I wrote the story based on a conversation I had with a Sony PlayStation retail field rep. I have no reason to make up a story like this. I write content for Destructoid (mostly news related) and thought it was a) funny and b) informative enough to share.
It's not a bash on Sony or their hardware. The crux of the story is: PS3 retail kiosks lock/freeze/whatever up, a Sony rep played it off as something that happens on purpose, it's been confirmed by a few people that they were told the same thing. That is fact. Question my credibility if you'd like, but I think you'll find Destructoid (as a whole) to be both informative and reliable -- I wouldn't intentionally write and post a tall tale for the sake of hits (or anything else for that matter).
It doesn't look likely that Advent Children will hit the US this year, so it's either than expensive import, this, or being really patient. I don't think Final Fantasy VII fans can wait much longer.
What's your idea of "popular?" Popularity has nothing to do with the amount of credit you're offered at a Gamestop or EB. Madden 2005 - that was popular. Do you expect to get more than $1 for a game that no one wants to buy? Enter the Matrix was also a huge seller. Broke some records, I think. That was popular, too. Clearly, they should be giving you $30, at least! I mean, you PAID $50 for it two years ago. $5 is highway robbery!
As a general rule of thumb, if you bought a new released game and brought it back the next day, you'd get about half of what you originally paid for it, maybe more. You're looking at 25 or 30, I'd say. So they turn around and mark it up to make a profit - stop the press! What a ridiculous idea!
I hear so much whining about these companies and their prices on used and buyback rates. They're offering a fast, easy service for people looking to trade or get rid of their games. If you want to get $20 for a copy of Halo, try your luck on Ebay or Craigslist, even. Better yet, open your own store!
How is that a load of crap? Game trade-in prices are based on supply and demand, so it would make sense that they'd change every day and vary from district to district.
You know, as far as I can tell, these bundles are only being offered online and are not going to reflect the kind of thing gamers and other consumers shopping for gamers should expect at brick and mortar stores.
It's absolutely ridiculous that this is even a story, if you ask me. The bundle SKU that Microsoft is offering is $399.99. Any additional items bundled are up to the discretion of the retailer and if you choose not to buy into it, you don't have to. If you want to buy the core system, that'll run you $300. If you want the bells and whistles, pay the extra $300. If you think a bundle is a good deal for you and you want all of that extra crap, go for it.
Gamestop has been taking pre-orders for the stand alone units for awhile, EB has been doing the same, and there's been no mention of "bundles" anywhere but online. So you know...relax.
With a controller that doesn't contain the black and white buttons found on the Xbox Controller-S (and nothing added to replace them), how would one be able to play a game designed with those buttons in mind?
To me, that was always the major clue as to whether the system would allow you to play original Xbox games. Of course, the controller design could be slightly changed, but as it stands now, all other arguments aside, I don't see how it could happen.
...by all of the negative, cynical responses to this article I'm seeing on slashdot. For real, between people whining that the numbers are inflated because Gamestop sells/gives away the magazine with their discount card thingie, to others simply saying the magazine sucks (which is ridiculous, if you ask me, since I can't think of any other magazine that has as many exclusive images and information), I'm surprised some of you find waking up in the morning worth your while.
What are you, ten? Not reading a magazine because you didn't agree with one review is ridiculous. Without a doubt, GI packs more exclusive content, images, and information into one magazine than any other I can think of.
Good points. In terms of customer service, Gamestop seems to have some great things in place as far as I've seen. No mattter how fantastic their customer service training is, I've received rotten service at my local EB...but that doesn't mean they're ALL like that. It comes down to the staff and management. Hopefully the two chains will be able to benefit from one another's experience.
That's generalizing - I've been into plenty of EBs that were trashed from top to bottom, nothing is alphabetized, their employees ignoring me, crap all over the ground, etc. The same could probably be said about a number or Gamestops, Best Buys, Blockbuster Videos, etc.
By pre-ordering a game you not only guarantee yourself a copy of the game, but you also help support the industry in that you're saying "Hey, there's a demand for this game at this store, send us the units we need to fill this type of demand."
No, EB and Gamestop are not big box retailers and no, they're not going to have as many copies as Best Buy or Target or Wal-Mart. But if you're a gamer, it would make sense that you'd want to support game specific retailers. On top of that, for the most part, you can be in and out of an EB or Gamestop in less than 2 minutes if you know what you want (or pre-ordered a game), whereas you're not going to get that grab and go at big box.
Do what you want, but stop bitching about pre-orders as a "scare tactic" or retailers just being greedy. If you're going to buy the freakin' game, you live local to your store, there's no reason to not reserve it other than the fact that you're being stubborn for no good reason.
"...I think it's a misuse of film?"
Where exactly is he Coppola quoted as saying that anywhere but slashdot.org?
To the "flamebait" up there...you're right. If the rights belong to Paramount, Coppola, regardless of what his status as a film maker is, doesn't really have a say in any of this. He can, however, bitch all he wants.
People need to stop simply comparing the capabilities of the systems and the hardware itself. What it's going to come down to is the software and support from developers. I am 100% confident that the PSP will be backed by many big name developers and publishers willing to pull out some big name titles and some great games. Having a WIDE variety of games to choose from is important to consumers and should also be important to gamers, as well.
Surely, like the PS2 and PSX, there will be a number of rotten games in the large sea of PSP games set to drop. But the DS software selection is poor beyond words, having launched nearly four months ago and with barely 20 games carried in even the largest video game retailers. The PSP on the other hand has more games than that at launch, with promises of killer titles in the future.
Sure, you'll need to the DS to play Mario Kart, whatever Zelda they pull out of their cracks, etc. but I suspect that anyone with both systems will find more choices and variety on their PSP. I guess it's too early to tell who will win this "war," but my money is on the PSP...of course, though, I'll have to own both of them.
With software, it's not a matter of "Man, when will I ever be able to get it," it's more of a "Will I be able to get it when I want it," kind of thing. Particularly on launch days or days following launches, a lot of people find themselves "running around" to find that game they'd been waiting for.
I was told that one company in particular (not any of the ones you mentioned) had "cornered" the market on them, taking so many reserves, and pretty much telling Sony "Hey, we need more of these fuckers," and got their way.
According to one Best Buy ad I saw, it claimed they'd only be getting 20 PSP systems at launch. And if Sony's previous efforts are any indication (including the recent slim PS2 systems), then finding one of these things isn't going to be as easy as walking into Circuit City and asking for one.
Well that's only one of the reasons Gamestop will only sell one unit per person at any one given time (you planning on turning around and selling it). It makes sense they'd rather get the system into hands of "legitimate" customers than be sold out because Mr. X bought up half a shipment.
In any case, they also do this with new systems as well (one person customer).
Well, from my experience (as someone who works for one of the two companies and who sees release dates set and changed daily), they're for the most part very accurate, even more so than any publication, both online and off. Do not, however, base your dates on those seen on their respective websites - they're often out dated and bizarre.
In this case, both retailers have the same ship date which makes a pretty good case for it not being released in March (although I know stores - and OXM - will see a playable demo before then).
Not necessarily. Retailers often get dates from the vendors directly and if not exact dates, they do get a general idea. In terms of ordering quanitities and business end type things, they need to be "in the know." They're often the best sources of this information, particularly when a delay is concerned.
While it wouldn't be too big of a deal, I think it would be silly for them to drop the Madden name. Consumers know "Madden" first and EA Sports second. No one says "Hey, have you played the new EA football?"
Real simple, you hear time and time again, "I need to get that new Madden" (and they're not talking about the Madden real doll I saw on Ebay...which was creppy).
The Xbox Live online experience far surpasses anything you have found or can find on the PC. Anyone who has extensively used both would be hard pressed to disagree on that point.
One thing I took notice of that was interesting...Nintendo likes to shout from the roof tops that a game is exclusive to their system. "Only for Nintendo Gamecube." But check out the handful of great first party games on the PS2 for instance...I don't hear people raving about how Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal is a "Playstation 2 exclusive!" You know why? They don't have to play the "Hey, uh, we have some stuff over here, too," game.
Don't take this as me attacking you, but you're reply to me is uninformed and typical of someone who is quick to slag systems they're not keen on...for what appears to be no valid reason.
The PS2s library is incredibly large and varied; it would be easy to find a handful of games I'm sure you'd enjoy. The Ratchet and Clank series is by far the best action/platform game on ANY system, period. Let's say for instance there ARE 320 racing sims (the Gamecube has a severe LACK of racing games, BTW) - the grandaddy of them all, Gran Turismo 4 is an exclusive title. For a racing fan, this is reason enough to own a PS2. Then you have your more "mature" series, Grand Theft Auto. Ico, Katamari Damacy, La Pucelle Tactics, Onimusha, the Jak series...this is a small handful of amazing games that are NOT fighters or racing sims.
As far as the Xbox is concerned...Halo isn't a selling point for me, but most people tend to view it as such. I don't think it's something worth buying a system for. I'll tell you what is: Xbox Live. The online gaming on the Xbox is ummatched on any other platform (including the PC). The Cube doesn't even HAVE an exisiting online pressence (whether this is your cup of tea or not, is irrelevant to my point).
So let's say you have your cross-platform title...let's take Madden 2005 for instance and theoretically, you have all 3 major player consoles. As with most cross platform titles, the major features of the game and the gameplay are nearly identical. So with the PS2 you get your online play, but on the Gamecube the graphics are crisper, smoother, and the game generally plays better (barring the fact that most people think the Cube controller is the poo for games NOT made specifically for it - and I tend to agree). But you don't HAVE the online option. So you look at the Xbox which features the best of both worlds AND you can log right into your Xbox Live account and easily connect with your friends to start up a game or league. For many (myself included), the cross platform choice is clear in most cases.
So you want solid exclusive games? There aren't that many, admittedly. But I'll give it a shot: Fable, Halo 1/2, Mechassult 2, Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive Ultimate, Project Gotham Racing 2...these are good games in ADDITION to the bevy of cross platform goodness.
And for the record, if I had to choose one system to take with me to a desert island (with an unlimited amount of games that would wash up on the shore in little plastic baggies, of course), I'd pick a PS2 simply because the variety and sheer number of games is completely insane.
But hell, at $99 (and even less if you're buying one used), I can't tell someone NOT to get a Gamecube anymore. With Resident Evil 4 on the way and uh...Resident Evil 4 on the way, it's nice to have as a second (or third) system.
I'm 26 and I'm currently enjoying a game on my Gamecube right now. But you have to understand and realize that you're in the minority. There's not much room for argument there.
We could sit here and debate what a great library the Gamecube has, but the bottom line is that it's competitors offer a wider selection of games and that's appealing to consumers (and people who play games, I'd think).
Slashdot Mirror
It's not a bash on Sony or their hardware. The crux of the story is: PS3 retail kiosks lock/freeze/whatever up, a Sony rep played it off as something that happens on purpose, it's been confirmed by a few people that they were told the same thing. That is fact. Question my credibility if you'd like, but I think you'll find Destructoid (as a whole) to be both informative and reliable -- I wouldn't intentionally write and post a tall tale for the sake of hits (or anything else for that matter).
It doesn't look likely that Advent Children will hit the US this year, so it's either than expensive import, this, or being really patient. I don't think Final Fantasy VII fans can wait much longer.
As a general rule of thumb, if you bought a new released game and brought it back the next day, you'd get about half of what you originally paid for it, maybe more. You're looking at 25 or 30, I'd say. So they turn around and mark it up to make a profit - stop the press! What a ridiculous idea!
I hear so much whining about these companies and their prices on used and buyback rates. They're offering a fast, easy service for people looking to trade or get rid of their games. If you want to get $20 for a copy of Halo, try your luck on Ebay or Craigslist, even. Better yet, open your own store!
How is that a load of crap? Game trade-in prices are based on supply and demand, so it would make sense that they'd change every day and vary from district to district.
You know, as far as I can tell, these bundles are only being offered online and are not going to reflect the kind of thing gamers and other consumers shopping for gamers should expect at brick and mortar stores.
It's absolutely ridiculous that this is even a story, if you ask me. The bundle SKU that Microsoft is offering is $399.99. Any additional items bundled are up to the discretion of the retailer and if you choose not to buy into it, you don't have to. If you want to buy the core system, that'll run you $300. If you want the bells and whistles, pay the extra $300. If you think a bundle is a good deal for you and you want all of that extra crap, go for it.
Gamestop has been taking pre-orders for the stand alone units for awhile, EB has been doing the same, and there's been no mention of "bundles" anywhere but online. So you know...relax.
With a controller that doesn't contain the black and white buttons found on the Xbox Controller-S (and nothing added to replace them), how would one be able to play a game designed with those buttons in mind?
To me, that was always the major clue as to whether the system would allow you to play original Xbox games. Of course, the controller design could be slightly changed, but as it stands now, all other arguments aside, I don't see how it could happen.
...by all of the negative, cynical responses to this article I'm seeing on slashdot. For real, between people whining that the numbers are inflated because Gamestop sells/gives away the magazine with their discount card thingie, to others simply saying the magazine sucks (which is ridiculous, if you ask me, since I can't think of any other magazine that has as many exclusive images and information), I'm surprised some of you find waking up in the morning worth your while.
What are you, ten? Not reading a magazine because you didn't agree with one review is ridiculous. Without a doubt, GI packs more exclusive content, images, and information into one magazine than any other I can think of.
Suckered? You save 10% when you buy used games AND you got ten months of a killer video game magazine for 10 months. What a raw deal you got, dude.
Good points. In terms of customer service, Gamestop seems to have some great things in place as far as I've seen. No mattter how fantastic their customer service training is, I've received rotten service at my local EB...but that doesn't mean they're ALL like that. It comes down to the staff and management. Hopefully the two chains will be able to benefit from one another's experience.
That's generalizing - I've been into plenty of EBs that were trashed from top to bottom, nothing is alphabetized, their employees ignoring me, crap all over the ground, etc. The same could probably be said about a number or Gamestops, Best Buys, Blockbuster Videos, etc.
By pre-ordering a game you not only guarantee yourself a copy of the game, but you also help support the industry in that you're saying "Hey, there's a demand for this game at this store, send us the units we need to fill this type of demand." No, EB and Gamestop are not big box retailers and no, they're not going to have as many copies as Best Buy or Target or Wal-Mart. But if you're a gamer, it would make sense that you'd want to support game specific retailers. On top of that, for the most part, you can be in and out of an EB or Gamestop in less than 2 minutes if you know what you want (or pre-ordered a game), whereas you're not going to get that grab and go at big box. Do what you want, but stop bitching about pre-orders as a "scare tactic" or retailers just being greedy. If you're going to buy the freakin' game, you live local to your store, there's no reason to not reserve it other than the fact that you're being stubborn for no good reason.
"...I think it's a misuse of film?" Where exactly is he Coppola quoted as saying that anywhere but slashdot.org? To the "flamebait" up there...you're right. If the rights belong to Paramount, Coppola, regardless of what his status as a film maker is, doesn't really have a say in any of this. He can, however, bitch all he wants.
People need to stop simply comparing the capabilities of the systems and the hardware itself. What it's going to come down to is the software and support from developers. I am 100% confident that the PSP will be backed by many big name developers and publishers willing to pull out some big name titles and some great games. Having a WIDE variety of games to choose from is important to consumers and should also be important to gamers, as well.
Surely, like the PS2 and PSX, there will be a number of rotten games in the large sea of PSP games set to drop. But the DS software selection is poor beyond words, having launched nearly four months ago and with barely 20 games carried in even the largest video game retailers. The PSP on the other hand has more games than that at launch, with promises of killer titles in the future.
Sure, you'll need to the DS to play Mario Kart, whatever Zelda they pull out of their cracks, etc. but I suspect that anyone with both systems will find more choices and variety on their PSP. I guess it's too early to tell who will win this "war," but my money is on the PSP...of course, though, I'll have to own both of them.
With software, it's not a matter of "Man, when will I ever be able to get it," it's more of a "Will I be able to get it when I want it," kind of thing. Particularly on launch days or days following launches, a lot of people find themselves "running around" to find that game they'd been waiting for.
I was told that one company in particular (not any of the ones you mentioned) had "cornered" the market on them, taking so many reserves, and pretty much telling Sony "Hey, we need more of these fuckers," and got their way. According to one Best Buy ad I saw, it claimed they'd only be getting 20 PSP systems at launch. And if Sony's previous efforts are any indication (including the recent slim PS2 systems), then finding one of these things isn't going to be as easy as walking into Circuit City and asking for one.
Well that's only one of the reasons Gamestop will only sell one unit per person at any one given time (you planning on turning around and selling it). It makes sense they'd rather get the system into hands of "legitimate" customers than be sold out because Mr. X bought up half a shipment. In any case, they also do this with new systems as well (one person customer).
I actually heard this rumor awhile back, from a few sources. Sounds fun!
In this case, both retailers have the same ship date which makes a pretty good case for it not being released in March (although I know stores - and OXM - will see a playable demo before then).
Not necessarily. Retailers often get dates from the vendors directly and if not exact dates, they do get a general idea. In terms of ordering quanitities and business end type things, they need to be "in the know." They're often the best sources of this information, particularly when a delay is concerned.
Real simple, you hear time and time again, "I need to get that new Madden" (and they're not talking about the Madden real doll I saw on Ebay...which was creppy).
The Xbox Live online experience far surpasses anything you have found or can find on the PC. Anyone who has extensively used both would be hard pressed to disagree on that point.
One thing I took notice of that was interesting...Nintendo likes to shout from the roof tops that a game is exclusive to their system. "Only for Nintendo Gamecube." But check out the handful of great first party games on the PS2 for instance...I don't hear people raving about how Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal is a "Playstation 2 exclusive!" You know why? They don't have to play the "Hey, uh, we have some stuff over here, too," game.
The PS2s library is incredibly large and varied; it would be easy to find a handful of games I'm sure you'd enjoy. The Ratchet and Clank series is by far the best action/platform game on ANY system, period. Let's say for instance there ARE 320 racing sims (the Gamecube has a severe LACK of racing games, BTW) - the grandaddy of them all, Gran Turismo 4 is an exclusive title. For a racing fan, this is reason enough to own a PS2. Then you have your more "mature" series, Grand Theft Auto. Ico, Katamari Damacy, La Pucelle Tactics, Onimusha, the Jak series...this is a small handful of amazing games that are NOT fighters or racing sims.
As far as the Xbox is concerned...Halo isn't a selling point for me, but most people tend to view it as such. I don't think it's something worth buying a system for. I'll tell you what is: Xbox Live. The online gaming on the Xbox is ummatched on any other platform (including the PC). The Cube doesn't even HAVE an exisiting online pressence (whether this is your cup of tea or not, is irrelevant to my point).
So let's say you have your cross-platform title...let's take Madden 2005 for instance and theoretically, you have all 3 major player consoles. As with most cross platform titles, the major features of the game and the gameplay are nearly identical. So with the PS2 you get your online play, but on the Gamecube the graphics are crisper, smoother, and the game generally plays better (barring the fact that most people think the Cube controller is the poo for games NOT made specifically for it - and I tend to agree). But you don't HAVE the online option. So you look at the Xbox which features the best of both worlds AND you can log right into your Xbox Live account and easily connect with your friends to start up a game or league. For many (myself included), the cross platform choice is clear in most cases.
So you want solid exclusive games? There aren't that many, admittedly. But I'll give it a shot: Fable, Halo 1/2, Mechassult 2, Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive Ultimate, Project Gotham Racing 2...these are good games in ADDITION to the bevy of cross platform goodness.
And for the record, if I had to choose one system to take with me to a desert island (with an unlimited amount of games that would wash up on the shore in little plastic baggies, of course), I'd pick a PS2 simply because the variety and sheer number of games is completely insane.
But hell, at $99 (and even less if you're buying one used), I can't tell someone NOT to get a Gamecube anymore. With Resident Evil 4 on the way and uh...Resident Evil 4 on the way, it's nice to have as a second (or third) system.
We could sit here and debate what a great library the Gamecube has, but the bottom line is that it's competitors offer a wider selection of games and that's appealing to consumers (and people who play games, I'd think).