Do you think strategy guides are a waste of money?

[Armymanis]

Yeah, i think i will only start buying them when the internet dies.

[dunpeal2064]

I quite like looking through some artwork in a game's guide, if it is a game that I quite enjoy. As for using the guide to progress through the game, that just seems to take that special surprise out of the game, at least to me.

[AmishSamurai]

I've only ever had one strategy guide I found was completely worth it- the guide for Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. I also had the guide to Pokemon when I was younger- several. Most were terrible.

[Dakinggamer87]

Hey guys. With so many videos out on youtube these days, do you think strategy guides are a waste of money for video games? I know I got rid of a lot of them as a kid, but now as I am starting to become a hardcore video game collector/gamer they might be useful for getting out of those tough situations. what do you guys think?

I rarely ever use them for their intended purpose. Youtube or gamefaqs usually suffices. However, it is nice to have something in print, and it is great if there is good artwork. I mainly get them as collector items to go along with the games, and then usually only for RPGs or adventure games.

Yep same here

[Luke]

I'm a video game purist, so as soon as I get help on a game I feel like I already lost. I believe the only strategy guide I've used was the map for Metroid in Nintendo Power when it was first released.

I'll also fess up to calling the Power Line when Strider (nes) was released. I spent hours trying to figure out how to beat Kain, but died every time. Drove me nuts. Finally I asked my parent's permission to call Nintendo Powers 900 number and the "game counselor" told me the secret: "Stay still, and you won't be attacked. Use the plasma shot". So the only boss that gave me any difficulty could be killed by pressing up and the b button. Ridiculous.

But I hate spoilers, and although some strategy guides seem to be more of an homage to the game rather than a set list of tasks you need to complete to beat the game, I stay away from them. I've been to GameFAQ's before, but have no reason to go there unless I'm entirely defeated by a game. If I get stuck in a game and I can't find any other way to progress I'll call a friend, which I also think qualifies as cheating.

This does however sunt some of my game playing. I refuse to use gamefaq's, which is probably why I can't through the first twenty minutes of Rogue Galaxy, and why I've been stuck in Kingdom Hearts since 2010. But dammit, I want to beat my games fair and square.

[Luke]

This topic reminded me of Cliff Notes. Do those still exist?

[BurningDoom]

I've only ever had one strategy guide I found was completely worth it- the guide for Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. I also had the guide to Pokemon when I was younger- several. Most were terrible.

Like I said earlier, Morrowind is one that is more than worth it. But like you said, for the most part that's not the case with other guides.

[jmbarnes101]

I like the Prima HC's that go with the Zelda and Super Mario Galaxy games. Those guides are just nice and fun to look through and the posters are great.

I believe so far there is a premium guide for
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy 2
LOZ: Phantom Hourglass
LOZ: Spirit Tracks
LOZ: Twilight Princess
LOZ: Skyward Sword

[BoringSupreez]

This topic reminded me of Cliff Notes. Do those still exist?

I don't know. Everyone I know uses Sparksnotes (online) instead.

[Haoie]

GameFAQs is plenty for me.