October 2, 2007: Hobby Games: The 100 Best

My copy of Hobby Games: The 100 Best arrived yesterday which automatically meant that last night was devoted to reading. If you're unfamiliar with the book, it's a recent release from Green Ronin Publishing, edited by James Lowder, in which 100 game designers talk about 100 different games.

Why do I have a copy, you ask? Besides the obvious answer - it's a book about games - there's also the simple reason that I contributed to the book (I wrote about Battletech). After reading some of the entries in the book, though, I feel like I completely snuck in when no one was looking. I mean, I'm in the same book as such well-known designers as Reiner Knizia, Richard Berg, Jeff Grubb, and even a couple of guys named Steve Jackson. I'm definitely not worthy.

I can honestly say that even if I hadn't been given the opportunity to add my own rambling insanity to the book I would have shelled out the $24.95 for a copy. After all, where else am I going to get the chance to hear what Mike Pondsmith has to say about Traveller? This is definitely my only chance to sit back and smile as Matt Forbeck tells me all about Space Hulk. And I would hate to ask Vegas what the odds are of me sitting down with Alan Moon and listening quietly as he discusses Descent.

If you're a fan of games, and I'm talking about everything from Acquire to D&D to Naval War* to Paranoia, you owe it to yourself to add the book to your reading list. It's enjoyable, informative, and one of the only books published this year that every gamer should own.

I'm holding out hope for a second volume.
-- Phil Reed

* John Tynes' essay makes me want to track down a copy of this old game (it has now been a decade since I last played Naval War).

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