3 comments about Battlefield: Bad Company: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides).

1. After purchasing and loving the Shadowrun Prima guide, I was expecting the same great guide for Battlefield: Bad Company. However, I was very disappointed.
   
   The pages are not nice and glossy paperstock. They are thinner and feel more like a newspaper feels.
   
   There is way too much focus on single player. Over 100 pages are dedicated to the single player campaign. Only 10 pages about Multiplayer. There are top-down diagrams for single player maps, but none for multiplayer maps.
   
   After the in-depth treatment Prima gave to Shadowrun, I thought they would do the same for BF:BC. They did not.



2. 
   I agree with other review. Feels really cheap and quickly put together. The pictures are really small and the paper is cheap. I wanted to pick this up to get a good review of the multiplayer maps but there aren't any layouts like in the RB6 or the COD4 guide. They actually covered each map on just one page. They give you 1 by 1 inch pictures of a house or base and what can you do with it. There is not a reference point to match it to on a map. For two of the maps they had so little to say they fit both on one page.
   
   I looked at this in the store and decided to skip it.



3. This book was a disappointment and is very incomplete.
   
   Multiplayer problems:
   As stated earlier, no top views of the maps and a very limited look into the multiplayer area. Most of the info is from the videos included in the "Gold Edition" of the game.
   
   Stats:
   The weapon descriptions are the general rant with little info in how they perform in the game. The numbers do not include the handling stats and they do not have a table for easy comparison to help you choose what weapon is best. The specialist weapons have little info on how to use them correctly, especially the Snipers goggles witch I am still having problems with.
   
   Single player:
   The majority of this book is centered on the single player campaign. This is set up with short paragraphs scattered on a page to follow along the way the writers played the game. This largest disappointment with this is if you try to read and go you will miss some vital info. One example is I started a tough battle and then read I should have picked up the mortar designator two objectives previously which was not mentioned in the explanation that was two pages previously.
   
   This guide is similar to the layout of the Kameo guide. Which also blew? The problem with Prima guides is it seems to be a crap shoot. Half of the time the guides are well laid out and helpful. The other times they aren't. This is the only guide out there and it does have some info to help complete the game and find the collectables and such in the single player. It also included the point values for actions in the multiplayer.

5 comments about Player's Handbook II (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying).

1. When I originally heard about this book, I was worried. I thought about how poorly they made Dungeon Master's Guide 2. However, this book turned out great! They added some great new classes and prestige classes. They really add to the game.
   
   One thing that's really nice is that it's not needed, but it just adds a couple new dimensions to the game.
   
   I will admit that I'm a sucker for more options and variant rules, so you should check this book out before you buy it. You might not think some of the additions are worth it.



2. This book is a very nice complement for creating your D&D character, specially for the new feats.



3. Much like the dungeon masters guide 2, the Players Handbook 2 (in my opinion) should've been produced first. The manual covers all kinds of logical ways for beginners to create wonderful characters and is an excellent buy for anyone who is interested in a good read along with learning the 3.5 system. Again, it's my feeling that Wizards was under pressure to publish a manual addressing game mechanics & rules right away to allow for a product to be on the shelf. The Players Handbook 2 for sure picks up for what was lost in the first manual and also contains a few more rulings (more like house rule introductions). Well worth the money and well worth the read. For any one who's never played D&D before, they should read the PHB2 first and have the first manual on hand for reference and cross comparisons.



4. The 4th edition of D&D is out in 2008... that'll make these books officially obsolete... I see no need to buy this book now.. if anyone you wanna play with already has this.. they'll lend it to you.. expecially if you agree to be the one in the group that gets a 4th edition book...



5. Our group continues to find uses for the material in this book. Our parties Ftr loves it (as would be obvious to anyone that reviews the feats in here), and the DM is constantly using the classes and spells in here.
   
   The new starting packages for old classes is good stuff too. Only a few easily corrected balance problems.
   
   Good stuff.

5 comments about Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter.

1. this book is a harry potter and knitting fans heavan. Lots of fun ideas and easy to read and follow pictures and instructions.



2. I got this book for a friend for Christmas, and ended up buying one for myself, too. The projects aren't terribly inventive, but if you're looking for something fun for a Harry Potter fan, this book has loads of projects that range from taking a couple of hours (the Weasley sweater ornament), to taking weeks (Mrs. Weasley's clock blanket). I'm looking forward to making some of the projects in this book!



3. This book is full of surprisingly exact knitteds from the movies. Unless you want a strangely pointed hat there aren't too many knitting skills for any of the items. Very plain knitting with traditional styled knits.



4. My two nephews birthdays where looming and I was thinking of getting them both Harry Potter Wands as gifts when I ran into this one, so I bought it on a whim. Boy was I glad I did, Wizard hats, wand cases, robes, stich witchery bags, Oh My!



5. I haven't had the chance to make anything from this book yet, but I'm looking forward to it! As soon as I get the needles, I'll be knitting away.

5 comments about Hoyle's Rules of Games, Third Revised and Updated Edition.

1. I first bought this book about 20 years ago. It is an excellent reference especially now that our children are of age to play advanced card games. I was looking for some new games to learn several years ago, and discovered what has become one of our favorites, Oh Hell. This book is essential if you play cards. Also included is good reference for various board games such as chess, checkers, backgammon, and some fun games for young kids.



2. Very Informative on many games. Good refresher for those that need a review of games we used to play but can't remember the complete rules.



3. Hoyle's Rules of Games, Third Revised and Updated Edition
   
   There are easier to understand and more up-to-date descriptions of gameplay for most of the more popular games on the internet. The book is particularly weak on diagrams, which simplify understanding of many of the games tremendously. I would consider this book to be useful as supplementary information only; it would not be my first choice for learning a new game from scratch.



4. Book is NOT user friendly, did not help me learn the game of Hearts...book is written to those that already know more than I do and my friend agreed.



5. This book has come in handy many a card game night when rules are questioned. Great reference, the best I've found, very complete.

5 comments about Professional Blackjack.

1. Stanford Wong has done a lot for the followers of the blackjack advantage-play movement by writing this book. It is an oldie but still goodie because it covers just about everything you need to know about the Hi-Lo (or High-Low) card counting system.
   
   Wong is a master of the math of the game and many questions about the math behind why card counting works are answered in such a way that just about any reader can understand it.
   
   A definite blackjack addition to your library. Even if you decide that the Hi-Lo is too difficult a card counting system to use, the ideas in this book will make blackjack play on the winning side that much more enjoyable and interesting.
   
   Frank Scoblete: Author of Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution!



2. Great book. Only book that mentions half counting method. Similar to many high level where you give double the points for cards that give u better odds. Like counting 5 as a 1point and 2 as a half point. (Can just double if you don't like half points). Anyway, just remember, that you will not become millionaire just because you can count. In fact, you might not even make a cent if you can count cards. Big fat myth spread by the casinos, not players. However, counting cards will give you a slight advantage. How slight, 1%-2%. But, that doesn't take away from the fact that you'll LOSE less money counting cards, and some days you might even win some. This book is a good resource. Not the best counting system, since there is no such thing, but any counting system is good. Go read several blackjack forums before purchasing any books. Be realistic folks. I count for fun and for getting comps, not to make money.



3. No matter what level of counting skills you have, this will always be a great refference for life. Detailed technical information backed by multiple simulations, too bad this great book got less reviews than some scammers did (John May).



4. I read this dirt bag book, followed the four rules (seen below), and lost all my money, my job, my wife and children, and my dignity. I recently realized something on the bus back to my one room apartment in the projects (my ex won't let the kids see where I live, and the courts ruled agaist me too...due to the gambeling)...Wong wouldn't be trying to make money selling this book if his techniques were worth a hoot. The casinos should pay Wong for writing this book...and they probably do.
   
   Now I'm reading a book on guns.
   
   (1) make the appropriate playing decision (e.g. hit / stand);
   (2) bet more when odds favor that you will win;
   (3) have a sufficient bankroll available; and
   (4) play enough rounds



5. EXCELENTE LIBRO DE FACIL COMPRENSION PARA PERSONAS QUE NO HABLAN EL INGLES, EL ENVIO RAPIDO LLGA EN BUENAS CONDICIONES Y SIN PROBLEMA ALGUNO EN LA COIMPRA DESCAHO Y RECEPCION

5 comments about What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy. Second Edition: Revised and Updated Edition.

1. Not sure why the author who does make some good points, couldn't find a way to express those without trying to sound important. The writing style got between his message (which was interesting) and his delivery. I finished it, got some value, but in comparison to other authors, this was a letdown.



2. Great book and delightful read. If you are a teacher or work in education to help direct new initiatives with technology and learning, you should read this.



3. First of all, this book is not written as a general public book, it is written much more in the vein of a college graduate's analysis. Heavy discussion of the effects of video games on the semiotic domain underpin the analysis. That being said, this book is a good analysis of the effects of video games on those that play them.
   
   If you want a general public analysis of the effects of entertainment (and video games) on people, check out Steven Johnson's "Everything Bad is Good For You." This book is a deeper analysis of part of Steven Johnson's book, so it might be best as a follow-up purchase.
   
   My biggest complaint about James Paul Gee's book is more with the copy editor and publisher. There are so many poorly written or incorrectly written sentences that should have been caught and corrected. It really affects the perceptions about the book's research.



4. I'd always sort of believed the "video games are a waste of time" thing just because I'd heard it so much. This book is good but I couldn't understand all the technical stuff but I think I got the just of it. I actually had to write a persuasive essay on the HSPA (High School Profficiancy Assessment) agreeing or disagreeing with the hypothetical decision of some kind of governmental authority (I forget which one, congress maybe?) to ban all noneducational video games. I'd read the first few pages of the book and it helped. Now I regret ever believing that waste of time stuff.



5. Gee's background in linguistics and current interests in education inform this discussion of video games, as he clearly outlines over thirty good learning principles that teachers can glean from the practice of gaming and apply to their classrooms. Gee's book should be commended for its detailed analysis of particular games--too often, theorists discussing games tend to shy away from minute description of their own interactions with games and go straight for lessons learned or abstract ideas garnered from gameplay. Gee also has a talent for talking openly and humorously about his development from non-gaming baby boomer to avid but still sometimes inept gamer.
   
   If you're already convinced that video games are cultural objects worthy of study, Gee will only confirm your opinion. However, if you look at the book's title and can't contain a derisive snort, give Gee a chance. According to Gee, good video games (and yes, not all video games are good) model active, participatory, and embodied learning, a kind of learning often scarce in traditional school curricula. Good games demonstrate the effectiveness of pattern recognition over rule-based or rote learning, and they encourage players to reflect at a meta level not only about their own identity but also their practices, often via the formation of affinity groups both within and outside of the game world. At their best, gamers become producers, creatively "modding" their own gaming experiences and sharing information with others who take play seriously.

5 comments about 101 Drama Games for Children: Fun and Learning with Acting and Make-Believe (SmartFun Activity Books).

1. You will use this book over and over. I teach gifted upper elementary and middle school drama students. This book is one of my favorites - it is likely to be one of yours too.



2. While not directly about "Drama", this book offers great games to get children thinking fast and exercising their creative muscles. I am having a lot of fun using it in an introductory drama class for 1st to 3rd grade chilren. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for ideas to use creative play groups more than for teaching specific dramatic techniques. It's about the fun of imagination!



3. I teach a summer drama class for grades 1-6, and it has a lot of really great games for all of the age groups, I do however wish there were a few more for the younger groups, but many can be adapted.



4. This book focuses a lot on the younger crowd, but can be enjoyed by students of any age! I'm an elementary drama teacher. Great buy!



5. I have been an acting teacher for nine years and an co-author of my own acting book "Finally..Monologues That Work" and the one thing children love the most in class is the games! Games and more games. They can't get enough. 101 Drama Games For Children gives us variety. It is a great source for teachers who teach acting or in the classroom. It keeps the children interested, helps them learn and they have so much fun. Who could ask for more.

5 comments about Birthright (Diablo: The Sin War, Book 1).

1. I enjoyed this book. The story unfolds slowly at first but shorty after gets into the twist, turns, and mysteries of the triology. A few things about the Diablo universe are explained but many questions readers may have are not answered fully. The book ends well as it leads into the next book of the series.



2. I personally found this story not to be as exiting as other books Knakk has written however it is a fun journey.
   
   The story is very slow to unfold thus creating a small boredom factor in certain parts of the book. However as you near the middle of the book you are forced to read on as the twists and turns within the story lines leave many questions unanswered which is always something to look forward to.
   
   I will read the other books in this series as i want these unfull filled questions to finally have an answer. great travel book but by far not the best ive read.
   
   3/5



3. Richard Knaak is making a new game exclusively for the wii called "Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire". I cant wait.



4. this is a awesome history, it is just as good as i imagined.for sure i will buy the other books to see what hapens.



5. Based on the Diablo games by Blizzard Software, the Sin War is a lead up to the events in the games that takes place thousands of years ago.
   New comers to the Diablo universe wont find understanding the characters difficult since characters from the games are introduced with introductions expertly woven into the story so as to be enjoyable for all.
   
   To me this story is very enjoyable due to the fact the story is a journey of discovery for the central character as much as it is for the audience with enemies and close friendships formed throughout the story (as well as the trilogy). A masterpiece from the master story writer Richard A. Knaak has crafted a classic tale, in which a young man must rise to the challenges of life to overcome the greatest adversaries and save the world from utter destruction.

5 comments about My Guy Barbaro: A Jockey's Journey Through Love, Triumph, and Heartbreak with America's Favorite Horse.

1. While jockey Edgar Prado certainly has a compelling story to tell, so much of it is about his own life rather than Barbaro's.



2. I purchased this book to learn more about Barbaro's life and career. I was disappointed in the major content of the book dealing with Edgar and not the horse. I know that the jockey only rode Barbaro four times and visited in Pennsylvania twice-I guess it's difficult to pull a whole book together on that.



3. This book tells the true story of a great race horse, the friendship of the jockey & horse, as well as the unselfish love of family. It is sad, yet wonderful. Well worth the read and a good book for your library.



4. I am so proud of Edgar for writting this book! It is wonderful to get the jockey's perspective, as I have read just about everything I could get my hands on about BARBARO...but, this book makes the circle complete. The heartbreak in this man's life and the triumphs of joy, make this book one you cannot put down! I very much appreciated the jockey's life story, incorporated with BARBARO...the two were a divine intervention, destined to be together. It is enlightening to see someone of meager beginnings, set a goal and achieve it! This book did make me wonder if ALL jockey's are as caring and understand their job on their mounts, as Edgar does. The day of the Preakness, he had a "gut feeling" that something was wrong; unfortunatley it took 100 yards for the ultimate breakdown of BARBARO, but it could have been so much worse if not for Edgar. This book made me feel that I was right there...it made for many tears too. The pictures were an added bonus. I am a Thoroughbed owner (non-racing), so I understand the bond that cannot be broken. My life was in a downword spiral, during the eight months BARBARO struggled to live...and to this day he is still my inspiration, giving me the courage to go on. Without Edgar, who knows how the story of BARBARO would have been told. THANK YOU EDGAR PRADO FOR WRITTING THIS STORY FROM YOUR HEART & SHARING IT WITH US*****



5. What better way to remenber the horse everyone in the world loves, but through the eyes of his jockey. Edgar Prado respected the ability of Barbaro, developed a relationship that took them to the top, but also
   the tragic side of racing, his accident.Everyone who loves animals should read this book!

5 comments about Self-Working Table Magic: 97 Foolproof Tricks with Everyday Objects.

1. Many beginners to magic (and others who should know better) are of the opinion that a magic effect has to be difficult in order to be worthwhile. While there are many killer effects that take months or years of practice, there are equally wonderful tricks that rely on psychology, subtlety, and/or advance preparation. The Self Working series of books are a treasure trove of great magic. This book is no exception. Many of the included tricks are used by successful professional magicians. Admittedly, these are best used in a program with other, more elaborate tricks, but for those moments in your act where you need a short, sweet effect, something in this book might just fill the bill. And as you get more proficient in magic you will find ways to further embellish these tricks and make them your own private miracles.



2. i think that this is a great book and it rocks my socks



3. Karl Fulves has been putting out these kinds of books for what seems like an eternity. They are good books for kids and even a skilled performer can pull some good material from these books.
   [...]



4. I purchased this book thinking that it would be a good beginning magic book for a group of middle schoolers interested in learning magic tricks. It seems that even though the objects are everyday, the tricks are not. This is a great book if you are willing to do the practice to master the tricks, but if you are looking for a quick trick, then keep looking.



5. This book is amusing but not spectacular, I would go for the street magic, Mindfreak and blaine books for something more espectacular. Decent for beginers.