Since Microsoft announced that a version of Q Entertainment's Lumines - specifically, Lumines Live! - was coming to Xbox Live Arcade, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation.
Revisiting the dawn of downloadables. Xbox 360 changed the way console gamers get their fix by introducing Xbox Live Arcade games to the mainstream. Sure, the original Xbox had a rudimentary online store that was launched via a mail-order disc, but Xbox 360 made it easy by integrating a Marketplace into the user interface. Believe it or not, its decade anniversary is this year and I made this list to celebrate.
Although downloadable content can enhance games, your wallet sometimes takes a beating. It doesn’t always seem that way because companies release DLC weeks and months apart, but let’s face it, if you want to experience everything, you better grab a wad of dough to pay for it.
On that note, we decided to list some of the biggest games out there and the current prices for both retail copies and DLC; obviously, you stand to pay more if you were an early adopter. We also chose to nix Avatar items, as well as Guitar Hero and Rock Band, since everyone knows that you need a huge chuck of cash to download all of the music for both games.
John Artest (RunDLC)
DLC adds up, for sure, but you can probably get more bang for the buck with various DLC than shelling out 60 bucks all the time on a new retail game
Last week, we listed the best puzzle games on WiiWare, and now it’s time to name the greatest mind benders on Xbox Live. Whether you enjoy smashing gems, groovin’ to the beat or creating portals, there’s an addictive title just waiting for you to download it.
John Artest (RunDLC)
I just downloaded the trial version and had fun playing it. I wish it was just a little cheaper though, it's just a tad too much for me to purchase the whole thing. Perhaps after I play the trial a few more times I will become addicted and won't be able to help myself....we'll see.
Via major Nelson:
1200 points for the base (incomplete) game
+600 points for the "Advanced pack" (still incomplete)
Add-on packs to follow:
* Artist Pack featuring music video skins like the Madonna “Sorry” music video that was used to sell the game in the first place.
* Mission/Puzzle Pack featuring new skins and puzzles, but still not completing the game.
* VS CPU Mode Pack finally finishing the game by flushing out the CPU mode that's basically broken at the moment.
If those future packs were released at the same 600 points, buying this title up to full features would cost about (1200+600+600+600+600) = 3600 points. That's about $45 to get the game that should have been downloadable from the beginning.
Complete and utter ripoff? I think so. Particularly with the "vs CPU" and the missing Madonna video- basically everyone was expecting that in the base game. Not to mention that the "advanced" portion of the game IS PART OF THE FREAKING GAME AND IT'S MISSING FROM THE INITIAL DOWNLOAD!!!!
*ahem*
I don't mind them charging for pieces of the game...I for one don't like playing vs. computer, so I wouldn't purchase that add-on.
What I do mind is that it says you're buying the full game for 1,200 points, and it's not. I feel it's misleading. They need to specify what you're unlocking for your 1,200 points.
Remember:
with the free version already you can have fun
for 1200 points you get a complete experience. That's about 12 Euro/dollar for a great game. The PSP version will cost much more.
You want more stuff? For 600 points an extra pack. It is an expensive arcade title, but a cheap commercial one. Imagine it being on disc in the shop and you need to pay 30 to 40 dollar/euro