really pissed (I paid for download and physical copy)

[beserko]

I paid for download and physical copy. I was hoping for a manual. I Got the CD in the mail today . A smiling Frenchman and a CD. NO MANUAL.................. nothing, zip, nada. Not even a small sheet in the binder with hot keys.
$49.99 for this?
This is not a bargain by any stretch. I paid less for Battlefield2 Unless I want to kill my printer I quess I'll go to Kinko's and for about $14 I can get it printed out.
Matrix I have purchased a number of games lately from you but you are on notice that your on my s... list. [:@]

[SlapBone]

Oh by the way, in case no one told you, only the physical shipments that actually went to retail have a hard-copy manual. This year many Matrix titles have fallen into this category including:


Gary Grigsby's World at War

and...

wait...

yep that's it.

[Joram]

Yeah, it's kinda cheap, isn't it. If you are going to charge 10 more bucks, what exactly are you buying? The CD? That's 70 cents retail, in bulk like them, I'm sure it's a heck of a lot cheaper. Shipping? Nope, you pay that yourself (at outrageous prices too but whatcha going to do?). The plastic box? It must be it. You sir have just bought yourself a $10 plastic box?

If I ever buy another game from these guys, I'm just going to burn it on a CD myself, doodle on a plastic box I got lying around, ship it to them and charge em $50 for it. Oh, and make them pay the $8 shipping too.

Seriously Matrix, what's the point of even offering a box option if you don't include a manual with it?

[Reiryc]

Can't blame you on this one...

While the store doesn't specifically state that a manual is included, it's a reasonable assumption to make imo. Maybe they should title it *digital download with cd backup* if that's all that's going to be included and maybe a disclaimer that no hardcopy manual and/or box is included when it isn't.

[oi_you_nutter]

i was a bit miffed as well, and for this game you need a manual

link to my moan
link to another persons moan

[Joram]

ORIGINAL: Reiryc

Can't blame you on this one...

While the store doesn't specifically state that a manual is included, it's a reasonable assumption to make imo. Maybe they should title it *digital download with cd backup* if that's all that's going to be included and maybe a disclaimer that no hardcopy manual and/or box is included when it isn't.

Well, I suppose if I knew what I was getting, and was still willing to pay the $10 extra bucks, then I only have myself to blame, but what they do does seem quite deceptive, doesn't it?

[Reiryc]

ORIGINAL: Joram

ORIGINAL: Reiryc

Can't blame you on this one...

While the store doesn't specifically state that a manual is included, it's a reasonable assumption to make imo. Maybe they should title it *digital download with cd backup* if that's all that's going to be included and maybe a disclaimer that no hardcopy manual and/or box is included when it isn't.

Well, I suppose if I knew what I was getting, and was still willing to pay the $10 extra bucks, then I only have myself to blame, but what they do does seem quite deceptive, doesn't it?

Yes I do think it's deceptive, but not intentionally so. The picture they use for COG looks like a box and call me crazy, but with most boxed games I get, I usually get a manual with it.

Anyways, hopefully with alt-tab added in, we can atleast go back and forth with the manual in pdf format. It's no paper manual, but atleast it should be able to accessed when it's needed which is better than nothing. Granted this doesn't solve the extra $10 you spent... [:(]

[nukkxx5058]

Just one remark regarding manuals.

With games like CoG, CG Waw, or for instance paradox's games, you will realize that the manual quickly becomes obsolete because of the fact that the development team is listening to the customers suggestions and the game usually completely changes (patches/updates) in the months following the release. So, taking in account this consideration, is it worth to print a nice manual ? Not sure ...

[nukkxx5058]

I would also avoid to compare CoG with Battlefield ...

[Gem35]

Reading is a skill....[;)]


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[eMonticello]

ORIGINAL: Joram

Yeah, it's kinda cheap, isn't it. If you are going to charge 10 more bucks, what exactly are you buying? The CD? That's 70 cents retail, in bulk like them, I'm sure it's a heck of a lot cheaper. Shipping? Nope, you pay that yourself (at outrageous prices too but whatcha going to do?). The plastic box? It must be it. You sir have just bought yourself a $10 plastic box?

You forgot "handling". I suspect that they use a third-party vendor for the work ... which isn't cheap for a low volume product. This would include managing the inventory (requesting new boxes from the printer, burning CDs, etc.), packing, and shipping of the product.

Seriously Matrix, what's the point of even offering a box option if you don't include a manual with it?

Gem35 answered that question.

[Malagant]

Reading is a skill....

So is sarcasm, and being constructive. [:-]

Nowhere in your oh so thoughtful copy/paste does it clearly say YOU WILL NOT GET A PRINTED MANUAL.

It is a very reasonable expectation, even after having read the Matrix/DR blurb, to expect a manual. It is not clear, it is deceptive, and it is a waste of money.

[Gem35]

I don't buy games just because they have a printed manual, and you can print one out yourself from the pdf file that comes with the download. Besides this forum is sort of a virtual manual, so to speak. Come here and post any questions you have and somebody will always answer them for you. the game is alot of fun, have an open mind and enjoy yourself. If I come across a bit harsh I appologize. I just would much rather you not judge a book by it's cover. Thank God for Matrix games, they simply put out superior products and to compare their games to titles like battlefield is an insult.

[Mynok]

Our Physical Shipment provides you with a printed CD with your serial number enclosed in a printed DVD case.

Malagant, I'm not sure how much clearer it could be stated than above. It tells you exactly what you will get. Anything else was an assumption on your part.

Now, that being said, I'm honestly curious what the big problem is. I mean, if Matrix put "AND NO PRINTED MANUAL" in the above statement, people would still be bitching to high heaven for not getting a book that will be out of date and useless after the first patch.

I, personally, would much rather get an updated PDF with each patch, which I can then turn into a printed manual at Kinko's if I like, or print the interesting sections out myself (my usual practice).

I don't ever remember getting a printed manual with a Matrix Game, so I don't expect them. Maybe there is some first-timer issues here? I don't know.

[Reg Pither]

ORIGINAL: Mynok

Our Physical Shipment provides you with a printed CD with your serial number enclosed in a printed DVD case.

Malagant, I'm not sure how much clearer it could be stated than above. It tells you exactly what you will get. Anything else was an assumption on your part.

And a perfectly reasonable assumption that many others have made, too. Off hand, I cannot remember ever buying a game that didn't come with a manual of some sort. So yes, an explicit 'no printed manual included' would be very useful and would be 'much clearer'.

[Malagant]

Maybe there is some first-timer issues here? I don't know.

That makes it ok?! I get screwed out of nearly $20 extra dollars because this if the first time I've bought a game from Matrix?

Wow, what a way to get repeat customers! This place screwed me out of $20, I'll be sure to go back to them again!!

Seriously, if there is even the remotest possibility that a 'first timer' were to misunderstand what they're getting when they pay extra money, then the description needs to be made more clear...else you end up with a bunch of us disgruntled that we paid an extra $20 for NOTHING.

Then it would prevent people like you and me from making assumptions. Yes, I did assume there would be a printed manual...since it IS the standard for a game box to include at least SOME documentation on how to play the game, even if it is just a short 'Tutorial Guide' or the like...you know, like HTTR and Korsun Pocket came with...

[Mynok]

Spare me the emotional outburst, friend. I'm sorry you feel cheated, but there's an old saying about assumptions. Apparently there are others who made the same assumption, so there may indeed be some need for additional clarity.

It is also standard for a game box to also include a game, but we both know that far too many titles out there forget that part of the equation. Matrix at least has demonstrated some track record in providing good value in that department. Speaking just for myself, the ability to download the games and begin playing immediately more than makes up for dropping any paper products games come with "standard".

Consider your $20 a donation to furthering the development of good games. [;)]

[Hanal]

There will be some you you extremely annoyed when buying a game from HPS because guess what, they do not offer printed manuals with their games, and they do not even offer digital downloads....One could split hairs on this matter, but it certainly would not hurt if Matrix included a disclaimer clearly stating that a printed manual is not included.....sure, you can use the old "do not assume" gag line, but why not make it perfectly clear in the description so as to avoid any misunderstanding, and threads such as this one....

[Malagant]

Sarcasm is lost on the young [8|]

[Malagant]

ORIGINAL: J P Falcon

There will be some you you extremely annoyed when buying a game from HPS because guess what, they do not offer printed manuals with their games, and they do not even offer digital downloads....One could split hairs on this matter, but it certainly would not hurt if Matrix included a disclaimer clearly stating that a printed manual is not included.....sure, you can use the old "do not assume" gag line, but why not make it perfectly clear in the description so as to avoid any misunderstanding, and threads such as this one....

Every single HPS game I've bought has clearly said the documentation is on the CD, there is no printed manual.

I've never expected one from HPS, so was not disappointed.