If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had a few of those evenings where you realized it was 3 a.m. and you’d just spent six solid hours playing a computer or video game. Oh crap, you might have thought, as your finger kept reflexively stabbing a button, how did THAT happen?
Well, it happened because it was fun.
Part of the fun – aside from the addictive game play and beloved characters – is the art. With a good game you’re thrust into the middle of a fully designed world, one broader and more immersive than the biggest movie. Over the last twenty years, games have increasingly upped the ante on their art, tapping into a pool of hot talent to hone their look.
Given all that beautiful art, it’s no wonder that game companies have produced some glorious books celebrating their games. Some are upgraded strategy guides; others are out-and-out coffee table art books. Sometimes they come with fun extras.
We’ve got a few of these cool books, so we thought it would be fun to share ’em here. Give your trigger finger a break from positioning your army or escaping the bad guys and check these out.
Tomb Raider: The Art of Survival. Trade paperback published by DK/Brady Games in 2013. First edition.
The Art of Bioshock Infinite. Hardback published by Dark Horse Books in 2013. First edition.
The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask 3D Prima Official Game Guide. Hardcover published by Prima Games in 2015. Collector’s Edition with code to download free eguide and intact sheet of reusable clings.
World of WarCraft: Mists of Pandaria Limited Edition. Hardcover published by DK/Brady Games. First printing.
The Horus Heresy Legiones Astartes Crusade Army List: A Supplement for Warhammer 40,000. Hardback published by Games Workshop in 2014. First printing.
The Art of Darkwatch. Hardcover published by Design Studio Press in 2005. Foreword by Syd Mead. First printing.
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Collector’s Edition Strategy Guide. Hardback published by DK/Brady Games in 2013. Includes paper models, still sealed in original shrink wrap.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Tactical Espionage Action. Hardback published Konami Digital Entertainment Co. in 2008. First edition, comes with a numbered (40875/43000) lithograph by Yoji Shinkawa.