Games that require their original manuals/packaging

[mobiusclimber]

Not saying you CAN'T beat the game without the manual and guide book, but Phantasy Star II is made a lot more difficult without that stuff. Made up language for spells and items with no descriptions in-game, huge and convoluted dungeons... hidden dungeons where you need to find specific armor in order to advance in the game... man, that game was just brutal even WITH the pack-in guide!

[Blurz]

Almost every DOS game, especially adventure titles.

[sbk]

The Atari SwordQuest games originally needed the comic book and manual. I just picked up the Earthworld manual and I have been looking through it. Very Interesting.

[ExedExes]

ANY non-cracked PC/computer game in the 80s/early 90s.

The copy protection WAS the manual.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

ANY non-cracked PC/computer game in the 80s/early 90s.

The copy protection WAS the manual.

Or some weird ass spinner disc.

[sabrage]

Or some weird ass spinner disc.

I bet you're a blast at parties.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Or some weird ass spinner disc.

I bet you're a blast at parties.

I don't like parties.

[Nemoide]

Return to Zork
After you've played for a while, you come to a schoolhouse where a teacher quizes you about the history of the Underground Empire. You have to use the included "Encyclopedia Frobozzica" to get through that section.

I feel like this was cooler copy protection than most other games.

[Flake]

Metal Gear Solid

At one point you have to get a radio frequency off the back of the packaging. They also kept this gimmick in for Twin Snakes.

[BoringSupreez]

Metal Gear Solid

At one point you have to get a radio frequency off the back of the packaging. They also kept this gimmick in for Twin Snakes.

That one infuriated me so much the first time. I ended up discovering the frequency by going through them one at a time, manually.