Rating: 
Summary: Banks' delivers a stunning and clever checkmate!
Review: The good news is that this was the first book I read by Banks and I was totally absorbed from cover to cover! Rich in science fiction (without being too much "science") with lots of psychological insight, great tension and a moving pace, the challenges faced by the protagonist seem straightforward but there are games within games! The semi-good news is that after this book I went on to read everything else I could find by Banks and they are all half-step down from "The Player..", although he has one of the most unique story-telling abilities I've come across since Niven, Bradbury or Asimov. "Player" is not to be missed by avid sci-fi readers, and afterwards I'll bet you put it away to rediscover again in the future.
Rating:
Summary: Culture Lore Continues
Review: Having read many, but not quite all, of Iain M. Banks' series of "Culture" novels, I'd have to say that this is the best so far. The depths of characters and twists and turns along the way make this a must read for all sci-fi fans out there. If you want to pick up an Iain M. Banks book, this is the one to start with. Make yourself a hot cocoa, kick back your feet and dive into the world of "the Culture"...
Rating:
Summary: A very subtle, but profound novel...WOW
Review: I waited a few weeks to write this review because I wanted the book to sink in a little. Rightfully so, for as time went on I realized that I did enjoy it, and found it to be quite profound. This book is my first Culture novel and as such, many of the fundamental Culture principles were lost on me. However...I got it. I found the Culture to be every bit as ruthless and vicious as the empire it sought to destroy. In some ways, far worse, for the Culture's hidden agenda is far more perilous for Jernau Gurgeh than the Empire of Azad's far more notorious and blatant overtures. Truly a scary tale of what a political machine gone amuck can do. I don't consider a mastery of gaming to be a particularly important or valuable skill to any society on a grand scale. A doctor, engineer or poet might prove more important representatives. Interesting how one man's seemingly small contribution, could figure so pivotal to the downfall of an empire. Yet in his own world, he is ultimately a meaningless and expendable creature; far too cognitive of the Culture's real motivations to be left alive. Powerful stuff. Once it hits you, you'll be in awe of Banks. I didn't realize how much he said in such a little book.
Rating:
Summary: A great Sci-fi book, one of the best I've read
Review: This book was amazing. It was my second Iain M. Banks book after 'Against a Dark Background'. I'd found that one rather tedious after the beginning and I wasn't expecting much from 'The Player of Games'. I was proved very wrong. This book combines the best elements of Sci-fi and creates a deep, philosophical yet action-filled medley. It poses questions about our society and reflects our world using the supposedly 'perfect' society called the culture. I hardly ever give 5 Stars but this book deserves 6, it was one of the best books I have ever read. If you like sic-fi, you'll love it, even if you don't you may get converted with this.
Rating:
Summary: IMHO,Banks' best
Review: More straightforward and less dark than Consider Phlebas or Use of Weapons, The Player of Games is space opera at it's best. Amazing worlds, hidden plots and all the rest resolve in a fun ending. In general I don't give 5 star reviews, but tPoG deserves one.
Rating: 
Summary: Extremely intelligent....Unique
Review: I enjoyed this book very much due to the fact that it made you use your imagination. The things Banks makes up are incredible. No other mind could do what he does.
Rating:
Summary: It converted me to Sci fi
Review: I've read most of the Iain Banks books, but this was my 1st Iain M Banks.Its a great book,but I found it hard to follow in places. But as an intro to sci fi I really enjoyed it and have become an enthusiast.
Rating:
Summary: Colorful, stimulating, far-flung space epic!
Review: I read this years ago and then it went out of print; I'd recommend it to people but they could never find it. Now it's back! This is real SF, not for the tv-addicted or one-dimensional Trekkies. Lots of cool aliens, a great satire of Earth, intellectually stimulating... this is top-notch stuff. I can't wait to get to the rest of his stuff. "Wasp Factory" could have been written by another writer entirely! My highest recommendations.
Rating:
Summary: More subtle than it seems ...
Review: A very good book, though not quite as fine as Feersum Enjinn (sp?). It's more subtle than it seems on first reading (few will be suprised by the identity of the robot companion); there are games within games. What is the difference, for example, between a game and a predictive simulation? Banks is also posing some interesting questions about "free will". Ultimately, one wonders which of the worlds is preferable -- the nasty barbarians, or the world of the omnipotent AIs? John Faughnan
Rating:
Summary: One of Banks' best.
Review: Having read a fair number of Iain Banks'stories, I'd have to say that this is probably my favorite. Another good Culture tale.
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