Amazon.com
Prima's Official Strategy Guide to Half-Life: Opposing Force is "official," read "100% dictated by Sierra." But for the $19.99 cover price you might expect a little bit more than a minimalist walk-through, a few basic maps, and a description of enemies and weapons--especially because the cover of this book claims "Insider stats, tips, and strategies." But there isn't a whole lot that's "insider" about it. Instead, with the exception of the maps, this guide strongly resembles the user guide/manual normally included with a top-flight computer game. Although some of the more substantial information concerning Half-Life Opposing Force is lacking, there's still plenty of stuff to get the novice off on the right foot. The walk-through is written in a style that is reminiscent of a crusty drill instructor giving orders to a green recruit. And the beginner can glean some useful knowledge from the enemy and weapons descriptions as well. For example, knowing that it would take more than the seven shots in the clip of the .357 to kill a Voltigore will undoubtedly save you an embarrassing death or two. The remark concerning this book having been dictated by Sierra is aimed at the conspicuous lack of available information about the game. Where is the information on the console and how to use it to configure certain game parameters to suit your style of play? Why is there is no information on the numerous cheats available in the game? Why did the publisher even bother to include the very limited chapter dealing with multi-player mode? Those questions aside, if you are an absolute beginner in this genre of computer game or find yourself stuck at some point in the game, this guide will help you make it through successfully. --Robert D. Gately
Product Description
Extensive stats for every military, experimental, and alien weapon
In-depth walkthroughs for every alien-infested level
Detailed maps of the Black Mesa Research Facility
Developer's tips for single and multiplayer games
Essential enemy and item information for your survival
|
Half-Life Opposing Force: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
- Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: Prima Games; 1999-12-15
- Label: Prima Games
- Studio: Prima Games
- ISBN: 0761525904
- Average Customer Review:
 based on 5 reviews
- Sales Rank in Books: #1410915
Avg. Customer Review:
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Good Enough Guide 2000-07-21
Comment: Again, I bought this guide after I beat the game. I read it and showed me a couple of spots I didn't visit. All in all a good guide.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating: 
Summary: I was Disappointed 2000-06-26
Comment: I agree with the review from J.K. Kelley. The guide for HL was fantastic! The ideal book would be the HL guide with the map format in the Opposing Force book.I don't like the paragraph-style walkthrough. The numbered format in the HL guide is excellent. The Opposing Force guide does have the information you need if you get stuck somewhere, but it doesn't have the step-by-step information like the HL guide.
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: not as good as the Half-Life one, but ok 2000-01-23
Comment: As stated in my review of the guide for the basic Half-Life game, most guides are lousy. Expectations need to be measured against this unauspicious standard. In comparison to the one for HL, this guide isn't quite as easy to use due to the paragraph-style walkthrough. The numbered lists and formatting in the HL guide were very helpful; this one has more pictures and does have meaningful maps, but isn't as easy to follow when you're playing through a tough spot. The quality of the information is ok, once you understand that long areas of nothing significant aren't even mentioned in the guide. (I don't fault this, but it threw me a time or two early on until I realized it.) The Marine DI tone of the book gets a little wearing, but is in keeping with the computer game; first game I've ever played where the actual menu choices call you names.:) Other than that, it's fairly readable but not as usable due to the lack of formatting effort. Probably worth the money if you're having serious trouble with the game.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great guide! 2000-01-09
Comment: Very helpful, as always. These games necessitate such a guide. Too bad it took so long to come out.
5 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating: 
Summary: why is this book so hard to publish? 1999-12-19
Comment: give me my guide! I'm stuck and cant continue
|
Half-Life Opposing Force: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
Enlarge View