Die by the Sword Offical Strategies & Secrets: Strategies & Secrets

Interplay's Die by the Sword is an elegant mix of fighting, fantasy role-playing, and action game, and Sybex's topnotch guide is the perfect companion. Starting off with a list of cheat codes, the book wastes no time in delivering the goods. Lengthier sections are devoted to the single-player campaign game. You'll find detailed discussions of everything from the options menu to the weapons at your disposal. A description of each creature in the game is also included, complete with tactics for fighting each of these nasty beasts. The game's complex controls are also explained in great detail. There's even a complete section on the special move editor. Of course, the book also provides walk-throughs for every level. The maps aren't the best around, but they are good enough to illustrate the key points of each level. A short but valuable section on multiplayer mode, some cool storyboard art, and a brief question-and-answer session with the designers wraps up this impressive book. --Michael Ryan