The Martian Invasion by Martin Amis

The invasion of the Martians
by Martin Amis.

The book “The Little Martian Invasion” by Martin Amis is a unique and fun work that combines essay, autobiography and cultural criticism. In this book, the British author narrates his passion for the first video games that appeared in the eighties, such as PacMan, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong or Asteroids, and offers a personal and humorous guide on how to play and beat them. Additionally, he reflects on the impact these games had on the society, technology, and imagination of his time.

The book was originally published in 1982, but was rejected by Amis himself shortly after, perhaps considering it a juvenile slip or a minor work. However, over time, it has become an object of worship for fans of video games and literature. Malpaso Ediciones published it for the first time in Spanish in 2015, with a translation by Javier Calvo.

“The Invasion of the Little Martians” is a book that shows the narrative talent and ingenuity of Martin Amis, one of the most important and controversial writers in contemporary literature. It is also a book that invites us to remember and rediscover a fascinating time and a form of entertainment that changed popular culture forever.

The book is divided into several thematic sections, which address aspects such as the history of video games, the technology behind them, and the social and cultural impact they have had. Throughout its pages, Amis demonstrates his ability to analyze and reflect on the world of video games, offering the reader a unique and insightful vision of this cultural phenomenon.

In the first section, Amis explores the origins of video games and their evolution over the years. From the first arcade games like “Pong” and “Space Invaders” to home console systems like Atari and Nintendo, the author traces a historical tour of the video game industry and its main milestones.

The second section of the book focuses on the technology behind video games and how it has evolved over time. Amis examines aspects such as game design, programming, and graphics creation, offering a detailed look at how video games are created and developed.

In the third section, Amis addresses the social and cultural impact of video games, examining how they have influenced society and the way we relate to technology. From gaming addiction to the representation of violence and sex in video games, the author reflects on the ethical and moral implications of this cultural phenomenon.

“The Little Martian Invasion” is a book that demonstrates the versatility and talent of Martin Amis as a writer and thinker. His essays are sharp, provocative, and often funny, offering the reader a unique insight into the video game industry and the society that surrounds it. This book is a must-read for video game lovers and for those looking to delve into the world of one of the most important writers of our time.