The Game Designers handbook reviewed in The Games Journal this month is cheap and somewhat amusing, but to tell you the truth I was a little unimpressed by it as a guide to game design.
For the most part to me the book said: "Leave game production to the big boys, or at the very least get an agent to bring your game to Hasboro."
Buy the book for the amusing anecdotes of what people have submitted as games, and for the interesting interviews with game designers. Don
Role-playing Game Guide
Main Title
Chapters
Main Storyline
Timeline(optional
History(optional)
Character w/Bios
Allies w/Bios
Walkthrough
Enemies/Monsters w/Bios
SubBosses w/Bios
Bosses w/Bios
Weapons
Armors
Accessories
Items
Spells
Transportation
Maps w/ Areas & Location
Main End StoryLine or Continuation StoryLine
Credits
Main End Title
Fighting Game Guide
Main Title
Chapters
Main Storyline
History
Characters w/ Bios and Attack / Weaknesses
Levels
SubLevels (optional)
Weapons(optional)
Armor(optional)
Items(optional)
Accessories(optional)
Spells(optional)
Main End Storyline or Continuation Storyline
Credits
Main End Title
These Guides is what I use in all of projects.Just like reading a easy to read game book.For programing I have no experience in those areas but it is easier to draw and blueprint all of your ideas and suggestions out before heading into the programming area.This way you know what to accomplish before you understand how the game is written and played out.
Good Luck In The Future of Gaming