Introduction to Level Designs for PC Games By Andy Clayton

Clayton’s well-researched tome covers almost all the steps and details of game development from planning to lighting to texture. The author also spends the time to explain the ins and outs of gmax, a free game editor from Discreet. Future game development artists will do themselves a big favor by plowing through this helpful guide.

The Good News: The book comes with a CD packed with useful images from every chapter. There is also a full version of gmax, a trial version of Photoshop and helpful scenes and textures files.

The Wish List: It would be great if the CD provided a deeper level of interaction to set it apart from similar books.

The Bottom Line: Clayton has a knack for explaining how level design works and what makes a superior level.

Web Address: www.charlesriver.com

Animation Magazine’s Seal of Excellence

Final Score *****

Content *****

Layout *****

Depth *****