Now, games have changed so much. You can save just about anytime you want, and even at times when it’s unnecessary; auto save seems to have entered almost every game. Life seems to magically regenerate in plenty of games – as long as you don’t get hit – and quests are dumbed down to placate all the prepubescent moaners on forums. Walkthrough are available on places like GameFAQs online before games are officially released, and you can search on YouTube to see solutions to just about any problem.
So, how do we get to struggle and emerge victorious? And where do we draw the line with cheating?
I used to see using guides, walkthroughs and online FAQs as cheating, but I’ll never forget the first time they actually helped me. After my early gaming days, I played everything myself, discovering treasures (or not), and working my way through games myself. Then came Suikoden 3. I loved the Suikoden franchise. In fact, I wish they would bring that franchise back because it was awesome. In any event, I didn’t know how to get all the characters, and my OCD was in overdrive. I didn’t even have to check the FAQ myself – my future husband did it for me. It was fantastic – I got everyone! Sure, I felt a little dirty for using it, but technically, I hadn’t looked up the info myself. It was a slippery slope after that.
Sometimes, bosses are just so hard, or quests so confusing, it stops being enjoyable to figure them out yourself. Sure, with enough deaths I could probably find that sweet spot to kill the Hydra in Dark Souls, but it sure saves time to watch the YouTube video. Still plenty of opportunities to die, but at least I sort of know what needs to be done; and I only check quest or boss help if I’ve already tried and failed a few times. I still play games myself, and often I never even touch walkthroughs. I certainly would never let someone else play a section of a game for me – I want to savour my own success.
So, where do you draw the line with cheating? Do you use walkthroughs and guides? Are YouTube videos a sign of defeat? Will you help other people through tough sections of games, or is that just enabling?
Last Updated: August 1, 2013
OminousRain
August 1, 2013 at 13:06
It’s a decease I tell you!!
Axon1988
August 1, 2013 at 14:40
It’s dead?
OminousRain
August 1, 2013 at 14:45
Not dead. Just resting its eyes.
(Poking it with a pointed stick)
I don’t think it’s dead. mmm…..
Axon1988
August 1, 2013 at 14:48
Cheaters / “hackers” never die it seems. Worst of them are those damn sql script kiddies in dayz.
Skyblue
August 1, 2013 at 13:11
I don’t cheat! I do however on occasion seek constructive advice on advancement through challenging sections of certain games… *glares at Demons Souls*
RinceThisAndGingerSmite
August 1, 2013 at 13:17
Wow, AWESOME topic Zoe (as usual!) Good question. I am ashamed to say I have used a 5 min guide on Dark Souls, but I swear it’s because I’m stupid and so shouldn’t be considered cheating. As for games like FF7/8 etc, I think a guide is nearly essential. No way you will figure out a lot of the stuff, and have time to eat, sleep, and bath! So I did guide it for some of that too.
Trevor Davies
August 1, 2013 at 13:23
Do you use them gingerly? 😉
RinceThisAndGingerSmite
August 1, 2013 at 13:24
Oh no you DIDN’T!
CodeName Tailgunner
August 1, 2013 at 13:24
He took the rince and repeat approach in order to smite his enemies
OCD had to complete the set
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:27
Oh BUUUUURN
RinceThisAndGingerSmite
August 1, 2013 at 13:27
You shut up too!
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:29
Lalalalalalala I_HAS_TSHIRT
RinceThisAndGingerSmite
August 1, 2013 at 13:34
:'( I think I’ll stay away after my holiday. #aloneforever #gingerdiscrimination
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:35
Quiet you, I expect you fit for duty soldier, man up, chin up and pick up yer balls
Old Man Banzai Soul
August 1, 2013 at 13:17
I want to understand the mentality (or lack thereof) involved in cheating in multiplayer games – how hollow is a victory when you are not responsible for it?
Skyblue
August 1, 2013 at 13:20
Never understood that one myself, really really dumb thing to do.
I am John's smirking revenge
August 1, 2013 at 13:26
My first game on Battlefield 3 ever was where there was a cheater. Put me off the game for months
Trevor Davies
August 1, 2013 at 13:18
Cheat codes are a no-no, guides are okay as long as I’ve tried it a few times & still can’t figure it out. Also like reading them afterwards to see if there’s stuff I missed.
CodeName Tailgunner
August 1, 2013 at 13:19
Princemegahit in the original prince of persia was pretty cool.
Sometimes cheats are a way of changing the gameplay experience and not for just getting through the difficult bits.
Walkthroughs are cheating but since it is mostly a personal experience the cheating has to be weighted against never finishing the game. Deep down inside you know when you cheating.
Hacks, aimbots and the like are just like writing a computer virus, there is something fundamentally wrong with your personality if you even bother. Go see a psycologist.
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:20
Have you ever saved a game just as a grenade explodes? I’m looking at you CoD 1!!
Skyblue
August 1, 2013 at 13:22
…or saved just as a Draugr Deathlord lets rip with a disarm spell in Skyrim…
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:24
lol luckily never happened to me! But I can imagine…
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:36
The worst part is then you have to do the whole level/cave/dungeon/whatever over!
Lord Chaos
August 1, 2013 at 13:39
Or accidentally save instead of load in Tomb Raider 2 when you’re on fire.
That taught me to use the 3 save slot system, was almost done with the game too.
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:41
Omg yes F9 instead of F5… just as you defeat a boss! I also implement the 3 save system! Autosave when level starts, quicksave somewhere inbetween and just save on another place for incase!
Zoe
August 1, 2013 at 13:47
so many saves, but so necessary. had to start over res evil 2 because i saved when i was near death, had nothing to heal with and no ammo. ahh, my bad old n00b days.
Lord Chaos
August 1, 2013 at 13:50
Thank you so much for bringing back all those bad flashbacks.
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:51
lol those were the days… good times! And the funny thing is you would rather spend the whole day to make it work than just restart the level.
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:23
DO IT YOURSELF DAMMIT!!!!
Sir Twakkus
August 1, 2013 at 13:23
I admit…. I use guides for Angry Birds if I cant figure it out on my own. Dont judge me! I NEEEED those damn 3 stars!
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:26
Angry Birds is not a game dammit, its just entertainment 😛
Zoe
August 1, 2013 at 13:30
cheating on a casual game?
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:30
Yeah, I think we need to strip him of his SIR title for that
Sir Twakkus
August 1, 2013 at 13:36
You can take away my reputation but you can never take away my TITLE!!!!
Sir Twakkus
August 1, 2013 at 13:35
I cant help myself… I must have the 3 gold stars. Nay I NEED 3 gold stars….
Why does this remind me of kindergarten?
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:36
NO LONGER SIR
Zoe
August 1, 2013 at 13:37
i have resisted that urge in Candy Crush Saga… But I have to get 3 gold stars in tower defense games. But I do it with pure skill and perseverance
Sir Twakkus
August 1, 2013 at 13:42
Now I feel like a cheater 🙁 If it redeems me, I first do try to figure it out on my own but some of those damn piggies just wont die!
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:38
lol I actually agree with you! It irks me not to get 3 stars!
That Super Twit
August 1, 2013 at 14:12
:O
Rock789
August 1, 2013 at 14:40
LOL!! 🙂 Funniest pic I’ve seen this week. Zoe, my sweet girl, have an upvote… Would give you 20 upvotes if I could. Brilliant! 🙂
InsanityFlea
August 1, 2013 at 13:25
Yes.
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:27
I think I still remember some!
Cheats for Quake: god, notarget, noclip
Cheats for Doom: idkfa, idqqd
Cheats for AoE: pepperoni pizza…ctrl+c, ctrl+v… rinse, repeat
Eric
August 1, 2013 at 13:28
bigdaddy and e=mc2
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:29
bigdaddy! omfg!
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:30
LOL I remember a mate showing me this on his pc, next moment a priest converts the bigdaddy and PWNED his own base.
Oh the LULZ
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:31
haha Wouldve been epic to see that happen!
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:35
I ROFL back when nobody even defined ROFL yet.
Really rolled laughing.
Can still remember it like it was yesterday, dude was so excited to show me AoE
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:49
LOL! Reminds me of the time my friend showed me his new pc. As he turned it on it made that power up sound when all the fans and things start working, then suddenly it just went dead! The powersupply broke or something! I also litterally rolled…on the floor…laughing.
CodeName Tailgunner
August 1, 2013 at 13:32
There is no cow level
CodeName Tailgunner
August 1, 2013 at 13:31
I could correct you and mention that doom was iddqd, but it may make me look like a cheater, so I’m not correcting.
Sir Twakkus
August 1, 2013 at 13:40
When I typed it in the comment below I actually first typed it iddqd out of habit but then I wasnt sure. Lol
Sir Twakkus
August 1, 2013 at 13:32
Starcraft: poweroverwhelming
Earthworm Jim was also: idkfa & idqqd which gave you some funny pics.
Mossel
August 1, 2013 at 13:34
Starcraft: showmethemoney!
Ah, good times.
That Super Twit
August 1, 2013 at 14:07
Earthworm Jim… That was a game!
No Longer SIR Twakkus
August 1, 2013 at 14:11
I know right, wish they would remake the game.
Skyblue
August 1, 2013 at 14:37
Absolutely. Finished that without cheating as well.
Fnuik
August 1, 2013 at 13:27
Used a few walktroughs with the Monkey island series as well as Grim Fandango otherwise I would still be struggling
That Super Twit
August 1, 2013 at 14:06
I admit, I needed a walk through on a few spots of Monkey Island.
Sir Twakkus
August 1, 2013 at 13:27
My rule with regards to this is: Walkthrough’s and cheats are acceptable ONLY AFTER you have beaten the game. Like during my second playthrough of The Witcher I used a walkthrough to ensure I got all the monies and side quests.
Lourens Jordaan
August 1, 2013 at 13:28
On Tomb Raider 3, in the Nevada Desert, there was a ledge where you had to do a running jump. If you try to grab the ledge, you fall into the water. I had to check a walkthrough to discover that if you don’t grab, then you’ll “glitch” onto the ledge. That was the first time.
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:28
I used to cheat at games like you, until I took a GAMING SKEEELZ YO to the Admiral Chief Stats
I am John's smirking revenge
August 1, 2013 at 13:32
I wish I one day can also have your street cred
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 1, 2013 at 13:35
XD
That Super Twit
August 1, 2013 at 14:04
Fo shizzle my nizzle.
Matthew Holliday
August 1, 2013 at 13:40
I used to use cheat codes in GTA for days.
walkthroughs, not really, i will youtube/google specific/silly parts when they come, like the puzzles in skyrim, really didnt feel like messing with those.
aside from that, once im done with the game, for games like borderlands, I’ll watch discussion videos about items and strategies and stuff.
Unavengedavo
August 1, 2013 at 13:42
I use to cheat in games until a friend showed me Half-Life and told me I would never finish it without cheat codes… I finished it without any and realized that games are more fun and challenging without it
That Super Twit
August 1, 2013 at 14:03
You shall have my upvote.
Skyblue
August 1, 2013 at 14:34
Have to agree. I’m from the 8 Bit and 16 Bit generation when cheating wasn’t an option.
Unavengedavo
August 1, 2013 at 14:40
Lol, I know he wasn’t. And I also come from that generation, but once I got a PC he showed me all the games and their cheat codes. So at that point I though it was normal… Half-Life showed me what it meant to be a true gamer 😛
Zubayr Bhyat
August 2, 2013 at 09:18
Used to be a cheater in SP years ago too, that’s around 16 years now. Been clean since 😛
Ricardo Harvey
August 1, 2013 at 13:50
Other than darksouls I never ever use walkthroughs or cheats. One should welcome the challenge as its so scarce in games of today.
DarthofZA
August 1, 2013 at 13:50
I stay away from walkthroughs on my first playthrough. Regardless on how hard I’m struggling. I have, once or twice, asked someone else to check for me, and just tell me what I desperately needed to know, when I reached my limit (Sam and Max episode 2, I’m looking at you).
On my second playthrough, I will often take out a guide to help me find everything to 100% a game. This is rare, but certain games are honestly not worth looking on your own (Assassins Creed feathers).
Outside of that, walkthroughs are a no go for me. My fondest memories are playing games like Contra in the 90s with my brother. When we finished the whole of SuperContra without dying, we knew we were made for more than just Mario Brothers 😛
Unavengedavo
August 1, 2013 at 13:55
I say header of the week… Who’s with me? 😛
Unavengedavo
August 1, 2013 at 13:57
At least now we know why Luigi is always sniffing his finger…
Skyblue
August 1, 2013 at 14:35
DUDE!!! That is soooooo bad!!!!
Zoe
August 1, 2013 at 13:59
well, he does jump higher than Mario, I wonder what that says about him.
Unavengedavo
August 1, 2013 at 14:02
Pole vaulting? 😉
Trevor Davies
August 1, 2013 at 14:12
That he has a lighter block & tackle?
That Super Twit
August 1, 2013 at 14:02
Talking about auto-save, I remember that one Aliens VS Predator game on PC. You can only save after each stage… I used to end dying just before the end of a stage and having to restart. >.<
Damn xenomorphs!
Ultimo_Cleric N7
August 1, 2013 at 14:41
A,B,A,C,A,B,B
Axon1988
August 1, 2013 at 14:42
IDKFE… IDDKD 😉
Zubayr Bhyat
August 2, 2013 at 09:16
DNKROZ DNCORNHOLIO 😛
Alex Hicks
August 1, 2013 at 14:46
I do cheat, every now and then. Mainly grind stuff – I’m a bit of a completionist; not 100% OCD – like those damn feathers in AC for example – way too many … there’s a fine point where collectables are too many and I get more bored than concerned over the missing % … (I’m not even sure where that is).
Example: in TR they have those unmarked side quests. I’m in the second section of the map and activate the “pyromaniac”. So, at the next campfire I look at the first segment and it says “spirit hunter 0/10” I had to look up what the hell spirit hunter was. Then I had to shoot those 10 things. Bugger me if I could find number 10. So I cheated again – to complete that – because it was bugging me.
See – a small amount of grind (not 100 bloody feathers), with no explanation – the interwebs has your back.
Axon1988
August 1, 2013 at 14:46
There’s been cases where I HAD to cheat. Only because the game was so badly broken… had to noclip through walls to get to the next part.
Rock789
August 1, 2013 at 14:48
I freely admit to using cheats back in the day – my little Primary School mind loved the idea of being invincible… Nowadays, I can honestly say I’ve not used a cheat since I bought my first PS1 all those years ago. And all through the PS2, PS3 and XBox360 era, I’ve remained true and cheat free! Much prefer the challenge and drama of it all now – the sleepless nights, the constant dying, the shattering of a controller on the pavement 7 stories below my apartment… Wait, sorry about that – I was re-living all the hell that was Demon and Dark Souls again. Seems like all that talk of Dark Souls earlier today has re-awakened the nightmare in me… 🙁
Axon1988
August 1, 2013 at 14:50
I think back in the day of Duke nukem 1, King’s quest and all those classics we cheated because it was fun to actually find the cheats. Or in my case it was…
loftie
August 1, 2013 at 14:53
sometimes cheats are fun, when I played borderlands through again I put a trainer on for infinite ammo and no reloading. Whenever I replay half life 2 I like to set gravity to 1/4 of normal and I change the shotgun pellet count to 250 per shot (default is 8), etc etc.
Johnny Von Truant
August 1, 2013 at 15:25
I think guides can be a fun way to add some replay value to games. Be it Big Head Mode on NBA Jam, Paintball Mode on Golden Eye or finding hidden Easter Eggs for things programmers have tucked into games (hidden messages from developers Grand Theft Auto), alternate endings (Resident Evil series). Once a game has been beaten I take a look at the guides/codes to see what fun stuff I might have missed. I try to refuse using a guide to help me beat a game because it removes the challenge from the game (which is probably why it took me 2 years to beat Parasite Eve 2 and a few of the Tomb Raider games). Using a guide turns a video game into an Ikea project. The only sense of accomplishment you get is knowing you have the ability to follow instructions and anyone can do that.
Zoe
August 1, 2013 at 17:01
i dunno, some of those Ikea projects are pretty tricky! 😉
RinceThisAndGingerSmite
August 1, 2013 at 15:49
HAHAHAH! SNAP! Just got an email from BT… Title…
BT Games – GET THE GTA V STRATEGY GUIDES AND MORE?
Zubayr Bhyat
August 2, 2013 at 09:15
I’d have to be be especially desperate to use a FAQ. At one point I looked up a Fallout: NV FAQ because I felt I explored enough, as it turned out I missed half of it. Was rewarding to use it that time.
Kromas
August 2, 2013 at 09:34
The achievement system has rapidly made a lot of honest gamers cheaters. The second time I play any game, I play with some sort of guide so I can try to get as much achievements as possible.
Zoe
August 2, 2013 at 10:10
So true – I don’t want to cheat, but my OCD won’t let me leave achievements undone!
Kromas
August 2, 2013 at 11:09
Then I think you would understand what the steam achievements have done to my bank account.