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telling you to load textures into the game without explaining how to import graphic files into Visual Studio for use as a game resource). I'm going completely against the grain of the previous reviews and giving this book 1 star. This problem is compounded by a lack of thought put into the order the book's content is presented to the reader, which at times is rather awkward (you better understand how to use MathHelper by chapter 4 but sprite fonts won't be covered until chapter 21). This book had a lot of promise that was unfortunately ruined by a lack of organization and forethought on the part of the author and editor(s). The book attempts to teach the reader how to program games using XNA however repeatedly skips fundamental concepts (e.g. Ultimately, this book was seemingly written for reader who already understand how to program games in XNA - which rather defeats the purpose of the book.I found the Beginning XNA 2.0 Game Programming book from Apress to be a far more useful book. If you're going to spend ~$40 on an XNA textbook, you would be better off with the Apress book than this one.
The difference this book is that it teaches the engine of a good variety of simple games that can be made by amateur programmers.The only negative point that I thought it was the fact that the examples contained in the CD are in XNA version 1.0, and that to be returned to that version, is a bit outdated.But in terms of learning, this has an excellent didactic.
The way I approach the examples is to actually load the code that is working in one instance of VS 2005 and then work in another version. This book is excellent *IF* you know C#. I attempt to put the code together, learning along the way, and then look at the finished example. I rated it 5 stars because I work in C# everyday and am able to find my way around the code. I'm also translating the XNA 1.0 examples into 2.0 examples using the Author's website. In this manner I learn even more about C# while learning XNA. I own many XNA books and this one is by far the best of the bunch and one I keep close at hand.If you are brand new to C# this should be your second book after a good basic C# book.
This book was released after the 1.0 refresh was out, but it still has it's own font class instead of using the built in font class in XNA. It also has some basic info on 3D that is beneficial, but if you are looking to actually create a 3D game you will want to grab a different XNA book on the market. This book talks about 3D, but it's main focus is 2D. My biggest complaint was all of the "redundant" 2D games. main reason for the dock of one star is for the lack of 3D content.The book has updated code and doesn't seem to change to much from what is printed in the book. This annoyed me a little, but nothing major.The author does a great job at explaining most of the code. This is just my jaded view to wish there was more information on 3D.If you are looking for only 2D games, this is the book for you.
This book gets my second highest review because it is such a good book. I would have liked to seen some more information on 3D, but obviously you can only fit so many things in a book. Check my reviews to see which ones I like. He has good text information as well. Granted, they are different games but it is really more of the same. The author did a great job. That is a good thing.
Great for new person to XNA. General OO programming knowledge required, but the basics of game design are there.
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