darkSpyro

This is going to cost me way to much. since they won't be in singles, i will have to buy them on ebay

FYI--Just talked to gamestop manager and he read me the email release they received internally. You can for sure reserve them at Gamestop. You do not have to do it online. You have the choice to do it either way.

I would encourage anybody who has been told otherwise--to refer employee to the email they received. The info just isn't in their computers yet.

Where's the Dark 3DS version? Also it's also available for pre order on EB games Australia.

Under the regular pack for LC Hex it says:

Quote:

Bonus!
More details
Pre-Order Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack and receive a FREE never before released LightCore Hex Skylanders Figure*!

*Offer available with pre-order of a Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack. LightCore Hex available upon pick up at launch. Limited quantities available. While supplies last.

SO

Quote:

*Offer available with pre-order of a Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack.

That would imply the Dark Edition would count towards LC Hex wouldn't it?

How quickly things have changed, they fixed the release date to 10/13/13 and now all stores have a sku for in store pre order!! As others have said $25 down, but a half dozen stores are claiming "1 per person" Those of us like Gamesmaster78 who have other players who want a set might have a hard time! The orders are linked to the GameStop membership card, so I just worry going to several stores won't work!?

To the people I questioned about it not being worth the money.... I missed the fact that it was just two regular characters and not an extra swap force guy. My bad. Still worth it in my book. They will be expensive on Ebay after launch.

Quote: spoons10696

I've been told by numerous Gamestops that they will not accept the Sidekick Frito Lay $10 off coupons and that they only accept Gamestop coupons. So Gamemaster78 before you start calling all the Chicago area Gamestop employees dumb again think twice about whether they are all right or whether your guy is going against the grain! Either way its still the normal Gamestop crap of no one knows what the hell they should or shouldn't be doing.

My 2c. I pre-ordered Dark Edition at GameStop in store today - paid $25 as deposit. I've shown Frito Lay coupon to the employee and she told me to bring this Frito Lay $10 coupon at the moment when I will be picking it up and pay the remaining $75 and GameStop will accept it. And additionally employee said that I will receive LC Hex with Dark Edition because it is free with any Swap Force starter pack pre-order including Dark Edition. I don't think that LC Hex will be with Dark Edition, at least right now GameStop's web site doesn't have LC Hex as a bonus for Dark Edition pre-order. Anyway I don't care much about LC Hex.

Oh yes...Ebay greed will be huge as of 10/14/2013...lol After reading all the post...im going to do what another poster said...going to get this "Dark"starter pack, then get a standard starter pack for the Wii U...was planing getting a Wii U this christmas anyways. Because like he said...im sure these "Dark" starter packs will be set to limited run.....and i want to get one before they run out of them.

At the risk of angering people, I don't consider someone who sells the dark starter pack to necessarily be greedy. We can all see how insane this will be the day after people realize they missed a chance to get it (assuming GameStop doesn't have a hundred of these at each store). From the large deposit and the limit most stores are setting, I'm guessing there won't be extras warming shelves. Everyone has equal opportunity to lock in an order at $25. I've always wondered how people who don't pre order collectors versions like this expect to just walk in and buy em!? I saw so many angry customers who couldn't get the über Bioshock Infinite Songbird edition. Do you think stores can just get dozens of copies of these unique items? Many times stores have limits too, like the new Final Fantasy on Aug.27! End rant...sorry

I like Variants, these aren't the best variants, but if that magazine is correct and they do have unique movesets, that ups the value in my book. I'm still waiting for a little more info.

Quote: Doomslicer

I like Variants, these aren't the best variants, but if that magazine is correct and they do have unique movesets, that ups the value in my book. I'm still waiting for a little more info.

Which magazine stated this? Link? I know I found an article somewhere today playstation posted...that one?

The greed i was talking about was those that want a huge amount for them....i have nothing against making a profit....but 300% mark up is just greedy. Also in these time maybe there are those that can't to buy it now.

Quote: GameMaster78

Your local Gamestop employee is dumb. Most Gamestop employees don't know what they're talking about most of the time... until they get the memo, as it were.

Cancel online preorder, preorder in store, take coupon expires on 11/30/13, so it should be all good.

Dunno about you GameMaster78 but it clearly says in your post "Your local Gamestop employee is dumb." One complete sentence. So dont tell me how to read your comments more clearly. I can read perfectly well thank you. Try not to be so high and mighty in the future and maybe read other peoples comments more clearly eh!! Dont say you didnt say something or you said something else when its clear as day what it is you said.

Lots of 'glass half empty' people in this thread... Compared to what they could have done--five separate "exclusive" starter packs with one Dark character each--the actual plan is downright gracious. Personally, I'm psyched for this. I don't see how a regular starter pack is fine at $74.99 but the one with five in-game variants is a ripoff at $99. I mean, what were they supposed to do, just throw them in? Give you the whole setup for the standard price? I know a lot of the Skylanders market isn't totally familiar with the concept of the pre-order special edition, but those are virtually always more expensive than the standard set. It's why they make them in the first place, and it shouldn't be shocking or surprising that the Dark pack is following normal special edition protocol. Give Activision a break here. This is a cool idea, and they really aren't harming the customer. People who decide not to do it will more than likely end up buying the Dark toys at a markup anyway, so I'd say swallow your pride and grab the preorder.

Quote: Tashiji

Lots of 'glass half empty' people in this thread... Compared to what they could have done--five separate "exclusive" starter packs with one Dark character each--the actual plan is downright gracious. Personally, I'm psyched for this. I don't see how a regular starter pack is fine at $74.99 but the one with five in-game variants is a ripoff at $99. I mean, what were they supposed to do, just throw them in? Give you the whole setup for the standard price? I know a lot of the Skylanders market isn't totally familiar with the concept of the pre-order special edition, but those are virtually always more expensive than the standard set. It's why they make them in the first place, and it shouldn't be shocking or surprising that the Dark pack is following normal special edition protocol. Give Activision a break here. This is a cool idea, and they really aren't harming the customer. People who decide not to do it will more than likely end up buying the Dark toys at a markup anyway, so I'd say swallow your pride and grab the preorder.

I agree. I totally see the value in it. I also see that on day 1, we don't have to worry about how or when we're getting all 5 Dark Skylanders. We get them all in one pack, on day 1, and in what should be cool packaging, with an included "Mega Poster."

I preordered my 5 today.

Actually $99.99 is a right price for it since you get 2 extra characters.

Yup Yup i think $99.99 is a fine price...im getting one...well pre-ordering one

Five dollars more than what it would normally cost to get a Starter and 2 characters, but that's not as bad as what Gamestop could have charged.

I mean, right now, they've been getting new copies of Xenoblade from Nintendo. However, GS corporate has stated that they are to gut these new copies and sell them used for 89.99 and use the excuse that the price is due to the "age of the game." So, when they get an exclusive, they can sell it for whatever they want.

I'm just glad it wasn't 119.99.

gonna ask at gamestop about and xbox one and ps4 version lol will b getting 3 starters anyways

Theyre going to burn us out the same way Marvel dis in the 90s withall the varient covers on comic books.
A few are cool but to make so many because you onow there are completionista is just lame.
But this activision

Well, whoever is debating which version to get, I'd definitely go with the dark edition. We know the original starter pack will always be around so there's no worry about missing out on that. This, however, could be a limited production run.

white tiger stealth elf wow pow, most happen

Quote: GameMaster78

I'm just glad it wasn't 119.99.

That's the Aussie price.

Quote: Zook

Well, whoever is debating which version to get, I'd definitely go with the dark edition. We know the original starter pack will always be around so there's no worry about missing out on that. This, however, could be a limited production run.

I reckon it will only be limited otherwise they would probably be PS4 and Xbox one version of it for pre order.

Quote: GameMaster78

Five dollars more than what it would normally cost to get a Starter and 2 characters, but that's not as bad as what Gamestop could have charged.

I mean, right now, they've been getting new copies of Xenoblade from Nintendo. However, GS corporate has stated that they are to gut these new copies and sell them used for 89.99 and use the excuse that the price is due to the "age of the game." So, when they get an exclusive, they can sell it for whatever they want.

I'm just glad it wasn't 119.99.

Sorry to go off-topic, I heard about this too. If it's true I hope it makes Nintendo reconsider future exclusivity deals.

Quote: mantez

Where's the Dark 3DS version? Also it's also available for pre order on EB games Australia.

I don't think there is a 3DS version. OneofSwords posted about this on his site the other day, and only made mention of Wii, WiiU, PS3 and 360 versions, not any other consoles.

Realy...why do you want this in a 3DS version?....the only difference is the box an the portal. You can print up your own box art if you want...and the portal is just dry brushed with silver. I think they didn't do the 3DS because its so small when they know most people all ready have a console version of the game.

i still hope they will be singles too

Quote: NINJAsk11

i still hope they will be singles too

yah... that blast bomb dark single would be nice... its better looking...

Quote: GameMaster78

Another 4 Starter Packs to buy..... sigh.

This collector's edition set really looks cool.

But do you really need FOUR of these?

I mean ... you gotta draw the line somewhere, don't you?

Edit:
wait ... you pre-ordered five?
You're gonna drop $500 on just starter packs (minus whatever coupons you have)?

Quote: Sickboy1138

Theyre going to burn us out the same way Marvel dis in the 90s withall the varient covers on comic books.
A few are cool but to make so many because you onow there are completionista is just lame.
But this activision

Not everyone will buy these things, so most people won't feel like they're spending a lot of money, because they simply won't buy it.

Completionists know what they're in for with Skylanders. However, the glory of Skylanders is the ability to only need 1 of each element, 1 Giant, and 8 Swaplanders to 100% all three games.

My friend only owns the 9 dragons and a Giant. He's perfectly fine with that. He doesn't feel the need to get them all. He hasn't spent much on Skylanders at all. He will buy a 10th dragon, if they ever release a new dragon.

Quote: Tashiji

Lots of 'glass half empty' people in this thread... Compared to what they could have done--five separate "exclusive" starter packs with one Dark character each--the actual plan is downright gracious. Personally, I'm psyched for this. I don't see how a regular starter pack is fine at $74.99 but the one with five in-game variants is a ripoff at $99. I mean, what were they supposed to do, just throw them in? Give you the whole setup for the standard price? I know a lot of the Skylanders market isn't totally familiar with the concept of the pre-order special edition, but those are virtually always more expensive than the standard set. It's why they make them in the first place, and it shouldn't be shocking or surprising that the Dark pack is following normal special edition protocol. Give Activision a break here. This is a cool idea, and they really aren't harming the customer. People who decide not to do it will more than likely end up buying the Dark toys at a markup anyway, so I'd say swallow your pride and grab the preorder.

I never said "ripoff". $5 is hardly a ripoff. But, I did say they are charging a (small) premium for this version just as they charged additional for the last couple of variants. I don't like the precedence. Lots of people grumbled at the bump in prices the last two times, and those small increases really do add up when you factor it across many figures. It is possible to grumble about things without hating on or boycotting the franchise. I'll get the game, maybe even the Dark edition - it will be a Christmas present anyways for my sons, so a small premium for a special edition they will really like isn't out of line, especially given their current collection.

And no, I won't give Activision a break on it. If I don't like something I'll mention it and what I feel is wrong with it. However, I have a sneaking suspicion the price isn't Activision's doing. Gamestop is the only retailer that has a history of charging more for variants.

Buy it if you want to and skip it if you dont

Gigantic image

Looks like the Portal is silver-tinted.

My only ... and I do mean only ... gripe about this Collector's edition is that it is GameStop exclusive.

Out of all the "big box" Skylanders retailers in the USA, I get the worst service and worst prices and overall worst experience at GameStop.
I don't like their store policies and I don't like how they horribly mismanaged and bait-and-switched consumers during their recent Skylanders (LoL) "Festival" event when Polar Whirlwind was released.

The price is fine. The product is awesome. But I really wish Activision had not rewarded GameStop with this privilege.
Very disappointed by that.

Quote: shelly9871

Buy it if you want to and skip it if you dont

Take it or leave it isn't exactly the best idea. We all know that TFB/Activision people read these forums, and they do take note of reasonable arguments. Feel free to blow sunshine up their posterior all you want and remain silent on the things that you don't like, but feedback (positive and negative) is a benefit to the franchise and those that create it/sell it. No one is saying boycott the franchise, mind you. Should we not point out Gamestop's new business model where they charge more for variants? If there is no vocal resistance what's going to prevent Walmart/TRU/Target/etc. from going "hmmmm"?

Using sales as an absolute method of determining what to do or not is a long term disaster in the making. By the time the Free Market tells you you have gone too far, you are losing customers. And it is far harder to win a customer back than it is to keep them in the first place.

Quote: shelly9871

Buy it if you want to and skip it if you dont

Unfortunately it's not as simple as that because while I would love to have the dark edition I can't afford to pay the extra money as I am currently unemployed and the way things are currently going I won't be any time soon

Quote: flamesslinger

Quote: shelly9871

Buy it if you want to and skip it if you dont

Unfortunately it's not as simple as that because while I would love to have the dark edition I can't afford to pay the extra money as I am currently unemployed and the way things are currently going I won't be any time soon

No offense intended, but if this is true, you should probably not even be concerned about the price of toys ... or buying toys at all.

*Sigh* I guess I'll go get my preorder changed. Activision's gotten really good at waving something shiny and awesome in front of my face, and I want that Dark Blast Zone.

Australian EB Games will be getting them.:
https://www.ebgames.com.au/ps3...k-PlayStation-3

Quote: defpally

Quote: Tashiji

Lots of 'glass half empty' people in this thread... Compared to what they could have done--five separate "exclusive" starter packs with one Dark character each--the actual plan is downright gracious. Personally, I'm psyched for this. I don't see how a regular starter pack is fine at $74.99 but the one with five in-game variants is a ripoff at $99. I mean, what were they supposed to do, just throw them in? Give you the whole setup for the standard price? I know a lot of the Skylanders market isn't totally familiar with the concept of the pre-order special edition, but those are virtually always more expensive than the standard set. It's why they make them in the first place, and it shouldn't be shocking or surprising that the Dark pack is following normal special edition protocol. Give Activision a break here. This is a cool idea, and they really aren't harming the customer. People who decide not to do it will more than likely end up buying the Dark toys at a markup anyway, so I'd say swallow your pride and grab the preorder.

I never said "ripoff". $5 is hardly a ripoff. But, I did say they are charging a (small) premium for this version just as they charged additional for the last couple of variants. I don't like the precedence. Lots of people grumbled at the bump in prices the last two times, and those small increases really do add up when you factor it across many figures. It is possible to grumble about things without hating on or boycotting the franchise. I'll get the game, maybe even the Dark edition - it will be a Christmas present anyways for my sons, so a small premium for a special edition they will really like isn't out of line, especially given their current collection.

And no, I won't give Activision a break on it. If I don't like something I'll mention it and what I feel is wrong with it. However, I have a sneaking suspicion the price isn't Activision's doing. Gamestop is the only retailer that has a history of charging more for variants.

Well, the good thing about them raising the prices, is that they only raised them again at TRU. I was expecting all stores to follow - like they did when Giants released - and start selling Swap Force figures for 10.99, 12.99, and 15.99. That isn't the case. Stores are still selling figures for 9.99, 11.99, and 14.99.

Activision is smart to do so, too. It helps keep money flowing to them, as Skylanders is the cheaper "Toys to Life" game.

Quote: BahamutBreaker

Quote: flamesslinger

Quote: shelly9871

Buy it if you want to and skip it if you dont

Unfortunately it's not as simple as that because while I would love to have the dark edition I can't afford to pay the extra money as I am currently unemployed and the way things are currently going I won't be any time soon

No offense intended, but if this is true, you should probably not even be concerned about the price of toys ... or buying toys at all.

I took his post to mean "I won't be able to get it since being unemployed means my fixed budget won't allow me to afford a premium on top of it". Honestly, if you recognize you cannot afford it due to an additional premium then that IS being frugal. Being unemployed does not one shouldn't treat themselves to some enjoyment every once in a while within a budget, it just means you need to be a great deal more selective on where you use your limited funds.

I understand defpally's point that there can be value in posting opinions --positive and/or negative--it can be useful to the corporation and hopefully could be a catalyst for change.

But--maybe this wasnt the right thread for my post. It was the culmination of reading many negative posts. I get frustrated that people sometimes seem like they believe Activision is diabolical and plans really to hurt their customers.
Its a business--to make money. Some people will prefer how different companies do business--we can choose who to do business with whomever we please. And again ill reiterate that there is benefit to posting comments in hopes that it will help change things.

Regarding being unemployed... my husband and I have struggled financially many times.**He just had a major heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery. We had to focus on health, mortgage, utilities, insurance, food. We had to change our spending. Are there disappointment s because we cant buy what we want? Sure. But business goes in whether we can buy things or not. Heck--even employeed we have to make choices about what we can and cannot buy. I hope you find employment--sincerely--but I don't believe that it is relevant to Activision making this collectors pack

I hope that this clears up what I meant--no malice. I like cup is half full viewpoint

Well, one could argue Activision has made diabolical plans in the past. The whole Infinity Ward drama is an example of that - firing people to avoid paying a contracted bonus pretty much ranks up there.

Do I think they are being diabolical here? No. They are giving fans what they want, a Collectors Edition with a color scheme that will probably generate a lot of interest. And Gamestop isn't being diaboloical, I'm sure they paid a good price for the exclusive, the premium is likely making up the difference. They are definitely testing the waters for higher price points though.

Personal situation isn't relevant to Gamestop's pricing, but that does not preclude expressing disappointment that it places it outside your budget. It isn't making demands that they price the game to your own personal situation, although his is not unique.

All this said, yeah I went at lunch and plopped down my pre-order. They said the coupon would be valid and LC Hex would be included. I went back and forth, then realized how much we love the game and decided since it is Christmas this was not unreasonable for us. Not happy about paying the extra markup for the paint, but hey my boys will go nuts over this.

I can vouch for what Def said about color scheme. I wondered why they didn't do a dark figure for Giants, but it's been mad up with 5 for Swap Force. I like the dark variants.

Quote: defpally

Well, one could argue Activision has made diabolical plans in the past. The whole Infinity Ward drama is an example of that - firing people to avoid paying a contracted bonus pretty much ranks up there.

Do I think they are being diabolical here? No. They are giving fans what they want, a Collectors Edition with a color scheme that will probably generate a lot of interest. And Gamestop isn't being diaboloical, I'm sure they paid a good price for the exclusive, the premium is likely making up the difference. They are definitely testing the waters for higher price points though.

Personal situation isn't relevant to Gamestop's pricing, but that does not preclude expressing disappointment that it places it outside your budget. It isn't making demands that they price the game to your own personal situation, although his is not unique.

All this said, yeah I went at lunch and plopped down my pre-order. They said the coupon would be valid and LC Hex would be included. I went back and forth, then realized how much we love the game and decided since it is Christmas this was not unreasonable for us. Not happy about paying the extra markup for the paint, but hey my boys will go nuts over this.

Just so annoying that Gamestop cant get their crap together!....I know lots of people who have been told by their Gamestops that the coupon could not be used and that LC Hex would not be included!. This isn't difficult so why cant they just sort this out. I like the Dark Edition but again my gripe is that they gave it to Gamestop!....useless company and useless employees!

By the way, I noticed one thing interesting - it may be nothing, but the portal looks different from the posted images of the regular starter pack. They gave it a "frosted" look on the stone. It might simply be an evolution in design that will be in all packs, but it is different from what I have seen before. As I recall Walmart's pack last year had a GitD portal in addition to GitD Cynder.

Quote: spoons10696

Just so annoying that Gamestop cant get their crap together!....I know lots of people who have been told by their Gamestops that the coupon could not be used and that LC Hex would not be included!. This isn't difficult so why cant they just sort this out. I like the Dark Edition but again my gripe is that they gave it to Gamestop!....useless company and useless employees!

Today is the first day it was really open, I guess they sent out full details. It isn't unusual for things to take a day or so to filter down to the employees. They don't tell them ahead of time because it would blow the big announcement.

Quote: BahamutBreaker

Quote: flamesslinger

Quote: shelly9871

Buy it if you want to and skip it if you dont

Unfortunately it's not as simple as that because while I would love to have the dark edition I can't afford to pay the extra money as I am currently unemployed and the way things are currently going I won't be any time soon

No offense intended, but if this is true, you should probably not even be concerned about the price of toys ... or buying toys at all.

I was just saying that the statement made was not entirely true and the fact that I am buying the game at all is through a fund which I've been saving particularly for October because of pokemon x as well as swap force

Quote: defpally

By the way, I noticed one thing interesting - it may be nothing, but the portal looks different from the posted images of the regular starter pack. They gave it a "frosted" look on the stone. It might simply be an evolution in design that will be in all packs, but it is different from what I have seen before. As I recall Walmart's pack last year had a GitD portal in addition to GitD Cynder.

You mean the silver tint to the portal? The Dark Starter Pack's portal has that unlike the regular portal.