Purplerabbit wrote:
I think the extras in Poe were well worth the money. I would say I got at least another hour gameplay from that extras section. And then you got the strategy guide, wallpapers (which I use), music and novella included too. I guess it is choice, but that was a good example of a CE.

Thanks, p.rabbit. I only have the standard version of Poe and haven't finished it yet. I'm glad that was a good CE!! See? This proves they CAN get it right lol

I'd like to add something else to this very good discussion. I've already said it but let me reiterate.

My biggest issue with CEs is CONTENT.

IF CEs had lots of extra gameplay...gameplay of the type that we want, for example, many more varied extra minigames (not all of one kind), or many more extra hiddn objct screens and adventure screens...THEN I would quickly rush to buy a CE of a good game such as MCF.

As to how much "lots" is, that would vary I suppose, but would have to be a decent amount of added gameplay length, for sure.

What bothers me most about CEs is not even so much the price but the lame and useless (TO ME) extras included. I don't use strategy guides and don't want to pay for it with my game. If needed I'd rather buy it separately. Outtakes and wallpaper and music downloads are all useless, in MY OPINION ONLY.

Although these are just my thoughts on it, and not the thoughts of others, I'm guessing that there'd be a much bigger market for CEs if BF/developers heeded this, and added things that gamers want (more gameplay) in lieu of all the silly nonsense they usually add.

I do think they are getting the idea since Briar Rose appears to have more game content ..but it's not much more. I think they are slowly getting it that we're more interested in the extra gameplay than the rest of it, and since they seem intent on continuing to push this "Collector's Edition" trend, it would be nice if they created CEs that really pleased the people who play the games. I'm not saying everyone hates the extras included in CEs now, but I can safely say that everyone would love to have more gameplay. That's why we buy games in the first place!

karen876 wrote:I'm getting annoyed now at all this whining over CE games. If you can afford them and want them then buy, if not don't and wait. What's the problem?
I'm sure that I'm not dreaming that when I first joined BFG gameclub you were charged $19.95pm and THEN you were charged $6.99 per game for any additional ones that you bought after that. Since the lowering of prices quality seems to have dropped. I have tried three demo's in the last three days and not one of them has worked properly (I would dearly love to be able to play Vampireville). I buy CE's because they WORK so please do not take away this option from me.....

We aren't whining nor are we trying to take away CEs. At least I'm not. What would be nice is the CE and standard version at the same time, as already mentioned by numerous people.

Oh Flux has that? cool, I just bought that recently on a DD (I think).

Well, thanks for the reply Laflamme. I think I'm going to continue to wait for the regular version.

phatkhat wrote:

If devs. really feel that the extra content is worth the extra $ - they should be proud of it and
1. release the regular version the same day
2. not be afraid to be specific about what the extra content is.

EXACTLY!!

Touche. I agree completely.

Sorry you don't like it.

You should always demo a game first no matter how many people recommend it.

Ok. I don't quite get it. What actual extra gameplay do you get in the CE edition?
Here's what the blurb says you get...

* Exclusive advanced levels for extra gameplay
* Interactive Strategy Guide
* Animated screensaver and wallpapers
* Behind the scenes concept art
* 3 Briar Rose Novels


What does "exclusive advanced levels for extra gameplay" entail? I've seen people talk about the "hard mode". Is that something that only the CE version will have?

Do you get extra screens, etc?

How long is the extra gameplay?

I know you also get extra bonus games..or something. What do you get exactly?

I wish in the description of CEs that BF would be more detailed and clear about what you actually get.

I don't care about the other aspects of the CE extras. Just the gameplay.


thanks for anyone's input.

Very interesting thread!

Quite frankly I am surprised at how many "Yes to CEs" replies there are here.

I agree with Manuel. I do'nt like CEs, I think you don't get enough for the extra money, and if they "must" offer them, why not offer the regular version at the same time.

I can wait for regular versions. I'm not likely to impulse buy a game. But many people will impulse buy who maybe can't afford it and that's not really fair..but hey BF is a business, and why do you think regular stores have the candy right there in the checkout lane? Impulse buyers.

I am tempted to get the Briar Rose CE. But I probably won't. I bought the CE of Dire Grove and regretted it, not because it isn't a good game but because the extras were completely LAME. I do not use walkthroughs, and even if I did, I can find them online as already stated. Having that attached to the game only means paying extra for it and having it take up more space on my old computer. No thanks.

On the other hand if the CE offered a LOT of extended game play (not stupid gameplay options like playing minigames on their own, or ONE extra scene, or something), then I would consider buying a CE. That's why the Briar Rose CE is tempting..it seems the extras might be more to my liking.

It's very interesting to see how many people buy and like CEs. I really thought most people didn't like them. So this is a valuable thread.

These are just my opinions.

ManuelCalavera wrote:I, too, am annoyed with this childish psychology of dangling a rather pathetic carrot as an incentive to make a foolhardy impulse purchase. The CE's are by no means worth almost 3 times the regular price, so I assure you that I will never, ever buy one.Those who want them, however, will buy them even when the regular version is available, especially if the purchaser buys into the premise that they are altruistically helping the developers somehow (and not the distributors pocketing their pretty little share of a new found source of cash), so why not release both editions at once? It would at least lessen the divisive culture that this pricing model and the intentional lag between the releases has fostered.

Extremely well said. I agree completely.

I'm sick of CEs, it's a shameful money-making ploy which BF doesn't need (they make millions). If they must offer them, offer the regular version at the same time. I want Briar Rose, but I'm not buying CE.

I bought one CE, the eagerly-anticipated Dire Grove, and that was a stupid purchase. It's a good game, but the extras are a JOKE. I won't do it again, unless the extras = TONS of extra iHOG gameplay (not stupid things like unlocking minigames to play when you want. Who really does that?), and most certainly not crapola like wallpaper, video outtakes (duh!!??) and music scores (I turn the music off in 99% of games anyway, why in the world would I want that??)

grmashka wrote:Loved the games Dire grove, Ravenhurst, Hidden expedition amazon, Empress of the deep, House of stone. The harder the better any recomendations???

The harder the better???? Then it's gotta be GREEN MOON.
One of my favorite games of all time, and it's HARD..no hand holding there...beautiful music, strange and beautiful and satisfying game (imo anyway). Although it's more interactive or strategy than hiddn objct.

If you haven't yet played Curse of the Opera and Penny Dreadfuls Sweeney Todd, you must play them both if you like MCF games. They are both EXCELLENT and are more along the lines of iHOG than Green Moon is. (But Green Moon is still an awesome and tough game).

Hope this helps.

I cannot believe people have complained this game is too short. It is NOT too short. (If you think it's short, try some of the games that only take about 2 hrs to play.) I don't know how long it took as I did it in installments, but it was many hours, probably 5-6 total.

Granted I took my time, but even when I do, I'm not a terribly slow player. I didn't play this all in one sitting. In fact, at first I wasn't even going to keep the install because I had a jumpy cursor throughout and at first was very distracted by that. BF couldn't do anything about it (gave me a coupon) but I sucked it up and played the game anyway. And so glad I did!

This game is AWESOME. I have been depressed lately and this game with it's rain, dark streets, and creepy mystery totally fit my mood. I looked forward to playing it every night and the inspector's comments made me laugh.

The graphics are SUPERB. I used hints now and then but usually because I just got tired of looking..not because things were badly drawn or too dark or too small. The graphics are the same type as the MCF graphics which I love. Piles of nasty rotting food mixed in with who knows what LOL...lovely!

The interactive part was great too. I just LOVE games like this (and MCF) where I have to go around and revisit scenes I was in before. I just love finding a sparkly space that wasn't there before.

The voice acting was wonderful, I thought. I know it got on some people's nerves, and I admit it did have to grow on me. At first I didn't like it.

I thought the little chase at the end was funny and FUN. I mean seriously, how do you really end an iHOG???? Does anyone have any brilliant ideas?? Especially if it's the first in a series. I thought it was great, and I had a huge grin when the game was over.

Oh. I turned off the music (I always do in games) and I skipped the cutscenes. I couldn't stand the movie due to the singing (watched about 10 mins and quit) so needless to say I hated the singing here too. Was unnecessary imo, and took nothing away from the gameplay by skipping.

I am SO GLAD I pushed onward with this great game in spite of the jumpy cursor. And yes, I tried all the 'fixes' but nothing worked for me, so I dealt with it.

I should also mention I won't buy CE versions anymore after being ripped off by Dire Grove (great game, but the "extras" were utter crap). I hope I didn't miss anything by not buying the CE of this one, but what you don't know won't hurt you.

sunnny wrote: Welcome to the pond WiccanWoman

I would greatly recommend today's Daily Deal (Mortimer Becket)
and Jigsaw 365

Today's daily deal isn't Mortimer Beckett. It's a different Mortimer, a little round guy you have to get out of a castle.

BF doesn't carry the Mortimer Beckett games as far as I know.

Penny Dreadful Sweeney Todd is an excellent iHOG with puzzles as the mini games. You might like it if you like MCF games.

Totally get you, and I totally agree. "searching" for parts is lame, because all you do is click on all the pieces on the screen...you don't even really have to search until maybe the last 1-2.

I think if this game had regular item lists and items to find, it would be as good as a MCF game, absolutely. But finding-the-pieces knocks it down a few notches, imo. Still a really nice game, I'm waiting for the standard version to come out.

Almost identical, so if you like this type of game, try Gourmania. I love it, and keep hoping for a sequel because it is rather short (Gourmania I mean).

amore wrote:cant get onto any other level passed level 10.i've just wasted a credit on it

you won't have wasted a credit. BF will either fix the problem and have an updater available, or you can get a refund if they can't fix the game. So don't think you've "wasted a credit."

I only got to about level 7 in the demo so I didn't get to see if I could progress beyond the bakery.

This game is almost identical to Gourmania although in many ways Gourmania is, imo, a better game--more polished, and better graphics. Even the food items are often the same (such as sugar cubes, crystal cup, etc). This is a cute game too.

I do like how in 2 Tasty you get to swap back and forth between rooms though, that is cool, Gourmania does not have that.

I may get this one because I love games about FOOD!!

I tried Joan Jade elsewhere and didn't think it was that great. Your opinion will probably vary.

Nothing else of interest to me this week, but I hope TS 3 Standard makes it out this week. I liked the demo of the CE but I won't buy CEs anymore.

Doesn't anyone look at the other threads??? BF is aware of the problem and they are working on it. It's posted in at least 2 threads in this game's forum.

A new build is probably coming so relax.

TimeKilla wrote:First thing you should know, this is a NevoSoft project. Nevosoft consistently makes the most surreal games ever (If you've played Mushroom Age, you know what I'm talking about.)

These games have flaws, you will spend a ridiculous time clicking everywhere but where you should be, some of the dialog will make you wonder if the NevoSoft folks are getting into the vodka, a few of the tasks will be ridiculously complex, you will use a hint on a cupboard that was totally camouflaged, and you usually get a lead actress who sounds like she's on Thorazine. (Not this time, thank goodness)

But, for NevoSoft fans like myself, that doesn't matter. Because what you always get is the feeling that the developers had a great time making this game and they can't wait to share it with you. There will be times when you'll almost be able to hear them say "Hey what if we do this!" or "you know what would be funny..."

There are numerous churn-em-out HOG factories but you get the feeling that they don't care about the game. They have a formula, they stick to it and it kinda works. But it's lifeless.

NevoSoft is different. They do care. Their games are always long, always have a well-written story, nice mix of traditional mini-games and always keep you entertained. They aren't going to be for everyone. They're a bit rough and charmingly ridiculous. Like that art student I dated in college, it wasn't serious but boy was it fun.

It is great to see that they are updating their tried and true. The art and animation in this one is much better than the last two. Can't wait to see what other changes they've made.

Basically, this game is a 8 out of 10 for NevoFans and probably a solid 6 for everyone else.

Thanks for this fond review. I do appreciate the developers work and I agree with you that there's a nice sense of whimsy to their games. Maybe I'm strange but I do find games developed by non-U.S. countries to often be the most charming and intriguing, usually in an offbeat way (Green Moon comes to mind..what a strange and unusual and beautiful game, even down to the WEIRD animated characters). Some of my oldest and most favorite games were developed by foreigners, usually Russians I think. I enjoy them a lot.