The route that I have taken thus far seems to have gotten me up to speed pretty quick. I started with the "Windows Game Programming for Dummies". Don''t let the dummies title fool you, it''s actually a good introduction to DirectX and game programming. But having said that, it is only an introduction. Another very, very good book is Game Architecture and Design. You can search for it on Amazon. If you are a good C++ programmer, you will see more advanced ways of building a game engine from this book due to the use of OOP and patterns. After you are comfortable with the way DirectX works, get into the SDK and you will be able to better understand all of it.

For OpenGL, I am assuming you have some high level math background, get waht is commonly known as the "red book". It is the OpenGL programming guide with a red cover. I personally would suggest spending a few months with OpenGL and get the hang of 3D graphics down before jumping into Direct3D. Alot of what is in OpenGL has to be implemented as an interface to Direct3D through your own routines. By using OpenGL, you have this insulation while getting used to corrdinate spaces, texturing, and son on.

As your''e off to college, remember that the best thing you can get is learn how to learn, which it sounds you are well on your way. I have CS degree and have found it extremely helpful.

At www.looneygames.com (?) there is a series of articles written by Chris Hargrove called "Code on the Cob". I found them to be quite interesting, and useful, if a bit anti-OOP. He''ll walk you through the early stages of creating a game, but he never finished the series. As for great game-related books:

Code Complete - Amazing, amazing, amazing. Just by reading this your programming IQ will shoot up several points. One of the few books that WILL make you a better programmer.

Design Patterns - A good book about really abstract concepts. Design Pats are used extensively throughout Java, and have proven their worth tenfold. However, you should be ready for abstract stuff before you get to this book as it can be overwhelming.

Inside Direct X - Doesn''t really have much that the SDK docs don''t have, but it is well written and walks you through the main (not Direct3D) aspects of Direct X. Good stuff.

Networked Virtual Environments - Maybe not the greatest book, but concentrates more on making multi-user games from a platform-neutral standpoint. Opened my eyes to several things I hadn''t thought about. Also didn''t waste 300 pages telling you how to open a socket.

ANSI Common Lisp - Lisp is an incredible language. Both ABUSE and Crash Bandicoot were written in Lisp. I''m having some issues learning it because it is so unlike anything I''ve ever seen before.

Cutting-Edge Java Game Programming - Even if you don''t use Java, the concepts provided in the book are very sound. Uses excellent (though slightly bloated) OOP design techniques, and loads up on the design patterns. How to build a better mousetrap.

Java in a Nutshell (3rd Ed)
Java Foundation Classes in a Nutshell
-- Both of these books are invaluable to anyone who programs Java. One can argue that they barely replace the JDK docs, but they are cheap, have good tutorials and concentrated information (no wasted space), and they are tiny books.

Anything from O''Reilly and Associates. This includes the Nutshell series. ORA is just the best computer book company around. I have never bought one of their books I didn''t like. Programming Perl is just great. Check out Windows 98 Annoyances for some great tips.

Addison Wesley has an excellent series of programming books (of which Design Patterns belong). They normally fall along the lines of higher learning books. Research papers and the likes. Some of them are really good. Some of them aren''t so good though.

And don''t rule out Microsoft Press. Inside Direct X and Programming Windows are both great books. MP also bought up a lot of older great programming books, like Code Complete, and publish them too.

As always, Buyer Beware.