We've all done it at one stage or another; gotten stuck, cursed the heavens and consulted the dark arts of walkthroughs and game guides.

Now Microsoft want their very own built in system for Xbox Live, to help stuck gamers consult a database of user-submitted hints and tips.

A patent has been filed by Andre Vrignaud, Director of Games Platform Strategy at Microsoft, outlining a system that can be called up mid-game and consulted for how to overcome challenges. Assassin's Creed II's crusade for 'The Truth' comes to mind here.

It would employ a similar system to the popular site GameFAQs, except that users could also submit screenshots and even videos with annotations to better help others. Even letting developers produce their own hints is being considered by the corporate giant.

The most ambitious in-game guide system so far is from Nintendo with the New Super Mario Bros Wii and its Super Guide system, which can help gamers overcome problems by taking control itself after a number of deaths if you so wish.

Videogame guides and strategy books are big business, especially when it comes to open-world games full of collectibles and the like. Is this the next step? How many times have you had to dash off to the PC to grab a handy map, or quick solution?

The question is of course, will this Microsoft 'Super Guide' be a free or Gold service?

Source: Siliconera