View Poll Results: Do you read instruction manuals?
Yes. I always read it before I start playing the game.
11
18.33%
Yes. I read through it as I play through the game.
14
23.33%
I only read it if I feel the need for it, like if I am stuck in the game or want to know what something is.
29
48.33%
No, never. I want to learn about the game as I play.
5
8.33%
Other reason (please specify)
1
1.67%
Voters: 60. You may not vote on this poll
Do you read instruction manuals?
02-13-04, 08:42 PM
#3
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I always read the button configuration... and then start playing. Sometimes manuals tell you a little too much, like dossiers on all the characters you'll meet. Why would I want to know all about them BEFORE I meet them during the natural course of the game?
I much prefer games with a first level tutorial that teaches you the basic controls.
I much prefer games with a first level tutorial that teaches you the basic controls.
02-13-04, 09:02 PM
#5
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02-13-04, 09:48 PM
#7
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I always read them before playing, just a habit. Most *instruction* manuals don't instruct very well anymore because the companies are in bed with strategy guide manufactuers, so really there isn't any reason for them anymore. Might as well save paper and just put a insert in the case instead. 
02-14-04, 11:23 AM
#10
DVD Talk Legend
I used to love the Zelda manuals with all the backgroud and mythology printed. Those manuals I liked reading. I do still read all my manuals, because hey, you need something to read in the bathroom, but most are pretty generic. 
02-15-04, 06:32 PM
#11
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Originally posted by illennium
To me, an essential element of good game design is a training/tutorial mode or level.
To me, an essential element of good game design is a training/tutorial mode or level.
I usually read the manual as I play the first few levels/hours/innings/etc.. of a game. I like to dive right in at first though.
02-15-04, 07:11 PM
#12
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Like others have said, I'll play a game for 15-20 minutes to get a feel for the controls and then pick up the instruction manual to see if there is anything I'm missing. If I try to read the manual before I start playing, I never remember the controls.
02-15-04, 08:09 PM
#13
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
There hasn't been any innovations in game play that I don't know how to master in the first few levels of any game. So, unless it has some new feature, I don't read the manuals.
02-16-04, 12:00 AM
#15
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I don't ever really read them unless I am trying to figure something out in the gameplay or controls.
However, I must have them with my games, I have a used copy of Timesplitters 2 that I just don't feel right about because it has no instructions. Kinda lame really, but I just have a collectors mentality I guess.
However, I must have them with my games, I have a used copy of Timesplitters 2 that I just don't feel right about because it has no instructions. Kinda lame really, but I just have a collectors mentality I guess.
02-16-04, 05:59 AM
#16
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Other.
I read it after leaving the store just because there's nothing else I can do with the game until I get home and pop it into a system
And I usually just read the backstory.
I read it after leaving the store just because there's nothing else I can do with the game until I get home and pop it into a system
And I usually just read the backstory.
02-16-04, 06:19 AM
#17
Moderator
Here's a quote of mine from the previous thread. I think it still holds true:
It's always amusing to see people asking "How do I" questions in the online forums that they could've gotten the answer to in seconds by checking their manuals.
