If the name Florent Gorges rings a bell, you’d remember him for being an incredible retro game historian who has written four volumes in The History of Nintendo series. His wonderful tomes celebrate and educate on everything Ninty. His first two books, plotting the history of Nintendo’s early years in the industry and Game & Watch, had been translated into English from his native French. We’re delighted to announce that his third and fourth books, concerning the Famicom and Game Boy, have also now been translated.
Florent was kind enough to send me a preview copy of the fourth volume, The Incredible History of the Game Boy, for me to peruse. Just a heads up, this is not a full review of the whole book. this is a preview of the translation and the overall feel of the book before final adjustments are made. I’ve also not included any images of the preview piece but a few images of the book as it is in French. Florent hasn’t given any indication when the books will be available to buy but I’m sure an announcement will be coming shortly.
The History of Nintendo Vol. 4 starts with a few articles about the author’s love for the Game Boy and how this immense book came about through six years of research. These early moments also plot the brief history and some background knowledge for the reader so they don’t feel lost when the detail begins to hit. Once the introduction chapter is finalised, the real meat and bones begin.
This book is a story told through the eyes of many industry veterans who were there, inside the inner workings of everything Game Boy. I’ll not spoil one aspect but suffice it to say the journey I was taken on reading this book is quite unexplainable. It’s not just an overall history of the Game Boy, this is an ultimate love letter, discussing betrayal, passion, excitement, winning, losing and so much more.
Spread throughout these wonderful stories are the facts and figures needed to bring it all to life, they back up the stories and tie it all together in a neat bow. My job with this article was to check the translation and give some feedback of sorts. Well, the translation is fine, for a book of this size and depth everything was clear and I can’t recall any issues with spelling or grammar.
I want to wax lyrical about how amazing this book is, and how amazing it is that many more retro game fans from around the world will be able to enjoy now it’s in English. If you’re a fan of the Game Boy or retro game history in general, keep an eye on Florent’s X account for further announcements.
