Monster Gaming: The Complete How-To Guide for Becoming a Hardcore Gamer [Paperback]

Ben Sawyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2003

The true insiders guide to the culture and secrets of the game playing elite. Monster Gaming covers everything that hardcore gamers need to know about from buying and setting up high-end game systems, creating killer audio systems, making PC mods to increase performance, joining competitions, modifying games, and how to live the hardcore gamer lifestyle. No critical game accessory or topic is left uncovered.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sawyer is a copartner in Digitalmill. He is a hightech freelance writer for a number of magazines and newsletters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 350 pages
• Publisher: Paraglyph Press; First Printing edition (May 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932111794
• ISBN-13: 978-1932111798
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,370,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For the Hard Core Gamers, March 12, 2004

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Monster Gaming: The Complete How-To Guide for Becoming a Hardcore Gamer (Paperback)

At first, you might imagine that the title refers to the computer opponents in various twitch games like Doom or Quake. But no. Sawyer means the fanatic gamers, to whom he addresses the book. He being one himself.

Chapters span all the important topics of computer gaming. From personalising your hardware through overclocking the CPU to tips on searching eBay for items. Plus, of course, on the latter, you can sell various gaming memorabilia.

He also provides ancillary data on books and movies spawned from games. Though he thinks most of the movies are purely dross. There is a fascinating table of the books in Chapter 7. You may be surprised by how extensive it is, with several books being written by well known authors like Mercedes Lackey and Alan Dean Foster. (The money is good for such purely work-for-hire, I guess.)

Most importantly to some of you, he tells how to hook up to the competitive gaming scene, with lists of various regional conventions for the hard core. Interested?

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To be honest, it's great!, July 31, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Monster Gaming: The Complete How-To Guide for Becoming a Hardcore Gamer (Paperback)

We at Fragland.net usually don't advertise for books or anything but we've received the book Monster Gaming which is written by Ben Sawyer and published by Paraglyph press and to be honest: it's great!

Everything that's got anything to do with gaming, from regular gaming over competitive gaming to even modding and real development, is covered here along with useful links and addresses for people who want to know even more.

So if you're going on holiday or want a book about gaming to read I suggest this book It's +300 pages will keep you occupied in the gaming atmosphere.

You won't regret it !

Stephen @ Fragland.net

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Gaming Guide!, August 1, 2003

By 

"dgunther_20" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Monster Gaming: The Complete How-To Guide for Becoming a Hardcore Gamer (Paperback)

I've been looking all over the place for a gaming guide like this. Most of the books out are very basic or they just cover tips for using certain games. This book really captures what I want to know about gaming. The author seems to really know his stuff.

I was drawn to the book because it had a chapter on modding and enhancing game hardware (which turned out to be really good). But the more I read in the book, the more I liked. I didn't realize that there were so many interesting resources for gamers such as places to get old vintage games.

This is the sort of book that every gamer should get a copy of and read cover to cover. It's quite funny in places and just a blast to read in general. The author even included a chapter at the end of the book about what it is like to be a game developer, which was a treat for me because I'd like to develop games some day.