OCTOBER 2014 - AudioFile
Harris’s meticulous history of the rivalry between Sega and Nintendo in the 1980s and 1990s proves to be listening gold with the skillful narration of Fred Berman. The narrative focuses on Tom Kalinske, who became CEO of Sega America, and retells how he, along with a skilled team, rebuilt the faltering corporation into a legitimate rival to the Nintendo gaming empire. Berman delivers the story in a strong voice that keeps it moving while simultaneously providing rich vocal characterizations of the men and women involved. When delivering dialogue, he captures tone, projection, and tempo so well that listeners will often feel they’re eavesdropping. L.E. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
★ 04/21/2014
In this engaging narrative, filmmaker Harris (The Flying Scissors) recounts one of the fundamental pop culture rivalries of the ‘90s, the so-called "Console Wars," which saw Sega and Nintendo vying for market dominance in the early days of the home entertainment console industry. Harris portrays Nintendo as the distinguished incumbent, obsessed with quality control and perfection, while Sega is painted as the ambitious upstart willing to rewrite the rules of engagement. At the heart of it all is underdog businessman Tom Kalinske. While not the only primary character, it's his efforts to make Sega of America into a viable operation and a serious contender that drives much of the book. Harris covers all sides of the ongoing conflict (including the arrival of third party Sony) with cunning thoroughness, turning hundreds of interviews into a riveting story full of colorful characters. While the story is presented as a series of contrasts—Nintendo Entertainment System vs. Sega Genesis, Mario vs. Sonic, 8-bit vs. 16-bit vs. 32-bit—it's also a fascinating, even illuminating, history of the video game industry as seen through the experiences of two influential companies and a host of participants, ending with the advent of the fifth generation consoles, and Kalinske's resignation in 1996. This is an essential read for any interested in the evolution of video games, and the rise and fall of Sega as a console contender. Agent: Alex Glass, Trident Media Group. (May)
From the Publisher
A riveting story full of colorful characters… a fascinating, illuminating history… an essential read. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
A highly entertaining behind-the-scenes thriller. — Kirkus Reviews
It’s far and away one of the best non-fiction books I’ve ever read. — Forbes
Like the pixels that together create a larger picture, Harris presents the various elements of the business in vivid color...remarkably detailed and fast paced. — Booklist
Fast, fluid, and startingly accessible. — Entertainment Weekly
A fast-paced page-turner...it’s exciting to finally get a no-holds-barred account of a history that has largely been kept secret from the public eye. — Wired
A must-read. Period. — IGN
Wired
A fast-paced page-turner...it’s exciting to finally get a no-holds-barred account of a history that has largely been kept secret from the public eye.
Forbes
It’s far and away one of the best non-fiction books I’ve ever read.
Booklist
Like the pixels that together create a larger picture, Harris presents the various elements of the business in vivid color...remarkably detailed and fast paced.
IGN
A must-read. Period.
Entertainment Weekly
Fast, fluid, and startingly accessible.
Booklist
Like the pixels that together create a larger picture, Harris presents the various elements of the business in vivid color...remarkably detailed and fast paced.
Wired
A fast-paced page-turner...it’s exciting to finally get a no-holds-barred account of a history that has largely been kept secret from the public eye.
Stephanie Garber
A highly entertaining behind-the-scenes thriller.
OCTOBER 2014 - AudioFile
Harris’s meticulous history of the rivalry between Sega and Nintendo in the 1980s and 1990s proves to be listening gold with the skillful narration of Fred Berman. The narrative focuses on Tom Kalinske, who became CEO of Sega America, and retells how he, along with a skilled team, rebuilt the faltering corporation into a legitimate rival to the Nintendo gaming empire. Berman delivers the story in a strong voice that keeps it moving while simultaneously providing rich vocal characterizations of the men and women involved. When delivering dialogue, he captures tone, projection, and tempo so well that listeners will often feel they’re eavesdropping. L.E. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
