The Age of Video Games is a graphic novel covering the history of videogames as a medium. The two authors alongside a mascot appear as characters that guide us through history and across the globe.

There were parts of this that worked very well for me and parts that didn't. Let's start with the good. I enjoyed learning more about the history of videogames, a medium I have loved for as long as I can remember. It was great to see franchises I love appear throughout the book alongside learning new tidbits about the gaming industry. The authors take care to spotlight diversity in gender, race, and sexuality.

However I constantly got pulled out of the flow of the story by the characters guiding us through the history of videogames. They are bland stereotypes that don't quite feel appropriate for an adult audience. The jokes they make don't land and are at times even mildly offensive. I also didn't enjoy the way they included millenial slang on top of the game slang that isn't always used in the correct fashion.

The art though is wonderful. The semi-realistic art style suits the informative storytelling and most real life people are well depicted. Some smaller nitpicks I have was that Twitch as a platform wasn't mentioned. Also the subtitle isn't quite accurate since there wasn't much speculation about where the gaming industry will go in the future.

Overall this graphic novel is a fun way, packaged in a neat art style, to learn about the gaming industry. While I personally didn't enjoy the characters leading us around, not everyone will feel bothered by this. The Age of Video Games would make a great gift for anyone that enjoys videogames.

The Age of Video Games is a fantastic introduction to video game history. I especially appreciate how comprehensive it is, while still remaining fun.

OKAMI MENTION 10/10 BOOK FOR THAT ALONE

Serious review: What a lovely way to present and honour the history of video games that really manages to touch up all aspects of the industry! From Pong to even the current day mention of Genshin Impact and the impact of mobile free-to-play games!