Tomb Raider Limited Edition Strategy Guide Hardcover – 5 Mar. 2013

This is quite a weighty hardback book, that for me has an encyclopedia-like quality -- designed and built to stand the test of time.The cover is very glossy and doesn't look cheaply made at all. The binding inside is also of a very high finish, just like absolutely everything contained within. Each page is smooth with a slight sheen and is highly detailed and laid out in sections and tables where necessary. I haven't been able to refer to this guide yet as I'm still waiting on my collector's edition of the game to be delivered. I can however say, that it's been very well thought out and appears user-friendly and there is a Contents list at the beginning of the book.Everything from how to control Lara, upgrades for combat and weapons etc., how to navigate your way around the island of Yamatai and so on are all covered in-depth, so there is no reason why you should ever get stuck with any part of the game or need to fire-up your laptop, PC, iPad or whatever to find out anything, cuz it's all been covered in this marvellous book!For those who are wondering, there is a total of 325 pages from cover to cover and yes, there are a lot screen stills and art on every page, including some full-page ones. On page 5 there is a picture of both the PS3 controller and the XBox 360 controller depicting which button does which action(s) but I don't see anything about the PC controls so that might be worth taking into consideration if you're a PC gamer.Overall, this is a great guide and so well made that I recommend anyone who's a Tomb Raider fan to buy this as it's well worth the money. I'd even go so far to say that it's under-priced even at it's RRP of £19.99.I also received the green amulet/pendant with this and I can't fault it at all. In weight it feels like some kind of metal covered with something that feels and looks like enamel. The only downside though, if you're a purist, is that the brown cord isn't double length like you see in the artwork of Lara wearing the amulet, and the ends of the cord aren't sealed but it's about 18-20 inches long so it should fit most people comfortably. You could easily remove the cord without risking any damage and simply replace it with your own cord, should you want to make it look more authentic, like Lara's.Happy Raiding!! =)

When it comes to BradyGames I'm normally a bit careful since there have been hits and misses in their guide series.THIS release however is nothing less than remarkably good, no question. Most pages feature either a white or black background which is fitting for the survival aspect of this game (it looks like pieces of a map). BradyGames weren't cheap with screenshots which is one of the strong aspects: there's dozens of pictures on every page accompanying helpful text to every step of the walkthrough.Normally they also include a helpful hint for new game aspects and point out difficult or confusing passages. Each area includes a large map which lists every single collectible (includes tombs and challenges) apart from salvage.This is also my only disappointment in this guide: no salvage marks. Yes, there's a ton of it lieing around but what could be done then is to include a separate map for these. Still this is not a critical weak point fortunately.The guide keeps a good order and also lists helpful details to Multiplayer and Achievements. Spoilers do appear though by skimming through and taking a look at the wrong picture ("Oh, THAT is happening later on?"). The beginning of each area also has a small list of enemies which should be avoided for the same reason.So what about the extras with this Limited Edition? The hardcover is very well done and provides sufficient page protection. You also get two extra Multiplayer costumes (the code is at the very end of the guide) which are fine but not great. The last thing is a small pendant included which is a replica of Lara's necklace. This accessory looks and feels a bit cheap in my opinion - it boils down to personal tastes in the end.Nonetheless this guide is highly recommended for every one out there who wants to get everything (aside from salvage that is). BradyGames did a very good job with this release.

I will try to keep this short and to the point.This guide pretty much covers the entire game, detailing tips, trophies/achievements, gear upgrades, skills and every collectible on a very detailed overhead map. The guide also helps you collect every collectables, challenges and trophy/achievement while playing the main campaign when available (they have screenshots which has a circle highlight to show you the collectables location).The limited edition comes with a very nice green plastic necklace with a cheap rope attached replicating Lara’s necklace; you also get few DLC’s for multiplayer.The book itself is hardback and has a nice plastic texture cover; comfortable to open and close the book as it does not keep closing like many of the Brandgames hardback guides.The only downfall is that they should have included a ribbon for bookmarking as it’s not that clear to navigate back to where you left off, it requires you to use your own bookmark. If that isn’t a problem for you then this is a 5 Star guide book.Honestly the guide is fantastic if you don’t want to use the internet or YouTube and prefer a physical guide in front of you, the guide is currently £12.79 which is an awesome grab for such a detailed very helpful guide for that 100%/Platinum (it is also limited edition).