"Dangerous Waters" has gone gold

[Sono_Jamie]

ORIGINAL: pasternakski

ORIGINAL: Paul Vebber

So now we are getting complaints we are NOT trying to make money off customers by getting them to overpay for something they can get cheaper?

Talk about "can't win for losin'..."

Paul - what makes you think I am complaining? I never said in almost 4,000 post-hack posts (about 6,000, including the ones that were lost) that I wanted a printed manual or that the price was too high.

As I recently stated, a PDF manual is greatly to be preferred to a printed manual. People need to get up to speed with modern technology and recognize that giant salt and pepper shakers can take over the world ...

pasternakski,

You can buy the regular (BASIC) version if you like - the PDF file (50mb) is on the CD and is very easy to read and navigate (i.e. reasonably well-organized). Now explain to me why a thorough and detailed manual means the game is cr@p? [8|] ... I don't understand your reasoning.

[Sono_Jamie]

ORIGINAL: Paul Vebber
<snip>
For smaller manuals, for games that do not have the potential penetration of a "sim" game (ie regualr wagames) - that is an unecessary risk and the odds of "guessing wrong" and either not having enough manual packages and have people complain that they can't get it and being turned off, or buying too many and being stuck with manuals we pay for but don't sell, well, why go there if you don't have too?

I would agree... Our print runs are going to be relatively small just in case we do get stuck with overrun. Hopefully the option for a manual will garner us more sales, but the risk is always there. Your logic makes perfect sense to me, Paul.

[Sono_Jamie]

On the topic of PDF's vs Paper ... ever tried to do a search for something in a paper manual? While I agree that paper is nice for trips to the potty [;)] I don't see it as an either or ... I've gotten so used to being able to search through a pdf to find what I need fast that I *hate* games that do not offer one.

The Deluxe version will have both the PDF and printed versions... so if you wanted the "searchability" it's still available to you in the PDF file on CD1.

[Paul Vebber]

I work with several present and former Sonalysta's over at NUWC Newport. Best of Luck to you guys with this project Jamie!

[Sono_Jamie]

ORIGINAL: Paul Vebber

I work with several present and former Sonalysta's over at NUWC Newport. Best of Luck to you guys with this project Jamie!

Thanks Paul... Appreciate it! <fingers crossed> [:)]

[Sono_Jamie]

ORIGINAL: Sono_Jamie

ORIGINAL: Tankerace

Battlefront does demos, but they aren't making the game They develop and publish the CM series and TacOps, which have demos. SCS-Dangerous Waters, however, is developed by Sonalysts, and is only published by Battlefront. Sonalysts, at least in their past three titles (Sub Command, Fleet Commmand, and Jane's 688i) did not create demos. I honestly wouldn't expect one.

Hey Tankerace,

Actually we are going to put out a Demo we're just waiting to get the stock into the US and European warehouses and then send out one big press release (i.e. "DW is shipping, Demo available").

You are right though, it was really hard to try and encapsulate the whole game in a demo. But we did our best, and we hope you enjoy it.

Oh, and for those who are interested... The Demo is out... Please give it a try!
http://www.battlefront.com/products/dw/demo.html

[Hanal]

My only regret about a .pdf manual is that they make for a difficult read, juggling the notebook on your lap, while you are in the bathroom!

[Pippin]

Well as for myself, I tend to be a sucker for manuals too. I did buy Civ III again, why? Because of that damn book. Not only do I still keep the game box on my mantel, but I somewhat enjoy keeping the nice packaged book in my bookcase or spread out infront of my desk. Often just looking at it makes me want to hop in for another game.

Maybe I am just a sucker for prizes, who knows. I think the deal with Kinkos is not bad. My only problem is not having a Kinkos in my town right now, but perhaps in a few years that will change. Besides, I don’t mind reading the PDF. As mentioned, it is a lot easier to search for terms that way then using a page index.

There is one major manual scam that does piss me off though. It is those companies (and you know who you are), who deliberately make their games IMPOSSIBLE to complete unless you either buy the hint book (at same price or more of the actual game), or you wait until someone finally puts all the solutions up on the internet.

Anyone remember Zork II? While graphics, operating systems, and computer architecture may change over the generations, it seems a lot of the dirty tactics still have not.

Such is life…

[rhondabrwn]

ORIGINAL: Pippin

Well as for myself, I tend to be a sucker for manuals too. I did buy Civ III again, why? Because of that damn book. Not only do I still keep the game box on my mantel, but I somewhat enjoy keeping the nice packaged book in my bookcase or spread out infront of my desk. Often just looking at it makes me want to hop in for another game.

Maybe I am just a sucker for prizes, who knows. I think the deal with Kinkos is not bad. My only problem is not having a Kinkos in my town right now, but perhaps in a few years that will change. Besides, I don’t mind reading the PDF. As mentioned, it is a lot easier to search for terms that way then using a page index.

There is one major manual scam that does piss me off though. It is those companies (and you know who you are), who deliberately make their games IMPOSSIBLE to complete unless you either buy the hint book (at same price or more of the actual game), or you wait until someone finally puts all the solutions up on the internet.

Anyone remember Zork II? While graphics, operating systems, and computer architecture may change over the generations, it seems a lot of the dirty tactics still have not.

Such is life…

Yep, I use the PDF manuals, but usually I print everything out and put it in a binder for casual bedtime reading (or for trips to the potty). I enjoy reading strategy tips and design notes and historical background this way and a game that includes copious amounts of background info and a printed manual gains my immediate respect and appreciation.

As I've admitted before in these forums, I am not really a competitive "gamer" and get as much entertainement out of reading about and discussing games as I do actually playing them. Therefore, a well done printed manual and supplemental charts and posters really add to my enjoyment and perception of value.

I also like a decent size type font as my aging eyes aren't what they used to be [:D]