Salvatore A. Buono
1 Another example of "Type now understand later (if ever)"
I've gone through half of this book and will not be completing it.
Despite this being a "beginner" book the author quickly overwhelms the user with advanced examples while providing nearly zero explaination of what he is doing or why he is doing it.
Only the simpliest of concepts (data types, casting, etc) are discussed before getting to some of the first extremely long and extremely complex examples.
From the beginning there is no discussion of code and very little in the way of explainatory comments. After 200 pages the author STILL has only mentioned "using" a few times and hasn't even brought up a discussion of namespaces. Yet these items are included in every sample.
Many of the items being used are never explained, there is no step by step process that tells the reader what any particular command does or why he's using it.
My criteria for a "good" book is that by the time the author starts an example he/she should have previously explained what the purpose the example serves. Is this an example that will re-enforce the graphic manipulation discussion of the most recent chapter? Is this an example that will show me in practice the simple coding practices the author explained in the last 100 pages? None of this is there. The author jumps from talking about datatypes to using some advanced C# libraries in a sample without any explaination ever provided.
This book expects you to type in dozens of pages of code (or get it off the included CD) and learn by osmosis the point of the sample; why it works; and what the key elements/procedures are.
Maybe some people can somehow mystically connect to the authors train of thought and understand unexplained code through this method, but I am unfortunate to not be one of them.
If you really want to learn C# and are a true beginner than Petzolds Programming in the Key of C# is probably the best book I've read to this point (I have high hopes for Murach's C# but am just starting that one).
Unfortunately I haven't found any acceptable books that link C# and games programming yet that discuss the subject at a newcomer level.
2 Amazingly Poor
I'm amazed at the good reviews for this book. The only reason I can give for that is that perhaps the good reviews are all from the publisher, author their and many aliases.
This book's spelling, grammar, and coding errors make it impossible to use. I'm surprised that the code included on a CD even compiles. I was so frustrated after the first two chapters that I wanted to animate the book, just so I could choke it to death.
Do yourself a favor, if you want to buy this book just slap yourself in the face and save $30.
3 Beginning C# + Minor Gaming Discussion
Whatever gaming material is encountered in this book is minimal and irrelevant. This book is merely an introduction to C#, plus a superfluous discussion about games. It is my conviction that this book has no redeeming value unless all you want to get out of it is an introduction to C#.
If you want to write videogames in C#, I strongly recommend Managed DirectX 9 Kick Start : Graphics and Game.
I hope this helps.
4 Enoyable read
This book has a easy flow with actual working examples for both C# and the games. There are both Windows forms and DirectX version of the games (7 games two versions for each), but you have to get the patch via email see the How to get help section.
5 A Dichotomous Book...
This book was a bittersweet experience for me. The book is basically devided into three sections. The first is the basics of C#, the second basics of Game Programming, and the third more advanced C# using OOP methodology.
A quick rundown of the sections:
1: Ultra Simplistic - 2 stars
2: Brilliant! Worth buying the book for 5 stars
3: Rushed, Too Concise, doesnt explain anything and useless- terrible : 1 star
(hence my rating of 3 stars - interger average of these values)
I was glad that I had read C# The Complete Reference by Herb Schildt before reading this book. The first section on programming basics is VERY basic - teaching very beginner concepts such as loops, descisions etc that most people reading this book would already know. As someone who must read a book cover to cover I read all this, resisting the strong temptation to skim to the next section. It provides a simple introduction to C#, but not particularly useful,
The second section concerns itself with game creation using Windows Forms and GDI+. The first example in this section, Paddle Tennis, is quite good, and probably worth buying the book for this one example, if you have never done any windows forms or GDI+ programming in C# before (as I hadnt). On the accompanying CD there are all these application files you need to add to your project, which is not explicitly stated in the book, and left me scratching my head when I entered all the source code, compiled and got about 200 errors. Actually mentioning that these prewritten classes needed to be added would have been of tremendous help.
But these prewritten classes are the downfall of the book. Basically the example teaches you how to display images, initialize a form, override the OnPaint & OnKeyPress methods - but thats it. All the code for collision detection is prewritten for you with only very oblique references to it in the text. I built a version of Pong and Arkanoid from what I learnt from this book, but most of what I learnt came from analyzing the source code on the CD...
Unfortunately its downhill from here. There are about 7 more games in the book however there is a very brief introduction with very vague descriptions of the new features in the games followed by source code (that again uses the prewritten classes) - basically the text doesnt really teach you how the games were made, you have to read the code and work it out.
The final section on OOP is a very condensed coverage of all 77 keywords in the C# language. This section is utterly useless - it describes the entire language in 100 pages - meaning there is a very brief introduction on the topic (such as overloading or constructors) a single example and then its next topic! If I already didnt know the language I would be completely lost...
I said however this was a Dichotomous Book as I believe I would still have bought it knowing what I do now. It is worth it for the middle section, which is excellent. I recommend strongly that you analyze the source code on the cd (and remember to add it to your projects!!!) - this taught me more than the book. The very final part of section 3 goes over the classes in these prewritten functions (attempting to save grace)- but in the style of the latter half of the book is ultra condensed and basically mirrors the code - teaching you no more than the code itself does - there is no reasoning as to why the code is written in that way.
Something must have gone into my head however because within a week of reading I could make fairly complicated Forms/GDI+ applications - the book works for a good introduction.
In conclusion, dont buy it to learn the language (I recommend reading C# the Complete Reference - it is excellent), but buy it if you want to know something about GDI+ and Windows Forms - it teaches this well. Just skip sections 1 and 3 and read section 2 (which is brilliant by the way).
Deon Poncini
6 You need this book
I have purchased a lot of programming books and even a computer based training package in the last few years. None of them covered the concepts of programming as well as this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a novice programmer who wants to learn C# as well as the basics of game programming. The games included are basically clones of Pong, Space War, Asteroids, Space Invaders, Break Out, Brezerk, and Pac Man, but again, these are a good start for a beginner.
7 Read this book
An excellent book that is extremely easy to read, not because of lack of depth, but because of excellent writing style. The author's ability to take complex concepts and explain them in easy to understand terms makes this book a real pleasure to read.
8 A fine book for an introduction into game programming
Personally, this book is very light-hearted, without much pain someone like me, who have NIL experience in game programming could actually absorb what the book is trying to teach.
Even thought it does contains some minor typos(to be fair), but as long as the reader is following the book, I don't see any real problems learning from it especially it's really taking a small step at a time.
Conclusion.
This is a good buy, but some effort is needed to benefit from it.
9 This book is mistitled.... Should be C#..For Total Beginners
Short simple and to the point.
If you have never ever programmed before in any language but basic, then this is the book for you.
Total chapters 5
Chapter 1 (programming basics) bascially teaches how to write a hello world program.
Chapter 2 Branches loops and functions.
Chapter 3 (called chapter 2 in the Table of contents) Basic game programming (write pong)
etc etc etc..
If you know what any of the following terms means, than the first 75% of this book is way beneath you. Variables, arrays(chapt 4), While loops(ch 4), if then (Ch 4).
If you know what the following terms mean, than the entire book is beneath you.
Structs, classes, static keyword, Object oriented design (Ch 5)
Using keyword.
That's it, that's the whole book... there is a dusting of game progamming stuff in it to keep it interesting to total novices.
But anyone who knows anything about programming will find this book way way way beneath them.
On the other hand, if you don't know _anything_ about programming and think learning it in terms of games will make it more fun, then this might be an ok book. I'd suggest one of the WROX beginning c# books as well, as they are much better at teaching the fundmentals.
10 A good primer on the subject
This is one of the better books on interactive game design, and makes a good introduction to the subject. It reads well and is quite comprehensive. I'd suggest someone interested in game programming in C# get this book.
11 great educational tool
I purchased this book as suggested by a friend of mine. I've enjoyed each page, as it really gives a gentle, complete presentation of the entire core topics involved in creating today's games. The explanations are really easy to follow, much easier to understand than other books like Real Time Rendering, etc. The book deals basically with code architecture, graphics, and AI, with minor sections on Forms, etc. As a C# student who wanted a textbook-kind of approach, this book certainly does the job. I'd miss some content on alternative platforms (mobile, PDA, etc.) as the approach is mostly PC/console centric, but that's fine with me at least...
12 a very good survey
If you want to learn all the foundational techniques to game programming, this is *the* book. Not nearly as deep as Real Time Rendering, specific as Game Programming Gems, this book covers a wholly different scenario: imagine you know nothing about game development, and need to get a nice jump-start course that puts you up to speed. This is what this book is all about. I'll use it as the companion textbook in a game programming subject I'm going to be teaching but beware: the book is probably too long and deep for a short course, better suited for a full-year academic program
13 Great book for learning game programming
I have practically every book on learning game programming with the C++ and now C#. The author is very knowledgeable on the subject and go over 2d programming, ai, ... This is the kind of book i want when i buy a book on game programming. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to start developing my own games.
14 Bad, bad, bad
When I initially purchased this book from Amazon, there were no reviews on it. Being as this was the only Game Programming book specific to C# I decided to take a risk.
I am shocked at the number of good reviews here. This book was awful. There was little coherent coverage of the language and almost no valuable discussion of game design. One of the previous posters mentioned the fact that the majority of the book is printed code. I would conservatively say 70% of this book is printed code. If my estimate is correct, that means out of 592 pages 414 are code. This is ridiculous. I paid for a book, not code samples. I want the author to tell/teach me something. If I need code samples, make them available as a download or on a CD! It is a ridiculous waste, and shows the fact that the author has very little to say when such a huge portion of the book is code. This book would have been about 100 pages long if the samples were removed from it. I could author a book like this. I'm sure I've written enough code in my life to fill 414 pages.
This book exists because someone wanted to rush a game book to market and make some cash.
Do yourself a favor. Buy a book dedicated to C# and then search the web for examples of games that others have written in C#. They are out there. You will learn a great deal more and your money will go farther.
15 Commended as being a superb self-teaching reference
C# And Game Programming: A Beginner's Guide is a hands-on instructional by Salvatore A. Buono that teaches the basics of the C# computer language through applications of classic arcade games. The topics covered include data base concepts, sorts, object-oriented design, and more. Games are built using Windows with event-driven means, and complete source code for games such as Battle Bit, Asteroid Miner, Space Fighters, Rat Race and more are included. An accompanying CD-ROM offers source code for all the examples and games in the book, pre-assembled projects, and DirectX and Windows versions of the games. C# And Game Programming is commended as being a superb self-teaching reference and resource for aspiring and practicing computer game programmers.
16 Worth buying
His book is targeted towards people who don't know C# and who want to learn both C# and game programming without waiting a few years to do so, like college students, for example. It covers specific concepts ranging from the various game components that programmers will need to understand such as graphics, Interface/Input Code, the Windows froms, and DirectX 9 programming (although you'll need the packet, which the author emails you if you write him - his email address is in the book). There is a lot of specific technical information in the book, but it also covers some broad concepts such as C# standards and an introduction to some advanced programming concepts. I would recommend this book to any beginner programmer or to an intermeditate programmer from another language.
17 good resource for game designers
The book is devided into two ideals good C# programming and fastGame Programming. Both arevaluable for obvious reasons. The chapters seven games which focus on single game design, but also become more advanced with each chapter. If you're an aspiring game designers, you'll benefit from all seven games as well as the classes that are developed. Partially because you will see what these games did well, but more so because they will encourage you to analyze the design aspects of the games you're playing to see what they do right, what they do wrong, and how you can apply that to your own designs. About half of the chapters of the book cover various aspects of game design, presenting the author's own theories about what's important, what isn't, and the things you should be thinking about. It's hard to review the value of this; some of it you'll agree with, and some of it you may not. Depending on your degree of experience, some of it may be obvious, some of it may be new, and some of it may help you focus on areas you've been neglecting. Overall, I wouldn't consider this book a must-have, but if you're interested in becoming a well-rounded and successful game designer, there's a lot in here that will be of value to you.
18 This is it!
This book is hands-down the best guide to learn how to build and program games in C#. The book does not provide step-by-step instructions, but rather covers in helpful depth all aspects of the activity, from the purely mechanical ones to ways of programming animation.
Of course, the key to it all is not only to master these individual techniques, but also to learn C# and Windows froms. So, it is not for andavnced C# programmers, but rather people wanting to learn both game programming and C#. This book does just that.
19 Seriously, buy this book
If you don't know C# and are interested in game programming, buy this book. It is instant game programming gratification. The code samples are flawless and fun. This was such a refreshing and fun change of pace. When I got my first image to appear on the screen it brought me back to the innocence and wonder of my first "Hello World!". I spend a few hours every night just reading through this book and doing the examples - and besides the fact that they are fun, they are well-designed and easy to understand. You learn how to design games from the ground up and get to build useful reuable components.
Seriously, buy this book.
20 Poorly edited and incoherent
Based on the reviews here, I thought this might be a decent book to get my feet wet on game programming. I'm an advanced C# business application programmer by trade, but thought the simple approach would be a great refresher while taking me into a new programming area.
Unfortunately, this book is the most poorly written computer book I've ever read. The writing is incoherent and a spate of bad editing throughout chapters 1 and 2 make me wonder if this book even *had* an editor.
There are several places where the sample C# program listing have syntax or other errors (such as mixed case variable names in the same section that it explains how this can cause problems).
Also, the general organization of the concepts is horrible. It darts all around in the introduction to C#, leaving some concepts unexplained after talking about their significance.
As a seasoned C# programmer, let me assure you, this book is NOT an adequate introduction to programming, game or otherwise.
21 Very well written
This is a great value and an overall well done book. The C# code in this book ranges from beginner to intermediate level. It also provides a set of classes that makes game development easier. About the only complaint is that he doesn't go over things that would be useful in games like scrolling. But it is a good value and I highly recommend you buy it if you want to make games.
22 This book rocks!
This is a great entry level book that will teach you the basics of game programming without requiring a degree in Math or Computer Science. This book is delightful to read, because it intersperses graphics programming techniques with discussions about good game play. The appendices also include some notable articles about game playing, game projects, and the "science" of making a good game. Some hard-core developers may be put off by the fact that the examples are in C#, but I strongly advise against such a bias -- C# code is 60% as efficient in execution as C++, but much easier to learn, and you would miss out on a GREAT opportunity to learn about game programming AND have fun. Lastly, I want to say that their writing style is very nice -- well thought out and not pretentious at all.
23 A Must have
Most books on .NET cover winforms..after all, it's probably the first thing you address as a programmer. However, this book had wonderful examples of real world things you do with forms. The writing is great, the layout is very easy on the eyes, and whether you are using it for a reference, or trying to get new ideas from it...you'll be glad you bought this book.
24 A bit heavy for beginners, but very useful
Although I had to reread a couple of the pages, I think this is probably the best book for both non-OO and OO programmers to pick up, who want to start learning C# and .NET application development. After reading this book, I believe the .NET SDK documentation would be sufficient to fill in all the gaps. The language of the book is technical, but quite understandable. I've dabbled with Java and C/C++ before - but after reading this book I finally have a proper understanding of the fundamentals of object oriented programming.
So for all those programmers who have been thinking about .NET for the last few years but just haven't gotten around to learning it, this book is probably the best place to start. C# is complicated, like all object oriented languages.
25 Disappointment
I purchased this book to evaluate it for a university course I am teaching in the spring. I am planning on teaching game design using the C# language and thus this book seemed right along the right lines.
It is not.
A brief summery of the book would be: Intro to C# with some game examples. The problems is that the C# topics are spread, somewhat haphazardly, through out the book, and the examples are LONG. There really is no reason why complete programs need to be printed, especially after describing methods used in them. I'd say that of the 550 pages about 300 is simply code. Combined with the fact that formatting is not perfect makes the book a difficult read.
Another complaint is the horrible quality of the games provided. The look bad, and play even worse. The fact that all of them run without crashing maybe seen as an improvement over some other books. Typically the reader should be impressed or at least inspired with what you can do with the knowledge in the book, this is almost the opposite, I know that I won't show any of these demos simply because it could drive people away.
Finally there is almost no actual Game design. All games are one or two files with limited number of classes. The book tries to focus on object oriented design, however it is poorly done with little thought given to non-player objects, such as program structure. Program structure, or lack there of, is simply the Windows.Forms model with its event model driving the game. Unmodified this model is unsuitable for actual game creation.
Conclusion.
You might be able to learn C# from this book, however it will take you a while. You also might be able to make a game however you won't learn how real games are designed and made, also you won't find this book useful as a reference as once basic knowledge is acquired nearly anyone should be able to surpass this content.
I won't be using this as a textbook, probably stick with a tried and true classic like LaMothe's TWGPG which does a much better job in all categories.
26 lots of work
When I bought this book I was a beginning programmer setting out to learn C# and game programming. I realized from some of the negative reviews that beginners may find some of it tough going but I took a chance and jumped out in the deep end and began reading it. Even though this is an extremely well written book (that I now highly appreciate) I only made it to the middle of chapter 3 before I realized that the pace was too fast. Then I took the writers advice and I started with chapter 1. I realized that this was really two books put into one. Windows Forms was almost like a third book, but not enough docs on the subject.
27 This book has a lot to offer
I've read a lot of books and I've read a lot of review, half the time someone loves it, the other half they hate it. In the end it really comes down to comparing it to its alternative. In this case, the alternative is really nothing - sure there is Managed DirectX 9 by Tom Miller (which is great for directX), but it doesn't really cover Game Programming nor does it cover C#. There's also .Net C# game programming (which doesn't come out until Feb 2004).
The inside scoup is that this book is a pretty good for learning both C# and Game Programming the GDI+ games run really fast, and the DirectX stuff is fixed through an email patch (the email address is in the book). I've also gotten some help with compiling, right from the author, which is cool.
28 Perfect Beginner book
I feel this is the best intro book to Game Programming. It covers a lot of cool stuff in an amount that I think is perfect for a beginner. It mixes a pretty good blend of theory and practice, explaining some mathematical techniques where necessary, and then relying on C# and GDI+ for other things to make us more productive. One of the beauties of this over other DirectX/C# books is that it remains focused on 80's Arcade and doesn't try to be a huge bible covering all aspects of game development. All in all I would recommend this book to a friend so 5 Estrellas!!
29 Can be a bit hard for the beginner - but worth it!
Updated: I originally gave this book 1 Star, I've since moved it up to 4 stars.
As I began the text, I was confused on why the writer jumps so fast into windows forms, this made it a bit harder, after when I added the DirectX portions I realized that this was the way it had to be, the DirectX classes and the Windows forms had to connect. There were also a few missing files on the CD - also getting me pissed off, it turns out the write emails you the missing files you just need to write him.
30 This book is a shame
This is an awful book and those reviews are totally shameful self promoting gimick! It absolutely ruined my day!
Coverage of C# is extremely poor, disgustingly poor. Game programming? I am not a game programmer, I might be able to savage something from the source code, but I doubt it.
What a shame to the publishing business.
31 This is a fantastic book
This is a fantastic book for learning both C# and Game Programming. It covers the entire C# language, breaking down each keyword, so as to make learning a new language as simple as possible. But, it doesn't stop there. Next, it introduces game programming, taking the keywords that you've already studied and using them to create arcade style games. The games are actually object-oriented models built off a single set of classes, but you don't know this yet, since you're only in chapter three. Building the games also means that you'll have to master both graphic and sound programming, but the CD also includes pre-assembled projects, so beginners can skip these steps, studying them after they completed the language. The games are also built using Windows not console settings, so you'll be well into event driven thinking. Once you've mastered those games, its back to work with new keywords and concepts being introduced in every section. There is no documentation that explains; "Why you want to program..." or "How to think of ideas" You know why you want to program and you don't need to read another book that suggests that you watch Japanese cartoons. Progressing through the chapters means progressing through sorts, statistics, file storage, database, and object-oriented design, but each chapter ends with two new games, and interesting enough, all those little topics, seem too also play a role in those games. There is a little bit of algebra and a small doze of calculus, but these concepts can also be skipped without a problem. There is a tinny taste of primitive 3D programming, but the book is action packed 2D. Finally, as you work through the last set of game classes you are inspired to do one of two things. One, design a few new games using those classes. Or two, to design your own set of classes and use those to create whatever you'd like. The appendix also includes additional information on Windows Forms, Algorithms...
Update: There is also an email address included with the text, and the author does email you updates, patches...
32 Excellent source for C# and Game Programming
This text is broken up into 5 parts, in parts one and two you go through the basics of C# (although there are two text games as the end of part 2), then the third part is all about games (three games are made - they are clones of Pong, Space war, and Asteroids. In part 4 you lean about C# for half the time and then you study Break out and Space invaders, In part 5 you study C# and then clones of brezek and pac man. There is also a part six that comes with a patch, but you have to send an email to ask for it, the email address is in the book.
33 3 chapters on games
I don't normally write reviews, but I wanted to point out that every word of the C# language is covered and there are 100's of live code examples listed on the CD. The projects are actually on the CD too, so you don't even need to know how to build a project to get them to work. The first example starts with a simple do nothing program, and it builds from there - you can't get simpler than that. C# is entirely .Net so there is nothing in C or C++ that would work or that you'd need to know.
The only thing hard about it would be that .Net is bigger that old C or C++ and there is more to know, and the games are build in Windows - so as part of the book you have to learn windows programming too. But, that's just the way with C# and .Net.
34 The Best out there
This is a unique text; it is both a beginner resource and an intermediate guide. It starts off like a regular C# textbook. Then as part of the process of learning coding, you begin to reuse those techniques to build arcade style games. In the early chapters, the .Net and GDI+ tools are used to construct these games, so you're actually learning a great deal about the principles of both programming and game programming. The further you read the more complex the games become, but for several chapters you're also being taught the language, .Net... with two games being included at the end of each chapter. In the last chapters, DirectX is introduced and the games that you've built in GDI+ are now reworked for DirectX 9.x (note that you may have to use the tech support for the missing files) DirectDraw is covered first, buffering, rendering... Then DirectInput (Keyboard, Joystick, and Mouse), and then DirectSound, other DirectX topics are touched upon, but these three are the most detailed. Probably the most interesting portion to the text is the creation of the Game Classes. With these classes, it actually becomes easy to pop together any type of 2D game - I was able to build Pac-Man in less than an hour by just reusing the coding and classes, although I didn't have the cool Pac-Man sound. Finally, Sal is working on creating a free game-programming internet classroom (possibly through BN.com, or if not then Yahoo). A private email is listed in the text, for personal assistance/to sign-up. In addition, there will be a message-board were people can post and download new game code both from the author the readers and information on how to get 3D versions of the games.
35 This book is a good jumpstart for C#
I had pretty high expectations for this much anticipated book, and I had been waiting for this book to come out for 6 months. After many months of publishing delays, it finally arrived. I am pretty disappointed because this book had so much potential, and clearly a lot has been removed from the book since its initial concept.
That being said, the book does provide a great way to learn C#. Most introductory books use examples that are fairly boring. This text uses pretty cool games. This is really captivating and a great way to introduce C#, especially to younger readers.
The original information about this book suggested that it would cover DirectX programming as well. However, it appears this chapter was removed at the last minute, and the sample CD is also missing those examples. If you email the author, he will send you the missing samples.
If you want to learn C# and you want to enjoy the process, this is a great book. I can't recommend the book if you are looking to learn about DirectX, though if you request the DirectX samples from the author they will provide you with a great starting point.
36 Two Thumbs Up
While this book is a beginner book, it does cover a lot of topics, C#, Windows Froms, GDI+, GDI+ Arcade Games, and DirectX 9.0 Arcade games. There was a problem with an empty DirectX folder, but the book also had a tech support email, so I sent an email and within a few hours I was emailed the missing files. So, I would have said 4 stars, but for the quick tech support I'll give it 5.
37 Not bad...but not that great either....
I'm guessing I should of paid more attention to the title, but "C# and Game Programming : A Beginner's Guide" is exactly what this book is. It is totally for beginners. The book does do a fairly good run down of the C# language before getting into any serious game development. And with each game, a new topic is dealt with. The first game you go through "Tennis" is perfect for the beginner because it was nothing more but a version of the legendary "Pong". Each game does get a become a little more complicated as you go on - but I did get the sense that the author is more focused on the C# language than actual game designing. Before beginning any game, the author runs you through a wordy algorythm so you can get an understanding of what you're suppose to do. Somehow, the author actually dicusses animation although I found it kinda funny since animation looks horrible in Windows Forms.
There are several games that comes with the book. The author wanted to use old arcade action games as an example. Most of them are reminence of Pong, Asteroid, Bezerk, and BreakOut. Keep in mind, they are very simple and is entirely Windows Form-Based. Although the author does not go into detail of Form design(nearly everything is code based) each of these games can definately be built using the Forms GUI , which I think can be a little easier to work with but with the same result.
The back cover states that the included CD contains Windows and DirectX version of the game. I already understood forms but was eager to learn DirectX. The problem with Forms is that real time game play is horrifyingly slow. The demo games listed in the book seems to run really jerky and choppy(which can be fixed). So my interest was more in DirectX. The DirectX folder was in the CD - but the folder was completely blank. Did I miss something here?
Anyways, this book is perfect for beginners who are still learning the language and for those who want to learn how to build simple games. If you're already decently familiar with C# and is looking for intense high speed graphics(like me), then this is not for you. Check out "Managed DirectX 9" by Tom Miller for more advance stuff.
UPDATE : If you email the author, he will respond quickly and send you the missing DirectX sources.
38 This is a fantastic book
This is a fantastic book for learning both C# and Game Programming. It covers the entire C# language, breaking down each keyword, so as to make learning a new language as simple as possible. But, it doesn't stop there. Next, it introduces game programming, taking the keywords that you've already studied and using them to create arcade style games. The games are actually object-oriented models built off a single set of classes, but you don't know this yet, since you're only in chapter three. Building the games also means that you'll have to master both graphic and sound programming, but the CD also includes pre-assembled projects, so beginners can skip these steps, studying them after they completed the language. The games are also built using Windows not console settings, so you'll be well into event driven thinking. Once you've mastered those games, its back to work with new keywords and concepts being introduced in every section. There is no documentation that explains; "Why you want to program..." or "How to think of ideas" You know why you want to program and you don't need to read another book that suggests that you watch Japanese cartoons. Progressing through the chapters means progressing through sorts, statistics, file storage, database, and object-oriented design, but each chapter ends with two new games, and interesting enough, all those little topics, seem too also play a role in those games. There is a little bit of algebra and a small doze of calculus, but these concepts can also be skipped without a problem. There is a tinny taste of primitive 3D programming, but the book is action packed 2D. Finally, as you work through the last set of game classes you are inspired to do one of two things. One, design a few new games using those classes. Or two, to design your own set of classes and use those to create whatever you'd like. The appendix also includes additional information on Windows Forms, Algorithms...
