Today we look at the highly controversial (okay, maybe not that highly) issue of FAQs. I’m not talking about Frequently Asked Questions, I’m talking about using a guide/walkthrough/hint sheet, etc. in the completion of a game. The biggest source of these files can be found at GameFAQs.com So, is it unethical to use a guide, or does it, in fact, enhance the experience? Read on to find out.

The most common start to using guides is “I just can’t beat this boss.” So, you search on Google, and end up on GameFAQs.com. You find your guide, and beat the boss, end of story, right? Nope. You’ll come back for more, and finally, you’ll end up using step-by-step walkthroughs to beat games, and you’ll never get unhooked. So when is it okay to use one, and when is it not?

In my opinion, guides should only be used when you’re in a pinch, and you’ve replayed the certain part at least three times. The guide might reveal a boss’ weakpoint, a secret weapon, etc. that you might never have noticed before, thus ruining your game. Now, this might sound hypocritical coming from someone who has written around 10 guides for multiple games. So, when do you use guides? you might ask.

Personally, I don’t use guides unless I have to. The exception to this rule is RPGs. I like to get everything out of of an RPG, and most of the time, don’t like to replay them. For example, for Okage, I used a guide for the boss fights, but for Xenosaga, I’m only using the guide for one sidequest. Guides should be used when you’re stuck, not as a crutch to get through the game. If you’re playing a game you can’t beat without abusing a guide, you might want to rethink your game choice.

So, here’s the big question. Should I use game guides or not? In my opinion, you should use them when you’ve tried multiple times, and you’ve used all your options. If you do the above, like I do, then guides get a Yay. That’s it for today, come back next week for another intelligent discussion on random subjects.