Why do game companies so often treat their loyal fan base like used whores? Sound it a bit extreme… I suppose it is, but now that I have your attention I shall explain myself a bit better…
Star Wars – The force unleashed is getting two more brilliant looking levels (Hot Tatooine and cold Hoth) to add to the latest one (Jedi Temple). This is fab news of course, I am personally salivating at the idea of handing over my hard earned cash for these tasty morsels of lightsaber action and delighted to see that the game was getting good DLC support at all, even if it is nearly a year later… At least I was, until I found out that one of the two levels would only be available on disc… yes that’s right, the ‘Tatooine’ level will be available for download, at a hefty price I imagine… but the ‘Hoth’ level shall only come with, wait for it, the new full version of the game called the ‘Ultimate Sith Edition’.
Now, if you have never played TFU before, this is indeed a fantastic package and perhaps if you have played the game but have still to get any of the DLC available then it is bitter – sweet, but if you have the game and have the current DLC then you have every right to be pissed that you are being forced into buying a game you already own just for one level, even if it will be kick ass… So do I not buy the ‘Tatooine’ level when it comes out on DLC… do I try to trade in my old TFU for a new TFU-USE… and do I get my money back for all the DLC I have already gotten????
Why can’t they just release the ‘Hoth’ level as a DLC as well as in the Ultimate Sith edition… that way everyone is a winner. Is it just me or do you think Lucas arts are forcing our hand (no pun intended) to buy a new copy of TFU (sith edition)? Are they acting like complete Fat, Greedy, Jabbas?
Ok, here we go... Who thinks that big company's get away with too much bullshit these days?? Like Nintendo releasing a lil widget to make their controllers 'more accurate'. Why wasn't it accurate in the first place??? I'ts like releasing a PS3 or Xbox controller that's missing a thumb stick and buttons that you will have to buy later, just so it can work properly... OK so that's a bit extreme, but you get my idea.
The iPhone did something similar, release a phone with no video or MMS ability then a year later make a big deal out of it cos the new iPhone now has video and MMS and a few other things that are mostly standard in nearly all decent mobile phones these days. BIG DEAL!! Talk about re inventing the wheel!!
I understand they have to innovate and make money and all that, but don't treat your customers like slack jawed inbreds! Then again... if you fall for it and rush out to buy it drooling enthusiastically... I guess you just proved the big boys were right... get out the dumb stick, its going to be busy!
Heres one for ya to scrap over...
Nintendo only listen to their Japanese audience, they couldn’t give a balls about the American and European markets! Their concept is new and a novelty but the title support sucks and the whole thing is for kids and people who don’t play games normally. Good party machine though… Would you bother with one?
Sony only listen to… nobody! They blindly push through popular opinion with arrogant self belief and stake their success on a dying fan base mixed with a blue ray player. Free multi player support but you get what you pay for in this life. Terrible repair support, limited exclusive titles and high prices being there best know traits… what’s in it for the gamer?
Microsoft does listen to their customers, very much so in fact. Good support but terrible failure rate in console hardware. Great title support and an excellent online system, but at a price. New changes in the software make it more childish, but is this a pro or a con? Bottom line is they listen, but it will cost
Personally, my moneys on the Xbox 360, just from professional dealings and general game playing of course. Prove me wrong!!
