Game Guides: Wing Commander I & II Ultimate Strategy Guide

This is the first of a series of updates in which we take a closer look at the various Wing Commander game guides and hint books. Mike Harrison's Ultimate Strategy Guide is made up of two sections. Part I, "The Memoirs of Lieutenant Colonel Carl T. LaFong", is written from an in-universe perspective and includes mission walkthroughs as well as commentary on storyline events. It covers Wing Commander 1, the Secret Missions add-ons and Wing Commander 2, but not the Special Operations mission packs. It's a pleasure to read, even if you're not currently playing through the games. Part II has extensive making-of material, with interviews and anecdotes from many of the game's designers, including Chris Roberts, Dallas Snell and Denis Loubet. This guide was also released in Germany, omitting Part II and featuring radically different covert art.

It's not too difficult to find a copy that's in good condition on eBay. While the GOG releases of WC3, WC4 and Prophecy include digital copies of their respective official guides, this one is missing from their WC1/WC2 bundle, possibly due to rights issues. Pix has also posted an excellent writeup here.