DOWNRIGHT BIZARRE GAMES: Video Games that Crossed the Line

[TrekMD]

DOWNRIGHT BIZARRE GAMES: Video Games that Crossed the Line

Downright Bizarre Games: Video Games that Crossed the Line pokes fun at the video game industry, an entertainment business that often takes itself much too seriously. This is a hilarious look at the odd side of the industry, from games outside of the norm to bad art and outlandish dialogue. Also featured are unfortunate headlines, marketing fiascos and publicity stunts gone awry. All these eccentric and strange events are documented within this book which gaming professionals wish had never seen print.

Check out the INTERACTIVE preview at Blurb.com that allows you to view a portion of this FULL COLOR coffee-table book. Books can be purchased through Blurb, or via the GoodDealGames.com website if interested parties want an autographed or personalized copy.

SoftCover:
www.blurb.com/b/7444244-downright-bizarre-games

Deluxe HardBack:
www.blurb.com/b/7444204-downright-bizarre-games

[VectorX]

I wouldn't say a lot of those "crossed the line" (Ninja Golf? Naaaah), but it's nice to see Kolibri in there.

I'd like to hear what else adorns the book Probably Panic! for the Sega CD/PS 2.

[TrekMD]

Be sure to check out the preview in the links above. It'll give you more of a sense of what's in the book.

[VECTREXER]

"At the time", and "in my area country are the key points.
Today, hardly anything crosses the line if you live in the right place.

At one point I thought Redneck Rampage crossed the line.
At another point Death Race crossed the line.

Today you have to be young to be sensitive. Otherwise your filters come into play too fast.

[gliptitude]

I don't equate "bizarre" with "crossing the line".

.. I think audiences of all ages and backgrounds are still capable of being surprised and even shocked. But in video games today (and many other forms of art and entertainment) the commercial enterprise is so ruthlessly deterministic, from both ends, (media providers and media consumers). In order for a consumer to agree to pay real money for it it's got to be a massive and highly refined production, (programmers, animators, designers, directors, producers, writers, voice actors, testers, marketers, ..). To finance these productions the developers are dependant on a certain high number of sales. I think licensing is also more deliberate than in the past and retail relationships are more regimented. All of this makes it hard to take risks or do anything that might seem bizarre to anybody.

On the other end you have downloadable games for every platform now. There is room for experimentation there, a lower threshold for production and publication. The consumer may make more casual selections, because of the price. .. But the sheer volume of this content out there really detracts from its potential impact.

.. I also think wierdness has kind of been eradicated from POP culture, and no one really toterates it. It has been replaced totally with realism and exploitation - pornography.

[VectorX]

Nov 19, 2016 9:46:51 GMT -5 gliptitude said:

I don't equate "bizarre" with "crossing the line".

Well I've since thought about this phrase some more and a line doesn't have to be about decency or anything, it could be crossing the line as far as reality goes, hence weird, but not shocking games like Ninja Golf. It could mean several things. But I'm sure there's quite a few controversial games covered, if not many.

[Michael Thomasson]

I have been made aware of this thread, and wanted to say thanks for the kind words. I spent 1,760 hours working on the book (writing and layout) and it truly is a labor of love. I realize that Blurb is a bit pricey, but if anyone reading this places an order for the book with me directly ([e-mail]) mention you saw this post on VGF and I will get you a better price. I'll also autograph and personalize them for free upon request.

Thank you,
Michael

[VectorX]

Very nice offer. Thanks for posting it!