It's hard to imagine, but at the beginning of the eighties, the PC had yet to be invented. If you wanted to create software or play video games, you had to buy a machine called a 'home computer'. Unfortunately, each manufacturer released its own hardware, with its own (incompatible) software. Microsoft and ASCII Corporation Japan wanted to do something about this and invented a standard called MSX (which is short for Microsoft eXtended or Machines with Software eXchangeability - depending on who you ask). The specificationsdescribed a set of minimal software and hardware a machine should have in order to be considered MSX compatible. The ColecoVision, Sega SG-1000 video game system and the Spectravideo SV-318/328 were used as a source of inspiration. The first MSX compatible computer was officially released in 1983. Almost every well known electronics manufacturer jumped on the bandwagon and put its own machines on the market, including Sony, Philips, Yamaha, Pioneer and Sanyo, among many others. However, most companies stayed out of the USA, where the Commodore 64 was dominating at that time.The MSX spawned four generations: MSX, MSX2 (1985), MSX2+ (1988), and MSX turboR (1990). Each version of the MSX standard was downwards compatible with the previous one, but added a faster processor or better graphical capabilities. Using the MSX cartridge system, manufacturers could add modems, MIDI interfaces, touch tablets or sound cards. Several artists composed their music using an MSX at that time. A Sony MSX2 was used as a broadcast video workstation on board at the MIR space station. In total, about over 5 million MSX computers were sold in Japan alone. While not as much as the Commodore 64, this was far more than most other home computers available at that time. However, the MSX never became a worldwide standard, mainlybecause the machines arrived too late in an already saturated market. The MSX was one of the major platforms on which big Japanese game studios, such as Konami, released their games. Some of Konami's most popular titles debuted on the MSX, and its software is considered to be the highest quality available. In the current retro game business, Konami's MSX games are on many people's most wanted list. Rare cartridges, like the Word Processing Unit, are sold for more than $1,500, making the MSX one of the most valuable retro computers on eBay. This book provides an overview of all the hardware and software released by Konami on the MSX, including comparisons, screenshots, tips, tricks, facts and figures.

Detailed contents listing here: http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/the-untold-history-of-japanese-game-developers-volume-2/ Nearly 400 pages and over 30 interviews, with exclusive content on the history of Japanese games. The origins of Hudson, Masaya's epic robot sagas, Nintendo's funding of a PlayStation RTS, detailed history of Westone Entertainment, and a diverse range of unreleased games. Includes exclusive office layout maps, design documents, and archive photos. In a world first - something no other journalist has dared examine - there's candid discussion on the involvement of Japan's yakuza in the industry. Forewords by Retro Gamer founding editor Martyn Carroll and game history professor Martin Picard.

In this book we take you through the life of the Sega Master System, and its predecessor the Sega SG-1000, looking at a varied cross section of the 400+ games available, with a review and screenshot of each one. From classics released through the mid to late eighties, to modern homebrew titles, and even some unreleased prototypes, there are games of all genres and styles here. With up to ten entries for each letter of the alphabet, this is not supposed to be a list of the best or the worst games, neither is it a complete guide to all that's available. It is simply a meandering journey through the golden years of 8-bit console history, designed to interest both the dedicated fan and the casual reader alike. Contains interviews with Epyx producer Matt Householder, Imagitec artist Shaun McClure, and Activision producer Tom Sloper. A Compendium of Sega Master System Games is a celebration of the ever-popular console with nostalgic memories, expert opinions, interesting stories, trivia, developer interviews and so much more besides.

Morihito Otogi’s family is descended from a long line of ogre familiars, and he has the inhuman strength to prove it. One day, his father comes to him with the life-changing news that he is to become the familiar of his childhood friend, the teenage witch Nico. He is to live under the same roof with her and protect her from anything and anyone that may attempt to harm her. Meanwhile, Nico is excited to get to live with the love of her life, even if her crush is one-sided—Morihito is so serious about his duties to protect her that any romance is going to be an uphill battle. But he has every reason to be serious, as Nico has a prophecy of doom hanging over her head! -- VIZ Media