Reviews (4)

great tutorials, and a great read every month
This is one of my favorite reads as far as digital arts from the UK, well written the tutorials are the off the hook and they always give you a cd with software to use. And as a graphic artist this is a book you learn by doing which i think is the best way to learn.

Ideas, software, and lessons, oh my!
I just discovered this magazine recently and it has changed my my perspective on using the computer. This magazine has allowed me to explore different software and gives me cool projects and tutorials as an environment to understand how proficient users take advantage of the software. This gives you an idea on how to make the most of the software. New ideas and type are also introduced. New releases of software and other resources (i.e. books) are reviewed. What more can a budding computer artist ask for?

,,,
Thia is a great magazine. It tells you the latest products and softwear, has readers art profiles. But it dosn't stop there. They give you a demo cd and the totorials to go with it. Also the art fearoured is amasing. There isn't anything missing in it wich anyone would want.

The BEST magazine for digital illustrators and artists.
Computer Arts has been around since 1995. Ever since its debut, as a bi-monthly magazine during the first few years, it has been THE authority for illustrators, digital artists, and web designers, both professional and amateurs. Its reviews, tutorials, profiles of up and coming names in the field, and the many samples of excellent software make this magazine not only unique within its field, but also a must-have for those who make a living out of the two and three dimensional arts.

Among the goodies that CA has included in recent years are full versions of programs such as 'Freehand 8,' 'Canvas,' 'Amapi 3,' 'Poser 3,' and the learning editions of 'Maya' and 'Softimage XSI,' all of them with accompanying tutorials and valid registration keys. Likewise, with each issue the reader gets to sample the latest releases from big names like Macromedia, Adobe, and Procreate, allowing you to try and design before you decide whether to purchase or not. Many times they include special upgrade rebates, Photoshop plug-ins, and free (very expensive otherwise) images from important photography sources. Suddenly, the price of the magazine doesn't seem as high when you consider all these freebies.

But the free goodies are not the only good thing about CA (and its sister magazine Computer Arts Special). The in depth tutorials have covered all aspects of print, web design, font creation, animation, movie-making, and every imaginable area in the artistic field. They always include the necessary files and keep a good number of old tutorials and resources at their own site, computerarts.co.uk. Moreover, the beautiful images and creations that adorn each issue make it a great purchase, even if it is only to keep as coffe-table decoration (for those who enjoy art but can't create it).

All in all, Computer Arts is the BEST publication in a market full of tepid, irrelevant, and boring computer magazines. Oh, and the moderate amount of advertisement allows the reader to enjoy the images and witty columns without unnecessary distractions. The popularity of CA has proven to be such that some of its old issues have gone on e-bay at prices that exceed one hundred or more dollars. Furthermore, the local bookstores here in Miami always seem to run out of their many copies before the next issue's arrival. It is quite a shame that there isn't any magazine in the U.S. that comes even close to CA's greatness. Still, even at a relatively high price, this is a worthy buy and subscription. ... Read more

Abstract

Source for programmers, software developers and marketers. Every issue is written by experts and packed with the latest information available on the critical aspects of game development.
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Reviews (1)

Game business best practice magazine
This is the only magazine to my knowledge that deals with business practices as well as technical topics of game creation. GDM has postmortem on recent successful games, summarizing how these games were made, what the creators did right and what they could have done better. They also has columns devoted to Project Management, Game design, Graphics technique, Product reviews and trend analysis.

All in all this is a must have if you're in the game industry or, like myself, dream of being in the game creation business. Most of the time these articles do not go into a lot of details because of length constrain. That might be the only drawback. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent information about embedded systems
I've been reading this magazine off and on since Electronics Now and Popular Electronics went down hill, and have been pleasantly suprised by the depth and quality of information provided. Design and implementation of topical projects are laid out and explained clearly along with the underlying theory. Don Lancaster always has an interesting spin on new products and ideas. If you're looking for insights into embedded systems development, look no further. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The only gaming mag for me
I've been an (on and off) reader of CGM since some of the early days, when they were still called "Computer Games Strategy Plus" and before 3D games really came abroad. And, stating that, I use CGM as the basis of comparison for all other gaming magazines. I've always been impressed by their open, honest opinion of games; not afraid to point out a stinker regardless of hype. Even if I don't agree with a particular review, I consider their point of view on the subject and still get something out of it. And I, at least, find their writing to be humourous and enjoyable. I could now talk about what it is I don't like about other magazines, but instead I shall say that CGM is by far my favourite. So if you're ready for something new, give it a shot. It's not the same old fodder.

Bad reviews
Their magazine tries to be funny - but it fails miserably so. Besides, they did not honor the 9.99 offer for the magazine. They charged me the full $19.99 - which I wouldnt mind paying as long as they write quality reviews. This magazine is pointless.

Solid magazine
I found this magazine in a subscription catalog years ago and have been subscribing to it ever since. The magazine is simple and covers all the latest games and major hardware in its previews, reviews, and hardware sections. The previews/reviews themselves are well-written and a good read; the regular editorials are usually funny/interesting. Cover stories and featured articles are very in-depth and have much to offer.

One minor gripe: Some game reviews appear later in CGM than other mags, but I believe I saw once in a previous issue's FAQ section that while other mags may use beta or incomplete versions of games for their reviews, CGM uses the final build of each game, therefore a reason for why they're later. Cannot verify this though..

Overall a very solid mag with an affordable price; worth a subscription.

EEehhh
I have to admit that I owned both PC Gamer and Computer Games Magazine. I would chose PC Gamer over it any day of the week. The reason? Well, their reviews are just pretty stupid. They aren't funny, to begin with, but they also really aren't as "professional" as PCG. They aren't funny at all, which is one of the reasons why I stick with PCG, but also, their reviews are unfair. I have seen two terrible things occur with CGM. To begin, they did a review on Civilization 3. It got five stars (which I think is a terrible way to rate games! Every POINT counts!), and the pros were everything, and the cons were nothing! I could say a lot of cons about Civ3. The large maps are too taxing on smaller systems, there is no multiplayer (unless you buy the expansion), etc. Just because there was a lot of hype about the game DOES NOT mean that you can give games PERFECT SCORES. NO GAME is perfect.

Lastly, I saw a game review (don't remember exactly what it was called) that bugged me. It was an online racing game. They said that the game was laggy and buggy, and also had only circular tracks. They were completely wrong. Firstly, PCG gave it a rating of 80, while CGM gave it two starts. Secondly, my best friend has the game and said it was completely false. I can prove this because when I played it I played a very complex track.

To conclude, this mag is dirt mixed in sugar water compared to PCG. This is almost worthless compared to the hailing king!

Pleasantly Surprising
I've found Computer Games Magazine to be a great alternative to other, bigger publications. PC Gamer is probably the hands-down big boy on the block. However, I've grown weary of the dumbed-down writing and inside jokes.

Computer Games Magazine offers a more intelligent alternative. The reviews and editorials are well-written and (I'm shocked to say this) thought-provoking. What it lacks in flashy graphics and sidebars it more than makes up for in content. Screenshots are not all that important to me. If they were so pertinent, I'd buy games based on the screenshots on the retail box! The writing is much more important to me.

The only real weakness I see with the magazine is that it gets the bigger reviews a little bit later than magazines like PC Gamer. The demos on the CD are not always all that great either. However, the reviews, I've found, are spot on. They don't appear to play favorites; when you're spending money on a game it's nice to know you've seen an honest review that leaves you informed as opposed to just dazzled. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Required Reading for any MS Developer
Great magazine. Covers the full range of .NET technologies. Every issue is packed with windows, web, and xml development articles plus industry news and a lot more. High recomended.

Microsoft's MSDN
This magazine is a comprehensive resource for Windows developers. Each issue gives a look at the highlights of the latest technologies in programming. Overall, it does an excellent job of explaining Microsoft programming technologies. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles, reviews of software, new products and news of note on technology for teachers, media specialists and librarians, curriculum supervisors and school computer coordinators.
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Reviews (1)

THE best computer magazine!!!
This is the best computer magazine out there for software developers! When articles are written by people such as Martin Fowler, Grady Booche, Kent Beck, and John Highsmith III, you can't go wrong. It is full of tons of useful info that can be applied in the real world. I have also been referred to many useful books through this magazine. All IT professionals should get a subscription. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles on advanced technology, desktop computing, workgroup computing, networking, application development, management, the marketplace and timely news of note aimed at major users and major buyers of computer products and services.
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Reviews (1)

Comprehensive coverage of the IT industry
With its weekly distribution, there is almost too much information. Articles are balanced and cover a wide range of topics. Quickly responds with articles about new concepts and ideas. ... Read more

Abstract

Contains practical and everyday solutions for selecting and using database management systems.
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