Halo: Campaign Evolved locks instruction manual behind special editions

Halo: Campaign Evolved is under fire from fans after only including the game’s manual in special editions that cost more.

One of the many features that have been lost in the rise of digital games is the manual, which used to come inside the box of every physical copy. These would often contain important information, like the controls or even maps, but they’ve been largely phased out in recent years.

Halo: Campaign Evolved, the remake of the classic 2001 shooter Halo: Combat Evolved, looks to bring back this tradition with a digital manual. The devs describe it as a “lovingly crafted modern homage” to the original manual, featuring “updated gameplay information, controls, and background lore.”

Halo fans slam Campaign Evolved for locking manual behind paywall

However, fans are frustrated that not everyone who buys the game will receive the manual. As spotted by Prima Games, it’s only included in the premium and collector’s editions, not the standard edition.

For context, the base game costs $49.99, while the premium and collector’s editions cost $69.99 and $199.99, respectively. So, if you want the revamped instruction manual, you’ll have to pay at least $20 more.

Microsoft

Since pre-orders went live, fans on Reddit have strongly criticized the decision, especially considering that manuals used to be free in every physical game.

“Don’t give me something that was industry-standard 20+ years ago under the guise of it being a ‘feature,'” said one comment. “If shoving it in a premium version is the only way it can be affordable, then don’t do it at all. Really dislike this.”

“It’s not even physical either. $20 extra for stuff that you can’t even hold in your hand,” said another.

Of course, it’s worth keeping in mind that the digital manual in Halo: Campaign Evolved has more bells and whistles than the paper ones that we’re used to, but fans are still visibly upset that it’s not available to everyone.

This all comes after the collector’s edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved sold out almost instantly, and scalpers began selling it online for triple the price.