This article makes a good point about what it's like to take a break from a single-player game and try to come back to it.

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/3576 … ra+News%29

Interesting. The guys was desciring Final Fantasy Tactics to a tee -- i.e., being able to view previous cutscenes, AND have an anytime accessible tutorial.

Definitely familiar with this problem, and I've been clamoring for games to include some kind of "quick reminder" function for years now, because it's all too common for me to just stop playing the game altogether.

Most games will tell you where to go next nowadays, but few tell you where you came from.

Sega thought of this nearly two decades ago with the "talk" function on Phantasy Star IV's camp menu.

The point is not "who did it first?"
It's "why aren't more companies doing this?"

I got the point, just thought it was worth mentioning in support of that point.