Individual game write-ups are a cross of game summary and review, looking at aspects like graphics, soundtrack, and gameplay. However, Kalata still does the lion’s share of the heavy lifting, so it’s no exaggeration to say that this book represents a true labor of love for him. The book contains contributions from over 30 individuals (including RPGamer’s very own Elmon Dean Todd), all listed and credited to their corresponding articles immediately following a brief table of contents and introduction. But covering well over 700 games would be impossible for one person alone. The book is credited to Kurt Kalata, founder of sites such as Castlevania Dungeon and Hardcore Gaming 101. In terms of space, it has the same height measurements as The CRPG Book, and together the two books make great shelf partners for any RPG enthusiast’s game room. It’s a beautiful addition to any video game book collection, and the Japanese lettering on the front cover even gives it an extra bit of authenticity. The front cover artwork by Stephanie Sybydlo harkens back to the magical feeling many of us had during our childhoods when discovering video games - and the unending sense of adventures contained within them - for the first time. The binding is thread-sewn, and includes a bookmark ribbon for placeholding between sessions. The book itself is, of course, quite heavy, so a table or other surface to use during reading is recommended. The cardboard outer packaging includes further protective flaps that protect the shipment from any accidental bumps and collisions during transit. Each book is wrapped in multiple layers of protective covering to keep the hardcover surface pristine, and each of the book’s corners is safely embedded in sturdy L-shaped packing foam pieces, which wrap a good distance around the book to boot. The publisher’s shipping procedure is not only fast (three separate deliveries, all overseas, have typically taken only days to around a week to arrive) but also gentle to its contents. Those who have never placed an order with Bitmap Books can do so in the knowledge that their investment will be treated with care and arrive quickly and in mint condition.
While some of those other titles fill their bulk with a focus on screenshots, this book is a treasure trove of text that’s meant to be read. At 652 pages, it’s longer than every other volume currently offered on the publisher’s storefront, many of which routinely clock in at 400-500 pages. Even among the stable of publisher Bitmap Books’ other available titles (such as The CRPG Book, which we previously reviewed), A Guide to Japanese Role-Playing Games is more than just a reference work, it’s an experience.
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