This is usually self-inflicted whenever I'm stuck on a certain part of a game. It's
sometimesusually addicting to get a little ahead in reading faqs to make sure I don't miss an item or something, then BAM instant spoiler. I think the last time that I was completely surprised all the way through was Tales of Symphonia.
More recently though, although they're not particularly groundbreaking or vital moments, it still definitely takes a chunk out of the surprise to read something that would have been cool to find out yourself. Even with vague descriptions, that's usually all it takes for me to piece something together:
Brawl is obvious, even though I supposedly resolved myself not to look at the character list. As well, I'm notorious for spoiling the end boss whenever I'm at the final dungeon.
Jam it back in, in the dark.