" The only thing it's missing is an explanation on how to employ bullet time in real life… "

      Title: Max Payne Strategy Guide by Brady Games

      Format: Xbox Hint Book

      Reviewing Monkey: Mojo Jojo

      The Hype: The game is fun, with lots of hidden goodies, and some maps that can occasionally be daunting. Brady things this book will help make your life much easier. Will it? I don't know…why are you bothering me with inane questions like that…

      What This Monkey Thought...

      Layout: Nice, smooth, and logically presented- the Max Payne guide gives you what you want when you want it. Full color and chock-a-block full of pictures (evidently I've suddenly become Steve Irwin), I never found myself cursing the High Monkeys droppings while I looked for content. And, most important of all for me, there's a nice table of contents that steers you anywhere you want to go. 4 out of 5

      Usefulness: On the plus side, anything you might want to know is in here. Weapon descriptions, special item location, strategies, and yes- cats and kittens (okay, so I'm a gay beatnik Steve Irwin), it even has cheats! The only thing that mars that perfection is the narrative style in which most of the info is presented ("then you walk to the left and jump up, then you walk back…"). And while I'll show unusual generosity and concede that, given how linear the levels are I can understand why they did it, narrative strategy guides are still unforgivable. The only thing that saves it is the presence of pictures depicting the scenery every place something interesting happens- so worst-case scenario you can just wander around looking for something that matches the picture. 4 out of 5

      Desired Content: All the gear, toys, levels, special items, and background you'd expect from a hint guide plus cheats! The only thing it's missing is an explanation on how to employ bullet time in real life…so I guess we'll have to keep trying to figure that out on our own. 5 out of 5

      Accuracy: If there was a flaw, I didn't notice it. Can't argue with that. 5 out of 5

      The Verdict:

A good guide that gives you everything you'd expect in the manner you'd expect it. What more do you want?

      The Good: All the crap the game offers…

      The Bad: Unfortunately presented in a narrative layout.

      The Overall Ugly: Having trouble with the game? Get this- you won't any more.

      What it's Worth: Market.