Quick answer
The NES Endings Compendium Vol. 1: 1985-89 (Hardcover) is a niche reference book that catalogs the ending of every NES game from 1985 through 1989. It's a must-have for completionists and retro historians, but less useful if you only want general NES history or gameplay tips.
What makes this book different from other NES reference titles
Most NES books focus on the full development story, level maps, or high-score strategies. The NES Endings Compendium Vol. 1 takes a narrower lens: it shows and describes the ending sequence of every licensed NES game released between 1985 and 1989. That means you get closure on games you may never have finished — or even known existed.
Because the book covers only endings, it does not include walkthroughs, boss strategies, or behind-the-scenes interviews. If you want a broad history of the NES era, you would pair this with a title like The NES Era Vol. 1. If you are a die-hard fan who wants to see how each game wrapped up — often with pixel-art screenshots and developer credits — this compendium delivers exactly that.
Trade-offs to consider before buying
The book is limited to 1985-1989 releases. Games from 1990 onward are not included, so if you are looking for later classics like Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990) or Mega Man 3 (1990), you will need to wait for a potential Volume 2. The hardcover format and full-color ending screenshots make it a premium product, but the narrow focus means it is not a general-purpose NES encyclopedia.
At a catalog price of USD 24.49 (compared to USD 34.99), the book offers solid value for what it covers. However, if you are not interested in seeing the final screen of every obscure NES title, the content may feel repetitive. The book is best appreciated by collectors who enjoy analyzing the unique ways developers wrapped up their games during the 8-bit era.
Decision rules for the NES Endings Compendium Vol. 1
- You want to see every NES ending from 1985-89: If your interest is specifically in how NES games concluded during the system's first five years, this book is the only dedicated resource. It collects endings that are often hidden behind brutal difficulty or password systems. Buy if you are a completionist or retro researcher.
- You want general NES history or gameplay guides: This book does not cover development stories, level walkthroughs, or strategy tips. It is a visual catalog of ending screens only. For broader context, look for a general NES history book. Skip if you need walkthroughs or behind-the-scenes stories.
- You are on a tight budget: At USD 24.49 (regularly USD 34.99), the hardcover is reasonably priced for a niche reference. But if you only want a quick nostalgia fix, a free online database might suffice. Buy if you value a curated, high-quality physical archive.
Product facts
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NES Endings Compendium Vol. 1: 1985-89 (Hardcover): A comprehensive look back at the ending of every single game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System from the system's 1985 launch through the end of 1989. This means you get a complete record of how each game concluded, including titles you may have never beaten or even played — perfect for satisfying curiosity about obscure NES endings.
NES Endings Compendium Vol. 1: 1985-89 (Hardcover)
Who should buy this book?
Best for
- Retro gaming completionists who want to see every NES ending without playing through brutally hard games
- Collectors of niche video game reference books and Limited Run Games publications
Not for
- Readers seeking general NES history, development stories, or gameplay walkthroughs
- Casual fans who only remember a few classic NES titles and want a broad overview
