Manual Addendum?

Ratqueen · #1 May 9th, 2002, 09:32 PM

Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate the fact that there is at least a printed and HTML manual... It's just that I never seem to find the information I want in either of them...

Example: I tried to find information on how to upgrade ships. I looked in the manual's index but there was nothing under "Upgrade." I finally found the info I needed in the HTML manual under "Scrap Window"... Well, not too obvious that you upgrade ships by going to the Scrap window...

Same with repairing a ship. I had no idea how to do it and couldn't find any info on that. I happened to leave one of my "ready-to-be-upgraded" ships at a Space Yard and realized it was being "repaired" and, thus, upgraded...

I really think a Windows Help file, with a detailed Index and cross-references, would be so helpful. HTML is not the right format for a manual, IMO. And if nobody has done it so far, I intend to gather as much info as I can and put something together in WinHelp format.

Mudshark · #2 May 9th, 2002, 09:38 PM

Ratqueen My site has has a a bit of information that you are welcome to use, Also check out the dubious strategy guide.

Ruatha · #3 May 9th, 2002, 09:39 PM

Great Idea.
I was thinking in the same direction, now I don't have to go through that work.
My idea was to take the original HTML Manual and add to it keeping the layout, but I think that an Windows Help file would be better, if you include pictures.
What I'd want was detailed info and pics on all tech improvments, facilities, units etc.

Post here when you have something to share.

Don't give up, please do it....

Ratqueen · #4 May 9th, 2002, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudshark:
Ratqueen My site has has a a bit of information that you are welcome to use, Also check out the dubious strategy guide.

I'll check it out! Thanks for letting me add it to the Help file! I'll give credit to anyone who contributes in any way

Ratqueen · #5 May 9th, 2002, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ruatha:
Great Idea.
I was thinking in the same direction, now I don't have to go through that work.
My idea was to take the original HTML Manual and add to it keeping the layout, but I think that an Windows Help file would be better, if you include pictures.
What I'd want was detailed info and pics on all tech improvments, facilities, units etc.

I wasn't planning on adding the large images of the game's windows because it would make the help file quite voluminous... Good idea about the tech improvements, facilities and units pictures though -- I'll try to keep that in mind.

Quote:

Post here when you have something to share.

Sure will!

eorg · #6 May 9th, 2002, 09:53 PM

dubious strategy guide - here in archive or in seiv.pbw.cc archive when it does up (i'm waiting

) or i'll mail it to you if you can't find it :-)

capnq · #7 May 9th, 2002, 09:53 PM

I read the entire original printed manual before starting my first non-demo game, but I'm weird that way.

(I actually dislike manuals that say, "Don't read this yet! Play the tutorial first!")

I've also read the entire Gold printed manual, which is a huge improvement over the original.

I do have two criticisms of Gold:

1) I don't think some of the changes to the Tutorial were a good idea, particularly the "missing" facilities on the homeworld.

2) I think the tone of the Gold Manual is overly "chatty" in spots.