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Re: Hollow Knight - Can we convince VGC to download a game?

Posted: January 26th, 2019, 7:09 pm
by Atariboy
Physical points cards are still also widely available for all three. For instance, I've bought hundreds of dollars worth of games on the Playstation Store and they're never once had my credit card information on file.

And Microsoft hasn't since the original Xbox. Back in pre-360 times, you had to enter your credit card to register for an account. But when Microsoft re-enabled auto renew on my subscription after I had disabled it, I removed it the moment they finally provided that account option in the early days of the Xbox 360 era. Been exclusively codes that I've redeemed for points or DLC since then.

I've only used my card with Nintendo. For a variety of reasons, I don't worry much there (Account theft isn't a real danger on Nintendo systems, credit information isn't retained or ever linked to your account, etc.).

Re: Hollow Knight - Can we convince VGC to download a game?

Posted: January 26th, 2019, 10:23 pm
by ActRaiser
It's the year 2019.

The irony of it is we use the Internet to talk and communicate about videogames, but the critic doesn't want his systems online.

I get if you live somewhere without broadband it's going to be virtually impossible. Where I grew up it's practically the stone age when it comes to broadband. Heck, even cell phones don't work outside of town.

However, considering the critic is a programmer by trade and runs a classic video game enthusiasts website, it kind of boggles the mind about his stance on being online. I wonder if he's aware of a few ways to make his online experience easier? There are networking adapters you can use to pass your network signal over the electrical lines or even wireless mesh devices.

Regardless, I love his game reviews. They are always a quick take on fun, arcade style games that fit his preferred pick-up and play style.

Re: Hollow Knight - Can we convince VGC to download a game?

Posted: January 26th, 2019, 11:16 pm
by Paul Campbell
If I'm not mistaken, it was my post raving about how Axiom Verge reinvigorated my love of gaming that brought it to his attention. And having said that, I have not returned to Hollow Knight since I first downloaded and played it for a couple hours. I can see how it might drag me in if I give it due diligence, but conversely, Axiom Verge instantly became my life obsession from the moment I picked up the gun and the soundtrack started. So it might be fair to say that Axiom Verge has messed up my ability to allow a game to grow on me, and Hollow Knight might have been its first victim

Re: Hollow Knight - Can we convince VGC to download a game?

Posted: January 27th, 2019, 8:21 am
by brent
Paul Campbell wrote:If I'm not mistaken, it was my post raving about how Axiom Verge reinvigorated my love of gaming that brought it to his attention. And having said that, I have not returned to Hollow Knight since I first downloaded and played it for a couple hours. I can see how it might drag me in if I give it due diligence, but conversely, Axiom Verge instantly became my life obsession from the moment I picked up the gun and the soundtrack started. So it might be fair to say that Axiom Verge has messed up my ability to allow a game to grow on me, and Hollow Knight might have been its first victim


I recommend giving Hollow Knight another shot. It took a couple hours for it to really hook me. At first, I was comparing it to Axiom Verge and it certainly falls short in a few ways. But after a while, I was hooked and always wanted to pick it up and make a little progress. The biggest downside to Hollow Knight in my mind is the difficulty. I'm no pro and I was able to beat Axiom Verge. I highly doubt I'll be able to beat Hollow Knight. In fact, when I finally give up trying to beat the harder bosses I may be back here to bash it!

Re: Hollow Knight - Can we convince VGC to download a game?

Posted: January 27th, 2019, 9:46 am
by VideoGameCritic
I am starting to waver under the extreme pressure from my extreme sports partner!

So as someone mentioned I have no "rule" against digital/download-only games. I have purchased a few in the past, but only titles I REALLY wanted like Hydro Thunder Hurricane and Sonic 4. This was around 2010.

During that time I had a bunch of credit on Xbox Live so I started browsing around, downloading trial copies of various games to see what they were like. What I discovered was that over 90% were pure garbage. A few weren't even legitimate games; they were exercises in trying to get more money out of you.

In the past years I really didn't have much desire to download because the market is flooding with games and there were few if any standouts. I know there are gems out there (like Star Ghost and Costume Quest which I reviewed in 2016) but I just don't have the time or desire to track down the needles in the haystack. Especially when I have a stack of unplayed physical games.

And the media does matter! If I buy a game online I consider it a long-term rental. There is no guarantee I'll be able to play it next week, much less five years from now. Granted, if you're a teenager, the idea of playing a game in five years might seem pretty odd. Yet I regularly find myself playing 40+ year old games thanks to physical media. I guess I'm not the "average gamer".

With the success of the Switch there seems to have been a resurgence of physical media. All the games I want to play are on physical media and there's no shortage. And while many new AAA titles require regular patches and maintenance, that's not always the case. I am finishing Spider-Man (PS4) right now and I never downloaded one patch!

Also, last time I went through the process of downloading a game (Costume Quest) I had an issue and ended up talking with Microsoft's customer service for an hour to get it fixed. I like the idea of getting a temporary credit card, but I know I'm going to end up with change on it, hence wasted money.

Still, I am intrigued enough with Hollow Knight that I might just make the jump. I find it really hard to believe it's of the caliber of Axiom Verge, especially from the little Brent showed me over his house. I love the discussion however so keep it coming!

Re: Hollow Knight - Can we convince VGC to download a game?

Posted: January 27th, 2019, 10:26 am
by Paul Campbell
Then before you make the jump I should remind you that I recently came here and made a post explaining that it was not Hollow Knight that grabbed my attention and didn't let go when looking for a game to fill the void that Axiom Verge left, but that void WAS filled by anither game on the Switch that is being awarded a physical media release thanks to its popularity, called Celeste. Celeste has kept me riveted.

Re: Hollow Knight - Can we convince VGC to download a game?

Posted: January 27th, 2019, 2:19 pm
by DrLitch
VideoGameCritic wrote:Still, I am intrigued enough with Hollow Knight that I might just make the jump. I find it really hard to believe it's of the caliber of Axiom Verge, especially from the little Brent showed me over his house. I love the discussion however so keep it coming!


Hollow Knight for sure is time well spent. It is a stand out title, along with others like Celeste, Axiom Verge and so on. Axiom Verge is one of the best games I have played in the past 10 years or so, but Hollow Knight will fill that void if you still pine for a good old fashioned sidescrolling Metroidvania.

Re: Hollow Knight - Can we convince VGC to download a game?

Posted: January 27th, 2019, 5:22 pm
by newmodelarmy
There are a TON of great games that are download only. Yes there is plenty of junk but the same could be said for physical games as well! VGC you are missing out on some amazing games!

Re: Hollow Knight - Can we convince VGC to download a game?

Posted: January 27th, 2019, 6:29 pm
by Voor
You do realize that if he relents, downloads the game, and doesn’t like it.....y’all are in big trouble. Making the critic break his own standard for a game that doesn’t get an A? Y’all would be looking at a suspension, or a dummy icon next to your name, or maybe worse..

Lol

Re: Hollow Knight - Can we convince VGC to download a game?

Posted: January 27th, 2019, 7:12 pm
by brent
VideoGameCritic wrote:In the past years I really didn't have much desire to download because the market is flooding with games and there were few if any standouts. I know there are gems out there (like Star Ghost and Costume Quest which I reviewed in 2016) but I just don't have the time or desire to track down the needles in the haystack.


If only you had a forum of 1200+ users who might be able to make some higher caliber suggestions.

Wait a second... feature request!

What if we did a monthly or bimonthly (of the every other month variety) or seasonal poll on a downloadable game worthy of VGC play and review?! We, the people, would nominate and vote and you would be obligated to play/review. What does everyone think?