We mentioned it a little when we first talked about BradyGames merging traditional print with online content for their Connected Strategy Guides, but it really is the natural evolution of the cheat guide. Online guides are great, but they lack the depth and page count of a printed guide, and print can't match the specifics of videos actually showing you how to get past something. Merging the two was one of the smartest ideas we've seen in a while.

Though they've been going for a while now, the Connected-enabled books are just starting to be pimped by Brady's PR agency, and we're here to see that they get just a little more love. The newest strategy guide to hit goes hand-in-hand with SEGA's release of Yakuza, which landed Tuesday, and promises to provide an almost Shenmue-like level of exploration and interaction -- just the right type of game for a meaty strategy guide.

As something of a demonstation, we've added a little excerpt from one of the strategy videos included with the guide that detail how to beat an early boss, Goro Majima, who is actually flanked by a handful of guards that have to be taken out first. Head on over to the Yakuza media section and click on the videos section to see what we're talking about. The Connected guide is actually peppered with far more info, including two more strategies and (we thing) far more interesting content like features on what went into the cinematics in the game and a prequel that gives some back story to the main characters.

We should have a full review of the game shortly, but both it and the Connected Strategy Guide are on shelves now.