Rating: 
Summary: This guy really knows his stuff
Review: I've never seen such a well thought out and comprehensive book on the subject.Normally, you would have to try to wrap your head around DirectX one component at a time, from manuals and text files written by pretentious pedantics, for rocket scientists. But André LaMothe explains the basics of MOST of the DirectX components AS WELL AS basic Windows GDI programming (for which you would also normally need a thick manual). And not only does he explain it, he actually makes you *understand* it, which is quite a feat for a book about DirectX and Windows Programming, let alone Games programming. André LaMothe assumes that his readers have some sort of a life, which is to say that they don't necessarily have all the time in the world to waste trying to understand the kind of cryptic jargon spewed forth by other authors of the subject. He shows you everything you need to know to become an intermediate game programmer, and he doesn't try to impress you with his large technical vernacular...he just teaches. He also has a good sense of humour. The book is quite well rounded (aside from the omission of Direct3D which requires a whole other book anyway), and there's enough info in there for newbies to start programming games right away(and maybe make some $$$). NOTE: The book says it is for beginners, which refers to beginner GAME programmers -- NOT C programmers! (Take note, neophytes who gave this book a bad review). Suggestion: As a pre-requisite, you should know C fudamentals. A basic understanding of C++ would also be advisable, otherwise you may get lost briefly in certain parts of the book. To ramp up, look for books by Clayton Walnum -- another great teacher with a sense of humour.
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Summary: My best work page for page :)
Review: To all those that buy this book, are buying, or plan to buy it -- make sure to check out the CD, there are 2 extra chapters on AI and game algorithms in Adobe PDF format. In fact, the AI coverage is the most advanced of all my books and even covers neural networks! We ran out of pages at IDG, so the extra chapters had to go on the CD, hence this is the biggest "for dummies" book ever!
Rating: 
Summary: Looks like a fine book
Review: Andre LaMothe does a fine job of keeping the reader's interest with his informal and amusing style of writing. But don't let that fool you- he covers some very difficult topics. Why this would be published under the "Dummies" nameplate I can't understand, because you'll be covering some heavy subject matter before long. Unlike most of the other DirectX books on the market, you won't find yourself completely lost and with a headache by page 10. I wish some of the sample programs could have been a bit more involved, but compared to some of the other DirectX books' samples, his asteroids program looks top-notch. Overall, it looks like good value for the money, and just the book for beginners- especially those not too familiar with Windows programming, much less game development!
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your money
Review: The CD-ROM does NOT contain a C++ compiler. Furthermore, many of the executables (examples) crashed my system.
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Summary: Lamothe does it again!
Review: Windows Game Programming for Dummies is the BEST book I have ever read on DirectX and Windows game programming. I hated Windows before I read this book, but now I like windows programming. Lamothe is the only author that makes things that are hard seem easy. The coverage of DirectX is incredibly to the point, and Lamothe actually wrote all the code for the book from scratch -- I can tell since most other authors just snake the code examples from the crappy SDK. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn windows game programming! Also, there is a chapter on AI and neural networks on the CD that is unreal -- the best explanation of these topics I have seen in a game book ever!
Rating:
Summary: The BEST book ever written for beginners in game programming
Review: Writing your own game under windows seems to be a nightmare ? I tell you NO ! This book is the best way to learn windows game programming by using the DirectX basis. The author starts with a marvellous tutorial to windows programming and learn it to you with easy words (and i know what i am talking about : i am a french student). Then, Directdraw is explained very easily -one more time- and at the end of the book, maybe before, you will be able to make your own game using DirectX ... The codes are very well commented, the author's style is pleasant. Just a chapter is missing : DirectPlay. But in fact, EVERYTHING is usefull in this book and i have NOTHING to add. The best introduction to 3D game programming with DirectX ... every beginner must get it !!!
Rating:
Summary: Get this book!
Review: Excellent coverage of how to program games using DirectX. Dont worry about it not explaining Direct3D. Thats beyond the scope of the book. This is just somthing to get you up and running. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent! Intermediate knowledge of C/C++ needed though
Review: GREAT book for anyone interested in DirectX programming, not just game programming. Covers Windows programming basics, DirectDraw, DirectSound, DirectInput, DirectSetup, AI, efficiency (very last chapter, however), and many other topics. Source code is fresh, **ACCURATE**, and compiled 100% for each example. Plus, it comes with a great engine that encapsulates a lot of the DirectX functions. VERY USEFUL. This is NOT YOUR REGULAR DUMMIES BOOK!! It actually does have content and is not for the person who just started on computers. You *must* know a good deal of C/C++ to start with, or at least be willing to learn. It's an easy read, concepts are explained thoroughly, everything is great. If you're interested in Windows graphics programming and don't know where to start, I suggest here. 10/10.
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Summary: NOT A GOOD BOOK FOR NEWBIES (OR PROS)!!!
Review: This book doesn't teach directx very well at all. Which makes it a book for experienced programmers, but lacks advanced information for experienced programmers. I learned nothing about artificial intelligence, 3d anything, or even the slightest bit about directx. If you really want to get into directx, get "Inside DirectX" by the Microsoft Press. Let the professionals teach directx programming.
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Summary: IT DOESN'T GET ANY EASIER THAN THIS
Review: If you know C/C++ and want to learn how to use Microsoft's newest version of Direct X (5.0) to program your on games for Windows, then this the book for you! Lets face facts, DOS is dead and when it comes to programming games for Windows nothing beats Direct X. I mean, who would no more about tweaking the Windows OS for speed more than Microsoft? This book contains a complete explanation of all the important parts of Direct X needed to write a complete 2D game. The book also contains two great chapters that explains just enough Windows programming to get your Direct X code up and running without confusing matters. Plus, the source code on the CD is excellent. Each component of Direct X is explained separetly with numerous source code examples showing the components in action. And I wouldn't be too concerned about the lack of Direct 3D coverage. If you want to learn Direct 3D you really need get a book dedicated to it because Direct 3D is huge. Of course Direct 3D is built on the foundation of all the other Direct X components so If you don't know anything about Direct X you'll need to start some where, and I can't think of any better place than this book.
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