instruction manual

[slo]

I know someone already asked about a hard copy of the tech tree, but I was going to wait for the hard copy of the game purley for the instruction manual....does anyone know if the hard copy is actually coming with a hard copy of the manual, or should I just download the game from stream?
thanks
slo
ps, if I buy the downloaded version, can I make a hard copy of the game?

 

[jeffreyac]

My question too - is there any way to get a hardcopy of the instruction manual and still purchase the game via one of the digital download purchases?

 

[Louis XXIV]

There is no paper copy of the manual (regardless of which version you purchase). I believe you can make a backup copy of the game, but I'm not positive.

 

[Schalke 04]

As far as I can tell there is no need and no possibility for a backup copy, as the game is linked to your steam account. With your account you can install the game on any PC.

 

[Tylerryan79]

You can make a backup copy through steam, and it can include the patches you've had to download, so you won't have to download them again. And yes there is no physical manual, just the PDF version mentioned in the latest feature.

 

[paradigmx]

If you really need a hardcopy book of the manual, there are websites that will publish your PDF and mail it to you for a nominal fee.

http://www.blurb.com/make/pdf_to_book for example.

However, I don't know the legality on this, would Greg or Elizabeth be able to comment on this? Provided it is not being converted for commercial reasons, can we get the manual printed and bound as a hard copy?

 

[stealth_nsk]

If you really need a hardcopy book of the manual, there are websites that will publish your PDF and mail it to you for a nominal fee.

AFAIK, manual will be interactive, not just PDF book. Don't know how well it could be printed.

Other than that I assume it's completely legal if you print it for yourself.

 

[501st Legion]

Whew, just when I thought the only "manual" we are going to get is an atrocious 6 page leaflet....

But I'm going to miss the hard copy of the manual with 200 pages. I guess an interactive one is the only good alternative.

 

[Disgustipated]

I'm actually not too sad to see them go. Sometimes you just have to accept times have changed, and just appreciate all the old manuals you still have. I hope you guys haven't thrown out the wonderful SMAC manual- that may be the largest manual I have. Those were the days. Just think 20 years from now you can show the SMAC manual to your kid, and they will be impressed, and wonder how people lived like that.

 

[lietkynes]

There is no paper copy of the manual (regardless of which version you purchase). I believe you can make a backup copy of the game, but I'm not positive.

It's possible to make a backup of the game, open Steam, go to your game, click "backup local folder". It will make a backup of the whole game, patches, etc.

 

[Tylerryan79]

Nother positive thing about the manual changing to the interactive PDF is they plan on updating it along with any changes they make to the game. No more outdated manuals!

 

[Schuesseled]

all versions come with an interactive pdf manual.

 

[stealth_nsk]

all versions come with an interactive pdf manual.

Interactive - not just containing links, but also reacting on clicks with different effects, etc.

 

[Schuesseled]

Yes, links and expandable pictures are two things that were on the preview of it. There may be more, plus it gets patched too.

 

[Tarkhan]

Tech tree image + access to a large plotter at work...

 

[slo]

thanks so much for all the replies guys, guess I should just buy the download copy then!
thanks again
slo