YOSHI'S STORY 64, TUG (Brady Games)

-- The BradyGames Yoshi's Story 64 strategy guide will include level maps, boss strategies, secret rooms and complete walkthroughs.
-- How to uncover clues to finding specially hidden items.
-- Learn how to collect the maximum level of coins and how to use the special items like umbrellas to get through every area of the game.
-- Yoshi's Story is a fantastically animated, gorgeously designed game with tons of 2 1/2D gameplay. It is similar to Donkey Kong Country in that it uses high resolution pre-rendered graphics, but with a twist. It uses special effects, such as rotation, enlargement or shrinking of background elements or characters. It's not fully 3D, but it's a bit more than 2D.
-- Hopping, walking, running, hovering and flying may appear in the arsenal of movements that Yoshi can take advantage of in this sequel to Yoshi's Island.
-- Six new worlds and 24 courses will be new and the game will use a 128 megabit Game -- the first of a new generation of super size N64 games.

This book covers the game basics in a quick but effective introduction, with an explanation of the characters in the game, the different moves Yoshi can perform, and the way in which everything is scored. It then proceeds right on to the good stuff, with a straightforward focus on providing advice and solutions for the game's many levels. By lining up multiple screen shots, the book provides some nice full-level maps along with a generous helping of close-ups to illustrate key points. Also, you'll find call-out boxes throughout the book, each providing a helpful tip or trick.

Basic strategies, including what to do with a White Shy Guy, and specific tactics are both well-covered, so you'll never be left scratching your head. You'll learn how to avoid the Pirate Shy Guys' cannon and how to otherwise lick and stomp your way through Yoshi Land. And, of course, you'll get the inside scoop on all of the game's many secrets, including invulnerability hearts, secret areas, and how to use Poochy the Secret Sniffer to help uncover these goodies.

Totally Unauthorized Guide to Yoshi's Story is a colorful, well-laid-out book that covers everything you'll need to succeed in Yoshi Land. With an emphasis on illustration rather than narration, this book is a good choice for those who prefer their strategy guides to have lots of visuals. --Michael Ryan