I miss manuals.

[David_VI]

A memory that just came into my mind I had till now forgotten...

In my early days of PC gaming (Console gaming also) I found it so exciting to get a new game, (in the big boxes and later in the dvd style cases but still with manuals!) and often look forward to going to bed so I could sit there and read through the manual...

Not just me?

Whats odd about this is I don't feel the same now.. I suppose this is because games seem to lack proper manuals now, often just having the controls and some hot keys plus support info with a PDF on disc or in a folder if downloaded..

A few that spring to mind, the Sim City 2000 manual and various Age of Empires manuals along with the reference and tech tree cards, Wing Commander Prophecy, Theme Hospital, Roller coaster Tycoon.. Wish I could remember more.
Shame it seems I can't really remember much of the manuals or games except for the fact it used to be a highlight of buying a new game..

Just a happy memory that popped into my mind I wanted to share guessing I must not be alone with this fondness
David

 

[David_VI]

The old Baldur's Gate manual was thick enough to club a man to death with. I miss manuals, too - used to love reading them on the bus ride home after buying a new game

Oh wow i'd forgotten that till you said it, another memory back.. Getting a game in town and reading the manual on the journey home.. It was so exciting opening a new game.

It is odd I never read manuals now, might be more likely to if they were physical though.

 

[David_VI]

Glad i'm not alone...

Thing is some people have said they never read the manuals. Like I said earlier, I don't seem to any more. I believe this is because I never needed the manuals to learn how to use a game exactly, just they were great things to read and get excited about the next time you could play the game.. Because I know for sure I don't really read manuals now.

Games do have tutorials a lot and I believe a lot did back then, or eased you in slowly.

I also remember being a lot more excited, i'd get up early in the morning just to play a new game for quite a few days.. Sounds odd now.

 

[David_VI]

Anyone know of a service where you can submit a PDF online to get it printed and bound and posted to you?

I wish I did because that sounds useful! Googling time I guess.

Edit, seems a lot of printing places/websites will do it, seems obvious now you think about it.

 

[David_VI]

Does anyone remember them maps that came with GTA's? I haven't bought a CD version of it since San Andreas so I don't know whether they still come with them.

Yip. I own all the GTA games except London and loved them for the maps and cool info in the manuals.

GTA IV did come with a map also, along with a book akin to a tourist pamphlet about Liberty City

Xbox version : http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2572929248_3d5ee7d07c.jpg

David