When you're shopping for a video game strategy reference from the late 90s, the condition and extras can matter just as much as the game it covers. Two Prima guides are on the table: the MDK Official Primas Strategy Guide and The Granstream Saga: Prima's Official Strategy Guide. They're priced at $18 and $15, respectively, and they arrive in different conditions. Here's how to decide which one you should take home.
Quick Verdict
Given the price spread, the Granstream Saga guide has the overall edge: it's in Very Good condition and costs $15, while the MDK guide is $18 and shows corner damage. But the right choice really depends on which game you're playing. If you own MDK, the level-by-level walkthrough is worth it. If you're after the Granstream Saga, that guide is the obvious buy.
Comparison Table
| Guide | Price | Condition | Standout Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDK Official Strategy Guide | USD 18.00 | Good | Level-by-level walkthrough by Bart Farkas, plus a January 1998 game pro insert |
| Granstream Saga Official Strategy Guide | USD 15.00 | Very Good | Detailed walkthrough for the Granstream Saga series from Prima Games |
Where Each Guide Wins
The MDK guide wins for action-game players who want a thorough level-by-level companion from a named author. The included January 1998 game pro insert gives it a little bonus. The Granstream Saga guide wins for RPG fans who want a very good condition book and a lower price. Its condition is cleaner, and it's a straightforward official walkthrough for the Granstream Saga series.
MDK Official Primas Strategy Guide
Written by Bart Farkas, this guide walks you through each level of MDK and comes with a January 1998 game pro insert that says 'make mincemeat out of MDK.' The book is in Good condition, but the top right corner has some damage that appears to be burn-like; the listing notes it affects only the first few pages and doesn't hide anything you need to read. If you're playing MDK, this is your dedicated walkthrough, and the insert is a nice period piece. The trade-off is the visible corner damage, so be ready for a book that has clearly been handled.
The Granstream Saga: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
From Prima Games, this walkthrough is built for the Granstream Saga series. It's described as a detailed guide with tips, tricks, and strategies to help you conquer the game and unlock its secrets. The book is in Very Good condition, which means it should present well on a shelf. If you're playing the RPG, this is a direct resource. The listing emphasizes the walkthrough content itself, so you're looking at a straightforward strategy reference rather than a bundle with separate extras. The cleaner condition makes it the easier recommendation for a collector.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you're playing MDK, the MDK Official Primas Strategy Guide is the only one of these two that covers that game, and the level-by-level walkthrough plus the insert make it a strong companion despite the corner damage. If you're playing The Granstream Saga, or if you simply want a cleaner guide at a lower price, The Granstream Saga: Prima's Official Strategy Guide is the better pick. When the game isn't the deciding factor, the Very Good condition and the lower price tag give the Granstream guide the edge.
