Would you pay more for an extensive manual?

Safe-Keeper · 06-25-06, 09:10 PM

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.

Agrippa · 06-25-06, 09:52 PM

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!

Safe-Keeper · 06-25-06, 09:53 PM

Quote:

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.

Onkel Neal · 06-25-06, 10:52 PM

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

nikimcbee · 06-26-06, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

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

go to the library. I recommend: Silent Victory, by Clay Blair or Pigboats, by Theodore Roscoe (aka US sub operations during WW2)

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.

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.

DeepSix · 06-26-06, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

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

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

STEED · 06-26-06, 07:13 AM

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.

U-Bones · 06-26-06, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEED

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.

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

NEON DEON · 06-26-06, 08:47 AM

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.

Safe-Keeper · 06-26-06, 10:13 AM

Quote:

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.

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

STEED · 06-26-06, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Safe-Keeper

Quote:

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.

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

Cheek:p

DeepSix · 06-26-06, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEED

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.

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

Safe-Keeper · 06-26-06, 10:47 AM

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

06-26-06, 12:16 PM

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.

Rosencrantz · 06-26-06, 03:28 PM

Neal wrote:

Quote:

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

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-

View Poll Results: If Ubi released two packed versions of SHIV, which'd you buy?
I'd pay more for the version with the extended manual.	56	77.78%
I'd buy the one with the SH3-style manual.	10	13.89%
Don't care/don't know.	6	8.33%
Voters: 72. You may not vote on this poll

06-25-06, 09:10 PM	#1
Safe-Keeper Ocean Warrior Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Norway Posts: 3,234 Downloads: 11 Uploads: 0	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. __________________ First Strike Mod tester. Hardcore sub skipper. Last edited by Safe-Keeper; 06-25-06 at 09:21 PM.

06-25-06, 10:52 PM	#4
Onkel Neal Born to Run Silent Join Date: Jan 1997 Location: Cougar Trap, Texas Posts: 21,290 Downloads: 534 Uploads: 224	I already know more about the subject than any game developer manual could offer. Most of you do, too. __________________ SUBSIM - 26 Years on the Web

06-26-06, 07:13 AM	#7
STEED Lucky Jack Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Down Town UK Posts: 27,695 Downloads: 89 Uploads: 48	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. __________________ Dr Who rest in peace 1963-2017. To borrow Davros saying...I NAME YOU CHIBNALL THE DESTROYER OF DR WHO YOU KILLED IT!

06-26-06, 10:47 AM	#13
Safe-Keeper Ocean Warrior Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Norway Posts: 3,234 Downloads: 11 Uploads: 0	I prefer booklet over printed Web site any day. Lots easier to handle. So there's that advantage, too. __________________ First Strike Mod tester. Hardcore sub skipper.

06-25-06, 09:52 PM	#2
Agrippa Seaman Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 35 Downloads: 81 Uploads: 0	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!

06-26-06, 08:47 AM	#9
NEON DEON Ace of the Deep Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,207 Downloads: 39 Uploads: 5	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.

06-26-06, 12:16 PM	#14
Sailor Steve Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	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.