X-Men(TM) Legends Official Strategy Guide

Rating:
Summary: Finally, a useful strategy guide.
Review: I had already finished X-Men Legends before I got this guide; after all, it's a pretty short game. But I can definitely say it's more fun with the guide in hand.

By and large this guide is free of the bad writing and false information that had plagued so many BradyGames guides I've used before. There's a large number of charts, lists, analytical databases and other devices which make the unlockables in the game much easier to find. And while the maps aren't exactly easy to read, the layout of the levels in X-Men Legends is so cluttered that I think the authors and layout artists did a good job of translating the maps into useful, legible form. The combat strategies they suggest almost always works, and they summarize each level succinctly so that you know what you're about to get into.

Why only four stars? The layout of the book can sometimes be awkward -- too much eye candy sacrificing legibility and flow. For example, it's often not clear on a page whether you're supposed to read the upper-right map first or the lower-left one. The written passages are often up to half a page behind the maps and sidebars, making for confusing navigation. And they did have omissions on the maps, leaving out one or two items, but not enough to spoil everything.

All in all, a very good guide with minor flaws.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: It has been some years since I played a role-playing game (RPG). Having recently bought a PS2, I simply have to take on the X-Men: Legends. Afterall, I'm a Marvel fanboy, and what better way to rekindle my obsession with RPGs with Xavier's team of anti-heroes?

By the time I got this guide, I was already in the H.A.A.R.P. mission. To be honest, I was stuck. I was facing Pyro, who seemed (notice the past tense) unbeatable, especially when I've no more health packs, and apart from Wolverine who self heals, the rest of my team are in really bad shape. I read through the guide for a lifeline, and I found it. It taught me how to go to the danger room to do some training, and earned myself some health packs. I recuperated, went back to fight Pyro, and defeated him.

I went on to beat the game, slowly (I've read the guide and play at the same time, you know), and I was extremely delighted! I can only say I won't have go so far without the book.

Just for that, 5-stars.