Game Manuals.

[BlueFlameSkulls]

Let's getting something out the way. Looking at video game manuals makes you seem less manly.

However I like game manuals, before I even play the game I like to look at how to play. Gets me a bit excited for this game, especially for PC games that require installation. It also helps you know what to expect so you can play the game better when you start. My family don't do it, they go into a game and just lose immediately.

I noticed a trend lately. I never noticed it until I got my PS3 and games. I look at an instruction manual on the outside and they're incredibly thin. I got The Orange Box (Notice it has 5 games) a while ago and the only instructions in it is about the controls. So I look at exclusive Xbox 360 game manuals and it's the same thing.

In only a few years instruction manuals have been shortened. I have FIFA 97 and the instruction manual is over 60 pages. I have a copy of Civ 4 which is even bigger. I got the full collection of Civ games in one box and there is no paper manual except a short (but nice) interview booklet. I mean I got another compilation game (I.E. The Best of Star Wars PC Games with 5 games) and it's a few pages.

It is expected you should read the PDF files on the disc for PC games. I don't want to alt tab to see the manual, I want a booklet to be next to when I get stuck.

OK when the Atari Pong console was released it had a simple card saying how to play, it was simple even then when gaming was new. Games now are complicated and I need an instruction manual. PC games use all the keys on the keyboard now, you would need an extra arm to keep up.

I just want my value for money, I buy a £40 game hoping for a long experience, that includes the instruction booklet.

[zimzap]

I also get pissed when I see a manual that merely shows the controls.

I remember games like Diablo, Rollercoaster Tycoon, Warcraft III, and Earthbound that came with extensive manuals.

[DoomyCheese]

I like reading the manuals in the car on the ride home after purchasing one.

[Electric-Bla]

You know, I was just thinking that today. I bought Rainbow Six: Vegas a while back ago and I was annoyed at the size of the manual. There wasn't even a very good tutorial level either...

[McFooFa]

I've actually noticed that too.

I remember seeing a manual for a 360 game, ( I can't remember which one) and it was 4 pages long.

[TOEZ]

I have a game called Train Simulator and its manual is over 90 pages big.

Not over 9000, just 90.

I decided to just download it in Adobe form instead.

[zimzap]

At 1/26/08 01:40 AM, McFooFa wrote: I've actually noticed that too.

I remember seeing a manual for a 360 game, ( I can't remember which one) and it was 4 pages long.

I still have all of my SNES manuals. I do not think any of them are under 20 pages long.

[MazeMindedApathy]

I prefer Strategy Guides over Instruction Manuals.

[You-Give-Good-Head]

At 1/26/08 01:39 AM, DoomyCheese wrote: I like reading the manuals in the car on the ride home after purchasing one.]

Same

[Sticky]

At 1/26/08 01:39 AM, DoomyCheese wrote: I like reading the manuals in the car on the ride home after purchasing one.

Same here.

Manuals are pretty much redundant these days since most games have in game instructions and tutorial levels.

[TheMaster]

They're pretty obsolete, since most games start with a tutorial level anyway. I usually have a flick through while a game is installing, or downloading an update or whatever, though.

[Nikachu13337]

OMG yu idiot. Itz about tiem they have manuals on teh FUCKING GAME. I dont know how meny times I rented some game with no manual or a shredded manual. For yuo $40 they should just taek it and shove it up their ass and give you an emptie box.

[JagAlskirDiG]

I have never ever read a manual on anything.

EXPERIMENT is the motto.
But not with chainsaws..

[TropicalPenquin]

At 1/26/08 06:29 AM, TheMaster wrote: They're pretty obsolete, since most games start with a tutorial level anyway. I usually have a flick through while a game is installing, or downloading an update or whatever, though.

Yea I won't look unless I get stuck or forgot how to do something. Like half way through BF2 I had to dig out the manual cause I didn't know half the buttons.

[yurgenburgen]

I love the old video game manuals that are like the thickness of a book, with seven different languages in it and everything.

[Sexylegs]

Yes, I love reading game manuals. It's exciting, it's fun, it gets me pumped for the game (however in the case of Overlord that could have been a bad thing) and most of all, it enables me to learn the controls quicker.

But, I was dissapointed with the Assasin Creed game manual. Very, very sad. :(

[Little-Rena]

I read the manual if I get bored, just because I can, which is usually a while after I've started playing the game, never read it so I know about the game though.

[Hybrid-Of-Souls]

At 1/26/08 06:29 AM, TheMaster wrote: They're pretty obsolete, since most games start with a tutorial level anyway. I usually have a flick through while a game is installing, or downloading an update or whatever, though.

My point also. That or you'll learn the controls as you go through the game. Plus, some manuals may include spoilers as to what may happen in the game (certain powerup the game will tell you about anyway, cut off storyline, etc.)

[xskatasticx]

I've always really liked thick instruction manuals. I like reading up on the story.

I remember Starcraft, Earthbound and Legends of Zelda for the snes had had pretty good stories included with them. Which i had fun reading.

Same with Doom. I kinda don't want it to go out of fashion.

[Deadly-Shadow]

Yeah, but sometimes they can be too big, like Super Mario Galaxy's game manual. It's a fucking novel, mostly due to the fact that it has an english section, a french section and a spanish section.

What I hate though is when you get a manual that's black and white, is extreamly thin and is made out of really cheap paper so it feels like it will rip.

[Incognitus]

I guess they're getting smaller because people really aren't reading them. With more complicated games you still get the bigger manuals. Plus you can still find those extra-large multi-lingual ones with some titles!

[Black-Ops]

They are not only informative, but they can be humourous too. It also gives you a headstart, so you get an idea as to how to operate the controls before you even begin.

They're also essential when the in-game tutorial doesn't cut it. Some in-game tutorials can be very vague, which is why the instruction manual should be referred to before commencing play.

[Kain-Ceverus]

I read em too. Gives me somethin to do while I install the game. Quake 2 is the best, since it has enemy info and whatnot.

[CaptainBob]

Best manual I ever read was for Battlezone. Had a lot of awesome background story to it.

[Dr-Nefarious]

I read game manuals before I play the game. And yes I am disappointed that they have been getting shorter, but most RPG manuals are long. Like Morrowind, or Oblivion. Those ones are huge. And Legend of Dragoon is a long one too.

I do wish they did make them longer also.

[CapnCrunchDaPimp]

Yeah, I have to go out of town to buy new games (unless I purchase it online), and it's at least a 45 minute drive, so the first thing I do when heading home is rip open the package and read through the manual. It's kinda interesting, it shows controls, enemies, what to expect, and all that good stuff. I read them sometimes when I'm bored, or when I'm on the crapper. The thin ones (like CSS) really annoy me too. It also pisses me off when I buy a used game and there's no manual, so I don't anymore.

[cornbin]

At 1/26/08 01:40 AM, McFooFa wrote: I've actually noticed that too.

I remember seeing a manual for a 360 game, ( I can't remember which one) and it was 4 pages long.

I think we have that same game.

[ZiggyZack99]

I like reading the crap not about controls.

[LightandDark]

I only read the manual if the tutorial doesn't make sense to me, or there is no tutorial.

[MetalDart]

I have some of my old instruction manuals saved from my old games.

Back when they were fun, quirky, and exciting.