Nothing in F2P games are exclusive as long as people are willing to pay.
Sometime after launch, you will be seeing menzoberranzan renegade drow with guenhywar at their side riding armored spider mount that DIDN'T buy the 'hero of the north' pack, mark my words
What puzzles me is, why would anyone want to copycat being drizzt? i mean, we will already see THOUSANDS of drizzzt xdrizztx drizztx variations come launch... why would you pay 200$ to be part of that flock, with an addition of a copycat pet and 'Lloth'-referrence mount?
Nothing in F2P games are exclusive as long as people are willing to pay.
Sometime after launch, you will be seeing menzoberranzan renegade drow with guenhywar at their side riding armored spider mount that DIDN'T buy the 'hero of the north' pack, mark my words
Point it out, give us a specific examples of where they have done this, rather than stamping your feet, screaming over and over "THEY LIE THEY LIE" but never providing any specifics. Otherwise it is just slander.
Captain's Table - promised as an exclusive to STO LTS'ers, later made available as a Veteran's Reward.
TR-116 Rifle - promised as an exclusive pre-order bonus for people who bought it at a certain retailer, later made available via the C-store.
Red Matter Capacitor - promised as an exclusive for Collector's Edition buyers, later made available via the C-store.
There are others, and if I felt like re-installing STO to find them all and list them, I would. However, these three prove my point - Cryptic has promised exclusivity in the past, and broke it. As such, being skeptical of exclusivity now is, at worst, understandable.
Keep in mind, I do know that not EVERYTHING they have offered as an exclusive is available via other means. However, there WOULD be more "exclusive" items via the C-store if it weren't due to legal obligations to some retailers.
Of the "exclusive" items listed there, the classic USS Enterprise, the tribble and targ pets, and the Liberated Borg bridge officer are now available through the store. People clamored for these items - I don't recall anyone asking for the others - so, basically, if people wanted it, Cryptic put it up for sale.
And, yes, folks complained bitterly that the word "exclusive" didn't actually mean what they thought it meant.
For the record, I didn't care then and I don't care now about exclusivity - I actually laughed when the "exclusive" items went on the store. Just figured I'd pass this on so the lot of you would be informed.
Another thing, too - with STO, there were "exclusive" benefits to utilizing the Public Test Server at various times throughout the games life that ended up on the C-store, too - most were just Tribbles, but it was done.
The problem with THIS is that, more often than not, there IS a point to the Cryptic bashing.
Take this very thread for example. TC wants Cryptic to basically guarantee that everything in the Founder's Pack is, in fact, exclusive to the Founder's pack, meaning that people will never get them without having bought the Founder's Pack.
Cryptic won't do such, because chances are at least a few of the items WILL end up on the C-Store. Their previous games all had "exclusive" items for particular purchasers, and most of those "exclusive" items lost their exclusivity very quickly after the game launched.
However, the mere pointing out of this irrefutable FACT gets modded.
After buying not one but Two lifetime subs to Cryptic games I can attest to the validity of the fact that most of the "exclusive" items offered apart from titles end up in store
Lifetime Sto subscriber
Lifetime Champions subscriber
Of the "exclusive" items listed there, the classic USS Enterprise, the tribble and targ pets, and the Liberated Borg bridge officer are now available through the store. People clamored for these items - I don't recall anyone asking for the others - so, basically, if people wanted it, Cryptic put it up for sale.
And, yes, folks complained bitterly that the word "exclusive" didn't actually mean what they thought it meant.
For the record, I didn't care then and I don't care now about exclusivity - I actually laughed when the "exclusive" items went on the store. Just figured I'd pass this on so the lot of you would be informed.
Thank you. It is nice to see exactly what all the non-sense screaming is actually for. I don't doubt that the all mighty buck won out in the end, but people say many things and I prefer facts and it is good to have them.
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ichiskillzMember, Neverwinter Beta UsersPosts: 1Arc User
edited February 2013
Are these exclusives really worth 200 bucks though??
Are these exclusives really worth 200 bucks though??
Common sense can always be included into purchases of any worth It's up to the people that pay. I never judge anyone, there are some that are willing to pay, some that aren't, i just voice my opinions.
Are these exclusives really worth 200 bucks though??
I've said it before and I'll say it again. IMO the only genuine reason to buy the pre-orders is to help support the game. Buying it for the shinies will almost certainly result in some form of buyers' remorse eventually.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. IMO the only genuine reason to buy the pre-orders is to help support the game. Buying it for the shinies will almost certainly result in some form of buyers' remorse eventually.
^This.
It's inevitable things will be sold in the cash shop that will allow new players (those who arrive to game a bit later on) to get up to speed with whatever bonuses the early adopters were able to get with their pre-order packs. Don't want to screw it up for PWE though, so not going to be putting people off buying such packs. They're generally worth it to get a headstart at the very beginning of game, and mounts (and fighting pets) that come with each new character you make is always valuable right through the entire life of a game, value awarded every time you make a new character.
I'd actually find it horrific if the things in that Hero pack actually were worth that much - unless they jacked up the prices of the glow and L60 rare weap and whatnot, because it'd mean prices in the cash shop were somewhat excessive.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. IMO the only genuine reason to buy the pre-orders is to help support the game. Buying it for the shinies will almost certainly result in some form of buyers' remorse eventually.
This is what i would've said, if my native language was english, but my mind thinks finnish, then translates the words into english, which might not always interpret into what i actually mean
Great questions! The regular Drow are scheduled to become available for everyone, but the Menzo-Renegade drow is to remain permanently exclusive to Hero of the North Founder's Pack purchases.
As far as the Aura and the Panther, I know that they are exclusive, but I don't have the specific details exactly how they are exclusive. These are great questions and I will try to include them in the updated FAQ that we are posting soon.
The other thing to remember about the founders packs is you get one pet and one mount per character. (And a few other things, the cloak of many items, I think the level 60 box as well) So you always have a pet and a mount for free on each alt you make, etc.
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wesgarMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Hero Users, SilverstarsPosts: 0Arc User
Are these exclusives really worth 200 bucks though??
hmm, that question really depends on what $200 means to you, and where 'games' fall in an individual's priority list... If you'r pulling down 80K a year, have no kids, let's say your wife has a similar job too -and you have lot's of 'expendable income' then the $200 is going to be pretty easy to spend on things like this... if the $200 is the difference between getting this and Any games at all for the next 6 months - well - you can see how difficult a 'value' answer gets.
I suppose if we compare it to 'similar' products though - we can get a bit more objective about it.
In my opinion:
- if we compare it to Single Player games - the $200 is not there. (you are talking about the same price of about 4 AAA games.)
- if we compare it to a subscription based game - we might get closer to it being 'worth it', but - in this case there isn't even a 'subscription' that you are going to get for a set time (or better yet, 'life time'.)
the one 'saving grace' is that there isn't an 'Action RPG' that plays like this, set in the setting that this, and that is as polished as this one is - the $200 also get's you 3 weekends (now 2) worth of 'advance play testing' - your characters get wiped, but then again, that means that when retail comes out, you will have a much better idea of what you really 'want' than folks that didn't have the head start will have.. oh, and then there is the actual 'head start' too - all of these are dependent on what priority you place on those things as to how much it's worth it to you - but - comparing it to other 'subscription based' MMO's - personally, you'd have to have plenty of discretionary income before I'd recommend plunking down the cash.
- if we compare it to other Free to Play games - to me this is easy, it just seems like in THIS arena - the $200 price tag fits, and is well worth the value for what you get. however - I'm still going to go with the 'make sure the income is discretionary and not needed for other things' statement. becuase, well the game is going to release for FREE - so, you can absolutely 'wait' and see if it's something you'd like, and then put the amount of Cash, down towards the things that you want.
that's mah answer.
Thanks,
zWolf / Wesgar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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wesgarMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Hero Users, SilverstarsPosts: 0Arc User
I've said it before and I'll say it again. IMO the only genuine reason to buy the pre-orders is to help support the game. Buying it for the shinies will almost certainly result in some form of buyers' remorse eventually.
I'm so verbose sometimes - this guy hit the nail on the head. and in less than 3000 words too!
:-P
Thanks,
zWolf / Wesgar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
0
starkaosMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Hero Users, Neverwinter Knight of the Feywild UsersPosts: 0Arc User
TR-116 Rifle - promised as an exclusive pre-order bonus for people who bought it at a certain retailer, later made available via the C-store.
Red Matter Capacitor - promised as an exclusive for Collector's Edition buyers, later made available via the C-store.
These two items have never been part of the C-Store. They have been requested numerous times by players, but no luck so far.
In CO, there was an exclusive 'collectors edition' costume set, that was available a year later. Give em a year. All your special stuff will run like water.... how do you feel now?
The majority of STO's exclusive items went for sale roughly four months later, except for the TR-116 rifle, in which they keep making excuses on why they haven't released it yet. Worse yet, by purchasing a life time sub, you gain all the sub perks up to day 1000 ships, which caused such an outcry. Personally, if you can purchase items in a game, it loses its exclusivity, I would rather show off raid gear and difficult to get dungeon gear.
In CO, there was an exclusive 'collectors edition' costume set, that was available a year later. Give em a year. All your special stuff will run like water.... how do you feel now?
The same, don't give a <font color="orange">HAMSTER</font>.
In CO, there was an exclusive 'collectors edition' costume set, that was available a year later. Give em a year. All your special stuff will run like water.... how do you feel now?
CO's 'collector's edition' costume set is still not available via any means short of buying the CE. Same with the Lifetimer bonuses short of access to the VIP Lounge (300 days subscriber), 8 character slots (you can buy them), and the monthly Zen (be a subscriber).
As far as the Hero of the North goes, I expect the Spider, Panther, and Menzoberranzan Renegade to remain completely exclusive to the set for at least a year, if not longer. Same with the Mask (as there's no subscription option to 'earn' the time to get into the VIP Lounge).
Bag of Holding is just inventory space. The Founder Aura will be special, but Auras as a whole will be sold. Dungeon Master Unlock is worthless, as you get that feature at level 15. VIP Game Access is also worthless, as I've heard of exactly ONE time where there was a queue in CO or STO where that would've been useful. The Treasure Box is just a level 60 loot box. It may even randomly give you junk. The Robe of Useless Items is just that - a fun random item that may show up on the store. Greycloak's Legacy may be more of an annoyance as it's expensive to remove mods off of items (at least based on last beta).
Anyhow, my thoughts. All I do is know is that the 'actual retail value' is an insult and a joke. That number was pulled from...places I can't mention.
I don't buy for the items. I buy to show support. I am just too broke for the Hero Pack .
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vampirialMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Hero UsersPosts: 27Arc User
edited February 2013
The only thing Im slightly annoyed with is that I received an email that stated Menzoberanzan renegades came with Cosmetic Options (plural) now the site states they have a Cosmetic Option (Tattoo) (singular). also all those folks out there looking forward to the armor thats shown on the video for the hero founder pack, there are gonna be a lot of people disapointed.
cragarionMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Guardian UsersPosts: 0Arc User
edited February 2013
For those concerned about the things they say will never be onsale again only in the preorder packs,
just take a screenshot of the webpage saying that,
then if they ever put them onsale again sue them on the grounds that you only bought the pack because they said the items would never be available again,
they tried that in raiderz they said you would never be able to get the mount in the preorder pack again,
then they said they would put the preorder pack back onsale with the mount after release,
those of us who bought the pack said we would take legal action,
and they reversed thier decision and said the mount would not go on sale again.
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silvergryphMember, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 740Arc User
For those concerned about the things they say will never be onsale again only in the preorder packs,
just take a screenshot of the webpage saying that,
then if they ever put them onsale again sue them on the grounds that you only bought the pack because they said the items would never be available again,
they tried that in raiderz they said you would never be able to get the mount in the preorder pack again,
then they said they would put the preorder pack back onsale with the mount after release,
those of us who bought the pack said we would take legal action,
and they reversed thier decision and said the mount would not go on sale again.
Except that in order to successfully sue you have to prove not only that there was a broken promise but that you have incurred some actual damages as a result. That will be the hard part. "It hurt my feelings," is unlikely to move a judge sufficiently.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. IMO the only genuine reason to buy the pre-orders is to help support the game. Buying it for the shinies will almost certainly result in some form of buyers' remorse eventually.
Could not say it better myself mate. I just want to enjoy the game. I am not concerned with what other players have spent or have in the game. I just want them to have fun too, and occaisionally group with me!
Cheers!
Comments
Sometime after launch, you will be seeing menzoberranzan renegade drow with guenhywar at their side riding armored spider mount that DIDN'T buy the 'hero of the north' pack, mark my words
What puzzles me is, why would anyone want to copycat being drizzt? i mean, we will already see THOUSANDS of drizzzt xdrizztx drizztx variations come launch... why would you pay 200$ to be part of that flock, with an addition of a copycat pet and 'Lloth'-referrence mount?
Only thing they won't have is the "Founder" title
Captain's Table - promised as an exclusive to STO LTS'ers, later made available as a Veteran's Reward.
TR-116 Rifle - promised as an exclusive pre-order bonus for people who bought it at a certain retailer, later made available via the C-store.
Red Matter Capacitor - promised as an exclusive for Collector's Edition buyers, later made available via the C-store.
There are others, and if I felt like re-installing STO to find them all and list them, I would. However, these three prove my point - Cryptic has promised exclusivity in the past, and broke it. As such, being skeptical of exclusivity now is, at worst, understandable.
Keep in mind, I do know that not EVERYTHING they have offered as an exclusive is available via other means. However, there WOULD be more "exclusive" items via the C-store if it weren't due to legal obligations to some retailers.
Another thing, too - with STO, there were "exclusive" benefits to utilizing the Public Test Server at various times throughout the games life that ended up on the C-store, too - most were just Tribbles, but it was done.
Unfortunately, that title is granted also with the 60$ guardian pack
So i stand corrected, nothing will eventually be exclusive to the 200$ pack :P
After buying not one but Two lifetime subs to Cryptic games I can attest to the validity of the fact that most of the "exclusive" items offered apart from titles end up in store
Lifetime Champions subscriber
It is...are the Guardians also going nuts over "exclusivity" or is it just the Heroes? :cool:
Thank you. It is nice to see exactly what all the non-sense screaming is actually for. I don't doubt that the all mighty buck won out in the end, but people say many things and I prefer facts and it is good to have them.
Common sense can always be included into purchases of any worth
Are they worth it to you? That is the only real question.
The gorilla formerly known as Kolikos
^This.
It's inevitable things will be sold in the cash shop that will allow new players (those who arrive to game a bit later on) to get up to speed with whatever bonuses the early adopters were able to get with their pre-order packs. Don't want to screw it up for PWE though, so not going to be putting people off buying such packs. They're generally worth it to get a headstart at the very beginning of game, and mounts (and fighting pets) that come with each new character you make is always valuable right through the entire life of a game, value awarded every time you make a new character.
I'd say they are worth... *pinkie to lower lip*
FIVE HUUUUUUUNDRED AND FORTY-NINE DOLLARS!
(Says so right there on the website.)
I'd actually find it horrific if the things in that Hero pack actually were worth that much - unless they jacked up the prices of the glow and L60 rare weap and whatnot, because it'd mean prices in the cash shop were somewhat excessive.
This is what i would've said, if my native language was english, but my mind thinks finnish, then translates the words into english, which might not always interpret into what i actually mean
As far as the Aura and the Panther, I know that they are exclusive, but I don't have the specific details exactly how they are exclusive. These are great questions and I will try to include them in the updated FAQ that we are posting soon.
hmm, that question really depends on what $200 means to you, and where 'games' fall in an individual's priority list... If you'r pulling down 80K a year, have no kids, let's say your wife has a similar job too -and you have lot's of 'expendable income' then the $200 is going to be pretty easy to spend on things like this... if the $200 is the difference between getting this and Any games at all for the next 6 months - well - you can see how difficult a 'value' answer gets.
I suppose if we compare it to 'similar' products though - we can get a bit more objective about it.
In my opinion:
- if we compare it to Single Player games - the $200 is not there. (you are talking about the same price of about 4 AAA games.)
- if we compare it to a subscription based game - we might get closer to it being 'worth it', but - in this case there isn't even a 'subscription' that you are going to get for a set time (or better yet, 'life time'.)
the one 'saving grace' is that there isn't an 'Action RPG' that plays like this, set in the setting that this, and that is as polished as this one is - the $200 also get's you 3 weekends (now 2) worth of 'advance play testing' - your characters get wiped, but then again, that means that when retail comes out, you will have a much better idea of what you really 'want' than folks that didn't have the head start will have.. oh, and then there is the actual 'head start' too - all of these are dependent on what priority you place on those things as to how much it's worth it to you - but - comparing it to other 'subscription based' MMO's - personally, you'd have to have plenty of discretionary income before I'd recommend plunking down the cash.
- if we compare it to other Free to Play games - to me this is easy, it just seems like in THIS arena - the $200 price tag fits, and is well worth the value for what you get. however - I'm still going to go with the 'make sure the income is discretionary and not needed for other things' statement. becuase, well the game is going to release for FREE - so, you can absolutely 'wait' and see if it's something you'd like, and then put the amount of Cash, down towards the things that you want.
that's mah answer.
zWolf / Wesgar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
I'm so verbose sometimes - this guy hit the nail on the head. and in less than 3000 words too!
:-P
zWolf / Wesgar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
These two items have never been part of the C-Store. They have been requested numerous times by players, but no luck so far.
The same, don't give a <font color="orange">HAMSTER</font>.
http://www.champions-online-wiki.com/wiki/Lifetime_Subscription
CO's 'collector's edition' costume set is still not available via any means short of buying the CE. Same with the Lifetimer bonuses short of access to the VIP Lounge (300 days subscriber), 8 character slots (you can buy them), and the monthly Zen (be a subscriber).
As far as the Hero of the North goes, I expect the Spider, Panther, and Menzoberranzan Renegade to remain completely exclusive to the set for at least a year, if not longer. Same with the Mask (as there's no subscription option to 'earn' the time to get into the VIP Lounge).
Bag of Holding is just inventory space. The Founder Aura will be special, but Auras as a whole will be sold. Dungeon Master Unlock is worthless, as you get that feature at level 15. VIP Game Access is also worthless, as I've heard of exactly ONE time where there was a queue in CO or STO where that would've been useful. The Treasure Box is just a level 60 loot box. It may even randomly give you junk. The Robe of Useless Items is just that - a fun random item that may show up on the store. Greycloak's Legacy may be more of an annoyance as it's expensive to remove mods off of items (at least based on last beta).
Anyhow, my thoughts. All I do is know is that the 'actual retail value' is an insult and a joke. That number was pulled from...places I can't mention.
just take a screenshot of the webpage saying that,
then if they ever put them onsale again sue them on the grounds that you only bought the pack because they said the items would never be available again,
they tried that in raiderz they said you would never be able to get the mount in the preorder pack again,
then they said they would put the preorder pack back onsale with the mount after release,
those of us who bought the pack said we would take legal action,
and they reversed thier decision and said the mount would not go on sale again.
Except that in order to successfully sue you have to prove not only that there was a broken promise but that you have incurred some actual damages as a result. That will be the hard part. "It hurt my feelings," is unlikely to move a judge sufficiently.
Champions Online Advanced Forum Search
Could not say it better myself mate. I just want to enjoy the game. I am not concerned with what other players have spent or have in the game. I just want them to have fun too, and occaisionally group with me!
Cheers!