Do you read video game instruction manuals?

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I usually skim the manual, mainly the control layout first. After playing a little bit I'll go back and read the rest.

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 agree.

/Benjamin

Blast from the past!

http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=198814

As a last resort, like if I was wondering what the white button does.

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.

To me, an essential element of good game design is a training/tutorial mode or level.

Almost always never, but I did read the manual for fifa 2004 and a few other games.

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.

Well said.

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.

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.

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.

I get this obsessive/compulsive thing where I just have to read through the manual...it really sucks with those 60 pagers, though.

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.

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.

Here's a quote of mine from the previous thread. I think it still holds true: