Computer games walkthrough refers to a certain form of documentation that is used to teach a player how to solve or beat a specific computer game. Most people look at computer game walkthroughs as a form of cheating; however, going through a walkthrough is perfectly acceptable.
Walkthroughs are usually made by amateur players after completing a certain game. These written guides are often then made available online for other players to consult in case they too want some help in finishing a campaign or solving a certain puzzle.
There are a lot of computer game walkthroughs, covering a wide variety of games ranging from text adventure, graphic adventure, and even puzzle adventure games. Nowadays, walkthroughs are mostly used for games that are more complex such as strategy and the popular role playing. Computer games that do not require a lot of player involvement usually just provide its players with a answers to a list of frequently asked questions or FAQs.
Some of the most effective walkthroughs do not exactly give a player a step by step guide on how to complete the game; instead, these walkthroughs simply point a player into a different direction, pointing out things that they may have not tried. This type of game walkthrough is far better than simply divulging solutions to a certain puzzle, campaign, or quest. Most players, especially those who play role playing games, simply want hints and tips on where to find more things to do; some step by step walkthroughs sometimes spoil and even eliminate the fun in playing these games in the first place.
Most computer game walkthroughs are systematically organized based on the stages or levels of a specific game. These documents are usually made available as an online resource for enthusiasts. Good computer game walkthroughs provide a review or overview, a short description, and maybe even a screenshot; some hints that may contain spoilers; and some cheats that contain solutions to puzzles and make game play easier.
A great variation to a straightforward walkthrough is a document that provides its players with progressive hints. This type of walkthrough simply gives the players a series of specific hints that help guide the player in finding a solution to the game. This way, a player is not handed the most obvious and easiest resolution to any problem he may encounter during the course of the game. In this type of walkthrough, the player has a certain degree of control on how many hints he wants to get.
Computer game walkthroughs are essentially an option for all players, whether or not they want to find a step by step solution, or simply hints or tips to make their play more interesting - the choice is up to them.