Quick answer

If you want a comprehensive history of video games, Phoenix Edition 5 Vol. B is your pick. If you need a focused gameplay companion, the Shantae Official Strategy Guide is more practical. For a deep dive into a specific genre, We Love Mystery Dungeon offers unique value.

What sets Phoenix Edition 5 Vol. B apart

First published in 1994, the Phoenix series is often called the "Bible of Video Game History." Vol. B continues that tradition with a broad historical scope, covering multiple platforms and eras. This makes it a reference book you can return to for years, not just a one-time read.

At $38.49 (down from $54.99), it offers substantial content per dollar. However, if you are looking for a single-game walkthrough or a niche genre analysis, its wide lens may feel too general.

How other hardcover books compare

The Shantae Official Strategy Guide ($16.99) is the first official guide for the original Shantae, created with the game's developers. It includes a complete walkthrough, boss strategies, and item locations. This is a laser-focused tool for players, not a historical overview.

We Love Mystery Dungeon ($18.49) explores the console roguelike genre, explaining permadeath, procedural generation, and infinite challenge. It is ideal if you want to understand a specific game style deeply, but it lacks the broad historical context of Phoenix.

NES Works 1985-86 ($25.19) documents the NES launch era with a year-by-year breakdown. If you are a retro Nintendo fan, this offers focused nostalgia, but it does not cover the wider industry like Phoenix does.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Scope vs. focus: Phoenix Edition 5 Vol. B covers decades of game history. The Shantae guide and We Love Mystery Dungeon zero in on a single game or genre. Choose Phoenix for breadth; choose the others for depth.
  • Price vs. content density: At $38.49, Phoenix costs more than the Shantae guide ($16.99) or Mystery Dungeon ($18.49), but it offers a much larger historical narrative. Phoenix is a better value if you want a long-term reference.
  • Evergreen vs. time-sensitive: Phoenix is a permanent historical record. The Shantae guide and Mystery Dungeon are tied to specific games or genres that may not interest all collectors. Phoenix stays relevant longer for a general audience.

Product facts

  • Phoenix Edition 5 - Vol. B (Hardcover): Since the publication of its First Edition in 1994 as the world’s first serious attempt to document the history of video games in book form, Phoenix has been regarded as the “Bible of Video Game History.” This book is a long-standing reference, not a quick guide. It suits collectors who value historical depth over gameplay tips.
  • Shantae Official Strategy Guide: The first-ever official strategy guide for the original Shantae! Produced in collaboration with Matt and Erin Bozon. Features a complete walkthrough, including boss strategies, item and dance locations, combat tactics, and a rundown of where to find every… This is a practical tool for players who want to 100% complete Shantae. It does not cover broader game history.

Which book fits you?

Best for

  • Collectors who want a broad, authoritative history of video games
  • Readers who prefer a single comprehensive volume over multiple niche books

Not for

  • Players looking for a step-by-step walkthrough of a specific game
  • Fans who only care about one console or genre and want a focused read