|
|
 |
Half-Life 2 (Orange Box): Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
4/5 |
A good, solid guide.
(September 09, 2008) |
|
Fitting in a condensed HL2 guide and then HL2.E1 and E2, followed by Portal and a summary of TF2 is what is written on the book - and thats what you get.
It also lists the achievements you can get, some easter eggs and other munchy treats.
The portal guide, however, is a bit hard to understand when doing the puzzles (I never did need the guide, but looking through it and playing it was a bit of a toughie) therefore the photos that go with it are a bit unneccesary, usually the entire photo is blocked with a picture of a companion cube.
The TF2 guide is useful - for its time. Now with updates, new maps and new weapons its dated. However, it still only points out the bloody obvious. Ofcourse you would know which key is reload, ofcourse you know heavies and medics are a good pair - its simple stuff.
It has some artwork pieces of extras, etc, but it would have been nice for even more extras. Worth the 5 quid I spent on it, though I would hesitate with 10+. |
|
|
4/5 |
... only when you've completed the game! NOT BEFORE!
(January 30, 2005) |
|
OK, firstly we are all aware that Half Life 2 is a truely unique game, most particulary the story, and mainly the graphics (that is if your GPU can handle the power!) When i first play this game I was blown away on how good it was, the game created the right atmospheres at the right times, tension rising at particular parts and not forgetting those times when you start to panic (my mates laughed at me for that :S). These are the elements that make HL2 such a big success. If you've not played the game before or completed it, then this guide will spoil it all, reveal all the twists and story from as soon as you turn the first page, and that would be a waste of the odd £35-£44 on the game (depending if you got the collectors edition :P) the story has been built precisely for the player and it would be a shame if you actually knew what was coming up before it happened. This guide will show you every hidden location, all items in all areas, how to defeat enemies and much much more, this is a great companion to those who want to play it through a 2nd time, but I would strongly recommend that you purchase this after the completion of the game, or if you can't resist, buy it but store in a safe place.
I have to admit I have been tempted at times but let me tell you this, the story has a unique twist! and its more rewarding if you discover it yourself :P But dispite what I just said, the ultimate choice is yours!
those that still want to buy it, try and get as far on it before the guide arrives, and those that already completed it- GAME ON! |
|
|
3/5 |
Live and Let Live
(December 15, 2004) |
|
I wish people would stop dictating to other gamers how they should or shouldn't play. If someone wants to buy a strategy guide and follow it to the letter, that's up to them - as long as they enjoy themselves, what's it got to do with anyone else? If you never use guides and would rather play through on your own, that's okay too. THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO PLAY!!! Personally I always try to play through on my own, but like to have the guide handy just in case I get REALLY stuck. However, if you are thinking of getting this guide but don't want the plot revealed, beware. Some guides give you a 'spoiler free' walkthrough but this one does not. I haven't actually used my copy as yet, but it very clearly states at the beginning that the book includes spoilers. So you may want to resist the temptation to flick through the guide before you need to... |
|
|
5/5 |
Must have for a half life fan
(November 26, 2004) |
|
Ok, i've seen the other reviews bickering about this, and calling it a big spoiler, bu thats a very narrow view.
This guide is a superb book, which complements (rather than destroying) the half-life 2 experience. I wouldn't reccommend reading it on your first play through the game, as it could spoil the plot, but for any fan who decides to play through again and wants to get the full experience, it's a must-have.
Full of tips, easter-eggs and secrets, its a great read and WELL worth to £10-odd pounds i paid for it. |
|
|
1/5 |
Sacrelige!
(November 13, 2004) |
|
The most pointless book since how to learn French was translated into French? Quite possibly but the real issue here is that this book contains spoilers for the game .......... In fact it will reveal the whole plot! The plot that Valve have been desperately trying to keep under wraps since HL2 was announced? And now this book comes out BEFORE the game??? You know those things called 'Spoilers' that everybody hates & if you have any decency you will mark your forum posts that contain them with huge RED warning signs incase you upset other gamers by revealing stuff about a game/movie they haven't even seen yet? Well, This book is basically one big spoiler!! My advise to anyone who wants to enjoy the HL2 experience to the full is to stay well clear of this book at least until you have played through the game on your own. I mean what kind of gamer needs a strategy guide for an FPS anyway? A blatant cash in on the HL2 phenomena & there's another reason to avoid it. |
|
|
|