Besides the game itself, something I love is the quality and love that goes into some game's box covers and manuals. The box gives you that small glimpse into the world you're about to enjoy. Sometimes it gives you goosebumps , but other times it just makes you laugh as they try to make shovelware look worth 50$. The manual inside can sometimes be simply to the point and only a few pages in length (I'm looking at you EA). But once in a blue moon, the manual is packed with artwork, tips, extra moves, story, or nearly anything else! Personally, I always enjoy a manual that includes the 'Thank You for purchasing' bit.

Remembering now, I still think I have my original Pokemon Red box and manual somewhere around here!

So what are your favorite covers and manuals? Ever take a game manual to bed for some night reading?

I don't know about covers, but all the best manuals come in Wario games. Warioware, Wario Land, Wario World. All full of hilarious Wario randomness!

Damn, I had the first Warioland, but I can't remember the manual for the life of me! I do remember the newest Warioware's manual; very nicely done.

actually yes, there were a few recent sonic manuals that I've read for fun.

What really disappoints me is when a manual is all Black & White

Yeah, monochrome manuals are a real drag. Games that had both versions are even weirder. Seems Star Ocean 3 had full-color until the Greatest Hits version. That was monochrome.

I REALLY hate the manual habits of EA and Activision, though. Minimalist just doesn't cut it. They get so small, you'd almost think the manual was missing entirely!

I think that's why I liked the Working Design games from the Sega CD and Saturn era. Nice foil stamping and high quality manuals.

I love that comic strip in the No More Heroes manual

I was going to mention that as well. I always read my manuals before playing and that was a nice one.

I always like the GTA ones, there pretty cool and you always get a big map, always a good thing.
Still as long as they smell good I'm not too bothered about the content.