Customer Reviews

PlayStation 2 for Dummies

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book disappointed me a great deal. The first five chapters discuss the very basics of PS2 -- while it reads better than the half-baked English in the PS2 user's guide, the information is just too basic. The second part, printed on yellow pages, lists about 200 games and gives game summary info as well as hints for a few of them. No, not all 200 games are for PS2 only; many, if not most, are actually PSX games, but they are here because the author and his collaborators think they are worthy games. Okay, I can buy that, but there's very little about each game -- esp. the ones many people are unfamiliar with -- that tells us why exactly we should spend money on it. Detailed information about all these games can be found on GameSpot.com, so I felt a bit sore about spending $15 on this book which turns out to have so little useful information.

My advice: there's nothing in this book you can't find on any good PS2 fan sites, so save your money and head over to the Net for better information that's also free.

At last, a Playstation 2 guide that's legible, understandable, entertaining, and above all useful! If you have a PS2 or know that you will be getting one, you need this book. The manual that comes with the PS2 is incomplete and virtually useless as far as the finer points of PS2 useage are concerned. Throw it away and replace it with this beautiful, timely tome. If game hardware manufacturers (and even game developers) would hire the author to write their manuals, the game world would be a much more understandable place for both newbies and hardcore gamers alike. Perhaps one day the reading materials provided with games and game hardware will actually be more entertaining than the games themselves. This is certainly a step in that direction.

I bought it for some insight on troubleshooting my PS2, disk read problems. Not much there, unfortunately. That in it's own self wouldn't be a killer, but the fact that the book is 2/3 "guide to games" cinches the deal. It's from 2001, so there are no games since then included in the guide. If you just bought a PS2 (like I did) and you find this for a buck at a flea market, it might be worth it.

This is a wonderfully complete look at the PS2. I got a PS2 at launch (standing in line in the rain), but this book still taught me things I didn't know. The breakdown of the DVD menus was especailly useful...This book is a must for anyone who really wants to understand the PS2, and is great for parents. And is a thoughly enjoyable read. I hope he writes more.

This book is very good!! it teaches how to confugure you Ps2 it is the best ... for dummies i alredy read!! It is a complete book for the new generation of gaming it shows you how the PS2 works and teaches you to make it last better and also to avoid makong it break!! that worth lots of money!! It has some cheats and guides also!!

This could very well be the finest "Dummies" book I've ever read. Arguably, the best ever written. And while I don't currently own a PS2, believe you me, when I do happen upon one, I'll dig right in, armed with Mr. Amrich's engaging tome. A very entertaining and informative read, to be sure. I salute the author for his insight and care for us "dummies" out there who enjoy playing games, but aren't complete "tech-heads". I feel very lucky to have purchased this book and would encourage many of you gamers (and future-gamers) out there to do the same. It also makes a wonderful gift! Thanks, Dan Amrich. Whoever you are.