Did you ever have to call a gaming helpline - and if so why?

[JamesC]

In the days before the internet many games used to have a helpline number printed in the back of the manual.
Did you ever call one? If so why?

- I think the first time I ever used one was for Super Metroid. I think I had to use the X Ray beam on a bit of wall somewhere but I'd got totally stuck and was tearing my hair out (and this was using the included Player's Guide). I was amazed at how quickly the woman on the ened of the phone could answer the question.

- The next time I was at University and a friend and i were playing through The Dig. There was a bit where you have to call a monorail but we couldn't get it to work. We were convinced we'd done something wrong or there was a bug in the game. Turns out you just had to keep your finger on the button.

- The last time was playing Metal Gear Solid - enter the code from the box.


Also - did you ever write in to a magazine because you were stuck? Or did you ever appear on (or know anyone who appered on) GamesMaster with a question?

[Antiriad2097]

Once. I called for help with Delta 4's The Boggit, as I just couldn't work out the phrase needed to do something early on.

I might have got a bit tongue tied when I realised that I was speaking to Fergus McNeill himself, as the phone number was, I believe, for his house, and I'm pretty sure it was his mum who answered and went and got him to help.

[icemann]

I recall calling the Sega Hotline for help with Alex Kid in Miracle World. That game was tough in the later bits.

[RetroBob]

I never did but I wish I had given these success stories!

Called the authors home, that's amazing!

[NorthWay]

Never. I bought the "The Hobbit" solution book...

[JamesC]

Getting the programmer’s mum on the blower - brilliant!

[ALK]

For the final Star in Mario 64 (The Second Slide one) and for what the heck the key was for in Diddy Kong Racing.

[Sega2006]

I've only ever called the once, my Half life 2 key was dodgy and in my case they didn't help much.

I did however text the Game Guru a couple of times (was a character on a show called Gamesville who suppisively lurked in a dingy attic) sadly never got my pleas of help on TV.

[Pacific]

Once. I called for help with Delta 4's The Boggit, as I just couldn't work out the phrase needed to do something early on.

I might have got a bit tongue tied when I realised that I was speaking to Fergus McNeill himself, as the phone number was, I believe, for his house, and I'm pretty sure it was his mum who answered and went and got him to help.

That is absolutely amazing