It's been a while, but work's been more than a tad hectic the last couple of months, and I've had little spare time. Fortunately, the bus trips to work have meant at least some time for reading, and I do love a good essay on the subject of video games. It so happens that, thanks to this fine tome from The Lilliput Press of Dublin, there's a lovely collection of them in CTRL.
From John Patrick McHugh's 'Name Your Character' opener, which delves into the deeply personal significance video games can hold, to Brenda Romero's unique take on a house in 'Chasing Lilacs', a great deal of thought has been given to each contribution. 'Tip Of My Joystick' is possibly the most off the wall example in the book, but there is distinctiveness in each author's work. Every chapter brings something new to the reader's attention, and in the couple of weeks since I finished reading it, I still find the occasional realisation popping into my head.
With fourteen authors covering titles from Urban Chaos to Wanderstop, via classics such as Doom, Tomb Raider and Disco Elysium, the variety on display brooks no criticism either. I have read essay collections in the past on a variety of topics where the quality varies as much as the subject matter, but I can honestly say that in CTRL, editor Dean Fee has curated a faultless selection.
Apologies for this being a short review. Spare time is still rather limited, but if you're a fan of video games and fancy delving into some truly intriguing and thought provoking essays on the matter, then CTRL is a highly recommended read.
You can pick up a copy of CTRL direct from The Lilliput Press' website here.
