I tend to start playing, wander around for a while seeing what's what and then read the manual later. I always learn best by doing and the manual makes more sense to me if I can relate it to what I've done.
I never waste time admiring the scenery, however pretty it is. I play games to DO stuff, not watch it.
Whether I'll start off by talking or hacking depends on how the game starts. I'm happy with either.
