Terrible Old Games You've Probably Never Heard Of
By Stuart Ashen
Collating the obscure dregs of the eighties and nineties video game industry so we can all point and laugh
Publication date: December 2015
BuyDigital
Hardback
Collectable
Collectable read with a friend
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get my book delivered to?
How do supporter names work?
Please note - this is Stuart Ashen's already published book. If you're looking for his new book, Attack of the Flickering Skeletons, you can find it here.
Video games are great! Except when they're not, of course. We've all bought a game and been utterly underwhelmed by it, dribbling buyer's remorse from every pore as we furiously shake our fist at the publishers responsible for releasing them. But have you ever bought a game so fundamentally awful that it was impossible to glean any enjoyment from it whatsoever? If so, I feel your pain, and if you'll allow me I'll also take your money and offer you a book in exchange.
Terrible Old Games You've Probably Never Heard Of is a compendium of some of the most painfully bad games available for the European home computer market from the early eighties to the mid nineties, based on my YouTube series of the same name. Everyone's heard of E.T. for the Atari 2600 and Superman for the Nintendo 64, but these are almost nothing next to the abject incompetence of Count Duckula 2 on the Amstrad CPC. There are people who seriously believe that Shaq Fu is the worst fighting game ever made, having never experienced Dangerous Streets or Barravento on the Amiga. This book will blow their very soul apart. (Not a guarantee).
There's nothing from the NES, or indeed any other dedicated games console, in this book. It's all about the home computer market during a special time when tight deadlines, tiny budgets and precious little quality control allowed some of the most egregiously horrid games to leak into the shops. As the title strongly suggests you've probably never heard of these games - who wants to retread the same old things when there's so much new horror to be discovered?
Terrible Old Games You've Probably Never Heard Of is meticulously researched and written with the dry humour you'd expect from a man who has somehow made a living by sticking rubbish on a sofa and talking about it. And it's not all from me - some people you may well have heard of will be telling us what their most disappointing game purchase was. Because, of course, there's nothing quite so entertaining as other people's misery.
If you'd like this book to exist in a tangible form, pledge now and ensure that the games mentioned inside receive the recognition and derision they deserve. Because they're terrible, they're old, and you probably haven't heard of them.
Quick select rewards
Collectable
Hardback
-
Stuart Ashen
Hello! I'm Stuart. I make videos for YouTube and write comedy scripts and sometimes act in things.
I recently realised that I miss writing articles and stories, so have joined forces with Unbound in an attempt to rectify that by writing books.
I live in Norwich, in a house filled with all sorts of useless items that I tell myself I need for my work. I'm obsessed with old video games and things that aren't quite good enough for their intended purpose. My favourite soup is crab meat and sweetcorn.
- Read more...
Read more to view larger spreads...
Stuart Ashen has written 6 private updates. You can pledge to get access to them all.
26th November 2015 BOOK TOUR AMAZEMENT SUPER FUN TIME YES!Hello!
I'm going on a short book signing tour! Look, here's a picture giving you details and everything:
Do drop in if you happen to live near one of the centrally located places on our budget conscious route! You don't need to book or anything - just come along around the designated time. If you want one of the trade editions of the book for some reason, like your gran wants one for…
11th November 2015 The End is NighThe end of waiting for the book, that is! Yes.
Last week I literally jetted over to Barcelona to see the first print run of the special backer editions. The quality is astonishing - all the screenshots are super-crisp and the black is really vivid. Which is important for screenshots of old games because a lot of them had black backgrounds with very little in the way of graphics on top...
…5th August 2015 More special guest excitement! Yes.Hello loves,
As you've probably guessed I'm currently writing the book! I'm not going to add anything else to that as I don't want to spoil any surprises for what's in it. But be assured the games will be old, terrible, and you probably won't have heard of them.
Speaking of surprises, I still can't quite get over just how many truly fun-free gaming experiences were inflicted on us between…
26th June 2015 First guest interviews announcedHello!
There hasn't been much to report other than "I am writing the book" recently. And you've probably guessed that. But! I've started to receive submissions from various EXCITING GUESTS who will be telling us about the most disappointing old game they ever paid money for. I'll be revealing some of these people over the next couple of months.
First up is one many of you have predicted …These people are helping to fund Terrible Old Games You've Probably Never Heard Of.
View more
Marcus Soll
Shaun Hose
Heinrich Lenhardt
Philip Pledger
Simon Jervis
विस्मयादिबोधक चिह्न
Roger Wyatt
Scot Greetham
Janne Heinikangas
Adarsh Prusty
chris rudd
Declan Maguire
Samuel Abram
James Tucker
Noah Alexander
Grahame Mclernon
Catherine Bray
Raul Monton
Dominik Andruszak
Janessa Alejandria
Max P
Ashley Allen
- Please Sign in to ask a question to join in the conversation
How many of these recieved a score of precisely 73% from the video gaming magazines of the day? (and more seriously, if we want to 'upgrade' our pledge at some point how do we sort that out?)
These transcended even the 73% rule (mostly as they were rarely from major publishers!) I believe you can upgrade by pledging again at the higher level, then going into "transactions" and cancelling the old pledge.
Is there shipping to the U.S. ?
Hi Mason, Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, we do indeed send books to the US. Please note that there will be an extra shipping charge added at the checkout. If there's anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
What is currently expected release date / target thereof?
Hi Evan, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Pledging the hardback edition will ship outside UK?
Hi Ivan, Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, we do indeed send books to the US. Please note that there will be an extra shipping charge added at the checkout. If there's anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
How many pages is the book? On estimate!
Hi Jake, Thanks for getting in touch. We're currently working on an estimate of 160 pages, but this may be subject to change. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
If I pledge the 25 pound package, would you ship the book to my country, Perú?
Hi Sebastián, Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, we do indeed send books outside of the UK. Please note that there will be an extra shipping charge added at the checkout once we know the delivery address. If there's anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Will the book be available for overseas shipping?
Hi Kevin, Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, we do indeed send books outside of the UK. Please note that there will be an extra shipping charge added at the checkout once we know the delivery address. If there's anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Is there an estimated delivery window for the book?
Hi Lewis, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
What is the intended release date for the book?
Hi Dan, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
when will the estimated release date of the book be
Hi Alastair, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
If we pledge £15+ for the physical hardcover copy, do we have to later pay for shipping and handling if outside of the UK?
Hi, Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, we do indeed send books outside of the UK. There will be an extra shipping charge added at the checkout once we know the delivery address. This is added before the initial payment and you will not be charged again at a later date. If there's anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
When successful (call it a hunch) will you consider promoting the normal release of the book by making a few, games you ain't heard of vids on youtube, featuring a few examples?
Perhaps. Possibly. Definitely maybe.
How can you write with boxing gloves on your hands? Oh wait, this isn't Strongbad.
OR IS IT? (No, it is not.)
Hi now I'm thinking about the £80 love the idea of this book. However my name is quite ridiculous and worrying if you might not print it in the front of you book!!?? It's Wayne Muff!!(yes I know!!!!) anywho hope this takes off and let me know about my crazy but comical name. Thanks Ps is a game called past on the ZX Spectrum make the cut??
That should be fine - I have encountered far more ridiculous names in my time and I'm sure the Unbound team have too! I can't trace a Spectrum game called "Past." There is a famous one called "Pssst" but that's really good!
When will this be done? (Approximately)
Hi James, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Will there be an audio book? Preferably in your voice?
Hi Jamy, Thanks for getting in touch. There aren't currently any plans for an audiobook we're afraid. If there is anything else I can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
when does this end? as soon as it gets funded?
Hi Zack, Thanks for getting in touch. As the book is now fully funded you can continue to pledge right through the production process - there isn't a deadline. If i can help you with anything else please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Ashens, Before I pledge any money, are you going to make the eBook DRM free (as suggested by unbound) or not? - Paul
Hi Paul, Thanks for getting in touch. The ebooks available from Unbound will indeed be DRM free. We create epub. (Apple and other e-readers), mobi. (Kindle) and PDF ebook files - all of which you can download once the book is ready. If there is anything else we can help with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
I have a question. Hello. If I buy a physical copy of the book, can it be shipped to the USA?
Hi Graham, Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, we do indeed send books outside of the UK. There will be an extra shipping charge added at the checkout once we know the delivery address. If there's anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Do we get our money back if 9 more ppl dont pledge £25.
They have now, making this question purely hypothetical and any answer redundant. It's like time travel, or alternate dimensions or something!
Are you mentally ill?
Not yet!
Is it possible to get the book in Australia, even if I pledge
Hi Travis, Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, we do indeed send books to Australia. There will be an extra shipping charge added at the checkout once we know the delivery address. If there's anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hello! Mark from the U.S here. My question is, who was your favorite game publisher way back in the day? I didn't grow up on the ZX Spectrum. I'm a late DOS/early CD-ROM child myself, but I've always been curious about where to start when it comes to playing older games, and it'd be interesting to not only get the opinion of someone who lived through that age, but also get some insight from one of my all time favorite youtubers! I appreciate all your videos, and I can't wait for this book. All of your work always seems to bring a smile to my face and brighten up my day. I jumped at the chance to support you branching out to an all new form of entertainment! I'm really just huge fan, and I hope you enjoy making these videos/books as much I do. Not sure what the format is on this question thingy, I would sign off like a letter, but I'm assuming it'll put my name on it somewhere, so I hope to hear from you! Take care, and keep doing what you love.
Thanks! I never really paid any attention to the publisher of games, I went on a case by case basis. A great way to find quality Spectrum titles is to search for "your sinclair top 100" which lists pretty much all the best ones.
I'd prefer to use a pseudonym for my rewards, how should I go about doing this?
Hi Leo, Thanks for getting in touch. You can certainly change the name in the back of the book if you like. To do so just log in and head over to the 'Your Account' page (which can be located at the top right hand corner of the site). Here you'll see the icons for all of the books you have supported. Under the icon is the green button 'update the name in the back'. Click this and away you go. I can see that you've been looking at the £80 'Superfriend' level to get your name in the front. Before we print the book we'll contact all of the supporters of this level to double check their entry so if you do pledge at this level you can let us know what you would like your entry to be then. If there is anything else I can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - community Coordinator
How long will this Unbound run for?? I would love to pledge but do not have the capital right now.
Hi Robert, Thanks for getting in touch. The book is now fully funded (hurrah!) so we'll definitely be going ahead and publishing it. You can pledge at any point now and, so long as the supporter list hasn't been closed for us to move on with production (which won't be for a good while yet), you can still get your name in the back. If there is anything else I can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - community Coordinator
With the -poundsymbol-15 and -poundsymbol-25 pledge tiers (sorry, I'm Australian and don't believe in your archaic currency), will the Signed 1st Edition be one of the fancy Special Editions from -poundsymbol-15 tier, or will it just be a 1st Edition of the scummy regular edition? Cheers.
Hi Liam, Thanks for getting in touch and apologies if the pledge level descriptions are ambiguous. The £25 level will indeed be the special edition and these will be signed by Stuart Ashen. If there is anything else I can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Will we still get a reward if we fund the project after 100% completion?
Hi Valentino, Thanks for getting in touch. You will indeed get a reward if you fund a successful project. This just means that you will definitely get a book plus rewards, whereas if you'd pledged before 100% this would still depend on the book reaching its funding target. If there is anything else I can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
I have pledged for a signed 1st edition, will the signature be personalised?
Hi Thomas, Thanks for getting in touch. We're afraid that the signed edition will not be personalised. We hope that's OK. If I can help you with anything else please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Is the fastest funded book on Unbound?
Hi Johari, Thanks for getting in touch. It certainly is! If I can help you with anything else please contact us via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
I'm very very sorry for asking another question but i'll order the book tomorrow as i just got the right amount of money and i'm very concerned about making mistakes when giving my address info. I'll try to explain my worries as clearly as i can; at the moment i'm living at my girlfriend's flat, we are on a rent and we don't have our name on the doorbell or on the front door (there is just the name and surname of the flat owner which are obviously not mine or my gf's). I know this issue is mainly going to be handled by Italian postal service once the book gets to my country, but is there something i can do to refine the shipping information and to get the package straight to our place without errors? Like adding the name written on the doorbell/letterbox... i'm not sure if i have to put it in the adress line or if i have to write it somewhere else, and i'm afraid to f*** something up and get the book misleaded to another person. That would be very unsettling as i am struggling to get this book :D I hope my question is clear enough! I'm sorry, english is not my main language... Thanks in advance!
Hi Valentino, Thanks for getting in touch. If you put the instructions in the first line of the address that should work. We always check the delivery address before shipping books so if your address changes before we send out your book you can always update it. If there is anything else I can help you with please contact us via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
I am interested in pledging to this book but can't for a few weeks. How long will this pledge drive last seeing that is has been funded?
Hi Kevin, Thanks for getting in touch. As the book is now fully funded you can continue to pledge right through the production process - there isn't a deadline. If I can help you with anything else please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hi, Is it possible for me to make two separate pledges? (I want to go to the Gathering of Terror, but also to obtain one of the more expensive rewards.)
Hi Alice, Thanks for getting in touch. You can pledge for the book as many times as you like, at as many different levels that you like. If you have any problems please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Is there an estimate for the time it will take to produce the book? or will it just simply be for a "very long time"? cheers
Hi Korben, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Any idea of a rough estimate as to when we will receive the book? Also, when will we find out where/when the 'Gathering of Terror' will be? :D Thanks!
Hi Jack, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. We usually arrange to have the pledge level events at around the time of book publication, so we'll be in touch to arrange this closer to the time. I hope this is OK. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hi I was simply wondering how long until the physical copies get shipped now the project is over 100% funded? Thanks
Hi Charley, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
When should I receive my copy of the e book
Hi Alex, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book and ebook. At the moment we won't have finished books ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
How long will the funding go on for? It's already at 100% and want to support it. Thanks.
Hi Lindsey, Thanks for getting in touch. As the book is now fully funded you can continue to pledge right through the production process - there isn't a deadline. If I can help you with anything else please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hi, could you tell me if you guys ship to wales and when the estimated shipping is? Also will the name printing be in the retail book too?
Hi Garan, Thanks for getting in touch. We certainly do ship to Wales. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. Yes, all supporter names will go in both the special edition and the edition which is available in the shops at a later date. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Will i be able to read the ebook on my kindle? And will the ebbok version still be avavible after the project is done?
Hi Viktor, Thanks for getting in touch. You will indeed be able to read the ebook on your Kindle. We create mobi. (kindle), epub. (Apple and other eReaders) and PDF ebook files so supporters can read the ebook on whichever device they choose. The ebook will be available at the same time as the physical books and as Stuart is now writing the book this won't be until 2016. If I can help you with anything else please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
How long should it take to get a book delivered, i just pledged then realized my address might be changing shortly, if i need to can i change the delivery address in an order iv alredy made ??
Hi Michael, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. We always check the delivery address before shipping books out so you can amend your address at this point or you can update it through your account page - unbound.co.uk/account/contact_details. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hello! Would Ashens be willing to do an Audiobook of this? I love the Terrible Old Games~ series! Ta!
Hi Emily, Thanks for getting in touch. At the moment there are no plans for an audiobook. If there is anything else we can help you with please contact us via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Do you post to Australia? Looking at the £25 one, if so what is the postage costs?
Hi Paul, We do indeed ship to Australia and the cost of this is £20. We understand that this is high, but we courier the books to ensure safe and traceable delivery and we do not make a profit on the delivery costs. We are currently looking in to alternative shipping costs and developing the site so that supporters can choose their own shipping option, (courier or airmail) but this function won't be live for a while yet. I hope this helps to explain our prices a little. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hello. Is there an estimate on when the book will be ready?
Hi António, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
When will the destination for the £100 tier be announced. If it was Cambridge it would be the £100 for me, and if London it'll be the £25 special edition so it's quite a bit of a difference in pledge. Thanks, Ben
You'll know as soon as I do!
Hi, my girlfriend ordered this for me and has put her address for delivery but mine for the back of the book, are you going to do personalised signings? If so, can it be to me and not her?
Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for getting in touch. The signed editions will not be personalised, but you can edit the name which is featured in the book. To do this just log in and head over to the 'Your Account' page (which can be located at the top right hand corner of the site). Here you'll see the icons for all of the books you have supported. Under the icon is the green button 'update the name in the back'. Click this and away you go. If I can help you with anything else please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
I do like the idea of the audio book but maybe a video series accompanying the book would be more appropriate I mean BBC do documentaries with books acompioning the show it would be similar sort of deal would this be possible?
Well... Not really, as it would be many months of work and we only have funding for a book, not an entire video series.
I'm interested in purchasing the £15 hardback book but the shipping is very expensive, costs more than the pledge itself! And I only live across the sea in Ireland :) Any idea on why the shipping is so expensive?
Hi Niall, Thanks for getting in touch and for your useful feedback. We courier the books to ensure safe and traceable delivery and we do not make a profit on the delivery costs. We are currently looking in to developing the site so that supporters can choose their own shipping option, (courier or ordinary mail) but this function won't be live for a while yet. I hope this helps to explain our prices a little. If there is anything else I can help you with please contact us via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Is there a deadline to pledge? I want to pledge £15 for the hardback, but I can't right now! :(
Hi Melissa, Thanks for getting in touch. As the book is now fully funded you can continue to pledge right through the production process - there isn't a deadline. If I can help you with anything else please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hi, Is there a rough estimate of when the (regular hardback and "collectable") book will be shipping?
Hi Olivier, Thanks for getting in touch. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. We are discussing timings with him and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Are there any shipping costs in the UK? Also, do we have a rough date when this funding will close and the book is published?
Hi Alice, Thanks for getting in touch. There is a £4 postage and packaging cost for UK deliveries and we don't make a profit on this. After reaching his funding target in record time Stuart Ashen now needs to write the book. The funding won't close and people can continue to support the book up to publication. We are discussing timings with Stuart and as soon as we have received the finished manuscript we'll get to work on creating the book. At the moment we won't have finished copies ready until 2016, so please do look out for project updates. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via Unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hi, I was just wondering, as the £80 pledge gets your name in the front of the book, will the £100 pledge get your name in the front or back of the book as currently in my account it says it will be in the back of the book. Also, it was great meeting you at comic con :) Regards Scott
Hi Scott, Thanks for getting in touch. It's only the £80 level which gets your name in the front of the back. I hope this is OK. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Do you know if there any way for people with modern computers to play these disasters? You know, some of us are masochists.
Emulators are available for everything! And archive.org stores many game images. But it's fiddly to get anything running as a general rule.
Will you be signing the books Stuart?
Yes! It wouldn't make much sense for anyone else to sign them.
Will the trade copies be released as the same time as the special edition copies, and will these reach outside of England? I'm intending to back this book but cannot presently afford roughly $45 dollar shipping for a single book, especially as it's already funded twice over.
Hi Alexander, Thanks for getting in touch. The trade editions will be available after the special editions. Penguin Random House, our distribution partners, do distribute to a few non-UK markets on our behalf, but as yet I am unable to say which countries this will apply to for Terrible Old Games You've Probably Never Heard Of. If there is anything else I can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
In the video, Ashens said he has been writing the book so how far through the book is he? Has he just started or is he nearly finished?
I can't really answer that as I keep rewriting bits and adding stuff. I have a deadline and that's all that matters!
Hi, does anyone know if this book is going to be in portrait or landscape, or not yet decided. I really want one, but if it's landscape it will mess up my height-ordered shelves. #OCD
Current plan is it's going to be square!
When pledging 25, what do you exactly mean by 'Access to the shed'?
Hi Edu, Thanks for getting in touch. Access to the shed means that you will be notified of Stuart's updates and will be able to access exclusive content which is available for subscribers' eyes only. If there is anything else we can help you with please contact us via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coodinator
How will the E-book edition be sent? Will there be an E-mail with the code or via post? If it is by post, then my billing address is wrong.
Hi Robert, Thanks for getting in touch. Once the ebooks are ready, supporters are sent an email where you can download the ebook in the mobi. (Kindle), epub. (Apple products and other eReaders), and PDF formats. Or you'll be able to download them from the ebooks page (which will appear in next to the shed icon above the pledge rewards) once the ebook is available. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Are you able to confirm/deny if any part of this book will be ghostwritten by Zoella (Zoe Sugg)?
I did interview her for the position, but found her knowledge of the Sam Coupé sadly lacking. As a result I'm having to write it all myself.
Hello there. Is there likely to be any more spaces for the "Gathering of terror"?
Hi there, Firstly please accept our apologies for the delay in getting back to you - your message slipped through the net. Unfortunately due to the size of the venue, space is really limited and we won't be able to accommodate any more spaces. We're really sorry, and of course if this changes we'll let you know. best wishes, Hannah
Are there any games in here you have a personal vendetta against? Maybe one you saved up for as a kid, only to be disappointed? You don't have to give any spoilers for the book, I'm just wondering if any of these games bring back any memories, like the Buzz Lightyear game for Game Boy color does for me.
Hello! I point you in the direction of this video, which will answer that for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOYGAfmH8WI
Hunter was a German game, right? What was the quality of the translations on the box/slip like? (Assuming that it was actually translated into English, of course!)
Hello! It wasn't translated at all - It was only released in German. Which was a lucky escape for the rest of Europe, frankly.
The £80 level, does it end up essentially the £50 level but names in the front? Or is it one book with name in front, two more books with names in back?
Hi Ian, Thanks for getting in touch. The £80 level will be the same edition as the £50 level, but your name will also be included in a special list at the front of the book. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
I'm a bit short on cash on the moment, but I would like to buy a signed edition in the future. How long will it still be available before the pledging stops?
Hi Stephen, Thanks for getting in touch. We'll be selling the signed editions for a few months still so you've got plenty of time to pledge for the signed edition. Or if you like you can pledge for the hardback now and can upgrade to the signed level at a later time. To upgrade or if there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
is the cover actually sighnes by stuart ashen or is it printed
Hi Nikolas, Thanks for your question. The signature inside the book will be real. If there's anything else I can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Is there a way to preorder or be reminded when the book is released?
Hi McKay, Thanks for getting in touch. If you pledge for the book now that it's funded then it's essentially the same as pre-ordering a copy. We're working on getting books ready asap and are hoping, all being well, to have subscriber copies ready in time for Christmas. If there is anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hi, super hyped for this, have pledge, can't wait. Is there a possibility of an audiobook version? Possibly in the same style as the brief narration in your youtube video? And another question, how will you be gathering the names of the backers for the book? Will it be by user name or delivery details? Regards, Ed
Hi Ed, Thanks for getting in touch. There aren't currently plans for an audiobook but if this changes Stuart's subscribers will be the first to know. Unless you specify otherwise the name in the back email is your user name. To check or change the names in the back just log in and head over to the 'Your Account' page (which can be located at the top right hand corner of the site). Here you'll see the icons for all of the books you have supported. Under the icon is the green button 'update the name in the back'. Click this and away you go. Please note, if this button does not appear then the book is too far along the production process to add/change your name. If we can help with anything else please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hello! Joey McConnell-Farber asked about games being rated 73%, i tried googling the 73% rule and nothing came up, is this a thing? what are it's origins? will it be explained in the book?
In the eighties & nineties UK gaming magazine industry, it was once said that 73% was the lowest score that could be awarded to a game from a major publisher before they threw a fit and threatened to remove their advertising. I don't think it was quite as cut and dried as 73% being a code score for a bad game, but you did see a lot of poor games score in the 70's...
Is the book nearly finished now then? I received an email confirming the name in the back so I assume it is. Do we have a more precise release date now instead of just "early 2016"?
Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, we're working hard to get the books out by the end of this year, which is why we need to close the supporter list. If there's anything else we can help you with please just ask via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Will it has a satisfying new book smell?
Yes. Unbound use a special "new book smell" flown in from Holland.
Hi Ashens, Just wanted to ask, will you be including some of the games that you already covered on YouTube in the book (e.g. Night Walk, Intergalactic Cage Match, BMX Ninja, etc.)? P.S. Massively hyped for the book - can't wait (although I'll have to wait until the book arrives at my door, obv.)!
Nope - none of the games featured in the book are repeats from the video series.
I looked at the the first screenshot, and noticed that the currency exchange rate used for Deutschmark to British Pounds is off; one British Pound was equal to about 2.3 Deutschmark in 1995, so the price of Hunter in 1995 would have been about 6.5 British Pound.
Really? Do you have a source? When I looked it up, it gave something totally different.
Stuart, I just pledged for the book, however I was curious on the inclusion of names in the book and whether you could substitute a name. I also had 1 other question which I will include. My younger brother Logan found your channel several years ago and has been subscribed ever since. He suffers from mild autism and is very particular in channels which he follows. One of the reasons he was drawn to your channel was your voice, notably he likes your narrative videos such as the Terrible Old Games series. As such, I would much prefer that his name appear in lieu of mine in the book and shout-out video. I did not think about this before creating my account or I would have listed his name instead of mine. This brings me to my other question on the book. Are there any plans for an audio version? I'm not sure if the format follows that of your videos for Terrible Old Games, so I don't know if it that's feasible. Thank you for your videos and for being a positive influence in my and my brother's life. Best wishes, Cody
Hi Cody, Thanks for getting in touch. To check or change the name in the back please visit https://unbounders.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/207817337-How-do-I-check-or-change-the-name-s-in-the-back-. Please make sure you do this before midnight on 27th September or we can't guarantee your brother's name will be inside the book. There are not currently any plans for an audiobook, but if there is Stuart's supporters will be the first to know. If there's anything else we can help with please contact us via unbound.co.uk/support Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
What does "Access to the shed" mean?
Hi Spider Matty, Thanks for getting in touch. Access to the shed means that you will be notified of Stuart's updates and will be able to access exclusive content which is available for subscribers' eyes only. If there is anything else we can help you with please contact us via unbound.co.uk/support. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hi, just wondered if you still get a signed copy if u pledge £80??
Hi Ross, Yes, if you pledge for the £80 superfriend level you will also get a signed copy. If there's anything else we can help with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Hi Ashens, how much is it going to cost and will it be in waterstones type shops etc ?
Not sure yet! And probably! And here's another exclamation mark!
Hey Stu or someone pls.. I bought the £15 hardback but really would rather upgrade to a £25 signed 1st edish, is that possible?? The payment has already gone through though? :( Thanks!
Hi Alix, Please contact us via https://unbound.co.uk/support and we can arrange this for you. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Corrdinator
Just to make sure, the name on the Unbound account is the name that'll go into the book, since I didn't get a chance to add it in anywhere when I threw money at you.
Hi Michael, Yes, unless you changed the name via your account (unbound.co.uk/account) the name that will go in the back is the name that is on your Unbound account. If there's anything else we can help you with please get in touch via unbound.co.uk/support. Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Despite me telling him how terrible the 8-bit days were (in retrospect that is, at the time it was flipping brilliant!) my son Ethan wants to travel back to those heady times via your book. If I chip in a pledge, can I get his name in the book instead of mine?
Hi Kenneth, You can indeed. Please visit https://unbounders.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/207817337-How-do-I-check-or-change-the-name-s-in-the-back- for instructions on how to do this and make sure you change the name before Friday 2nd October to make sure this gets listed in the book. Any problems, please contact us via unbound.co.uk/support. Caitlin - Community Coordinator
How much will the Book Be?
Hi Fraser, There are varying levels of support that you can pledge for, so you can choose how much you would like the book to be. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Coordinator
Will the ebooks only be released at the same time as the physical copies, or will we get access to the ebooks as soon as it's finalised?
Hi Rui, The ebooks will be released at the same time as the physical copies, but this will be before they are available in the shops. If there's anything else we can help with, please contact us via unbound.co.uk/support. Caitlin - Community Coordinator
I vaguely remember a game called "Billy and his Purple Flares" for the Speccy. A truly awesomely awful game which I bought from my local street market back in nineteen dickety two for a groat. I can't find any reference to it and am hoping it was just a rather strange Newberry Fruit fever dream. Have you come across this in your travels across the home micro landscape of yesteryear? 390%! That's a bit good.
There is no such game. Then again "Eric and the Floaters" is not only real but the first version of Bomberman, so anything is possible.
Dr Ashens. I have just pledged, it was a toss up between this book and Ghost Hunting 2.0 by the legendary author Chris Bores. The question is, did I make the right decision?
That depends on your needs. I cannot claim to answer the question "Can spirits still fall in love?" in my book.
Do you know if the book will be shipped internationally? Specifically Canada?
Hi John, Yes, we ship the books internationally. Just enter the delivery country after hitting the 'pledge now' button. Once we know which country your book will be shipped to we can calculate the shipping costs. If there's anything else we can help with please contact us via unbound.co.uk/support. Caitlin - Community Coordinator
I couldn't find a way in which to reply to your reply to my previous comment. The exchange rate implied by the sample page did not match my memory of the exchange rates in the nineties, so I looked up the exact rates. This website is an excellent resource for historical exchange rates: http://www.oanda.com/currency/historical-rates/ Let me know if you'd like a hand going through the prices. I have a good memory for old exchange rates (one of the ways in which I'm odd), including the now-disbanded ones of the Euro countries.
I did use Oanda, it's a great resource. I got to the bottom of this - after delving way back into my notes it turns out I'd erroneously carried across a higher pound sterling figure that was the £6 of the time adjusted for inflation / UK retail prices. Early on I toyed with the idea of using adjusted prices but abandoned it, as there are so many potential methodologies and it just made the book confusing anyway! Good work spotting it and thanks for your help! (All the other games were sold on the UK market so the prices are just in GBP.)
When does the shipping start? Also, your awesome!
Hi Sam, We'll ship the books as soon as possible after they have arrived back in our warehouse. At the moment we're working on a warehouse delivery date of late November / early December so, as long as nothing goes awry at this point, that's when we'll start to ship. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community & Events Manager
Is there any way to upgrade my book? I have the £15 pledge, but I want to go up to the £25 pledge using the magic code 'AUTUMN15'!
Hi Michael, Thanks for getting in touch. If you follow this unique link https://unbound.co.uk/books/ashens/levels/1253/upgrade?subscription_id=52384, then you can upgrade your pledge to the collectable level. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community & Events Manager
Hi Is Their Any Way That I Can Upgrade My Pledge From £15 To £25 Using Code 'AUTUMN15'
Hi Charlie, Thanks for getting in touch. If you follow this unique link https://unbound.co.uk/books/ashens/levels/1253/upgrade?subscription_id=51904, then you can upgrade your pledge to the collectable level. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community & Events Manager
Is there any chance I could upgrade at this point from hardback to collectible. Also will I still have my name in the book if I do so?
Hi Louis, Apologies for the delayed reply. It's not too late for you to upgrade - just log in to your Unbound account and use this unique link to upgrade: https://unbound.co.uk/books/ashens/levels/1253/upgrade?subscription_id=44978. As you originally pledged before we closed the supporter list your name will indeed be in the back of the book. Best wishes, Unbound Support
I pledged a couple months a go for the £25 reward when can I expect my book to arrive and how to I redeem my e-edition copy?
Hi Sol, Thanks for getting in touch. We sent out an email letting you know how to download your ebook today (3rd Dec), but in case you've missed it just log in to your account and visit https://unbound.co.uk/books/ashens/ebooks to download the ebook from here. Best wishes, Caitlin - Unbound
Hello! A guy on instagram told me he has already received the backer's edition, but i'm still waiting for mine. Btw, i live in Italy, so i kind of understand that it may take a couple days more, but i can't information on the status of the shipping. I can only see "Awaiting Dispatch", but i would like to have a way to track the book in order to being able to know where it is at the moment and when i will receive it. Is this asking too much?? I am afraing something will go wrong and i'll never have the book :(
Hi Valentino, The books are getting sent out daily - it's just there's a lot of them to get through! Keep an eye out for a dispatch email from us, and you can also keep track in your Unbound Account under "Supported Books". Hopefully it won't be too long before yours gets to you! And it will be totally worth the wait. Thanks again for your support.
any news on the when we might see the collectors editon? Thanks
Hi Michael, The books are currently going out from our warehouse as quickly as possible. Due to the large amount of copies sold this is taking a little longer than usual. Please look out for an email from Unbound with your tracking details on which will be sent as soon as your order has been dispatched. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community & Events Manager
I'd like to know if the problems in Spain have been fixed and if you have an expected date of shipping. I'm starting to stalk the postman because of the book as I'm writing this (Not really. But it might happen) Also, thanks for writing this Stuart!
Hi Antoine, The books are currently going out from our warehouse as quickly as possible. Due to the large amount of copies sold this is taking a little longer than usual. Please look out for an email from Unbound with your tracking details on which will be sent as soon as your order has been dispatched. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community & Events Manager
I made a pledge at the "collectable" level - but my account page still says "awaiting dispatch". Can you advise when my book should be sent?
Hi Paul, The books are currently going out from our warehouse as quickly as possible. Due to the large amount of copies sold this is taking a little longer than usual. Please look out for an email from Unbound with your tracking details on which will be sent as soon as your order has been dispatched. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community & Events Manager
Hey guys. I pledged £50 for the two signed books. When should I be expecting those?? Cheers, John
Hi John, The books are currently going out from our warehouse as quickly as possible. Due to the large amount of copies sold this is taking a little longer than usual. Please look out for an email from Unbound with your tracking details on which will be sent as soon as your order has been dispatched. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community & Events Manager
Hi, So its been a week after the book launch and im still "awaiting dispatch " :( Should i be concerned? I ordered the £50 signed copies on 4th October. Yes, ive recieved the ebook code, im just worried as one is a xmas gift :( Kind regards, Dan
Hi Dan, The books are currently going out from our warehouse as quickly as possible. Due to the large amount of copies sold this is taking a little longer than usual, but they should all be away by Thursday 17th Dec and UK orders are going via next day courier UK Mail so should be with you by Christmas. Please look out for an email from Unbound with your tracking details on which will be sent as soon as your order has been dispatched. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community & Events Manager
hi unbound/dr ashen when will the book be dispatched or a estimated delivery thanks in advance
Hi Cameron, The books are getting sent out daily - it's just there's a lot of them to get through! Keep an eye out for a dispatch email from us, and you can also keep track in your Unbound Account under "Supported Books". Hopefully it won't be too long before yours gets to you! And it will be totally worth the wait. Thanks again for your support.
I pledged at the collectable level - and my info says it's "awaiting dispatch". Can you advise how long it will be before it's sent?
Hi Paul, The books are going out from our warehouse as soon as they can. There are a large amount to be dispatched so this is taking us a little longer than usual. Please look out for an email from Unbound which will have your tracking details on as soon as the book has been dispatched. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community & Events Manager
Hello, I'm still waiting for my special 1st edition signed backer edition of the book. When can I expect it?
Hi Sean, The books are getting sent out daily - it's just there's a lot of them to get through! Keep an eye out for a dispatch email from us, and you can also keep track in your Unbound Account under "Supported Books". Hopefully it won't be too long before yours gets to you! And it will be totally worth the wait. Thanks again for your support.
Hi when will you start ship the book? My order/pledge still have the status: Awaiting dispatch. I have Pledged for the Collectable. Have a nice weekend. Kim
Hi Kim, The books are getting sent out daily - it's just there's a lot of them to get through! Keep an eye out for a dispatch email from us, and you can also keep track in your Unbound Account under "Supported Books". Hopefully it won't be too long before yours gets to you! And it will be totally worth the wait. Thanks again for your support.
I pledged for the "collectable" on 21/05/2015, the book is out in stores and i've seen that some people have received theirs from here, yet mine is still apparently awaiting dispatch. I recently got an email stating that today is the last day for delivery before christmas. Is that applicable here, and if so, is there any estimate to when I will receive my book? Thanks :)
Hi Richard, The books are getting sent out daily - it's just there's a lot of them to get through! Keep an eye out for a dispatch email from us, and you can also keep track in your Unbound Account under "Supported Books". Hopefully it won't be too long before yours gets to you! And it will be totally worth the wait. Thanks again for your support.
I did pledge for a £25 version of the book and have not yet received it. When will I receive it?
Hi Boris, The books are getting sent out daily - it's just there's a lot of them to get through! Keep an eye out for a dispatch email from us, and you can also keep track in your Unbound Account under "Supported Books". Hopefully it won't be too long before yours gets to you! And it will be totally worth the wait. Thanks again for your support.
Hiya, when can I expect my book to arrive? Status is still on 'awaiting dispatch'. Thanks!
Hi Leonie, The books are getting sent out daily - it's just there's a lot of them to get through! Keep an eye out for a dispatch email from us, and you can also keep track in your Unbound Account under "Supported Books". Hopefully it won't be too long before yours gets to you! And it will be totally worth the wait. Thanks again for your support.
Shipping soon?
Hi Dan, The books are getting sent out daily - it's just there's a lot of them to get through! Keep an eye out for a dispatch email from us, and you can also keep track in your Unbound Account under "Supported Books". Hopefully it won't be too long before yours gets to you! And it will be totally worth the wait. Thanks again for your support.
Is the number on the spine random or are all the books numbered?
Hi Sarah, Thanks for getting in touch. All Unbound books have a number on the spine in order of the date they were published. Best wishes, Unbound
Do you have any information yet about the Gathering of Terror? Thanks
Hi Liane, Stuart sent out an email about this last week so please check your inbox for the full details. It's happening at 5pm on Saturday 23rd Jan at the Cambridge Computer Museum. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community & Events Manager
Hi, Unbound folks. I have downloaded and loved the book. It's a great look at some truly awful games that didn't make it across the pond. My question is, looking back, I apparently pledged the £10 amount, which no longer appears on the book's Unbound page. Does this level get a physical copy of the book, or just the e-book? I love the e-book, but I thought that I'd pledged up to a physical copy as well.
Hi Andrew, I've had a look and you pledged £10 for the digital edition for the book, which doesn't contain a physical copy of the book. Unbound Support
just purchased the £5 option for the ebook edition but how do i download/access it? thanks
Hi Sam, Thanks for getting in touch. You should have received a link to download the ebook in your confirmation email. In case you missed this however, if you're logged into your Unbound account, you can always download the ebook from here: https://unbound.co.uk/books/ashens/ebooks. Best wishes, Caitlin - Community Manager