5 comments about How to Do Everything with Your Dell Axim Handheld, Second Edition (How to Do Everything).

1. This book does not offer what I was looking for, namely some in-depth information on the Axim PDA. There is a lengthy chapter devoted to the stupid games you can play on this device. But I was hoping to learn how (if at all possible) you can create a shortcut to rotate the display. Or how to always have Word and Excel start up at a predefined zoom level. Instead the book tells you how to play BallBreaker.



2. Without more detailed information about the operating system and its methods, this book is a useless waste of time. I threw it in the trash after 15 minutes.



3. xim Handheld Second Edition. I thought it was a hardcopy of the Axim X51V manual that dell no longer offers so I ordered it form amazon. Well, this Second Edition was not really a manual but a hard copy of what the Axim X51V can do. It is a very nice book but since the Axim is very new to me I needed a manual of everything I could do with the axim including on how to accurately work the wireless capability. I enjoyed reading this handheld second edition and it did help me a lot in understanding the axim. But, of course it was not a true manual that is very murch needed but not offered anymore by dell because people would loose their manuals and want replacement manuals that are probably expensive to reproduce since the manual would be so large. In closing I do believe as the Dell Axim Handheld Second Edition book goes it is very nice but still it does not in detail train a person in "How to Do Everything" like a Axim X51v manual would do it you could still buy one. Sincerely Yours, Robert J Miguez



4. Not a bad book but the Axim is pretty self explanatory without it. It may come in handy if you want to use yours for a GPS or want to add something cool to the CF slot like a camera. Other than that, I probably could have learned just as much surfing the Web for other users.



5. This book was very informative and helpful and I would recommend it to others who have handhelds and don't know its full potential. I am not very "follow the directions" literate but the book was easy to follow and step by step for the dummies in all of us!

No comments about Game Development Essentials: Online Game Development.

5 comments about Sims 2: Seasons: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides).

1. SEASONS ARE FUN FOR SIMS. THEY GET TO GROW A GARDEN. THEY CAN PLAY IN LEAVES AND RAKE LEAVES AND THEN BURN THE LEAVES. THEY CAN PLAY IN THE SNOW IN WINTER TIME. THEY CAN MAKE SNOW ANGELS, BUILD SNOWMEN, HAVE SNOWBALL FIGHTS, OR ICE SKATING AT THE SKATING RINK. THEY GET TO BE RAINED ON TOO. DON'T KEEP YOUR SIM OUT IN THE COLD FOR TOO LONG OR THEY WILL GET SICK AND THEN THEY WILL HAVE TO SLEEP UNTIL THEY GET BETTER. THIS IS A LOT OF FUN!



2. I've had limited time to play since installing this latest expansion pack to The Sims 2, but when I've played, I've really enjoyed the new features, careers, activities, etc. The added game content is well worth the price of this expansion! If you enjoy The Sims 2, you will definitely enjoy this expansion!



3. This guide was very helpful in that it gave insight to a great deal of new things the Seasons Expansion Pack had to offer. Without the guide it would have taken me some time to find and utilize these new features. Knowing about the new features and how they work made gameplay much more interesting. The guide has a great layout for finding things.



4. I have been a fan of the Sims since the very beginning and own every expansion but this is the best for the Sims 2. The changing of the seasons really brings reality to the game which is what we Sims fans really want. It feels so much more real to see it snowing or raining. I also love the gardening aspect of the game. You need to really tend to things to get your gardening skills to grow and it's alot of fun. I have all the original Sims games and expansions and also everything for Sims 2 but if I had to suggest only one expansion to get it would be this one. It is definitely the best so far.



5. I live in a climate where the season change so I was happy to see my Sims season change too. I love that you can set your own season; so if you want it to snow all the time you can set that. I love the little add-ons like the sun burn or turning blue if your outside for too long. The details are what makes this game/expansion pack enjoyable.
   
   I'm having a hard time with getting my trees to produce fruit though...

5 comments about Game Programming With Python (Game Development Series).

1. When I buy a book with source code I first run the examples and then I start reading, so I followed all the installation steps and every single example worked nicely so. The book is clear, concise, fun tu read and I do recommend it fully. If you are serious about writing your own online game and learning Python, get this one. It 's worth the money.



2. I know Python pretty well and I find that it is often an excellent way to quickly explore new programming concepts. Python is so powerful that you can quickly get a feel for the subject by coding a bit. At work, you may have to use a different language, but at least you will know the subject. That's how I got to understand XML and unit testing for example. A good book always helps the process though.
   
   As a newbie to games, I found this book to be an excellent introduction to game coding. It basically walks you through the material you need to create simple 2D real time games on OpenGL, including how to code simple multiplayer games (using Twisted for the networking). It does an excellent job of demystifying basic game concepts and makes me think that I could write a simple game myself, given sufficient time.
   
   The code samples, which I mostly did not run though, are well-crafted and minimalist - just enough to get the job done and no more. This is very clean and expressive code where every line serves a purpose.
   
   I am more interested by turn-by-turn web-based 2D games, so I am currently not using the book all that much. However, once I have figured out my user interface, I will surely return to it to learn how to manage game objects, persistence, game states, and the like.
   
   One caveat, and not a big one. As another reviewer stated, the book excels at showing how to develop modular code by gradually building libraries of reusable code that you can use for a number of games. The author pulls off the trick of doing that in a Python-sensible manner, without adding the overhead that Java/C++ would require, but that Python doesn't.
   
   However, the resulting code, while extremely well thought out, easy to describe, and modular, is distributed though multiple classes in numerous files . This makes it somewhat hard to just start hacking his code. I quickly got lost while trying to modify the network protocol he used for the sample tic-tac-toe application.
   
   In other words, while his code structure is very appropriate to a serious production system, I feel that it is a bit too complex for me to use as a starting point. Monolithic code has many drawbacks but can provide an easier _initial_ learning curve.



3. I recently picked this book from my shelf as a my new bathroom material and was surprised what I was thinking two years ago.
   
   The book is outstanding not only in demonstrating python's real power but supprisingly also in game programming. You need a bit of (may a lot of) object-oriented background to really appreciate this book. The skeleton of game concept is very precise and clear once the "high-level" language applied (or outlined).
   
   I give it 5 star, the only problem with this book is sometimes the variable name is misleading (ex. category part), but probably that's just me.



4. Game Programming With Python is not for beginners. I will say that up front. There are many advanced topic that seasoned pros and up and coming programmers will enjoy -- procecedural content, a* path-finding, asynchronous game servers. These are not for the faint-of-heart, but they are exceptional topics for game programming. Having done an a*star path finding implementation back in my brief time as a game programmer, I can appreciate his work.
   
   A lot of the examples and example code are written in Python and written to a Python graphics library, so they may not be pertinent to your development environment. However, some of the topics presented are very applicable to game design, especially some of the advanced topics.
   
   Personally, I liked the book. When I browse books at my neighbor book store, I usually flip to the back to find the interesting things. I skip the Chapter 1 "What is XML" stuff, and head to the juicy stuff in the back. Not so with this book. All of it is juicy geeky techy stuff.



5. First, a warning about my review style: I tend to focus heavily on negative things. That's probably because negative things are easier and more fun to write about. So while this review may have a mostly negative tone, do note that I don't hate this book... I just think it has a lot of room for improvement.
   
   A few years ago I happened to be writing a game in Python when I came across this book at the bookstore. I was already familiar with both Python and game development, but I was uncertain of a few details at the time, and I liked what I saw on a cursory flip-through, so I decided to take it home. A few years later, I am again attempting to write a (different) game in Python, and this book came to mind, so here I am writing this review.
   
   Sadly, some of the information in the book was already out of date when it was published. Python 2.3 was released in July 2003 (this book was released sometime in 2004), and yet this book seems to be written for Python 2.1, which was released in 2001. The language changed a lot within that time, though not so much as to make the code completely obsolete. The book does not take advantage of "new-style" classes introduced in Python 2.2. If the author didn't want to complicate the issue by distinguishing between old-style and new-style classes, he should have used only new-style classes, not old-style. All you have to do to make a class new-style is derive it from the "object" class; the author needed to devote only a few words to the subject. There's no discussion about the semantics of division, which was already in flux: if you put "from __future__ import division" at the top of your module, the expression 1/2 returns a float (0.5); otherwise it returns an integer (0). The new semantics should be taught because that is what future versions of Python are going to use by default.
   
   The most blatant example of the author's ignorance is his recommendation that you download PyUnit. There's no need to because PyUnit has been included with Python since version 2.1! (Again, version 2.1 was released several years before the book was.) The only thing you get by downloading it is an old and obsolete version. To be fair, though, PyUnit's website needs to make it clear right up front that it's bundled with Python 2.1 and you only need to download it if you're using an old version of Python.
   
   The worst thing has been noted by several other reviewers: the heavy dependence upon PyUI, a library created by the author that was never even finished. Although it has been put on sourceforge, nobody has been maintaining it. It would probably be best not to even bother with learning how to use it, because you'll have trouble getting it to work and nobody else uses it. Its only value is that it'll help you follow the book's examples. If you need a GUI for your game, there are others you can find at the pygame website, such as pgu or OcempGUI, both of which are currently maintained.
   
   However, this is not all as bad as it sounds. A lot of the advice is still good, and if you keep learning about Python, you'll figure out how to work around this book's deficiencies. Unfortunately, this book is geared towards Python newbies, who shouldn't be expected to know how to do that. The code seems to be reasonably-written, it's just out of date. The sad thing is, if this book had been released a few years prior, and it didn't depend on a library that nobody uses or maintains, it'd probably be perfect. As it is, it was out of date even when published, and is only more so now.
   
   Most of the good things in the book, such as the chapter on procedural content generation, don't seem to have much to do with Python itself, but rather are good concepts that happen to use Python for the examples. I think the book does have things to teach. But if you're a Python newbie, you'd do well to get another book about Python if you want to use the language as it is now, and not as it was six or seven years ago. Or, if you're an experienced programmer, you could do what I did and "pick it up" using the official tutorials and documentation, which are freely browsable and downloadable online.
   
   On the positive side, the book especially deserves kudos for the idea in the first place. Although I had the idea of writing a game in Python before knowing about this book, the idea may not strike others so readily, especially if they haven't heard of Python. Too many books either start you with writing in C or C++, or else writing in some toy language such as some variant of BASIC that nobody uses. Python is as easy to use as the BASIC dialects, but as powerful as C++. It's just not as fast as C++ -- an obstacle that can still be tackled when you're ready for it. It's a language with a great variety of uses and an established user base, so it'll have use for many things beyond game development, while still being reasonably suited for that task. What more could you ask for?
   
   In summary: the book was great idea, but the execution leaves some to be desired.

No comments about Golden Axe: Beast Rider Official Strategy Guide.

5 comments about Prince of Persia(R): Warrior Within Official Strategy Guide (Official Strategy Guides (Bradygames)).

1. I have been using Prima strategy guides for years now. They are quite frankly simply the best. They are easy to read and follow. I like to use them only if I get in a jam and have no idea how to get around it! POP: Warrior Within is a fun excellent game, and I would reccomend it to anybody.



2. This book has gotten me through some confusing situations in the game. My feeling of accomplishment doesn't come from figuring out how to do something - it comes from actually being able to do it! One of the frustrations I have is that the guide is written so that it's not specific to a system, so you have to know the generic names of the control buttons. This is not a criticism of the product, just a fact when a game can be played on different delivery systems. I would like some of the pictures to be larger and clearer - I need the visual aids to help me along. Overall, without this book, I would have been stuck early in the game and stopped playing.



3. Though I purchased this strategy guide, I haven't yet utilized it. My process for purchasing any game or guide is subscribing to game magazines and reading the reviews for the game. Also, if I can get a demo for the game this helps a great deal in getting a feel for it--(control scheme). Purchasing a guide is helpful only if I get stuck in the game. Its more economical than calling a help/support/cheat number. I do hope this is a valid review and is useful to whomever reads it.



4. this is a great tutorial for those seeking extra help in this game riddled with puzzles. it requires careful reading here and there though it is overall a great help.



5. Item was recieved in a timely fashion. The book is very detailed and has helped me get through some of the tougher mazes, and traps. Easy to read and follow.

5 comments about The Game Artist's Guide to Maya.

1. this book is really helpful to those advanced or noobs in maya(im the noob) and the instructions are very detailed, 10/10!!!



2. I've read the book through and I have to say it certainly hit its demographic; those who wish to extend their basic Maya skills to game art in all aspects (up to and including tips on simply getting a job as a game artist) should buy this book. If you're attempting to learn Maya or 3D altogether than you might as well pass on this book.
   
   About the only point lacking in this book is its narrow scope -- no mention of particle effects not directly associated with the model, no mention of Sub-D modelling, etc. That critique mentioned, he had a topic to cover -- and what was on topic was covered thoroughly.
   
   If you wish to pick up a book about learning to develop game art with polycount a concern, specifically modelling humanoid creatures, this book is for you -- and as a bonus you'll learn to have a respectible reel to demonstrate your added talents. If you don't know Maya, take that first step first -- then pick up this book, its a fairly light load (1-2 days read) so the benefits won't take too much time out of your day.
   
   Rated 4 out of 5.
   
   Pros:
   
   >It is very detailed in its explainations (with illustrations)
   >Sidebar interviews and profiles act as built-in study-breaks making you not need to stop reading
   >The narrow demographic gives the reader exactly what he wishes without confusing him with stuff he either knows or doesn't care about knowing.
   >Inside knowledge of the game industry is shared, including reel making.
   
   Cons:
   
   >Again, narrow demographic may have this book in the hands of many who it doesn't belong. Know what you buy.



3. Very comprehensive book on character animation.
   McKinley explains every step of the character development and its animation.
   Could do a bit more on animation itself. He doesn't talk about environment either.



4. Reading the reviews for this book I knew that it would not be an easy ride but this book is just poorly written.
   
   I have been using 3d programs for over 7 years and decided to buy this book to better learn maya and gain an understanding of games characters.
   
   Its teaches very little because as you do the tutorials you start to realize he often uses different methods to what he instructs you too do. Often the book skips big areas and even maya features with vague sentences that explain nothing
   
   Saying all this I have still picked up a few valuable tips from this book and as much as it could be improved I still don't think it was a waste of money but a revision is desperately needed. This book with a little extra work could easily be indispensable.



5. I think is an awesome book, it has taught me a lot about polygons in a game character for design purposes, over all great find and loved it! This book has helped me with my game design class in College. Creating games, and having fun now! Thanks Loved It!

No comments about Left 4 Dead: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides).

5 comments about Rogue Galaxy (DoubleJump Official Game Guide).

1. This being about the eight millionth Strategy Guide I've used, it suddenly occured to me that I should be a bit more methodical about reviewing them. After all, no one reads a Strategy Guide from cover to cover. Instead, they glance at it a bit and then start playing. It's not until you run into a tricky situation that you will grab for the guide. At that point organization and access to information are critical.
   
   Take this guide. The walkthrough is actually only about a third of the book. It is terse, but sufficient. The maps are a bit crude but adequate for the most part. The weakness is in access to information. Don't get me wrong, the information is there, and mostly accurate. But it is arranged so that you may have to visit several different charts to piece together the answer to a question. This is irritating when what you are trying to do is accumulate enough kills to meet a particular monster quota or create a better weapon from those currently available.
   
   Another key question is whether the guide actually enhances the game. This can be important, especially in this day and age where sidequests and special contests are squirrelled away so that the average player armed with the usual skinny game manual will miss them, even after several plays. This quide comes through here, providing information that will nearly double play time. Rogue Galaxy is a game with a wealth of extras in it and the guide will get you to them.
   
   Oddly enough the big extra in this Strategy Guide is that it actually devotes some time to strategy. Rogue Galaxy can be played several ways, everything from hack and slash, run for the conclusion to my style that compulsively seeks to work through every nook of the game code. The guide takes the time to cover these options in a game where overall goals will effect game play.
   
   So this guide could have been better, but is good enough to significantly improve the game experience. There are a couple of errors, as another reviewer has noted, but nothing fatal. In other words, if you follow the Guide you will win the game and enjoy doing so.



2. This guide is full of tips and hints on the gameplay. Most of the information is quite detailed and very useful. However, the Factory diagrams are a bit confusing and the Frog Log is a bit overwhelming. But overall, the guide does a good job of leading you through the game for a thorough gaming experience.



3. This is a very thourogh guide that covers everything in the game. It even covers all the new features only found in the american release of the game. If you appreciate a guide that can help you find absolutely everything there is to find in a game then this is the guide you need.



4. The Guide is informative, if nothing else, it can help in a few key spot's, though, like many official guides, tends to miss out on varying strategies for bosses or dungeon's.
   
   I only wish picture's included were more informative than most guides provide.
   
   Another thing I would like to see recommended more often is included levels/skills and thing's, which, this guide has though it does not go in too deep as to why they are so useful.
   
   And another, mayhaps it is better suited as a strategy if the writer's went through the game at lower levels, giving challenge to each strategy and thusly really giving meat to the guide.
   
   Still, it is a great guide for what it is and very helpful when needed.



5. As a Doublejump strategy guide you expect the best walkthroughs and the most in depth charts and guides and maybe some extras (artwork, interviews etc.) and you get that for the most part. At almost 400 pages (with only about 100 dedicated to the walkthrough)this guide is huge and the best part about it is that all of the pages include pertinent and relevant information, absolutely no fluff and the charts are colorful, easy to read and in the case of the weapon fusion guide fun to wade through. The walkthrough is spoiler free and the maps are large and each item is clearly marked. The layout on each page is very colorful with beautiful artwork throughout and the design of the sections (a general layout of the game, the walkthrough, optional quests, sidequests and weapon, monster and items charts at the end) allows you to stay the course and at the same time jump the gun if you want to do that. However there are two major flaws with the guide:
   
   1. The weapon fusion/optimal weapon chart is not always correct (you'll have to go online to find the correct ones, try Gamefaqs). Early in the game this is a big annoyance because it makes it difficult to get the desired weapon, later on as you get the more powerful weapons it won't matter as much because all the different combinations of fusing eventually lead to a single powerful weapon.
   
   2. The other big flaw in the game is the factory chart is printed in reverse! From a top down view all of the northern parts should be on the south and vice-versa. I was banging my head against the wall trying to figure out why my factory wouldn't work till I finally solved the problem.
   
   If you can overlook those two problems then get this guide. For a game as deep as this one is the strategy guide is a necessity for anyone RPGer who is a completist.

5 comments about The Sims 2: Nightlife (Prima Official Game Guide).

1. I hoped for more information about the game in general and less images of new products or objects from the game. There were not enough tricks and tricks included to make it worth the price.



2. I've avoided purchasing Prima's other strategy guides for the Sims expansions because Prima has a habit of devoting half of their guides to the base game and the rest to the expansion pack. In the guide for Nightlife however they've improved. More than half of the guide is devoted to Nightlife: new socials, new characters, new relationships, new objects..etc. There's still information on the base game which could have been left out however overall I do recommend the guide. I don't have to skip over the first half of the book to find information on the expansion pack with this guide. Well done Prima thank you!



3. These guides are worth every dollar if you want to get the most out of your game.



4. As usual, this is the most wonderful, fulfilling, mesmerizing game out there! Thanks again, Sims creators! My daughter received this for Christmas, took it to her room, and we haven't seen her since. Just kidding! She loves it!



5. I think if you want to play the SIMS for all it's worth, you have to have a Prima Guide.