And by extension, any kind of guide. That's what GameFAQs is for. And it's free.

Anything but.

Liveinadive wrote:

beano wrote:

Manuals - can get to fuck, in the age of UX.

But what will I read when I get the game home and need a poop?

They should print novels on toilet paper.

AJ wrote:

Back of the box. If that's too short, you're taking too long to poop.

I like to be sure. Plus toilet time is one of the few things we have left in this crazy world.

Do what I want in poop time, that's the joy of it. Read a manual, browse internet, stare into space, little nap. Whatever.

I'll echo the earlier comments – manuals have already died. It's been a long, long while since we've had a manual that was a joy to have and to read. The one that always sticks out in my mind is the one that came with Elite on the C64. It created the backstory of the universe while explaining how to play. The pages describing all the different ships, cargo types, etc were good, solid, sci-fi writings. It filled in the gaps left by the simple vector graphics. 

I'm sure this is a topic that's been covered before, however. 

So, erm, things that can die this gen? Loading. There's too much loading. I'm looking at the Fallout games in particular. I gave up on New Vegas because the loading was just ridiculous. I spent too much time browsing the internet on my phone while travelling around the world. Pissed me right off when I would fast-travel to a location (loading) then appear outside the door of the compound that I'd have to enter (loading) then have ONE conversation and be off to another location (more loading). Fuuuuuuck off. It breaks the immersion like nothing else.

Depends on the game. I've used guides for GTA: SA and Oblivion. Have the Skyrim one but I barely use it. I only dig them out when I'm doing something off the beaten track, or trying to get a couple of very specific items.

JRPC wrote:

Tacked on multiplayer as a tick box exercise to help flog clearly single-player designed games to the gullible masses.

Agreed, specifically the likes of ME3, TLOU and games of that ilk. Conversely, tacked on single player for multiplayer games. Battlefield games I'm talking to you. Have a single player mode for learning the maps and vehicles but drop the story bollocks.

Chief wrote:

Has anyone mentioned ludicrous digital (over)pricing?

That's got to be #1 for next gen if we're going to move towards digital. Don't understand the logic behind FIFA being £59.99 on PSN and £34.99-£49.99 pretty much anywhere else. I want to be rewarded for not buying the box/manual/disc, not punished.

loxdog wrote:

Chief wrote:

Has anyone mentioned ludicrous digital (over)pricing?

That's got to be #1 for next gen if we're going to move towards digital. Don't understand the logic behind FIFA being £59.99 on PSN and £34.99-£49.99 pretty much anywhere else. I want to be rewarded for not buying the box/manual/disc, not punished.

yep, I can't quite grasp the concept of being punished for buying online. The system for consoles is fucked at the moment. They need to allow competition, let other online retailers sell game codes that you redeem through the respective console shops.

*In this thread

Oh well

Agreed on the digital pricing thing. But, that said, I've only bought NBA 2k13 and Halo 4 for half-price which was worth it. It's a bit insane when you see the COD:MW games still at full price a year later. And a full-price that's MORE than what I paid...

Tempy wrote:

I know the point of the thread is having a moan It's just yours seemed kinda weird cos it's not really like game guides actively spoil anything unless you buy and read them unless maybe they're sentient down your neck of the woods in which case god bless you and I recommend taking a lighter with you wherever you go to ward them off

Haha fair enough.

loxdog wrote:

Chief wrote:

Has anyone mentioned ludicrous digital (over)pricing?

That's got to be #1 for next gen if we're going to move towards digital. Don't understand the logic behind FIFA being £59.99 on PSN and £34.99-£49.99 pretty much anywhere else. I want to be rewarded for not buying the box/manual/disc, not punished.

You're paying a premium for the convenience of not having to go out and buy it, getting it immediately etc. Plus I'd imagine there's a degree of pressure from retailers too. They all go under overnight if you could buy the same stuff instantly online for the same price. 

Totally agree, but can't see this changing, especially with all this insta-play stuff promised for next gen making it more attractive.