If you're anything like us you stocked up on MS Points in preparation for August's extensive XBLA release list. With releases like Galaga Legions, Braid and Castle Crashers around the corner it looks like it's going to be a good time for the Arcade. There is some potential bad news however, the Summer of Arcade is going to missile-dropkick your wallet.
According to the official Japanese Xbox 360 blog, Braid (August 6) lists a purchase price of 1200MS Points ($15 US), while the highly anticipated Castle Crashes clocks in at a hefty 1800MS Points ($22.50 US) -- making it the most costly XBLA title to date.
While these prices have only been set for the Japanese market, readers should keep in mind that prices are generally the same in Europe and North America. While -- based on hands-on impressions of both titles -- we can't wait to play Braid and Castle Crashers, we wonder if anyone feels too burned to throw down $37.50 (US) for a pair of Arcade releases.
Galaga Legions and Bionic Commando: Rearmed are both priced at 800MS Points each.
[via GameBytes]
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 3)
7-30-2008 @ 12:23PM
ZEBRA NINER said...
That's true, at $10 I can bother my friends to buy the game. With this price, I doubt they would fork over the money to get in on the fun.
Also, with the higher prices I want more cheevos.
7-30-2008 @ 12:13PM
qbix said...
That's steep for XBLA titles. How long is Castle Crashers anyway? I beat Alien Hominid is a relatively short time so it worries that that I won't get my money's worth despite of how fun I know it will be with 4 people.
No game in XBLA should go upwards of 1200. MS is definitely ripping us off on that end due to the success they are seeing. I mean, how long before we see 40 dollar games there? The reason I've bought so many XBLA titles is because they were reasonably priced, but I think MS just put a stop to that.
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7-30-2008 @ 12:46PM
Jcarpio said...
okay.. first of all, MS would only be to blame for this price if they actually published these games themselves.
the pricing decision is made by the publisher, not microsoft.
and second of all, quit bitching (not directed at you qbix) about value b/c you can't trade it in after you're done. the pc people that buy digital download games don't.
7-30-2008 @ 1:45PM
Glitch W said...
yes MS doesn't publish some these arcade games but they did recently increase their cut of arcade games didn't they? this would lead to a need for the publishers/developers to increase the price to make back the money It might not be so sever as to raise the price a full price level but it seems like you have to go in patterns of 400 pts
7-30-2008 @ 12:19PM
craig64 said...
1800 points?!?! WTF? That means I'd have to go and by TWO points cards? Just to get one game? That seems retarded... (even though I'm sure I'll be buying it).
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7-30-2008 @ 4:54PM
Josh said...
you you can buy $20 cards and $50 cards right
7-30-2008 @ 12:29PM
Robert SRT said...
The Castle Crashers 1800 points price tag may keep me away from the game. I really liked the images but a new high price just for this game, it better be really good.
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7-30-2008 @ 12:31PM
Drew said...
my expectations for this game are for it to be:
- insanely fun
- smooth co-op experience
- high replay value
- longer than 20 minutes to beat (which can't be said for most cheaper titles)
- high replay value (unlockable weapons and characters should take care of that)
if all those are met, i have no problem dropping $22.50 on this game. i've paid $60 for games that don't meet those criteria.
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7-30-2008 @ 12:37PM
goliathsdkfz said...
Only 20 dollars !? Im gonna have to pay 40 damn Pounds.
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7-30-2008 @ 2:27PM
Tucker said...
amazon.co.uk lists 2100 point cards at 17.99 pounds. Don't see where you're getting your numbers from...
7-30-2008 @ 4:46PM
goliathsdkfz said...
What I meant was. I have to pay 40 odd dolars. Because pounds is near twice as much ( although more accurately its less but still alot less than you pay in the UK.
7-30-2008 @ 12:43PM
Fire Fawkes said...
1800 points? Eh, I don't know if I'll get Castle Crashers now. That seems a little too steep for XBLA game. I'll wait it out and hope for a price drop.
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7-30-2008 @ 12:45PM
Senecal said...
Guess I'll just buy Bionic Commando(PS3 for PSP compatability) and just save my money for Fable 2, Halo Wars, Star Wars Force Unleashed, Socom, Resistance 2, Little Big Planet, oh and Red alert 3(which I now HAVE to get on my 360). GOD, it's a good time to be a gamer!!!
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7-30-2008 @ 12:45PM
Stupendous52 said...
I just bought a perfectly good copy of Crackdown for $14.99, and I'm expected to drop $22 on an ARCADE game? grrrr
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7-30-2008 @ 2:39PM
Felder71 said...
To be fair, you got Crackdown more than a year after it came out.
That said, if Castle Crashers is as good as everyone is raving about, then it'll probably be a purchase for me. The best part is at least we get a demo on the same day to feel things out. You can't say that for many $60 games out there.
7-30-2008 @ 3:31PM
Stupendous52 said...
True, it definitely isn't an "in" game right now. But I'm just equating the value of a new (to me) gaming experience in Crackdown, which I think will be much better than that of Castle Crashers. Although I would love to get CC - $22? That's insane. I'm already getting taken down shits creek with the new DLC for Ticket to Ride!
7-30-2008 @ 12:48PM
joey said...
I was holding on to my last 800 points for Castle Crashers.
What was I thinking???
Is Bionic Commando still 800 points right? I remember a survey or something and the developer said it would be 800 points.
Time to look for cheap live points.
Hopefully the games will be worth the price.
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7-30-2008 @ 12:54PM
Magic Whiskey said...
...Wow. Pricey. Not insane, but pricey.
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7-30-2008 @ 1:14PM
Senecal said...
One of the nice things about PSN is that you can share anything you buy from the store with up to 5 different people, and the cost. Makes it allot easier to justify buying games. MS should seriously consider "Game Sharing", especially with Sony only gaining momentum with third party publishers.
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7-30-2008 @ 1:27PM
FriskyFlorist said...
Didn't MS just put out a new rule where arcade games can only cost up to 1600 points? I could swear that happened when Penny Arcade came out...
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