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Books

Book Review: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World

September 11, 2025 By ausretrogamer

🎮  Pixel-Powered Love Letter to Indie Greatness!

Bitmap Books has done it again, folks! If you thought their previous tomes were retro gold, wait till you get your hands on 50 Indie Games That Changed the World. This isn’t just a book — it’s a celebration, a tribute, and a beautifully bound time capsule of the indie gaming revolution that reshaped the industry.

From the moment you crack open the cover, you’re greeted with Bitmap’s signature high-quality design: hardcover, vibrant full-colour pages, and that oh-so-satisfying tactile feel that makes you want to flick through every page like it’s a collectible card deck. But this isn’t just eye candy — it’s brain candy too.

🕹️ Indie Games: The Unsung Heroes of Gaming

Curated by Kirk McKeand, the book dives deep into 50 indie titles that didn’t just entertain — they changed the game. We’re talking about the likes of Braid, Undertale, Celeste, Papers, Please, and Stardew Valley — each one a testament to creativity, risk-taking, and the power of small teams with big dreams.

Each entry is packed with:

  • Insightful commentary on the game’s impact
  • Behind-the-scenes stories of development struggles and triumphs
  • Gorgeous visuals that make you want to replay every title
  • And yes, that warm fuzzy feeling of “I remember playing this!”

🧠 More Than Just a List — It’s a Cultural Chronicle

What sets this book apart is its thoughtful curation. It’s not just about popularity — it’s about influence. These games pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and gave voice to new ideas. Whether it’s Gone Home redefining narrative storytelling or Superhot bending time and perception, each game is a milestone in its own right.

And let’s not forget the diversity of genres and styles — from pixel art platformers to experimental puzzlers, the book showcases the sheer breadth of what indie devs have brought to the table.

📚 A Must-Have for Gamers, Collectors, and Dreamers

Whether you’re a retro aficionado, a modern indie fan, or just someone who appreciates the artistry of game design, 50 Indie Games That Changed the World is a must-have. It’s the kind of book you leave on your coffee table and end up discussing with friends for hours.

Bitmap Books continues to prove that gaming history deserves to be preserved with style, substance, and a whole lot of love. This book is a celebration of the underdogs — the games that dared to be different and ended up changing everything.


Final Verdict: A pixel-perfect tribute to the indie spirit.

So go on, grab a copy, fire up your favourite indie title, and bask in the glory of gaming’s most revolutionary gems. And remember — sometimes the smallest games make the biggest impact.

Disclosure: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World was provided by PixelCrib for this review.

Filed Under: Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture, Reviews Tagged With: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World, Bitmap Books, Book, Book Review, Book Review: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World, Books, gamer, gamers, gaming, gaming book, PixelCrib, Video Games

Review: The Unofficial GBA Pixel Book

December 9, 2024 By ausretrogamer

It’s not too late to gift this awesome book to yourself for Christmas!

Bitmap Books has outdone itself with The Unofficial GBA Pixel Book, a lavish celebration of the Game Boy Advance that will delight retro gaming enthusiasts. This 300-page tome dives into an impressive lineup of 240 games, showcasing them with over 4,000 high-quality images that capture the vibrant pixel art and charm of this beloved handheld console.

Each page exudes passion and meticulous care, presenting not just the iconic games but also lesser-known gems. The book’s layout seamlessly blends visuals with insightful commentary, offering a deep dive into the GBA’s rich gaming library. Whether you’re revisiting childhood favourites or discovering new titles, this book is a treasure trove of nostalgia and discovery.

The hardcover edition features Bitmap’s trademark high production values, including premium paper and eye-catching design. It’s not just a book; it’s a work of art that stands proudly on any shelf. Perfect for collectors, gamers, and pixel art aficionados, The Unofficial GBA Pixel Book is a must-have addition to any gaming library.

Explore the details and grab your copy at PixelCrib. Don’t miss this vibrant homage to one of gaming’s most cherished platforms!

Publication Details:

  • Title: THE UNOFFICIAL GBA PIXEL BOOK
  • Authors: Robert Bannert, Thomas Nickel, Martin Nagel
  • Released: November 2024
  • Pages: 300 pages
  • Price / where to buy: AU$79.99 from PixelCrib

Disclaimer: The Unofficial GBA Pixel Book was kindly supplied by PixelCrib for this review

 

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture, Reviews Tagged With: Art, Bitmap Books, Book, Book Review, Books, Game Boy Advance, gamer, gamers, gaming, GBA, PixelCrib, Retrogamer, retrogaming, The Unofficial GBA Pixel Book, Video Games

Ausretrogamer’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

November 19, 2024 By ausretrogamer

The joy of giving (and receiving) awesome geeky gifts!

It’s that time of year folks, time to get hunting for some cool gifts for your loved ones and/or for yourself – you deserve it!

To help out, we have curated a list of gift ideas that will get hearts racing with excitement on Christmas morning. If we had to pick our top 3 from this list, they would be, the Atari 2600+ Console and Games Bundle which is 42% off, priced at $110.45 (Amazon AU), the must-have The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox book, which is now $53.77 (Amazon AU), and just in time for the Steam Deck release in Australia, the UGREEN Steam Deck dock at $48.96 (Amazon AU).

PS: As these prices are correct as at the published date of this post, don’t forget to take advantage of the Black Friday deals!

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard – C64 Edition ($159.96 via Amazon AU)

Super Pocket Atari Edition ($109.99 at PixelCrib)

LEGO® Super Mario™ Super Mario World™: Mario & Yoshi 71438 ($170 at Amazon AU)

Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Super Mario Bros. Wonder + NSO 12 Months Hardware Bundle ($499 at Amazon AU)

God of War Notebook – Collector’s Edition ($119.99 via PixelCrib)

Atari 2600+ & 10 Games in 1 Bundle ($110.45 via Amazon AU)

The400 Mini ($128.22 at Amazon AU)

8Bitdo Pocket-Sized Mini Controller Micro Bluetooth Gamepad ($35.26 via Amazon AU)

SEGA: Sonic Gaming Accessories Holder & Phone Holder for Most Controller (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch) & Phone ($60.00 at Amazon AU)

Star Wars Mandalorian The Child Gaming Accessories Holder & Phone Holder for Most Controller (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch) & Phone ($45.00 via Amazon AU)

Intecgaming Carrying Case for Atari 2600 plus, Large Capacity Storage Case ($116.62 via Amazon AU)

C64 Collection 2 – Evercade Cartridge ($35.99 via PixelCrib)

PAC-MAN 7″ PVC Statue ($129.99 via PixelCrib)

figma No. SP-162 Dead Space: Isaac Clarke ($144.55 via PlayAsia)

Samsung 256GB PRO Plus microSD ($34.00 at Amazon AU)

MINISFORUM Mini PC NAB6 ($539.98 via Amazon AU)

UGREEN Steam Deck Dock ($48.96 at Amazon AU)

The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox ($53.77 via Amazon AU)

NOTE: Prices correct as at publishing date!

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Books, Christmas, Christmas geeky gift ideas, Christmas gift ideas, geeky, Geeky Gifts, gift guide, nerd, nintendo, Pop culture, Retro Gamer, retrogaming, Star Wars, Video Games, Xmas, Xmas gift ideas

PSA: The PixelCrib Pop-Up Store Opens This Week!

November 18, 2024 By ausretrogamer

Level Up Your Collection at PixelCrib’s Epic Pop-Up Adventure! 🎮✨

Hey pop culture geeks and gaming aficionados! Ready to hit IRL level 99 in awesomeness? PixelCrib is bringing the ultimate treasure trove of gaming culture straight to South Melbourne!

🗓 When: November 20 – December 5 (It’s a speedrun, so don’t lag!)
📍 Where: 155 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, VIC
⏰ Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm | Sat 11am-4pm

From exclusive collectibles to retro gems and modern gaming artistry, this pop-up is a boss battle of coolness you don’t want to miss. Gather your party, grab your coins, and get here before it’s Game Over!

Need a quick respawn? Hit up the team at PixelCrib via [email protected] or call them on (03) 9041 5243.

TL;DR: A gamer’s paradise is popping up, but it’s gone faster than Mario on a star. Don’t wait—your ultimate loot awaits! 🎮🕹️

image source: PixelCrib

Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Bitmap Books, board games, Books, Collectibles, Cosplay, Evercade, gamers, gaming, Geek, nerd, PixelCrib, PixelCrib Pop-Up Store, Pop Culture store, Super Pocket, videogames, viny

GameGuide – Atari Lynx: The Perfect Lynx Companion

December 6, 2023 By ausretrogamer

 

Just in time for Chrissy 2023, Zafinn Books’ GameGuide – Atari Lynx arrives in the Ausretrogamer Fun Factory!

We weren’t expecting this book for another couple of weeks, so for it to turn up well ahead of schedule, and all the way from Ireland, was a welcome surprise.

If you aren’t familiar with Zafinn Books, it is a one man (Karl Morris), self-publishing  house, with a great selection of limited edition books, just like this GameGuide for the Atari Lynx. The addition of some very cool stickers (sticking it up the Game Boy!) was another surprise and was totally unexpected.

Can’t wait to flick through this while enjoying the festive season.




Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Atari, atari lynx, Atari ST, Book, Books, GameGuide Lynx, gamer, gaming, Karl Morris, Retro Gamer, retrogaming, retrogaming books, Video Games, Zafinn Books

Shop Till You Drop At PixelCrib

July 20, 2023 By ausretrogamer

If you are after some cool gaming related products, including memorabilia and collectibles, then you must check out PixelCrib!

Our good friends at PixelCrib have been wonderful supporters of Ausretrogamer for a long while now, which we are always very thankful for.

For those of you in Oz (and beyond!), PixelCrib is really your one stop shop for video game related products, including rare, high-quality video game memorabilia and collectibles – they are after all, the gaming culture specialists! The best bit is, you can shop from the comfort of your own home.

With a plethora of amazing items in their store, here are some of our fave picks (Ed: this list was really really hard to whittle down):

  • Nintendo Switch – Physical Games

You know those Nintendo Switch games that you thought you could only download from the Nintendo eShop? Well, those awesome games, like Celeste and Cuphead (amongst many others) are available in their physical form!

  • Books, books, books as far as the eye can see

If you have bookshelves that need filling (or a coffee table!), then you have come to the right place! PixelCrib has tons of books, here are some of our picks:

A Guide to Japanese Role-Playing Games

Artcade

Go Straight: The Ultimate Guide to Side-Scrolling Beat-’Em-UpsPC Engine: The Box Art Collection

  • Do you like playing tunes on vinyl?

We sure do. If you like gaming related soundtracks / music, then the vinyl section is where you need to be at:

Gamer Boy Disappearing Lines: Chiptune Music of Tetris EP

Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3: Music From The Arcade Games LP

Mother 2 Original Video Game Soundtrack 2xLP

  • Artworks are aplenty at PixelCrib!

Oh how we wish we could have them all……

Shovel Knight Shadowbox Art

Hyrule Field (Legend of Zelda) A3 Art Print

Dead Cells Shadowbox Art

  • But wait, there is more! Did someone say, where are the retro gaming systems at?

PixelCrib has an array of amazing retro consoles for you to choose from, from the Evercade (VS/EXP), Retron and Sega Astro City Mini systems, to the Quarter Size and RepliCade mini arcade machines:

Oh yeah, in case you missed the news, you can now pre-order Hyper Mega Tech’s Super Pocket (Capcom / Taito) handheld systems on PixelCrib! The best part is, these are compatible with your Evercade cartridges!

These are just the tip of the iceberg of products available on PixelCrib. We implore you to get on the PixelCrib site and take a good look, as there is bound to be gaming related products that will tickle your fancy.

Happy shopping everyone!




Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Bitmap Books, Books, Celebrating Gaming Culture, collectables, Collectibles, Evercade, gaming, Gaming Books, gaming memorabilia, mario, Neo Geo, Pixel Crib, PixelCrib, Pop Culture store, Retro Gaming, vinyl, Zelda

Bookends From A Galaxy Far, Far Away

August 19, 2022 By ausretrogamer

Social media scrolling at 4am is usually fraught with danger as you flick your finger up the screen. We are happy to report that on this occasion, it wasn’t all doom and gloom!

We stumbled upon these very cool Star Wars inspired bookends, which are quite clever in capturing the spirit and theme of Star Wars.

Which one is your favourite?

This Star Wars fan desperately needs some of these bookends 😉
source: Star Wars always via Facebook




Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: A New Hope, book ends, bookends, Books, darth vader, Empire Strikes Back, Geek, geeky, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Mandalorian, nerd, nerdy, Obi Wan Kenobi, Princes Leia, Return of the Jedi, Skywalker, Star Wars, Star Wars bookends, Yoda

Recreated Commodore 64 User’s & Programmer’s Reference Guide

November 29, 2021 By ausretrogamer

We all owe Iain Bennie a lot of gratitude for painstakingly recreating the Commodore 64 User’s Guide and Programmer’s Reference Guide (and the Quick Reference Card)!

We recently had a notification in one of the Commodore 64 Facebook Groups that immediately piqued our interest. It was a post by Iain Bennie that advised the 24,000+ members that after restoring his breadbin 8-bit beauty, he wanted to complete the set with new copies of the (old spiral bound) C64 User’s Guide and the Programmer’s Reference Guide.

Instead of scanning the original guides, Iain re-wrote them from scratch, reconstructing every graphic, including the front and back covers, every register map, block diagram, and every table to then have a wonderful and pristine final result.

This whole process took Iain a number of months, which clearly shows in the end product. Iain also had his re-written guides printed, which we must admit, look amazing – see pics and stop drooling already!

Not surprising, these guides have garnered a lot of interest from the community, which took Iain by (a pleasant) surprise. Iain has kindly made the PDF guides freely available (here) for all of us, which is darn awesome if you ask us. Oh yeah, he even has tips on getting them professionally printed! We and the rest of the C64 community thank Iain for all of his hard work and generosity in making these guides and proving them for free! What are you waiting for, go get them now!

source: Iain Bennie via Facebook




Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Books, C64, C64 books, C64 guides, C64 Programmer's Reference Guide, C64 quick reference card, C64 User's Guide, classic, Commodore64, Geek, Old School, Retro, retro computing, Retro Gamer, Retrocomputing, retrogaming, tbt, throwback

Retrogaming Magz, Comics and Books!

October 22, 2021 By ausretrogamer

Planes, trains and automobiles? No, magazines, comics and books, the retro gaming kind!

Last weekend we tweeted a couple of teaser photos of a number of magazines in our collection and promised that we would share more. Well, here they are! Relocating this stuff is always a chore, but the amount of nostalgia we get is priceless, so it is always well worth it.

For those keen observers, you will note that there are no photos of our most favourite 80s mag, Zzap64!, but rest assured, those issues are well preserved and didn’t require relocating. We hope these images bring back great memories for you too!

All images copyright of ausretrogamer.com




Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Amiga, Atari, Atari ST, Books, C&VG, C64, comics, Commodore, Commodore 64, Edge, Game Boy, GamePro, gaming magz, Gazette, Hyper, magazines, Master System, Mega Drive, MegaComp, MegaZone, N64, NES, retro gaming magz, SNES, Star Wars, Usborne, Zzap!64

Christmas 2019 Retro Gaming and Pinball Gift Ideas

December 11, 2019 By ausretrogamer

It’s that time of year when the ausretrogamer team does the hard yards by going shopping to curate a plethora of cool retro and pinball products that you can grab as Christmas gifts for your geeky friends and family (and yourself too)!

Here we go!

Tiny Arcade Frogger via Amazon AU$32.64

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego Handheld Game via Amazon AU$28.66
Boardwalk Arcade: TMNT Mini Pinball via Amazon AU$32.57

The Mandalorian t-shirt via Amazon AU$28.99

MicroArcade Tetris via Amazon AU$32.57

Retro-Bit Official Sega Genesis USB Controller 8-Button Arcade Pad via Amazon AU$32.57

My Arcade Mini Data East Retro Arcade Player via Catch AU$79

The Game Console : A History in Photographs via Book Despository AU$38.16

Complete Pinball Book: Collecting the Game and Its History via Book Depository AU$88.46

Pinball Wizard Enamel Pin (Red Glitter) 1980’s Throwback via Etsy AU$15.24

Custom NES Retro Gaming Themed Black Shoes – Ladies/Mens via Etsy AU$106.66

Sega Mega Drive Mini via Amazon AU$129

Polaroid OneStep 2 Viewfinder i-Type Instant Camera via Catch AU$196

Star Wars Chewbacca Jumpsuit via Catch AU$59.99

LEGO® Star Wars Darth Vader’s Castle Building Set via Catch AU$197

Star Wars The Black Series Darth Vader Premium Electronic Helmet via Catch $159

Harry Potter Hogwarts Back To School Backpack via Catch AU$29.99

My Little Pony – Princess Celestia via Amazon AU$15.00

GO-TCHA Evolve Smartwatch for Pokemon Go Daredevil Red via OzGameShop AU$59.99

Sonic Boom – 5 Figure Multipack – Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Amy & Dr. Eggman via OZGameShop AU$32.69

Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition Nintendo Switch via OzGameShop AU$57.99

Star Wars Pinball Nintendo Switch via OzGameShop AU$42.99

Rick and Morty Spaceship & Garage Large Construction Toy Set via Amazon AU$29.31

Data East Classic Collection SNES Cartridge via Amazon AU$36.04

Attack From Mars Pinball – Shadowbox Art via Etsy AU$196.59

Tempest X RepliCade via Amazon AU$215.06

Casio Retro Calculator Unisex Watch via Amazon AU$39.00

8BitDo SF30 Pro Bluetooth Controller via Amazon AU$59.99

 

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Books, Christmas, classic, gamer gifts, gamers, Geeky Gifts, geeky xmas gifts, Gift Ideas, gifts, Kris Kringle, Lego, old school gifts, pinball, pinball books, pinball gifts, Retro Gaming, Retro Gaming gifts, retro gaming xmas gifts, Rick and Morty, Secret Santa, Star Wars, The Mandalorian, Xmas, Xmas gift ideas

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