Electronic Gaming Monthly #25 - August 1991 | CGQ

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Episode 73 - On this episode of Let’s Read, we look at EGM issue 25, which was the de facto Super Nintendo launch issue. It was also the issue covering both the summer CES and the Tokyo Toy Show, so there are a LOT of games covered in this issue (which is why the episode is nearly 2 hours long.) I've added chapter markers to the various sections to help viewers find what they're interested in. Reading through this issue makes it apparent that the summer of 1991 was a really special time to be a gamer.
Chapters:
00:00 Commercials
02:39 Show Start
18:12 Review Crew
39:21 Quartermann
46:23 International Outlook
01:02:03 Super NES Buyer's Guide
01:26:26 MicroGaming
01:34:49 The Super Famicom Times
01:36:39 Tricks of the Trade
01:38:57 Nintendo Player
01:44:21 Neo-Geo
01:47:35 Outpost Genesis
Show Notes
- Is this the longest episode of Let's Read ever? Feels like it.
- If this episode had a drinking game, it would be to take a shot every time I said "check it out". You wouldn't make it to the halfway point without blacking out, I don't think.
- This episode only had one CGQ Certified Weekend Rental!
If you’d like access to the official CGQ Discord server, shoot me an e-mail (address below) for an invite link.
Also be sure to check out my other channel, where I do live streams, nostalgic musings about childhood in the 80's, and even the occasional collection video.
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Send me a post card and I’ll send you one back:
Classic Gaming Quarterly
PO Box 73126
Davis, CA 95617
Show e-mail: [e-mail]
#CGQ #LetsRead

[@CGQuarterly]

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[@soup8786]

Please give us another console x in year y. They are the absolute best videos

[@christopherdrawdy6651]

I have a magazine from camper 1998 metal gear, solid edition. Would you like to edit and make a video for that I will send to you for free.

[@christopherdrawdy6651]

I have a game pro magazine from 1998 October for metal gear solid, would you like to make a video on it I will send it to you for free

[@infinitetop5866]

@@soup8786 d

[@Nice_Places]

These 'let's read videos' are amazing. They're like a warm hug from the past. We need a lot more of these please. They take me back to a time that sadly will never return. A time when I was a kid and life was easier. A time when games were special and magical. A time when you would wait for the monthly edition of these magazines and you couldn't wait to go through them. A time when these same magazines gave you only a few bits of information and screenshots of upcoming games and without internet you had to wonder and try and picture the games in motion in your head and when you finally managed to get these games, the feeling of excitement and anticipation would kick in and you wanted to go back home and play them with your friends (or even alone) as soon as possible. A time when my grandparents were alive and my grandad used to pick me up at school and take me to a rental store so I can pick a new game (now looking back these were probably Fridays) and then by the time my parents picked me up after work I was ready to go home and play it. Please do more of these videos as they take me back and the nostalgia hits hard. Thank you!

[@sirlancenotalot2765]

I am inclined to agree. He's kind of like a kids TV presenter for grown ups. Not only does he remind us of our childhoods but he interacts with his audience and 45 year olds submit drawings to him and everything. He is the middle aged mans valium and I love him for it.

[@lukeredfearn1]

I came in to write a glowing comment about how brilliant these videos make me feel. However, I can't top this comment, not even get close. You've articulated it perfectly. So much effort and dedication goes into creating these videos. We appreciate it massively! I actually sometimes prefer watching these videos to playing the games myself! Great work.. please keep it up 👊

[@Perminator1976]

While I'm busy at work, I like to pop in am earbud, turn on this episode, and just imagine I'm 15 again and reading through this magazine for the very first time. Thanks for always helping me relive my childhood!

[@insurrectionindustries1706]

I remember having this issue so well. I kept this one forever and must have read it a thousand times. Seeing the sega CD and Super Nintendo on the same cover was like excitement overload

[@derealized797]

I have this issue, actually 2 copies of it. One i flip through and read and the other is in near mint condition, so i keep it that way. Back in the early 2000s i went through a binge buying phase on ebay, and one of the things i was searching for aside from video game collecting (consoles), was old game magazines. I have big stack of EGM going through the 2000s, the 90s, and into the 1980s to issue #3. There's some old PC gaming magazines and music magazines from the 80s and 90s as well. I enjoy looking through them because it's so nostalgic like, and they really give a feel for what things were like at the time. Ads and everything.

[@MessiahProphylaxis]

I get more excited when I see a Let's Read now then anything else that shows up in my feed, these are the chillest videos. I could watch these forever.

[@SoulforSale]

Same

[@soup8786]

They are great but the console X in year Y videos are goated

[@CptRameus]

And this particular issue of EGM was continually poured over by myself and so brings back great nostalgia

[@ricardoediza2690]

A sponsor and a podcast with Coury? Can't wait for bigger things to come for this channel

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks, Ricardo! I appreciate the support.

[@TylertheMiller]

the format of this video is absolutely top notch, love the voice over intro. to say nothing of the content, which is always good.

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks man!

[@nazukeoya]

EGM was a great gaming magazine, I loved reading the latest issue once it was released. I was a kid of the 80s with my first console being an Atari and then an NES at age 6. I hotly anticipated the SNES but my dad couldn't afford it until a year later, so I would spend hours at my friends house playing Super Mario World.

[@JoNev1]

Summer/Fall of 1991 was a MAGICAL time to be a teen at the precipice of the 16bit War which was about to erupt! I bought this issue the DAY it hit My local Sevs (aka 7Eleven) 😆 yes Chris, I was THAT kid, pouring over EVERY bit of info and stats on the Super Nintendo in this wonderful EGM issue, along with Nintendo Power, with all My friends as we all enjoyed a slurpee and bazooka joes! 1991...truly an EPIC year to be alive!💯💥💪😎🕹️

[@justinlink1616]

I distinctly remember this issue popping up at a book store at my local mall too. I had kind of gotten away from caring about video games for a while and this pulled me right back in. I couldn't stop looking at this issue.

[@theretroinggamer1630]

I was 8 and it was a magical time as well. I remember getting a snes with mario world on day one and was in gaming heaven

[@0tt0z]

It was definitely fun!

[@pandnh4]

I didn't understand the slightest bit of the technical info other than 8 < 16, but I must have stared repeatedly at the same pics of the games for months.

[@jamesconway6759]

Clerks reference was spot on. I also have never seen Navy Seals, but I will always remember the Clerks segment at R&T Video.

[@j.walker6845]

Back in the day, half the fun of gaming were these publications: the hype, opinions etc. It's fun to look back on them.

[@bdanka50]

My favorite part of this channel that is different from other channels is how candid and off the cuff your dialog is... Almost as if we're having a conversation about the magazines, and your telling us all about the contents (except we're not allowed to talk 😂). Makes it feel far more authentic. Love the videos. Well done!

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks dude!

[@marleymcdecoy5530]

Another amazing video. I'm late to the party but the value of these magazine long reads is unparalleled. I can't emphasize enough how these long reads are the BEST content I can imagine and I could listen to these for hours and hours on end (and have, I've listened to nearly all of them!)

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks, glad you like them! I’m working on a new one right now.

[@RegencyYarl]

Man dude I have like a stack of 100 Nintendo powers and EGMs, I love going through and seeing all the announcements of games that would go on to become culturally very important to the gaming hobby. Just great stuff, keep up the good work.

[@SoulforSale]

I read Gamepro daily.

[@robertpeacock894]

WWF Superstars on Gameboy is legit really fun. The graphics and sound were also really well done.

[@dreamlandnightmare]

I've seen Radio Flyer. It's a depressing film, and yes, the plot revolves around child abuse. It's about two brother who attempt to turn their Radio Flyer wagon into an actual aircraft in order to escape their abusive stepfather. The movie also features rather graphic dog abuse by the stepfather. Real fun stuff for kids...

[@TruthSword7]

Thanks as always for uploading. Appreciated very much.

[@3doyoyolifestylegood534]

I love looking at old game magazines. Gives me that nostalgia feeling remembering when I was a youngster.

[@carltonlong1985]

Man, I forgot how cool Adventure Island 2 for NES is. Borrowed that game from a friend back when it was new and remember waking up early on a Saturday so excited to play it.

[@thepthepthep]

43:54 It's still only got the two, it just has a little diagram showing what the LED blink patterns mean

[@DanielBurapavong]

1:25:22 That game was actually called "WWF Super WrestleMania," not "WWF Superstars" as incorrectly printed in the magazine. Funny, because they even included a screenshot with the correct title. That game was my cup of tea.

[@ZefTillDeath8878]

Just found this series (about time KZbin algorithm). Perfect format and editing. Can't wait to watch the rest of the series.

[@Mr_T817]

Cant tell you enough how much i love your Lets Read episodes!!

[@faselessnobuddy]

Chris, Legend of the Mystical Ninja is so much more than a platformer! It is a unique adventure game with many different elements. It even has two players!!! It is set in a great Japanese myth fantasy world! You should give it another chance. Getting good at is a fun challenge. It even has Gradius to play inside an arcade within the game!!!! Maybe you will come around to appreciate it more, like with Road Rash. It is maybe my favorite SNES action adventure game, up there with Castlevania IV. Classic Konami!!!

[@Freak80MC]

I just found your channel, and a video like this gives me huge... Basically nostalgia for a time I didn't actually live through. But I bet I would have been huge into video game magazines had I lived back then

[@casmitherz]

So many games were overlooked because of bad box art!! I couldn't afford to even RENT a bad game 😬 Thx for the mag flip through dude!

[@JesseH76]

Another great episode with CGQ as our host. I especially enjoy the actual game play footage with your overview.Mode 7 blew me away in Contra 4, even super Mario world. EGM was the best! Great memories 👌

[@newman5924]

Looking forward to this one - this is my all-time favorite EGM issue. Had to be since the SNES was delayed after the magazine had arrived.

[@MorrisChannel4]

this actually pretty cool format of just flashback to the past of these magazine issues. My older brother had most of the subscriptions to nintendo power and electronic gaming monthly

[@mikew8126]

Love your videos. Man this one takes me back! I was a longtime Nintendo Power then EGM subscriber until they finally went under. I think around SNES launch I was buying the issues individually walking to the local convenience stores. You're right, with Internet not being a thing I was always so excited to get the latest issue with the big news. I totally remember flipping through this issue for hours

[@jimpatterson1111]

Metal Jesus sees your “Weekend Rental” and raises you “Hidden Gems”

[@tonberrymasta]

You know, I would say Super Castlevania 4 is the best of the classic-style castlevania games. The music, innovative whip gameplay, special effects, large awesome bosses, crazy backgrounds, it had it all then, and it still has it all now.

[@Miumiu0404]

Please continue to do more of this. Your videos are so helpful and enjoyable after a long day of work. Helps me relax to fall asleep ❤

[@Cosmo-1977]

1:38:15 - Chips & Bits Buy 2 Get 1 Free add; I grew up in a small town in VT, and the store was one town over from me. It was legendary in our part of the world. Thank you for the blast from my past.

[@MrCalverino]

I absolutely appreciate this series!

[@comics26]

Amazing work, Thank you very much ! BTW Robin Hood game was AMAZING also Mel brooks MEn in Tights! Greetings from Barcelona-Spain

[@33Dannyb]

Happy to see another Let’s Read! Love these videos, not to sound weird but I sometimes run your videos in the background when I clean my house or do other things. It’s great to listen to, Lots of nostalgia.

[@CGQuarterly]

I don’t think that’s weird at all. So glad that you enjoy the show!

[@DTM-Books]

I really love these videos as I grew up reading and subscribing to all these magazines. I really wish I still had them around so that I could record videos like this, because it's so much fun to move through every page and share stories about all the great videogames and ads contained within.

[@briannorthFW]

So great to see another read through, this was a great issue, I remember getting that magazine, EGM at their prime!

[@mootbooxle]

Oh this magazine was my LIFE back then! I still have these somewhere, what’s left of them anyway. I literally wore the covers off them.

[@brute_lin2023]

Love your videos! Sure this one will be fun to watch! Have a good day an Happy Holidays!

[@opa-age]

1991 was such an amazing time to be a gamer!

[@thecunninlynguist]

Dope didn't know you had a podcast!

[@Lashazior]

The English localization patch for the Super Famicom version of Dragon Warrior 3 (DQ3) is a very good version as well. I patched it onto my SNES Classic just to utilize the save states.

[@0V3CHKiN]

Great episode and nice to stroll down memory lane again.

[@NintendoComplete]

I had this issue. I read it until the cover fell off. I didn't remember that little blurb for Rastan on the Game Boy, but after seeing it again, I instantly recognized the screenshots. The game was renamed Knight Quest when they put it out the following year.

[@CGQuarterly]

Ah, thanks for that bit of info! Wish I had found that out before I made the video...

[@noemedmedia]

OMG CGQ and SNES - two of my best favorites EVER!

[@dannythegaminggeek]

I love these let's reads, especially the EGM ones.

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks! I noticed though that I'ce basically done three issues of EGM in a row (I count the Mega Play buyer's Guide as an EGM) so I need to mix it up a little next time.

[@bdanka50]

@@CGQuarterly maybe a Diehard Gamefan! People really enjoyed that back in the day, and you have mentioned them a few times since they ran the Die Hard store.

[@benb1619]

Just want to say I enjoy the hell out of you reading these old mags for us. Love the gameplay samples you put in. Keep up the good work I appreciate it!! P.S. You really know your shit

[@dumpnchase]

Great video as always! I’m going to check out the podcast.

[@LNSLateNightSaturday]

I have a distinct memory of renting Kabuki Quantum Fighter, and you nailed it with the comparison to Shatterhand and Powerblade. All three of those were solid games which punched above their weight in terms of quality vs. popularity.

[@ldrelick]

The Rastan RPG at 1:01:50 got a US release as "Knight Quest". It's a one-on-one turn-based RPG. I owned it as a kid but then traded it (along with all my other Game Boy games) for an SNES way back when. The game nowadays is super rare and expensive...

[@DTM-Books]

ProTip: The “US National Video Game Team” was quite literally EGM (Steve Harris and crew). They made a couple VHS videos on game tips and tricks that might be floating around in the world.

[@gleamingtv3946]

I love that you cover video game magazines. I have every issue of EGM.

[@TheMultiGunMan]

I know I've said this before. But, I REALLY look forward to these videos. It's like opening a time capsule. And, your voice is very soothing (you're probably going to think I'm weird for saying that). Please keep these videos coming.

[@GQguy24]

Dude, this video is so well-made. Especially the use of old-school TVs and the close up view of a game boy to show some of the gameplay on these games. I loved my SNES when I was a kid in the early 90s and EGM and GamePro were like my monthly Bibles during those years. However, as I write this comment, this video came out almost 1 year ago now and you haven’t put anything else out since. Your content is soo good. Why do you take soooooo long to put out new videos??

[@Rockjesu]

I love this kind of videos. Great job buddy!

[@DanielBurapavong]

1:09:04 I loved Hal's Hole in One Golf for the Super NES. Played it a lot and tried to get low scores.

[@guyfellows2293]

minor nitpick: the long grey CD attachment isn't the "CD Rom 2" (that's what the original CD Rom drive was called in Japan, with the 2 being to the 2nd power, which you were supposed to read "rom rom") it's the Super CDrom2, that is, it has the extra ram that the Duo has built in.

[@fireresq7]

Awesome Video! Thanks Chris!! Miss your Live Feeds/ Game Play!!

[@CGQuarterly]

Maybe I’ll try to do some live stuff over the Christmas break.

[@fireresq7]

@@CGQuarterly WOO!

[@phade2blaq]

The 16-bit days were the best for gaming because you bought a game, took it home and played it and there was no updates or microtransactions etc to get in the way. I also remember having subscriptions for EGM and GamePro magazines and GP had the best tips and strategy sections of most gaming magazines back then. I miss those days! I actually had this issue he's looking through inthe video!

[@byronlaw6491]

Another fantastic piece of relaxing and interesting content.

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks man!!

[@tedskullhammer]

Great video, thank you! I believe that the Might and Magic game that you mentioned at 15:05 was actually Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World. Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra was a fairly big jump in graphics and gameplay (relative to the time).

[@ronsilk6212]

I remember in my early 20s play 16 bit ea gulf with 4 of us playing a tournament. We would pass the one controller around then loos track of who's turn it was lmao so much fun

[@CYCJTELEVISION08]

I used to have this issue. Must have read this thing like 10 times! Wish I still had it 😢

[@remplissege5995]

Woooooah sponsor! Big ups Chris! Keep up the good work!

[@odemata87]

Time flies.. remember getting this issue. Miss the zine days waiting eagerly for the next issue.

[@nazukeoya]

Love the Sony Wega Trinitron CRT TV. I had a 27" Sony Wega Trinitron CRT TV up until I upgraded to a 50"plasma in 2012. Those Wegas were amazing TV, the best CRTs you could find hands down.

[@luismartins3785]

AWESOME episode !

[@Aragorn7884]

LOL to that 'Street Smart' Genesis ad ripping off Ric Flair 🤣

[@Mujangga]

And Sagat.

[@Johnny2Feathers]

I still have all my EGM’s in a box somewhere .. mostly the earlier ones as stopped buying them for the most part around 1993. Great magazine!

[@RetroGamingNook]

Not seeing this for 30 years, it’s amazing how much looks familiar. At the time I was subscribed to EGM, Game Pro, and Nintendo Power. Usually about $15 per sub, so just under $4 per month for 3 different game rags. This was so much entertainment value pre-internet. I miss the medium. Great feature length coverage!

[@antifrodis]

RIP Martin Alessi, one of the Review Crew from EGM. I met him a couple times. He was happy to talk about EGM with me.

[@OliverNorth9729]

What did he pass away from?

[@antifrodis]

@@OliverNorth9729 his obituary mentioned donating to a cancer charity. Not for sure though.

[@jasonkerbs806]

I've always found it both amusing and interesting that back in the day, one game or console could have multiple different names depending on what country it was purchased in. I'd imagine that it could make it fairly confusing for hardcore collectors

[@misterjakemczilla]

I've now been through every video on the main channel! Time to run through the other one!

[@unLuckyFetus]

Awesome upload

[@karmatose]

Fun vid. Thanks for taking the time to do it.

[@WhatsOnMyShelf]

1:50:59 Master of Monsters is one of those games where the soundtrack surpasses gameplay to the point where you are surprised by the music being generated by your machine. The gameplay is very deep (it's a strategy game).

[@duhmez]

Darius TWIN on SNES is a great game for beginners or retro curious.. You never lose your powerups when you die in it, and it has 2 player suport too to bring that nboob friend along for the ride and no frustrating losing powerups.

[@TheWil324]

I was a SEGA guy i used to get the SEGA VISIONS magazine in the mail every month back in the early 90s. great memories!

[@paulh8175]

Great stuff here

[@christopherkelly577]

Zelda 3 will be something to savour on a snowy night for you hopefully. Is one of the best games of all time.

[@kajsagauza]

A beautiful cover artwork

[@Skysmeller1]

Might and magic gates to another world was the first RPG I ever played when I was 10. I still have it today. My mom got it for me because I thought it looked cool. It is brutally difficult but has a great variety of monsters and a good leveling up system. Because I was so little and had nothing to compare it to I put in dozens of hours into the game and to this day I love long immersive RPG’s because of this game.

[@brucemckinlay9739]

I had this issue, well all of them really during these years lol. But I really remember this one, probably read it 100 times.

[@ytherenounicorns5077]

Like a time machine watching this, I was 11 when this came out, saved all my pocket money to buy all the magazines and managed to lose most through life. Brilliant channel 👍

[@golfboy83]

Man, I forgot all about Stormlord. I remember this game, either I had it for a short time, or I rented it. But I remember liking it, and thinking the animation was cool. Makes sense that it was a PC game.

[@spursdynasty7378]

My favorite magazine was the one with the game demos !

[@Skysmeller1]

I have to say if you havnt played Zelda a link to the past you have to play it. On emulator with save states is great so you can play it and save when you can. It’s a fantastic game with a great story and awesome gameplay

[@CGQuarterly]

I know, I know! I’m going to play it, I promise!

[@Skysmeller1]

@@CGQuarterly lol, I think at least a few hours of gameplay you’ll see what all the fuss is about 😂 this was a great video btw

[@Tirgo69]

17:20 My dad bought a Genesis so he could play PGA Tour Golf. He played it religiously up until 2002 when he upgraded to Hot Shots Golf 3 for PS2

[@CGQuarterly]

Your dad sounds awesome. My neighbor is an older guy who plays golf and I’ve been trying to get him into golf video games but he isn’t having it.

[@TheUballe]

I remember this issue well. Back in those days, these magazines were like crack for gamers. Mom taking me with her to shop for groceries? I'd head to the magazines. A trip to the mall? We're hitting up B Daltons for the magazines. Stopping for gas? Another chance to see if the latest issue is out!

[@aperturius]

Love this series. Couldn't click fast enough. God bless you for playing another home console version of Hard Drivin. Why did they even bother?

[@WakenWanangi]

Boy am I late in watching this video, but way to go getting sponsored! Also that might be the first podcast that has actually looked interesting to me

[@bman8363]

Hi FYI, Horse racing is big in Japan, because it's Massive in Hong Kong. Hong Kong prefer horse racing over lotto apparently.

[@CGQuarterly]

Thanks for the info!

[@KyokujiFGC]

Horse racing was quite popular there. Even recently, Uma Musume became a massive property when they took real horses and redesigned them as anime girls

[@jamesmincks9321]

I remember reading about the Super Nintendo in game magazines as a kid. I still remember my mom getting me a SNES for Christmas 🎄 Super Mario World was all I played for weeks 😊

[@chocolocojames213]

Another great magazine read 😊😊😊

[@vaughnparkes]

Cool stuff!

[@sonicskillz]

Fun video as always! Funny you mention the Nintendo Power with Robin Hood on the cover, since I just got that magazine from the Video Game History Foundation...maybe I should've rented it for a weekend after all...

[@CGQuarterly]

You should use the guide to beat the game!

[@maxstoner5527]

I read a N64 buyers guide so many times. Still remember the reviews and the Zelda preview that completely sold me on waiting for the N64 and not getting a Saturn or PlayStation. Good times