I can’t remember using strategy guides when I first started to play video games. For me, the booklet that came with the game, also came with a phone number that you could call for help with said game. I never called those numbers (mainly because they cost money) and if I got stuck in a game (before guides and the net) I would figure it out myself. At times, that would mean I would have to leave my system on overnight, but I managed to figure it out on my own.
When I started to play more RPG and Final Fantasy games, I did end up getting the strategy guide book (most of which I still own). However I would end up pages behind from where I actually was in the game, ignoring the guide book and only looking at it when I needed it.
I collect the good ones I would need.. Like Skyrim and mortal Kombat. – @LadyBearXoXo
Then I started to work at GameStop and using a strategy guide was frowned upon, therefore I stopped. Plus by then I could just look something up online if I really needed help with game. I waited for certain guides to “penny out” instead of buying them at launch with the game. Half the time I didn’t even use them, I just wanted to collect them because of reasons.
Hell no. I don’t need you GUIDE to finish this game. What kind of self respecting gamer utilizes a guide? On the other side, old school instruction manuals like this one, hard back manual with a cloth map of the game world? Yeah, that’s the shit right there. – William
After GameStop I still didn’t buy strategy guides unless it was a collector’s edition or it simply looked cool, like the guide for Skyrim. If I need help now with a game or to track achievements, I look to Google Search, Twitter and various other online places or friends.
I like the guides that are more like art books. We have the Dark Souls book because it’s beautiful visually and intellectually. – Tavia
The guides that I do own are just collecting dust either in a box or on my book shelf. Nowadays, there’s no reason to buy a strategy guide unless you are a collector. Buying a guide in today’s day and a age is a waste of money since you can simply look up what you need online.
I like art books, but generally I can find the information I need on gamefaqs, or wikia, or forums, or youtube. Basically, there is enough free information out there that it renders paid strategy guides obsolete. – Greg
