Do you want to get the strategy guide with that?

Honestly, I hate the question. I hate asking it, and I hate the way it makes me feel when I do have to ask it. Simply put, the kind of people who want to use the guide know they want it, and either pre-order it, or take the steps to making sure they get in early to get one with the game. I'm not asking in an attempt to promote sales, I'm simply letting you know that they are available if you'd like one.

So L.A. Noire came out, and all other games have ceased to be played (in my case). It's that good. But when I was picking up my copy, there wasn't a doubt in my mind that I'd also be getting the guide with it. Not just because you stand to save a good $4 when you get the game and guide together (too much work, not enough theatre obviously), but because LA is also about collectibles and side-quests.

A regular who often gets the guides came in on Tuesday, and asked "Do I really need the guide for this game". Well, in the case of LA, you should. In the guide they package-
- All main storyline questions and answers and evidence lists.
- Side mission guides
- Collectibles maps
- An online PDF you can download for free for all future DLC

Not a bad deal. Except he was asking more philosophically. "Do I need the guide for this game?, Is it something I'll use and benefit from, or will it just remain on my shelf for good?"

Tough call. I know for myself, I've used the guide every step of the way. I'll explain when and if I review LA, but suffice it to say, it's made advancing in the game easier in a way different from most games on the market.

A strong opposition to the guide is "I'll simply go onto the internet and find the answer". Sure, but at the same time, the book would be right there, easier than the internet if you could believe it. Furthermore, looking on the internet isn't always easy. You can usually find an answer like "where is the red key" pretty quickly, but for more specific or more vague questions, the guide can let you go back a few steps if needed. Sure, there are online guides, but these are usually written by gamers after the game comes out, so it's their testament to how they played the game, not necessarily correct.

"Is it cheating?" Well. I suppose it is. Although cheat codes have since left us years ago, and back then guides were seen as help more than anything. I'd say it's just as much cheating as setting the game to easy. It really matters as to the game itself if it's cheating or not.

"I'd rather figure it out for myself, otherwise it ruins the fun". Eh. This was true years ago when you only had one or two games to play, and that game was the only game you'd have for months, and 100% completion was a necessity less than a desire. Get your moneys worth. There have been quite a few games in my day I've simply stopped playing because I got stuck and wasn't sure what the problem was, a strange glitch, poor foresight or just dumb luck. Whatever the case, the game stopped me. Games are meant to be enjoyed, so being stuck and frustrated is much different than being stuck and puzzled. Frustrated gamers are less likely to continue to play if it seems there's no easy path.

Portal 2 and Uncharted are a perfect example. You know in both games there will always be an answer. Portal 2 you usually just need a hint if you get stuck, or take some time away and go back to it and you're almost certain to figure it out. Uncharted is the same way, but in Uncharted's case, if you do manage to get stuck, the game realizes it and shows you where to go, only after a long time in a single spot. Both are puzzle games, and both know they can become frustrating, so it's never too difficult.

Fighting games have guides that are usually required for any hardcore gamer, it'll show the combo setups, the special moves, and the basic controls of every character. Even though it's also usually in a menu of the game, they simply prefer to have the book. No harm there.

Most shooters have guides, but the multiplay aspects are the obvious benefit. Know the map, win the battle. Racing and sports games have guides mostly for stats, and rpgs have guides for drops and mob ratings. The games that almost always have a guide, and almost always benefit from those guides are the action/adventure and puzzle games. Your Uncharted, MGS, Assassin's Creed, Portal, LA Noires.

If I'm stuck, I want to try to figure it out. If I start to get frustrated I know I need to be told the answer sooner rather than later when it comes to video games. I'm also a completist whore. So I have to get everything possible in some games. Every bobblehead and badge I possibly can, the guide helps me with that. In this fast-paced day and age, it shouldn't be a surprise when people need strategy guides. I personally use them sparingly if I can help it, unless I know I'm going to play through the game a second time (like L.A. Noire), or if I want to become better at the game (like Borderlands).

As far as those of you who say it's cheating or makes the game easier. Well... lot's of things in gaming today are made to make the game easier. In my mind, I'd rather the game be fun regardless of if I'm cheating or how difficult it is. Games are meant to be fun. Sure beating Goldeneye on 007 mode was a great success, but doing it with dual paintball gun moonraker lasers with bighead mode on and the enemy accuracy at 0% is fun too. That's the point, ain't it?