I bought the original guide right along with the game on the release date. I have since enjoyed its wonders, poring over every page that Prima dumped over 2000 hours into. I have recently decided to pick up the hardcover version for a collection. A gorgeous cover, dual built-in bookmarks, and a fold-out map of Skyrim are just some of the benefits of the Collector's Edition has to offer. Collector or not, this thick tome (a massive 656 pages) is beyond what one would expect, even for an Elder Scrolls game. The walkthroughs and quest details describe every single step yet remain easy to read and follow even with the bulk of information presented. There are so many side-jobs and long quests with a game this expansive not to squeeze everything you can out of them. You'll need it on the harder difficulties. The game is possible to play without, but theres so much content that you wouldn't want to. This 'book' is ridiculously detailed. Each hidden chest and its contents is revealed, every spell laid out with comprehensive tables of where to go and how to get them. There are well laid-out lists with every weapon and piece of armors' stats, materials to produce them, and even where to get those materials! Each 'profession' (Smithing, Mining, Alchemy, Enchanting) has it's own section in the beginning, detailing where the ingredients for each are normally found, and what you can create or do with them along with how to do so. These tables become extremely useful later on when there is just so much to keep tabs on. I personally have many guides as a collector, and in the family of guides that are out there for RPGs, this one ranks at the top. It is beautifully made, in-depth, and one of they best investments you'll make for a game. If you're thinking about it, don't hesitate! You won't regret learning exactly how to smack the souls out of those dragons, giants, or helpless villagers with this. There is none better.Read full review
I bought the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Collector's Edition: Prima Official Game Guide by David Hodgson (2011, Hardcover, Collectors) because I wanted to have the best experience I could with the game of Skyrim. The product is absolutely fantastic. It has more than 650 color pages and the layout is very nice. It is well organized through 6 parts, which include: training, the inventory, the bestiary, quests, atlas of Skyrim, appendices and index. It's all very well written, exhaustive and is easily understandable. Together with the guide, there is also a map of Skyrim that is very nice. Finally, there is also a code which gives you the possibility to access for free to another very exhaustive online map of the world of Skyrim (for who has not the Collector's edition, access to this online map costs 15 dollars). In short, it is a great guide! I recommend this product to all fans of Skyrim!Read full review
Unless you have 20/20 vision or are very myopic, you will need a magnifying glass to read the print. Fortunately, I am very nearsighted (myopic), but still needed to have excellent lighting to read the print. That was the biggest drawback. I also thought that Prima could have given a better index because some information about the game that I was only able to acquire was left out and I had to Google it. Overall it is informative and extensive for the most part.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I purchased this guide because this game is very deep and alot can go missed, through using the guide I get more out of the game and appreciate it all tthe more. This guide is very thorough, and has lists, maps, pictures, and everything else you need to know how to find hidden items and complete those obscure quests, all in a nice thick hardbound book.
Anyone serious about playing the game needs this guide. Having played most of the game before acquiring this, I wish I had this book before I even started. It has been extremely helpful and a great reference. The layout and graphics are excellent. If you want to play the game or decide to go back and revisit, this is the book for you.
Verified purchase: No
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