Do you read the manual?

[remconius]

I dont waste playing time reading the manual. Might looks oimthing up if I get really stuck, though.

But then when I have time away from computer, wife needs it or I am riding to work on public transport, I bring the manual to read. So I'll definitely read it eventually.

Strategy guides are hardly ever worth it. Although some explain game concepts better and in more detail, guide on the fansites are usually a lot better.

 

[Mercade]

I dont waste playing time reading the manual. Might looks oimthing up if I get really stuck, though.

But then when I have time away from computer, wife needs it or I am riding to work on public transport, I bring the manual to read. So I'll definitely read it eventually.

Strategy guides are hardly ever worth it. Although some explain game concepts better and in more detail, guide on the fansites are usually a lot better.

Reading the manual on something new I couldn't call a waste of time. But agreed, I generally don't like to read the strategy guide(s) either, especially not if you can find everything on strategy and more on CFC.

 

[aahz_capone]

all...

night...

long...

 

[Jorunkun]

Speaking of which, does anyone think the Civ IV strategy guide is worth getting?

Without having seen it (obviously), I´d say "not really". IMHO, most strategy guides contain some interesting additional material (like artwork, backstories etc.) for fanboys, and it may be worth buying it for that reason.

But for improving your strategy, nothing beats CivFanatics and Apolyton. I mean, there´s no way a single author - even with all the support from Firaxis - could best an obsessive community of thousands.

I would however buy the guide if it contains info on the game mechanics not included in the manual - i.e. the Civ3 manual didn´t give you enough detail on how corruption was worked out or what the exact model behind culture-flips was. It may be anal, but I really believe that a deep understanding of the economics of civ is indispensible for playing successfully at deity level and above.

 

[Fobok]

I hardly ever read game manuals, since most game manuals are composed of 5 pages on what to do if something goes wrong during install/play (90% of the time the most inane suggestions, too. Can't remember what game it was but once saw a manual that said to format and reinstall operating system over an error of a corrupt game file, that could be fixed by reinstalling the *game*), 2 or 3 pages on how to install, and 10 pages listing the general features of the game, usually mentioning factions if there is any but saying little about them.

A manual like the one in Civ 4? *That* I'll read. Probably as I go in the game, rather than all at once.

 

[Janos]

Only while it is installing or while i am on the toilet or something (come on, we all know you need something to read whilst sitting there!). But generally manuals suck and are very poorly written and get out of date very quickly, so i tend to avoid taking them seriously or reading them often.

 

[L'Afrique]

I'll read it on the way back from the store, and I'll probably curl up on the couch and read it there for a while, too. btw Janos, have you ever read a civ manual? They're generally pretty good.

 

[Janos]

I'll read it on the way back from the store, and I'll probably curl up on the couch and read it there for a while, too. btw Janus, have you ever read a civ manual? They're generally pretty good.

Nope, i haven't. If they are genuinely good then i might read it then. Thanks for that.

 

[Harrier]

You have to read the complete manual before playing the game or the new copy protection scheme will not work.

Every time you load the game you are asked three questions about the game. If you get a question wrong you have to wait one hour before you can try to reload the game again.

This ensures that all players know what they are doing and do not flood these forums with "How does" or "Why doesn't" type questions.

 

[Calsan]

I will read it when instaling or when I get in the store on the train, and I put it next to my bed next to all of the other books I consider my 'bibles"

 

[chriseay]

I anticipate reading it in full within a week or so after getting the game, though not when I have time to play the game. That time will be spent, well, playing the game.

I can remember when I got Civ II, probably a couple months after it was released, and opened the box in the mall while having pizza with my grandfather. I loved the poster that came with it and started reading the manual right then. Then I got home, and the game wouldn't work! Turns out I didn't have enough ram in my computer, and that took quite awhile to rectify. So, in anticipation of eventually being able to play the game I read the manual many times. It was heaven when I finally got to play.

 

[Grohan]

I usually read manual a bit before I start playing the game and read along when I am playing the game.
But I rarely read any manual front to back (unless the manual is really good like in Baldur's gate II).

 

[aahz_capone]

Every time you load the game you are asked three questions about the game. If you get a question wrong you have to wait one hour before you can try to reload the game again.

Reminds me of Leisuresuit Larry III, where you had to answer 6 questions of recent history so the game could verify how old you were to play the uncensored version. (I was underage, but that did not stop me and my encyclopedia!)

Maybe we could impliment that when we mod the politically incorrect atrocities, civics and leaders?

 

[Rmman9007]

Yea i bring it to work the first few days of playing....something to do there

 

[ludite]

I read the manual I play the game I read the manual then I go to Civfanatics

 

[Mercade]

I read the manual I play the game I read the manual then I go to Civfanatics

That's the spirit, Ludite. Try to help yourself and get answers here.

Welcome to CivFanatics.