/vr/ - Retro Games

Since I've started playing Doom, Duke, and Blood with pistol (or for Blood, pitchfork) starts, I've learned that knowing map secrets are absolutely necessary at higher difficulties. So if I don't already know them, I often play with a secrets guide nearby that I glance at to get a general idea where stuff is.

For the most part, I'm not a big fan of secrets. I'm alright with them if there's some kind of simple telegraphing that lets me know at least that there's one nearby, but many times they seem like aimless wallhumping or moon logic that just isn't interesting to find or figure out. I don't really like puzzles and adventure game stuff, so exploration and discovery are usually just lost on me.

Do you guys like secrets? How do you feel about using guides to find secrets? Do you think it's cheating or against the spirit of the game?