Are we paying more for less?

BigJMoney · #1 October 4th, 2006, 02:14 PM

When I read this, there is one thing that constantly surprises me. It's how much people allow themselves to be influenced by convention. I don't think $55 is a high price, and many people have also given examples of why they don't think so, either. I do think $55 is a lot of money, especially to me. So far, everyone who has said that it is "too high" for their taste have been using other games/trends examples. Who cares about other games? Dominions 3 is not other games. This argument is skating the edge of the attitude that says, "The world owes me a living." Look at Dominions 3 and make your own intellectual decision about whether you feel it will be worth your $55. It's as simple as that. Not even other games sold by Shrapnel in the past need to influence your decision. Are we paying more for less? My vote is no, and to those of you who want to like the game, but are stuck in a mental bind on its perceived value, I pity you.

=$=

Archonsod · #2 October 4th, 2006, 03:04 PM

Thanks to the exchange rate, Dominions actually cost me considerably less than the majority of mainstream games. Of course, with the p&p costs it was back on equal terms...

Nerfix · #3 October 4th, 2006, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Archonsod said:
Thanks to the exchange rate, Dominions actually cost me considerably less than the majority of mainstream games. Of course, with the p&p costs it was back on equal terms...

Same here.

alexti · #4 October 5th, 2006, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Archonsod said:
Thanks to the exchange rate, Dominions actually cost me considerably less than the majority of mainstream games. Of course, with the p&p costs it was back on equal terms...

Ok, now try to add to it hours you'll spend playing it (using formula time=money). You'll probably see that Dominions actually costs you something in 5 digits

Saxon · #5 October 5th, 2006, 01:55 AM

Talley,

Thanks for bringing this up, it was good to discuss this and let opposing views be heard. As Gandalf says, you can not expect to get much support on a forum associated with the game, but that does not mean your views do not have value.

I too will be waiting for the demo before making a decision.

On a lighter note, I know how Shrapnel can bring down their costs. Move the operation here to Kenya! We have very cheap labour, skilled computer and marketing people and an excellent postal system. And I can drive over and get a copy of Dom3, avoiding the shipping and handling costs�

Archonsod · #6 October 5th, 2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

alexti said:
Ok, now try to add to it hours you'll spend playing it (using formula time=money). You'll probably see that Dominions actually costs you something in 5 digits

Unless I install it on one of the boxes at work, in which case I start earning money

Mltdwn · #7 October 4th, 2006, 03:06 PM

I don't know, as a Strat fan I have to agree it is a bit high for even my blood. I mean to me it comes down to paying nearly as much as I could for a 360 game (and yes there ARE some enjoyable, long playing games on the 360, I'm STILL playing Star Wars Legos and Dead Rising, plus some others) for a 4X fantasy game with poor graphics, etc. And before anyone bashes me on wanting good graphics I have to ask when the last time YOU bought a video card considering they are up ~$200 for a midline one, yeah I want my game to utilise it to it's fullest ability if I am paying that much.

Or I could simply wait one more month and getting Medieval 2: Total War which is largely the same thing, sans magic/random maps but has far better graphics, and realistic ground battles with 10k+ men on the field per side which you can actually control that takes everything into account just like in real life (with some exceptions with playability). And a relativly deep political/diplomatic interplay (compared to the Dom series) between all of the nations allowing you to turn nations against one another, play all the sides, etc., rather than simply "must destroy everyone" like in Dom3. AND pay only ~$40 for them. Not to mention the mods which will add the fantasy elements to it, like the already released Middle-Earth mod for R:TW.

And as for discount games, yes I bought EVERY single TW game when they hit the bargain bin and I STILL play all 3 of them and their expansions to this day on a fairly frequent basis. M2 is going to be the first I buy on release day because of CA's production values.

JaydedOne · #8 October 4th, 2006, 03:11 PM

I'm not sure what to tell you Mltdwn. So much of this discussion seems to boil down to "I'm totally going to buy this game" or "I'm definitely not buying this game". With so little room in-between, all we can really do is wish each other the best with our respective choices.

If the price point is the straw that breaks your camel's back, so be it. If Shrapnel feels that the price point is hurting them, I'm sure they'll adjust their market strategy. In the meantime, I guess I just need to spend less time trying to convince you of why it's worth $55 directly and more time just enjoying my new game. If I write enough about how great it is as I'm experiencing it, maybe you'll come around. And if you don't, we'll miss having you.

Mltdwn · #9 October 4th, 2006, 03:15 PM

I see your point Jayd.. My whole problem is while I like the idea of Dom3... It doesn't really strike me as worth the money when another company is providing essentially the EXACT same game in most respects, with higher production values, more gameplay options, and have made a fortune off of 4x games and proven it is anything but a "niche" market with reasonable prices... Basically what I am saying is with the competition releasing the same game in a month with all of those added abilities and production values for a lower price point what makes Dom3 worth it as it adds nothing different really (other than sprite based ground combat you can't control) to the gameplay.

Nerfix · #10 October 4th, 2006, 03:20 PM

Illwinter would need a lot more crew if it would wish to make a game up to date with graphics, and it would mean they would have to most likely cut down the amount of content.

More crew would need more money etc.

And MTW:2 is hardly equal to Dominions 3 and I doubt a middle earth mod for it will never reach even a quarter of the features that make Dominions series superb and creative fantasy games. MTW:2 will be prettier yes, will have nicer sounds etc. but Dominions series will be the massive fantasy game where your aim is godhood, and this puts it largely into a niche.