Would you pay more for an extensive manual?
 

I ranted earlier about the decline of the manuals that come with games, and I wanted to see how many people agree. My dream SHIV package:

• The game disc (optional, but would be rather nice to have).
• Historical footage (on the DVD).
• Extensive manual detailing every feature of the game, including some strategies.
• Historical manual detailing vessels, events, nations, leaders, weapons, combat, doctrine, organization, strategy, blueprints, flotillas, famous subs, ships, and captains, museum/web site recommendations for third party research, and so on.
• Reference maps, tables, etc.
• Maybe some tiny thing like a sticker, pin, or whatever.

Believe it or not, even if all this amounted to up towards $70, I'd still buy it.

YES, YES, YES! In another thread I mentioned how I paid more for the Dangerous Waters manual, and I think you were the one who responded to that. Anyway, like you I'd pay 70$ if necessary. I think detailed manuals, with extra content (historical, technical, etc.) are necessary with serious sims, and the decline of manual quality in the past 5 years or so is a terribly sad thing.

So everyone vote Yes in this thread, and maybe we'll get a manual that actually tells us things we need and want to know!

That was my intent. Busted;).

But by all means, vote honestly still.

I already know more about the subject than any game developer manual could offer. Most of you do, too. :)

I voted yes, because I like cool manuals...but not to be rude:doh: go to the library. I recommend: Silent Victory, by Clay Blair or Pigboats, by Theodore Roscoe (aka US sub operations during WW2):up: Multimedia footage would be cool (like on the original SH or AotD) I met the cook of the USS Barb, I wish I could find him again, if he's still alive.:o If it's TDC stuff you want, buy a trigonometry book. I bought the DW manual, because modern naval warfare is a pretty complex subject.:88)

Good point. On the other hand, if it came with a facsimile inclusion of The Fleet Type Submarine, I wouldn't mind.:D

Why pay extra for a extended manual which is bound to be full of waffle and stuff that makes no sense. Stick with books or the internet for the info you want. :smug:

Agree, the devs should stick to documentation - listing what key does what in the game and what not.

I used to go into the store and identify old Microprose games by picking up the box. They were always much heavier than most other PC games due to their extensive manuals that came with game. TF 1942 even came with an American or flip it over Japanese recognition book. It was kewl. And-------, if you are not a sub guru like me, then you would be quite happy with all the documentation the game provides you on purchase.

So, for the general public and me, I voted yes to I would pay more for a better manual. :up: :up: :up: :)

The Firefight Reference Guide wasn't full of waffle:p.

Cheek:p :up:

Well, that depends - is there syrup for the waffles?:p (Sorry for waffling the thread a little....)

I prefer booklet over printed Web site any day. Lots easier to handle. So there's that advantage, too.

I still have my Their Finest Hour manual, and the game too. It's fun to look at, even if I do know a lot of the stuff. There's always more, and I'd be willing to pay for it.

Neal wrote:


Can't say that better. Orig. doc's, I mean RL manuals would be something but that's something we won't see, at least not printed. Like steed wrote: let's find books and use the net.

-RC-

Exactly. I still have most of my old ones for the good games if it was a good manual. I'll even bet that most of the ppl who say it is not necessary with books, internet etc have a few around still that they couldn't part with even though they have more detailed books on the topic.

I don't care any more. I used to love good manuals. I'd be happy to see one, but pay extra? Nah, feels like being one of those fools buying "collector's editions". I'd just worry too much about having paid extra for paper when I know they shipped a buggy game.

Make your own then :) I do not care for paper booklets, rather printable data sheets if anything.

A decent manual should be a given, not something to pay extra for. How about Ubi gives us a good manual for SH4, and a rebate to apologize for the embarrassment that was the SH3 manual.

Safe Keeper,

I see you don't have a choice for HELLNO!

...being an old curmudgeon and cheap bastar_ as well...thats where I'd place my vote.

Remembering back a cupla years, here at Subsim, I can't tell you how many times, both noobs 'n salts alike, have asked stupid questions re SHII and SHIII where the answers were plainly hidden in the MANUAL...or the readme files...and it's still happening today :shifty: You can give your money away if you please, but...

edit: It's just as easy to show up here and learn all you need to know.

...so to all who say "buy a book"...this Bud's for you:up: