I love thick game manuals, period. If a person asked me right now which game manual is the best I have seen so far, my answer will be swift and without doubt, Homeworld.
Fans of Homeworld will understand why I like the game manual. It was so informative, and it was actually entertaining to read to the point that it was engrossing. [img]smile.gif[/img] Everything was explained in a form of storytelling so that it was easier to understand what they are trying to say.
I dread game manuals that are as thin, if not thinner, as a piece of tissue paper. To me, it is a sign that the game producers did not put in a lot of effort in the game. There are a few exceptions, but this is what I generally feel.
It is my desire that all games should either have game manuals in the same spirit of Homeworld, or have .pdf manuals for the gamer to print out if it is too thick( as some flight combat sims have done).
On to the review. [img]tongue.gif[/img]
I cringed at some parts, as it seemed to me that he did not bother to try and understand how the game works. The very fact that he associated Arcanum with AD&D indicates he has extremely limited knowledge of how AD&D works.
Maybe he thought high numbers are always better, "Hey look! This Leather Armor gives me better AC than the Splint Mail! WooHoo!"; or perhaps he was equipping his party members with weapons that they are not proficient in( you may laugh, but I have seen other people commit the same error).
Note: This is an assumption on my part. I personally hope it is not true. 
I for one, cannot see how can one have difficulty in Jon Irenicus' Dungeon unless you have installed some mods, or are attempting to solo with one character.
Baldur's Gate 2
IS complex, but not to the point where it is hopelessly confusing. In fact, it is the complexity, and the amazing depth of the game that compels me to continue playing it. It is the complexity that enables me to discover new things even today.
I
ENJOY complex games. The key point here is how the game handles the complexity. For example, you do not need to roll dice; the game does it for you. All you need to know is whether higher or lower is better, and act accordingly. However, if you want to go further, you can examine every possible combination and discover that crucial breakpoint, or that ultimate combination.
Baldur's Gate 2 caters to all kinds of gamers. All you need is a
passion for roleplaying, and a basic understanding of language and mathematics.
[ 10-29-2002, 09:48 AM: Message edited by: Dundee Slaytern ]