What anticipation, as I ordered this. Since I can call my own already several Artbooks made by Dark Horse (The Last of Us, The Evil Within), I knew in advance that I had in terms of processing, as well as in image and print quality to fear no disappointment. I also little art book, which possess the Premium Edition came with, I've also got there a little taste of the content.
And what can I say. My expectations were not only met, but exceeded in large parts. Enveloped in a stylish jacket with large-scale color printing Matt of Elisabeth and the Songbird, the gem now lay before me. The portrait on the jacket recurs as a printed golden silhouette on the cover, as well as gold lettering on the spine. Overall, an elegant presentation that leaves you wanting more. The glossy pages have adequate strength, so the creases and tears, can occur only in a grossly negligent treatment.
Beginning with a foreword by the Creative Director Ken Klyne, the book into 9 chapters divided. The sides have come firmly and not too thin, and the color print can also look at a closer no error in the form of pixelation or blurring recognize. The color reproduction is superb and could not be richer in contrast. The theme Steampunk attracts not only thematically like a thread through the 184-strong each book, but also in the whole presentation. The few accompanying texts that exist, are all in English. However, this should not put anyone of limited or even not at all is powerful, because the lyrics only occupy a very small space, and reveal content no great secrets of the English.
The individual chapters deal with various issues, such as the character development of the two main protagonists Elizabeth and Booker Devitt, Songbird, Columbia, enemy types, weapons, as well as all the different venues with their Steampunk features.
Sketching in the form of pencil and charcoal drawings, especially at the beginning of the character development occupy a small place, followed by watercolor illustrations. However, the largest part are large colored artwork that leave not an issue. Unlike other Artbooks there are many full-page illustrations here. This book should be fun, and that makes it. The mere smell when unpacking such a work of art is beguiling, and can not be compared with the virtual images to. However, this is my very own opinion, which must not be shared by anyone with me
Each has found in Columbia his second home, but also those who are fans of the franchise, or even of this portion are and the old letterpress technique still disenchanted with something, this book should be a MUST HAVE, even if you already own the small artbook should. Many full-page images, and the paper all topics such as weapons development, is represented visually informative of the concept drawings through to finished artwork and its use in the game. Alone the many drafts of the Songbirds, let a marvel that one time or another. Many Locations, opponents, etc. found their way into the game, but also the design concepts shelved were laid found here again a reasonable re-use and appreciation.
This equal accompanied a recommendation not the artbook before by playing Browse the Games, because otherwise many things will gespoilert visually. Trashed is the enjoyment of the book all the more beautiful because one can draw parallels, or in thought only hinträumt right, and what if situation creates, in which people and objects appear that did not make it into the game. For particularly interested in this art book are of course some information as to what manner of work was put into the entire game development, primarily in terms what concept and game design.
With good treatment appreciation over this bound edition is almost guaranteed, and thus this "ARTBOOK" worth every euro.
* Just to prevent misunderstandings from the outset. This is not a game guide.
PS
Looking forward to your feedback, and each of the time took to read this review. So if I could achieve no gain in knowledge with you, I hope you still have at least entertained.