I'm one of those players who doesn't have great reflexes and normally gets sliced to ribbons playing a game like this. But thanks to Birlew's guide, I was able to survive some of the toughest bosses, bad reflexes and all. The book points out the bosses's strengths and weaknesses, how to attack them and how to avoid them, as every good game guide should.

Oh, yeah, I did find one mistake in Birlew's guide: he states that you can't purchase untouchables (items that temporarily make you invincible). In fact, untouchables can be purchased at any time, though it'll cost you. Perhaps this was a change in the game that was implemented after Birlew's guide went to press.

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:

...  Dec 12, 2001
Even I have to admit that Dan Birlew is getting much better. After that FFIX guide I thought this guy would be bad. Anyways, to start off. I've been a HUGE collector of video game guides (I may be 15 and have high expectations for a guide such as they do need to help me a give me a gaming experience in the process) and I know a good guide when I see it.

This guide is defenitely good. Anyways, I read the other reviews, and Dan Birlew didn't do the Xenogears guide nor did David Cassady, it was Ronald Wartow, its right there on the fron cover. The maps are easy to read while I do admit they get tiresome every guide does. I know the maps aren't done by Dan Birlew but still they could use a little work. I look more at the detail in the walkthrough rather than how flashy the maps and screenshots are.

The walkthrough helps you out a lot and doesn't give off any spoilers at all and gets right to the point. I like this guide because the walkthrough is put together organized and doesn't look like it was rushed to get out. Its 160 pages and the guide has extremely good detail to it. Unlike the Prima (only 90 pages) and VERSUS BOOKS (112 pages) this guide has a ton of info.

I'd recomend this guide for anybody who likes strategy guides as much as I do.

5 of 6 found the following review helpful:

Thorough and Concise  Nov 21, 2001
Addressing the previous reviewer: Dan Birlew didn't even write the Xenogears guide, someone else named David Cassidy did. And why would you compare Mr. Birlew to Casey Lowe who writes guides for Pokemon? That's comparing apples to apples seeds. As for the maps, they were obviously not done by the author, just read the credits. Now for a more mature and observant review: This particular Devil May Cry guide is concise and thorough. It's written for an audience that is intelligent and sharp, a compliment to all gamers. The writing style does not talk down to the reader, as some guides tend to do. The slick design and stylized cover are done in such a way that it attracts gamers like me--adults with jobs and money to spend on toys. Overall, this guide is perfect for those gamers who do not fall into the "living in my parent's basement" stereotype. Kudos to BradyGames for targeting mature gamers with jobs!

5 of 5 found the following review helpful:

Very good guide much better than all the others  Nov 14, 2001
This guide is absolutely brilliant in ways that can't all be described! This guide is very detailed with some brilliant things to offer. Detailed maps, great walkthrough, and some bonus material make this DMC guide a must own.

Anyway, the guide really seems to live up to my expectations. Detailed maps of EVERY AREA unlike some of the other guides, and they pin-point the location of items and blue orb fragment. Not to mention that the strategy is very good as well. The maps are colorful and very detailed.

The walkthrough is well done giving you a brief details on bosses. For each boss they show you a suggested Life Gauge and a suggested Devil Trigger. Now thats something that I found really helpful in this guide.

The guide covers all the secrets including how to lock hidden characters and game modes! The guide also features an art gallery and exclusive Interviews! Again, it doesn't hurt to read them!

Overall, this is probably the best DMC guide out there. Much more detail and organization went into the walkthrough. Forget VERSUS BOOKS, this is your perfect guide to DMC!