The Video Game Critic

It's no secret that current gen games are much more expensive than last gen games.

As mentioned on another thread, to fully utilize the systems and fill the Media they are on would cost way to much time and money.
Games are getting deeper,longer,or have more unlockable stuff, etc...

So, why can't companies release DS style short games for the Wii, PS3 and Xbox360 at budget prices? Sort of like the "ten dollar treasures" released for the PSone after the PS2 launch? I'm a big 2-D fan, and I think the main reason companies won't make a 2-D PS3 platformer is because it wouldn't sell for $60. Of course not, but an SMB type game with a dozen levels wouldn't take even a third as long to program as GOD OF WAR! I would think it would be a good marketing strategy, increasing the hardcore gamer base that wants these old titles (and doesnt like the virtual arcade, kinda like the VGC...people who prefer a HARD copy of the game).

So why don't we see more simpler, cheaper titles? If they are cheaper more people would buy them and I'd think they'd still make a big profit! (and by cheap I dont mean lousy; I would mention one of those "ten dollar treasures" for PSone was QIX NEO, a A+ game if ever there was one!)

I think you're looking for Xbox Live Arcade...they just released an updated version of Prince of Persia, last week it was a totaly new, awesome version of Pac-Man.  Both 2D games and exceedingly fun.  At least Pac-Man; I haven't checked out the new PoP yet.

Xbox Live Arcade releases 1 to 2 new games a week, usually on Wednesdays.  Some are updates of old arcade games you'd enjoy while others are brand new games.  Most have simple concepts with a quick pick up and play format, just what the Alien ordered.

Sony's got a similar service though you'll need JLH's opinion on it as I don't own a PS3.

I'm sitting next to you, shouting the same rabble rousing rhetoric, Alien.

Nintendo is shirking its promise for 'soup' games, which are exactly what you are talking about. Wii Sports could have been one, but it was a pack in. Wii Play got bundled with a Wimote and went full price, which was really a bum deal. Brain Academy I think is $50 bucks, I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole.

Maybe they will surprise us at E-3, and at least give us that compact software channel, though I would much rather buy (and later sell!) a disc. 

I am starting to fear they have been too successful, and their prices will reflect that and stay high. $35 is starting to turn into the normal price fro DS games, even, and I have yet to see my first party $20 at release Nintendo Wii game. Us bottom feeders gots to eat, too!