Banjo - Kazooie (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)

Kicking things off with a hilarious foreword written by Mumbo Jumbo himself, Prima's guide to Banjo-Kazooie is as funny as it is helpful. The book's opening section quickly summarizes the basic elements of gameplay and the underlying plot. You'll learn a little about each of the main characters as well as each of Banjo and Kazooie's special moves and attacks. There's also a section full of basic strategies for the game in general and the nine different game worlds in particular. As you move into the level-by-level walk-throughs, you'll see some nicely illustrated world maps, each annotated with screen captures and descriptive captions. The book doesn't break down the game's cheat codes, but it does tell you how to track down a character who can: wherever Cheato the spellbook makes an appearance, this book will guide you to him. --Michael Ryan