Lost in Cult, a publisher known for its deep dives into video game history and culture, has unveiled a significant new project that promises to excite fans of unique and influential video games. The book, titled "Kill the Past: 25 Years of Grasshopper Manufacture", is penned by experienced games journalist Blake Hester. Known for his detailed reporting and engaging writing style, Hester brings his expertise to this comprehensive account of one of the most eclectic game development studios in the industry.
Grasshopper Manufacture, founded by the visionary Goichi Suda (aka SUDA51), has carved out a niche in the video game world with its unorthodox titles, including "Killer7", "No More Heroes", and "Shadows Of The Damned". These games are celebrated for their unique style, storytelling, and gameplay mechanics, which diverge significantly from mainstream trends.
Hester's book, which spans 400 pages, aims to cover the extensive journey of Grasshopper Manufacture over the past quarter-century. It features in-depth interviews with key figures in the company's history, such as SUDA51 himself, and Hiroyuki Tamura, among others. These interviews provide unique insights into the company's creative process and the development of its standout games.
A particularly exciting aspect of the book is an exclusive interview with Shinji Mikami, the creator of "Resident Evil" and a long-time friend and collaborator of SUDA51. Mikami's insights are especially valuable given his influential role in the gaming industry and his collaborative works with SUDA51 on titles like "Killer7" and "Shadows of the Damned". These interviews aim to offer readers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative camaraderie and innovation that drove Grasshopper Manufacture's projects.
The book is available in two editions – a standard edition and a deluxe edition. The standard edition is priced at £59.99 and comes as a softcover book complete with a see-through dust jacket adorned with the studio’s logo. On the other hand, the deluxe edition, which costs £159.99, includes significantly more content. It is packaged in a sleek black box and features additional booklets with guest essays on major titles like "Killer7" and "No More Heroes". Furthermore, it includes an array of Grasshopper Manufacture-themed merchandise such as posters, pins, and trading cards.
For collectors and die-hard fans, a limited number of the deluxe editions signed by SUDA51 are available, making it a potentially valuable collector's item. These editions are likely to be highly sought after, offering an extra appeal beyond the contents of the book.
"Kill the Past: 25 Years of Grasshopper Manufacture" is not just a celebration of the studio's work; it's an exploration of its impact on the video game industry and an examination of its cultural significance. By including a broad range of voices and perspectives from within Grasshopper Manufacture and around it, Hester's work promises to be a well-rounded and captivating read.
Pre-orders for the book are open until October 18th, with the book expected to ship in the second or third quarter of 2025. Fans of Grasshopper Manufacture, as well as those interested in video game history and development, will find this book an invaluable addition to their collection, offering a detailed look at one of the industry's most idiosyncratic developers.
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