4 comments about Crysis: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides).

1. This book has everything I wanted to know about Crysis. It arrived in good time and good condition.



2. This guide covers every mission in Crysis in great detail. Gives several options for getting to the next checkpoint with efficiency. The reading gets a little tedious because of the game detail so it can only be read one mission at a time. It does not read like a fluid novel - but that's not its objective.



3. Excellent guide for an excellent game.Describes multiple options for a given scenario and also has tips on free-lancing if you don't want to follow the guide.



4. This thing is extremely difficult to follow. This guy is trying to show you every possible way through each level all at once and it just makes it difficult to use. There are so many box-outs and side notes you don't know which one to follow. I don't need to sift through twenty five pages, delineating five different ways to get through a level. This guy should have checked out the walk through for Oblivion, the most open-ended go-anywhere game ever made. For all the games complexities, the walk through for Oblivion is a well laid out, easy to follow walk through. This one, however, is just a mess. I bought it and hardly used it. Save your money and grope your way through the game. Crysis is a pretty linear anyway. You can do it.

5 comments about SimCity Societies: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides).

1. I really thought this supplemental book would help me play the game, but it's more like a list with little explanation. Maybe I need to spend more time with it, but so far it's not as helpful as other Prima Game Guides I've used.



2. This game installation inserts ALL the graphics into the computer, which will definitely slow down your computer, and will crash it if you do not have a super-good graphics card. Since it requires that the disk be inserted for each play, it would have been better to write the program to take the graphics from the disk as needed rather than having them all loaded into the computer at installation.



3. This kind of games are interesting because let you use you imagination with no limits.



4. This game didn't invite me in like previous titles. I bought the help book to see if I was missing clues or ideas to help with game play. It is fun - but other games have pushed SimCity Societies to the background.



5. This book is the best. It tells you and shows you how to do anything you want in the game. I love it

5 comments about Lasker's Manual of Chess.

1. This wonderful classic is very well written for an adult (would be difficult reading for most kids) who is either a beginner or a player who has aquired basic skills. It provides a good mixture of basics with even some more advanced concepts. Lasker was a great chess teacher.
   Then why 3 stars instead of 5? This is because the book requires some serious updating. For the more advanced player the openings are very outdated. The book needs to be written in the more modern and efficient Algebraic form of notation. And, as already mentioned, it is difficult reading for possible use by a young reader.



2. This is one of the best Introductory Chess Books ever written for an adult. The only drawback is that it needs to be written in Algebraic Notation.
   The former world champion also covers some more advanced concepts throughout the text.



3. I like this book. It starts off with the basic rules and quickly gets into openings and strategy. I wish they would put it out in "algebraic chess notation" which is the only drawback. Since I get an A in all my classes as a 7th grade student I can understand this book well even with the old form of chess notation.



4. "Lasker's Manual of Chess" doesn't mess arround. It is absolutely perfect for someone who needs a brief reminder of the basic rules and then is ready to get quickly into the strategic parts of chess. It is a well written book for an adult reader or older teenage reader; younger kids or someone who is a super beginner should start with "Chess For Jrs" or possibly "Learn chess: A complete Course".
   This may be an older book but it is very well written and a largely forgotten about classic.



5. This has got to be one of the top chess books . It is superbly written and by that I mean 6 stars . Lasker was world champion for 28 years -- you read his book and you will be champion in your small league for sure!!
   I haven't gone through the whole book but already am losing sleep over it --- it is that good !! Do yourself a favor -- pick this up NOW . I am an average player and I do not write good reviews like this . Lasker will show u how and why to play . Will definitely improve your rating to 2000+ -- NO MATTER WHERE YOU START FROM !! If you do not see any improvement , I will say this --- you have not read this book ! It probably stayed on your shelf for too long .

4 comments about Killer Samurai Sudoku: 55 puzzles (vol.1).

1. Once you're accustomed to Sudoku, you can move onto Killer Sudoku. Once you're accustomed to Killer Sudoku, this appears to be the next step.
   
   I've only worked through about 5 of'em so far, and they appear to be the most challenging and interesting variation of Sudoku. These puzzles appear to be designed where you have to make full use of the Samaurai set up to finish them.
   
   As far as the design and set up of the book, I like it a lot. The dimensions are about the size of a sheet of looseleaf paper, and the answers to the puzzle you're solving are just a couple pages away, printed underneath a puzzle a few pages ahead.
   
   I'd definitely recommend this to anyone experieced with Sudoku and Killer Sudoku. Good job DJAPE.



2. If you like Killer Sudoku and you think regular 9x9 became too easy for you, then I would recommend to shift to Killer Samurai Sudoku. It will take you longer to solve just one puzzle because of the the intersections of 5 killer sudoku's.
   
   You will have alot of fun and time will just fly by!



3. I'm a killer sudoku addict and like the Samurai format as well, but the type and squares are a bit small on these. Otherwise fine.



4. This was not what I was expecting. There are no squares pre-filled. Certain areas are outlined and you are told what the sum of the numbers in the square must be. So, if the total is 20 and there are 4 boxes circled, they could be 9,8,2,1 or 8,7,3,2 or 7,6,4,3, etc. (repeats only if not in same row/column). And the order can change around. Even a total of 5 with 2 boxes could be 2,3 or 3,2 or 1,5 or 5,1. UGH! Who wants to keep adding and re-adding numbers and writing and erasing?
   
   This is not what *I* would call "samurai sudoku." Maybe "addition sudoku" or "math sudoku" or "buy lots of erasers sudoku.
   
   I suppose if you like this kind of puzzle, you'd rate it a 5.

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pool and Billiards, 2nd Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide).

1. I found this book very well written with good detail and explainations. When words were difficult, excellent pictures helped make things clear. I played pool for years but was unable to play for a long time. I bought the book as a refresher and was very impressed. It has helped me a lot to get back on track with my game. Any serious pool player who wants help with their game can benefit from this book. New players as well as old.



2. Its good when your starting in to the pool. if not you may find only a 1/3 of the book use full.



3. I just wanted a basic book on billiards and billard etiquette. This book is too big and wordy. I guess it is a good book if you are considering purchasing a billiard table, as it goes into great detail about what to look for, etc. I wanted just a basic book.



4. The book is great as written by a great billiard player, star personality, talented announcer, trick shot expert, and overall billiard guru. I learned many things from the encyclopedia of billiard expertise. FOLKS, THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR ANY LEVEL POOL PLAYER; DUMMIE OR NOT.
   
   During a recent WPBA tournament in Oklahoma City, this reviewer was promised by the book's author to autograph the 2 new copies I had just purchased. One of these books was for a sick child in the hospital as Ewa is his favorite player but we were unable to connect. I will try again in Oregon in 2 weeks as this Dummie wants an autograph!!!!



5. Good book, but it comes with a lot of side talks, more than the real information that you will learn. Some my prefer this way, but not me. I always prefer to get direct info.

No comments about Color Style: Innovative to Traditional, 17 Inspired Designs to Knit (Style series).

5 comments about WoD Armory (World of Darkness (White Wolf Hardcover)).

1. Armory presents a wide variety of new weapons, vehicles, and equipment for any World of Darkness game. New fighting styles and other merits add many new combat options for characters, and the discussion of how real world equipment and weapons training works is very helpful. If you want more detail than the World of Darkness corebook offers, or just don't know a lot about guns and weapons, then this is a great product offering enough detail and discussion to flesh out equipment without overwhelming the reader with endless lists of identical weapons.



2. I appreciate most about this book what it does that isn't typical of an equipment guide. It offers legal context for items. It lists common myths about weapons and the truth behind them. It gives results for the often silly and overly cinematic things that the players may try. It offers guidelines on how high a character's skill should be based on background and training, often giving creative means to justify having a score (Weaponry dots justified by playing baseball, for example). Lastly, it doesn't feel the need to provide lists and lists of weapons, rather it encourages the Storyteller to just use the stats of the most similar item provided. Not at all what I expected and I am very happy with it.



3. I was reluctant to get this supplement. My games are not combat heavy or combat focused, but this book does an excellent job of detailing any possibly weapon a player can use in the World of Darkness game. It is also usable in any WoD game such as Vampire the Requiem or Werewolf the Forsaken. It even covers combat merits and maneuvers for developing good cinematic action games. I am very glad to make this book an essential part of my gaming library.



4. Gives the user all up todate information on weapons and weapons and brawling. Features swords and guns alike.



5. The gun is said to be the great leveler. It doesn't matter how big or small you are, weak or strong, skilled or unskilled at fighting, a shotgun blast to the chest will take you down. Obviously, in a world of supernatural monsters, the humans are going to want a boatload of guns. Sometimes, though, you need something sharp to finish the job, and sometimes you have to fight with whatever you have on hand. And sometimes, you just REALLY have to blow something up. Nuke it from orbit; it's the only way to be sure.
   
   ARMORY is a supplement for the core line of White Wolf's World of Darkness. It's critical for mortals to have some kind of arsenal, but mages need kevlar vests as much as anybody and a werewolf might find an antique silver butter knife to be the most effective weapon against her opponent. ARMORY has all that and more.
   
   Also, it seems that every group has a gun nut, or a sword enthusiast, or someone who just plain knows how to brawl (I had an artilleryman, for example). They know a lot more than the ST about the equipment they specialize in and can overwhelm you with their technical knowledge. ARMORY at least keeps you informed about the difference between ACP, LR, and magnum ammo.
   
   I originally thought ARMORY would just be a list of equipment and how it modifies dice rolls. And how much stuff could there possibly be to describe? Well, ARMORY covers improvised weapons, guns of all kinds, heavy weapons and explosives, WMD's (chemical/biological/nuclear), vehicles, and equipment. And it doesn't just list weapons, it tells how to use them. This is really invaluable, and you will learn a lot about how firearms work, how bullets deal damage, what kind of nerve agents are out there, and how a kevlar vest protects you when it is nothing but tightly woven cloth. It is really quite fascinating (and a bit chilling) to read and really understand the myriad ways that human beings have for killing each other.
   
   ARMORY also includes new combat merits, including fighting styles. The "sniping" and "Spetsnaz knife fighting" styles are probably the most impressive.
   
   Overall, ARMORY is an amazing book and so much more than an equipment list. After reading ARMORY, you'll have a much deeper understanding of weapons and defenses, and knowledge is a powerful weapon in the World of Darkness. But a Magnum Research Desert Eagle is even more powerful.

5 comments about Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary (Wii): Prima Official Game Guide.

1. I haven't found this game guide all that useful. I was hoping it would give details on operating the controls during some of the more difficult tricks, but it doesn't. It just says stuff like "wall walk to the other side and jump backwards onto the ledge." I can figure that out on my own. My issue is getting her to do what I want when the camera angle changes in the middle. The game guide doesn't address these types of issues at all.
   
   If you are looking for help solving the puzzles this guide is fine. If you are looking for help managing the controls or looking for details about performing the various required stunts, this book won't help.



2. My 14 year old daughter was becoming frustrated with the game. Once she reviewed the book, the game quickly became her favorite.



3. This much needed guide explains alot but as with other reviewers found it lacking in the Lara control dept. The screen shots are really dark but then so is the game unless you lighten the graphics. It definately helps you through the game. Can't see doing without it.



4. Excellent guide for those who wish to find ALL of the hidden treasures, and of course the med-packs.



5. recieved quickly & in very good condition. Would do business with this
   company again.

5 comments about The Big Book of Stress Relief Games: Quick, Fun Activities for Feeling Better.

1. I agree with the previous reviewer that this book is too focused on therapy-type games instead of games that teach more practical skills. I teach stress management for a municipal government, and the games in this book (particularly the visualization and role-playing exercises) are definitely not oriented toward the needs of most workplace environments.



2. Personally, I think this book is easy to read and understand. The games presented in the book are unique and simple to apply. Many companys and businesses experience stress daily. Therefore, this book provides numerous ways to help relieve stress in the workplace. I strongly recommend this book.



3. This is a collection of activities and exercises that you can use during training or meetings (or even alone) to reduce stress and make you more relaxed. Some of the activities are quite good especially the breathing exercises and the visualizations. However, there are quite a few activities that are quite ridiculous as well as others that are just not possible at work or in the training room.

   For trainers, many activities are useful as icebreakers or as stress-reducers after a heated discussion. The reason I bought the book in the first place is because I could not find anything else in that category, so I guess there isn't really that much choice.




4. Don't know why this is here as I never purchased this item.



5. This is a great book for anyone who is in the counseling profession. Make your group/family counseling sessions a little more fun and get the dialogue flowing. - Good job Robert!

4 comments about The Puzzlemaster Presents, Volume 2: Will Shortz's Best Puzzles from NPR (Other).

1. I teach high school science and use these puzzles as warm-up activities to begin class. In addition to being fun, the puzzles increase my students vocabularies, improve their reasoning skills and just plain wake up their brains. Since the puzzles range from fairly basic to darn complicated, there's something for every level of student ability. I've used the puzzles from the first book (excellent, btw) for so long that I HAD to get this new book for the kids who are taking a second or third class from me. I have as much fun with these as my students do!



2. I really enjoy the Sunday Puzzle and it is much easier when Leann Hanson and Will Shortz are helping you. They are a fun and challenging diversion. Maybe I should eat more brain food...



3. Finally a book of varied puzzles to break the Sudoku addiction. If you make a point to listen to Will and Lianne on Sunday mornings, you have to get this collection of NPR on air challenges. Great fun while traveling.



4. Pass the time with some of Will Shortz's word puzzles. I have both volumes 1 and 2 of this, and they're the perfect books to throw in my bag if I know I'm going to be waiting a while anywhere.