Book description
Breaking down the 40-year history of the world's most popular art form, one video game at a time Pong. The Legend of Zelda.Final Fantasy VII. Rock Band.Fortnite. Animal Crossing: New Horizons. For each of the 40 years of video game history, there is a defining game, a game that captured the zeitgeist and left a legacy for all games that followed. Through a series of entertaining, informative, and opinionated critical essays, author and tech journalist Jordan Minor investigates, in chronological order, the innovative, genre-bending, and earth-shattering games from 1977 through 2022. Minor explores development stories, critical reception, and legacy, and also looks at how gaming intersects with and eventually influences society at large while reveling in how uniquely and delightfully bizarre even the most famous games tend to be. From portly plumbers to armor-clad space marines and the speedy rodents in between, Video Game of the Year paints individual portraits that, as a whole, give readers a stronger appreciation for the vibrant variety and long-lasting impact of this fresh, exciting, and massively popular art form. Illustrated throughout with retro-inspired imagery and featuring contributions from dozens of leading industry voices, including New York Times bestselling author Jason Schreier (Blood, Sweat, and Pixels; Kotaku), Max Scoville (IGN), Rebekah Valentine (IGN), Blessing Adeoye Jr. (Kinda Funny), and Devindra Hardawar (Engadget), this year-by-year anthology is a loving reflection on the world's most popular art form. Featured Games: 1977 - Pong; 1978 - Space Invaders; 1979 - Speed Freak; 1980 - Pac-Man; 1981 - Donkey Kong; 1982 - Pitfall!; 1983 - Dragon's Lair; 1984 - Tetris; 1985 - Super Mario Bros.; 1986 - Dragon Quest; 1987 - The Legend of Zelda; 1988 - Mega Man 2; 1989 - SimCity; 1990 - The Secret of Monkey Island; 1991 - Sonic the Hedgehog; 1992 - Wolfenstein 3D; 1993 - NBA Jam; 1994 - Super Street Fighter II Turbo; 1995 - Donkey Kong Country 2; 1996 - Super Mario 64; 1997 - Final Fantasy VII; 1998 - Metal Gear Solid; 1999 - System Shock 2; 2000 Counter-Strike; 2001 - Halo: Combat Evolved; 2002 - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City; 2003 - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker; 2004 - World of Warcraft; 2005 - Resident Evil 4; 2006 - Wii Sports; 2007 - Rock Band; 2008 - Spore; 2009 - Uncharted 2; 2010 - Super Meat Boy; 2011 - Minecraft; 2012 - Telltale's The Walking Dead; 2013 - Depression Quest; 2014 - Destiny; 2015 - The Witcher 3; 2016 - PokΓ©mon Go; 2017 - Fortnite; 2018 - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate; 2019 - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice; 2020 - Animal Crossing: New Horizons; 2022 - The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
Tin Mutt
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Pogue
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Intimidation Station
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. I can't stop raving about this app β it's like having a personal library in my pocket. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
Blue Despair
I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Impulsive Flower
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Old Regret
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Moon Cricket
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
WordWanderer
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure!
Amphibi-Dangerous
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
RealmRanger
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Pixy Mox
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
High Heel Goddess
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization!
Steel
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§
Junkyard Dog
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Free Ham
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
Marbles
I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Lady Killer
Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! ListenBookβs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Green Scavenger
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. Seamless integration of audiobooks β this app's ease of use is impressive. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Lskeee
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Chasm Face
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience