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Summary: The Best Windows Game Programming Book I've ever seen!
Review: A fascinating volume containing the best comprehensive explanation of Windows Game Programming Using DirectX (Direct Draw, Direct Sound, Direct Input, Direct Music, Direct3D Immediate mode(on the CD)), AI & Physics modeling.The Book offers 2 CDs: One Containing all the source code of the book, numerous articles about different game programming topics, graphics tools & Microsoft DirectX SDK. The Other CD contains MS Visual c++ ! I consider TRICKS OF THE WINDOWS GAME PROGRAMMING GURUS a precious gift from the generous King of Game Programming Authors Mr. Andre' LaMothe.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book, bad title
Review: This is an excellent book for learning DirectDraw, which, for those of you not in the loop yet, means that this book is about 2D. Now, I understand that the 3D stuff is coming out in VolumeII, but where on this book does it say that it is VolumeI? It doesn't. So, my suggestion is buy this book, but don't expect to be the next 3D Jedi. I was disappointed not to find the 3D info in there, but now having read the book, I would still have bought it. It is packed cram with general game design issues, such as Physics and AI. Also, it has one of the best explained chapters on programming for Windows that I have ever read. My one and only other complaint is in his source code, my rule of thumb is that if you are going to show any source code, show it all. I hate having to go thru and figure out, "okay where did this variable come from, it wasn't declared, but it's being typecast to a UINT, hmmmmm . . " That's it. Final ruling: buy this book, and start saving for VolumeII.
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Summary: A programming book that is very useful to developers...
Review: This book was great. It teaches anyone who is familiar with C/C++ to program and create your own games. While this book was great, and if not for a few problems, it would have gotten a perfect score. Here is why it is a 4 and not a 5: - There were some typos in the book. - I was able to find one error (though there may be more) in the source code. For all of you who haven't found it, the error can be found on page 174. It has the following source: COLORREF color = RGB(rand()%255,rand()%255,rand()%255)); That is wrong... take off the last ), and you'll be cool. - There was some false advertising in this book. If you expect this tutorial to teach you about 3d, then you should wait until Volume II. This entire book is almost bare of 3d, however, this book is the richest example of teaching 2d game programming in existance. All in all, if you are good with C or C++, interested in programming your own games and want to learn the easiest way to program then in 2d, this book will teach you everything from Win32 to the most advanced aspects such as AI.
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Summary: This is a pure 2d game book - forget about 3d
Review: This book is excellent for beginners and those want to learn the basics of DirectX. But be aware! The title is a big lie. This book is about basic 2d programming with no 3d at all. Instead the author advertises his next book as the actual 3d book. His motto is probably spend ( ) now and then additional ( ) on the "real" one.Good for him... If you just need hard core 3d stuff try "real-time rendering".
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Summary: Excellent beginners book!
Review: Im new to game programming, and i recently picked this book up. Now there are only a coupld of books dedicated to game programming that i have seen. This book definitly tops it off, even if you dont know C or C++ theres a primer in the back of the book. Theres also a review of trigonometry. Its unlike other resources where the writing is cryptic. Its in plain english, and easy to understand. For hard core veterans, you would probably not want this(then again if you are a veteran why are you buying more game programming books?) I suggest all beginners and intermediates get this book!
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Summary: Best Game Programming Book Ever
Review: I loved this book. I knew nothing about game programming before i got this book and now i am able to write a good 2d game. If you are looking for a book to get you off the ground in game programming then this is the book for you. There is little to none 3d programming in here but i got more then my moneys worth in getting this book.
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Summary: Overall, this book could have been a LOT better
Review: Well, i was very deceived when i read this book. It is very basic, and i just don't see where the "Guru" part fits in.The advanced topics such as Neural Networks and Genetic algorithms has only 1 page each and the rest is stuff has nothing that your average Joe would not know about game programming.Nothing advanced is covered in this book as the title may suggest and NO D3D.Oh, and half the book cover Win32 programming that has nothing to do with game programming.Sorry Andre, better luck next time. In a word, this book is very deceiving.If i could return it, i would. P.S: Thanks for Amazon for letting us express our honest feelings towards the books we purchase.
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Summary: Great Book, no 3D
Review: Andy Lamonthe does a great job of handling a complex series of topics in a down-to-earth manner that doesn't exactly make it a joy to read, but it isn't as tedious as it could be. He gives a good coverage of most DirectX topics, but his coverage of Direct3D is sadly nonexistant. Yes, there are numerous articles about Direct3D programming on the CD(s), but they're basically worthless. If you want a great intro to DirectX but don't need to know Direct3D just yet, this is your book. If you really need to learn Direct3D, look elsewhere.
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Summary: Filled so many gaps!
Review: Great book, I love it! Andre separates the important stuff from the not so important or advanced features! I've started reading "Inside DirectX" and got stuck in all those details, Andre's "guru"-book put me back on the right road. Use this "guru"-book for learning how to use DirectX and the "Inside DirectX" as a reference of things Andre already showed you in his book!
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Summary: The best book ever?
Review: Yep, it sure is. A superb book, that teaches you the strategyof creating games, not just the raw code it'self. You'll need to befairly advanced in C/C++ to get anything out of the book, otherwise you'll find yourself re-reading over bits, and looking up what the hell he's going on about - not for the beginner programmer at all. You'll also need to be very competent with maths, enough to understand matrices, vector rasterisations etc. I was well impressed with Andres AI section, alot of food for thought there. Overall, a VERY VERY good book, I've read it about 4 times now, and a must to buy if you are at all serious about game programming. Can't wait for volume II !
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