DVDChris

I actually like manuals. Won't buy a used game without em.

JohnnyDaBull

I really don't mind them getting rid of them. I usually only read them if its a sports game.

Drexl

I still want a manual. Not all games tell you everything you need to know, and sometimes I need a quick reference rather than slogging through tutorials again. If it's just a downloadable PDF manual, that's fine.

And, do it in color. One of my pet peeves is how many PDF manuals are in black and white. I guess I can see why that is, if they're printing a manual and don't want to spend the money for color ink. But, some games don't even have printed manuals and they're in B&W anyway. And the thing is, you know they were produced in color, and yet they took the extra step of applying the grayscale.

fujishig

So you admit to reading the manuals in the bathroom, but won't buy a used game without a manual? Where have those manuals been?

I agree that the legal crap and alternate languages that take up most manuals are useless, at least for most of us. But I appreciate a good, hefty manual with full color pictures. It's similar to how I appreciate the double-sided covers that some PS3 games come with (so you can see some scenery through the case)... it doesn't really affect the game itself, but I think it's a nice touch.

boredsilly

I'm another that tries not to buy used games without manuals, but only because games are easier to resell when they're complete.

Decker

If they were really serious about making money for their company, they'd stop their practice slashing the price of their games within the first few weeks of release so that people would actually buy them at retail price.

Kedrix

Haha, I try to not think about such things Thankfully, I'm not a germ freak or I probably wouldn't buy anything used at all. I should clarify, the manuals don't actually stay in the bathroom (but the Maxims do). It just helps me to think. Weird I know....anyway...

I agree that I do prefer a good manual with full color pictures and that any black n white manual gets a 1/4 of the time spent with it as opposed to the color version. This is the same reason I buy strategy guides (but usually only at $5 or under) for almost any game I have...I'm a sucker for reading about it and finding new tricks. Now I know most people will say just look it up on the internet. Yeah, but the pictures and the maps are better for me visually than most hint guides @ gamefaqs or anywhere else.

That does bring up an interesting side effect to the no manuals thing, perhaps we could see an increase in strategy guides. It's doubtful, but certainly possible.

maxfisher

I like the fact that we're seeing some publishers be willing to experiment around with different price points so close to release.

Michael Corvin

The Splinter Cell drop was crazy though. Game releases on Tuesday for $60. On Wednesday it's $42 on ebay/buy.com. On Sunday it's $40 at K-Mart.

Ubisoft generally has drops like that around 4-6 weeks, not the day after release.

DRG

I'd be happy with a simple insert reference card for the controls.