61 of 70 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Only one worth getting, March 24, 2003
This review is from: Pokemon Sapphire Version / Pokemon Ruby Version (Prima's Official Strategy Guide) (Paperback)
This strategy guide is the only Ruby and Sapphire guide worth getting (as of 3-24-03). The other "official" guide doesn't even have a pokedex, which is the one thing you need when you are playing pokemon! This one is great. The berries section is a bit confusing, but the pokedex more than makes up for it!
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31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A much superior product than their first Gold/Silver guide, May 21, 2003
This review is from: Pokemon Sapphire Version / Pokemon Ruby Version (Prima's Official Strategy Guide) (Paperback)
Prima's previous Pokemon Gold/Silver guide was not their best effort; it was rushed and most of the Pokemon were not even pictured in the book. This Ruby/Sapphire guide more than makes up for their last guide.
The guide takes the time to describe the new features of Ruby and Sapphire, all the new info you need on capturing, types, status problems and evolving, and it even details the differences between the old Gold/Silver features and the new Ruby/Sapphire features; an "In" and "Out" list, e.g. the clock and Pokegear from Gold/Silver compared to the new Pokenav in Ruby/Sapphire. The breeding section is very helpful, but not thorough or detailed enough for those who want to raise pokemon with special egg moves; it is possible with some work, but it will be great if Prima does another book dedicated to breeding and inheriting special moves like their Master Pokedex for Gold/Silver.
The walkthrough is organized quite nicely, and the screen shots are crisp and clear in beautiful full color. The item list takes a different approach; rather than state exactly where each item is, there are "checklists" where you can check off the items you obtain as you find them in that region. I didn't find this too troublesome. Prima has opted not to list each trainer and their bench of pokemon; I am not thrilled with this omission, but the guide is so well put together, I am willing to grudgingly deal with it, I guess the company wanted to provide players with the element of surprise, so make sure you have a diverse or strong team with you at all times. I am however grateful that the pokemon appearances and frequencies are listed, as well as which one appears in which version when applicable, including appearances in the water when fishing or surfing. The gym leaders and their pokemon benches are still detailed, along with very helpful tips on beating them, the badge won and its effect and the TM provided. I also like how each major and minor event or task is numbered, but you can still complete each task in any order you like. I love the pokedex and how straightforward and streamlined it is; everything you need to know from the nature(s) of each pokemon to its evolution(s) and its branches, but they make a mistake on Wurmple's evolution stating that it depends on the time of day. Wurmple's evolution to Silcoon or Cascoon is entirely random.
The best feature of all is the Pokemon Contest, to which the book dedicates its own section. A bit of the information is a little confusing, but carefully read will give you all you need to know, including what berries to mix to make the best pokeblocks and their effects when used. They included the battle moves and contest moves, even the contest move combos! The item list is as complete as anyone could ever want. Overall, this book provides a good balance of information to beat the game without revealing too much. I still would have liked to see the trainer data but Prima's guide will deeply satisfy most players wanting to get the most out of the game. You'll be glad you bought this book!
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49 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not a bad Guide at all, July 4, 2003
This review is from: Pokemon Sapphire Version / Pokemon Ruby Version (Prima's Official Strategy Guide) (Paperback)
There are a few good points about this guide. Of all the Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire guides this is the only one that has a Pokedex. But it still isn't tbe best to choose just because of this.
A few things troubling. THey have some maps and that's good. But they don't locate very many items. Not only that but there are a couple of errors in the Pokedex, which weren't too bad. Mostly with some of the pokemons evolutions but still a good guide nonetheless.
The other big problem was that I'm used to guides telling me what to expect from trainers. Even Nintendo Power would help tell me what trainers would most likely use (i.e. "They mostly use water and grass types"), but this guide didn't do that for me.
Also, they didn't locate the secret bases in any way whatsoever. They had the maps...but where do I find them!? I didn't like that too much. Not only that but no strategies for two on two battles. That could be a bit of a problem. Nonetheless a good guide that is essential to the game in every way. They have a few problems but easily this guide is one of the better ones for Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire.
The good
+Maps
+Nice walkthrough
+There's a Pokedex!
The Bad
-Small tiny errors in the Pokedex
-Doesn't help me locate the secret bases
-Maps are missing item locations
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