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PB & Jason   

PB & Jason Issue 87: Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition '13

Capcom is reconsidering how it manages DLC for future titles. Jason has an idea.

This issue of PB & Jason is about downloadable content. Specifically, Capcom fighting game DLC. If you're not familiar with Capcom and their recent fighting game issues, let me paint the picture: They've conditioned many of their fans to hold out on buying the first edition of a title, since an upgraded version with bug fixes, balance adjustments, and new characters is often on the horizon. More than that, they've locked content on discs behind pay-walls, then reacted with surprise when they learned gamers weren't happy buying a game and then being charged a second time for content already on the disc. In PB & Jason, I take a look at a serious alternative, suggesting a few benefits that could be had for all involved. Oh, and don't forget all the talk about Tales of Graces f and new, used, and backwards-compatible PlayStation 3s! Join me for the best PB & Jason for this week ever! Click through for the download links.

Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 87! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!


 

Comments

Angelo Grant Staff Writer

05/17/2012 at 02:39 PM

This might put me at odds with a lot of people, but I have no problem with on disk DLC.  You're getting what you paid for as advertised.  If you don't like what is offered, don't buy it.

Thankfully, it looks like that is finally happening, and it sounds like Capcom has noticed.  What I fear is that this is now addressing the wrong issue.  What people are (or I feel should be) truly upset about is being tricked into buying something less than what they paid for or expect, regardless of the content being on disk or not.  People now realize that if they wait long enough, like you said, there will be a better edition offered that includes everything at a better price.  Why not wait? I agree.  Furthermore, I think it would benefit Capcom to stop making multiple versions of the same product and follow a structure similar to the one you talked about, or simply just create a single version and stick to it.

Jason Ross Senior Editor

05/21/2012 at 05:19 PM

It's not just "Why not wait for the possible next version?" in Capcom's case. They've had a history of times where they've literally announced the better version before they released the first one. Case in point is literally shown with Street Fighter X Tekken, where the Vita version launches with a dozen extra characters that will otherwise require DLC payment to use in the future.

More than that, because of these constant game updates, the price of the original games can drop tremendously. If you're on a budget, it wouldn't be a terrible idea to wait for the enhanced title, then buy the original, if said original was deemed good enough.

Oh, and there's still more: Capcom has a history of promising features in the first version, but then failing to deliver said features, withholding them for the updated title. Given this, it isn't even a case of buying the first iteration of a game. It's the case where those who buy the initial edition lose out on promised features, like the spectator mode promised to be included in Marvel Vs. Capcom 3.

Anyway, my alternative is to just sell one game. Have people pay for the updates, for real. Make them notable and noteworthy, and actually start encouraging fighting game fans to watch tournaments through avenues included on the game disc. Regardless, if selling 1.4 million copies of SFXT is "slow," Capcom needs to change something. Badly.

Angelo Grant Staff Writer

05/21/2012 at 05:42 PM

I agree.

Honetly though, I gave up on fighting games about a decade ago.  The only thing I really want to see from Capcom is a good, high quality, new Mega Man title.

In other words, I'm condemned to eternal disappointment.

Kathrine Theidy Staff Alumnus

05/21/2012 at 07:56 PM

You didn't like Mega Man 10?

Jason Ross Senior Editor

05/21/2012 at 08:44 PM

I think he's saying that Capcom has seemingly killed off Mega Man since then.

Angelo Grant Staff Writer

05/22/2012 at 10:11 AM

Yeah.  I loved Mega Man 9 & 10, and it was a cool, fun throwback, but I do want something new.  I don't think Mega Man is dead exactly, but I don't really trust capcom to handle the franchise properly anymore.  I think they completely lost touch with what made the games great to begin with.

Our Take

Esteban Cuevas Staff Alumnus

05/21/2012 at 08:54 PM

On the PS3 issue, here's a more thought out solution than what I said on twitter. There are two main deciding factors I've found when I was picking a PS3 to buy: hard drive space and backwards compatibility. The hard drive space is needed for the installs a lot of the games need as well as DLC and game purchases. Also if you get PlayStation Plus, you'll have a lot of games on your hard drive as they give out full games often. The other is backwards compatibility, which is convenient if you have a big library of PS1 and PS2 titles.

My logic is the hard drive space is more important because you need to do what's best for PS3 games, as that's the main thing you're buying the system for. However, the hard drive can also be replaced with a bigger one in all the models of the PS3. On the other hand, that would require more money to be spent. Most people don't have the money to blow so they usually need to choose between hard drive and backwards compatibility. With the BC not being perfect, the model with the bigger hard drive is the way to go but if you have the money to get a bigger hard drive and your comfortable with spending that or if you have one already, I would go with the older model PS3 with full PS2 backwards compatibility. Even if it isn't perfect, it does work well enough for the most part and you'll get the bigger hard drive as well. It's a win-win if you have the money.

Quick side note: The PS3 uses a laptop hard drive, not a standard one. An external hard drive won't work as a primary drive either. I hope this helps you make a decision.

Jason Ross Senior Editor

05/22/2012 at 12:32 AM

I intend to replace the HDD with a more sizeable one of my own, so that's not a major issue. I have one that would fit.

I think I may be able to trade a new PS3 for the launch PS3 my bro-in-law owns, though. It could work out nicely if he accepts the trade. Also of note, PSX titles are backwards compatible with all PS3s.

Esteban Cuevas Staff Alumnus

05/22/2012 at 08:13 AM

That's true. It sounds like you should look for one of the launch versions of the PS3 so that trade would work if you have a PS3 slim lying around.

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