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There’s no shortage of video games to play out there. Since the 1970s, countless companies and individuals have been trying their hand at making video games with varying degrees of success. So naturally, when someone sets out to compile a list of the greatest games, it’s no small task. Today we’re chatting author Brett Weiss who just released his book The 100 Greatest Console Video Games: 1988–1998, a follow-up to his previous books that examine 1977-1987. Brett has written and contributed to a number of works over the years, and it’s a privilege to speak about his latest release.
Tell us a bit about your background with both video games and writing.
I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been interested in writing since I started reading Stephen King when I was a teenager. I began gaming in 1975 and have been at it ever since. During the late 1990s, I starting writing for The All Game Guide, a massive database whose mission was to review every game for every console and computer. During this time, I also starting writing reviews for The Comics Buyer’s Guide. I’ve written more than 1600 articles for various publications, including Fangoria, Game Informer, Old School Gamer Magazine, and countless others. My first book, Classic Home Video Games: 1972-1984, was published in 2007. My 13th book, The 100 Greatest Console Video Games: 1988-1998, just came out.
As the title suggests, your new book The 100 Greatest Console Video Games: 1988–1998 is a comprehensive ranking of the very best console games within an eleven year span. It’s a follow-up to your previous book, The 100 Greatest Console Video Games: 1977–1987. When compiling these lists, how do you determine which games make the cut?
The games that have held up over time and are still fun to play today. Historical importance, graphics, sounds, and the like play some role, but it mostly revolves around how enjoyable a game is. This is subjective to be sure, and there are surely some who will disagree with certain choices, but that’s part of what is fun about writing and reading these kinds of books—to get the conversation started!
Should readers expect to discover games they’ve never heard of?
Yes, definitely! There are titles for the Atari Jaguar, Neo Geo, TurboGrafx-16, and other consoles many readers won’t have a ton of experience with. Sure, there are plenty of familiar favorites for the PS1, Genesis, SNES, and N64, but there are hidden gems as well. Have you played Gate of Thunder or Star Control II? If not, you should!
Do you plan to create another installment in the series?
I would love to some day. I hope it happens. I think my publisher, Schiffer, would be interested. This book, as well as its progenitor, have sold very well.
Which console did you put the most hours into between the years of 1988 and 1998?
In order: 1. NES, 2, Genesis. 3, SNES. 4, PS1.
Where can people go to purchase your books?
The usual places online, plus my Square site. My new book is currently available at various brick and mortar stores, including Barnes & Noble, which is always exciting.
Where can we follow your work online?
