Nintendo is best-known for it's Italian plumber mascot. I'm talking of course about the red cap, blue pants-wearing Mario. What many don't know is that Nintendo has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s selling play cards before expanding to toys, arcades and video games in the 20th century. Erik Voskuil's Before Mario examines some of the toys produced by Nintendo between 1965 and 1983.
Before Mario takes a look at 52 toys made by Nintendo prior to the introduction of their famed mascot ). Each toy is accompanied by one or many photograph along with text describing it's use and tracing its origin, history and other facts. In short, it's a really nice flip-through book that showcases Nintendo's innovative spirit long before they ventured into video games and became the established company they are today.
It's a coffee table book that's a bit on the smaller side, more wide than it is long. It's a nice looking book fit for the devout Nintendo fan, video game collector or toy enthusiast. Some of these toys are very creative displaying some interesting ideas and concepts.
The best part of Before Mario is without a doubt the beautiful, high quality photography that graces its glossy pages. The photos are excellent and simplistic with the toys commanding attention with every little detail of their fabric. The toys all come from Erik Voskuil's collection who claims to own the biggest personal collection of Nintendo products prior to their foray into the world of video games.
The main problem with Before Mario is its content is already available online on the author's blog along, usually with more detailed information, toys and collectibles. What the consumer is left with are very nice photographs of toys, a foreword by Satoru Okada known for his work with Nintendo and a conversation- starter piece.
Voskuil's blog is highly worth visiting to discover a little-known part of Nintendo history. His collection of Nintendo artifacts will be the source of envy and admiration from many. Perhaps one day he will release a more complete book with more items from his massive collection.
As such, it is really up to the consumer to decide if he desires such a book when all of this information is already available and expanded with more toys on the author's blog. For the photography, content and novelty l'm rating Before Mario 3/5 stars.
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