Customer Reviews

Spore: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The guide is useful, in that it lists some information that you wouldn't otherwise get (like how trading spice actually works in space stage).

But, it's told in storybook form, which I find annoying. Seriously, most of the "story" is covered by the in game tutorial, so why go over it again for over 3/4 of the book?

It contains at least a couple charts that are meaningless (how other space empires react to you - what do the numbers mean? No idea, they never say.) It contains references to information that would probably need more fleshing out (what are the reaction bonuses that you have for other empires? They mention it for civ stage, but not space stage?)

It contains relatively too few strategy tips, and those that are there are often buried in otherwise useless stories about their creature "Clumpy".

The poster is really ugly, and despite what the cover says, there's no "comic" inside.

In short, a slapdash effort for Spore addicts only. I could have done better if given a couple weeks - they spent more effort on the graphics than the text. My guide would have had almost no graphics, and about 5 times more text.

I bought this guide thinking it would explain a lot more about creating spores, buildings, and vehicles. It shows you some pretty awesome creations and the parts to build them but I had hoped it would show you creative ways of adding color and using the eyedrop tools. I don't understand why it spends so many pages explaining the most basic part of the game, and like another reviewer said, no time at all on the space stage. I am very disappointed with the guide and think it was a waste of my money.

I've found the guide to be a very handy reference when I need a quick explanation of something. It could use some better visuals when describing certain functions, such as the terraforming panels, etc.

Overall, it's good to have it around so you don't get lost. It's definately not a walkthrough guide, but a pretty good reference.

I've had really good luck buying strategy guides but this one was the worst and an obvious waste of money that I regret.

Pros:
Good details on every single selectable item and lots of good examples of setups for every single stage except one.
There are some hints periodically that I didn't think of till reading this guide.

Cons:
The only stage this book is terrible at is the most in-depth and difficult stage in the game. The Space stage. 80 - 90% of the book is dedicated to the earlier stages but only a sliver is on the hardest/most complex stage.

Overall impression:
[...]. Do a little homework online for any details/hints/walkthroughs you might need and you will be far better off with even more cash in your pocket. Sure there are a couple of hints in there I didn't think of, but not [...] worth of hints and help. Maybe [...] worth. Save your money.

Side venting regarding the game.... I HATE DRM. They are going to DRM Command and Conquer Red Alert 3 as well. What JERKS! I'm the type that uninstalls a game, reinstalls, uninstalls, reinstalls. It's all based on what I feel like at any moment in time and given that I own hundreds of games, it's easy to change my mind for something else. The DRM did NOT affect the 2 stars I gave to the guide. The guide really did deserve 2 stars. The game is worth 4-5 stars but I gave it a 1 because I don't want to be annoyed when I reinstall my own game. Why should I have to justify my life to some stranger just to get another install license?

Ok, to start with I need to state very clearly I am not a beginning gamer nor am I a beginner to playing Spore, and I totally get how complicated writing a Prima Guide can be.

However, this publication is merely an extension of pre-release marketing material. It would appear the authors have never played the game, or if they have, never played it longer than ten minutes at any given stage.

There are not even attempts to provide walk-throughs for some of the minimum-complexity achievements at any Stage of the game (*gasp* Not Even Space Stage?! No, dear reader, not even Space Stage), let alone explanations of what some of the achievements mean.

This publication would be a complete waste of money if not for the obvious high quality graphic layouts on every single page and the perfect thickness of the combined pages to exactly balance out the short-leg of a three-legged stool.

Note to the publisher: recommission these same authors to do the job right and give them enough time and money to deliver. This guide does not even deserve to have the name Prima associated with it.

This book is titled, Spore the evolution. Not as pictured. This is a hard covered book. Not really a guide to Spore, more of a coffee table book. Great value, not what I expected but very happy with it. Very interesting book and something anyone intersted in Spore would want.
Good provider, fast service. Very happy with my purchase.

This guide actually helps me through the tough parts of the game. Even discovered walkthroughs that I never noticed before. To those Spore fans, this is a great product.

Without this extraordinarily entertaining and USER FRIENDLY game guide, I can well understand why so many Spore users have expressed frustration and disappointment with this amazing and endlessly variable and rewarding game.

I gave both the game and the book to my 9 year old daughter for Christmas and she completely immersed herself in the Spore experience in a way I've never seen her do.

She is completely captivated by the game and constantly refers to the book as she progresses, starting over again with a new creature after she finishes her progress with on. Having the book allowed her to quickly learn the various strategic opportunities available in the game. She was then able to expertly guide me through my Spore experience as well within days, pointing out where in the book I could find answers to my inevitable game questions.

Do not attempt the game without getting the book or you might be in danger of being thrown by the time-consuming trial-and-error learning curve and easily lose interest in the Spore-Quest for evolutionary dominance of the universe!Spore

My son is a true gamer. He is 11 and was so excited when he opened this book at Christmas. He loves Spore and apparently this book is of great assistance to him!!

It has helped a lot in playing the game. Very detailed and information in all aspects.