Hey there, a lot of you are probably familiar with me. I used to spend quite a bit of time here and was pretty obsessed with doing my part to protect the history of video games. I was pretty involved with Sega Visions and also played a role in cataloging Nintendo Power issues. I'm really glad to see that you've kept up the good work even after, I'd say, around 10-15 years since I was actively contributing.
Now, I've got something I'd like to share with you, along with a little story.
The year was 1988; my younger self had just embarked on the adventure of playing Phantasy Star for the very first time. As I fired up the game, I found myself wandering the virtual streets, soaking in the exquisite graphics of the Camineet Warehouse. Venturing out into the untamed wilds, my excitement quickly turned to dismay as a couple of Scorpions ended Alis's journey prematurely. Attempt after attempt, I succumbed to the same. I eventually threw in the towel. But then, a glimmer of hope emerged.
Game Pro unveiled a mini strategy guide, unveiling the splendor that was Phantasy Star. It was then that I fell head over heels for RPGs. The 3D dungeons of Phantasy Star had me captivated, and I reveled in carefully mapping them out on graph paper. However, a craving remained unfulfilled—a strategy guide. Nintendo had always been on the ball, providing books to aid their players, so why wasn't Sega following suit? Let's fast-forward 35 years into the future.
My dream has blossomed into reality, even if it might seem a tad belated and inconsequential... yet, it's anything but that. Within my grasp is a physical strategy guide for Phantasy Star. The concept of crafting such a guide sparked in me about two decades ago. At the time, I didn't do much with the idea, apart from a few scattered pieces of artwork. Then, the advent of COVID-19 altered the landscape, propelling me to actively pursue my long-cherished dream. And now, I'm on the cusp of completing this endeavor, with about 99% (at the time of me making the video below) of it finalized. I'm excited to share with you the culmination of my labor over the past two years.
I've made the decision to release this book for free when it's completed. You can snag a PDF copy at no expense, or if you prefer a physical copy, I'll provide a link where you can utilize a print-on-demand service to get it at cost. Monetizing this endeavor isn't my aim. I undertook this project because it was a dream close to my heart, and I yearned to share that dream with fellow enthusiasts like you.
I have included a video for your viewing pleasure:
(If you were curious, it was Gamepro issue 3 September-October 1989). I located it and downloaded it years ago thanks to this website.)
I think I've reached the point where I'm confident I'm at 100% completion. I might give the book another once-over just to be thorough, but I'm feeling pretty good about the current state. The video you're watching shows a test print, and I've actually made quite a few changes since then. Anyway, this project touches on video games, magazines, and the essence of retro gaming at its finest, so I was excited to share it with all of you. I'll definitely keep you posted as I gear up for the contest.