No comments about Pc Gamer, October 2008 Issue.

5 comments about Star Wars Galaxies: The Complete Guide (Prima Official Game Guide).

1. This book is useless, don't waste your money on it. Read the instruction manuel that comes with starter kit and ask other player online for help.



2. I've seen people complaining about this guide including "just the basics" or that it's "completely useless". True, some of the statistics are outdated, and this was published just after the "NGE" overhaul of the profession structure, so it doesn't have everything QUITE right about the new professions.
   It's not completely useless, though, as it DOES contain a lot of information all in one place. The city maps are decently detailed, and can certainly help you find your way around, and it DOES have a decent primer to get those new to Star Wars Galaxies started off on the right foot, at least as far as finding their first few quest paths.
   That said, I certainly wouldn't pay much over half price for it now, even brand new. If you see someone offering it for $8 or less, and you're new to SWG, it would be a decent buy. On the other hand, it seems like I recall having seen a newer guide set to be released sometime in either January or February 2007, so ultimately, the question is whether you just need to get started, or some maps to find certain locations, or if you can wait for a newer, hopefully thoroughly updated guide.



3. This book might not be up to date in every aspect of the game, but being a new player it has been invaluable. Online guides seem to be more outdated than the book. If you are new to this game, this book is a great help and a great reference.



4. If you are just diving into SWG or a returning veteran like myself you will probably find this book helpful. It is fairly basic so if you are looking for something in depth this is not it however it does have stats on all the beasties, NPC's, and most professions. Because it is older it has nothing about the BEAST MASTER profession, that one you get to figure out on your own. If you can find a used copy of this book in good shape (thats what I did) it is worth the small investment. I keep it handy as a reference guide to what beasts are where in the galaxie since I am in the process of leveling a Beast Master on one of my toons.



5. For a total newbie to this game with no real game manual included with swg.
   I found this book to be very helpfull in teaching me the basics of the game.
   All the previous reviewers where obviously Upset from the NGE I fell your pain as I was X world of warcraft, Blizzard totally wreked that 1.
   The book is great and very helpfull to any beginner or any new person to this game.
   Yes the forums are helpfull to a degree but if you dont know what your doing at all the forums can be very vague.
   As for the book being out of date I spent $300 on brady game books for WOW all of which where outdated with the release of BC.
   So if your new to the game buy the book 5 stars for me.

5 comments about Parasite Eve 2 Official Strategy Guide.

1. Hi there, i have been looking for this strategy guide book from parkway parade to tampiness mall to bedok interchange and i just can't find it. Can somebody please tell me where i can get this book? I can't get it through the internet cos i dun have a credit card, can anyone tell me where can i get this book in Singapore. Thanks



2. Yeah, its a best book for this game. But the writer hasn`t finish the game twice. Coz` I want to know if something happen if you finish the NIGHTMARE chapter. Well, what can I say I haven`t finish that chapter too.



3. This guide is very helpful, giving clear and detailed maps, lists of items, weapons, armor, etc. It was extremely informative and easy to follow. Some people complain that the guide doesn't tell you how to beat the final two bosses, but I didn't mind. I guess even writers of a strategy guide don't want to spoil ALL the fun. The only problem I had is that the section that talks about replay, bounty, scavenger, and nightmare mode seems a bit rushed. Overall, though, it's worth the $$



4. This book gives all the information about the game and who all the charachters, weapons and villians are. It has an introductory section so that you know who the charachters are and what they mean. It also has a detailed section on the weapons that you can use. It then gives details on each one of the villians (NMC's) and the best weapons against each of them. It also explains how to use the parasite energy's and what you have to attain to upgrade each one. The last section of the book is a walk through, play by play, on getting through each section of the game. Some of this is a bit sketchy but it is enough information should you get stuck in a section of the game. The author recommends that you not use the play by play section unless you are really "stuck" because it will take the mystery and excitement out of the game. I have used it several times, especially when having to decode riddles. It is an excellent resource if you are the kind of person who gets really frustrated when "stuck" at certain sections of a video game. There are many different pathways to get to the ending of the game which I don't think I would have even realized had I not used the guide. I recommend it, especially if you are new to this kind of game or if you are not familiar with the first Parasite Eve or other Brady games. (Which I was not, so I think that may be another reason why this guide was so helpful and informative.)



5. Well, its hard to rate a good guide these days. I liked it. It helped me get through the game and gave me some good strategies. It was a bit thin and I thought some parts could have used some better hints, but all and all, a good book to help you out.

5 comments about Empire Earth: Prima's Official Strategy Guide.

1. I just bought this game and this book. I am not and avid gamer, but I heard good things about this one so I tried it. This book was supposed to teach me how to win. It tells you absolutely nothing useful.

   Don't waste your money.




2. I just bought this game and this book. I am not and avid gamer, but I heard good things about this one so I tried it. This book was supposed to teach me how to win. It tells you absolutely nothing useful.

   Don't waste your money.




3. I bought it new and paid too much, but used copies are going for $6. I would say it is worth paying under $10, but not a penny more. Wyatt Kaldenberg



4. My Dad got me Empire Earth gold,when I noteced this in it, So, I read it, and when I was playing Empire Earth Gold, I did what it Said in the walkthroughs,and I lost!!! I treid it with almost all the Campaigns, and I still lost!!!
   If you want better walkthroughs, go to https://ee.heavengames.com .



5. A useful book for the low price, this strategy guide is decent for the gamer whom needs some direction with difficult aspects of the game.
   
   Overall = Good

2 comments about Phantasy Star Universe Signature Series Guide.

1. This guide is a must have companion for enjoying your experience within the Phantasy Star Universe.not only does this guide cover all the missions you'll be sent on Story or Network Mode.(please note that network mode will probally be updated with new missions).It has complete information on all the shops,items and equipment you will want on your adventures.I found it very helpful in earning my S-Ranks.their well detailed maps make exploration and trials easy.this guide also contains a two sided foldout which has the complete data on guiding you through your partner machinery's evolutions.detailed tactics for every class, S-Rank requirements and complete enemy lists (at the time of printing)will help you quickly gain experience in network mode.I was a 1/4 way through Story Mode and earned several A-Ranks and continued,when i got this guide a few days later and found out how many items i was missing out on. I restarted the game and from this point on i will try for and have had success in gaining S-Ranks.this guide is well composed and i think brady games has come along way with much improvement from their earlier guides this is why i have given it 5-STARS.



2. The book covered what i needed to know an di got it very fast and in great shape. just awesome.

No comments about Wing Commander IV (Official Strategy Guides).

1 comments about Videogames (Routledge Introductions to Media and Communications).

1. This is a nice introduction to video games primarily from a critical/cultural perspective, though some attention is given to research in psychology. The book would be suitable for an advanced undergraduate seminar and perhaps a graduate course (with supplemental materials) or for someone who is interested in video games. Probably the biggest problem with the book is that it is getting old - the landscape in video gaming is changing so fast that it is impossible for a book to keep up to date. There are several new journals out that are must reads for the serious scholar of video gaming, but I think it is difficult to the lay audience to keep up on what is going on in video games because things are changing so fast. Probably the best feature of this volume is that it does provide a nice fairly concise introduction to the history of video games.

5 comments about iMovie 4 & iDVD: The Missing Manual.

1. The Missing Manuals series has had it's hits and misses. This one is definitely a hit. The first section on of the iMovie portion of the book teaches practical movie making technique, including a 22 shot guide to shooting a wedding. This is what I love about the quality of O'Reilly books. The understand the audience. In this case, amateur movie makers looking to make good movies that won't get them laughed out of the living room. This book has practical insights to get you there.
   
   The manual portions of the book are fine. They provide a step by step walkthrough with screenshots and a menu reference in the appendices.
   
   There is certainly a lot more here for iMovie than iDVD. Of the roughly 500 pages almost 350 are on iMovie. The iDVD section also contains some questionable content, like how to develop on iDVD using the developer's toolkit, which I think is overkill for your overage user.
   
   Small quirks aside, this is a great book. Well worth the money for anybody looking to get the most out of iMovie particularly, and iDVD secondarily.



2. Anyone who has a Mac should know David Pogue. He's been writing for the Mac community for years. His latest book, iMovie 4 & iDVD, displays all his hallmarks. It is exceedingly well written; it is completely useful and thorough; it is fun to read and funny.
   
   Pogue hits the nail right on the head in the introduction. IMovie 4 and iDVD are simple but not simplistic. Unlike some other Apple programs like AppleWorks or the new OS, you will need this book if you want to make the most of Apple's wonderful new video software. Pogue and his co-author Erica Sadun get you up and burning in no time. Moreover they have created a Missing Manual web site with all the shareware and freeware programs and documentation you'll ever need.
   
   As with his other Missing Manual books, Pogue has done everyone a great favor. Now do yourself a favor and buy this book. You won't regret it.



3. I've been a fan of iMovie from the first release on Mac OS 9. It made taking home movies fun. The great thing about this book is it goes beyond just a how-to or tips and tricks. A lot of the book is devoted to the dos and don'ts of creating home movies in general. Just as with still photography, the hard work is when your taking the shot, not afterward. The better your movie is at filming, the less work you'll have to do when you get it into iMovie.
   
   The book is packed with a 450+ pages of information. Some examples: how to get your old VHS movies into iMovie, sending movies to your cell phone, creating better looking "title cards", and modifying iDVD itself. If you liked David Pogue's iPhoto 4 Missing Manual and/or GarageBand Missing Manual (both of which I have), this book is a must have.



4. iMovie 4 & iDVD: The Missing Manual is a solid primer and resource especially focusing on step-by-step video editing techniques for use on the Macintosh. Chapters address forming seamless transitions and effects, the ins and outs of QuickTime Pro, iDVD secreets, and much more. An absolute "must-have" for getting the most out of iMovie 4 and iDVD software, highly recommended for amateur and professional moviemakers and movie editors working on the Macintosh.



5. I was fortunate to attend Macworld in July 2004 in Boston and attend the Mac User conference. Dave Pogue was the seminar leader for the iMovie 4 module.
   
   I previously reviewed Pogue's iMovie 2: The Missing Manual. Now, I had the opportunity to see David Pogue in action and to further learn his Missing Manual secrets in Movie 4 & iDVD: The Missing Manual.
   
   This Missing Manual is divided into five parts:
   
   Part 1, Capturing DV Footage
   Part 2, Editing in iMovie
   Part 3, Finding Your Audience
   Part 4, iDVD 4: The Missing Manual by Erica Sadun
   Part 5, Appendixes: A- iMovie 4, Menu by Menu and B- Troubleshooting
   
   My Favorite Page Turners
   
   Page 16 - Figure 1-1: The evolution of the modern camcorder. The photo shows the full-sized VHS camcorder, the 8 mini/Hi-8 camcorder and the modern DV camcorder. This is the type of camcorder you need to work with iMovie.
   
   Page 17 - Figure 1-2: The various sizes of tapes. The miniDV tapes required by most DV camcorder.
   
   Page 20 - Three camcorders not to buy. You should select only Firewire connectors for miniDV camcorders.
   
   Page 23 - Using the FireWire connector. You must have the FireWire connector to use iMovie and other DV software. Figure 1-3: Analog imputes and S-video connector for connecting to a VCR, old 8 mm camcorder.
   
   Page 25 -  Use the camcorder's eyepiece viewfinder instead of LCD panel. This is very useful on bright sunny days and saves your camcorder battery's shooting power.
   
   Page 32 - Special Effects. Avoid using your camcorder's built-in camcorder effects-instead use your iMovie's Special Effects when you do your computer editing.
   
   Page 33- Apple's "Supported camcorders." Review the list on the www.apple.com website for supported camcorders.
   
   Working with Pogue's Missing Manual
   
   I like the Keyboard shortcuts that Pogue mentions in the manual. Using the Command-E, you can switch between the timeline and clip views in iMovie 4.
   
   You have the choice of adding color to black clips (created by dragging a clip rightward in Timeline view). This greatly expands your options for title backgrounds. Also, you can use them for fading to any color other than black or white. When your project requires a gradient fill for the clip, you can create them in Apple Works, Adobe Photoshop Elements.
   
   Pro Reaction
   
   The section of 22 Shots for Wedding Video is worth the price of the book. Pogue showed me how to use the rewind and fast forward that are the missing buttons in the iMovie program. Page 104- Phantom "Save as" Command show you how to create various versions of your saved digital iMovie files.
   
   You need the new parts of the manual before starting your iDVD projects. Pogue lists 17 changes in iMovie4 and ten in iDVD4, making the updated book worth your time and money.
   
   Con Reaction
   
   Page 7 should have been titled: 'Quick Table of Contents' in the book. The manual's white print on gray backgrounds is hard to read and underline. Page 93, figure 4-4, does not have an important sub -headline telling you that are in the edit mode in iMovie.
   
   Final Notes
   
   Movie 4 & iDVD: The Missing Manual is well written and illustrated for you, the Mac Video editor. With the manual you learn the secrets and tips for using iMovie and iDVD. Also, you can use the powerful Quicktime Pro for adding special effects and for your quick editing of your small movies.

No comments about Frontlines: Fuel of War Official Strategy Guide (Brady Games) (Bradygames Official Strategy Guides).

2 comments about SOCOM 3: Piggyback's Authorized Collection.

1. Sea Snipers collaborate on the Official Socom 3 guide by writing the multiplayer section & ILLUSTRATING ALL MAPS!!!
   
   --------------------------------------------------
   Communique from [SS]Rator -- Admiral, Sea Snipers
   --------------------------------------------------
   
   At the beginning of June, the Sea Snipers were contracted by Piggyback (Halo 2 Official Guide, Jak 3 Official guide) to write the multiplayer section of the Socom 3 Official Guide. The multiplayer chapters represent 70 pages of the 200 page guide , which will be available in all stores on 10/11 with the game. In addition to writing the multiplayer section of the guide, Generator Studios was contracted to illustrate all of the single and multiplayer maps! Yep, ALL the maps are DONE and they look even better than the Socom 1 & 2 maps.
   
   This is the first time that a clan has ever been contracted to collaborate on an official guide in the history of gaming. My men and myself worked night and day to compile the most complete, accurate and detailed multiplayer information on Socom 3 for you all. In addition, all of the maps are just as you like 'em. Illustrated in the same style as the original Socom 1 and 2 maps, they came out great!
   
   Since all of the [SS] were included in the Beta cycle thanks to E-Seals [...], Piggyback and the [SS] were able to research, test, and compile tons of information. Everything from "Getting Started" which includes details on all of the games' options as well as screenshots and descriptions of everything you can do in the game, to "Tips & Tricks" that span beginner player tips to advanced veteran tricks and even weapon stats and charts, and "Strategies" which run the gamut from noob tips to advanced strategies for both terrorists and seals that can help you and your clan get more tactical. We (the [SS]) have even divulged some of our inner workings and structure including how to create your own clan, recruit new members, run practices, matches and how to reward your members.
   
   And yes, ALL the maps are in the guide. I know it used to take us 3 weeks to a month to complete just one map, but with all of the great information we were provided with from Piggyback, we were able to get them all done before the release of Socom 3. And not just the multiplayer maps, but the single player maps as well. All of the icons and details are in place, and Piggyback will be releasing downloadable PDF versions of some of the maps before the game even comes out.
   
   We have put ALOT of work into this puppy. Thanks to all of the Sea Snipers that gave me some awesome information, we couldn't have done it without you. I must have received over 100 pages of information, strategies, tips, tricks and charts from these guys that I compiled and wrote the multiplayer section from (the final multiplayer section is 70 pages of a total of 200 in the finished guide). I did all of the maps in hi-res for Piggyback and they look fantastic! Finally you guys don't have to wait until Socom 4 comes out for me to finish the last maps for Socom 3! LOL!
   
   I have to give a big THANK YOU to all my new friends at Piggyback for giving the Sea Snipers and Generator Studios the chance of a lifetime to work on the Socom 3 project. We've been wanting to do this since Socom 1!
   
   So, now you all know why we've been so "busy" and unable to accept a lot of matches and scrimmages in the past month! We had a very tight deadline, but the write-up and the maps were scrutinized by all the parties involved and came back with great reviews. All in all, everyone is very happy with the final product. Thanks again to everyone that was involved with this project, it was an AWESOME opportunity for all of us to be a part of.
   
   Don't forget to check the credits in the back of the guide to see your friendly Sea Snipers names in lights!
   
   [..]



2. Not sure what this other dude is talking about - unless you need advice like "pick a good gun with a high fire rate" and "shoot at the same time you are running". The instruction manual has everything this book does.
   No cheat codes were discussed, etc. Note the reviews on the previous SOCOM books. They have the same complaints.