Mook Review

Today, I will share a little treasure with you. That is, if you are a retro-gamer or retro-computer aficionado. Over the years, the number and quality of publications about the hobby have grown. And I must admit that the quality is not that bad either. True, we still find dumps of the Internet with a pixelized pictures, but we also have excellent publishers, like Bitmap Books (here), that amaze me with every newly released title.

Well, this week, you will learn about G-MOOK, a Japanese publisher focusing primarily on classic and niche video game content (here). G-MOOK is a part of G-Walk (here), a mid-sized Japanese publisher founded by Hirofumi Nagashima in 2002. The company is known for producing books, magazines, and mooks (magazine books) across various genres that span both general and specialized publications, including adult-oriented magazines, manga, and anthologies, which feature prominently in their portfolio. This dual focus on both general and adult content diversifies their offerings but positions them firmly within specialized markets.

You guessed I would talk about the retro niche. I ordered a few mooks and will present them to you next. With all the AI-infused translation tools available, you can enjoy them with low to medium effort. And it’s worth it, as I prefer having my information from legit sources or straight from the horse’s mouth if you prefer.

Before the presentation, you should know that G-MOOK offers two main series, the Perfect Catalogs and the Hardware Catalog. The Perfect Catalog series offers comprehensive exploration of both hardware and software, blending detailed reviews of consoles or computers with their game libraries, packaging, screen photos, and releasing history while also discussing the cultural impact of the systems. In contrast, Hardware Catalogs focus exclusively on the technical aspects, providing in-depth specifications, insights into the design and development of various models, and comparative performance tables. While Perfect Catalogs deliver a well-rounded view of a platform’s entire ecosystem, Hardware Catalogs dive deeper into the hardware.

So, without further ado, let’s begin with the Casio Game Perfect Catalog. It comprehensively explores Casio’s consumer electronics, from game consoles to electronic organizers, highlighting hardware and software aspects. It covers iconic devices like the PV-1000, PV-2000, MSX systems, and high-tech toys such as SUPER electronic diaries. With 176 full-color B5 pages, the catalog includes detailed specs, vintage catalog images, and a searchable game list, making it an essential resource for retro gaming and electronics enthusiasts. I loved the presence of a section dedicated to Casio’s pocket computers. This is extremely rare to be highlighted. I hope they will release a perfect catalog on pocket computers!

Next on my list is The Hobby Computer Catalog, which explores Japan’s unique computer landscape from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, a time when computers were experimental dream boxes full of possibilities. This 144-page, full-color B5 volume highlights over 100 models from iconic brands like NEC, Sharp, Fujitsu, Hitachi, and lesser-known home appliance and toy manufacturers. With extensive photos, original catalog scans, and a detailed spec table for comparing models, the book offers nostalgia for enthusiasts and fresh insights for newcomers, making it a valuable resource for understanding the era of early hobby computers.

True, I am not a hardcore gamer, but I remember playing the Nintendo Game & Watch. I remember the Popeye and the Snoopy our parents gave to my sister and me. What a blast. So, since À tout seigneur, tout honneur, next is the Game & Watch Perfect Catalog. It offers an in-depth look at Nintendo’s iconic handheld series that captivated the world before the Famicom era. It features detailed reviews of all 60 models, hardware insights, port adaptations, and a release data list. With full-color pages, it explores rare models and global perspectives, making it an essential guide for retro gaming enthusiasts. And yes, they have a double page on Popeye and Snoopy Tennis!

The following two mooks are dedicated to one of my preferred computer systems: the MSX. Even very recently, I have read many bad retro books on the topic published in the West. Here, we have a perfect catalog and a hardware catalog. MSX rules! The MSX Perfect Catalog (2020) revisits the legacy of the MSX computer, a platform from over 30 years ago, focusing on hardware and software. With contributions from 134 different models by renowned Japanese electronics brands like Panasonic, Sony, and Toshiba, this 192-page, full-color B5 volume offers a nostalgic and detailed exploration. The catalog is packed with photos and documents, appealing to original MSX users and new generations discovering the platform. It celebrates the diversity of MSX devices, from popular to obscure models. Yummy!

The MSX Perfect Catalog, the 12th volume in the Perfect Catalog series, offers a comprehensive look at the MSX, the world’s first standardized PC platform launched in 1983 by Microsoft and ASCII, with contributions from 14 Japanese manufacturers. This 224-page, full-color B5 book covers everything from MSX’s development history to its cultural impact. It includes detailed specs for various MSX models, over 1,400 software titles with screen and package photos, and an alphabetical game index. This catalog is an essential resource for rediscovering the charm of MSX, capturing its technical innovation and nostalgic appeal. Note that only japanese systems are presented. For example, there are no mentions at all about the SONY HB-F500F (here).

The last mook for today is dedicated to the SHARP X68000. Unfortunately, I do not have this system, nor the mini X68000Z by Zuiki (here). The X68000 Perfect Catalog delves into Sharp’s legendary 16-bit computer, launched in 1987 with the tagline Beyond Dreams bundled with the arcade-quality Gradius. This 192-page, full-color B5 volume explores the X68000’s development, cultural impact, and enduring legacy among hobbyists and gamers. It offers comprehensive hardware insights and detailed specs, showcasing over 750 software titles with screen and packaging photos. The catalog features a searchable game index and a nostalgic rediscovery of a machine that fascinated many, making it an essential resource for retro computing fans.