Grindagger

I'm not sure if i'm the only one here, but due to my expendable income, any game that I tend to want to play I buy on launch, rendering the higher tiers for me pretty pointless, as it's mostly just releases of games that have already been out for a while, but just more exclusive access to them in a more timely manner.

I doubt I'd be willing to wait several months to see those games come out on the higher tier plus models. The only two things that are still a matter of contention and will be a time that tells situation is the game trials, and the classic lineups, and whether they actually get some classics in there. At the moment it's mostly just filler stuff from the ps1/ps2/ps3 era. There are a few there, but nothing that's blowing me away.

Time will tell....

In my opinion the higher tiers are designed for casual people who have either (A) Not bought or played any of these massive games and now wish to try their hand at them or (B) People who are limited on money throughout the year, and want the premium pass in a way to supplement their gaming. Or a combination of both.

Unfortunately for me, I am in neither bracket, I was relying on the classic games to be the defining factor, but alas the opening lineup looks pretty poor overall.

Will be sticking with essential, until the higher tier services become actually relevant for PS5 game enthusiasts.

Bof3 before Bof4.....Don't do me like that.

@Angelus3K It's combined. It's still a deal though, saves you a few quid a month. It's basically the cost monthly of Now + base level plus converted into premium which is £13.99 i believe. Now is £9.99 and regular plus (currently) £6.99, so means you save like £3 a month. Not to mention the additional stuff you get out of the Premium deal.

I mean, does this come as any great surprise?

Certainly the Vita is redundant now to all except the most ardent zealots.

And i imagine they're doing their absolute best to phase the PS3 completely out of existence with the network.

@nessisonett It's an issue that will present itself wherever you go on the internet. There is (unfortunatly) shady people wherever you go, and therefore moderating everything thats on discord is a seriously huge task. However, having said that, you'd have to really go looking for those kind of things to go get caught up in it. The vast majority of people who will use discord through PS4/5 will be looking to join officiated legitimate group communities and/or set up thir own group to play with other friends. Overall, I think it will have little to no impact on the community in a negative way. There are young kids that use discord on PC, and on the whole it's mostly a safe environment.

@LiamCroft Thank god for that. Still wouldn't put it past any company to cash in on a very prominent product like Resi. I also couldn't say with my hand on my heart that there would't be people out there willing to shell out, if this were a real thing.

As much as I like Resident Evil, I fail to see how this is in any way a bargain. Minus the collectors edition items, that means you're paying around $1500-1600 for a no name, unbranded coat where by the quality status is questionable.

You could buy a $1500 coat from one of the finest coat vendors in the world at that price.

This is a great example of a company taking advantage of the most fervent and dedicated fans shelling out way over the value of the items, just because it's limited in quantity.

The funniest thing is that whilst the game is coming soon, the actual southwestern high speed rarely does in real life.

I mean, I'm excited for both the top two games, because they're gonna be amazing. But it's all a bit too predictable. Safe option releases of sequels to best selling exclusives.

Can't really blame sony, but looking forward to some of the more ambitious, next era original smash hits to come.

What exactly is defined as a "credible" threat? It's disgusting either way, but I'm curious what kind of threat would literally stop them in their tracks. Are we talking about Mafia hitmen here, or a bunch of low IQ bedwetters who are have twisted morals, and are angry they still live in their mum's basement,what's the deal?

Another post, another list of entitlement brats demanding everything in the game be included as free content.

Look, the items that are for sale are optional, and not mandatory. If it's difficulty that's a botherance, just simply adjust the difficulty setting. There's no real legitimate argument against buying or abstaining from buying these OPTIONAL items, it's your pregorative either way. If you're that adamant about getting it, there are still ways in the game to get them, without having to buy them. Instead you invest your time, as opposed to your money. It's a fair trade.

The persistent whinging and moaning about this however is just childish.

@Ambassador_Kong Yes, because your reply was so filled with insightful commentary and salient fact filled information. /rolleyes

The irony is there have been far worse launches in history. The hype train on this game was just too much and it's buckled under it's own supernova.

Such a shame. In time, this game will likely still be a classic (after it's been actually fixed and made to the level of quality the company wanted it at).

@johncalmc I commend your opinion on this, and also the vigor you have on this matter, but people are still purchasing this.

Therefore, you have to conclude that there is a market for it. You might not like that, or agree with the practice, and I get your point. Really, I do. But, if I look at this, and the reason people still purchase it, it's probably the same reason I would purchase it, which is, I don't care. It's £10.

And, if I had to make a guess, that's the reason these MT's still exist, and will continue to, for that reason alone.

For the record that also doesn't make anyone stupid, just because they're willing to part with THEIR money. This is the reason I have so many issues with others opinions, because people are idiots simply for not acquiescing to someone elses ideals. This is such a small minded viewpoint in my opinion. It's ok to have differing views on something and still go your own way, and be able to do so with dignity and respect.

@Ambassador_Kong You're mixing different issues to push an agenda. Whilst I don't disagree with what you're saying regarding the abuse situation, this is not the issue that's being discussed.

In regards to your "evil bad men at the top" comment, this is the go to comment regarding corporate elitism, and whilst it may be true as a stereotype, the actual actions of how these mechanics play out in real life are far more complex and nuanced. I would suggest you read up on the actual processes of megacorps, and how they're actually controlled, because most of the time it's the shareholders that define the lay of the land, and because these people own the company as a collective, they control the direction of the company, and everything that is handled inside it.

Ultimately, this process is an impossible cycle to break, because there will always be shareholders, and shareholders are always invested in these businesses to make money, not for philanthropic reasons. It's not great, but it's a matter of fact, and part of the flaws of humanity and nature. Try to consider these things when you next make a very vague rant about corporate greed.

@Jimmer-jammer Thank you for that mate, it means a lot. I've tried to be respectful of peoples opinions as much as possible, despite the continued heat, but I do strongly believe in the freedom of choice.

And really, that's what this is. If you don't like this practice simply don't support it, if you do, then fine.

My personal opinion on this particular microtransaction? It's not enough of a botherance for me to make a noise about it, it's a measly £/$10 here. I can see a demographic for it, for those of us with families, and tight work schedules, a reduction in the amount of xp to reach a goal quicker, so that you can experience other games in the small amount of gaming time available, is something that may appeal to certain people.

As I've stated, I haven't even played this game, so I have no idea what the grind is like, or whether I would feel the inclination to purchase this kind of MT.

And finally, in regards to my defense of corporations. I've never defended corporations in the way people are making me out to be. I defend the right for people to come to their own conclusions, whether it be right, or wrong is a matter of opinion. Some people believe their opinion is more fact than it is opinion, and that's where I get pissed.

The sooner people accept that, the sooner we can all have some civilized discourse and enjoy learning from others perspectives, even if we don't draw the same conclusions.

@johncalmc

But you combat this by not coughing up the dough, if it's a problem for you.

The issue you have, is that you don't like that other people pay for it. That's really the problem you have.

Fact is, you can't control other people to bend to your own ideals, that's the freedom of choice, if you're going to try and go against that you're going the way of fascism.

Fight the good fight on your end, boycott whatever you feel is nefarious, but just don't expect everyone to care about a measly £/$10 practice as much as you do.

@Jaz007 Then simply don't buy it....What's the problem?

@thefourfoldroot But it's optional. How can it affect your ability to enjoy the game if it's not a required purchase?

Are you really that much of an idiot? I mean, I'm trying hard to not be rude here, but you're making it quite difficult. You're literally complaining about something that isn't a required purchase, and didn't exist in the game prior to being patched in.

How can the enjoyment of a game be changed by an non-required purchaseable microtransaction that didn't affect the gameplay at all? It doesn't, so your literally talking complete and total nonsense.

I can't really have a serious conversation with someone who believes that and can keep a straight face, so on ignore you go.

@thefourfoldroot Yeah, I think you missed the part of my opinion where I stated I don't care.

Literally people who just complain about everything do tend to get changes made to games. What I was trying to say is I think it's pathetic, mostly. Unless these purchases are actually getting in the way of allowing you to enjoy content, either by putting a purchase wall in the way, or allowing multiplayer games unfair advantages, I think it's pointless crying and whinging about.

Anyway, I'm done with this thread, clearly some people need to prioritize pointless ***** in their lives. Knock yourselves out.

@thefourfoldroot You don't have to like it, doesn't change the facts of the matter. Deal with it, or don't. Either way, things remain the same. Frankly, I couldn't care less at this point.

Also, for the record, your statements were filled with nothing but conjecture, no facts, just another opinion crying about something you don't like. We get it, you're mad about it.

@thefourfoldroot All of your points are redundant, as you're not forced to pay.

Having incentive is not the same as being forced to make a decision. Exercise a little restraint, you always have a choice in this matter, or simply play a different game if you find it too grindy to begin with, or don't agree with the ethical principle. Ubisoft will continue to do this, all I can suggest is boycott their products and move along.

Your comment comes across as a very 1st world problem argument.

@JapaneseSonic Well, this is speculation. There's no way to prove that this model was decided this way. It might have been purposefully made this long to increase the game longevity. Some people enjoy the long grinds (I used to when i had more time on my hands).

But, for the sake of argument if the game has indeed been preengineered so as to tout a microtransaction, is it *****? Yes, it probably is. Is it really a game breaking issue that requires outrage? Probably not. There are far worse things in life that we should be concerned about than some microtransactions that have little to no actual impact on individuals.

Besides, it's shown time and again when devs go to far with these types of thing. Battlefront2gate is a good example. People will make a stand when it matters. This, or similar things such as this aren't really worth getting hot and bothered about in my opinion.

@naruball I'll leave the outrage culture to the kiddies. Being upset about every litle thing that comes out seems to be the cool thing to do these days, particularly so if the topic in question has next to no impact on them. /shrug

@JapaneseSonic I think people misunderstand me as a shill, for pointing out the literal reality of the world we live in, nothing more.

My personal opinion is the actual practice of microtransactions are pretty ***** in some specific situations, but we're talking about £/$10 here. I don't have time to play (and for the record I haven't even played this game), so this kind of microtransaction would be something I may consider, it is such a small amount of money, that it has almost zero consequence to me personally, and allows me to get through a game a bit quicker so i can move onto other titles. I do however understand that this is maybe quite a lot of money to other people, but then you do have the option of playing through the game without using this purchase, and experiencing everything within it at a slightly longer pace. The experience is mostly similar for both parties, so when I consider all of this, I really don't see what the problem is?

@Hyperluminal You're delusional, I don't talk to delusional people as a matter of fact. I'd rather have intellectual conversation with people who aren't in denial. So I shalln't waste my time further, or yours. Instead I'll simply block you.

@LowTech Very succinctly put, but as you can see you're facing a barrage of hate for this opinion.

It's unpopular apparently to say to people "You don't have to buy this, it's optional". People are upset it just exists, in a world where this kind of behaviour is rampant at every corner.

Be angry at stuff that impedes your ability to actually do things, as opposed to ones that have almost literally zero impact to you.

@Hyperluminal It makes me quite happy to know that people like you get upset and have to resort to personal attacks, just because your opinion can't be a matter of fact. It's comical.

Maybe one day you'll grow up and learn to accept that your world view is not actually a world view, but instead a very limited, and inexperienced one.

@LordSteev Spare me the boring lecture, i've heard it literally word for word as you've put it one hundred times over.

Corporate greed is part of capitalism. That's western society in a nutshell. The benefits you get from a modern,technological world we live in and all the comforts that come along with it came from capitalism. Just because you want to focus your attention on one small aperture and refuse to look at a bigger picture isn't my problem, it's yours.

@johncalmc But that's my point, i'm not defending Ubisoft at all.

I'm literally just stating facts of the matter, and that these business practices aren't exactly news. Ultimately, the best course of action to stop this (if you don't like it) is to not pay.

So long as people are ok to pay for it, the practices will continue, indefinitely.

Also, sexual abuse issues is an entirely different matter, and one i happen to wholeheartdly agree with you on. But that's another topic, for another time. I've made my opinions on that regarding Activision on another thread several months ago.

@Hyperluminal Oh no, some nobody on the internet called me an idiot. And in regards to your apologist notion, I'll take it, I'm happy to argue something controversial, I'm a realist, and am happy to live in reality, unlike those that think railing against it will somehow change age old business practices that have been around since the dawn of civilization.

@carlos82 This argument is no different than being upset at a branded clothing company because they're selling cotton clothing items at higher value just because it's got "Nike" written on the piece of clothing.

Purchaseable goods are as cheap or as expensive as people are willing to pay for it. That is literally the definition of the free market we live in.

In this case, we have an option to continue wearing cheaper (but almost probably similar quality) cotton clothing, or buy branded and pay the extra just for the logo on your clothes. It's at the whim of the consumer to decide whether something is worth paying for, or not.

@Hyperluminal I like how you brand anyone an idiot because they point out something that is an actual fact.

Your entire argument hangs on the fact that businesses pre-engineer their games to make additional business. Boo hoo? I mean, it's not like this is a revelation is it...

Whether you like it or not, the only sensible answer to this is, "don't like it, don't pay for it", the fact remains it IS an optional purchase, and the people sitting here whining about it should stop paying money towards it if it's bothering you that much.

The fact is, it doesn't bother enough people to spend a measly tenner to get an xp boost, if it was a problem, people wouldn't pay, and this practice wouldn't exist, but they do, and it does. You're not the arbiter of what people do, or do not decide is worth parting their money for. Get some perspective.

@johncalmc I mean, you guys can go ahead and make your complaints. That's your right to.

All i'm saying is, it's not going to change. Campaign for revolution, or a change in governmental practices to stop capitalism, because frankly that's what you're angry at. Conglomerate companies that rake in the cash like Ubisoft only exist because of the framework we have set up as a mode of governance across all of western society.

Bitching about people taking advantage of the system isnt going to accomplish anything.

@johncalmc Welcome to the free market.

We live in a capitalist society for a reason. Is it really that much of a surprise that businesses want to generate profit margins, and lofty revenue projections?

You don't have to like it, but it's part of reality, and it's not going away. So if it upsets people that much, just don't pay... I mean, it's really that simple.

@Yarec123
This is a valid point, but in seriousness, any company that sells microtransactions in any premise whatsover advocate this practice. May as well bring DLC into the argument if you're going down that road, as that content could of been included in the original game.

Companies want to make money. DLC, microtransactions etc are just another cash cow. Ultimately, it's up to the consumer to decide whether they want to pay or not.

The main problem I have is when any of this purchaseable content becomes a necessity to enjoy the base game.

@Wormold It's actually a very reasonable concept. A lot of us (myself included) don't have as much time to play games as we would like to. Family commitments, work etc, so options like this are actually quite appealing, for the sake of a tenner, it's something that would allow an individual to get through the game a bit quicker, and when you have limited gaming time, that really does make quite a big difference.

I'm not sure the author of this article is aware of the main reasons people have problems with microtransactions.

People only have an issue with them when they're a requirement in some way to get past something (that without it makes it nearly impossible), or when theyre used in multiplayer games to be given an unreasonable advantage.

I cant possibly see how an xp bonus for a single player game makes one iota of difference.

@Juanalf If pointing out unpopular opinion because it's the right thing to do puts me in that category, so be it. I don't care about what people categorize me as, my own integrity matters far more.

@nessisonett Spare me the sanctimonious rhetoric. This is definitely an unpopular opinion, and one i strongly believe in. Furthermore its definitely in the vocal minority, if you're blithely unaware of that, that's your problem. Its easier to join the righteous, white knighting brigade than to speak some straight honesty.

@Col_McCafferty Yes ignore the people who don't fit inside your echo chamber.

I think you might find yourself quite comfortable amongst your own over at Kotaku. They don't like any opinions that don't fit their own narratives.

@Col_McCafferty This is an absurd comment, of course there is a division on whether the game is good or not. Are you serious?

This is so ridiculous, I wonder if you read it back to yourself before posting it. Just so I understand it correctly, are you seriously suggesting that there can't be a division in opinion.....because it's a video game?

@Col_McCafferty People have opinions, deal with it.

In regards to your comments, all I can say is you clearly haven't read very much into it, other than some of the idiotical mouthbreathing comments about homophobia or straight hatred driven narratives, which only concludes to me you have no idea what the issues people have when it comes to the "woke" agenda that some people have put forward with poignant, and well represented issues with how the game is portrayed, and also the nuanced attempts to convey the agenda through reinforced narratives throughout the game.

I'm not going to waste my time further here, it's clear you're not one for even remotely engaging in discourse, because you're defensive to the hilt on your position, besides you said it yourself that you dont get it. Have a good day.

@Col_McCafferty Can't say I expected anything more from people who are on the other side of the division.

You might like having it crammed down your throat, all power to you, it's your life. Some of us like to have a little more critical thinking.

@Col_McCafferty It is woke though. Sorry, but the game was designed with that ideal at heart. Anyone who can't or won't observe that is in deep denial.

The sad part is those people who don't think it's that, which has led to a large reason a lot of people labeling this game as trash. Political agendas attached to games in a manner that drives certain ideals, particularly so when they've been clearly managed to define it through their project should get no respect from any person who has a scintilla of self respect for themselves.

Ultimately, no amount of amazing graphics, gameplay and beautifully choreographed cutscenes can save this game from the quagmire of political correctness and forced woke activism. I stand defiantly amongst the raging storm of people who praise this game. Any attempt from the sheeps herd to downplay the calls from people who are upset, doesn't make them right no matter how badly they want to be, because an opinion is an opinion, not a fact, and it's a fact that there is a significant group of people who agree with me on this, and, no, it's not a coincidence.

I hope TLOU2 doesn't win, it's hugely overhyped, and filled with controversy and is just a horrible drama pit filled with woke fools.

Ghost Of Tsuhima or FFVIIR should get the nod.

I mean, the guy has dedication to his cause. As much as I like gathering platinum trophies, i'm not sure I'd want "Platinum trophy champion of the world" as my life defining memoire on my gravestone.

Talk about a slow day.

@Peach64 You'd be surprised. A lot of covert Xbox fanatics around trying to preach.

I've seen a fair share of Xbox enthusiasts on this site.