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Death Tank is the XBLA Game of the Week (PR)
- Thread starter Shard
- Start date
The increased number of 1,200 point games could just as easily be a sign of more high production value XBLA games rather than a pointless increase in the price level. Whether or not Death Tank is worth $15 remains to be seen, but I think it's ridiculous to assume that all downloadable games are only worth $10 simply because that's how it was in the past. There are plenty of XBLA games that are absolutely worth $15.
SapientWolf
Trucker Sexologist
DEATH TANK!
If this game is better than Worms: Armageddon or Gunbound then I would happily buy it at twice that price. It's real time vs turn based though, so that could be an apples and oranges comparison.
I can only speak for myself but I would be happy to see more $15 games being released on XBLA if they were good enough to justify the cost. I am sitting on thousands of XBL points right now because I am extremely picky about my purchases.
If this game is better than Worms: Armageddon or Gunbound then I would happily buy it at twice that price. It's real time vs turn based though, so that could be an apples and oranges comparison.
I can only speak for myself but I would be happy to see more $15 games being released on XBLA if they were good enough to justify the cost. I am sitting on thousands of XBL points right now because I am extremely picky about my purchases.
Son of Godzilla
Banned
I'd be all for "It's Death Tank, STFU" if we hadn't gotten so many things priced at $10 already for which that could be said.
Actually, I say that... But I can't think of very many for which it's true. Rez HD is the only example for which I can say absolutely would have been worth it at $15. Maybe, and I mean maaaaaaaaaybe Ikaruga, and maybe SotN. But otherwise I don't think a single XBLA game released at $10 could have gotten away with a $15 release.
Actually, I say that... But I can't think of very many for which it's true. Rez HD is the only example for which I can say absolutely would have been worth it at $15. Maybe, and I mean maaaaaaaaaybe Ikaruga, and maybe SotN. But otherwise I don't think a single XBLA game released at $10 could have gotten away with a $15 release.
Stumpokapow
listen to the mad man
Perdew said:
Oh yeah, I totally see why developers are doing it. Don't get me wrong. I especially see why these guys think it's a good idea--they're doubling down on a limited fanbase. Makes sense to me. I just think it sucks.
Perdew said:
I'd be totally cool with that, except it's not clear that authors can adjust their price at will (manufacturer-protected price drops), it's not clear that Microsoft can adjust authors game prices for them at will (retailer price drops), you can't trade/re-sell games to create a secondary market, and it's not clear who gets what sales data so I'm not even sure people would be able to have the info they need to make that decision if they could.
Roogoo bombed. It hasn't dropped in price. That's not because Southpeak thinks Roogoo is going to suddenly pick up later. It's because they almost certainly don't have the option to tinker with that stuff.
MobiusPigeon
Banned
am i the only one more excited about this than sf4? holy crap. and they priced it at 1200 cuz they know damn well this will spread word of mouth guaranteed. such an amazing game. stop being so cheap. comparing this to something like flower? really?
Tylahedras
Banned
Wow at MS for thinking people are stupid enough to pay 15$ for yet another version of worms... *Reads through the thread* ...Oh.
Another_visitor
Member
Wow at people being stupid enough to not realise the difference between realtime & turn-based gameplay.Tylahedras said:
Stumpokapow said:
Interestingly enough, iPhone games are able to drop prices and run sales all the time. It'd be nice to see XBLA follow suit. I wouldn't be too surprised to see something like that, because no matter what anyone says, MS isn't stupid. They heard complaints about dropping games off XBLA, and they stopped. They'll do what they need to get a working digital distribution model.
MobiusPigeon
Banned
nothing like worms. gtfo with that
Stumpokapow
listen to the mad man
Perdew said:
Yep. And I expect when that kind of flexibility becomes allowed (and release queues get dropped or minimized) there will be a lot less complaining about price points.
MightyHedgehog
Member
Just because I hate to see so many 'Lame! Worms/Gunbound/Scorched Earth ripoff!!11'-like posts in a Death Tank thread, here's an old post explaining the game from the last DT thread.
MightyHedgehog said:
RadarScope1
Member
I don't have a problem with price creep as it accompanies higher-quality and and more in-depth games. Clearly, we're getting those games as SFHD, Castle Crashers, Bionic Commando (even tho it was $10) proves.
My issue, as others have said, is that the prices hardly ever come down. When was the last time MS dropped the price on a few games? Wasn't it last fall after the Summer of Arcade promo? They do it once or twice a year for a handful of games each time. I guess from the dev/publisher point of view, that's a good thing - and an advantage over retail.
My other issue is that at the same time as this happens, we seem to be getting fewer 800 and 400 point games, and the ones that are that price are obviously of lesser quality as they charge more for the games that get the most attention. MS needs to be looking for some quality games it can sell for 800 and even 400 points. It's too bad they've come out and said they are de-emphasizing arcade ports because there's obviously still a zillion arcade titles that people would gladly pay 5 bucks for a straight/not butchered port. IIRC, this was the original intent of the XBLA platform. Anyone recall what the last 400 point game was??
If they would just present a wider variety of titles and types/genres, people would have less to bitch about and more money would be spent and made overall. That way they leverage the full power of the digital platform, especially when you consider the Community Games. It's probably a matter of resources/manpower, though.
My issue, as others have said, is that the prices hardly ever come down. When was the last time MS dropped the price on a few games? Wasn't it last fall after the Summer of Arcade promo? They do it once or twice a year for a handful of games each time. I guess from the dev/publisher point of view, that's a good thing - and an advantage over retail.
My other issue is that at the same time as this happens, we seem to be getting fewer 800 and 400 point games, and the ones that are that price are obviously of lesser quality as they charge more for the games that get the most attention. MS needs to be looking for some quality games it can sell for 800 and even 400 points. It's too bad they've come out and said they are de-emphasizing arcade ports because there's obviously still a zillion arcade titles that people would gladly pay 5 bucks for a straight/not butchered port. IIRC, this was the original intent of the XBLA platform. Anyone recall what the last 400 point game was??
If they would just present a wider variety of titles and types/genres, people would have less to bitch about and more money would be spent and made overall. That way they leverage the full power of the digital platform, especially when you consider the Community Games. It's probably a matter of resources/manpower, though.
SapientWolf
Trucker Sexologist
Those games may not have been as successful at $15 but that has more to do with consumers being very sensitive to price changes on video games than the value proposition. For example, some people were paying $80 for Rez after it became rare. If game prices weren't so constant this discussion would not be going on right now.Son of Godzilla said:
Hopefully there will be more discussion of the game than the price after it's released. I would love to hear more about it.
Beer Monkey
Member
If I get 100 hours of fun out of Death Tank for $15, and 40 hours worth of fun out of some $60 RPG, which was the ripoff?
RadarScope1
Member
A quick Wiki checks shows that in the last 7+ months, there have been just 8 400-point games, out of about 45 games overall. The last three were Minesweeper, Crazy Mouse and Gin Rummy, so the $5 games are definitely dreck today compared to stuff like TMNT, Geo Wars or Space Giraffe (hey I liked it) in the early days. But when you really look at the list, most of the 400 point games are not great. The best 400 point games available now are mostly ones that started at 800 and dropped.
Great point.
beermonkey@tehbias said:
Great point.
beermonkey@tehbias said:
Exactly my line of thinking. Plus, I have to reiterate, the game looks incredible and looks like a "remake" done right.
I think a "blanket" statement on games priced at a certain point is just wrong.
Every game should be judged by its merits, not its price. That way, you can truly determine whether a game is overpriced or not.
CrunchinJelly
formerly cjelly
You shouldn't be buying JRPG's in the first place.beermonkey@tehbias said:
Can't say I like the idea of it being 15dollars. But if MS was serious about the arcade hits and dropping price. I wouldn't mind it at all. But games that were released over a year ago still 800-1200 points. Kinda make me depressed
Anyways, with the positive outcry from gaf for the game. I'm going try download the demo and maybe get it
Anyways, with the positive outcry from gaf for the game. I'm going try download the demo and maybe get it
Meier said:
This $15 game is going to give me far more enjoyment than a lot of the $60 retail games I've played recently. Mentality like yours is what is keeping digital distribution down; this ridiculous idea that if it's a downloadable game, it MUST be at max X dollars or it isn't worth your time.
I was completely unaware of this game until about 10 minutes ago. Looks pretty fun and there's some serious graphical polish there...
Is there a single-player campaign though? Cause $15 (more like 17.50 CAN) is a bit steep for me for a multi-player only title. I'd rather sink my teeth into a 2-3 hour campaign that gets progressively harder (not just multiplayer w/ bots) before going online.
Is there a single-player campaign though? Cause $15 (more like 17.50 CAN) is a bit steep for me for a multi-player only title. I'd rather sink my teeth into a 2-3 hour campaign that gets progressively harder (not just multiplayer w/ bots) before going online.
twinturbo2
butthurt Heat fan
I've never played Death Tank, despite having the Saturn version of Duke 3D, so I'll download the demo.
I'm still waiting for OutRun Online Arcade, tho...
I'm still waiting for OutRun Online Arcade, tho...
PepsimanVsJoe
Member
I've put about 60 hours into ESP Ra De. And that game is what? 20 minutes long? Hell it doesn't even have multiplayer(okay technically it does but nvm).
It's really not difficult to play a "small" game for hundreds of hours provided everything is on point.
It's really not difficult to play a "small" game for hundreds of hours provided everything is on point.
I rent my games and buy them if they're worthwhile. I cant' rent DDs, so I've little interest in them.shidoshi said:
If they offered a GameTap style service I'd be more interested, but until then it isn't going to work for me. I already blew enough money on Castle Crashers, Braid, etc. that I regretted. Next buy probably won't happen until Puzzle Quest 2.
shidoshi said:
Downloadable software is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. You're not so much buying a game as a license to play a game. If you grow tired of said game, you can't sell it or give it away. So the actual cost is higher. It would be like if you bought a car, and you weren't allowed to sell it.
Now, some stuff is still worth it, for sure. Some stuff TOTALLY ISN'T, like single-player DLC that gives you 4% more content for 33% of the price (of the full retail product, maybe 100% (or more) of what you paid for it) or things that give us features that would have been free before microtransactions.
I don't know if Death Tank is worth it (the name sure isn't), but they are putting themselves in some seriously esteemed company with the price of their new IP of a sort-of-old idea. Whatever the game is eventually worth, it's the apparent value (from the name, concept, demo) that prospective buyers will judge it by.
CrunchinJelly
formerly cjelly
Also the first batch of The Maw DLC is coming this week
"For those wanting more from The Maw, Twisted Pixel Games has announced that a new level called "Brute Force" will be launching this Wednesday, February 18 on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for 100 Microsoft Points ($1.25 USD). Featuring new puzzles, characters, cinematics, and explosive action this level pits Frank and Maw against a new foe: the Brute Soldier, a member of the bounty hunters' elite strike force sent to stop Maw at any cost.
This is the first of three DLC levels that Twisted Pixel Games has been working on ever since The Maw development wrapped last year. "There's a period of time where we're not allowed to touch the game because it's going through certification, but there was more we wanted to do, so rather than calling it a day we threw ourselves into making all new levels," explains CEO Michael Wilford. "We've never done DLC before so it's a bit of an experiment for us, but there seems to be a lot of excitement for it so I don't think we can go wrong."
Each DLC level will expand The Maw storyline by fitting in between the original levels as "deleted scenes". "As with any production, there are always pieces left on the cutting room floor that you wished could have made it into the final cut," says CCO and Director Josh Bear. "We had a lot of half-finished story elements and gameplay mechanics, so we are picking the best ones, polishing them up and making new levels that are bigger in size and scope than the ones in the main game.""
"For those wanting more from The Maw, Twisted Pixel Games has announced that a new level called "Brute Force" will be launching this Wednesday, February 18 on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for 100 Microsoft Points ($1.25 USD). Featuring new puzzles, characters, cinematics, and explosive action this level pits Frank and Maw against a new foe: the Brute Soldier, a member of the bounty hunters' elite strike force sent to stop Maw at any cost.
This is the first of three DLC levels that Twisted Pixel Games has been working on ever since The Maw development wrapped last year. "There's a period of time where we're not allowed to touch the game because it's going through certification, but there was more we wanted to do, so rather than calling it a day we threw ourselves into making all new levels," explains CEO Michael Wilford. "We've never done DLC before so it's a bit of an experiment for us, but there seems to be a lot of excitement for it so I don't think we can go wrong."
Each DLC level will expand The Maw storyline by fitting in between the original levels as "deleted scenes". "As with any production, there are always pieces left on the cutting room floor that you wished could have made it into the final cut," says CCO and Director Josh Bear. "We had a lot of half-finished story elements and gameplay mechanics, so we are picking the best ones, polishing them up and making new levels that are bigger in size and scope than the ones in the main game.""
I love these kinds of games. Does anyone know if it has mixed local/online multiplayer? It'd be great to go online with two of my friends and take on the world.
About the price argument. I have gotten more enjoyment out of my PSN, XBLA, VC and WiiWare downloads this gen than the disc based games. I imagine the increase in XBLA price has more to do with MSoft's new royalty structure than anything else.
About the price argument. I have gotten more enjoyment out of my PSN, XBLA, VC and WiiWare downloads this gen than the disc based games. I imagine the increase in XBLA price has more to do with MSoft's new royalty structure than anything else.
Beer Monkey
Member
dallow_bg said:
I got more than 100 hours out of Death Tank Zwei on the Saturn and I couldn't even play it online. So yeah, why would it be strange to get 100+ hours out of DT XBLA?
I'm talking about a game that I scheduled time to play and organized gatherings with friends because I loved it. Not some piece of shit that I played because I was bored in the dentist's waiting room. Don't even tell me that you are so mentally defective that you call your friends up asking if they can come over at 8pm on Tuesday to play Snake.
Domino Theory
Crystal Dynamics
The only downloadable game that was worth 1200 points was and is Braid.
Beer Monkey
Member
Domino Theory said:
How much time have you spent playing DT, and with who?
FateBreaker
Member
Shard said:
yay!!!!
Night_Trekker
Member
mik said:
I wish.
SapientWolf
Trucker Sexologist
There are people that would give up their first born for an update to Death Tank. If this was a limited edition pack in to another game it would probably be on Ebay for $100 right now.Zhuk said:Every Saturn owner knows Death Tank is worth 1200 points! getting it
I think MS should start allowing the XBLA prices to naturally decay over time, like they do in retail. That way consumers could spend the maximum amount that they are willing to spend on an XBLA game (i.e. price skimming). They could even time each price drop with a renewed marketing push or DLC.