Book Review: Extra Lives

Extra Lives by Tom Bissel is a Collection of experiences and interviews with video games and the people that make them. Tom Talks to the greatest minds in the video game industry From Cliff Bliszinski the Design Director of Gears of War fame. Clint Hocking the lead designer of some of the original Splinter Cells and Far Cry 2, also a well spoken proponent to game theory that I have posted about earlier. Jonathan Blow creator of Braid and living testament to indie gaming just to name a few.

Bissell also champions gaming for what they make you feel that no other art form can even fathom. His constant defense of gaming as not just a fun time killer but a real life changer. He also goes on to compare the love of games (specifically GTAIV) with his battle with cocaine in some of the most intoxicating writings I’ve had pleasure to read about. He talks on his first experience with certain games that paint a beautiful mental picture for the reader. His first encounter with the Resident Evil series is a unique and fun read.

Tom goes on how even though he’s played games his entire life, has never been an open game. Even sometimes shying it away from the public eye. This is something that all gamers can comment, being as the games were into are usually shunned away as mere child playthings by the masses. Bissell perfectly encapsulates what it means to love games and how the gaming has grown and maturated over the years.

Extra Lives combines life experiences as Bissell moves all over but still keeps his gaming consistent even across continents. With in depth criticism and some astounding reporting to bring together a book gamers can champion as a further step into legitimacy.

I’ve always tried to show the power of games by putting up links to various collections of writings and ideas by various names in the video game world. Finally Extra Lives being a published book about video games fills me with brimming pride for my passion. It’s a fascinating and in-depth book, a must read for gamers.