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Mirror of Mystery a Ripoff ?!?
Slivers Yellow Sparx Gems: 1387
#1 Posted: 01:16:53 21/10/2014 | Topic Creator
My son and I just finished the Mirror of Mystery adventure and, to be blunt, I've never felt as ripped-off as I do right now from the Skylanders franchise. Although the premise of the "Bizarro-World" is cool, the actually adventure is incredible short and contains virtually no puzzles or challenges! Heck, of the items collect three of is laying around out in the open and the second one you must "pay" 20g to receive ... no puzzle, no Skystones, just give me 20g and take it.

This is by FAR the shortest, brain-dead, no time spent in development, shipped at launch add-on content adventure pack in existence.

Shame on you Activision/TFB!
kaosmumishot Emerald Sparx Gems: 3271
#2 Posted: 01:20:00 21/10/2014
That's disappointing to hear.
GhostRoaster Yellow Sparx Gems: 1803
#3 Posted: 01:23:08 21/10/2014
I was VERY pleased with the adventure packs of Swap Force. Not surprising given current feedback of how Trap Team feels. I guess there's a reason why much was hidden from us in the preceding months---mainly--there was nothing to show.
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RIP GhostRoaster. He's reanimated as TakeYourLemons but occasionally is resurrected from the beyond when needed.
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 01:23:26 21/10/2014 by GhostRoaster
Kung Fu Man Gold Sparx Gems: 2120
#4 Posted: 01:23:27 21/10/2014
All 4 of them are really about the same length as the opening level, if not shorter. It's a cool thing but it doesn't add a lot of content.
GhostRoaster Yellow Sparx Gems: 1803
#5 Posted: 01:24:06 21/10/2014
Quote: Kung Fu Man
All 4 of them are really about the same length as the opening level, if not shorter. It's a cool thing but it doesn't add a lot of content.


Wow, so basically 30%-40% of the size of Swap Force Adventure Packs...yikes.
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RIP GhostRoaster. He's reanimated as TakeYourLemons but occasionally is resurrected from the beyond when needed.
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 01:24:21 21/10/2014 by GhostRoaster
TheShadowDragon Ripto Gems: 2886
#6 Posted: 01:24:22 21/10/2014
Disappointing or not, I actually enjoyed playing the Mirror of Mystery and love the new Adventure Pack figure. I like how it showed the 3D effect.
min8or Yellow Sparx Gems: 1030
#7 Posted: 01:30:06 21/10/2014
i think the level's premise would have been good for a whole game, rather than just for a level.
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271figures+11Vehicles+55Traps(+Outlaw,Riot,Steamed,Rebel,Steampunk)+38Magic Items
TrapTeamNeeded:Life and Water Minis (s2)
Slivers Yellow Sparx Gems: 1387
#8 Posted: 01:39:29 21/10/2014 | Topic Creator
Nightmare Express was significantly longer and had some more unique elements to it beyond just the story. In fact, it was one of the favorites we've played going back to some of the original SA adventures! Mirror of Mystery is the exact opposite of that for us !
TrapShadowFan Emerald Sparx Gems: 3511
#9 Posted: 01:43:01 21/10/2014
The mirror of mystery is my favorite level so far! Sure, they could've done more puzzles and a better Evilon fight, but I liked it. The music is especially AMAZING in my opinion. Also, Mab Lobs is my 2nd favorite tech villain and chompy is much better than I thought. Also, evil Flynn is awesome. DOOM!
temperedreason Yellow Sparx Gems: 1351
#10 Posted: 03:24:07 21/10/2014
Don't forget that the 3DS version also contains a level-expansion for the Mirror of Mystery. My experience with the 3DS version has left me quite pleased so far.
TrapShadowFan Emerald Sparx Gems: 3511
#11 Posted: 03:52:28 21/10/2014
Kinda off topic but what's the story behind the mirror of mystery on the 3ds, and how is it? Same with nightmare express?
joeiscool Yellow Sparx Gems: 1873
#12 Posted: 03:59:42 21/10/2014
I liked that level quite a bit, had some funny bits and I actually played through it with my new Bushwhack and made significant progress leveling him up and getting money. Also really liked being able to get playable Chompy and a playable Mabu (Mab Lobs). It was short, and I'm not a big fan of their shooting elements but the story and some of the periphery made up for it.
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-joeiscool
Heirumaru2286 Gold Sparx Gems: 2285
#13 Posted: 05:17:55 21/10/2014
DOOM!
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..::TotallyAwezum::..
Aura24 Platinum Sparx Gems: 6561
#14 Posted: 05:30:23 21/10/2014
You know what's a little dark about the Mirror of Mystery level?

You actually see Evil Persephone explode. Then Evil Flynn and Evilon get destroyed.
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"Soon all of Skylands will tremble at the awesome might of Malefor, the Undead Dragon King!"
Sivadreamer Gold Sparx Gems: 2821
#15 Posted: 12:33:44 21/10/2014
Quote: TrapShadowFan
Kinda off topic but what's the story behind the mirror of mystery on the 3ds, and how is it? Same with nightmare express?


I played both on Hard mode, and they are quite tough (but both are shorter then expected). I used my level 15 chill and levelled her up to 20, but she came close to dying several times.
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How many crystals should I buy VS how many will I buy!?
Buuzer Hunter Gems: 6546
#16 Posted: 12:40:23 21/10/2014
Quote: Slivers
My son and I just finished the Mirror of Mystery adventure and, to be blunt, I've never felt as ripped-off as I do right now from the Skylanders franchise. Although the premise of the "Bizarro-World" is cool, the actually adventure is incredible short and contains virtually no puzzles or challenges! Heck, of the items collect three of is laying around out in the open and the second one you must "pay" 20g to receive ... no puzzle, no Skystones, just give me 20g and take it.

This is by FAR the shortest, brain-dead, no time spent in development, shipped at launch add-on content adventure pack in existence.

Shame on you Activision/TFB!

I don't have it yet but I like that there isn't any puzzle, lock door and skystones, they are boring and ruins the level.
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smilie smilie smilie youtube.com/user/GOWBuuzer smilie smilie smilie
defpally Emerald Sparx Gems: 4158
#17 Posted: 14:31:06 21/10/2014
People diss the long length of Swap Force levels, but man they were meaty. My son and I typically would play through 2 to 3 levels at a time on Giants and SSA, but we found our sessions tended to be a single level at a time on Swap Force. I can't say how many times we were like "wow, this thing is huge" (and not in a bad way) as we went through the Adventure Packs for Swap Force.

I know it was a pain on the Wii since they had mid level load points, but the level length was yet another way VV nailed it that TfB should have embraced. I hope TfB is paying attention.
AdamGregory03 Gold Sparx Gems: 2156
#18 Posted: 15:25:32 21/10/2014
I would personally be more disappointed at the fact that we don't trap Evil Skylanders in the level, but rather a Mabu and a Chompy. But that's not gonna stop me from getting it.
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Zauron Green Sparx Gems: 162
#19 Posted: 17:34:17 21/10/2014
I agree Adventure Pack levels should be Swap Force length since you pay for them. I disagree with the normal levels being that length though, I hated how long they were in Swap Force. My wife and I played the games together, but she stopped wanting to play any more with Swap Force because we would only play one level at a time, and SF's levels took too long for a single play session. Not only that but SF's levels also had similar themes for multiple levels in a row (desert, ice/snow, etc), whereas in Trap Team every level feels like a totally new area, so in SF I was very bored of the levels by the 3rd super-long desert level or ice level. I like TT's levels and their lengths MUCH better than SF's, in general.

BUT, that said, I agree that Mirror of Mystery did feel like a ripoff compared to most other Adventure Packs due to it being even shorter than a lot of normal TT levels. Heck, the figure you get with it isn't even exclusive this time around, unlike the adventure packs in the past games, so can't even say "well it was worth it for the exclusive character!".

One thing though... What is the deal with Mab Lobs' name? I can usually figure out what the pun or reference or whatever for Skylander and Villain names, but this one I just don't get it. What is a 'Mab'? And when he talks he seems to say he's throwing "blobs" instead of "bombs". Is it just making fun of the way Mabu's talk or something?
Unreallystic Emerald Sparx Gems: 3054
#20 Posted: 18:30:44 21/10/2014
Quote: Zauron
I agree Adventure Pack levels should be Swap Force length since you pay for them. I disagree with the normal levels being that length though, I hated how long they were in Swap Force. My wife and I played the games together, but she stopped wanting to play any more with Swap Force because we would only play one level at a time, and SF's levels took too long for a single play session. Not only that but SF's levels also had similar themes for multiple levels in a row (desert, ice/snow, etc), whereas in Trap Team every level feels like a totally new area, so in SF I was very bored of the levels by the 3rd super-long desert level or ice level. I like TT's levels and their lengths MUCH better than SF's, in general.

BUT, that said, I agree that Mirror of Mystery did feel like a ripoff compared to most other Adventure Packs due to it being even shorter than a lot of normal TT levels. Heck, the figure you get with it isn't even exclusive this time around, unlike the adventure packs in the past games, so can't even say "well it was worth it for the exclusive character!".

One thing though... What is the deal with Mab Lobs' name? I can usually figure out what the pun or reference or whatever for Skylander and Villain names, but this one I just don't get it. What is a 'Mab'? And when he talks he seems to say he's throwing "blobs" instead of "bombs". Is it just making fun of the way Mabu's talk or something?


This this this...my wife was the exact same way. Giants was perfect for my family, my wife would play it with me, my son would swap characters for us. SF was too long and my wife lost enjoyment so it went from a Family game, to a 'daddy' game that Nathan could help out with. This game has 'brought it back togehter' if you will, my wife has done most of the levels so far with me, and even does some of her grading next to me while I play.

As for Adventure packs...ESPECIALLY for the cost? I feel they should be separate 'games', not one level but a whole 'arc'.

But that won't happen since we cna't even get heroics back heh
- Unreall
defpally Emerald Sparx Gems: 4158
#21 Posted: 19:46:12 21/10/2014
I'm not against shorter levels necessarily, but they need to extend content. They have a limited amount of assets, but why can't they do, for example, sub levels all of the same theme? You could have shorter levels, but have level 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 instead of just 1 level - that way you get Swap Force length with breaks for people that don't want to play 45 minute levels. Every single level doesn't have to be visually distinct or have major story progression - but they definitely need some more heft.
Zauron Green Sparx Gems: 162
#22 Posted: 20:19:25 21/10/2014
Quote: Unreallystic
This this this...my wife was the exact same way. Giants was perfect for my family, my wife would play it with me, my son would swap characters for us. SF was too long and my wife lost enjoyment so it went from a Family game, to a 'daddy' game that Nathan could help out with. This game has 'brought it back togehter' if you will, my wife has done most of the levels so far with me, and even does some of her grading next to me while I play.

As for Adventure packs...ESPECIALLY for the cost? I feel they should be separate 'games', not one level but a whole 'arc'.

But that won't happen since we cna't even get heroics back heh
- Unreall


Totally agree about adventure packs should be a whole 'arc', like a mini-series... also, did you say "grading"? Heh, small world, my wife is a teacher and is often grading papers while I play games smilie.
FaboulousFab Yellow Sparx Gems: 1247
#23 Posted: 20:23:14 21/10/2014
If we think the levels are already on the disc, we are indeed very kind customers to never complaining.
It has alway left me a bad taste in the wallet.

And if they also can reduce the length of the levels with no fig exclusivity, so they're very clever....unless fans get bored by the trick smilie
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Marge: But I thought broccoli was...
Dr. Hibbert: Oh yes. One of the deadliest plants on earth. It tries to warn you itself with its terrible taste.
defpally Emerald Sparx Gems: 4158
#24 Posted: 20:53:38 21/10/2014
Gamers just need to get the idea out of their head that they are entitled to content on the disc simply because it is there. The alternative is that the content forces a download and for you to have memory space when you buy a figure, which isn't feasible given this is a kid's game and many do not have online accessibility. I mean it isn't like the disk weighs more or costs more because there are extra 1s and 0s on it.

This is how the game works, and if it surprises you at this point you aren't paying attention. Skylander games from day one have been a disk full of stuff you can't play unless you buy add ons.
FaboulousFab Yellow Sparx Gems: 1247
#25 Posted: 21:19:44 21/10/2014
Ha, for me this idea is just a trick to take more money without making efforts.
Capcom did the same with tekken vs street and lost many reputation.
Gamers aren't necessarily all mute sheeps.

The argument "it's like this from the begining" doesn't prevent it from being a thievery.
I bought many of their stuff and i consider having the right to not liking those strategies.

I'm not surprised at all but disappointed they forget more and more the fans.
there is significantly more"stuff" to buy game after game.
It's way not as fair as the begining for my point.
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Marge: But I thought broccoli was...
Dr. Hibbert: Oh yes. One of the deadliest plants on earth. It tries to warn you itself with its terrible taste.
defpally Emerald Sparx Gems: 4158
#26 Posted: 21:29:08 21/10/2014
Capcom lost "reputation" among fans that felt they were entitled to 40 characters instead of 32 (which is already very generous for a fighting game) simply because Capcom had developed them. Boo hoo. The game didn't do well because it wasn't a very good fighting game, not because of some very vocal whiners about the delivery mechanism. The alternative would be to download a compatibility pack to take up disk space so people you play against online can use the characters with you being able to see them. Personally, I'd rather that data use DVD space I can't use otherwise than hard drive space I can. So now we have games like that have required compatibility downloads to play online so complainers can feel like they are able to access every byte on a disk. Great.

I can understand that your English isn't great, but please look up the word "thievery". It doesn't mean what you think it means.
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 21:36:35 21/10/2014 by defpally
FaboulousFab Yellow Sparx Gems: 1247
#27 Posted: 21:41:59 21/10/2014
Ok that's your vision, we don't share the sames. smilie

Out of subject
For me it's a synonym of robbery, my angeuliche is so bad that i don't understand what you mean.
I thought i wasn't so lame for an non english writter smilie
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Marge: But I thought broccoli was...
Dr. Hibbert: Oh yes. One of the deadliest plants on earth. It tries to warn you itself with its terrible taste.
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 21:42:26 21/10/2014 by FaboulousFab
dwattzdrummer Gold Sparx Gems: 2413
#28 Posted: 00:11:53 22/10/2014
I boss fight SUCKED. That was my complaint.
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wdrumz YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/wdrumz
MetaVolca Green Sparx Gems: 464
#29 Posted: 00:15:43 22/10/2014
Quote: Slivers
My son and I just finished the Mirror of Mystery adventure and, to be blunt, I've never felt as ripped-off as I do right now from the Skylanders franchise. Although the premise of the "Bizarro-World" is cool, the actually adventure is incredible short and contains virtually no puzzles or challenges! Heck, of the items collect three of is laying around out in the open and the second one you must "pay" 20g to receive ... no puzzle, no Skystones, just give me 20g and take it.

This is by FAR the shortest, brain-dead, no time spent in development, shipped at launch add-on content adventure pack in existence.

Shame on you Activision/TFB!



you seriously must be new to skylanders, there have been WAY worse or shorter levels, and i LOVED this level for the fact that you can see what skylanders is like in another dimension!
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"On my business card, I am a corporate president. In my mind, I am a game developer. But in my heart, I am a gamer." Satoru Iwata, 1959-2015
Slivers Yellow Sparx Gems: 1387
#30 Posted: 01:55:11 22/10/2014 | Topic Creator
Quote: MetaVolca
Quote: Slivers
My son and I just finished the Mirror of Mystery adventure and, to be blunt, I've never felt as ripped-off as I do right now from the Skylanders franchise. Although the premise of the "Bizarro-World" is cool, the actually adventure is incredible short and contains virtually no puzzles or challenges! Heck, of the items collect three of is laying around out in the open and the second one you must "pay" 20g to receive ... no puzzle, no Skystones, just give me 20g and take it.

This is by FAR the shortest, brain-dead, no time spent in development, shipped at launch add-on content adventure pack in existence.

Shame on you Activision/TFB!



you seriously must be new to skylanders, there have been WAY worse or shorter levels, and i LOVED this level for the fact that you can see what skylanders is like in another dimension!


You can probably glance at my Sparx level to discern quickly I am not new here.

Please, don't think I didn't love the idea of the level, but the fact remains it literally takes a few minutes to plow past the level, including all the secrets. When combined with a completely worthless ending boss fight where you don't actually *fight* either of the evil good-guys, this is one of the most disappointing levels we've ever played.
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 01:55:49 22/10/2014 by Slivers
GhostRoaster Yellow Sparx Gems: 1803
#31 Posted: 02:30:31 22/10/2014
Quote: defpally
I'm not against shorter levels necessarily, but they need to extend content. They have a limited amount of assets, but why can't they do, for example, sub levels all of the same theme? You could have shorter levels, but have level 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 instead of just 1 level - that way you get Swap Force length with breaks for people that don't want to play 45 minute levels. Every single level doesn't have to be visually distinct or have major story progression - but they definitely need some more heft.


Read my mind exactly. Bottom line though is more is more...not less.
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RIP GhostRoaster. He's reanimated as TakeYourLemons but occasionally is resurrected from the beyond when needed.
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 02:31:07 22/10/2014 by GhostRoaster
davidm4400 Green Sparx Gems: 466
#32 Posted: 02:41:27 22/10/2014
yea I didn't expect it to be so short and evilon just reminded me of vathek in dragon's peak. it would have been worth it if you could capture evilon or the evil flynn
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Characters left for SA, SG, and SW: smiliesmiliesmiliesmiliesmilie andsmilie
AdamGregory03 Gold Sparx Gems: 2156
#33 Posted: 04:35:39 22/10/2014
I know a lot of people are probably going to say yes, but is it wrong to say I feel a little weirded out when I read that it's the parents playing the games?
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Golden Queen did nothing wrong and she is best evil waifu.
Check this out! Please?
defpally Emerald Sparx Gems: 4158
#34 Posted: 04:49:31 22/10/2014
Quote: FaboulousFab
Ok that's your vision, we don't share the sames. smilie

Out of subject
For me it's a synonym of robbery, my angeuliche is so bad that i don't understand what you mean.
I thought i wasn't so lame for an non english writter smilie


Ok, let me explain it more plainly.

In 1992, people across the US lined up to buy Street Fighter 2 for the SNES for a retail price of $74.99 (in 1992 dollars). It included 8 characters of which 2 were palette swaps. In 1993, Street Fighter 2 Turbo released for the retail price of $73.99 for an additional 4 playable characters - all 4 of which were included in the previous game in non-playable form (data included on the media), and included minor updates to the moves and people lined up for it again. And then they added 4 more characters and some graphical upgrades the next year for another $72.99 retail for Super Street Fighter 2.

Then in 2012, twenty years later, the exact same company releases a much more complex fighter that includes 32 fighters for the price of $59.99 (in 2014 dollars) and for an additional $19.99 you can have 8 more. And the big problem with that is the resource files are on the disk, but unlike the cartridges, it does not require any additional cost since it is just empty space anyways. And you refer to this as "thievery" and "robbery".

My 1992 self would like to have a very blunt conversation with your entitled, whining, modern gaming self. Get the heck over it, it is a method of delivery of content. Games cost a lot more to make today, so when you complain that you don't get everything they developed for the game included for free and served up on a silver platter in the manner you want, people that have been gaming for years just roll our eyes. Yes, you and the rest of the people that complain about this whole "on the disk content" thing like it is some sort of an affront are "entitled". And yes, it is pulling the whole "back in my day" bit, but come on - modern gamers complain constantly about things people begged for in years past.
FaboulousFab Yellow Sparx Gems: 1247
#35 Posted: 05:58:20 22/10/2014
Ha oki, to reformulate, you didn't wanted to consider my arguments because it seemed pointless to you.
I was not so bad in english after all smilie

Man you got your own way of thinking, I respect that but it wouldn't surely be mine.
Again it's not because there are abuses that we have to accept them.

1992 was an another story, and justifies nothin', it was more the begining of the end smilie
I remenber how frustrated we were when we had to repay the same game 6 months later,
and we didn't had internet to warn us from those "surprises" if you prefer.

It reminds me of Hessel (RIP), with his "time to outrage", who said basicaly we cannot accept everything because many says it's written somewhere.
And it's also because, I i'm a big neogeo fan that I know well what commercial abuses are.

"Me and the rest of the people" have the right to express their frustration,
who knows, maybe the game would be one day cheaper just the way it was with the first or giant.
Beautiful dreaming...
---
Marge: But I thought broccoli was...
Dr. Hibbert: Oh yes. One of the deadliest plants on earth. It tries to warn you itself with its terrible taste.
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 06:01:09 22/10/2014 by FaboulousFab
Unreallystic Emerald Sparx Gems: 3054
#36 Posted: 14:12:44 22/10/2014
Someone is talking SFxT...I've been in so many debates about that game. It actually holds some weight in the current discussions so I'll do a quick breeze over it.

There was a loud vocal minoirty in the fighting game community because SFxT was a huge 'cash grab' game, arguably the first major release fighting game of it's kind. Not looking at the expansion pack, you had 'auto-combos', 'gems', 'costumes', and 'colors' you could buy - all the while the Tekken series had like twice as many characters, colors and items/costumes were purchased via in-game currency, etc. Capcom just wanted to nickle and dime players and it p!ssed a LOT of people off...fairly so.

Then people found out that the huge character expansion content was already on the disc. They blew up feeling as though they were paying twice for content they should of had the first time.

But there is a line that the consumer doesn't see, especially when it comes to development.

You get a budget and a schedule for a project. They had one. They wanted to do more than what was in the original budget, and felt they could fit it in the schedule thanks to the reuse of models from SF4. They used the extra time to make more characters that they wanted originally in there. They didn't get to finish the characters by launch, but they got model/moves done and threw it on the disc for a neasier delivery mechanism once the content was complete. No copy of the game had the complete expansion on it. It was no different than when a new Call of Duty comes out, the DLC may not be on the disc - but the developer is already knee deep in that DLC.

So Capcom was WELL within their right to sell the content as $20 DLC, it was DLC that someone wisely (debatable due to fighting) shoved a large portion of the data onto the initial discs.

So fans mad at the nickle and diming were justified. Complaining about that on-disc DLC was not.

Skyylanders is different. This isn't SFxT were they put the DLC on disc for a better delivery system. You're lying to yourself if you think that. Like SFxT there was a budget and schedule. They didn't develop 'DLC' however from the end of the games development to release. The adventure packs were planned content from Day 1. Always have been. The content for Skylanders isn't really DLC - DLC lends itself to content created after the initial game, meant as an add-on to further enrich the experience. The content in Skylander games - virtually all of it - is a Pay Wall. Pay Wall lends itself to "spend money on item 'X' to access this content". It's part of the original budget. What it boils down to?

DLC you pay the developer for doing extra work and they give you additional content
Paywall you pay the developer for access to work that arguably is part of the base content.

I'm not complaining - I know what I'm dealing with, but make no bones about it the money spent on Adventure packs doesn't go towards additional game development, it goes to someone getting a bigger house or a more luxurious car.
- Unreall
defpally Emerald Sparx Gems: 4158
#37 Posted: 14:17:11 22/10/2014
You do have a right to express your frustration. But your statements make you sound petty and entitled.

Neo Geo was a completely different story, it was so expensive because it was an literally an arcade machine you could buy for your home. You were buying arcade level hardware (which was a great deal more sophisticated than ordinary home consoles at the time). Those $200 cartridges were closer to $400-500 for the MVS version that was put in the cabinets, so they actually were cutting you a deal when you bought it for home use.

The simple question is this, was the content you purchased a good value for your price? Stop looking at it as "what else could they have given me?". The standing example you provided, Tekken x Street Fighter, had a very healthy amount of content and playable fighters (which is usually the factor in determining the amount of content in a fighting game). It's whining to say "hey you gave us a lot, but why not moooore?".

And as far as it is related to Skylander, to tie this back into the topic, Trap Team has a good amount of content you are provided in the Starter Pack. Standard figures cost in the range of $7-10 for non NFC, game integrated figures - so it isn't that bad given they aren't "just figures". I preferred the longer Swap Force levels, and it is a shame the Mirror of Mystery is not more meaty - and that is a legitimate concern. Whether they stored the data for it on the disk or not is not a legitimate concern.

Games are very expensive to make these days, even something as seemingly small as voice over actors can be very expensive. Games also take dozens if not hundreds of people to produce in this day and age. Additional budget is assigned to add on content on the understanding that they will be selling it for extra, and by not doing so they aren't going to make it anyways and give it for free - they will simply not make the additional content. I'd rather have the option to purchase more content for a game I enjoy. I hate when I get to the end of a game I really like and the feeling that there is nothing else to do. If I feel it is overpriced, I wait for a sale.

And yes, some game makers do take it to the extreme and nickel and dime the players, sure (horse armor in Oblivion, for example). It isn't a big deal though, the simple solution is to simply not buy it - you have that option, and exercising that option sends a message. Robbery is when you don't have an option as to whether something is taken from you.
HeyitsHotDog Diamond Sparx Gems: 8671
#38 Posted: 14:32:03 22/10/2014
MoM seemed to be rushed compared to the other Adventure packs from what I've seen. I loved Nightmare Express, though, it's my favorite Adventure pack next to Tower of Time and Pirate Seas.
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Hey is there anything you want me to bring for the rest of the week and if so it’s so cool that you can do something and just do it like that
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 15:27:04 22/10/2014 by HeyitsHotDog
Tigorus Emerald Sparx Gems: 3589
#39 Posted: 14:35:38 22/10/2014
Yeah I totally agree with the O.P. After I completed it two things happened. First I contemplated taking it back to Best Buy for a refund but I liked Deja Vu so I didn't. Second, my ten year old daughter said "that's it?". So it's not just us cranky adults wanting more, the kids are feeling burnt on this one as well. I seriously don't know what happened in this development cycle. Aside from shortened content, this is the buggiest Skylanders to date. More so than all three previous games combined. That and the reduction in in game activities and features has me scratching my head. The gimmick only gates was also an interesting touch as well (mostly crappy though). Is it really as simple as Activision saying "F it, we've already got kid and their parents by hooked on our franchise. They'll play and buy what ever we put in front of them"? What the hell happened?

Edit: Another few things of note. I also noticed that the Adventure pack pieces don't even act like a magic item this time around. They simply play a cinematic. Again, they've taken things that had a previous function in game and removed their functionality. This seems odd to me considering that this franchise is at it's peak and Infinity is gaining ground. Once Infinity adds Star Wars to their roster they will really be in trouble. They really need to think about putting quality and content back into the formula if they want to stay relevant.
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 14:46:17 22/10/2014 by Tigorus
GinjaNinja Gold Sparx Gems: 2604
#40 Posted: 14:36:06 22/10/2014
I still can't find Mirror of Mystery smilie
Tigorus Emerald Sparx Gems: 3589
#41 Posted: 14:49:31 22/10/2014
Quote: GinjaNinja
I still can't find Mirror of Mystery smilie


Check Target. The Target's in my area just put them out this last Sunday. Best Buy as well but they had them out last week.

I've included a link to Amazon as well. Them seem to have it:

http://www.amazon.com/Skylande...rror+of+mystery
Squid7201 Yellow Sparx Gems: 1139
#42 Posted: 14:59:19 22/10/2014
Quote: Buuzer
Quote: Slivers
My son and I just finished the Mirror of Mystery adventure and, to be blunt, I've never felt as ripped-off as I do right now from the Skylanders franchise. Although the premise of the "Bizarro-World" is cool, the actually adventure is incredible short and contains virtually no puzzles or challenges! Heck, of the items collect three of is laying around out in the open and the second one you must "pay" 20g to receive ... no puzzle, no Skystones, just give me 20g and take it.

This is by FAR the shortest, brain-dead, no time spent in development, shipped at launch add-on content adventure pack in existence.

Shame on you Activision/TFB!

I don't have it yet but I like that there isn't any puzzle, lock door and skystones, they are boring and ruins the level.


Uh, the puzzles, lock doors, and skystones are what keeps skylanders interesting. Otherwise all you do is fight bad guys. Without the bonus activities, skylanders would be very boring
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"Do you see this! I'm bein repressed! The governments repressin me!"
Monty Python and The Holy Grail.
Buuzer Hunter Gems: 6546
#43 Posted: 15:35:22 22/10/2014
Quote: Squid7201
Quote: Buuzer
Quote: Slivers
My son and I just finished the Mirror of Mystery adventure and, to be blunt, I've never felt as ripped-off as I do right now from the Skylanders franchise. Although the premise of the "Bizarro-World" is cool, the actually adventure is incredible short and contains virtually no puzzles or challenges! Heck, of the items collect three of is laying around out in the open and the second one you must "pay" 20g to receive ... no puzzle, no Skystones, just give me 20g and take it.

This is by FAR the shortest, brain-dead, no time spent in development, shipped at launch add-on content adventure pack in existence.

Shame on you Activision/TFB!

I don't have it yet but I like that there isn't any puzzle, lock door and skystones, they are boring and ruins the level.


Uh, the puzzles, lock doors, and skystones are what keeps skylanders interesting. Otherwise all you do is fight bad guys. Without the bonus activities, skylanders would be very boring

I know, man. I'm talking about the general level. Chapter "Operation Troll" has 2 lock door to go in the next are and no to a secret a are with a bonus. It just ruins a level if you want to replay it just for fun, the same happens in some levels of Giants.
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smilie smilie smilie youtube.com/user/GOWBuuzer smilie smilie smilie
Unreallystic Emerald Sparx Gems: 3054
#44 Posted: 15:51:50 22/10/2014
Quote: defpally
You do have a right to express your frustration. But your statements make you sound petty and entitled.

Neo Geo was a completely different story, it was so expensive because it was an literally an arcade machine you could buy for your home. You were buying arcade level hardware (which was a great deal more sophisticated than ordinary home consoles at the time). Those $200 cartridges were closer to $400-500 for the MVS version that was put in the cabinets, so they actually were cutting you a deal when you bought it for home use.

The simple question is this, was the content you purchased a good value for your price? Stop looking at it as "what else could they have given me?". The standing example you provided, Tekken x Street Fighter, had a very healthy amount of content and playable fighters (which is usually the factor in determining the amount of content in a fighting game). It's whining to say "hey you gave us a lot, but why not moooore?".

And as far as it is related to Skylander, to tie this back into the topic, Trap Team has a good amount of content you are provided in the Starter Pack. Standard figures cost in the range of $7-10 for non NFC, game integrated figures - so it isn't that bad given they aren't "just figures". I preferred the longer Swap Force levels, and it is a shame the Mirror of Mystery is not more meaty - and that is a legitimate concern. Whether they stored the data for it on the disk or not is not a legitimate concern.

Games are very expensive to make these days, even something as seemingly small as voice over actors can be very expensive. Games also take dozens if not hundreds of people to produce in this day and age. Additional budget is assigned to add on content on the understanding that they will be selling it for extra, and by not doing so they aren't going to make it anyways and give it for free - they will simply not make the additional content. I'd rather have the option to purchase more content for a game I enjoy. I hate when I get to the end of a game I really like and the feeling that there is nothing else to do. If I feel it is overpriced, I wait for a sale.

And yes, some game makers do take it to the extreme and nickel and dime the players, sure (horse armor in Oblivion, for example). It isn't a big deal though, the simple solution is to simply not buy it - you have that option, and exercising that option sends a message. Robbery is when you don't have an option as to whether something is taken from you.


I actually don't really disagree with you for the most part. I was on the publisher's side with SFxT, they were fully justified in their pricing of the 'expansion'. The gems and rinky dink items were just a money grab that you could ultimately ignore.

I don't disagree about the cost of making games either, its why the next gen systems have so few games, the more advance we get, the more work has to go into making things look as good as possible.

Where I *think* I part ways is what the Adventure Packs are. I don't view them as truly additional content. Point blank period. To me, the model they have for this series is that of a complete paywall. If NO ONE bought the adventure packs, I don't think it would 'hurt' Activision (it owuldn't help, but they wouldn't lose money). If no one bought the DLC for the next CoD, it would hurt Activision as additional resources were consumed beyond the 'base budget' to create that content. I agree that they put money to the side to develop the adventure packs - no question, I'm just part of the group that believes that money is really tied into the $75 I spent on the base game, and they are getting me to buy it again. There is a reason they made $500 million in profit (not sold - profit). @ $10 a pop that's still 50 million figures. It's a HUGE number. And as a capitalist I dont' feel I have the right to tell them what to do with their money or tell them they are making their money wrong, because obviously they have more than me, and I'm not complaining either...I've bought it all and don't kick myself.

But I'm not going to pretend like I don't see how they are profitting. The game cost $75...that includes the whole game - a portal, a couple characters, and a couple traps. The game itself is has 18 levels which - the basis of this thread - are all longer than this one level you get from the Adventure Pack. The adventure pack does come with a character and some items, so I'd wager the value of the 'unlock' is around $10. Does that really sound comparable to the cost of the game? Not really.

And again, I'm really not trying to complain...just not feign ignorance to them 'getting money'.
- Unreall
CountMoneyBone Platinum Sparx Gems: 5173
#45 Posted: 16:02:47 22/10/2014
Quote:
I don't disagree about the cost of making games either, its why the next gen systems have so few games, the more advance we get, the more work has to go into making things look as good as possible.


swap force was for the new gen too and all older gens.... it got more content,less bugs/glitches, online features, the adventure packs are great. and guess what it was made in the same time period as trap team. so the logic that the more advanced the harder it get don't really hold water.
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Ha! HA, sage ich.
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 16:07:12 22/10/2014 by CountMoneyBone
defpally Emerald Sparx Gems: 4158
#46 Posted: 16:31:05 22/10/2014
Quote: Unreallystic
Where I *think* I part ways is what the Adventure Packs are. I don't view them as truly additional content. Point blank period. To me, the model they have for this series is that of a complete paywall. If NO ONE bought the adventure packs, I don't think it would 'hurt' Activision (it owuldn't help, but they wouldn't lose money). If no one bought the DLC for the next CoD, it would hurt Activision as additional resources were consumed beyond the 'base budget' to create that content. I agree that they put money to the side to develop the adventure packs - no question, I'm just part of the group that believes that money is really tied into the $75 I spent on the base game, and they are getting me to buy it again. There is a reason they made $500 million in profit (not sold - profit). @ $10 a pop that's still 50 million figures. It's a HUGE number. And as a capitalist I dont' feel I have the right to tell them what to do with their money or tell them they are making their money wrong, because obviously they have more than me, and I'm not complaining either...I've bought it all and don't kick myself.


Well in general, I think we do agree somewhat. The question I was most addressing was whether it was "thievery" to ship content on disk then charge to access it. It isn't, because it isn't like back in the cartridge days where including extra content meant more chips in the cartridge and therefore it was more expensive. Most game disks have loads of extra free space these days it can be either blank or have stuff on it to prevent players from having to download content later and use precious drive space instead.

I do, however, think that if they hadn't made the Adventure Pack that those levels wouldn't have been designed. The game as I understand it is already a pretty decent size, and not having Adventure Sets in Giants did not result in us getting "extra levels". In fact, Giants could be considered the shortest, least content Skylanders game. They simply didn't make more levels. The hypothesis is that if they don't charge for it, they would give it to us anyways. Reality says that isn't true, we just didn't get extra levels.

I'm not defending the length of Mirror of Mystery or the cost. It sounds like we are getting a bit shortchanged based on Swap Force length. I personally console myself by having gotten it at Best Buy for a 20% Gamer's Club discount. That's the best course of action if you feel it isn't worth it, find it for a better deal or skip it and send a message.
FaboulousFab Yellow Sparx Gems: 1247
#47 Posted: 20:15:41 22/10/2014
Arf, to conclude for me, you are absolutly right, I fully apologie for my petty and irrelevant arguments smilie smilie smilie

Now it's done, so if I've correctly understood, mirror of mystery is quite short and disappointing.
The level item itself has no magic use and there is no final boss fight.
And it becomes correct only if you can get it with discount, i'm in?

And what about the gameplay of deja vu (brrrrr french), and chompy?
Playing a chompy can be fun?
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Marge: But I thought broccoli was...
Dr. Hibbert: Oh yes. One of the deadliest plants on earth. It tries to warn you itself with its terrible taste.
defpally Emerald Sparx Gems: 4158
#48 Posted: 20:34:35 22/10/2014
Quote: FaboulousFab
Now it's done, so if I've correctly understood, mirror of mystery is quite short and disappointing.
The level item itself has no magic use and there is no final boss fight.
And it becomes correct only if you can get it with discount, i'm in?


No, you should only get it if it falls within your expectations of value. If you feel that a fairly short level, figure and two magic items aren't worth $25 US, you should wait for a discount. And since it the data for the content is on the disc you already have, based on your previous comments that discount is "Free" for you. Good luck with that.
Edited 1 time - Last edited at 20:35:22 22/10/2014 by defpally
goldenrushducks Yellow Sparx Gems: 1572
#49 Posted: 20:52:48 22/10/2014
I didn't like swap force. I think Trap team missions are perfect in my opinion.
FaboulousFab Yellow Sparx Gems: 1247
#50 Posted: 06:04:02 23/10/2014
Quote: defpally
Quote: FaboulousFab
Now it's done, so if I've correctly understood, mirror of mystery is quite short and disappointing.
The level item itself has no magic use and there is no final boss fight.
And it becomes correct only if you can get it with discount, i'm in?


No, you should only get it if it falls within your expectations of value. If you feel that a fairly short level, figure and two magic items aren't worth $25 US, you should wait for a discount. And since it the data for the content is on the disc you already have, based on your previous comments that discount is "Free" for you. Good luck with that.


Well, we don't share the same point of view but here your answer is only sarcasms towards me,
I'm glad you have all the truth but just be a little more respectful with others, good luck with that.
---
Marge: But I thought broccoli was...
Dr. Hibbert: Oh yes. One of the deadliest plants on earth. It tries to warn you itself with its terrible taste.
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