final document should have around 370 reviews !
Then I guess I'll do Streetfighter before I do vixen
Vixen heheh! Suppose I have to get a few "Phwoars" in there somewhere :lol:
Supersports
Time and Magik
Last Ninja 2
Rolling Thunder - Reserved Mike.B
If anyone can do these by saturday night please let me know
Cheers
I'll cut and paste the bit I mean if you don't see it?
Bloody BT phone lines in Gosport/Fareham have all gone bust and with it our internet access. I'm using a public computer in my local library to write out this message. They say they won't be able to do anything about the problem until the 21st of this month (bloody thing).
It's because of this, I'm unable to do the final few reviews I booked for Book 3. At least I managed to submit the Where Time Stood Still review before everything went wrong.
Cabal (Have to have this game in it)
Dragon Ninja
Dustin
Last Ninja 2
Please email me if you want to do them (as i've emailed people as well as posted it here)
Regards
I've got Vixen half written, couldn't finish it in time yesterday due to a massive domestic basically.
I can still finish it off if you want?
Oh and did I get the Street Hassle review to you in time?
I've sent the document to Michael but i'll put in those final few once i get it back
I only ever played the SU Covertape demo of Cabal, and didn't really think much of the coin-op either?
I used to like Dustin, and I'd love to write the review for it, but I don't think I'll get it finished for when you get back? Although hang on I thought you got back tomorrow, but you haven't went yet? Now I'm confused?
I've sent the document to Michael who is doing final editing/checking this week but i must admit those extra games i wouldnt mind pasting in (it'll be right near the final deadline before i post it to lulu).
I'll see if anyone else gets back to me about Cabal as thats a great game
Feel free to do Dustin
Cabal
Dragon Ninja
Last Ninja 2
Dustin (RESERVED by Boozefreak)
You forgot Dragon Ninja :lol: