There wasn't the internet, but there was a book. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Adventure_Games

After a number of very frustrating experiences I ended up buying this. For example, in the Sierra Online game "Dark Crystal", i was absolutely stuck in one spot (ruining my enjoyment of the full game) where I needed to "LISTEN BROOK".

There was another game, (Mad Venture), where I needed to read the book so I could do "THROW DOLL".