[aplc0r]

I recently picked up a copy of this from a retro game store while on vacation. The box was covered in dust and slightly damaged on the corners. To my surprise everything inside was in mint condition. Simulators obviously have a higher standard of documentation, but it really made me miss game manuals in general.

Tunic, a game released last year, contained an in game manual in the style of older games. I personally found it legitimately useful, and fangamer recently released a hardcover version that is now out of stock.

https://www.fangamer.com/products/tunic-hardcover-manual

[discardedrefuse]

If you're into modern games with useful manuals check out EXA Punks and Shenzen I/O. They are both Zachtronics programming puzzle games. And you have to print the manuals yourself (or order them online), but they're every cool and done in character. For example, the EXA Punks manual is a pair of 'zines.

https://www.zachtronics.com/exapunks/

[aplc0r]

Thank you for reminding me! I actually own the printed zines for EXA Punks. They also came with a secret envelope to be opened at a certain point in the game. I ordered them mostly out of a love for anything Zachtronics did. I don't have the Shenzen I/O one, but should really get it printed. If I recall there was also a physical manual for TIS-100 at some point.