4 comments about Myst: Revised and Expanded Edition: The Official Strategy Guide (Prima's Secrets of the Games, Vol 1).

1. Thsi is the best book you could buy if you want to solve Myst and still enjoy it after. The first section gives vague hints and a complete walk-through of the game, pointing out the cool details of the game. The second part has a quick-guide for anyone who's in a hurry. The last part of the book contains an exclusive interview with the makers of Myst. Myst was a game ment to be enjoyed, not a puzzle ment to be conquered. All the other guides just tell you the facts, not really appreciating Myst for all it's beauty and glory. This is the ONLY way to go if you want to get your money's worth out of Myst.



2. Rick Barba and Rusel DeMaria have done a fantastic job of fictionalising all their game secrets in a long walk through of the Myst world without giving everything away! This book even has a quick guid for the impatient player. This book will save you from wasting precious moments in front of the screen!!



3. I.m pleased so far,except that the operation of the maze mystifies me! i can get only one sound(N) How to get thru' the maze when the tram stops at every station? Help DC



4. Best game there is for just fun and NO killing, just perhaps good clean fun for the whole family. Let one do the controls and another person read along in this book to make one enjoyable game for all to play. Enjoy, The Larghe's

3 comments about Destroy All Humans!(tm) Official Strategy Guide (Official Strategy Guides (Bradygames)).

1. This strategy guide is really not necessary to play Destroy All Humans. First, the game is simple and the missions are self-explanatory. And second, if you suck at finding the hidden items, buy this or you may die. Otherwise, don't buy it. Plain and simple.



2. After defeating the human race on my own, I purchased this book to seek out various DNA probes on the different levels. It turned out to be very helpful, and just kind of complete all the levels on a more thorough basis, as opposed to just beating the levels.
   
   I highly recommend this book, especially if you get stuck. Some of these levels are tough, and I encourage you to try to win on your own, but if you find it too tough, this book is a must, and it comes in handy when seeking out the DNA probes. This game rules!!! And this book rules too!!!



3. helpfull book, got me through a couple tough spots already, hard to find in the stores too!

5 comments about Sid Meier's Civilization III (Prima's Official Strategy Guide).

1. This guide is only for those people who don't know the difference between a spearman and a warrior, or for those who get eliminated while playing the Chieftain level, which isn't an easy feat.

   Otherwise, it does the job it's supposed to.




2. I bought this manual hoping to quickly get up to speed with the new game. I knew enough to play at the more basic levels but wanted tips on how to improve my playing level. What I found in this book was a nicely complete instruction manual, and very little in the way of strategies, tips, etc.

   While I did read the book cover to cover and learned a few rules and features that I was unaware of beforehand, it did little to improve my level of play. This is a very complex game, and knowing a few basic tips/tricks can be immensely helpful. Most of the tricks I've learned came from extensive playing (it's easy to get [pulled] into this game) and message boards online - Yahoo groups, civfanatics, etc.

   If you have money to burn and want a comprehensive instruction manual buy this book. If you are looking to improve your level of play, you won't find it here.




3. Gives you a lot of information in tables and charts. Well orgainzed and easy to reference. Has some helpful hints and clues to make the game easier to learn. It is NOT going to help you WIN. You have to think and reason on your own to accomplish this on your own ability. Use the brain GOD gave you and say thanks. Great Game and Great Information Book.



4. This a great book that improves your skills. It is great for skimming through or evening reading cover to cover. Great addition for Civilization fans!



5. I use this along with Civ 3 Complete Edition. I have about 25 hours of playing time so far, during which I spent a lot of time with the standard manual. The Ellis/Prima manual has a lot of tables that I find more useful than the tables in the standard manual. Tips that appear in the sidebar are also useful and non-trivial. The index is more intuitive than that in the standard manual. PLUS this book covers the game editor; I wasn't even able to FIND the game editor before, and I had looked hard. This was definitely worth the money ($4 plus shipping) but I suspect that the 2001 copyright date means that it came out before the expansion packs; therefore I am ordering the 2002 manual that includes Play the World etc. Recommended -- but the 2002 manual may be even better. Ellis is good.

No comments about 3ds Max Modeling for Games: Insider's Guide to Game Character, Vehicle, and Environment Modeling.

5 comments about Dragon Rising: A Battletech Novel (Mechwarrior: Dark Age, #24).

1. Where to begin?
   
   Where I did like Daughter of the Dragon, this book is confusing and just takes off in too many directions, not unlike Wolf Hunters. When We last left Katana Tormark, she was given the task of retaking the Dieron District...well...it sort of happens in the last 20 pages, and she disappears for at least a third of the book. This novel should have been sent back to the editors for rewrites and trimming, long before it reached us.
   
   Hopefully the next installment will be better.



2. I wanted to like this book. I read the other reviews, and hoped they'd be wrong. Well, I was disappointed. I hate to criticize a writer because I have zero talent for writing myself, but this book was hard to finish. Other than advancing the universe storyline slightly, it wasn't worth reading. Save yourself some money. *SPOILER* All you need to know is that the ruling branch of the Kurita family is all but exterminated. Yori is now Cooridinator. Tormak did "take" Dierion, but basically b/c the Republic abandoned it. They also left a trap for her forces that destroyed a large portion of them. The serial killer, who was the Bounty Hunter, is now part of Tormak's inner circle. There you go. That sums things up. I hope her next book is better.



3. This is Ilsa Bick's third attempt to successfully write a BattleTech/MechWarrior novel, and I use the word attempt intentionally. Her first attempt was barely BattleTech/MechWarrior, and her second might as well not have been at all. This story at least ties back into the BattleTech/MechWarrior universe and main story somewhat, but carries on a tradition of a very different kind of novel than we are used to. Not much battle, and not much tech, not many mechs, and the warriors that are featured are overly concerned with murder, intrigue, and homoeroticism. I didn't have much hope going into this novel, but I bought it to keep the set going, and I was pretty unsurprised at the result.



4. Every time I see an upcoming Mechwarrior book by Ms. Bick, I wince. I really want to know who at Wizkids this woman is related to, as there is no way she was hired based on talent!



5. I sincerely hope they won't give author Ilsa J. Bick another attempt to write a Mechwarrior story. Gore, gore and more gore in detail. Whole pages of detailed mutilation, serial killer wet dreams, ... on the other hand author kills off most powerfull people in universe with a single sentence, like it would be that easy. Naive and boring story. Spend 3 moths to read it, couldn't read more than a couple pages at once.
   
   I won't buy another Mechwarrior book written by this author. If I wanted to read naive gore horror novel, I wouldn't search for it in Mechwarrior series.

1 comments about Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin Official Strategy Guide.

1. Castlevania Portrait of Ruin is a pretty large game. While the overall game itself is pretty easy to figure out, it's pretty easy to miss all those easter eggs and complete all those quests without some help. Well, the help is here and it actually works out fairly well. For the most part you'll get the information you need.
   
   The Guide begins with character introductions and then goes into the game basics section. Castlevania Portrait of Ruin is by no means a hard game to get a hold of, however, there are some pretty good tips here that beginners may not very well know. Experts and those who go on Speed Runs through Castlevania games probably won't need most of these tips however. Also, any Castlevania veteran who knows what to expect shouldn't need this section either. But if you're a beginner it's there just because. However, in this section the guide gives up the goods on a glitch in the game when completing Wind's quest. There's never been an easier way to get money, or more than one of a specific item.
   
   The walkthrough, the meat of all strategy guides, is what really counts in this guide other than the quests sections. Each section begins with a pretty basic map that shows you where all the itmes are locaated with numbered black dots. Numbered red dots represent objectives that need to be completed, and you can read about these points in the walkthrough, and they're pretty basic. Best of all the guide gets to the point. Also, on each map here, BradyGAMES has illustrated the path you should take to get through most places. Just following this straight-forward path doesn't net you every item or even uncover all of the in-game map, however.
   
   The maps are pretty much taken straight from the game, but they're good enough for you to navigate by. They also point out the location of portraits, save rooms and warp rooms.
   
   In each section of the walkthrough they also have a list of enemies that populate an area. Here you'll find HP listings, weaknesses, experience and so forth. This lowers the amount of page flipping by a considerable amount. More than likely, however, you won't need to refer back to this portion of each section too much.
   
   Boss strategies are surprisingly detailed. They give you some pretty helpful tips. I've always been an advocate for using your own strategies, but here these boss strategies not only help, but you get you through some boss fights with little or no damage at all. Considering how much of a challenge these boss fights can be, taking no damage sounds like a plan.
   
   The walkthrough gets you through the game with ease. There's not much left for you to figure out on your own. You've got puzzle solutions, boss strategies, enemy listings... all at your disposal. The game itself isn't too hard to figure out as it is, but with this leg up you'll conquer what you need to conquer. If you're lost, the guide will help you out quite a bit. Stuck at a boss? The strategies here help. In other words, this is exactly what a guide should be. There are also no spoilers, or catching you up on what needs to be done. This guide doesn't waste time. The walkthrough is fast and simple. The only real problem with the walkthrough is that there a couple of blurry or pixaled screenshots, but this is hardly a problem. You can still visually learn from them.
   
   After the walkthrough you'll get into all those secrets. Here the guide goes into the optional endings, New Game+, Hard Mode, Stella and Loretta Mode, Richter and Maria mode and other extras like Boss Rush Mode. There's no walkthrough for the different modes, but if Portrait of Ruin is like previous Castlevania games, you shouldn't need a full blown walkthrough for these extra character modes simply because the maps and such don't change. Therefore I can't really hold that against the guide.
   
   After all the secrets we get into the other part of the guide that's really good. The Quests which Wind sends you on. While the quests are indeed called out in the walkthrough, this little section in the back reduces page flipping. Here you'll get all you need to complete a quest. More than likely you'll need help with some of these quests, given that Wind's explanations are rather vague at times. This guide will help you get through each and every quest. Also, like I said, they give you a neat little trick that lets you duplicate the rewards that Wind gives you (but remember, that is found in the game basics section, not the quests or secrets section).
   
   After all the quests we get into the appencdices with weapon, armor, sub weapons etc. All this stuff is pretty standard for just about any guide. The descriptions are pretty helpful as well. Not only that but it tells you where to find them. So if you're missing a sub weapon and don't know where to find it and you don't want to flip all through the walkthrough, you can just as easily flip to the sub weapon appendix and it'll tell you where to find it. Again, the guide is very easy to use.
   
   Finally there't he bestiary. Which basically tells you all the monster stats that were presented to you in the walkthrough. There's a little more detail here, and for the bosses they'll repeat strategies, but for the most part, it's just an extension of the enemy stats already listed in the walkthrough. You more than likely won't need to use this, but again, like the game basics, it's there for those who might potentially need it.
   
   Is there really anything wrong with this guide? Well, there are not that many perfect guides out there, and this is no exception. There's nothing mentioned about co-op play at all. It's hard to judge whether or not this is a big problem. They do cover boss rush mode and the rewards granted for it, but it seems like a no brainer that a guide would cover EVERYTHING about the game. There's not even a mention of co-op mode. Still, for what it's worth, you get everything you need from this guide concerning the single player experience. If you're stuck, I guarantee this guide will help you out.

3 comments about Icewind Dale 2 (Prima's Official Strategy Guide).

1. Prima is usually the standard when it comes to strategy guides. They are pretty reknown for their in-depth walkthroughs and attention to detail, but with Icewind Dale 2, they fell somewhat short of my expectations.

   The guide has the "essential" information; they detail the new 3rd Edition D&D rules, providing a small glossary of 3E terms (Hit points, Armor Class, etc.) lists the new skills, feats and races, including all the benefits and disadvantages of each. The Character descriptions are nicely detailed, describing their individual abilities and disadvantages and their roles and recommended positions in combat. A monster list is available with a description of each, and they give an outline of the spells with their respective icons in the game. Additional spell lists are found in the appendix, listing individual class spells separately. Prima also gives a "few guidelines" for building your own party. Helpful notes and tips appear in rounded boxes throughout the book which give necessary information that you might not spot immediately in the book text, and it provides a decent walkthrough. The maps of the areas are impressively crisp and clear versus previous Prima strategy guides; you won't have to squint to see them. For black and white reproductions, most are surprisingly easy on the eyes.

   Unfortunately, the book is not quite thorough. Are they going to produce another Icewind Dale 2 guide with complete information and charge everyone for it a second time? You will find a list of BASIC weapon stats and BASIC Armor and Shield "Data" all on one page, but a COMPLETE list of items, magic or otherwise is absent. In addition, the guide states that all major/minor quests are detailed but not every "experience point opportunity". This may have been implemented for those who wanted to find everything on their own. I would have loved the guide to list a few sample parties; that's the first place I turn to. Veteran gamers like me may not need that info but it's a must have for people new to the game. If you are expecting this book to have everything, you will be disappointed. Prima did do an okay job on this book, but I expected better from them; if they are the only company producing an IWD2 strategy guide, fans looking for additional info will have to look elsewhere.




2. The consists mainly of a walkthrough. The do have maps and nice little helpful hint boxes. That portion of the book is done well and I have no complaints there, but what I can't understand is not having a list of items or breaking down the spells by class and by level (something sorely needed in the manual). If you just want a walkthrough, then this guide will serve, but if you want a complete guide, you will be disappointed.



3. This Guide is about all it does. Get's you through the basics. To bad they didn't let VersusBooks do this one. Their treatment of Baldur's Gate II & the Expansion was perfect (except for the printing errors, which they graciously correctly and provide a replacement at no charge for those of us with an early edition) All the really good stuff you buy a guide for is completely left out (What the loot is where to get it) and although you don't always want to use them. The inclusion of the cheats codes is a nice bonus VersusBooks gives us for BG:II but prima LEAVES OUT for ID:II. But since this is all there is I guess you have to buy it. I hope Bioware and BlackIsle will use Versus in the future as prima's guides are weak.

4 comments about The Book of Games Volume 1: The Ultimate Guide to PC and Video Games (Book of Games series).

1. Based on the reviews in the book, I just found a game that is perfect for mye nephew. I'm looking forward to Volume 2



2. This book reads more like a catalog than I expected. I was hoping for a comprehensive history and documentation of video games, but instead, it feels like the same information you get from a video game review website.



3. I found this to be a really good book! Its got some really nice editorials, which most reviewers dont give to much credit for. Most of them open the book and say "Oh, its just a catalog" but if you look and read through, it has some articles about the future of gaming and research on gaming. And a quick look at video game heros.
   
   The book, has a list over major tittles of 2006, which in its self is really good, because it gives you an idea of what games you might like, if you liked a specific tittle.
   
   And Volume 2 Will be more in-depth then the first, and they are going to make a nostalgia one too! Which im looking forward too!
   
   This book is a really nice guide to parents and alike, as it gives you insite to what games are good for your children ect.



4. It has no metal gear games what so ever!!! No PS 1 no PS 2 no PSP no PS 3 no nothing!!!! And I wonder, why??? It is the greatest game ever!!!! The author is bias, he doesn't like metal gear or something...
   And the book doesn't go into an "in depth" history of video games...
   It is an ok book but I can manage without it, I have an internet connection...
   
   The M.K.M.

2 comments about Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (Prima Official Game Guide).

1. I used Prima's guide for Ghost Recon: Island Thunder and found it an invaluable resource in getting through the tough spots of that game. So naturally when I picked up Advanced Warfighter for Xbox, I got the Prima guide too.
   
   What a disappointment. There is absolutely no useful information contained in this book to help you get through the game. None. How the authors manage to ramble on and on for dozens of pages with dozens of pretty screen shots and tell you nothing useful is beyond me.
   
   Of course, I can only speak confidently of my experience with the Xbox portions of this guide. Maybe if you have an Xbox 360, that portion of the guide actually is helpful (that wouldn't surprise me). My recommendation for Xbox players is to enjoy GRAW (it's awesome) but don't bother with the guide. Xbox 360 players, judge for yourselves.



2. gave me the edge to beat the game but could have had a lot more info.

3 comments about .hack Part 2: Mutation Official Strategy Guide.

1. This guide is horrible! Okay, the walkthrough is decent, but who needs a walkthrough for this game? Seriously... this game is very straightforward. The best reason to get a guide for it is for weapon, item, and monster lists. This book is very incomplete. While there are at least a hundred new weapons and pieces of armor, this book only lists about fifteen. The monster lists are also very bad, many monsters are missing, and for the ones that ARE listed, the items they drop are not. Bradygames posted updated weapon/armor lists on their website, but they are still missing all of the rare weapons in the game as well as the monster info. A very rushed book, not worth your cash. You're better off just finding a FAQ online.



2. Given that .hack//MUTATION is a fairly linear game of only moderate complexity, writing a strategy guide must be a special challenge. Many publishers would give into the temptation to fill the guide with great numbers of screen shots and side stories in an effort to make a collectors item out of what would otherwise be a thin effort. For some reason, BradyGames rarely gives into that temptation, and this guide is a classic example of providing all the needed information without burying it in glitz.

   They provide a straightforward and complete walkthrough, plenty of information on side quests, and all the usual weapon and monster details. Maps are provided where needed, and, yes, there still is room for plenty of screen shots. They are especially good at detailing the moves necessary to deal with the game's deadly bosses. And grunty races as well - although nothing could save me from my inept reflexes.

   I am not sure if a guide is necessary for playing .hack//MUTATION, but if you like them as I do, you will find that this guide delivers everything it should in useful form. There are two more of these still to come in the series though, so you may want to wait until you are legitimately stumped.




3. I have not recieved this product yet, therefore I cannot review it yet.