Quick Answer
The History of Sunsoft Volume 1 is a 224-page, full-color retrospective covering Sunsoft's early years (1971–1989), packed with screenshots, archival art, and developer interviews. It's a worthwhile addition for retro game collectors who want deep historical context, but it's not a comprehensive guide to every Sunsoft game.
What Makes This Book Stand Out
This isn't a typical coffee-table book. It's a detailed history of Sunsoft's formative years—from its founding as Sun Corp. in 1971 through 1989—written by author Stefan Gancer. The book includes a foreword by Sunsoft programmer Akito Takeuchi, adding a first-person perspective you won't find in most retrospectives.
The 224 full-color pages are filled with screenshots and archival art that help illustrate the evolution of Sunsoft's games and visual style. For collectors, each copy is individually numbered, adding a limited-edition feel that many retro game books lack.
What It Doesn't Cover
The book stops at 1989, so if you're looking for coverage of Sunsoft's later hits like Aero the Acro-Bat or Mr. Nutz, you'll need to wait for a potential Volume 2. It's also not a complete game-by-game guide—it's a historical narrative, so don't expect release dates and ratings for every title.
If your interest is purely in Sunsoft's NES and SNES classics, the 1989 cutoff means you'll miss most of the SNES era. That's a deliberate scope, but it's worth knowing before you buy.
Decision Rules: Should You Buy It?
- If you want deep historical context: Buy it. The book offers a thorough look at Sunsoft's origins, with interviews and archival material that go beyond simple game listings. Check the edition number on your copy to confirm its limited-edition status.
- If you're a Sunsoft fan who owns many of their games: This book adds valuable background that enhances your appreciation of the games you already own. It's a natural companion to a retro game collection. Pair it with your favorite Sunsoft titles for a richer play experience.
- If you're looking for a complete Sunsoft game database: Don't buy it. The book stops at 1989 and is a history, not a comprehensive guide. You'd be better off with a dedicated game encyclopedia.
Product Facts
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The History of Sunsoft Volume 1 (Softcover): 224 full color pages covering Sunsoft's history from 1971 through 1989, with screenshots, archival art, and developer interviews. You get a visually rich, in-depth narrative of Sunsoft's early years—perfect for understanding the company's roots before its later console classics.
The History of Sunsoft Volume 1 (Softcover)
Who This Book Is For
Best for
- Retro game collectors who value historical context and archival art
- Fans of Sunsoft's early arcade and NES titles who want behind-the-scenes stories
Not for
- Collectors seeking a complete catalog of every Sunsoft game
- Those only interested in Sunsoft's post-1989 SNES and later releases