3 comments about Silent Hill Origins Official Strategy Guide (Bradygames Strategy Guides) (Bradygames Strategy Guides).

1. I found this guide a little more confusing than guides for the previous games, but it is a must for people who are new to the Silent Hill series. The thing I found most confusing with this guide was how items were identified on the maps. I didn't like the system the author used. It made finding some items difficult.



2. The only complaint is that this (like all other SH strat guides) is DARK. When using it while playing the game you can easily lose your place because of the backgrounds on the page. That being said, its a well written, step-by-step walkthrough that doesnt have too many "reveals" but still gets you through with minimum damage. Recommended.



3. This is a really well-written book about the game, Silent Hill: Origins, for PSP. It has step by step instructions about the mystical world. Where can I find this? Can I go through this door? All these questions and many more can be answered in this handy manual. It even has battle plans for destroying bosses! Don't hesitate! Buy this incredible book right now!
   :D

5 comments about Crosspix: Pixillated Puzzle Madness.

1. This is a fun book to work on. Starts out easy and progresses to harder puzzles



2. There are too many mistakes in this book. Many of the puzzles are cut-off, missing numbers or have errors in them.



3. Hi there, folks. I'm the author of this book and I'm quite embarrassed by the number of errors that were allowed to be printed. You can go to my website and download entire pages that are corrected:
   
   http://www.davidriedydesign.com/crosspix.html
   
   I hope you still enjoy the book, despite the errors.
   
   ...Dave



4. I enjoyed the puzzles I was able to do, but found MULTIPLE puzzles with errors in the numbering, making them impossible to do. yes you can just look in solutions to get the correct combination, but then you know what hte picture is supposed to look like and have spoiled the fun of doing the puzzle in the first place. There is at least one puzzle that is missing half of the grid due to a bad edit on the page. with so many options out there I really have to say I do not recommend it. There are other options out there that are great for beginners and at least you can trust that the clues given to you are the correct ones.



5. As if the typos aren't bad enough, there are several puzzles that don't have unique solutions. For example, in just the first 20 puzzles, one fourth (05, 09, 13, 15 and 19) have areas with more than one solution. You have a 50/50 chance of guessing what the author had in mind.
   
   Still, as someone else said, I'm addicted enough that it's otherwise entertaining. Still, until there is a second edition with the problems corrected, I'd probably not recommend buying it at this price.

1 comments about The Virgin Book of Killer Sudoku.

1. If you enjoy solving logic puzzles and you'd like to sharpen your mental arithmetic skills, then these are the puzzles for you. These puzzles are similar to Classic Sudoku in that you have to place the numbers 1-9 uniquely in each row, column, and box. The difference is that a Killer Sudoku puzzle is also covered with dotted outline "cages", each of which has a number that indicates the sum of the numbers within the cage and the numbers within the cages must also be unique. There are many techniques that can be used to solve these puzzles, and discovering them is half the fun.
   
   This book contains a two-page Introduction, three pages on "How to Solve a Killer Sudoku", a one-page "List of Unique Number Combinations", 50 Easy puzzles, 35 Medium puzzles, 10 Difficult puzzles, 5 Deadly puzzles, and Solutions. The format is one puzzle per page and the puzzles are a good size (3.75" x 3.75").
   
   The "How to Solve a Killer Sudoku" section gives a fairly minimal explanation of some simple techniques. One of the most important techniques (The Rule of 45) is not even mentioned. If you don't figure this one out you'll have a hard time completing a lot of the harder puzzles. For an excellent explanation of Killer Sudoku solving techniques, see Djape's book "Sudoku K (Killer), Volume 1".
   
   In each section the puzzles tend to progress from easier to harder. There are a couple of hard puzzles in the medium section. A couple of the deadly puzzles are slightly harder than the hard puzzles; the others are about the same as the hard puzzles. I would have preferred fewer easy puzzles and more medium and hard puzzles. Overall, I think this is a good book for intermediate solvers and beginners who learn quickly. For advanced solvers who are looking for more of a challenge, check out Killer Sudoku Online. The Greater Than Killer Sudoku puzzles are especially fiendish.

5 comments about Tangram Puzzles: 500 Tricky Shapes to Confound & Astound/ Includes Deluxe Wood Tangrams.

1. The blocks are sanded wood with smooth corners, so they're nice to work with, and assembled into a square are about 4" x 4". Be aware that each book comes with one set of blocks, so if two people want to compete, you'll need to purchase two books or somehow come up with a second set of blocks.
   
   The spiral binding makes it easy to prop the book open to any page, but there are about 18 tangrams shown per page, so it's too easy to "cheat" and compare the image you're currently working on to previous/subsequent ones. It would be more challenging if you could only see one tangram at a time.



2. This Tangram set and book are very good quality. Tangrams are excellent learning tools for spatial understanding and problem solving. Because of the nature of this toy, it is much more versatile than regular puzzles. The same pieces are used over and over to solve the many different 'puzzles' which are presented in the book. (The solutions are also given at the back of the book.)
   
   I have only one criticism of this product. I wish it came with a container for the pieces.



3. I use this tangram puzzle with my junior high school students. The shapes are challenging, and offer great visual/spatial exercise for young minds. The book is big and has lots of puzzles to choose from. The puzzle pieces are nice too.



4. A very nicely made product - the wooden pieces are very smooth without any splinters or sharp edges. The puzzles are awesome - during my pass-time, I try making these - some take a few minutes to solve, but some could take a few hours. It is so interesting that my daughter was trying to put together some when she was 4. You have 501, not 500 puzzles, because you have to arrange them to form a square to put them back in the packing pouch. Some of the puzzles are un-imaginable - I could not believe that you could make many of the shapes with the wooden pieces provided. The author/creator should be honored for his creativity.
   
   I recommend this to anyone from 4 to 100+ years old - You are never too young to start training your brain, and never too old to stop. I would have bought it even if it cost twice of what it costs now.



5. The first book arrived with the binding cracked from shipping. The online return form on Amazon is very easy. I mailed the first book back, free of charge, and Amazon sent a new copy promptly. The replacement was in perfect condition. The puzzle pieces are very nice, not a dollar store item. Overall, I am very happy with the service of Amazon and also the book. This would make a beautiful special occasion present.

3 comments about The Brainiest Insaniest Ultimate Puzzle Book!.

1. Finally! A great puzzle book for kids that goes beyond word search and mazes! I've seen great logic and puzzle books for kids in Russian and was looking for something in English. I've asked every teacher and parent, I've search the web with every conceivable keyword - nothing. And then this book. My daughter (5.5 years) and I are spending many happy hours together. The right age, though, is probably 7+



2. This book was a big hit with my grandchildren. Lots of quick, fun puzzles that made us all think to get the answers.



3. My two 8-year-old girls enjoy this book but are not fascinated by it. The puzzles are a good level for kids of this age or a little older. Drawings are nice.

5 comments about Kokology : The Game of Self-Discovery.

1. There was more sexual content than I expected in this book. I enjoyed the tests, and some were very insightful. My main complaint is that the book was finished far too soon!



2. A former roommate of mine kept nagging me to answer some questions from this book. No thank you was my constant response until I played just to make her stop.
   
   I HATE these kinds of 'games', which I usually find ridiculous and boring. Responding to scenrios and reading 'what they reveal'. Blah. Or so I thought.
   
   Kokology, while totting a serious label, was so much fun, and at times, too true (and not always something you want others to know!), that we did the whole book in a matter of days. Each scenerio was so benign and unassuming...but what they revealed was enlightening, mostly true and uproaring hilarious!
   
   The ringer: you have to answer immediately, the first thing that pops into your head. You only get a few seconds, otherwise, it's a bust. You're not supposed to have enough time to organize something coherent or framed--by answering quickly, it's assumed you'll answer honestly (and it's true if you're willing and follow the rules). So don't play with people who aren't in the mood or take too long.
   
   It's really fun to go back and re-read the answers you gave a few months later and to read other people's responses (of course, ask for permission and omit names unless it's ok with that person). I was laughing for hours on end.
   
   I wouldn't try this on people you don't know that well. Because, frankly, it got a bit awkward, especially if it hit too close to home for some participants. Or have a few drinks then play. Rather, it was more fun to play with people you really know because you think you know what they'll say but realize they're is always more to discover.
   
   The only downside is that it can give negative reads, espeically if people are trying to get a certain 'right' response (which really isn't possible, but people try...). It is easy to lie (knowingly or not) and/or get weird pscyho-babble. People have gotten very upset and even angry by one analysis or the other, so word of caution.



3. Kokology provides short, imaginary and some amusing scenerios and then asks you questions about the situation. How you describe yourself and/or parts of the scenerio provides insight into who you are and how you view life and those in it. Interesting. . . some of "games" are fun. This book would be fun relaxing with a group of close friends - especially, after imbibing a few drinks. I don't think I would "play" this with a large group, and certainly not with people I didn't know well. Some answers can get pretty "personal". I don't agree with all of the interpretations. I don't talk to camels because I'm losing out on love, but I do talk to my dog as a companion. People really do ask me what time it is in museums and art galleries, so my answer has no psychological tag as far as I am concerned. I have a physical problem with my ear that keeps me from enjoying rides, but- I have three kids. Right, and maybe not. The point is, the book is fun, but you can't take it too seriously, otherwise I'm losing my job today. The Cube, while limited more in scope than Kokology, is short, sweet, thoroughly enjoyable and funnier. I am not sure this is worth buying, but certainly enjoyable to read as long as you don't take yourself, or the answers too seriously.



4. This is really cool book to read whenever you want to have some fun with friends.



5. We bought this book on a whim and it is a gem. My family and friends have enjoyed several hours already answering and discussing the questions and interpretations in the book. If you are the kind of person who enjoys taking personality quizzes, this book is for you. Try it, it's fun and very interesting. I found it spot on with most of the analyses.

5 comments about Day of the Dragon (WarCraft, Book 1).

1. Knaak is the most generic author of all-time. His characters are bland, and even though he's hand-fed the events that take place they still somehow manage to be less than exciting. He makes his own characters the stars of the tale when they didn't even exist in the real lore. Not only do they not belong there but they are some of the most boring and generic characters around.



2. This book is probably the best book I have ever read, and I have read a LOT. No other book has as much suspense or detail. Someone who hasn't played Warcraft or even World of Warcraft might have a little trouble understanding the content of it, but overall it is a wonderful book. Even after I read it, I became addicted, and started reading my favorite parts over and over again. There are lots of pleasant suprises that you will find inside, and if you're interested, a tiny hint of romance. If you want to find out more about Warcraft, or just find a nice fantasy book to read, this is the book for you.



3. Excellent history of Dragons and a crucial epoch in Warcraft lore. Must reading for all Warcraft enthusiasts



4. This book seemed more of a side story as it didn't involve as many "core" characters as the other books.
   It covers some big events, such as the Dragon flights and Deathwing's disappearance after the Second War, but I could not seem to get into this one as much as the other Warcraft books. Still a very good read.



5. Basically random fantasy characters and story based on the warcraft story. doesn't really follow any series or game. Worth reading if you are a Fantasy nerd, not too much enjoyment for someone wanting to find expanded warcraft knowledge.

No comments about Demon Queen's Enclave: Adventure P2 (D&D Adventure).

2 comments about Folklore Official Strategy Guide (Bradygames Strategy Guides).

1. Although this guide has some very nice character and location art, it is not helpful at all. Not only is half the maps missing on the pages where the maps are shown, it does not list all the information needed in the game (actually not even close to all the info needed)
   
   It fails to mention what the costume section in the game is, what the colored crystal are (and how to break them, and the worst of all is that there is no mention that the side quests must be completed (if you want to do them)before you fight the area's boss.
   
   This is barely useful, and not recommended, unless you want it for the art, I would avoid it. At least it's only 20 dollars (maybe thats why it seemed like the editors did care about how the final product looked)



2. This guide provides a complete, and highly accurate, walkthrough for the game, and is essential unless you want to spend pointless hours wandering around and wasting time doing things that don't advance the game. It's attractive, and pretty well-organized. It's sketchy on how to solve quests (maybe deliberate so as not to give everything away), and occasionally fails to provide guidance on how best to handle troublesome Folks, but for the most part provides the key information needed. When it didn't provide it, a quick internet check would fill in the missing keys. A clearer explanation of how to boost karma for your folks would have been helpful. But overall, this was an excellent help.

2 comments about Bridge: 25 Ways to Be a Better Defender (25).

1. It is an excellent book. The subject is difficult to define a set
   of rules. However, this book tries perhaps too hard to force a variety of conventions which leads to some confusion. Nevertheless, the book is very useful and should be on the bookself with other bridge books.



2. Defence is the hardest part of the wonderful world of bridge. As in all their books, these writers offer tips that are not only first rate but understandable for the accomplished player as well as someone trying to learn the game and everyone in between.