2 comments about Oadenol's Codex (Exalted Roleplaying).

1. This book contains all the hard rules for artifact and manse creation, most likely needed for Storytellers, and can be useful for players. It adds information on new artifacts, although none are as interesting as in the previous book of sorcery, as well as a slew of new hearthstones. Information for custom artifacts is included and a similar system for manses has been added, allowing for things like magically hidden manses, and even factory cathedral manses (those used for creation of the higher level artifacts)



2. Although artifice is rumored to be just for essence wielders, this book shows otherwise. And it rocks. Mortals can try to make small wonders! Now magic is for almost everyone and small miracles can be achieved without need of been Exalted. Been Exalted just improves an makes faster this natural way of magic in the world of Creation.
   
   Rules for thaumaturgy as well as new procedures and processes. Great thing and of course a lot of applications and how to use em as well as guidelines for creating even more procedures.
   
   Rules for Demense and Manse creation. Built with a point by point purchase and interesting powers for each manse. Also examples of several of em.
   
   A vast list of useful Hearthstones by level, by Element and by Celestial alignment.
   
   Guidelines to create artifacts instead of magitech. Also quite few pages of examples of solid artifacts. A good companion to magitech. YET I dont see why the need to create another kind of artifacts. BUT it is a good idea really. Magitech is like advanced sciene and Artifice is more of a natural wonders discovery and mix.
   
   Also few examples of natural wonders of Creation.

5 comments about Kingdom Hearts II Limited Edition Strategy Guide (Official Strategy Guides) (Official Strategy Guides) (Official Strategy Guides).

1. I'm not going to talk about the actually helpfulness of the guide, being that this is a Limited Edition and I'm assuming that you're comparing this version against the regular version anyway.
   
   Okay, the guide is EXACTLY the same as the regular version except for the binding and the cover. The cover can be one of four different designs (Valor, Wisdom, Master or Final Form), which is kind of neat. Especially if you get the one you want (which I did, thank goodness). Also, I noticed that the binding is much better. In my other guide, the first thirty pages fell out after very little use.
   
   Now, the Jiminy Journal is nothing special. Basically, it's got all the bios (hardly updated at all), mini-games and the treasure chests. The stickers are a joke because I had too many of some, and too few of others. I also had a big ink error on one page. The cover's cool, though.
   
   So, I would only advise getting this if you're an avid fan of the game. Otherwise, don't spend the extra money. Get the regular version...and make sure to have some tape handy...



2. I just got the KH II Limited Edition Strategy Guide shipped to me yesterday! It was great! The outside is a hard cover of sora and the gang,the cover holds the books. There are two books the Jiminy's Journal and the official strategy guide. There are 4 different covers: Valor, Wisdom, Master, and Final form of Sora. U can only get one of them. I luckly got the Final form version of Sora for the cover.
   
   -(The 1st book)Jiminy's Journal:
   - Has 400 stickers of the same size as the 100 dalmation in the first KH strategy guide.
   - The Strategy guide has info on all the character you meet and the worlds. Even the Heartless and bosses.
   - The journal is like a grocery list, like a check list for everything in the game that you wont miss and it even tells you what kind a cutscene there is for what world. Every world you go to, they have a picture for every you get, like certain potions or maps, shards, AP Boost. It even tells you where in that world to get it like for example: there are 2 potions and 1 HI-potion in the Mansion(Foyer) in Tranverse Town.
   - Every character you meet and every boss, or heartless , and even CUTSCENES are in there. Once you have meet that character or defeated that certain boss or discover a new heartless or saw a certain cutscene, you put a sticker there to indicate that you are done with it. For example: In Agrabah, you have to meet characters like Aladin, Jasmine, Genie, and etc.. Once you have met them already, you can get the sticker with their face on it from the back of the Jiminy's journal (one of the 400 stickers)and put it in the box next to the picture of Aladin indicating that you have already met that character. There are also stickers of potions to put on so you know which and what kind of potions you still need to find.
   
   -(The 2nd book)The Official Strategy Guide:
   - This book has all the info on important characters. The moves, ability, level-ups, limit-commands, and their stats.
   - It is basicly a walkthrough of the game. Every step to the end.
   
   I hope this helped all of you and encourages you to buy it. It is really worth it to buy it! Especially if you are a bbig fan of KH and Final Fantasy like me! ^_^!



3. This is the ultimate gift for the ultimate Kingdom Hearts fan. Not only is the back cover customized with a beautifully glazed image of one of Sora's four forms, there's also an extra character booklet that gives you even more detailed information on every single character within the game. To top it off, the entire package is neatly stacked in a stylistic cover case.
   
   This makes for a great gift and the price is absolutely worth it.



4. I bought this for my son 15. y.o. He already had the same book but hisone is the better one I guess, well he LOVES it and cant put it down! So I am very happy with my purchase!



5. This is the best biggest guide to any game I have ever bought, I love it! I read it just like a book, it is so awesome!

2 comments about Enchanted Arms (Prima Official Game Guide).

1. Does exactly what you expect. Tells you all of the secret locations of golems etc and is well written. A must if you have the game to get the full potential of Enchanted Arms.



2. I bought this guide weeks ago and still using it to play EM.My POV is that it is not the best game guide and falls into mediocre cateogry. It provides all the basics stuffs but some important ones are missing such as map for certain areas. The explanations are not thorough as well makes me have to figure out things by myself at certain points playing the game. However, it is just my POV.If you like EM, buy it and if you don't, well don't. Cheers

5 comments about Attacking Chess: Aggressive Strategies and Inside Moves from the U.S. Junior Chess Champion (Fireside Chess Library).

1. If you know nothing about Chess -- this is a great place to start. If you have an average level of knowledge about the game -- you will quickly become bored with this.



2. I've played chess since I was a kid, but have never studied the game, which means I play what I call jail house chess, the kind of chess guys pick up in the joint without ever studying the game or really learning to play it well. The reason, of course, is that every chess book I picked up was dry as dust and only showed chess diagrams. Josh Waitzkin does more than that. He talks about the game. He manages to convey the joy of combat, the thrill of the attack, the terror of being on the run. He puts the emotions into chess, which of course is why we play it. So the book is a good light read, lots of fun, and inspired me to play more chess again. What more can you ask from a book about chess. If you are an advanced player, you probably won't learn anything you didn't know about the game. I didn't learn all that much, though it was good to learn that I had more or less figured out all the principles on my own over the years. I did learn one opening trap, which I'll never forget now. I did pick up on Josh's principle of destroying the defences even if it takes a sacrifice. Most of all, I enjoyed the book. Ranks as one of the best Christmas presents I've ever had, in terms of hours of entertainment.



3. I was attracted to this book after watching Searching for Bobby Fisher with my two young sons. The book turned out to be even more engaging and educational for my 13 year old and me, his old Dad, than I expected. Josh writes like I suspect he plays - with passion. I am impressed by the connections he makes between chess and life, and his humanity and lack of fanatacism - an unfortunate quality that seems to haunt many brilliant chess players. Josh's humanity and heart come across in the movie, as they do in his writing as an adult. Perhaps his parents played a key role in the development of this exceptional human being. I now want to read this father's book, which inspired the 1993 movie.



4. This was the book that I had most fun reading it.
   Although I can't say that my game has improved a lot, or even at all, it was worthy reading it just for all the stories told in it.
   The tactical elements are not analysed deep enough and there is no clear way how to achieve them.
   It may be the easiest book I've read.
   I recommend this book to all those who find other chess books boring. This is not! But it won't help you improve your game much.
   I should say that Josh Waitzkin does a much better job in the tutorial of the chessmaster game (10th).



5. This book is similar to Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess as far as the "no chess set needed" which makes it nice to keep on the nightstand for some late night reading. Speaking of Bobby Fischer, the book is written by Josh Waitzkin whose life was portrayed in the movie "Searching for Bobby Fischer" and a heck of a chess player in his own right, although last I heard he's retired from Chess. The book focuses on the attacking side of chess, pins, skewers, discovery checks, and my favorite the knight fork, and much more, all examples are clear and easy to digest without clogging up your mind with variations. This book will improve your chess. Overall I recommend this book for all beginners and amateur players.

2 comments about The Sims 2 Revised: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides).

1. If you don't get this book you won't fully understand all the featues of the sims 2. Everything you need to know is there.



2. When I ordered this, I was expecting a small, slim little guide with a few tips and strategies. I mean, how much could there be to a computer game? So as you can imagine, I was surprised when I pulled out a thick, 366 page book that broke down everything you could ever need to know (and more) about The Sims 2 into sections, explaining and describing everything, in detail, from Sim genetics, pre-made neighborhoods and the pre-made families that inhabit them, NPCs, Sim memories, Sim death, building a house... okay, I'm confusing myself (and probably you). Here is the complete chapter/section list:
   
   ---
   
   Part One: The Basics
   -Chapter One: Getting To Know The Sims 2
   -Chapter Two: Getting Started
   
   Part Two: Creating Families, Neighborhoods, And Sims
   -Chapter Three: Welcome To The Neighborhood
   -Chapter Four: Create-A-Sim And Genetics
   -Chapter Five: Simology
   
   Part Three: It's A Lot Like Life
   -Chapter Six: The Six Ages Of Sims: Playing The Generation Game
   -Chapter Seven: Needs
   -Chapter Eight: Aspirations, Wants, And Fears
   -Chapter Nine: Skills
   -Chapter Ten: Careers And School
   -Chapter Eleven: Social Interactions
   -Chapter Twelve: Family Life
   -Chapter Thirteen: NPCs
   -Chapter Fourteen: Community Lots
   -Chapter Fifteen: Objects
   -Chapter Sixteen: Disasters, Disease, And Death
   
   Part Four: All In The Family: Sims In Action
   -Chapter Seventeen: The Ex-Machina Family Blog
   
   Part Five:
   -Chapter Eighteen: Build Mode
   -Chapter Nineteen: Story Mode And Moviemaking
   -Chapter Twenty: Sim Autonomy
   -Chapter Twenty-One: The Sims 2 Body Shop
   -Chapter Twenty-Two: Custom Content
   -Chapter Twenty-Three: Appendix A: Cheats
   
   ---
   
   So, yes... if you play The Sims 2 at all, get this book. Even if you're just a casual player. I assure you, your Sim gaming experience will be much better. The only regret I have is not having this book around when I first started playing TS2.

5 comments about Comp City: A Guide to Free Casino Vacations, Second Edition.

1. I used to visit Vegas alot but two kids later, i find the visits few and far in between. This book is great to read and re-read before you even start to plan your trip(s)to SIN CITY. It'll give you a good heads up on how to get the best bang for you buck and live like the high rollers...well,.....kinda. The info in the book works!!! Good Luck to all



2. Max Rubin is pathetic. I can't believe I bought this book. He would likely pull gum off the bottom of park bench and be proud of himself for finding a way to get free candy.
   
   First of all, he is way wrong with his numbers. He must play at the dingiest casinos because he thinks betting $200 per hand makes you a high roller. It doesn't, it makes you perhaps a premium player but you'll be fairly limited as to what you can get comped at the nicer hotels.
   
   Second, do you want to spend your vacation hustling a few dollars like a common beggar?



3. The reviewers who said Rubin is a cheat and a thief don't know what they are talking about, nor do the ones who say this is only for $100 and up players. He gives numerous ways for players of EVERY bankroll level to maximize their return in comps. If the casino doesn't want to give it, they don't. If they do, why not take it? Would you turn down buying a car that costs $18k normally for $15k just because you know other people are paying $18k for it, but you got the better price because you knew invoice on it? OF course not. Applied properly, this is the best edge any average player will EVER have versus the casinos, bar none, and all it takes is learning basic blackjack strategy and asking to be treated as you deserve. Some people just don't understand it, and I am thankful for that, as that is what keeps Las Vegas profitable for people like me. Trust me; this book is brilliant, well writen, well thought out, and anyone who loses sleep over getting extra comp value out of a casino is not of sound mind anyways. And as far as selling boxing tickets you got as a comp when you don;t like boxing? Why not? They're yours.



4. First, let me say that Rubin doesn't tell you to grovel before the pit bosses to get a comp, nor does he advocate stealing. He does say that it pays to ask, and at worst, they'll say no, but often they say yes, or at least make some kind of offer. He tells hilarious stories about Vegas characters, some of whom were thieves, but he doesn't favor copying their example.
   What he does want to teach is his ACES method of gathering comps, which is based on blackjack played with the black chips. But you don't have to lay down a C-note to use his methods. Even a low roller like me can get good comps, (particularly with the rise of the California tribal casinos creating wonderful competion for the gaming public) if I use his methods.



5. in light of an upcoming casino vacation, i figured, "what the heck, I'd might as well try to get as much free stuff out of the casinos if they're gonna take my hard earned money." So I ended up buying this book. I mean, who doesn't like free stuff?? Well after reading the book several times, and applying the tips Max Rubin tells you to do while playing table games, I ended up getting more in comps than I have ever did. and that was my first time using Max's comp counting techniques. I'd imagine that it would take a bit of practice to get higher-end comps and nicer accomadations. But after the first meal comp, this book had paid for itself. To think after all these years of getting beat by the casinos and getting nothing for my $25 to $200 bets. Thanks Max!!

1 comments about The Times Jumbo Cryptic Crossword Book 7: 50 Challenging Cryptic Crosswords (Times Jumbo Cryptic Crossword).

1. I'm a crossword fanatic and was turned on to cryptic or "British" crosswords a few years ago. They add a new twist to the concept, which is enjoyable, and adds a great deal more challenge, however, not enough of them are published in the States. Most come from England and some of the references in the clues are rather obscure, answers usually in British slang or referring to British persons. I have had to cheat a lot (look at the answers), and sometimes I still can't figure out how the clue refers to that particular answer. I'd try one of the Mensa cryptic crossword books (they have 2 now), or the one published by the New Yorker magazine. It's nice to have a challenge, but when its too hard, its just frustrating. I don't think I will buy another edition by this publisher.

2 comments about Make Amazing Games In Minutes (Game Development Series).

1. I bought this book because I am interested in game development. This book looks at creating games with Clickteams fortcoming software development tool, The Games Factory 2 and MultiMedia Fusion 2. There is a demo of the software supplied on the CD that comes with the book so you don't have to wait for the software to ship (which it will soon) before you can follow the demos.
   
   The book takes you through the creation of a number of games, from simple space invaders to complex platform games, all with a click of the mouse. Yes, you read that right, TGF 2 allows you to create any game in any genre using nothing but the mouse!! There is no complex code to write, no variables to set up, no arrays to initialise... If you can pick an option from a popup menu, you can create any games and applications you want.
   
   The book takes you through the creation of these games in an easy to follow step by step format and the chapters cover everything from a look at TGF 2's interface to how to code your first game. There is also a discussion on gaming in general which will point you in the right direction and show you the Do's and Don't's.
   
   A very easy to read book which is packed to bursting with information on game creation. And not a single line of coding in sight (as long as you don't count the expressions for performing maths ;) ).
   
   Want to make games?
   Don't want to learn code?
   BUY THIS BOOK NOW!!!



2. Jason Darby has written a wonderful book to compliment The Games Factory 2 software program and to teach people the basics of video game design and development.
   
   This book comes with a trial version of The Games Factory 2 so you do not need to purchase anything else to get started today. Its a great way to find out if you have what it takes to develop video games without a large investment in various software.
   
   When you complete the various projects included in the book you will have a firm grasp of software development and be on your way to becoming a professional video game designer and programmer.

5 comments about Dangerous Weapons: The French: Dazzle Your Opponents (Dangerous Weapons).

1. Written with his usual good mix of quality and charm, John Watson didn't want his good name tarnished writing his latest book, about his favorite opening. This is the first time he wrote a French book with two perspectives in mind, the black, as well as whites; so the first half of the book is written with innovative ideas for white side, and he didn't shy away to write about variations he found bothersome from the black perspective. He did a fair work in a first half of the book to actually help white stir the game in some unique waters, giving us black French players additional headaches to worry about. To be precise, out of total 320 pages of this book, 143 pages are written for white. Within that there are 6 chapters of novel ideas. Black gets 8 chapters and 177 pages.
   Let me mention one chapter for example. Chapter 7 (first chapter for black) is called "Swearing in church" and its full 30 pages are all about variation 1.e4,e6 2.d4,d5 3.Nc3,Nc6. Firstly, he gives us the explanation about the logics of that particular variation in two pages, than he moves to heavily annotated and textually explained typical games for the variation (usually some of them are played by super GM`s), and finally, he has a "Looking a little deeper" sub chapter with theory we are used to in some regular opening books.
   So, very nice book. It is aimed at white and black side of French, and I would probably use its theory in peculiar tournament situations when I need a full point and when risk needed outweighs the safety of the French opening proper.
   Recommended!



2. John Watson is famous as an excellent writer and book reviewer. This title should further enhance his reputation.
   
   For each of the 14 variations he has chosen, Watson supplies high-level annotated games; summaries of the existing "book" knowledge; and some fresh ideas from his own fertile brain. These aren't necessarily better than the more standard variations, but they appear to be sound, and they are likely to baffle a booked-up opponent.
   
   You can choose lines that are likely to lead to closed positional maneuvering (such as 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nc6, or 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. exd5 exd5 5. Qf3), or lines that can produce wild attacks and counterattacks (such as 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. Qg4). Some chapters examine lines often played by Grandmasters, but still offering creativity and surprise value (such as 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 a6); other chapters cover rarer and stranger stuff (such as 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 h6). In all cases, Watson writes clearly and energetically, and his long-time experience as a leading French Defense authority shines through on every page.
   
   If (like me) you don't want to spend countless hours learning the usual overplayed book lines, this book is a great resource for playing either side of the French Defense.



3. Years ago I was a purely Sicilian player who would rather fight than switch. However, as time went on, I found that I could not keep up with the theory-funny how work,wife,and family claim 90% of your time.
   
   After adding the Modern Defense to my repertoire(similar in some aspects to the Sicilian Dragon I played), I then wanted something more solid(and less time consuming!) that did not give the White player all the fun. Calling Dr. Watson!
   
   I have thoroughly enjoyed this book so far(not finished is the only reason it's getting 4 stars). John explains the plans for Black, what to look for depending on your opponents moves, and the reasons behind your moves.
   
   I have no other books on the French and yet feel totally prepared. In fact, @ my local chess club, no one will play into my French-all the e4 players are opting to start with d4 against me-which I absolutely love as I play d4 as White.
   
   You will need to play over the lines(set them up physically or on computer) so you can 'see' what you are looking at and what you are looking for.
   
   I feel like I should be purchasing his other book on the French-but first I will give this my full concentration. He has lines that are not covered in MCO-14, nor on the French Defense CD by Ari Ziegler for Chessbase. If you play the French, you need this book! If you are thinking of playing the French or are looking for a solid defense that will last you your entire chess career, buy this book.
   
   Drive those playing White crazy-and get this book.
   
   
   Marty Marion(uscf 1707)



4. This is an excellent resource where you can pick and choose lines that interest you. I've had this book a while and have completed the chapters on the Paulsen attack (Leap of faith) and the Tarrasch guimard (A debasing strategy). It's not the kind of book where you need to do it all.
   
   It is incredibly time efficient. Spend a week on the chapter to understand the ideas, go through some TWIC games and then try it out in tournament play.



5. I love the French! This book teaches the off beat stuff about the French. Watson writes for White and Black in this book. If you play the French I would study the White Chapters besides the one's he wrote for the Black Side.
   
   There are so many side variations in the French it is more complicated than any one Sicilian. (IMHO) This book helps you in those side lines very well.

3 comments about Champions of Valor (Dungeon & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Forgotten Realms Setting).

1. Champions of Valor is the counterpart of Champions of Ruin, a Forgotten Realms supplement published by Wizards during the summer. Champions of Ruin is not needed to use this book, however.
   
   This book presents the reader with several options for valiant characters in the Forgotten Realms. New spells, feats, substitution levels, organisations are all included to give your character an edge.
   
   However, this book is something more than just "new rules for good characters". This book is only worth something if "you take it seriuosly", in other words, DMs should take care and require a considerable effort of role-playing from characters who use this book. Being valiant is not equal to getting a +2 sacred bonus on your AC, it means that you take part in an organisation, you help the poor, accept missions where you risk your life for free, etc.
   
   This book has much to offer for players, but also for DMs who wish to create a good aligned NPC. I would say it is mostly for experienced DMs and players, beginners should be cautious about incorporating the contents of this book into the game before getting at least some experience with role-playing.
   
   As usual for Forgotten Realms products, it is beautifully illustrated and edited. The cover picture is quite unique, I did not like the picture first, but now I think that it was a good choice to reflect the contents of the book.



2. I wanted to like this book, really. I thought it was supposed to be a Book of Exalted Deeds for the Forgotten Realms, sort of like how Champions of Ruin was a Book of Vile Darkness for the Realms. And surely, surely it'd have something usable for all classes, right?
   
   I was so completely and utterly wrong. I'm so glad this was purchased with a gift certificate.
   
   First, the introduction points out that it's for "valorous" heroes...not necessarily good, as they define "valorous" to mean "fights evil things", which can be stretched to include evil priests fighting other evil priests. Granted, there isn't much of that, but there's more about Neutral characters and organizations than I think appropriate.
   
   Second, while there is a great deal of useful information for paladins, I challenge you to find anything for a good rogue. At all. No feats, no substitution levels, nothing. It's terribly disappointing.
   
   Now, there are a few good things. There is a plethora of substitution levels, which are used to differentiate members of a class in an organization from those who aren't. This is a nice use of them, and it's a real shame that half of these are paladins of one form or another. The fluff's nice, and I hear a lot of people like the information on the various horse breeds in the back.
   
   On the other hand, this continues the use of the fat, bloated, 4-page prestige class format, as well as the fat, bloated, corpulent magic item description format. Because there's nothing more useful than two pages of history for a +3 outsider bane greatsword, and I just so need fully half of the prestige classes in the book devoted to characters with flying mounts.
   
   Bottom line, this has very limited utility and portability. It's great if you're playing a paladin in the Forgotten Realms who wants a flying mount, but if not, try and convince your friend to buy it. Don't waste your money.



3. Awesome book. I like the way it integrates some of the "Races of" races into the Faerun campaign. This was the 4th from the last book I needed to complete my Forgotten Realms campain collection. I ordered Champions of Ruin at the same time as this, so I only need two more books! I also like some of the valorious regional feats in the book.