Category: Books

Blast off again and check out the second in HG101’s line of books on shoot-em-ups! This volume features the works of Namco (Xevious, Dragon Spirit), Toaplan (Tiger Heli, Truxton, Batsugun), Raizing (Sorcer Striker, Battle Garegga, Terra Diver), and Psikyo (Strikers 1945, Samurai Aces), as well as several other arcade and console shooters like Trouble Shooter / Battlemania, Gaiares, Phalanx, and more!

Beginning as a 1986 science fiction/horror novel, Megami Tensei has since grown to become one of the most expansive Japanese RPG series of all time, comprising of over thirty titles in variety of subgenres. As the original “monster collecting” game, the heroes converse with hundreds of demons across various world mythologies and convince them to join their cause. While early entries focused on exploring post-apocalyptic Tokyo, the series has branched out in several different directions, putting you in the role of demon-hunting detectives and high school students, across other spinoffs like Devil Summoner, Persona, and Devil Survivor. This book catalogues all of them and untangles the web of the this complicated but fascinating series, reviewing many Japanese-only entries as well as other incredibly obscure titles within the series.

Over 300 games across two dozen machines, pachinko machines in the smokiest parlors of Osaka, that handheld Tiger Electronics game you got for your birthday that you hate and love at the same time, every game was played on original hardware and explored. Cancelled games unearthed, a legend who turned the genre on its head and development stories shared, this is the complete journey into the world of professional wrestling video games!

Namco was the master at creating unique and interesting characters for their 80s and 90s arcade games. Revisit some of these classics with the sixth Hardcore Gaming 101 digest! This book includes comprehensive reviews of two of the company’s golden age titles, Mappy and Dig Dug, and also examines games like their spy-themed run-and-gun Rolling Thunder, their buddy-cop racing/shooter Lucky & Wild, and the madcap multiplayer brawler The Outfoxies. It also includes looks at their lesser known properties, many of which were only released in Japan, including the Valkyrie series, Dragon Buster, Marchen Maze, Genpei Toumaden, Youkai Douchuuki, Wonder Momo, and Bravoman, plus Mirai Ninja, Namco’s foray into film/gaming crossovers.

Now available! This book covers the work of cult classic developer Treasure, plus several other related titles!

101 rare, weird and important Japanese video games!

By Thomas Ribault Now available! Amazon US Paperback – $20 Amazon US Kindle – $9.99 Amazon UK Paperback – £16 Amazon UK …

Our latest book, covering Star Fox, F-Zero, and several other topics, is now available for purchase!

Cover artwork by Rusty Shackles Now available! Hardcore Gaming 101 is proud to present The Guide to Retro Horror! Within these …