Lumines Live Extortion

[devils advocate]

So, the creator of Lumines is making lame excuses to justify his price gouging, huh?

Well, I don't know if Mizuguchi himself got to choose the price... In fact, who DOES decide on prices for Xbox Live? Do the companies that make the games get the call, or does Microsoft step in and charge whatever they want?

 

--Zero

 

The developers can set their own costs, and as to whether it will be A' la carte style or not. But, MS does have to certify it, thereby having the final say as to what goes on their closed network.

While MS may not have been DIRECTLY responsible for this disgusting debacle, they were always aware of it, and certainly don't mind having a seperate developer take the fall for a mass "market test", to see exactly what the consumers wallets will, and will not bear.

[ubersaurus]

Seriously, when was the last time you downloaded an original game for the Xbox 360?

 

I find this part funny. What original games will you be able to get on the wii? At least there are some on Live and more to come.

 

 

 

Well, Nintendo said that they were also looking to develop VC games that aren't just emulated titles from classic consoles, so looks like they're getting in on it too.

[Starscream]

Seriously, when was the last time you downloaded an original game for the Xbox 360?

 

I find this part funny. What original games will you be able to get on the wii? At least there are some on Live and more to come.

 

 

 

Well, Nintendo said that they were also looking to develop VC games that aren't just emulated titles from classic consoles, so looks like they're getting in on it too.

 

I know. But today, right now, as of this minute, Xbox Live exists, wii and the VC is still not useable to gamers. I was just kinda poking fun that people bitch about something that is not available elsewhere.

Edited October 21, 2006 by Starscream

[Lauren Tyler]

I highly doubt that there could be another video game crash. Even if there was, Nintendo would probably find some way to survive it.

[devils advocate]

Ha Ha!!

 

This sums it up!

 

 

http://www.entertain-dome.com/comic.php?strip_id=342

[Starscream]

[Mendon]

Well, I see EA is at it again as it press's onward in its quest to get every penny it can from gaming. First it was the PPV Madden Release Show. Then it was the PPV strategy videos. Then it was the "Buy The Unlockables That You Previously Had To Earn" in Tiger Woods. Now comes The Godfather game:

 

Name: In-Game Money - $250K

Available in: All regions

Price: 150 Points

Dash Details: Add $250,000 to your game portfolio. Now we’re talking some serious cash. The money will be added directly to your in-game bankroll once you return to gameplay. This is a one-time offer; it cannot be purchased multiple times

 

So now you use real money to buy in-game money. Plus you can buy weapons such as a Lvl 4 Pistol, Lvl 4 Tommygun, etc by using MS Points and then finding an arms dealer within the game!

 

DLC's that EXPAND the game I have no problem with at all as no one is forced to buy them and they keep a game fresh, new, and exciting. But with what EA is doing with The Godfather, I can actually see a time coming where developers might make games impossible to beat unless you go online and pay for "help" to finish a game.

 

Hope I'm not just being paranoid but I do not like the direction gaming is taking.

 

Mendon

Edited October 24, 2006 by Mendon

[Gabriel]

I downloaded the trial of Lumines Live.

 

Having played quite a bit of the PSP version, the 360 version felt... off. Control wasn't as tight, for one thing. I can't really articulate what else felt different other than the game just didn't feel right.

 

I'll just stick with the PSP version.

[Ze_ro]

Dash Details: Add $250,000 to your game portfolio. Now we’re talking some serious cash. The money will be added directly to your in-game bankroll once you return to gameplay. This is a one-time offer; it cannot be purchased multiple times

I'm surprised they limit this to one purchase... you'd think they would gladly give you as much fake money as you wanted as long as you're giving them real money. Does this game have online multiplayer? Because that would certainly change my opinion if you could just buy your way ahead of everyone else (although that's generally my complaint about MMORPG's in general).

 

So now you use real money to buy in-game money. Plus you can buy weapons such as a Lvl 4 Pistol, Lvl 4 Tommygun, etc by using MS Points and then finding an arms dealer within the game!

The part that pisses me off about this is that not only do you have to pay for the gun on the Marketplace, but you ALSO have to pay for the gun IN THE GAME! If I pay $5 for something, just give me the damn item instead of making me earn it all over again.

 

--Zero

[Mendon]

I think this says it all:

Edited October 26, 2006 by Mendon

[moycon]

I downloaded the trial of Lumines Live.

 

Having played quite a bit of the PSP version, the 360 version felt... off. Control wasn't as tight, for one thing. I can't really articulate what else felt different other than the game just didn't feel right.

 

I'll just stick with the PSP version.

 

Just curious, do you like anything about the 360? I can't recall many positive things you've said about it...if any. LOL Just take it back and spare the board the bitching.

 

As far as the spending real cash to buy fake cash or weapons....check eBay, search under games like Diablo 2, Guild Wars , W.O.W....Etc.

 

Natually a company that wants to make a profit (And as far as I know, that's the reason people start companies) is gonna jump on this. The fact is, even though some folks think its dumb and wont do it, which they don't have to...these aren't mandatory purchases, Many Many folks will purchase the extra content, be it levels, items or yes even fake money. The proof is out there. This is nothing new folks, it's been going on for years and years... and years LOL

[Mendon]

As far as the spending real cash to buy fake cash or weapons....check eBay, search under games like Diablo 2, Guild Wars , W.O.W....Etc.

 

Natually a company that wants to make a profit (And as far as I know, that's the reason people start companies) is gonna jump on this. The fact is, even though some folks think its dumb and wont do it, which they don't have to...these aren't mandatory purchases, Many Many folks will purchase the extra content, be it levels, items or yes even fake money. The proof is out there. This is nothing new folks, it's been going on for years and years... and years LOL

 

The only difference between what EA is doing and what you speak of on eBay is that anything sold on eBay was/is being done by individuals themselves and not by the gaming companies. I never once saw Sony, Blizard, etc selling parts of their games on eBay. People themselves, probably because they were finished playing, would sell their Everquest, WoW, etc accounts with high level characters and equipment. Or I remember some Phantasy Star Online players trying to sell in-game money or items on eBay. But that's all I recall seeing.

 

To the best of my knowledge, gaming companies in the past only sold expansions for the games, not in-game items. As a former Everquest player for well over a year, I remember Sony releasing regular expansions for the games (which were not mandatory to buy to play the game but if you wanted to play with friends or guildmates they were mandatory) but never swords, armor, in-game money. I tried Wow for about 3mos and again never saw Blizard release anything for the game except the up-coming expansion.

 

So I agree with you, in one respect, that people will buy items for their gameplay as people do buy expansions, they will buy accounts for high level characters, and they will buy in-game items (such as money for PSO). But to me there is a difference between a player doing this and a gaming company doing this. A gaming company selling money, items, etc for their games is like putting a politician in charge of an ethics commitee: it doesn't smell right. As I said before, I hope I'm not being paranoid but I could see where games could be developed that are impossible to beat unless you buy the additional material. Seeing EA selling in-game guns for the Godfather makes me wonder... is the game too hard without these additional guns in your possession? Will future games eliminate multiple - selectable difficulty levels in order to sell you items in order to complete the game?

 

Just my opinion, but I think this whole thing started with cell phones. You bought a cell phone and then could upgrade it with pictures, ringtones, games, and more instantly by adding the cost of each to your cell phone bill. Well, someone looked at this and said "Hey, guess what we could do...." and soon you could upgrade your gamer account with pictures and themes on XBL. Then someone else said "Hey, guess what we could do..." and soon horse armor, fake money, and in-game items are now available for sale.

 

I just don't like the direction that gaming is going.

 

Mendon

Edited October 26, 2006 by Mendon

[moycon]

The only difference between what EA is doing and what you speak of on eBay is that anything sold on eBay was/is being done by individuals themselves and not by the gaming companies. I never once saw Sony, Blizard, etc selling parts of their games on eBay.

 

You're absolutely right...They see it's profitable and better yet it's proven...They jump at the opportunity. I'm suprised, anyone's suprised.

 

Don't get me wrong, I know exactly what you are saying, but consumers speak with their wallets, and the masses have the final say. If everyone thinks like you, then don't worry about it, it wont take off. Me personally, I won't pay 1200 points for a game off the Arcade to begin with and I would wouldn't pay for an unfinished game that I HAD to contribute more cash towards to finish. If it comes to the point where those are my only options, I'll take my business elsewhere, or just dust off one of my older consoles. The only way it would get to that point though is if the majority of the consumers prove that that is what they want and that they will support it. Based on the negative and low reviews of Lumines on other sites based mostly on the way it's being distributed, I doubt it's going to be very profitable and hopefully others will take note.

 

Hopefully

 

As far as the extra's....money, weapons, house's etc... Whatever if someone whats to spend $10 in real money for $10,000 in fake money, let em have at it.

[Gabriel]

 

To the best of my knowledge, gaming companies in the past only sold expansions for the games, not in-game items. As a former Everquest player for well over a year, I remember Sony releasing regular expansions for the games (which were not mandatory to buy to play the game but if you wanted to play with friends or guildmates they were mandatory) but never swords, armor, in-game money. I tried Wow for about 3mos and again never saw Blizard release anything for the game except the up-coming expansion.

 

Shortly after I left Everquest, I believe Sony started a program where you could buy in-game items with real world money through their Station account system. Didn't know if you were aware of that.

[Ze_ro]

In another case of strange digital distribution policy, the new Gears of War trailer will only be available to Gold members... at least for a while. Us Silver members will have to wait. Meanwhile, the video is already available all over the net. Is this meant as a way for MS to get more money out of people, or are they just doing this because they figure the load of all downloads is too much for their servers, and they want to serve their paying customers first?

 

--Zero

[Mendon]

In another case of strange digital distribution policy, the new Gears of War trailer will only be available to Gold members... at least for a while. Us Silver members will have to wait. Meanwhile, the video is already available all over the net. Is this meant as a way for MS to get more money out of people, or are they just doing this because they figure the load of all downloads is too much for their servers, and they want to serve their paying customers first?

 

--Zero

 

I found this while exploring the Xbox Live website:

 

An Xbox Live Gold Membership is the complete online entertainment experience that's only available on Xbox 360. Those who subscribe to this premium service can jump online and compete in huge virtual arenas against the best and brightest players out there, or just play casually against family and friends. As an Xbox Live Gold member on Xbox 360 you'll get to:

 

Engage in competitive online multiplayer matches using the new TrueSkill™ matchmaking system;

Tailor your matchmaking via feedback and accomplishments;

Chat with more than one person at a time; and

Get both exclusive and early access content on Xbox Live Marketplace

 

So, unless MS recently added this page or edited the benefits of having a Gold membership, it would appear that the Gold's were always intended to have exclusive/early content.

 

They also just released some bonus maps for Perfect Dark Zero this morning (don't remember how much they cost but they are not free) and only those with Gold memberships can download them currently. Silvers have to wait awhile.

 

I'm sure that MS wants to increase Gold memberships, not just for the few extra dollars it will bring in, but mainly to be able to issue press releases stating something along the lines of "Xbox Live has now added a million new memberships" in an effort to make them look better than any online service Sony and Nintendo will offer.

 

Mendon

Edited November 1, 2006 by Mendon

[slip81]

Yeah I didn't like the price for Lumines Live so I didn't buy it.

[MegaManFan]

For anybody interested, I found Lumines 2 for PSP at Sam's Club last night for $30. You could just avoid this whole "download and unlock" debacle and play the game on its native system anyway.

[StanBush]

Why does everyone bash MS for what they have done or say they will do? Is it because they have some through and have done everything and the others have not? But if Sony or Nin say that they are going to make origional games not just emulators then it must be true even though they are not available. There are several origional Live arcade game now like Cloneing Clyde and small arms that are a blast! Also can you play UNO on your PS3 or WII? The answere is no - nuff said. Besides there would be no online content if it was not for LIVE. Sony and Nin have shown no interest and would not have done squat if not for MS. You want to whine about the xbox only 1080i then BAM MS gives us a suprise. True no HDMI but it will be comming, no basis to this clame. But then again the WII is only 480P and everyone thinks nothing about that. Also lets think about the extra add ons that Sony and Nin have promised over the years. Did the CD-Rom for the SuperNES ever happen - no! Sure they gave us virtural boy and the power glove but who cares? Look how long it took Sony PS2 for a Hard drive option and it was only for one game, Phantsy Star. Just my 2 cents we all have our reasons for the games we play but I like the 360 the best so far.

[devils advocate]

Why does everyone bash MS for what they have done or say they will do? Is it because they have some through and have done everything and the others have not? But if Sony or Nin say that they are going to make origional games not just emulators then it must be true even though they are not available. There are several origional Live arcade game now like Cloneing Clyde and small arms that are a blast! Also can you play UNO on your PS3 or WII? The answere is no - nuff said. Besides there would be no online content if it was not for LIVE. Sony and Nin have shown no interest and would not have done squat if not for MS. You want to whine about the xbox only 1080i then BAM MS gives us a suprise. True no HDMI but it will be comming, no basis to this clame. But then again the WII is only 480P and everyone thinks nothing about that. Also lets think about the extra add ons that Sony and Nin have promised over the years. Did the CD-Rom for the SuperNES ever happen - no! Sure they gave us virtural boy and the power glove but who cares? Look how long it took Sony PS2 for a Hard drive option and it was only for one game, Phantsy Star. Just my 2 cents we all have our reasons for the games we play but I like the 360 the best so far.

 

 

What does any of this have to do with the pricing of Lumines in Xbox live arcade????

[StanBush]

Why does everyone bash MS for what they have done or say they will do? Is it because they have some through and have done everything and the others have not? But if Sony or Nin say that they are going to make origional games not just emulators then it must be true even though they are not available. There are several origional Live arcade game now like Cloneing Clyde and small arms that are a blast! Also can you play UNO on your PS3 or WII? The answere is no - nuff said. Besides there would be no online content if it was not for LIVE. Sony and Nin have shown no interest and would not have done squat if not for MS. You want to whine about the xbox only 1080i then BAM MS gives us a suprise. True no HDMI but it will be comming, no basis to this clame. But then again the WII is only 480P and everyone thinks nothing about that. Also lets think about the extra add ons that Sony and Nin have promised over the years. Did the CD-Rom for the SuperNES ever happen - no! Sure they gave us virtural boy and the power glove but who cares? Look how long it took Sony PS2 for a Hard drive option and it was only for one game, Phantsy Star. Just my 2 cents we all have our reasons for the games we play but I like the 360 the best so far.

 

 

What does any of this have to do with the pricing of Lumines in Xbox live arcade????

 

My point was that there is origional content on Live since someone said there was not any and that MS delivers. I have Lumines for Live and I like it. Everyone forgets that if it had come out on disc it would have been 50 bucks and i was able to download all of the content at home nice and cozy and play the game 5 minutes later. If you dont like the price just like MAjorNelson said dont buy it then. Now if you want to talk about a rip off for content download lets start one asking about EA

[Ze_ro]

Everyone forgets that if it had come out on disc it would have been 50 bucks

Not necessarily. There's nothing stopping Microsoft from releasing a game for $40 or even less if they choose to.

 

If you dont like the price just like MAjorNelson said dont buy it then.

I don't like the price, and I didn't buy it. If they drop the price, or release a disc version, I may reconsider.

 

--Zero