My problem with X-Box Live

You can buy and download Geometry Wars (along with any other XBLM items) with an Xbox Live Silver (Free) account.

Also, honestly, $50 a year is not much. Its the equivelent of getting morning coffee 2 days a week, or going to McDonalds and getting a dollar menu meal once a month for a year.

You make it seem like $50 is somehow going to destroy a budget or something. With systems $250+ and games at $50+ for most games, gaming is an expensive hobby. Some people can handle that, others can't.

Don't have $50 a year, don't get Live or a 360.

Also, honestly, $50 a year is not much. Its the equivelent of getting morning coffee 2 days a week, or going to McDonalds and getting a dollar menu meal once a month for a year.

You make it seem like $50 is somehow going to destroy a budget or something. With systems $250+ and games at $50+ for most games, gaming is an expensive hobby. Some people can handle that, others can't.

Don't have $50 a year, don't get Live or a 360.

SpruceCaboose

Hmm... I wish you would read some of the other responses and replies on this thread first before you post...

But anyway, with McDonalds I get a necessity, that is, a meal. The coffee isn't a necessity, but I guess neither is video gaming, so I'll bite this one by saying that at least you get the coffee.

When you compare the XBL service to PSN or PC online games, it doesn't seem like you're getting anything at all, except that you're paying the monopoly holder to let you play with his toys. What you're LOSING however is at least one other game.

As for gaming being an expensive hobby, if you wait a year before you buy a game, it often halves in price (Except Wii games apparently, those things take forever to drop.) Uncharted is $30 right now, and so is Restance:Fall of Man.

I picked up Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (Still haven't played it) for $8 the other day - that's the cost of a movie ticket for just me. If I bring my wife to the movie, then we could afford the Resident Evil Gamecube remake. But the fact of the matter is that for entertainment value, I get a lot more time out of those games than I do off of a movie ticket (And I don't end up seeing crap like Indiana Jones 4.)

Anyway, if you shop around, gaming is cheaper than a lot of other hobbies, unless you're gorging yourself with a pile of games you wont ever have time to play. Prince of Persia will probably last me a month, at least, and that's assuming I only play it once.

Metal Gear Solid which I picked up for $5 is something I play once and a while like someone watches a DvD on thier shelf occasionally.

Take a look at Amazon, it's usually a good representation of what the average market price of a game is - and a lot of the time you can find it for even cheaper - (I personally like Play n Trade and Gamecrazy, EB games and Gamestop tend to rip you off though.)

Actually TC lost his argument because he doesn't own a 360. /threadAlphaGamer469

Heh, you say that, but my In-laws own one, and as I mentioned I play with it a lot when I go over there. I've even signed into XBL several times and downloaded a bunch of demos and things. And I've looked at Call of Duty 4 online as well.

I'm probably as qualified to make a judgement as gamespot reviewers are to give a score to a game.

[QUOTE="AlphaGamer469"] Actually TC lost his argument because he doesn't own a 360. /threadmstc_Q

Heh, you say that, but my In-laws own one, and as I mentioned I play with it a lot when I go over there. I've even signed into XBL several times and downloaded a bunch of demos and things. And I've looked at Call of Duty 4 online as well.

I'm probably as qualified to make a judgement as gamespot reviewers are to give a score to a game.

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

[QUOTE="AlphaGamer469"] Actually TC lost his argument because he doesn't own a 360. /threadbeast667

Heh, you say that, but my In-laws own one, and as I mentioned I play with it a lot when I go over there. I've even signed into XBL several times and downloaded a bunch of demos and things. And I've looked at Call of Duty 4 online as well.

I'm probably as qualified to make a judgement as gamespot reviewers are to give a score to a game.

It's more about the time spent with the system.

I've got a good number of hours on the 360. I happen to like the 360. We beat Gears of War just yesterday.

There have been several occasions where we were housesitting for my in-laws too, where I had the opportunity to get pretty well aquainted with the system.

But anyway, with McDonalds I get a necessity, that is, a meal. The coffee isn't a necessity, but I guess neither is video gaming, so I'll bite this one by saying that at least you get the coffee.

mstc_Q

If you put it like that, coffee is a necessity too because it's fluid

[QUOTE="beast667"][QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

[QUOTE="AlphaGamer469"] Actually TC lost his argument because he doesn't own a 360. /threadmstc_Q

Heh, you say that, but my In-laws own one, and as I mentioned I play with it a lot when I go over there. I've even signed into XBL several times and downloaded a bunch of demos and things. And I've looked at Call of Duty 4 online as well.

I'm probably as qualified to make a judgement as gamespot reviewers are to give a score to a game.

It's more about the time spent with the system.

I've got a good number of hours on the 360. I happen to like the 360. We beat Gears of War just yesterday.

There have been several occasions where we were housesitting for my in-laws too, where I had the opportunity to get pretty well aquainted with the system.

I think I actually misunderstood what you were saying :? Sorry :)

Hmm... I wish you would read some of the other responses and replies on this thread first before you post...

But anyway, with McDonalds I get a necessity, that is, a meal. The coffee isn't a necessity, but I guess neither is video gaming, so I'll bite this one by saying that at least you get the coffee.

When you compare the XBL service to PSN or PC online games, it doesn't seem like you're getting anything at all, except that you're paying the monopoly holder to let you play with his toys. What you're LOSING however is at least one other game.

mstc_Q

Having used both PSN and XBL extensively, as it stands right now, I am willing to pay the $50 for the superior all around service. Yes, PSN is great for what it is and is free. I readily admit that, and yes, XBL should be free, IMO, but until it is, or until PSN is demonstrably a better all around service, I will maintain my XBL Gold account.

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

But anyway, with McDonalds I get a necessity, that is, a meal. The coffee isn't a necessity, but I guess neither is video gaming, so I'll bite this one by saying that at least you get the coffee.

killerfist

If you put it like that, coffee is a necessity too because it's fluid

Water is free, and sometimes you're on a road trip.

McDonalds isn't anymore a necessity as brussel sprouts are a necessity, but it's a meal, and meals are a necessity, which is what I was saying.

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

Hmm... I wish you would read some of the other responses and replies on this thread first before you post...

But anyway, with McDonalds I get a necessity, that is, a meal. The coffee isn't a necessity, but I guess neither is video gaming, so I'll bite this one by saying that at least you get the coffee.

When you compare the XBL service to PSN or PC online games, it doesn't seem like you're getting anything at all, except that you're paying the monopoly holder to let you play with his toys. What you're LOSING however is at least one other game.

SpruceCaboose

Having used both PSN and XBL extensively, as it stands right now, I am willing to pay the $50 for the superior all around service. Yes, PSN is great for what it is and is free. I readily admit that, and yes, XBL should be free, IMO, but until it is, or until PSN is demonstrably a better all around service, I will maintain my XBL Gold account.

If I had a 360, I'd have a gold membership too... But I'd still have a problem with it.

I guess we agree here.

Windows Live on the PC is free (along with already great services for free like Steam). :)

Which leads me to question why XBL is charging. It's fairly obvious though, they charge because they can and the price is getting paid.

In reality, you aren't getting anything on either of the consoles online when compared to PC online so, really, it's kind of a moot point. It's like fighting for 2nd place. PC just kills both in terms of...well...everything (although this isn't anything new, PC always does).

You seem happy to admit that you dont have a 360. Yet at the same time you say the PSN equivalent is better than Geometry Wars. I have to ask; do you really have a problem with xbox live, or is this more a case of fanboy colours showing through?

For one, you dont need to be a subscriber to download anything. You can have silver, which is completely free. So your whole point about geometry wars being $55 is completely incorrect.

Second, you dont own a 360, yet you're so quick to say that you aren't paying for anything, or are wasting money, when paying for xbox live. How on earth would you know? Seriously? You dont actually own this device or use the service which comes with it, yet you feel you can make sweeping judgements about the quality it provides or its relative worth?

And this comes from somebody who thinks xbox live isnt worth $50. I've made threads on it in the past. But i think yours is way off.

Windows Live on the PC is free (along with already great services for free like Steam). :)

Which leads me to question why XBL is charging. It's fairly obvious though, they charge because they can and the price is getting paid.

In reality, you aren't getting anything on either of the consoles online when compared to PC online so, really, it's kind of a moot point. It's like fighting for 2nd place. PC just kills both in terms of...well...everything (although this isn't anything new, PC always does).

Puckhog04

Can't dis what's free though. If I was paying a cent for PSN, I'd be pissed off about THAT too.

But you're right.

Windows Live on the PC is free (along with already great services for free like Steam). :)

Which leads me to question why XBL is charging. It's fairly obvious though, they charge because they can and the price is getting paid.

In reality, you aren't getting anything on either of the consoles online when compared to PC online so, really, it's kind of a moot point. It's like fighting for 2nd place. PC just kills both in terms of...well...everything (although this isn't anything new, PC always does).

Puckhog04

I agree entirely that the PC owns, but just to play devils advocate, couldnt you argue that the PC doesnt even have an online service? Save for Steam, obviously, are you not playing the online service which the developer/publisher of each game provides you with? And does the quality of said service not differ massively from game to game? Take Battlefield for example, which has stellar online support (being a multiplayer game, duh), compared to other games out there with laggy connections, crappy servers or short-term developer support.

[QUOTE="Puckhog04"]

Windows Live on the PC is free (along with already great services for free like Steam). :)

Which leads me to question why XBL is charging. It's fairly obvious though, they charge because they can and the price is getting paid.

In reality, you aren't getting anything on either of the consoles online when compared to PC online so, really, it's kind of a moot point. It's like fighting for 2nd place. PC just kills both in terms of...well...everything (although this isn't anything new, PC always does).

mstc_Q

Can't dis what's free though. If I was paying a cent for PSN, I'd be pissed off about THAT too.

But you're right.

Of course you can "diss" what's free. If it's not as good, you want it to be better. Simple. Sony have already said in the past that they would consider charging in the future. They even did a survey in japan asking if people would pay for it if they made it better.

I think xbox live is definately an awful lot better than PSN. It's not $50 better, though. They'd have to improve the service (ie removing ads from the marketplace for gold users, not charging for the little things like themes etc) to make it worth the money, or cut the price.

You cannot praise PSN while criticising xbox live however. That's just fanboyism.

[QUOTE="Puckhog04"]

Windows Live on the PC is free (along with already great services for free like Steam). :)

Which leads me to question why XBL is charging. It's fairly obvious though, they charge because they can and the price is getting paid.

In reality, you aren't getting anything on either of the consoles online when compared to PC online so, really, it's kind of a moot point. It's like fighting for 2nd place. PC just kills both in terms of...well...everything (although this isn't anything new, PC always does).

Ninja-Hippo

I agree entirely that the PC owns, but just to play devils advocate, couldnt you argue that the PC doesnt even have an online service? Save for Steam, obviously, are you not playing the online service which the developer/publisher of each game provides you with? And does the quality of said service not differ massively from game to game? Take Battlefield for example, which has stellar online support (being a multiplayer game, duh), compared to other games out there with laggy connections, crappy servers or short-term developer support.

Of course there's no "official" PC online service other than Windows Live and Steam. But that's just how PC games have always been online. You don't need one, everyone creates their own online. That's the nature of PC games, the online portion is open to interpretation. I personally have played very few titles online on the PC with laggy connections of crappy servers but i'm sure there are some out there that i haven't seen (although i've played alot...no idea where these other games are). Short developer support happens usually only when an expansion is either in the works or releasing very soon. It's not as if it's tough to set a game up on the PC to play online. I get where you're coming from though and you're right, there's no "official" online service for PC. But there doesn't need to be one either. Although i will say having things like Steam and Windows Live for free is very nice. ;)

You seem happy to admit that you dont have a 360. Yet at the same time you say the PSN equivalent is better than Geometry Wars. I have to ask; do you really have a problem with xbox live, or is this more a case of fanboy colours showing through?

For one, you dont need to be a subscriber to download anything. You can have silver, which is completely free. So your whole point about geometry wars being $55 is completely incorrect.

Second, you dont own a 360, yet you're so quick to say that you aren't paying for anything, or are wasting money, when paying for xbox live. How on earth would you know? Seriously? You dont actually own this device or use the service which comes with it, yet you feel you can make sweeping judgements about the quality it provides or its relative worth?

And this comes from somebody who thinks xbox live isnt worth $50. I've made threads on it in the past. But i think yours is way off.

Ninja-Hippo

Super Stardust is better than Geometry Wars in my opinion; I've played both of them, and if I did like GW more, I'd probably wait until the Wii version went down in price.
My big problem with XBL isn't the games available but rather the yearly cost relative to other services. Now I didn't know prior to making this thread that you could get arcade games with a silver account; my In-laws who have the 360 already have a gold account.

Read the rest of the thread to find my response to the rest of your comments.

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"][QUOTE="Puckhog04"]

Windows Live on the PC is free (along with already great services for free like Steam). :)

Which leads me to question why XBL is charging. It's fairly obvious though, they charge because they can and the price is getting paid.

In reality, you aren't getting anything on either of the consoles online when compared to PC online so, really, it's kind of a moot point. It's like fighting for 2nd place. PC just kills both in terms of...well...everything (although this isn't anything new, PC always does).

Ninja-Hippo

Can't dis what's free though. If I was paying a cent for PSN, I'd be pissed off about THAT too.

But you're right.

Of course you can "diss" what's free. If it's not as good, you want it to be better. Simple. Sony have already said in the past that they would consider charging in the future. They even did a survey in japan asking if people would pay for it if they made it better.

I think xbox live is definately an awful lot better than PSN. It's not $50 better, though. They'd have to improve the service (ie removing ads from the marketplace for gold users, not charging for the little things like themes etc) to make it worth the money, or cut the price.

You cannot praise PSN while criticising xbox live however. That's just fanboyism.

Was I praising PSN?

If I was doing any praising at all, it was strictly because the price is right.

I even mention PC services in my original post. You're too defensive, if anyone is the fanboy, you are.

I happen to like the 360, but I think XBL is a rip-off.

I did read the rest of the thread, and you didnt really come up with any valid response at all. The fact is you're trying to judge the quality of a service you dont have. You didnt even know that there were free silver accounts.

You dont own an xbox. You dont own xbox live. When you do, make judgements regarding the overall quality and worth by all means.

You're too defensive, if anyone is the fanboy, you are.

mstc_Q

Nice try captain, but i have all three, and think they're all inferior in their own little ways to the PC. ;) I even made a thread a while back called "Debunking a myth; xbox live is worth $50."

Playing the fanboy card isnt always that effective.

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"][QUOTE="whocares4peace"]

Cant you access and buy stuff from XBLM with a silver membership?

Also, Geometry wars, not galaxy wars.

Stonin

Heh, that's a funny typo. I refer to it as geometry wars later in the same paragraph...

Well anyway, Arcade games aside, there are 3 other paragraphs with my problems with it.

And I do like SSS more than GW.

SSHD IS the better game for sure but your other points don't really make any sense at all. Also, where I live, buying games for the PS3 generally costs me £10 more than the 360 and £20/30 more than the PC. When you put that into perspective paying for Live really is nothing.

Where abouts do you live then? It's all about 40 pounds for me.Indie_Hitman

360 games are mostly £39.99, whereas PS3 ones seem to be more expensive. £44.99, or even £49.99 - i have no idea why. They're even more expensive in wholesale stores.

[QUOTE="Indie_Hitman"] Where abouts do you live then? It's all about 40 pounds for me.Ninja-Hippo

360 games are mostly £39.99, whereas PS3 ones seem to be more expensive. £44.99, or even £49.99 - i have no idea why. They're even more expensive in wholesale stores.

[QUOTE="-platy-"]are you strapped for cash? why i ask? because you sound pathetic if you arentmstc_Q

I'm a newly-wed in college, you make the call.

Self-pwned.

It's like basically thirteen or fourteen cents a day for Xbox Live. Seriously 50 dollars a year isn't that big of a deal. I pay more for a satelite television subscription than I do for Xbox Live. Things aren't getting cheaper these days, but seriously thirteen cents a day isn't that big of a deal.ThugKing6669

Maybe, but paying for a bunch of "not a big deals" eventually adds up to my son's college expenses.

[QUOTE="ThugKing6669"]It's like basically thirteen or fourteen cents a day for Xbox Live. Seriously 50 dollars a year isn't that big of a deal. I pay more for a satelite television subscription than I do for Xbox Live. Things aren't getting cheaper these days, but seriously thirteen cents a day isn't that big of a deal.mstc_Q

Maybe, but paying for a bunch of "not a big deals" eventually adds up to my son's college expenses.

Wait, I thought YOU were the one in college. :lol:

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

[QUOTE="ThugKing6669"]It's like basically thirteen or fourteen cents a day for Xbox Live. Seriously 50 dollars a year isn't that big of a deal. I pay more for a satelite television subscription than I do for Xbox Live. Things aren't getting cheaper these days, but seriously thirteen cents a day isn't that big of a deal.Verge_6

Maybe, but paying for a bunch of "not a big deals" eventually adds up to my son's college expenses.

Wait, I thought YOU were the one in college. :lol:

In the 25 years or so it will take for my kid to be born and be old enough to be in college, XBL will have costed me $1,250 which is about half of my current tuition.

[QUOTE="Verge_6"][QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

[QUOTE="ThugKing6669"]It's like basically thirteen or fourteen cents a day for Xbox Live. Seriously 50 dollars a year isn't that big of a deal. I pay more for a satelite television subscription than I do for Xbox Live. Things aren't getting cheaper these days, but seriously thirteen cents a day isn't that big of a deal.mstc_Q

Maybe, but paying for a bunch of "not a big deals" eventually adds up to my son's college expenses.

Wait, I thought YOU were the one in college. :lol:

In the 25 years or so it will take for my kid to be born and be old enough to be in college, XBL will have costed me $1,250 which is about half of my current tuition.

That would be 1/10th of a semester for me....:cry:

[QUOTE="Verge_6"][QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

[QUOTE="ThugKing6669"]It's like basically thirteen or fourteen cents a day for Xbox Live. Seriously 50 dollars a year isn't that big of a deal. I pay more for a satelite television subscription than I do for Xbox Live. Things aren't getting cheaper these days, but seriously thirteen cents a day isn't that big of a deal.mstc_Q

Maybe, but paying for a bunch of "not a big deals" eventually adds up to my son's college expenses.

Wait, I thought YOU were the one in college. :lol:

In the 25 years or so it will take for my kid to be born and be old enough to be in college, XBL will have costed me $1,250 which is about half of my current tuition.

Oh please, this is just going from laughable to downright sad. If what you claim is true, then you have it SO much better in terms of financial spending than most people. How do you know XBL will even be around then? What's next, your mother is in an iron lung and you have to pay expensive annual fees to the hospital to keep her alive?

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"][QUOTE="Verge_6"][QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

[QUOTE="ThugKing6669"]It's like basically thirteen or fourteen cents a day for Xbox Live. Seriously 50 dollars a year isn't that big of a deal. I pay more for a satelite television subscription than I do for Xbox Live. Things aren't getting cheaper these days, but seriously thirteen cents a day isn't that big of a deal.Verge_6

Maybe, but paying for a bunch of "not a big deals" eventually adds up to my son's college expenses.

Wait, I thought YOU were the one in college. :lol:

In the 25 years or so it will take for my kid to be born and be old enough to be in college, XBL will have costed me $1,250 which is about half of my current tuition.

Oh please, this is just going from laughable to downright sad. If what you claim is true, then you have it SO much better in terms of financial spending than most people. How do you know XBL will even be around then? What's next, your mother is in an iron lung and you have to pay expensive annual fees to the hospital to keep her alive?

Money is money, and $50 can do a lot of things. It shouldn't have to make it so I can play Call of Duty 4 if I want to though, at least when it's free on that game's other two online capable platforms.

The point is if I start looking at $50 as "Nothing" I'll end up being in debt up to my ears and in miserable servitude to some credit company.

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"][QUOTE="Verge_6"][QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

[QUOTE="ThugKing6669"]It's like basically thirteen or fourteen cents a day for Xbox Live. Seriously 50 dollars a year isn't that big of a deal. I pay more for a satelite television subscription than I do for Xbox Live. Things aren't getting cheaper these days, but seriously thirteen cents a day isn't that big of a deal.Verge_6

Maybe, but paying for a bunch of "not a big deals" eventually adds up to my son's college expenses.

Wait, I thought YOU were the one in college. :lol:

In the 25 years or so it will take for my kid to be born and be old enough to be in college, XBL will have costed me $1,250 which is about half of my current tuition.

Oh please, this is just going from laughable to downright sad. If what you claim is true, then you have it SO much better in terms of financial spending than most people. How do you know XBL will even be around then? What's next, your mother is in an iron lung and you have to pay expensive annual fees to the hospital to keep her alive?

:shock::lol:

Money is money, and $50 can do a lot of things. It shouldn't have to make it so I can play Call of Duty 4 if I want to though, at least when it's free on that game's other two online capable platforms.

mstc_Q

You don't even HAVE a 360, so just what in the hell is the point of all this?

You better be majoring in something well paying. Forget looking for a career that you think is fun, find one that is guaranteed money, because if you feel the need to calculate expenses like this, then you ain't payed enough...Phantom_J

As I said before, even if I was being paid a six digit salary, I wouldn't be dropping $50 on the street just because I could afford to without much reprucussion.

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

Money is money, and $50 can do a lot of things. It shouldn't have to make it so I can play Call of Duty 4 if I want to though, at least when it's free on that game's other two online capable platforms.

Verge_6

You don't even HAVE a 360, so just what in the hell is the point of all this?

I'm pointing out that it's a rip-off, and several 360 owners came in and agreed with me.

Even YOU said $50 was too much...

[QUOTE="Phantom_J"]You better be majoring in something well paying. Forget looking for a career that you think is fun, find one that is guaranteed money, because if you feel the need to calculate expenses like this, then you ain't payed enough...mstc_Q

As I said before, even if I was being paid a six digit salary, I wouldn't be dropping $50 on the street just because I could afford to without much reprucussion.

Wow, how you even own a PS3 with such a mentality is phenomenal. Or, you've just adopted said mentality for the 360 alone.

[QUOTE="Verge_6"][QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

Money is money, and $50 can do a lot of things. It shouldn't have to make it so I can play Call of Duty 4 if I want to though, at least when it's free on that game's other two online capable platforms.

mstc_Q

You don't even HAVE a 360, so just what in the hell is the point of all this?

I'm pointing out that it's a rip-off, and several 360 owners came in and agreed with me.

Even YOU said $50 was too much...

And many others don't. And where did I say it was too much? And I don't consider all the extra services it offers a 'rip off'. But, I guess blatant unacknowledgement is the name of the game here.

[QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

[QUOTE="Phantom_J"]You better be majoring in something well paying. Forget looking for a career that you think is fun, find one that is guaranteed money, because if you feel the need to calculate expenses like this, then you ain't payed enough...Verge_6

As I said before, even if I was being paid a six digit salary, I wouldn't be dropping $50 on the street just because I could afford to without much reprucussion.

Wow, how you even own a PS3 with such a mentality is phenomenal. Or, you've just adopted said mentality for the 360 alone.

Buying the PS3 was a tough decision, but I consider Metal Gear Solid 4 and other titles to be worth it.

The 360 is a good enough of a deal if you like the games, but that doesn't make XBL any less of a rip-off.

[QUOTE="Verge_6"][QUOTE="mstc_Q"]

[QUOTE="Phantom_J"]You better be majoring in something well paying. Forget looking for a career that you think is fun, find one that is guaranteed money, because if you feel the need to calculate expenses like this, then you ain't payed enough...mstc_Q

As I said before, even if I was being paid a six digit salary, I wouldn't be dropping $50 on the street just because I could afford to without much reprucussion.

Wow, how you even own a PS3 with such a mentality is phenomenal. Or, you've just adopted said mentality for the 360 alone.

Buying the PS3 was a tough decision, but I consider Metal Gear Solid 4 and other titles to be worth it.

The 360 is a good enough of a deal if you like the games, but that doesn't make XBL any less of a rip-off.

You're supposedly in college, and MARRIED, and you still can't comprehend what an opinion is. Pray for the future of his possible future child ladies and gents, because his/her father is probably going to limit their diet to rice and water to save money.