Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide Hardcover – Illustrated, September 16, 2013

I have been looking forward to this book for several months now, as there is not a lot of material out there that covers Halo 4 or the lore around this newest entry (and upcoming trilogy). There is the "Halo Encyclopedia" (released in 2009), which only covered everything up to Halo 3; and the first "Halo: The Essential Visual Guide" (released in 2011), which covered everything up to Halo: Reach. The first Essential Visual Guide was basically a watered-down version of the Encyclopedia. While both of those are great books, the Encyclopedia is one of the best sources out there for definitive Halo information.So here we finally get a book regarding the new lore of the Halo universe we've been learning about since 2011 (starting with the Forerunner and Kilo-Five novel trilogies, and Halo 4 itself). But don't get your hopes up; unfortunately, this is nothing like the Encyclopedia that we already have access to. Overall, this is a good book, but I was a bit underwhelmed with it. Let me try and explain why.If you are a newcomer to the Halo universe, then obviously this book would do a great job in introducing the new characters/enemies/locations of Halo 4 to you. But if you are a veteran like me, who has been delving into Halo lore for over a decade now, the book doesn't really show or teach you anything new. Each entry is basically a very rushed explanation of what that particular person, ship, location, etc is about. I know it's unfair to assume that this would have been a definitive source for information, but it's just a shame how bland the detail is. Several of the entries in this book have enough information regarding them to where it could cover several pages, yet just about everything in this book is narrowed down to one page.I understand it is a Visual Guide, and not a factual, historical records of Halo events; but even the pictures are somewhat underwhelming. Each entry could have contained so much more information and photos than they had. The UNSC Infinity, for example, was simply stretched out across two pages, with not a lot of information regarding it and a grand total of three pictures (none of which were even of the interior).I will say there were some entertaining parts in the book, especially regarding the Spartans of Majestic Team (since not much background info was explained in the game). But these were so few and far between for me. A good half of the book covers the weapons, vehicles, armor, and multiplayer maps in Halo 4. In my opinion, a lot of that stuff shouldn't have even been covered (since a lot of it has already been covered in the past, in the Encyclopedia and the first Essential Visual Guide). So again, that just goes with my point about the book not meeting my expectations.But let me elaborate one more time, that I am a fanatic of Halo lore. If you are like me, and have been following the franchise since it's beginning, you probably won't find too much stuff in here that you don't already know about, and the book may be kind of a let down because of it.But if you are a newcomer to Halo or simply a casual fan, then this book is a good enough catalog of information regarding just about everything Halo 4 related. The best part of the book were the first 20 pages or so, where they showed off all of the major characters. After that, there just wasn't enough for me to be excited about; simply because I already knew just about everything they were trying to explain.I really wish DK and 343 Industries would update the Halo Enclyclopedia (or just create a brand new one) to include all of the new stuff pertaining to the Forerunner novels, Kilo-Five novels, Halo 4, and everything else post Halo 3 related we have learned in these past several years. But none the less, this book is still a good enough reference for a great price. And I anxiously await to see what 343 Industries does next with the series, regarding both the games and possible novels/comics.

While the book is great for what it is, it is not a new book, and if it is then wherever the strored it just didn't care whatsoever. The cover has scratches, tears scrapes and so on all over it. For a Halo collector this is a shame.

It was used but in great condition considering. It had a bit of minimal wear on the front cover but the pages were totally fine. The seller was honest in the listing. Also, got the package safe and in reasonable time. Good product. Totally worth it if you are looking for a good book for cheap and still in good condition.

A continued improved version of the halo encyclopedia more content that covers the Halo Universe. Had mine come in pretty good condition small noticeable use

This is a stunning book with beautiful, vivid art and expose' which for any true Halo(R) fan is a must buy. Your coffee table deserves this book. Pick it up if you don't have it.I paired this book with the Halo(R) The Essential Visual Guide, which covers Halo, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo Wars & Halo: Reach.

ok, so this book s really really good and i think so for many reasons. but i do think there is stuff wrong with it too. just a couple minor complaints though... truly this is probably the best halo book out there, so if youre a fan, hell with minor complaints GET IT!!!!!! and the price is only 14 dollars so i would say get the book.

Quality of book was better than I was expecting!! Fast shipping too. Very happy with purchase.

lARGE AND FULL OF INFO. gOOD FOR ANY hALO COLLECTOR or anyone who wants to know a bit more about the universe. Kind of sad it didn't come in its own plastic wrap but it was in perfect condition and wasn't damaged.. as a collector i was VERY happy

This book is very interesting for anyone who likes the halo universe, it contains a lot of backround knowledge on the events and characters that surround Halo 4 and contains bio's of the characters and often specs and background for the technical aspects of the canon such as guns and vehicles. However I think sometimes the text can be a little sparse on occasion.Never the less it is a very interesting read and i would recommend to any halo fan

I bought this book for my nephew, who loves all things HALO, as a Christmas present. The guide is well presented with an abundance of detail and illustrations from the HALO 4 universe. As he already has the game he will be able to cross reference different aspects of the game with the book. I purchased the previous "HALO Visual Guide" book which he couldn't put down, so he will definitely love this one.

bought as a xmas gift for a friends kid. he is a big halo fan and this book helps to flesh out the story of the game and some of the things that happen during it as well. it also provides insight into everything and anything that is used in the game as well

Purchased for my 10 year old son, he absolutely loves it - reads it over and over and over!Packed with lots of information on all the different characters

My 7 year old son loves this book.He is just learning to read and his nose is never out it. It has good graphic content as well and clear overview of characters and equipment. A must for Halo fans.