When you need a video game strategy reference, the real decision isn't just which game you're playing-it's which kind of book you want to own. Do you want a pristine, never-opened guide for a specific title? A used walkthrough with a few scuffs but a much friendlier listed price? Or a collectible PS1-era official book that sits at the top of the price range? The four guides here-for SimCity, Doom 3, Granstream Saga, and Tomb Raider 3-show exactly how those trade-offs play out. This comparison walks through each one and gives you a clear way to choose based on your game, your condition expectations, and your budget.
Quick Take
These four guides cover SimCity, Doom 3, Granstream Saga, and Tomb Raider 3, and they show how much a strategy reference can vary in price and preservation. One is sealed, one is used, and the other two sit between those extremes. The Doom 3 guide is the lowest-priced option, while the Tomb Raider 3 guide is the highest. The SimCity guide is the only one listed as sealed, and the Granstream Saga guide is an RPG reference. If you want a guide that hasn't been opened, SimCity is the clear pick. If you want a low-priced PC walkthrough for Doom 3, the 2004 Prima book is where to start.
Listed Price Comparison
| Guide | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| SimCity: Prima Official Game Guide (2003) | USD 10.95 | |
| Doom 3 Prima Official Game Guide | USD 4.99 | |
| The Granstream Saga: Prima's Official Strategy Guide | USD 15.00 | |
| Tomb Raider 3 PS1 Strategy Guide | USD 81.20 |
Decision Matrix
- If your target game is SimCity and you want a large-format reference with illustrations, the SimCity guide is the only one here for that game.
- If you're playing Doom 3 on PC, the Prima guide covers levels, cheats, multiplayer hints, and enemy stats.
- If Granstream Saga is your current RPG, the dedicated walkthrough gives you a focused companion for that title.
- If you need a Tomb Raider 3 guide, this official walkthrough is the only one here for that game.
Product Notes
SimCity: Prima Official Game Guide (2003)
Sealed and listed as Brand New, this trade paperback from Prima Games (by David Knight and Prima Games Staff) is the only guide in this selection that shows no prior handling. Its 320 pages include illustrations, and the guide is built around SimCity. If you want a crisp, never-opened reference to keep on your shelf, this is the one to reach for. The trade paperback format stays open nicely while you play. The main limitation is scope: it's a SimCity-only guide, so players moving across multiple games will need additional books. For anyone planning to focus on SimCity, the condition and page count make this an easy recommendation.
Doom 3 Prima Official Game Guide (2004)
The Doom 3 Prima Official Game Guide PC Strategy Book (2004) is listed in Good condition, with minor edge wear and corner scuffing on the cover. The cover has a glossy finish. Inside, you get a full walkthrough for every level, including BFG and secret locations, multiplayer hints, character and enemy stats, cheat codes, and storage cabinet combos. If you're playing Doom 3 on PC, this is a thorough reference that doesn't ask for a big price. The catch is the physical wear: the cover shows signs of use, so collectors looking for a flawless copy should look elsewhere.
The Granstream Saga: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
The Granstream Saga: Prima's Official Strategy Guide is a dedicated walkthrough for the Granstream Saga, listed in Very Good condition. It offers tips, tricks, and step-by-step strategies for that RPG. If you're playing Granstream Saga and want a clean reference that's focused on one game, this is the obvious match. The limitation is its narrow topic: it won't help with any other game, and the guide is built specifically for Granstream Saga, so you'll need a separate reference for anything else.
Tomb Raider 3 PS1 Strategy Guide
The Tomb Raider 3 PS1 Strategy Guide Used Official Game Walkthrough Book is a used guide in Good condition, focused on the original PlayStation release. As the only PS1 guide here, it appeals to collectors who want the official walkthrough for that specific version of the game. The title clearly identifies the platform and game, so if Tomb Raider 3 is the one you're hunting for, this is the one that matches the bill. Its limitation is the price: it sits well above the other three guides in listed cost, and it comes as a used copy with the listed Good condition. Treat it as a collectible purchase rather than a general-purpose reference.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
If SimCity is your game, the 2003 Prima guide is the one to choose. If Doom 3 is your game, the 2004 walkthrough delivers a full walkthrough at the lowest listed price in this group. If Granstream Saga is on your list, the dedicated walkbook is the natural companion. And if Tomb Raider 3 is your target, the official guide is the collectible match. Your pick ultimately depends on which game you're playing and how much you care about the physical state of the book.
