Lack of a printed manual - is it a big issue?

[Don Maddox]

I'm hearing some criticism of POA-2 based on the fact that HPS did not include a printed manual. It's a tough issue to tackle. I know gamers who won't buy a game that lacks a printed version.

Do I like printed manuals? Sure. My Advanced Squad Leader 2nd edition is the king of printed manuals! On the other hand, a quick browse of any ASL discussion forum will show that one of the hottest topics around is that gamers WANT a pdf or html version of the manual. Why? Because it's far easier for developers to issue updates to the manual, add new sections, or post errata. There is also one other issue: PC-based manuals can be cross indexed with hyperlinks leading from one section to another. They can also be "searched," which is a huge plus for a really complicated game system. There are any number of neat html elements that can be included in a PC-based manual too.

Am I suggesting that the lack of a printed manual is actually a plus? No, I'm not. However, the issue isn't as cut and dry as some are suggesting. Myself, I prefer a printed manual that I can use because I like to sit in bed and read. But when I need quick answers to really hardcore problems, I like the PC-based variety. I print out copies of the manuals I really need and keep them in a binder. I know that's not to everyone's taste, fair enough. It is a trend though due to the outrageously expensive cost of printing.

[Priest]

Having the manual on CD seems to be SOP for HPS, my Tobruk '41 came without a printed manual as well. I'd like a printed manual sent with the CD even if I had to pay a little more for the game.

[Don Maddox]

I do think the electronic manual could have been better. It doesn't have much info at all on using Aid De Camp 2 to create new maps, nor is there much on scenario creating. I believe HPS may be going to add info for at least one of these subjects.

[Scully]

I don't own POA-2, but I always prefer a printed manual. Like Don, I like to read when laying in bed or on the train to work. Not a show stopper, but a definite preference.

Once I upgrade my computer later this year, I'll probably pick up POA-2. Keep up the good work on this forum.

Brian

[Ivan Rapkinov]

grew up reading on a monitor - the e-manuals don;'t bother me.

not too fond of the "wealth" of info in the POA manual, when all I really want is instructions on how to do something...

ie when I search for loading/unloading or DF, I want a hyperlink that will take me to "click this to load/unload" or "click this to enage in DF", not "DF has a lot of factors affecting it, blah blah blah...." ; zzzzzz. That's oood, just tell me how to do it before it get's explained.

[Don Maddox]

As I said before, I do think the manual was lacking in certain areas, however, in all fairness to HPS, we've been asking for and getting a lot of changes/enhancements lately. Even if the manual had been 100% accurate, there would need to be a lot of changes to it by now. Writing stuff like that is very time cumsuming.