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2012/02/22 04:32:43
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
Which has the same pre-order cost as the normal edition I believe, which as a commentor on the article notes, kind of makes you wonder why they bother with a normal edition :/
Just the same as the Mercenary bro you got in ME2 or Kasumi.
Not required to complete the game, never mentioned if you don't have the DLC, harmless.
Nothing wrong with this Day 1 DLC.
And in my biased and unfair perspective I take the presence of this party member as further evidence that Bioware no longer cares about story
Saying this without knowing the story behind the character is just idiotic, come on. You said biased and unfair, but this just makes no sense without any backstory.
2012/02/23 00:40:37
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
Wow. I suddenly see what everyone means about Anderson's face. Damn.
Also total agreement with Total Biscuit on the DLC issue... well not about the 'unethical' bit but it is a pretty bull move. I actually wonder how far the launch day DLC trend can go on before it starts to wear the market thin.
Of course everyone will complain about it and then they'll go and buy it anyway. I'll actually laugh if TB buys it anyway but I don't follow him enough to know much about his personal character
The DLC doesn't add any story, isn't important, and is purely extra.
This is just like Kasumi or Zaeed. They added nothing to the story, they are never mentioned outside of that specific DLC, and are entirely unimportant.
This is the kind of Day 1 DLC that is ok. Its just more options if you have the cash, like a collectors edition.
Total Biscuit missed it entirely because he never went into the specific type of DLC. He mentioned Zaeed, but the Prothean is completely separate from the original game.
It would be wrong if the companion would be one that could be central to the story line if bought, like say it was like a Tali or Wrex, but its not. The companion is entirely separate.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2012/02/23 02:00:33
2012/02/23 02:03:36
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
It is different. Zaeed was free with new copies and Kasumi wasn't available on day 1. This is a very clear money grab on EA's part. They know people will want him/her as a character. Its pretty obvious what they're doing and its to be expected but it's pretty cheap of them. EDIT: Then again, maybe EA decided "Hey, we're giving them day 1 DLC for free and they're complaining about it! If they're gonna complain anyway we might as well charge them!"
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2012/02/23 02:05:37
LordofHats wrote:It is different. Zaeed was free with new copies and Kasumi wasn't available on day 1. This is a very clear money grab on EA's part. They know people will want him/her as a character. Its pretty obvious what they're doing and its to be expected but it's pretty cheap of them.
The character isn't required story wise, though. It won't be mentioned once in the original game I will wager (it wouldn't make sense if it was).
I can understand peoples disgust at this, but people are pointing the finger at the wrong people. This isn't Bioware doing this, its EA.
So many people blame the developers for the publishers wrong doings, and nobody is more notorious for this than EA.
I'm fine with this because I expected as much and I don't see a problem with it. If I don't give a gak about the Prothean who I won't hear a word about if I don't buy him, It won't matter.
Its just a character, its not a portion of content like Overlord. He'll probably have one little story mission, a couple chime-ins on certain missions, and a one cool new ability - that's about it.
Just because he's cooler than Zaeed or Kasumi, or is seen as more important story wise, isn't a point.
Total Biscuit says "How could Bioware rationalize this, no doubt EA pushed this on them, but how?" - Bioware doesn't have a damn choice.
EA told Mythic to release Warhammer Online something like a year ahead of schedule and they couldn't do a thing about it.
Biscuit says "The character is integral to the story of Mass Effect because he is a Prothean, who we have heard so much about in the past games" - This is wrong.
The Prothean mystery has already been revealed - I won't spoil it for those who are still playing ME2 in preparation for ME3- its not like your missing a part of the story without buying the DLC.
Its not "vitally important for anyone who gives a damn about the story", its a cool character that most people probably will want, but he is nothing but an extra.
2012/02/23 02:55:50
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
Also true, but one can still call them sell outs I suppose ( I wouldn't). EA kind of specializes in taking good companies and making them do stupid things for the sake of profit.
So many people blame the developers for the publishers wrong doings, and nobody is more notorious for this than EA.
I actually think Ubisoft is worse.
He'll probably have one little story mission, a couple chime-ins on certain missions, and a one cool new ability - that's about it.
And all for the glorious overprice of $10 (but DLC costs are a separate issue). This is a very valid complaint. TB overstates the case I think, but his basic premise I agree with. The content is ready at launch and has been removed for the sole purpose of making another $10 after the initial purchase which is pretty damn cheap. I wouldn't refuse to buy a game over this issue, but I can see why someone would.
Its not "vitally important for anyone who gives a damn about the story", its a cool character that most people probably will want, but he is nothing but an extra.
That's not the point. It's that he's ready at launch but isn't included in the price.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/02/23 02:58:33
That's the whole point, LOH. He's not a companion in the sense that Tali or Samara was, he's like Kasumi. This is why I don't think it was removed at launch for the sole purpose of just eating more money.
I agree it is lame, but in no way is it something to boycott a game over.
I don't blame Bioware for the same reason I don't blame them for SWTOR and WAR - EA made them do it. You can't say no to the guy enabling you to make your money. Game developers make no money without publishers.
TB went way overboard, it was quite clear. For him to PMS so much over it was quite amusing to me, personally.
I do see your premise though, LOH. I would just chalk it up to more of EA intentionally fething things up.
2012/02/23 04:06:58
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
Karon wrote:I don't blame Bioware for the same reason I don't blame them for SWTOR and WAR - EA made them do it. You can't say no to the guy enabling you to make your money. Game developers make no money without publishers.
I honestly don't see a significant difference. Most of the ME2 companions were just filler. Only Mord and Miranda were really integral to the plot. Tali and Samara were no more vital to the plot of ME2 than Kasumi. I mean, I suppose you needed the companion upgrades for the Normandy to help get he best ending (because Cerberus apparently didn't include all those things their their most cutting edge ship...), but none of that is really important to the plot. Other than Miranda being Jesus and Mord being the brain of the operation, none of the characters needed to be in the storyline anymore than this one.
This is why I don't think it was removed at launch for the sole purpose of just eating more money.
Except that's exactly the case. Otherwise he'd just be in the game, or be the same deal as Zaeed (who's DLC status made more sense). I also don't understand why you think I blame Bioware. I don't. I can hate EA all day and happily
EDIT: I suppose I could be silly and demand Bioware do what Infinity Ward did, quit in mass, but West and Zempala are dicks so I'm not sure I want to suggest Bioware be like them
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2012/02/23 04:43:32
The difference is that you had to go out on a mission to get Samara and do a big quest to find her - just like all the rest of the companions.
Zaeed just showed up and said "Sup, lets kill gak"
Kasumi fethed with you for 3 dialogue options and then joined.
The DLC characters didn't carry content to obtain them, they were just there. Au contraire, the main characters in the base game had a mission to get them, then they joined you, lots of options to talk to them and explore their person on your ship, then a whole mission to gain their loyalty, possible romance for some, etc etc.
2012/02/23 04:45:50
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
Considering who the companion is (why are we treating it as a spoiler anyway? Everyone probably already knows...) I highly doubt he just shows up and then does nothing (and Kasumi and Zaeed did have companion quests EDIT And Kasumi's DLC also added a new resource system as well as Kasumi herself).
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/02/23 04:47:39
My initial thoughts on this were of outrage, but now I'm not sure.
I think I'll have to read about how much it adds to the story when it's released before making my mind up. It is a bit of a kick in the teeth to proper fans to have this only for extra cost, though.
www.game.co.uk:-
"MASS EFFECT 3 N7 COLLECTORS EDITON ONLY £69.99!"
BARGAIN!! /sarcasm
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/02/23 11:11:12
2012/02/23 14:54:41
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
Karon wrote:I don't blame Bioware for the same reason I don't blame them for SWTOR and WAR - EA made them do it. You can't say no to the guy enabling you to make your money. Game developers make no money without publishers.
Damn, starting to see why White Wolf has gone there over for a new book and potentially other future RPG releases. The way the tabletop RPG industry has been going I could see that being the eventual norm for some companies.
Skarwael wrote:My initial thoughts on this were of outrage, but now I'm not sure.
I think I'll have to read about how much it adds to the story when it's released before making my mind up. It is a bit of a kick in the teeth to proper fans to have this only for extra cost, though.
www.game.co.uk:-
"MASS EFFECT 3 N7 COLLECTORS EDITON ONLY £69.99!"
BARGAIN!! /sarcasm
To be fair, you get a fair lot of stuff for that. Considering the game on its own is going to be around the £35 mark day of release. For the extra you get a art book, Soundtrack CD, comicbook, specially designed Tin, various other bits, the day one release DLC for free, plus a load of additional in game items unique to the set. Oh and pre-ordering off game gives you some extra weapons free as well.
Don't see how you see that as overpriced compared to some of the other 'bare minimum' Collectors editions I've seen out there for the same price.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2012/02/23 14:55:29
"That's not an Ork, its a girl.." - Last words of High General Daran Ul'tharem, battle of Ursha VII.
Two White Horses (Ipswich Town and Denver Broncos Supporter)
2012/02/23 19:20:54
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
To be fair, you get a fair lot of stuff for that. Considering the game on its own is going to be around the £35 mark day of release.
For the extra you get a art book, Soundtrack CD, comicbook, specially designed Tin, various other bits, the day one release DLC for free, plus a load of additional in game items unique to the set. Oh and pre-ordering off game gives you some extra weapons free as well.
Don't see how you see that as overpriced compared to some of the other 'bare minimum' Collectors editions I've seen out there for the same price.
Demon's Souls Black Phantom edition had several things in it and that was priced around £40. So, gouging isn't unique to EA, but I imagine they're making a sweet little markup on the ME collectors edition if you take the former into consideration.
2012/02/23 19:29:57
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
Thats probably the best price for a CE I've heard. Pretty much universally I've seen other Collectors editions priced between £70 and £100 for most games I've looked at.
Some just containing a Art book and CD, maybe one other item. Hell the Halo Reach one had a book, clothing patch and two bits of in game content. The book (diary) was a nice read, but easily forgettable.
Sadly it seems its just become a standard price here in Blighty.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/02/23 19:31:12
"That's not an Ork, its a girl.." - Last words of High General Daran Ul'tharem, battle of Ursha VII.
Two White Horses (Ipswich Town and Denver Broncos Supporter)
2012/02/23 19:52:20
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
Morathi's Darkest Sin wrote:Thats probably the best price for a CE I've heard. Pretty much universally I've seen other Collectors editions priced between £70 and £100 for most games I've looked at.
Some just containing a Art book and CD, maybe one other item. Hell the Halo Reach one had a book, clothing patch and two bits of in game content. The book (diary) was a nice read, but easily forgettable.
Sadly it seems its just become a standard price here in Blighty.
Edit: Just checked my order history on amazon, it was actually £34.80!
I shouldn't have said "several things" but there was an art book, soundtrack CD and game guide. Not as much as the ME3 collectors edition, sure, but I don't think the rest of what's included is worth the £30(!) difference.
The value for money puts other games to shame. That's sort of why I don't bother with CE's anymore. They're not worth it IMO, and usually disappointing.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/02/23 19:58:56
2012/02/23 22:40:05
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
LordofHats wrote:Considering who the companion is (why are we treating it as a spoiler anyway? Everyone probably already knows...) I highly doubt he just shows up and then does nothing (and Kasumi and Zaeed did have companion quests EDIT And Kasumi's DLC also added a new resource system as well as Kasumi herself).
They had companion quests but not content quests to go obtain them, not to mention they weren't in any way important story wise.
The companion won't be able to do anything but what Zaeed or Kasumi did or it wouldn't make sense for the game to be played without it - that's the point. If he isn't insignificant and largely irrelevant in the overall story, he wouldn't be in the form of DLC.
2012/02/23 23:01:22
Subject: Slarg's Video Game News and Rumors thread. Mass Effect DLC Leaked.
not to mention they weren't in any way important story wise.
So were most of the other party members :/
Given this party members orgins I highly doubt there won't be a quest to obtain him/her. That would just be too awkward.
No one is taking issue with missing out on a DLC content. The problem is that he's ready day 1 but isn't included with game. No one takes issue with DLC just that he should have been in the game to begin with since he's ready at launch day. Its very greedy for EA to take $60 and then say "Oh by the way there's this thing too but its gonna cost you another $10." They could at least wait a few weeks before asking for more money -_-
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2012/02/23 23:02:37
This is what, the forth, fifth time they've prematurely released DLC?
