Demise of the Game Manual
by Marriott_Guy |
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Last night I opened up NBA 2K11 and was presented with the following on page 1 of the miniscule documentation (4 pages in total): |
Download the COMPLETE NBA 2K11 manual.
To get the full list of NEW controls, features and much more, visit: www.2kgames.com/manual/NBA2K11 |
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Reading those dreaded words officially ended my naive hopes that my gaming partner would recover from the years of cropping and truncating.
Though I was aware that the end was nearing (Ubisoft, EA), my old friend known as the Video Game Manual was at long last on its final legs.
Back in the day, tearing open a new video game was pure exhilaration. Not only did I finally acquire that cherished title, but I
couldn't wait to check out its mandatory sidekick – the Video Game Manual. As much as the software itself, I was stoked to check out
those glossy, colorful pages that would detail the various ins and outs for my upcoming gaming adventure. What surprises lay in store
for me? Would it give me some secret tips in addition to that somewhat-mandatory "Notes" page to scrawl my cheat codes. high scores and
the like?
For those old-timers out there, this anticipation was akin to slipping the jacket out of a new vinyl purchase. You did so in a very
slow, calculated manner in hopes that this meticulous action would somehow ensure the ultimate payoff – song lyrics imprinted upon the album
sleeve. Ripping into a new video game purchase was much the same. For my hard earned cash, I was eagerly expecting to be rewarded in
some manner in addition to the game itself. For the most part, the publisher did not disappoint. They took great pride in the
production and content of their game manuals. Screenshots were showcased in addition to providing survival tips, background story, team
rosters and sometimes even a game map. You never knew what might be encompassed within, or accompany, the instructions. It was
like opening up a box of Cracker Jacks. Sadly, those magical moments are nearing its end. |
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For the most part, budgetary and environmental initiatives have basically castrated the Video Game Manual. Don't get me wrong – I want
to save a tree as much as the next guy. I am all for utilizing technology to reduce manufacturing expense and the overall ecological
footprint of production. That being said, the instruction booklet is an integral part of the overall experience for this old school
gamer and should not be the sacrificial lamb. The joy of simply reading through that gaming goodness prepared me for the upcoming
experience. I can't quite put it into words, but I could feel myself getting completely immersed in the game after studying a well
produced manual prior to actually playing it.
Yes, I grant you that I may just be feeling nostalgic at the moment. I miss the days of finding those hidden gems within that game
packaging. I find myself being pleasantly surprised less and less as the years go by. Of course, this is a sign of my old age
coupled with the rising sun known as the digital millennium. Still, I will miss my cherished compadre'. The glory days of the
Video Game Manual have unfortunately come to an end.
Unless, of course, you decide to purchase the Limited Edition version. |
Final Fantasy III really gave gamers a bang for their buck!!
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2010s - NOTES
DISCUSS