When you're shopping for a video game strategy reference, two Prima-published guides might catch your eye: one helps you master SimCity, the other walks you through MDK. Both are official Prima releases, so you're getting established guides. They cover very different games, and their price tags are notably different, so your decision will come down to what you're playing and how much you want to spend.
Quick Verdict
The SimCity guide is the better pick for city-builders who want a complete reference. The MDK guide is the better pick for action-game players who need a straightforward level-by-level companion.
Compatibility Check
These guides cover different games, so compatibility is your first filter. SimCity is a city-building strategy game, while MDK is an action-heavy shooter. If you don't play either title, neither guide will help. With that in mind, here's a side-by-side look at what each guide offers.
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Condition | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| SimCity: Prima Official Game Guide | USD 10.95 | Brand New | Sealed, trade paperback |
| MDK Official Strategy Guide | USD 18.00 | Good | Includes Game Pro January 1998 insert |
SimCity Guide Wins
The SimCity guide brings a thorough, illustrated approach to city management. Its 320 pages are dedicated to helping you plan, build, and grow a metropolis, making it a valuable resource for both new mayors and experienced players looking to fine-tune their layouts. The guide comes from DK Games, which is a rich source of visual content. If you're playing SimCity, this is the reference you'll want to have open on the table.
MDK Guide Wins
The MDK guide focuses on what matters for an action game: a clear walkthrough for every level. That's a big advantage when environments get confusing and enemies keep coming. The guide is written by Bart Farkas, and it's built to get you from the opening mission to the end without making you backtrack. If you're stuck on a particular section, this guide points you in the right direction.
Product Notes
SimCity: Prima Official Game Guide
This guide is a sealed trade paperback, so the pages are untouched and ready for a full read-through. It has 320 pages of illustrated content that walks through the systems of SimCity, from city layout to resource management. That makes it a strong choice for players who want a single, comprehensive reference. The guide is from DK Games, and it includes plenty of illustrations. The trade paperback format keeps it light enough to flip through while playing. If you lose your place, the illustrations make it easy to find the right section again. The limitation is that it's only about SimCity. If you're playing a different game, this guide won't help. And because it's a sealed copy, you'll be the first to open it-which is a plus for collectors.
MDK Official Strategy Guide
This guide provides a level-by-level walkthrough for MDK, which is exactly what you need to get through the game's more challenging action sequences. The author, Bart Farkas, structures the guide around each level, so you can jump to the part where you're stuck. It also comes with a Game Pro January 1998 insert, adding a little extra context. For MDK players, having this insert can make a difference when you need quick tips. The guide's structure also lets you skip around if you're revisiting a level. The top right corner has burn-like damage that affects the first few pages, but it doesn't interfere with any readable content. If you're particular about book edges, this will bother you. And since it's for MDK, it only covers that game.
Final Choice
Pick the SimCity: Prima Official Game Guide for $10.95 if you're playing SimCity. Pick the MDK Official Strategy Guide for $18.00 if you need its level-by-level approach for MDK. The game in your library is the ultimate deciding factor. Both guides are true to their source games, so you're getting relevant help.
