Video games...what ya playing? And what are you looking forward to? (2 Viewers)

[jwb]

Ummm....

Rumors on details about the next Xboxen are beginning to fly fast and furious, with an always-on Internet connection and Blu-ray drive being the latest. Edge cites sources with "first-hand experience" who rehash previously noted tech specs, but also mention the next Xbox will have an improved Kinect and an always-on internet connection to cut out the second-hand game market from the platform. The use of high-capacity Blu-ray discs seems a natural assumption since ... well, HD-DVD is no longer with us.

Oh my...

This will cut my game purchases down to about 2-4 a year.

that may be 2-4 more than I do, unless the prices drop dramatically, which I doubt. This seem inevitable at this point as every PS4/Xbox720 rumor seems to point to the ending of second hand games.

Yeah I was fighting admitting it but it seems to be the way they are going. It's just so greedy. It will definitely affect the market and I don't think it will be in a good way.

This is wrong. See Steam for the model on what's going to happen. Personally, prefer the digital media vs hardcopies.

Doesn't really matter since Steam wants to do the same thing. Delivery method isn't the point really.

Actually, you could not be more wrong. Delivery method is everything.If publishers no longer need to worry about delivering discs, prices go down significantly and sales happen quicker. That's the end game and a big win for consumers, imo.

Yeah I don't think so. If they can get 60 now why drop the price? Consumers will whine but keep right on buying. And then for those to whom 60 is a lot of money they have now taken away the right for them to buy used. All because they don't get a piece of every sale. Well I don't send GM money when I sell a used Chevy either. Pure greed. No reason to think they are going to suddenly give up free margin.

Big differences in your analogy. First of all, when someone sells a used car, a new car (usually) replaces it. Second, there's a big difference in new and used cars - used is almost never as good as new, and in many cases, not even close. Not so with games. I don't blame publishers one bit, for a few reasons (it benefits them greatly to get off the physical media portion). But I do think it will be win/win all the way around - prices will come down (prices typically always come down with better tech / delivery / etc - again, look at music for your guide here.

 

[Insein]

All right I am going into Rapture. Will report back tomorrow.

God speed son. Would you kindly let us know how it was?

Is it wrong that I'm excited?

Nah, I'm feeling it too.

 

[Insein]

Ummm....

Rumors on details about the next Xboxen are beginning to fly fast and furious, with an always-on Internet connection and Blu-ray drive being the latest. Edge cites sources with "first-hand experience" who rehash previously noted tech specs, but also mention the next Xbox will have an improved Kinect and an always-on internet connection to cut out the second-hand game market from the platform. The use of high-capacity Blu-ray discs seems a natural assumption since ... well, HD-DVD is no longer with us.

Oh my...

This will cut my game purchases down to about 2-4 a year.

that may be 2-4 more than I do, unless the prices drop dramatically, which I doubt. This seem inevitable at this point as every PS4/Xbox720 rumor seems to point to the ending of second hand games.

Yeah I was fighting admitting it but it seems to be the way they are going. It's just so greedy. It will definitely affect the market and I don't think it will be in a good way.

This is wrong. See Steam for the model on what's going to happen. Personally, prefer the digital media vs hardcopies.

Doesn't really matter since Steam wants to do the same thing. Delivery method isn't the point really.

Actually, you could not be more wrong. Delivery method is everything.If publishers no longer need to worry about delivering discs, prices go down significantly and sales happen quicker. That's the end game and a big win for consumers, imo.

Yeah I don't think so. If they can get 60 now why drop the price? Consumers will whine but keep right on buying. And then for those to whom 60 is a lot of money they have now taken away the right for them to buy used. All because they don't get a piece of every sale. Well I don't send GM money when I sell a used Chevy either. Pure greed. No reason to think they are going to suddenly give up free margin.

Big differences in your analogy. First of all, when someone sells a used car, a new car (usually) replaces it. Second, there's a big difference in new and used cars - used is almost never as good as new, and in many cases, not even close. Not so with games. I don't blame publishers one bit, for a few reasons (it benefits them greatly to get off the physical media portion). But I do think it will be win/win all the way around - prices will come down (prices typically always come down with better tech / delivery / etc - again, look at music for your guide here.

The problem here is that they don't see the value in dropping price because of distribution method. They'll justify the $60 price point as value for the media they are selling and just pocket the extra profit per unit. Overall though, I can't see how this helps them. Most people are very unsavvy when it comes to technology. Most people still can't figure out how to put a password on the wireless network. Expecting the casual consumer to be able to figure out downloading games and storing them in a cloud is going to be a lot to hope for.

 

[jwb]

Look at music and movies for your answer to this problem.

How long before games are cloud-based? Spotify for gaming. You pay X a month, and get access to games.

It's bound to happen.

The biggest market is America. In America about 40% of households do not have high speed access and about 5% of Americans can't get high speed access in any way. That is millions of people that might enjoy games now that wouldn't in that scenario. I think it will be quite a while before that is the dominant way people play.

I'm going to guess of this 40%, a small percentage are actually hardcore, console-owning gamers. I realize some exceptions exist (a good friend of mine is one), but I'm going to guess the percentage of xbox/ps3 owners who don't have high speed is fairly small.

 

[Todem]

If they're thinking they'll be able to convert those who normally buy used to new game buyers I think they're really mistaken.With the pressure from Steam (no pun intended), new consoles like the Ouya, and all the portable gaming that can be done on phones, I think the vast majority of people will say "#### you, I can be just as satisfied with this $5 handheld/online game as I can with your $60 console based one".I can't see any way that it would work while maintaining the same pricepoint.

I will be playing my PS3 for at least 5 more years.Screw them greedy sons of #####es.I will make sure to buy another PS3 (slim this time still have my 80 gig fatty) when the price is cut to 150 bucks as a spare in case my original dies.I can keep playing PS3 games for a long time and enjoy it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don't blame publishers one bit, for a few reasons (it benefits them greatly to get off the physical media portion). But I do think it will be win/win all the way around - prices will come down (prices typically always come down with better tech / delivery / etc - again, look at music for your guide here.

It will in no way, shape, or form be a win win for everyone. It is going to knock a fairly significant portion of the gaming market out because while the gross cost of games may drop by a small amount, the net cost is going to go significantly up.

Even if we use the assumption that brand new games drop all the way to $40, that would quadruple my price per game (and there is no way I see new games coming down any where close to that mark).

The only ones who win here are the people who enjoy pirating because this is going to set a lot of people in that direction who normally would not have.

 

[NewlyRetired]

If they're thinking they'll be able to convert those who normally buy used to new game buyers I think they're really mistaken.With the pressure from Steam (no pun intended), new consoles like the Ouya, and all the portable gaming that can be done on phones, I think the vast majority of people will say "#### you, I can be just as satisfied with this $5 handheld/online game as I can with your $60 console based one".I can't see any way that it would work while maintaining the same pricepoint.

I will be playing my PS3 for at least 5 more years.Screw them greedy sons of #####es.I will make sure to buy another PS3 (slim this time still have my 80 gig fatty) when the price is cut to 150 bucks as a spare in case my original dies.I can keep playing PS3 games for a long time and enjoy it.

Yeah, I figure 4-5 years is where I will be able to survive to assuming the PS4 comes out next winter. The length of time to play will obviously depends upon how long they continue to make PS3 versions of the games.

 

[jwb]

Yeah I don't think so. If they can get 60 now why drop the price? Consumers will whine but keep right on buying. And then for those to whom 60 is a lot of money they have now taken away the right for them to buy used. All because they don't get a piece of every sale. Well I don't send GM money when I sell a used Chevy either. Pure greed. No reason to think they are going to suddenly give up free margin.

Big differences in your analogy. First of all, when someone sells a used car, a new car (usually) replaces it. Second, there's a big difference in new and used cars - used is almost never as good as new, and in many cases, not even close. Not so with games. I don't blame publishers one bit, for a few reasons (it benefits them greatly to get off the physical media portion). But I do think it will be win/win all the way around - prices will come down (prices typically always come down with better tech / delivery / etc - again, look at music for your guide here.

The problem here is that they don't see the value in dropping price because of distribution method. They'll justify the $60 price point as value for the media they are selling and just pocket the extra profit per unit. Overall though, I can't see how this helps them. Most people are very unsavvy when it comes to technology. Most people still can't figure out how to put a password on the wireless network. Expecting the casual consumer to be able to figure out downloading games and storing them in a cloud is going to be a lot to hope for.

well, this price point thing didn't happen with music. The price of a "cd's worth of music" was roughly cut in half. Or movies now - the Netflix / Amazon / Hulu model will only grow.I realize they charge $60 now for electronic distribution of a new title, but that's probably because of deals already in place with retail stores, etc. It won't happen overnight, but the price of gaming will definitely come down as distribution tech gets better and storage becomes a non-factor. Losing the used game market will be no big loss in the long run. The only people who are really going to feel this are hardcore buy and sell guys (like newly retired/etc).

 

[jwb]

I don't blame publishers one bit, for a few reasons (it benefits them greatly to get off the physical media portion). But I do think it will be win/win all the way around - prices will come down (prices typically always come down with better tech / delivery / etc - again, look at music for your guide here.

It will in no way, shape, or form be a win win for everyone. It is going to knock a fairly significant portion of the gaming market out because while the gross cost of games may drop by a small amount, the net cost is going to go significantly up.

Even if we use the assumption that brand new games drop all the way to $40, that would quadruple my price per game (and there is no way I see new games coming down any where close to that mark).

The only ones who win here are the people who enjoy pirating because this is going to set a lot of people in that direction who normally would not have.

I actually doubt that very much (the pirating/etc). I realize you like buying/selling games (my wife does the same - it's kind of agame in itself to her ), but I guarantee guys like you are a sliver of the market.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don't blame publishers one bit, for a few reasons (it benefits them greatly to get off the physical media portion). But I do think it will be win/win all the way around - prices will come down (prices typically always come down with better tech / delivery / etc - again, look at music for your guide here.

It will in no way, shape, or form be a win win for everyone. It is going to knock a fairly significant portion of the gaming market out because while the gross cost of games may drop by a small amount, the net cost is going to go significantly up.

Even if we use the assumption that brand new games drop all the way to $40, that would quadruple my price per game (and there is no way I see new games coming down any where close to that mark).

The only ones who win here are the people who enjoy pirating because this is going to set a lot of people in that direction who normally would not have.

I actually doubt that very much (the pirating/etc). I realize you like buying/selling games (my wife does the same - it's kind of agame in itself to her ), but I guarantee guys like you are a sliver of the market.

Why do you doubt the pirating? It is most certainly going to happen IMO. You are quite mistaken about the size of after market gaming. The after market in gaming is fairly big. Games get sold and resold and resold numerous times over. If it was a sliver, they never would have gone through the bother of blocking it.

 

[jwb]

I don't blame publishers one bit, for a few reasons (it benefits them greatly to get off the physical media portion). But I do think it will be win/win all the way around - prices will come down (prices typically always come down with better tech / delivery / etc - again, look at music for your guide here.

It will in no way, shape, or form be a win win for everyone. It is going to knock a fairly significant portion of the gaming market out because while the gross cost of games may drop by a small amount, the net cost is going to go significantly up.

Even if we use the assumption that brand new games drop all the way to $40, that would quadruple my price per game (and there is no way I see new games coming down any where close to that mark).

The only ones who win here are the people who enjoy pirating because this is going to set a lot of people in that direction who normally would not have.

I actually doubt that very much (the pirating/etc). I realize you like buying/selling games (my wife does the same - it's kind of agame in itself to her ), but I guarantee guys like you are a sliver of the market.

Why do you doubt the pirating? It is most certainly going to happen IMO. You are quite mistaken about the size of after market gaming. The after market in gaming is fairly big. Games get sold and resold and resold numerous times over. If it was a sliver, they never would have gone through the bother of blocking it.

Not what I meant - I meant guys who would either give up the hobby (like you said you would) or pirate because used games are gone. No, I realize used gaming is big. But partially only because it exists. In other words, I really don't think "used gaming" drives gaming in any meaningful way. If I can trade in a few games at gamestop and maybe buy a used copy of something a bit cheaper, fine. I'm pretty sure that's the people the publishers want to stop - the guy who says "hey, why not save $5-$8 and buy used a month after release?" That guy is the guy keeping Gamestop in business. But in the absence of that "month old used game", that person will almost certainly be ok with buying new. My .02 anyway.

I think you're more talking about ebay buyers/sellers of games, who buy them $20-$30 cheaper a month or two after release. Those guys might go pirate. But like I said, i suspect that's a sliver of the market. Publishers have their sites on Gamestop, not Ebay.

ETA - remember, they make nothing on used games. Zero. If anything, getting rid of this huge aftermarket will likely drive more people to buy new than to pirating (because like I stated above, I suspect the large majority of used gamers aren't doing it to get their net to $10 like you do. They instead look to save $10 - and that's not worth going the Pirate route.)

Yes, you will be affected. People like you (who work to get their net down to $10/etc) will be affected. But I think people like you are a tiny part of the market.

 

[Insein]

Yeah I don't think so. If they can get 60 now why drop the price? Consumers will whine but keep right on buying. And then for those to whom 60 is a lot of money they have now taken away the right for them to buy used. All because they don't get a piece of every sale. Well I don't send GM money when I sell a used Chevy either. Pure greed. No reason to think they are going to suddenly give up free margin.

Big differences in your analogy. First of all, when someone sells a used car, a new car (usually) replaces it. Second, there's a big difference in new and used cars - used is almost never as good as new, and in many cases, not even close. Not so with games. I don't blame publishers one bit, for a few reasons (it benefits them greatly to get off the physical media portion). But I do think it will be win/win all the way around - prices will come down (prices typically always come down with better tech / delivery / etc - again, look at music for your guide here.

The problem here is that they don't see the value in dropping price because of distribution method. They'll justify the $60 price point as value for the media they are selling and just pocket the extra profit per unit. Overall though, I can't see how this helps them. Most people are very unsavvy when it comes to technology. Most people still can't figure out how to put a password on the wireless network. Expecting the casual consumer to be able to figure out downloading games and storing them in a cloud is going to be a lot to hope for.

well, this price point thing didn't happen with music. The price of a "cd's worth of music" was roughly cut in half. Or movies now - the Netflix / Amazon / Hulu model will only grow.I realize they charge $60 now for electronic distribution of a new title, but that's probably because of deals already in place with retail stores, etc. It won't happen overnight, but the price of gaming will definitely come down as distribution tech gets better and storage becomes a non-factor. Losing the used game market will be no big loss in the long run. The only people who are really going to feel this are hardcore buy and sell guys (like newly retired/etc).

I think you underestimate who is doing the buying of used games. My sister in law, who is hardly a hardcore gamer (called it xstation up until last year), has been buying games for her now 11 year old son for years. She has purchased many of them used because they are cheaper. A lot of the games he's played have been older titles at half off. Only about 1 or 2 titles a year has she bought brand new for him. I don't know if she's typical for a common mother of a young child but I have seen others like it. They try to keep the cost down as much as possible and I don't see them justifying a new system at the price they're asking along with always $60 games.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yes, you will be affected. People like you (who work to get their net down to $10/etc) will be affected. But I think people like you are a tiny part of the market.

You keep referring to this as "work". It could not be any easier, which is why so many games move on ebay.

 

[jwb]

Yes, you will be affected. People like you (who work to get their net down to $10/etc) will be affected. But I think people like you are a tiny part of the market.

You keep referring to this as "work". It could not be any easier, which is why so many games move on ebay.

To you it's easy. To me it's easy. To most people, it isn't, and more importantly, it's not worth their time to actually set up an ebay account, list stuff, pack it up, etc etc. If people really found it so simple, why would they leave tons of money on the table by going to Gamestop? It's not like they haven't heard of Ebay. For example, right now, I find 162 used copies of Madden13 xbox on ebay. I'll bet the gamestops in my 3-county area have more than that on hand. And we all know "Gamestop used" is no great bargain in either buying or selling. Gamestop survives by paying $16 for a used game, and selling it for $55. I'm guessing those $55 buyers aren't going to leave the hobby over $5. And the guy getting $16 for the used game (to likely be put towards another one) - he'll likely pony up as well.

I'm basically saying the number of people who are going to be monetarily forced to either give up the hobby or pirate by no more used games is likely very, very small. You seem to be saying they will leave in droves (at least that's how I'm understanding you.)

 

[SlaX]

I've said it before, but where this will affect me is in game rentals and loaning/borrowing with friends. I have to hope that game sales will go the Steam route and will have a dramatic drop in price after the initial run, even lower than it is now. If this happens, I'll likely try games I'm not sure of, the same way I do on Steam when the price is right. If it doesn't go that way, there will be a huge drop in not only the games I play, but the games I buy. There are very few games I pay full price for now. I almost never buy used, so that really isn't the issue with me.Definitely taking a wait and see approach here.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yes, you will be affected. People like you (who work to get their net down to $10/etc) will be affected. But I think people like you are a tiny part of the market.

You keep referring to this as "work". It could not be any easier, which is why so many games move on ebay.

To you it's easy. To me it's easy. To most people, it isn't, and more importantly, it's not worth their time to actually set up an ebay account, list stuff, pack it up, etc etc. If people really found it so simple, why would they leave tons of money on the table by going to Gamestop? It's not like they haven't heard of Ebay. For example, right now, I find 162 used copies of Madden13 xbox on ebay. I'll bet the gamestops in my 3-county area have more than that on hand.

They may and next week they will likely have 150 of those still on the shelf where as ebay will have sold nearly every copy and have been refreshed with another 160 for the next few days. The life cycle of a game on eBay averages 3 days. It is almost a non stop constant turn over. It is an apples and oranges comparison with a brick and mortar store where games can gather dust for weeks on end.

Back in 2010, an average of 13,500 used games sold on eBay, PER DAY. I don't think you are fully appreciating just how massive the used gaming market is on eBay.

Games Sold On Ebay

I do not think players will leave in "droves", but this thread alone should give you a rough idea that it is going to be a lot more than you think in terms of people who might not take to the new generation.

Granted, if the price point for games drops significantly that will change everything. I am pessimistic on how big that drop will be.

 

[jwb]

Yes, you will be affected. People like you (who work to get their net down to $10/etc) will be affected. But I think people like you are a tiny part of the market.

You keep referring to this as "work". It could not be any easier, which is why so many games move on ebay.

To you it's easy. To me it's easy. To most people, it isn't, and more importantly, it's not worth their time to actually set up an ebay account, list stuff, pack it up, etc etc. If people really found it so simple, why would they leave tons of money on the table by going to Gamestop? It's not like they haven't heard of Ebay. For example, right now, I find 162 used copies of Madden13 xbox on ebay. I'll bet the gamestops in my 3-county area have more than that on hand.

They may and next week they will likely have 150 of those still on the shelf where as ebay will have sold nearly every copy and have been refreshed with another 160 for the next few days. The life cycle of a game on eBay averages 3 days. It is almost a non stop constant turn over. It is an apples and oranges comparison with a brick and mortar store where games can gather dust for weeks on end.

Back in 2010, an average of 13,500 used games sold on eBay, PER DAY. I don't think you are fully appreciating just how massive the used gaming market is on eBay.

Games Sold On Ebay

I do not think players will leave in "droves", but this thread alone should give you a rough idea that it is going to be a lot more than you think in terms of people who might not take to the new generation.

Granted, if the price point for games drops significantly that will change everything. I am pessimistic on how big that drop will be.

Good point on the timeframe. It probably is bigger than I think but I still don't see used games as something to worry about (for publishers) - I don't think it's a big enough market. We'll see I guess.Pretty juiced about the future either way - I'm about ready for another console generation - 360 has been fantastic, and I'm looking forward to seeing what is next.

 

[jwb]

I've said it before, but where this will affect me is in game rentals and loaning/borrowing with friends. I have to hope that game sales will go the Steam route and will have a dramatic drop in price after the initial run, even lower than it is now. If this happens, I'll likely try games I'm not sure of, the same way I do on Steam when the price is right. If it doesn't go that way, there will be a huge drop in not only the games I play, but the games I buy. There are very few games I pay full price for now. I almost never buy used, so that really isn't the issue with me.

Definitely taking a wait and see approach here.

I suspect that'll be the way it works. Music and movies are surviving in this new world. Games will too (I like Steam, even though I don;t play many PC games these days.)One thing you may see more of is DLC. Core game = $19.99. Want the multiplayer? Ok, another $15. Want more maps? Another $5. Etc. Just anm example, but it's probably viable.

 

[Insein]

I've said it before, but where this will affect me is in game rentals and loaning/borrowing with friends. I have to hope that game sales will go the Steam route and will have a dramatic drop in price after the initial run, even lower than it is now. If this happens, I'll likely try games I'm not sure of, the same way I do on Steam when the price is right. If it doesn't go that way, there will be a huge drop in not only the games I play, but the games I buy. There are very few games I pay full price for now. I almost never buy used, so that really isn't the issue with me.

Definitely taking a wait and see approach here.

I suspect that'll be the way it works. Music and movies are surviving in this new world. Games will too (I like Steam, even though I don;t play many PC games these days.)One thing you may see more of is DLC. Core game = $19.99. Want the multiplayer? Ok, another $15. Want more maps? Another $5. Etc. Just anm example, but it's probably viable.

They do this now but with a $60 price point for the game packaged with MP. DLC and extra maps still cost $5-$20 each.

 

[TxBuckeye]

News from GameStop this week said that they would be closing 500 stores this year. :( My linkI hope the one by my house doesn't close. They do pretty good business at that mall location.

The one on base at the BX already closed as of 31 Jan. Got a voice mail telling me my pre-order had been moved. Unfortunately it moved about 10 miles in the wrong direction, rather than to the GameStop right down the street from me.

 

[NCCommish]

Yes, you will be affected. People like you (who work to get their net down to $10/etc) will be affected. But I think people like you are a tiny part of the market.

The last figure I saw was 49 million gamers in the US bought used. Is that really a tiny part of the US market?

 

[NCCommish]

All right I am going into Rapture. Will report back tomorrow.

God speed son. Would you kindly let us know how it was?

Is it wrong that I'm excited?

Nah, I'm feeling it too.

All right guys here you go. Unfortunately I had stop a little earlier than I wanted last night due to a minor domestic emergency(kittens knocking stuff over). So I stopped just before I entered the restaurant. Not a huge amount of play but enough to start to get a feel for the game. You guys were definitely right about the atmospherics. Spooky without being corny. I think graphically it holds up very well and it's obvious much care and work was put into it. Very cool looking game. Digging my first plasmid, Electric Bolt, but boy does it eats EVE right now. Still shocking a splicer and then beating them down with the wrench is both fun and somewhat therapeutic. So all in all I am very happy with my purchase and can't wait to get back into it. I am working from home today and I can't tell you how tempted I am, but I must resist.One quick question for you guys. I do know a little about the game and I know there is some back and forth on saving Little Sisters versus killing them. I am leaning toward saving them. But I have heard you should harvest at least one and I have heard if you harvest any you miss out on a bunch of goodies. Without giving too much away what did you guys do and how do it work out?

 

[IvanKaramazov]

All right guys here you go. Unfortunately I had stop a little earlier than I wanted last night due to a minor domestic emergency(kittens knocking stuff over). So I stopped just before I entered the restaurant. Not a huge amount of play but enough to start to get a feel for the game. You guys were definitely right about the atmospherics. Spooky without being corny. I think graphically it holds up very well and it's obvious much care and work was put into it. Very cool looking game. Digging my first plasmid, Electric Bolt, but boy does it eats EVE right now. Still shocking a splicer and then beating them down with the wrench is both fun and somewhat therapeutic.

You can get pretty creative with plasmids. For example, you set a splicer on fire and then electocute him when he runs to water. Security Bullseye (or whatever it's called) is another good one that you get later on.

So all in all I am very happy with my purchase and can't wait to get back into it. I am working from home today and I can't tell you how tempted I am, but I must resist.One quick question for you guys. I do know a little about the game and I know there is some back and forth on saving Little Sisters versus killing them. I am leaning toward saving them. But I have heard you should harvest at least one and I have heard if you harvest any you miss out on a bunch of goodies. Without giving too much away what did you guys do and how do it work out?

No reason to harvest any of them unless you want to. If you rescue them from the beginning, you'll get a really helpful plasmid as a gift toward the end of the next level I think.

 

[jwb]

Yes, you will be affected. People like you (who work to get their net down to $10/etc) will be affected. But I think people like you are a tiny part of the market.

The last figure I saw was 49 million gamers in the US bought used. Is that really a tiny part of the US market?

You're misunderstanding my point - it's not simply buying used. I realize tons of people do that. But how many of that 49 million would be monetarily forced to give up gaming (or go to pirating) if there weren't any used games to buy? I don't know, but I do suspect very, very few. I'm going to guess the great majority of used game purchases save the buyer $10 or less over new. Almost like a "hey, if Gamestop will guarantee it, why not save $7?" (this exact transaction keeps them in business - they push this hard with just about every new game brought top the counter).The guy who buys an A+ title 2 months after release on ebay for $42, and sold another 2-month old A+ title for $38 at the same time - yea, he's royally hosed. The ebay buyer/seller "get my net to $10 a game" guy has nowhere to go. I totally agree with that. I still think that's a small part of the used market (not all ebay buyers are sellers by any stretch), and one the gaming companies don't care about losing.

Actually, the part of this that I'm more fearful of is older games going away. You almost can't buy a "new" 3-4 year old title. Especially if it's not an A-list title. That would really bother me - I love looking through Gamestop's used stuff for old games I missed.

 

[NewlyRetired]

One quick question for you guys. I do know a little about the game and I know there is some back and forth on saving Little Sisters versus killing them. I am leaning toward saving them. But I have heard you should harvest at least one and I have heard if you harvest any you miss out on a bunch of goodies. Without giving too much away what did you guys do and how do it work out?

Harvesting is a short term investment (easier early on, more Adam)Saving is a long term investment (easier later on, more goodies)Mix (can get a balance if done correctly (saving in blocks of 3)Basically decide if you want a happy ending (saving) or sad ending (harvesting/mix), and then stick with your choice. I went the save route and was very happy with the ending.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Harvesting Little Sisters seemed...wrong.

 

[jwb]

One quick question for you guys. I do know a little about the game and I know there is some back and forth on saving Little Sisters versus killing them. I am leaning toward saving them. But I have heard you should harvest at least one and I have heard if you harvest any you miss out on a bunch of goodies. Without giving too much away what did you guys do and how do it work out?

Harvesting is a short term investment (easier early on, more Adam)Saving is a long term investment (easier later on, more goodies)

Mix (can get a balance if done correctly (saving in blocks of 3)

Basically decide if you want a happy ending (saving) or sad ending (harvesting/mix), and then stick with your choice.

I went the save route and was very happy with the ending.

Me too. The harvesting choice was almost like a quick fix.ETA - now I want to play Bioshock again. Will start it tonight.

 

[Concept Coop]

All right I am going into Rapture. Will report back tomorrow.

One of my all time favorites. If I had to pick one, I think Bioshock would be it. And I haven't played it for years, so that's not a what have you done for me lately comment. I envy you being able to play it for the first time. Enjoy it.

 

[Concept Coop]

Played Red Dead for about 4 hours and am ready to give up on it. It's very slow (and I love Skyrim!). Does it pick up soon, or is this a game better enjoyed by those without heavy ADD?

 

[shadyridr]

God of War Ascension looks insane

 

[NewlyRetired]

Played Red Dead for about 4 hours and am ready to give up on it. It's very slow (and I love Skyrim!). Does it pick up soon, or is this a game better enjoyed by those without heavy ADD?

It has been a while but I don't remember it being slower than Skyrim. Maybe you should try the multiplayer if you are looking for more action.

 

[Disco Stu]

Newbie dipping a toe into this thread for the first time. Be gentle...My son turns 10 later this month, and I'll be giving him an XBox 360. It comes with a Skylanders starter set. And I bought Portal 2 based on reviews.What are some other recommended games that aren't rated M? Keep in mind that we're starting from scratch, so "classics" are perfectly acceptable (preferred actually due to price). No need for online play.He would love to play shooter-type games, but I don't want anything much more violent than the "Star Wars Battlefront 2" he has on PS2. How violent are Call of Duty 2 and 3? I see they're rated T. Is there a paintball game that's a decent substitute?He's also a big Madden fan. So that or the NCAA version will probably happen before long. Maybe Marvel Ultimate Alliance too.Thoughts?

 

[Worm]

Newbie dipping a toe into this thread for the first time. Be gentle...My son turns 10 later this month, and I'll be giving him an XBox 360. It comes with a Skylanders starter set. And I bought Portal 2 based on reviews.What are some other recommended games that aren't rated M? Keep in mind that we're starting from scratch, so "classics" are perfectly acceptable (preferred actually due to price). No need for online play.He would love to play shooter-type games, but I don't want anything much more violent than the "Star Wars Battlefront 2" he has on PS2. How violent are Call of Duty 2 and 3? I see they're rated T. Is there a paintball game that's a decent substitute?He's also a big Madden fan. So that or the NCAA version will probably happen before long. Maybe Marvel Ultimate Alliance too.Thoughts?

Nowadays every military type shooter has copious amounts of cussing, etc., in the campaigns. I would avoid those.

 

[SlaX]

Newbie dipping a toe into this thread for the first time. Be gentle...My son turns 10 later this month, and I'll be giving him an XBox 360. It comes with a Skylanders starter set. And I bought Portal 2 based on reviews.What are some other recommended games that aren't rated M? Keep in mind that we're starting from scratch, so "classics" are perfectly acceptable (preferred actually due to price). No need for online play.He would love to play shooter-type games, but I don't want anything much more violent than the "Star Wars Battlefront 2" he has on PS2. How violent are Call of Duty 2 and 3? I see they're rated T. Is there a paintball game that's a decent substitute?He's also a big Madden fan. So that or the NCAA version will probably happen before long. Maybe Marvel Ultimate Alliance too.Thoughts?

Call of Duty 2 was pretty tame compared to the new versions of the game. It's a good WW2 shooter and done before everything went modern. I wasn't as big of a fan of Call of Duty 3, but it's still about the same there.Although you aren't looking at online play, there is a lot of great games on XBox Live Arcade to choose from. Most don't require online play, but you have to download them.

 

[jwb]

Newbie dipping a toe into this thread for the first time. Be gentle...My son turns 10 later this month, and I'll be giving him an XBox 360. It comes with a Skylanders starter set. And I bought Portal 2 based on reviews.What are some other recommended games that aren't rated M? Keep in mind that we're starting from scratch, so "classics" are perfectly acceptable (preferred actually due to price). No need for online play.He would love to play shooter-type games, but I don't want anything much more violent than the "Star Wars Battlefront 2" he has on PS2. How violent are Call of Duty 2 and 3? I see they're rated T. Is there a paintball game that's a decent substitute?He's also a big Madden fan. So that or the NCAA version will probably happen before long. Maybe Marvel Ultimate Alliance too.Thoughts?

I personally would not let a ten year old play the call of duty games. A little too mature in theme.marvel ultimate alliance is fun, if a bit repetitive. One game that nobody will mention but is ridiculously fun is Earth Defense Force 2017 - it's a shooter, but you're killing giant alien bugs - it's corny, goofy, "no blood" fun. You can get it used for about $5 (the original is MUCH better than the second one.)The Halo games are a lot of fun. Yes, they are shooters, but are fairly devoid of blood/etc (again, in single player mode, you're killing aliens, which makes it seem a lot less violent than killing humans.) I would start with the opriginal (which has been redone for the 360). Fun split-screen co-op too - you'll have fun playing with him.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Legos games are all fun for kids.Plants vs. ZombiesThe Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition Rayman OriginsReally, I think your best success will be downloading a lot of the simple titles available through Xbox Live Arcade.

 

[Jobber]

Another nod to the Halo series. Yes, Halo 4 (and others?) are rated "M", but I think mostly due to the fact that guns are present. There isn't any blood that I can recall, or swearing.

 

[Disco Stu]

Thanks. I'll look into the Halo series and the Earth Defense one for sure. And yes, downloading from the Arcade is a good option too. I'm pretty sure the first thing he'll ask is if he can download Minecraft.

 

[Worm]

Thanks. I'll look into the Halo series and the Earth Defense one for sure. And yes, downloading from the Arcade is a good option too. I'm pretty sure the first thing he'll ask is if he can download Minecraft.

Minecraft is a perfect choice.

 

[NCCommish]

Thanks for the input guys. It seems my leaning toward not killing was the right choice.

 

[NCCommish]

For Disco Stu. A shooter I enjoy that is really pretty cartoony is Serious Sam. I think there is some mild cussing but everything you are shooting is obviously not human and on the early versions you could even turn off the alien blood.

 

[5Rings]

God of War Ascension looks insane

Going to be fantastic, I love the GOW series.

 

[Herc]

Reading Stus post and the newer posts about one game/console had me thinking about something.Currently my son (also 10) and I buy games and both play them(one of us gets the online code usually him) from the sounds of the new PS4 and xbox720 it looks like we will need to buy 2 copies of every game. That just sucks or am I missing something?Stu you cant go wrong with minecraft my kid spends more time with that than any other game. Another one he likes is Dungeon Defender(tower defense game in 3d) from xbox live. Lego games are incredibly fun for that age group and makes them do some minor problem solving and critical thinking.

 

[Insein]

Thanks. I'll look into the Halo series and the Earth Defense one for sure. And yes, downloading from the Arcade is a good option too. I'm pretty sure the first thing he'll ask is if he can download Minecraft.

Everybody has made some good suggestions. Minecraft is a perfect game for a 10 year old. A complete sandbox to do anything in without really any killing or violence. Lega Star Wars, Batman, Harry Potter etc is also perfect. No blood. Plays through the movies he may already know if he's seen them. Some minor critical thinking and puzzle solving. Good clean fun. Halo is about the edge of T or M you want to get to at that age. There's violence but it's against aliens. Still fairly realistic. Probably your discretion on whether your kid can handle it. Call of Duty, even the old ones (2 and 3) are pretty graphic. You are shooting and killing human beings. Even if they are nazis, they are still humans. Up to you on that one. You got portal 2. I'd definitely recommend portal 1. Will provide some backstory as well as give a better basis for the controls. Lots of good sarcastic humor that will probably go right over his head. Any sports game of his liking is available to you for pretty cheap. Just get older year versions of any sport for probably $10. Lots of stuff to choose from really. Enjoy the bonding with your kid.

 

[GTBilly]

Just broke into Dead Space 3 and I like it so far but I find the play clunky and the enemies harder to start and I am a huge DS fan but so far 3 just seems off.

 

[Pick]

Anyone play Crusades 2?

 

[TxBuckeye]

Just broke into Dead Space 3 and I like it so far but I find the play clunky and the enemies harder to start and I am a huge DS fan but so far 3 just seems off.

Please keep the updates going as you play through. Was a big fan of 1 and 2, but hadn't looked at 3 yet as other games in progress. If 3 turns out to be not that great, well, then maybe I'll call knock it off on the series.

 

[Disco Stu]

Thanks. I'll look into the Halo series and the Earth Defense one for sure. And yes, downloading from the Arcade is a good option too. I'm pretty sure the first thing he'll ask is if he can download Minecraft.

Everybody has made some good suggestions. Minecraft is a perfect game for a 10 year old. A complete sandbox to do anything in without really any killing or violence. Lega Star Wars, Batman, Harry Potter etc is also perfect. No blood. Plays through the movies he may already know if he's seen them. Some minor critical thinking and puzzle solving. Good clean fun. Halo is about the edge of T or M you want to get to at that age. There's violence but it's against aliens. Still fairly realistic. Probably your discretion on whether your kid can handle it. Call of Duty, even the old ones (2 and 3) are pretty graphic. You are shooting and killing human beings. Even if they are nazis, they are still humans. Up to you on that one. You got portal 2. I'd definitely recommend portal 1. Will provide some backstory as well as give a better basis for the controls. Lots of good sarcastic humor that will probably go right over his head. Any sports game of his liking is available to you for pretty cheap. Just get older year versions of any sport for probably $10. Lots of stuff to choose from really. Enjoy the bonding with your kid.

Oh yeah, I probably should have mentioned he has Lego Star Wars Complete Trilogy and Lego Star Wars III on the Wii. Those were by far his favorite games until Madden '13. Good stuff.I only saw the original Portal in the Orange Box bundle. Now I see that it's in the Arcade. This is my first time looking at the Arcade choices. Wow. Andy was spot-on, these games could be all he needs for quite awhile.Has anyone downloaded NFL Blitz? That looks right up his alley. Better than Madden Arcade?And is there a preferred way to buy points for this? $20 for Minecraft is a little pricier than I hoped.

 

[SlaX]

Thanks. I'll look into the Halo series and the Earth Defense one for sure. And yes, downloading from the Arcade is a good option too. I'm pretty sure the first thing he'll ask is if he can download Minecraft.

Everybody has made some good suggestions. Minecraft is a perfect game for a 10 year old. A complete sandbox to do anything in without really any killing or violence. Lega Star Wars, Batman, Harry Potter etc is also perfect. No blood. Plays through the movies he may already know if he's seen them. Some minor critical thinking and puzzle solving. Good clean fun. Halo is about the edge of T or M you want to get to at that age. There's violence but it's against aliens. Still fairly realistic. Probably your discretion on whether your kid can handle it. Call of Duty, even the old ones (2 and 3) are pretty graphic. You are shooting and killing human beings. Even if they are nazis, they are still humans. Up to you on that one. You got portal 2. I'd definitely recommend portal 1. Will provide some backstory as well as give a better basis for the controls. Lots of good sarcastic humor that will probably go right over his head. Any sports game of his liking is available to you for pretty cheap. Just get older year versions of any sport for probably $10. Lots of stuff to choose from really. Enjoy the bonding with your kid.

Oh yeah, I probably should have mentioned he has Lego Star Wars Complete Trilogy and Lego Star Wars III on the Wii. Those were by far his favorite games until Madden '13. Good stuff.I only saw the original Portal in the Orange Box bundle. Now I see that it's in the Arcade. This is my first time looking at the Arcade choices. Wow. Andy was spot-on, these games could be all he needs for quite awhile.Has anyone downloaded NFL Blitz? That looks right up his alley. Better than Madden Arcade?And is there a preferred way to buy points for this? $20 for Minecraft is a little pricier than I hoped.

NFL Blitz is almost the same NFL Blitz that was popular in the 90's. It's not bad. Madden Arcade is turrible. You can buy Microsoft Points either directly from XBox Live or at most retailers and convenient stores. It's 80pts for every dollar, and you can find cards of 1600pts for $20 or 4000pts for $50. Those points can be used for most anything on XBox Live. Some other XBLA games he may enjoy: Trials Evolution (or Trials HD), Mark of the Ninja, Fez, Geometry Wars 1 or 2, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Shadow Complex, NBA Jam: On Fire Edition, Pac-Man Championship Edition (and DX), etc. Remember that all XBLA games are able to download a free demo trial so you can try it before you buy it. Some allow for more trial time than others.

 

[Dickies]

My friends and I played NFL Blitz a couple weeks ago and thought it was dreadful. I somehow remember the original being way better.