Why no manual?

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [Science Fiction] >> Pandora Series >> Why no manual?

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Why no manual? - 9/21/2014 3:10:05 AM

Wolfe1759

Posts: 798
Joined: 1/20/2008
From: Shropshire, UK
Status: offline

Just wanted to find out from the developers why they thought it was such a brilliant idea not to write a manual for their game.

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Post #: 1

RE: Why no manual? - 9/21/2014 9:22:58 PM

aaatoysandmore

Posts: 2848
Joined: 9/11/2013
Status: offline

I second the motion. All in favor say "I". therefore the I's have it, waiting on an answer now.

(in reply to Wolfe1759)

Post #: 2

RE: Why no manual? - 9/21/2014 10:29:02 PM

stormbringer3

Posts: 875
Joined: 7/26/2007
From: Staunton, Va.
Status: offline

The lack of a manual kept me and also others from buying. I hoped that the add-on game would finally have a manual. Nope, therefore still no purchase. If you like sci-fi, Distant Worlds: Universe is a great game.

< Message edited by stormbringer3 -- 9/21/2014 11:34:11 PM >

(in reply to aaatoysandmore)

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RE: Why no manual? - 9/22/2014 8:27:00 AM

IainMcNeil

Posts: 2804
Joined: 10/26/2004
From: London
Status: offline

I'll talk to the team and see if we can do anything - they deliberately went for in game help and not a manual because it could be kept up to date while the manual was almost instantly out of date.

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RE: Why no manual? - 9/22/2014 4:44:32 PM

lparkh

Posts: 426
Joined: 7/25/2004
Status: offline

Maybe make the manual online and linked to their help messages. Then they surround the help messages with less perishable manual content. Try to have best of both worlds.
THe lack of manual was a signficant negative for me as well though I bought the game. It made the learning curve much harder than it should have been. Which will discourage new buyers leading to less word of mouth sales as they give up.

< Message edited by lparkh -- 9/22/2014 5:45:20 PM >

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Post #: 5

RE: Why no manual? - 9/22/2014 4:45:23 PM

FroBodine

Posts: 872
Joined: 5/5/2007
From: Brentwood, California (not the OJ one)
Status: offline

I don't own the game, also because there is no detailed manual or instructions anywhere about how the game works, but from what I have read over time the in-game help is lacking in detail. If they are going for strictly in-game instructions, then it still needs to be comprehensive and explain everything in detail.

Wargame grognards like details, we like to know how everything work, as I'm sure you know. :o)

< Message edited by jglazier -- 9/22/2014 5:46:38 PM >

(in reply to IainMcNeil)

Post #: 6

RE: Why no manual? - 9/22/2014 5:03:14 PM

Tac2i

Posts: 2001
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: WV USA
Status: offline

I guess I'm an odd duck as I rarely read game manuals. I may quickly scan one or look something up on rare occasion but reading one is not a task I undertake. In my humble personal opinion, most games one can pick up on by just playing it with perhaps an occasional trip to the manual (or in game tool tips).

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RE: Why no manual? - 9/23/2014 1:46:48 AM

aaatoysandmore

Posts: 2848
Joined: 9/11/2013
Status: offline

I grew up on manuals. I always like to take them to the throne room (I think you know where I mean) and spend a lot longer in there than I should reading them but it's the only real place I get any privacy anymore. I'll sometimes read the manual from cover to cover. There's just something about a manual like the ole rule books we got in board games that never gets old having them for reference and such. I don't have to have box art anymore. But, I still likes me printed colorful if I can get them manuals.