is it worth 40 usd ....

  • Thread starter Thread starter frestkd
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$40 is 2/3 or 66.67% of $60.

This is not "almost" full price, sorry. It's actually closer to half-price, if we are going to take liberty with the terminology.

What about Wii owners who pay $50 for games sometimes ported (poorly) from other systems? Even the better Wii-only titles don't require anywhere near the development time and effort of the Prologue Demo (that was free, remember?), but I don't hear many complaints about the cost of a Wii game on the gamesites.

If you want to be disappointed, you will be.
 
I think the 1up preview was geared towards all gamers, not just GT fans. That's why it was laid out with 2 different perspectives. Of course every real fan can't wait to get it, the die hard even pay $70 to have the JP version, that's love and respect right there. Its worth it period!

Now I did notice a huge decline in GTs sales numbers as posted by Scaff. Appears GT4 sold the least amount ever in NA. I think maybe that's why they are giving us Prologue, to generate hype. I think commercials would work better, but Sony has failed at those lately.:yuck:
 
Actually I plan to save money and write my own. Assuming I work for minimum wage (which I don't) that's about 5 hours of my time. I'm figuring I could knock together a couple of chunky squares labelled "F40" and "GTR" and have them bouncing around in a window, maybe with collision detect if code quickly.

Seriously guys, the fact that this game is so incredibly popular allows them to amortize hundreds of millions of dollars of investment over the entire user base and makes it affordable for everyone. When I started in computer graphics you would have needed a computer the size of a large building and the wallet of a large corporation or government division to even come close to this level of realism.

That we can buy it for $40 and run it on $400 of hardware is just stunning to me. And people still complain.
 
Actually I plan to save money and write my own. Assuming I work for minimum wage (which I don't) that's about 5 hours of my time. I'm figuring I could knock together a couple of chunky squares labelled "F40" and "GTR" and have them bouncing around in a window, maybe with collision detect if code quickly.

Seriously guys, the fact that this game is so incredibly popular allows them to amortize hundreds of millions of dollars of investment over the entire user base and makes it affordable for everyone. When I started in computer graphics you would have needed a computer the size of a large building and the wallet of a large corporation or government division to even come close to this level of realism.

That we can buy it for $40 and run it on $400 of hardware is just stunning to me. And people still complain.

:) where do you work?

im currently getting my masters in cs specializing in interactive graphics, and planning to join the industry afterwards
 
:) where do you work?

im currently getting my masters in cs specializing in interactive graphics, and planning to join the industry afterwards

Silicon Valley of course :-) It's a cool profession to be in. I have a Masters in CS and currently work on UI development in Qt. Years ago I could write Space Invaders on my own in weekends and evenings over a month or two. Developing a modern game takes hundreds of developers 4-5 years. It's a shame because it would be really neat to be able to write your own version of GT and customize it (fix it) the way you want. The tire screeches would be the first to go in my version :-)
 
$40? I paid $69.90usd to import it FedEx. Money well spent for my entertainment. I'll buy it again when it lands here. Expensive? I thought it was a bargain. It's a billion dollar franchise and Sony/PD expect to get paid. As long as they are sellin', I'm buyin'. And playin' online FREE when server cranks up in US.

I agree.
I pay 70 as well. And all tho I am not rich, I own a G25 and A nice race seat for that... I had to save long time to get the game and everything but its really worth it. Its something in my life that makes me happy. :)
 
Ordered my NA copy today (I have the Japanese version already), gladly paid the 29.99 (used a $10 coupon on amazon.ca with free shipping)
 
Silicon Valley of course :-) It's a cool profession to be in. I have a Masters in CS and currently work on UI development in Qt. Years ago I could write Space Invaders on my own in weekends and evenings over a month or two. Developing a modern game takes hundreds of developers 4-5 years. It's a shame because it would be really neat to be able to write your own version of GT and customize it (fix it) the way you want. The tire screeches would be the first to go in my version :-)

absolutely, and the interesting thing is that in response to rising productions costs, game engines/3rd party frameworks/middleware are becoming more and more popular, and this is where i come in :)

what company do you work for if you dont mind me asking? im currently looking for internships in california and north carolina
 
I have both GT:Concept and GT4:Prologue which are similar in approch to GT5:Prologue (which I have on pere-order) and can have never felt ripped off by them at all.
Just so us Northern Americans can have an idea: How did Concept and Prologue compare to the final product in GT4 as far as gameplay and lay out goes? Did you feel as if you just added content when you got GT4? Did you want to go back and check stuff out in Prologue or Concept at all after GT4 came out? Or is it really different enough to just feel like a budget Gran Turismo title separate from its namesake?




And for anyone that wants to compare price vs content I challenge them to find me a $40 game on the current gen that has the same or more content.

I can only think of one $40 game that is as replayable, for me, Warhawk. But Warhawk is online only so it lacks in writing and story. No single player means that it should be $40.

In comparison GT5:P has plenty of content, single player modes, offline multiplayer, and online multiplayer. And all us die hard fans know that we will spend countless hours attempting to shave fractions of a second off our times. So it definitely has replayability. If I could have one common complaint about the GT series across all games it is that the replayability is so attractive I often never reach 100% completion because I want to go back and re-race a certain race or try to become perfect with one car on one track.

All I can say is that if GT save files had a time played stamp on them I would have to turn in my life license because it would be evidence that I don't have enough of a life to warrant one.

I still wait to find another game that does that to me.

And then it makes me want to buy expensive peripherals for it while I am still trying to decide if $19.99 for a Wii Zapper with included game is worth it.

So, is it worth $40?
Was Heavenly Sword worth $60? Resistance? Halo 3? Gears of War? As I have only bought PS3 games used (with the exception of Warhawk, because I needed a headset) I think that the entire pricing structure is a ripoff and I refuse to buy any of these games for more than $40.

In this generation $40 games are at best like Warhawk, where they lack a large portion of play, or shovelware on the Wii. This will be the best valued $40 game out there. The difference between this and every other PS3 game is that some of the ones I have I refused to buy them at $40.
 
Just so us Northern Americans can have an idea: How did Concept and Prologue compare to the final product in GT4 as far as gameplay and lay out goes? Did you feel as if you just added content when you got GT4? Did you want to go back and check stuff out in Prologue or Concept at all after GT4 came out? Or is it really different enough to just feel like a budget Gran Turismo title separate from its namesake?


GT4 Prologue was a good improvement in many ways over GT3 and you felt it, but when full GT4 came along it once again felt refreshed and you could see GT4P was in the middle of a work in progress not just a striped version.
 
When a lighter version of an upcoming becomes as hot as what the final version will be, you know people will be willing to plunk down the money to go play something like this. I don't like to think of "GT5: Prologue" as a demo. A demo, to me, means a full game that's incomplete on a number of levels. It means you're fully restricted from enjoying it too much. Most demos usually have videos and screenshots showcasing what the final version will contain. There may even be a picture showcasing all the available goodies for when the full game is purchased.

All this aside, I think this is more of a light game than an incomplete game. So is it worth putting down 40 dollars for something like this? I would say yes because you can either wait until the full game is released in stores, or you can play a light version of a game in the works to tide you over until the final game is released. The more you think of it as a demo rather than a light game, the less you will accept it as a preview of a highly-anticipated game. Tell me any other racing game "demo" that offers six tracks, about 70 cars, and online play. Hell, I can barely get two or four cars in a demo on maybe one or two tracks in most demos. And most demos I've had on my computer (mostly outdated games) don't even offer online play. So is this REALLY a demo? I call it a light game than a demo. And since this isn't a demo in my eyes, $40 for GT5: Prologue is worth it, even if $40 seems like too much to pay for such a deal. GTHD was more of a demo. GT5: Prologue isn't. So if you want the best GT experience even while GT5 is still in the works, this is your best bet unless you feel like waiting until the final build.

Now this last paragraph is just to address any of the would-be critics that are as loved for their commentary as Bill O'Reilly. The hypocritical folk would probably say that GT5: Prologue at $40 is just for PD to make cheap money off of GT fans to help finance PD's day-to-day operations in making GT5. Most others would say that you have better things to do with your money than buy a demo. This is not a full game. It is instead a light game, but a game nonetheless. The last demo PD made for a GT game was probably GT3 A-Spec (though I never played any demo version of GT3). GT4 got to be so anticipated that a light version of this work-in-progress would be provided to GT fans. Playing the game constantly leads to future speculation of the series. I think PD is doing all of this because they want to keep their GT fans informed on the latest features to GT until the final game is released. PD is usually tight-lipped about what they want to do until Kazunori Yamauchi or someone kindly announces something new. This is basically PD showing all of us what kind of hot dish they are serving up until the final game is released. And it used to be that America didn't get these Prologues because (according to PD around the time of GT4P) PD don't want to confuse the American market with a lighter version of GT apart from final builds. But thanks to our demands and requests to get Prologue, we're getting Prologue so that we don't have to import the Japanese or European versions. This is America's first GT Prologue. So you bet your ass that devoted fans will want to hit the stores to get this Prologue while anxiously awaiting the final build. The notion of being "ripped off" is absolutely harsh, don't you think? Ripped-off means we only get GTHD, but with a few more cars and the same old Eiger Nordwand. Now are we getting the of-the-moment version of GT, or a rip off only to shamefully waste money? If you're a hater, we're getting ripped off. We should be getting the full version without having to wait for years (as far as haters are concerned). If you're a lover, this is the best chance to play the most recent version of the upcoming GT before the final version is eventually released.



And that's all from me. Now if you'll excuse me, I must continue enjoying my Spring Break. ^_^
 
I feel it's a fair price for the truely dedicated GT "Fanboy". I bought my Japanese version the day it came out and will get the US version the same way, but I'm a GT junkie, it's the only thing I use my PS3 for. Heck when GT4 came out in Japan about 6 weeks before the US release I went on ebay and bought a Japanese PS2 along with the Japanese version of GT4. Once the US version came out I resold the PS2 on ebay. Lost a few bucks on the whole deal but it was well worth it to me to get a 6 week headstart on everyone else (I need every edge I can get:)
Buit if you drive most days for an hour or two like myself it's a very reasonable price for the entertainment you get....cheaper then sitting in a bar :) It all comes down to "Bang for the Buck". I'll buy any version in the GT series, it's cheap entertainment. Where you spend the money is on a PS3, wireless router, a cockpit, a sound system, a G25 wheel and a good size HD TV. I may have about two grand in my complete setup but for the many hours of pleasure I get it's well worth it.
 
it IS very fair price, considering that for example with WoW, you have to pay again.. and again.. and again.. same thing with Micro$oft's Live service. and this has online for free..
 
Take a look at your DVD collections, take the number of DVD's multiply $10-20 and let me know what that totals. Then take the number of DVD's and multiply by about 3-5 hours (if you watch the movie 2-3 times average). For me that works out to about:

150 DVD's = $1500-3000
Hours of entertainment = 450-750 hours = Approx $4/hour

GT5P so far I have played maybe 50-60 hours for $50 = Less than $1/hour
 
Wow .... all I said in my opinion it's not worth 40USD for an over glorified demo.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8712477&type=product&id=1199496526764

Features

* Drive a collection of 50 precision automobiles from manufacturers such as Ford, Ferrari and Audi
* Master every curve, turn and straightaway on five challenging courses, including Fuji Speedway, Suzuka Circuit and Daytona International Speedway
* All-new interior dash view makes you feel like you're actually behind the wheel
* Capable of 1080p resolution and a 60 fps frame rate for clear, smooth images, even at breakneck speeds
* New online community includes Gran Turismo TV, featuring automotive and motorsport programming from all over the world
* For 1 player or 2 to 16 players online

it's not worth it ... I can go buy Forza Motorsport 2 for the same price ... with more of everything except playing up to 8 players online not 16, and 720p not 1080p

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7849457&type=product&id=1142299958668

Features

* 720p high definition and 60 fps give you graphics and sound so crisp, you'll think you were at the track
* More than 300 cars to collect, customize and race
* Race on world-famous tracks, including Silverstone, Sebring, Tsukuba and the streets of Rio de Janeiro
* Customize your car's suspension, brakes, rims and more to beat out the competition
* Cars incur real-life wear and tear, which realistically affects their racing performance
* Change your car's paint job, add decals and take a picture to post online
* Go online with Xbox Live to race with your friends around the world


Yes I added more fuel to the fire .... hehe ....
 
If you have to sit there and ask yourself if it's worth $40, then this might not be the right simulation series for you. Most of us GT fanatics view these kind of things through rose-coloured glasses; we're hardly sensible and the price/feature ratio means absolutely nothing.
 
frestkd, Why the hell do you like to cause arguments? Most of your posts include something like "haha, now I'm just making the argument worse." Go somewhere else if you just want to fight with everyone.
Also, I don't see how you need to tell everyone whether you think this is worth the extra money or not. Your probably not changing anyone's opinions.
 
Don't worry. At this rate, he'll be shown the door, esp. since he likes going into the other forums saying, "Oh the rantings hehe".

The one thing he is wrong about is that it is not a demo. The price may be debatable like anything, but what GT5:P is classified as (game or demo), isn't. It's a $40 game, not a demo. No demo has ever given this much content.
 
I agree that it's sort of a "rip-off" when it comes to charging $40 for a demo. I'll have to see exactly what is offered in it when it is released to see if I am going to buy it or not. It seems like a greed move by Sony and PD to release what is essentially an unfinished game. I mean I understand it's pure economics to release this because fans of the series will buy it, but at the same time it seems like they are taking advantage of the situation and not in a good way for the consumer.

$40 seems very high and from what I have seen thus far I think that maybe Prologue is worth $20 to $25. It's a demo, a rather big one mind you, but it still isn't anywhere near a full game and I doubt it feels really polished. It seems like I am the odd man out here but when it comes to buying games I like them to be worth the money and I just don't see Prologue living up to that. It would almost have been better for PD to not focus any energy in this and maybe focus on actually delivering the full game on time.
 
I'll have to see exactly what is offered in it when it is released to see if I am going to buy it or not.

http://www.us.playstation.com/News/PressReleases/459

Mini Cooper S might interest you...

As for greed move... GT fans are complaining how long it has taken for new GT to come along especially GT5 as it is the first on the PS3 and many bought a PS3 mainly for Gran Turismo, also KY has said Sony is always on his back about finishing GT5 but KY is very stubbon and wants the game to be how he wants it before releasing.

It's one big balancing act keeping everyone happy then they're bombared mostly by the US market claiming it is a rip off........ Fine, that's your opinion, don't buy it. Strange that during GT4P days there was nothing but complaints how the US market didn't get it, just can't ever win.

It is well well worth it for me (JP GT5P is my most played PS3 game so far) to buy the local edition as it adds soo much.
 
I saw the press release the other day, but like all press releases from any company I sort of take it with a grain of salt because it could be different when it hits the stores. I would rather just wait and see what the final, retail version has before I make a call. It could be worse but it also could be better.

I'm not really all that interested about the Mini Cooper, it's an 06 meaning it's the older platform something I'm not really wowed to play around with. Actually the car list doesn't really excite me all that much. I do like the F40, the Focus ST, and the new M3 but the others just seem sort of "meh" to me.

I really don't mind the wait if the game is going to be awesome. GT3 was a prime example of that, it was by far the best in the series so far. GT4 was a disappointment however and it felt like I waited a long time for that. I'm guessing GT5 will be similar to GT3 in terms of greatness since it's on a new console and has new everything. Because of that I don't mind waiting and I don't expect to see the game until 2009. There are plenty of other games on the market to keep some occupied until a GT game comes out.
 
For me it's not worth $40, so I'll wait for GT5 to come out. I'll probably have plenty of other games to play.
 
It's always the people who don't got it posting. Go ahead and wait, we importers and the faithful who feel it's worth it will be playing. Funny, no one who HAS it complains about the price,eh?
 
it's not worth it ... I can go buy Forza Motorsport 2 for the same price ... with more of everything except playing up to 8 players online not 16, and 720p not 1080p

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7849457&type=product&id=1142299958668

Features

* 720p high definition and 60 fps give you graphics and sound so crisp, you'll think you were at the track
* More than 300 cars to collect, customize and race
* Race on world-famous tracks, including Silverstone, Sebring, Tsukuba and the streets of Rio de Janeiro
* Customize your car's suspension, brakes, rims and more to beat out the competition
* Cars incur real-life wear and tear, which realistically affects their racing performance
* Change your car's paint job, add decals and take a picture to post online
* Go online with Xbox Live to race with your friends around the world


Yes I added more fuel to the fire .... hehe ....

and in order to enjoy of 8 players online game you have to have live account, that's how much per each year? and the thing is, FM2 tops out at 300+ cars. real life tear and wear is only cosmetic, doesn't affect on driving physics or top speed.. do I need to go on? and that's only if the 360 doesn't scratch the disc or start flashing the RRoD(tm)..

if you want to rave about outdated FM2, keep it to XBOX360 section, don't start flamewars here.
 
It's always the people who don't got it posting. Go ahead and wait, we importers and the faithful who feel it's worth it will be playing. Funny, no one who HAS it complains about the price,eh?

It's because those who were prepared to import it knew it was going to cost about $70.
 
Prologue is worth it's money. Last december I pre ordered The Japan Disc version, But since that took too long to arrive I also got a Japan PSN Ticked on ebay for about 69 dollars, so that I could download it from the PSN Store. And when it arrives here in Holland, I will also buy it :D
 
As for greed move... GT fans are complaining how long it has taken for new GT to come along especially GT5 as it is the first on the PS3 and many bought a PS3 mainly for Gran Turismo, also KY has said Sony is always on his back about finishing GT5 but KY is very stubbon and wants the game to be how he wants it before releasing.

It's one big balancing act keeping everyone happy then they're bombared mostly by the US market claiming it is a rip off........ Fine, that's your opinion, don't buy it. Strange that during GT4P days there was nothing but complaints how the US market didn't get it, just can't ever win.

It is well well worth it for me (JP GT5P is my most played PS3 game so far) to buy the local edition as it adds soo much.

exactly. i wouldnt call it a greed move at all. im sure pd had no or close to no intentions of bringing prologue to the US. but there was a demand for it so now it is here. no one was milking a cash cow. thats silly. its more along the lines of people in the US saying, "hey PD, you have a farm with tons of cows but youre keeping them all in japan. whats the deal?" and kaz replied, "oh, i suppose we can send a few cows to the US. but since we are in the middle of making one of the most extensive games ever, and we are stretching our resources to the very limits, it is very costly for us. in return, all we ask is that you send us a liter of milk from each of the cows you have received."
 
Same here I pre ordered JPN disc. Then went round like a bear with a sore head until it finally arrived New Years Eve. Totally worth the wait though.

The only thing it lacks for me is Private rooms.
But check the spot race threads there's ways around that.

Got the EU version on pre order. But that'll get here when it gets here.
I can live with not being able to read Japanese for a little while longer.

Can't be bothered to convert $40 into UK £ but I only paid £22 for mine :)
I consider that pretty cheap for an imported game.
 
I give up.

Joey, and others, thanks for reinforcing the idea that the NA market is too stupid, finicky, and easily confused to bother releasing this game here. Enjoy your Forza and your '07-and-newer-only-Bini.

The more time passes, the more I realize how lucky I am that they bothered to release Prologue here at all. Since they announced the release date it's just been brutal.

Thanks to PD and SCEA for going out on limb for the die-hards, and I apologize in advance for the headaches it's obviously going to create for you, and for tolerating a population that has expectations (for everything) that go beyond the scope of reality.
 
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