Video Games Books

Book was in good condition and is very usefull for completing all tasks in the game.

I've using the Oblivion guide for the main game and it had helped me wonders. The information is accurate and bast. It includes details of all the missions including main and side missions plus a lot of additional information on maps and points of interest as well as books, spells and other goodies.

If you are completist, buy the guide.

The Prima Guide is so complete. Has a sence of humor in scripting and is very detailed in what you should know and what you need to find out on your own... I got one for Dungeon seige, Elder Scrolls Oblivion and now Shivering Isles. It is a must have side kick!

The book is written very well and is in full color. If you have the Prima guide for the full Elder Scrolls IV it is written in the same fashion. I find it a must to have a guide for this game if you want to truely explore every inch! Buy it when you buy the expansion, you won't be sorry!

This is very helpful and lets one expore more and find ways to beat difficult areas of the game.

Being a lifelong gamer and someone who spent close to 2 1/2 years immersed in Final Fantasy online, I loved this book. You must enjoy RPG games to enjoy this book I feel. It's quite the different twist on the world being "destroyed" and a new form of government. In Epic the government is run by Central Allocations and everything takes place inside the game. People still live outside the game, but that's really only to get by. It's kind of scary to have it in writing how an online game can take over your life or the life of a world. What did throw me, was how the game came alive. I'll say no more to avoid spoiling it. I highly recommend this book to all sci-fi and game loving folks. Young and old.

When i first picked up Epic, i thought, "Eh, sounds okay." When i opened the book and started reading, "Somewhat interesting." When i put the book down after nonstop reading for five hours, no words could describe it. Epic is probably the best book i have read, and i have read a ton of books.

Epic is set in a world where there is no violence allowed. Saga is the new worlds legal, government, and economic system, and everyone plays it. Erik is one in a million, one who doesn't work in the game, he plays the game. He looks outside of the game and sees that his world is slowly dying, everything in this society is wrong.

More than that, the game is no longer just a game. It has evolved into something more, and it takes Erik to find out how to save his world by beating epic.

A terrific video-game-based fantasy that also works as social commentary. In a world where we could desperately use joint social action, why are we wasting our precious time on video games and other similar distractions dreamed up by corporate America? This book will be devoured by good upper-elementary readers too; it is unclear why the publisher says it is for 8th graders and up. For anyone familiar with Heir Apparent, this one is even better.

This is a wonderful book. I bought it for my 10 year old, but I really enjoyed reading it. It may be best suited for 12+ year olds because of the vocabulary, but it is a fascinating story.

Set in an SF world of an established colony long out of communication with the motherworld, the action quickly unfolds as a MUD adventure in Cindella's quest for the Holy Grail of real world democracy, and the genuine opportunity to reconstruct the matrix of society itself.

Billed as "Junior", its audience is much broader. Epic is an excellent tale. The themes are contemporary and serious. The action is fun. Epic is a look at the possibilities of what could be in an age that implements advanced electronic interaction.

At 62 years of age, I am pleased to find a well constructed novel that not only is a good yarn, but that also has absolutely no need for the trite distractions that publishers, editors, and sadly many authors seem to aim at shocking sensibilities or impassioning desires.

I stopped here today to buy the sequel, Saga. If you have traveled in the world of a classic Multi-User Domain, my word to you is: "Choose your character well. Arm youself with two swords. Use the key. And sit down for a good read."

Coffee table or bookcase, this book is for the most artistic of videogame fans, as well as those that appreciate mixed media with their pop culture. Joust, Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, Pac Man, Q-Bert and more are all displayed like you've never seen them by talented artists. The nostalgia is thick and sweet smelling; a feeling that few will appreciate to it's fullest. Highly recommended for artists and nerds alike. Also check out Arcade Fever and Supercade for the history behind our favorite up up down down history.

this book is a great collection of established and up and coming artists interpreting classic video games. what more could you want?

"I AM 8-BIT" is a must have for those old school fanatics who long for another golden era... one of the best books ever made. Buy it now!!!

Where do I start? I found this gem listed under books from Chuck Klosterman, who I think speaks for an entire generation of 30-somethings raised on bad rock bands and crappy John Hughes movies. I gave it a shot, and wasn't disappointed!

In typical Chuck fashion, he analyzes video games and why they had an indelible affect on the childhoods of guys like me who spent about $3 million in quarters on Yie Ar Kung Fu (and why, 20 years later, guys i tell this to completely understand). For Klosterman fans, this is worth half the price right here.

But that's just 2% of the book! The rest is filled with totally awesome art that's hard to describe because I've never really seen anything like it--it's not advertising art, or game screenshots, or concept art from games. I guess it's just like the sub-title says, artwork inspired by what the artists played as kids in the 80's, but it's still hard to understand until you actually see it.

And what's really cool are the pieces that have quotes from the artists explaining their inspirations, why they used a particular game, or just random game memories--really funny stuff!

My favorites are:

1) Excitebike: Cool blocky render of a classic. Made me remember how I'd build my own track and line up all those turbo things.

2) Mega Man: I recognize this artist, Tim Biskup, from Juxtapoz and Super 7 magazines. Cool!

3) Don't Be a 2nd Player Hater (Luigi for Sheezy): Luigi pimped out like Snoop. Hilarious, yo!

4) Pac-Man in Hospice: This gives me nightmares. Especially the Frogger frog.

5) Record Dug Digger: Cross between skateboard art (in a good way) and NY graffiti. Trust me, it's awesome!

Other games I recognized include more mainstream stuff like Joust and Space Invaders to games that are a little more esoteric, like Contra, 720, Kid Icarus, and that weird robot thing that came with the NES. If you're a fan of the classics, I highly recommend it!

First and foremost, this book makes a wonderful inexpensive gift for anyone who grew up in the '80s playing the 'ole 8-bit video systems and still has a bit of nostalgia for those simpler times. It's also pretty neat as a bound exhibit of how pop culture can be transformed into art that's actually quite captivating. About 70 artists contributed works, and the medium of choice is definitely oil and acrylic paint, with a fair number of mixed media pieces thrown in. The styles vary wildly, with influences ranging from surrealism to manga to skateboard art to graffiti to crafting to abstract to pixelation and on and on. It's actually a pretty decent overview of modern pop art sensibilities.

In terms of subject matter, far and away the most prevalent "inspirations" are from the Donkey Kong/Mario Bros. franchise, with Pac Man coming in next, and Frogger, Zelda, and Dig Dug also getting much play. However, some of the best pieces are from less popular games, like Tim Tomkinson's "Duck Hunter S. Thompson" mashup of a portrait of the gonzo journalist with the Sega "Duck Hunter" graphics, Jim Rugg's faux poster for a pro wrestling event featuring characters from the Nintendo wrestling game, or Jason Sho Green's pen and ink "Tantric Tetris". On the whole it's a very fun, well-designed book, nicely produced, and sure to bring a smile to many 30somethings. It's worth noting that I like Chuck Klosterman too, but his foreword is pretty slim, maybe 500 words, so don't buy it for that!

i need strategies & secret

I know that Imperialism 2 is a great game, and I want to make this cheaper, I bought a "internet cracked cd" that includes the game, so I played and liked it.when I saw the help issue (within-
the game),I saw the manual,and I asked myself what the heck is that manual.And so I wrote here and found out.

aleady out of words,
xxxxx!

I'm one of those people who buys every strategy guide for every game I have worth playing. The guide for Imperialism II is one of the very best I've read. It contains very helpful advice on sound strategies covering each aspect of the game and has a very helpful section outlining research options. Highly recommended.

I was pleasantly surprised by the information content, analysis, and true strategic content in the strategy guide. At a time when few strategy guides for war and strategy games are worth buying, this is a strong exception.

I was pleasantly surprised by the information content, analysis, and true strategic content in the strategy guide. At a time when few strategy guides for war and strategy games are worth buying, this is a strong exception.

This is one of my favorite computer games of all time. It requires thinking and all the literature that comes with it. The plights of Prince Alexander are well-documented in this adventure game that will keep you hooked. The Isle of Wonder scenes are hilarious, and the vizier's genie has rather creative ways of trying to lure Alexander to his death. There are two main endings to the game and several variations on them, so there is plenty to play for. I enjoyed this game a lot. The interactions with the other characters (such as the pawn shop owner, bookstore operator, Jollo, and the ferryman) are essential, and the literary allusions are fun. All in all, a great game for anyone.

I beat the game today and started it yesterday, but i must tell you, its not a short game. I spent all day playing it, its a very long game. If you like crazy adventures, this is your game! You practically need the manual to beat the game though. This game is full of hard puzzles, so if you do not like puzzle games then this games probably not for you. I really reccomend people who are into puzzle/adventure games to get this...

This game is very simple minded. However, it also takes a lot of skill to go through the whole game and places that are needed to beat this game. Overall, a must play!

This is one of my very favorite computer games from when I was a kid. The storyline is creative and interesting, and will keep you playing until you win! There are also two different endings to this game so you can play it many times without getting bored. I can't recommend this game enough, it. is. amazing. It is quite a long game, and if you buy it for your children they may need some help because some difficult puzzles are involved and they might get stuck. And as some other reviewers have said, you DO NEED the booklet that comes with the CD case, it contains the Winged Ones alphabet that you will need to use to solve some riddles. But don't fret if you've lost it, it can be found on the internet along with many walkthroughs to help you-- it's a long game and you have to go to lots of places in the right order to finish!

People who play new computer games may not be thrilled by the graphics, but remember it is from the '90s and the coolness of the game makes up for anything the graphics my lack. Buy it!

Be warned, King's Quest VI cannot be won with out the "Alphebet Translator" located in the "Guide to the Green Isle" booklet. If this booklet is not icluded in you purchase, you will not be able to advance very far. This was Sierra's form of purchase protection.

Avid Penny Arcade Reader here, and gotta say all their books are a must have!

I love Penny Arcade. The thing I enjoyed most about their books is the commentary that goes along with each comic. This is a must for Penny Arcade fans.

The book was a Christmas present and it came in beautiful condition. Thanks!

Though the entire Penny Arcade archive is available on their website, the extras contained in the print versions make them well worth the purchase. In this second collection, witty commentary accompanies each comic, as well as artwork from the Penny Arcade card game and a "boneyard" of aborted or half finished ideas. Surely the humor contained therein is not to everyones taste, but to those who love it, Epic Legends of the Sword Kings will make a fine addition to your library.

Penny Arcade is a comic that has been around for almost a full decade now, so it is nice that this year they are finally releasing a series of books that bring the comics into our homes without the need for a computer and internet, excluding how you buy the book itself.
This contains the second volume of the series, or all the comics done in 2001 + bonus art and attempts for other webcomics, and it nicely fills out the 150 page book. All the comics are funny start to finish, with plenty of classics filling the book.
I highly recommend the book for readers of any form of comics, and I also recommend it for people who love video games, though my bet is that they cant read this due to playing something like WOW right now.

Phantasmagoria is a great game,I definely say get this one,it might be alittle older,but since its release four years ago,I havent found a better game yet!

I borrowed this game a year ago when it was extremely popular, and ever since when I've wanted to buy it, I can never find it. This game frightens me and it explores the topic of evil very deeply. Although this is extremely gory, you cannot deny the fabulous graphics, great story and great gameplay. One of Sierra's best games. Don't play it in the dark and make sure to explore everything. Everytime that you play it, you discover more frightening things inside the scary house. This game would make a spectacular motion picture and it should probably become one. If so, it would be one of the scariest films in movie history. I love it. If you see it, buy it. You'll worship its significance.

Phantasmagoria will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire way through. Sierra Studios has spoiled me with their interesting games and exceptional graphics. I've been playing Sierra games for about 20 years. I have some of their first games. I like Phantasmagoria because it's so life-like, you'll feel as if you're in the game. Buy it, you'll be glad you did.

This is the best game i've ever played. The characters, the story, the manson, the music..... it's just perfect. I wish the music would come on an audio CD, 'cause it is so beautyful, and yet so... frightening, my bestfriend gets the creeps just by the music. The actors are great, I don't understand why some people say they're not and well.... It is just a perfect game. BUY IT TODAY!

Phantagmagoria, what can I possibly say about phantasmagoria....perfect, that's what this game is. Phants. has all the feel of a good B-grade horror movie, a haunted house, demonic posession, evil magician, sex, violence, gore....the list goes on and on. Visually, the game is stunning, (especially for 1995!) it is very long and involving, not too challenging, but not too easy either. This game single-handedly began a series of other horror games: (very similar graphically) Harvester, Gabriel Knight2, Phantasmagoria 2, ect., ect. Phantasmagoria is a great game EVERY PLAYER OF PC GAMES MUST PLAY PHANTASMAGORIA!

...of the SWAT series. SWAT 2 was a great game, and this is a great strategy guide. Too bad it's out of print now.

I wish all games had a book like this with them, and I hope Josh Mandel writes more!

I have never been much of an adventure gamer, but with books like this out there, it has made a convert out of me! The text is written in an easy to follow format, which makes playing the game even more exciting!

I read this book out loud, to a friend, over the phone, long distance, at 4 in the morning. I've only ever done that once before so you can imagine! I don't have that friend anymore, but I still have this book. To say it is a compelling read is an understatement. I don't want to give away the ending, so let me just say that Josh Mandel's words are more than just guideful, helpful lessonfulls of stuff - his writing is prosaic and wise, at times almost mystical, philisophical. In and of itself, this is an excellent book. For anyone with a friend, or a phone, it is a must have.

Despite his warped sense of humor (you should see what he does with the shrimp heads at a sushi bar), Josh Mandel is one of the finest people I know. He's also one heck of a game designer (notably "Freddy Pharkas: Frontier Pharmacist" and "Callahan's Crosstime Saloon"). It was with unmitigated pleasure that I heard he'd agreed to honor us by writing the strategy guide for the SWAT 2 computer game. I worked with him closely on the project and was quite happy with the result (except for one or two points of question in the interview with me... but we'll talk about that later :-)). Josh excelled in the difficult task of writing a manual for a game that was not completely playable until well after his deadline. The resulting book is a detailed, precise compilation (and enjoyable read) of how to play SWAT 2 and succeed in all the missions, as well as a plethora of trivia about the development team.

As the designer of the SWAT 2 game and the strategy guide author for the first SWAT game, I know a good SWAT strategy guide when I see one... and this is it. While you don't need this book in order to play the game, the additional material contained within will greatly add to your SWAT 2 gaming experience.

its awsome whith all new levles

It is a very hard game so in order to beet it I suggest you get this stradegy guide. It tells all the specials of every player and tells u how to beet every level step by step. It also has many pictures and other stuff about how to make a sweet skate park and tips on creating a skater.

This book tells you everything to know about this new game. If you buy one book to help you with this game, this is it.

If you like Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 as much as I do, you must get this book. I use this book to help me find things I need In the game. I recomed this for Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 players.

This book tells you how to do everything. From level goals to getting all the gaps. It tells you how to create the best park. It's great. The only reason I would give this 4 stars instead of 5 is thet some of the explanations are very hard to understand. I ended up just taking key words and figuring it out there. Otherwise this is so worth your money!!!

This is the best guide for you if you need help with Super Mario RPG! Even if you don't need help it tells where all the secrets are so it's cool to have anyway. If you LOVE Mario RPG or just like to play it then get this book!!!!

I learned a ton, and I really enjoyed beating the game with the guide! I'm going to try to beat the game without the guide. =^P!

it has every thing you need to know about mario rpg!!!

About two or three years ago, I bought Mario RPG used without the manual. Then I got this Book. This book is the Bible of Mario RPG players' Guides. The strategies are excellent, The detailed descriptions of the areas and characters (although the Bestiary is a little off) in the game are as useful as they get, and it outshines even Nintendo's official player's guide in terms of usefulness. Although yes, it is in black and white as one fellow reviewer said, this small fault is nothing compared to the sheer volume of information contained in this book. If you only buy one player's guide for this game, let this be the one. It'll be the ONLY one you'll ever need.

This is such a cool guide. I love it so much. So good with boss strategies, all the strategies and helps you out a lot. I still play the SNES but this the best of the super mario RPG guides. Even if it is B&W the only thing that doesn't make sense is the Bestiary it isn't complete but anyways it don't matter, if you follow the walkthrough it gets you through the game more then Nintendo powers guide did for me.