1 comments about Audio for Games: Planning, Process, and Production (New Riders Games).

1. The author takes a pretty realistic & easy-to-understand approach to showing how audio works for games. A good "intro to game audio" book!

1 comments about Zelda: Wind Waker Player's Guide.

1. I give this Nintendo guide 4 stars only because it doesn't have an overworld fold-out map, which is customary to Zelda literature. ;)
   
   Anyhow, the guide is not completely clear or specific in a couple of locations and people always say: "The devil is in the details".
   Some details are not spelled out thoroughly and left me guessing a bit to find the solution to gameplay.
   Although I have experienced this same confusion in the past with other name brand guides as well ... It happens.
   
   What I do like about this guide is that it does include all pertinent info and screenshots to progress and master the game. It gives you all you need to enjoy the game, but doesn't spoil the adventure of it at the same time.
   I bought mine 12/12/06 for 20 bucks at a local gamers depot.
   
   How it compares to the Prima or Brady guide I have no idea, since I haven't seen their versions.
   Although having bought Prima guides in the past, I was happy with the info they had in them, but it seems they typically spoil more clues than an alzheimers patient playing Clue?.
   
   The thing that turned me away from the other two guides is the Ocarina of Time filler pages ... If I wanted a good OoT guide I would just buy one.
   I would rather have added pages filled with more spreads on the applicable game at hand: Wind Waker, but that's just me. ;)
   
   If I was to do over, I would buy this guide again.
   I can't give it 5 stars because I don't know how it compares to the other two guides available?
   Although I probably should since it meets all my criteria for a guide ... well, besides the lack of an overworld map. ;)

2 comments about Focus On Mod Programming in Quake III Arena (The Premier Press Game Development Series).

1. Don't let the size of this book fool you.
   ID put together an incredible program with Quake series,
   and this is THE book to read about it!
   Good Job.



2. The Book refers you to a web site for additional code; however, the web site does not contain any information about the book. This makes it difficult to follow the instruction.

4 comments about TIE Fighter: The Official Strategy Guide.

1. i, being a veteran of x-wing the game, think that this is an excelent guite to tie fighter. the game is better than x-wing because there are more ships and more shooting. the guide is the best cause i cheated with it



2. I bought this book after I had already beaten the game. I only bought it because I am a Star Wars collecter, I wouldn't normally have bought a game guide. I was reading through it, and to my surprise it was written basically in the form of a first person novel. I really enjoyed the fresh perspective of a civilian worker (Maarek Stele) on a Star Destroyer, and this book is well worth reading.



3. An excellent guide to an excellent game. Very detailed analysis of the mission strategy, craft data, weapons, tactics, aso. that may kill you (could have been a bit less though). An innovative idea that makes this book a bedside novel one is the short story that links each after action report (for each mission) to a plot with a lot of characters of acceptable depth, but narration and plot wise this short story lacks (as expected so this is not really a flaw). The problem here, again, is the damn colour. Please we need some, we are not colour blind. All pages in black and white is a bore to the eye for a STAR WARS epic game. It's the same mistake PRIMA did with other strategy guides of superb graphic space combat simulations (see my other reviews). All and all a very good book that guides only for the basic game (up to Campaign Seven), needs its supplyment (Balance of Power guide), offers bedside excitement and bores you to death with black and white pages (I'm not racist but...)



4. "We have seen the end of bad gaming, we will soon see the end of the rebellion." This game is a high strategy game with enough firepower to destroy a computer! Using digital sound and lighting, a 2-D and 3-D effect blend, and amazing controlled colors and handling, this has become one of the hottest games around.

5 comments about Game Programming Gems 3 (Game Programming Gems Series).

1. The Game Programming Gems books are fat and full of good ideas. Unfortunately, these ideas are only really useful to beginning programmers; anyone who has programmed seriously for more than two years will know 90% of the material in the book series.
   The remaining 10% of the book is remarkably good, with innovative ideas on how to approach problems. But Charles River Media decided to lengthen the book with such trivialities as how to use the C++ Standard Library and using Direct3D. Most of the material in the GPG series is covered better, and in more depth in other books which don't have the word "game" in their title.



2. I've noticed several scathing reviews from folks who admit in the review that they aren't even game programmers. Am I missing something? How in the world could this book be at all useful or interesting to someone who admittedly has no interest in programming games? Unbelievable.

   For anyone specifically interested in actually using this book to develop games, you're going to get your money's worth.




3. If you are a software developer this series should be somewhat mandatory reading. While the focus is on games much of the material should be common knowledge for software engineers. I did however like all of the book because it really shows that these authors are "in the trenches" so to say. For the seasoned developer it may be somewhat a waste of time but I would be surprised if everyone did not take something away from this book. The low level compiler examples for instance, using Lex and Yacc was pretty interesting but it left me wanting more and I ended up researching it on the Internet.
   
   The first two books seem to pack more for the punch.



4. It's a little high-level, but it contains many useful ideas and uses of different algorithms for game programming.



5. I got his book for my husband, who is a programmer, and this one is his favorite of the series. He refers to it on a regular basis, and he says it has saved him valuable time. The graphics sections are especially usefull. A handy reference book for any programmer.

No comments about Blade II Official Strategy Guide.

3 comments about Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner Official Strategy Guide.

1. This guide is probably the guide that most people will consider to be one of DoubleJumps worst. Not because it is bad, but because it is, well, different. We are all used to DoubleJump guides being small and crammed to the brink with detail. This one is distributed through Prima so it is a full sized guide and as far as the detail, there isn't nearly as much to include. Almost all other DoubleJump guides are for epic RPGs and Tactical RPGs, games where there is so much stats and details that they will be huge guides. Since Devil Summoner is an action RPG, there simply isn't nearly the same amount of things to include to create a huge guide. What this one does have though, is sufficient.
   
   The guide goes through the basics and the overviews of characters, controls, etc. Pretty much the norm. Then it takes a page out of Nocturne's guide for anyone familiar with it. They show the area maps from each chapter in one section and then the actual walkthrough breakdown in the next one. While some people have issues with this, it can actually be quite nice for those of us who don't want to pass up any items, but also don't want to be lead by hand through the game either.
   
   The walkthrough is pretty much the meat of the guide, nothing too amazing. There is a secrets section, but surprisingly, there really isn't much in the way of hidden things in the game. There are several subquests or side stories covered in the walkthrough, but the secrets section itself only contains three or four major things (some of which are only for second playthrough).
   
   Luckily the wonderful job that DoubleJump has always done on bestiaries, demon fusion and item/magic tables hasn't changed at all. Everything is all laid out clearly and is easy to understand. For some people this may be the most used section, just to find out the enemies weaknesses.
   
   Overall, the guide isn't anything special. For those of us used to DoubleJump's monster "bible" guides, this isn't it. There just simply isn't that much information to put into the guide in comparison to those of other games. What is in the guide though, is done very well and in a clear and concise fashion. It is a good guide, but definately not a necessity for the game.



2. I have never played a game like this. Not only do you solve crimes but you also get to fight with a sword and a gun, not to mention demons! You can capture demons to which after you can summon them into battle. You can also summon them to help you solve crimes effectively. I reccomend the stratagy guide because some parts I was stuck on for a bit, but also so you can get a heads up on extras and demons. Besides, what's a great game like Devil Summoner without a Stratagy Guide? They just go together.



3. Awesome guide and the service / delivery was great too.

5 comments about The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (Prima's Official Strategy Guide).

1. Finally, a book I actually like, in and out! Tolkien amazes me with his ability to imagine the diverse characters and places in The Lord of the Rings. This book portrays leadership, and the long enduring of good in an evil world. I am very pleased with the detail that Tolkien puts into the novel so that the reader can understand completely each situation. Tolkien writes the book so that the readers feel as if it could be real. It's an outstanding novel that teaches us that we need to bear our burdens and stick together so that good can prevail in a world of such turmoil.
   Tolkien has made me think a lot more about my characteristics and whether or not I would be able to bear the ring. Would I be able to withstandthe temptation of putting on the ring? Or using it's power for my own good? It's an outstanding concept. This book leaves you in anticipation for the next. The suspense of what is going to happen next is nerve-racking.
   Overall, I just enjoyed the material, and I feel that Tolkein is a very experienced writer. He knows how to captivate readers, and enthral their minds into the book.



2. This is a must have if you purchase the game. Now this is NOT the best game in the world. It is not advised to even purchase this game, it is slow... You'd be safer to go with the two towers. But if you do buy this game (probably for the same reason I did..which was it is LOTR and I just have to own it) this is the ideal companion for you. The beginning of the game is very very hard. It takes awhile to get around the Ringwraith riders, and when you finally do you go into another part of town where unless y ou know what you are doing you wont be able to find your way out. So dont expect the game to be simple, it isn't much fun, in fact it is quite aggrivating. But if you do buy the game you have to buy this so you actually know what you are doing, and not wandering around like a fool in the woods...as I was until I read some of this ;)



3. Lord of the Rings:
   The Fellowship of the Ring
   By J.R.R. Tolkien

   The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring is an action packed magical thriller. It keeps you on edge with every flip of the page.
   The book begins with the old Bilbo Baggins planning for his one hundredth and eleventh birthday. Half the Shire's been invited! It looks as though it'll be a night to remember. When Bilbo vanishes during his birthday speech, he leaves the crowd in awe. Seeing as how he is now leaving, for another adventure, and shan't be returning, he leaves his precious Bag End and all his possessions behind. His heir and second cousin one-removed, Frodo Baggins now has to carry the responsibility of taking the One Ring to Mordor to be destroyed.
   To get to Mordor, Frodo must leave his beloved Shire and travel through Old forests, empty plains, and rocky mountains. He soon reaches Rivendale, with the help of a strange Rider, Aragorn, and an elf named Arwin. From there, Frodo and his three faithful companions, Merry, Pippin, and Sam become part of the Fellowship of the Ring.
   To find out more, read the book!
   
   I found this book to be delightful at all hours of the day for all ages! I highly recommend it if you're looking for a great adventure with out even leaving your couch!




4. This is the first of the three books in the series The Lord of the Rings. In the beginning, a hobbit called Bilbo Baggins celebrates 111th birthday. He then disappears to go live with the Elves in a place called Rivendell, and leaves everything to his nephew, Frodo Baggins, including a mysterious and magical ring that he found long time ago. Frodo is advised by Gandalf to go to Rivendell, and to take the ring, and to never wear it. Gandalf fears that it might be the Ring of Power (the ring that belongs to the evil lord Sauron), so he goes to Rivendell where a council is met. Frodo agrees to take the ring to Mount Doom with the help of others this group form the Fellowship. As they go, they meet various encounters, and in the end of the book, Sauron's army fights the group and steals some of the Hobbits.
   I chose to read this book because I heard it was very popular. Also, I heard that the book was a fantasy book tied in with magic, battles, and a great quest. I liked reading it and I knew what was happening because I read the book The Hobbit. Then I decided to read the prologue. I also liked to read the book because it was full of adventure and danger.
   My favorite part was when Gandalf faced off the monster in the shadow of the mines of Moria. It started when the Fellowship began to make their way to Isengard. Gandalf decided to lead the group into a climb through the mountains. They noticed a large group of crows flying their way. Figuring that it was some of Sauron's spies, they tried to go through the ice caps of other mountains. Then Saruman the wizard tried to stop them. So they had no choice but to go through the mines of Moria where a monster lives. This is a fire-demon monster that lives. Gandalf tried to fight the monster but Gandalf and the monster fell and the Fellowship thought Gandalf died.



5. I haven't played many games of this type, but I'm a huge Tolkien fan so I decided to try the game. I have to be honest-I couldn't even get out of the Shire ( the first level) until I bought this guide! I ended up using it religiously along the way, because there were many sections where I wouldn't have had any idea what I was supposed to do otherwise. For instance, there's a section in Moria where, without the guide, I would *never* have figured out where I was supposed to go, even though I religiously explore every nook and cranny when playing these types of games.

   Once I bought the guide, it took me about a week to finish the game. Since then, I've decided to play it again, without referring to the guide, to see if I can make it all the way through by memory.

   The book is very comprehensive, and avoids using terms that the casual gamer wouldn't understand-it doesn't talk over your head, and it's very straight forward and easy to understand. The screen shots are helpful, so that you can see what sections of the game they're referring to.

   As a little added perk, this book, while showing you all of the ins and outs, still leaves a couple of tiny goodies out-not essential ones, just a couple little perks, so it still pays to explore as much as possible to see if you can find them. To me, that added to the fun, and I didn't feel like the book was doing *all* of the work for me. For instance, the book doesn't mention that, if you can find Gollum, you can get a little treat from him!

   I highly recommend this game guide; in fact, I'm off to the bookstore today to pick up Prima's game guide to another LOTR game!

5 comments about .hack Infection (Part 1) Official Strategy Guide.

1. Ok, for one thing I agree that you might not need a stradegy guide for it but if you like to use them like me I sugest this stradegy guide! But they could of added some stuf the guide is pretty short but the game is pretty short too expecially for what you had to pay for it before 50.00!!!!!!!!!! Also i very recomend FF10.



2. This guide isn't bad but it is missing some key info.
   
   1. Left out some item location. a few item locations were left out. While they are not that important, that shouldnt happen at all.
   
   2. Did not provide repsond for each character. Through out the game you can email you party member to gain GP. The proper respond allows you to gain extra points.
   
   3. Did not cover enough on the very important Monsieur and Grandpa sidequest.
   
   Other than that the guide has everything you would need about this game.



3. Being new to the .Hack series, I have found the guide extremly helpful in pointing out few tips and pointers to help you with the game.
   
   Anyone wanting to know Monster Stats, Item, Weapon and Trading Lists will not be disappointed, plus the excellent Grunty raising guide which provides you with High Level Weapons and Items very early on in the game!.
   
   Overall a very satisfying guide!
   Thank you, Doug Walsh.



4. This book was definitely helpful in a lot of ways. I did notice that there were some things that it did omit, but in a way that's a good thing. You can go through the game yourself this way and do a bit more exploring than the book goes through, so you can find things on your own. Over all this is a good buy.



5. this guide was everything I needed it for. The dungeon maps and the lists of the different items I could get and where and from what have come in handy many times as I have played the game. Also, my main goal for the first time i play the game is to get thru the story to unlock the movies and so on.... this guide has so far helped me to do just that....

2 comments about Diablo II: To Hell & Back (Dungeons & Dragons Accessory).

1. As an avid Diablo 2 fan I have anxiously awaited this new release in the Diablo storyline modules. The description of the product as covering the entire Diablo 2 game from Act One to Act Four merely wetted my appetite for more. Imagine my dissappointment to find a product containing poor guidelines for encounter levels, recycled artwork, pages of filler (repeated monster descriptions from Diablo 2: Diablerie,) and typos so obvious you would think that this was rushed into production and not seen by a proofreader. Any adventure whose pricetag is 50% higher than the price of the core books should be stunning in content and form, presented without errors, and be clear in the descriptions of game mechanics. I have only the highest praise for all the changes made to the new edition of the rules. The sliding exp scale, rewritten character classes, and the smoother combat all add to the enjoyment I and my players experience in our weekly sessions. The first Diablo adventure had us playing 8 hour marathon sessions each night for almost 2 weeks. Perhaps my expectations were too high for this product, but it is disappointing in falling short of the standards I have seen in other books recently. I am sure that any inconsistancies in the rules contained in the product will be brought up in a forum either on the web site or in Dragon Magazine, however nothing can take away from the flow of a session as greatly as a player stating "... but I read online that ..."



2. This book was poorly made, not worth your money. i don't know [who] wrote this but he really needs to go back to english classes. The book was not put in order. They just took the diablo II computer game and put it in a book without worrying about the rules of 3rd D&D.

   Do yourself a favor...Don't buy this book!