Before I marked Icar 4 as Beta, I'd read it through 4 times. Each time was on a screen and for the 3rd and 4th draft, I'd rather rub excrement into my eyes. It was such a struggle reading the same paragraphs over and over. You'd think that it would be a joy but it's not. It's a terrible chore. A chore you really must go through.
I had a read through the print copy last night and it was so much easier to read (albeit the contrast in places is dodgy). The words haven't changed since last I read through it. The novelty of having the print in my hand should have worn off after a few pages but somehow it was much easier to read.
Each and every time I've read version 4, it's been on a screen. I can't vouch for iPads or eReader. I imagine tablets are much the same as a screen and I doubt the Kindle would deal well with all the background images in Icar. ePaper (like the Kindle) is probably the same as reading the paper copy.
So why is this? What do you think, Monkeys? Is it the change in medium or is paper just that much easier to read? Perhaps it is because every other read through had been at the same desk in the same room, the same environment. With the paper copy, I was on the sofa in the living room with the Mrs watching America's Next Greatest Asshat (or something) in the background.
I've always recommended authors get a printed version of their game as a gift to oneself but now I'd recommend it if you're having trouble reading the game through before releasing to the world!