Taking the p*ss

[bookzombie]

I was looking forward to the Rock Band computer game - think Guitar Hero but with drums, vocal and base guitar as well. I've had this on pre-order (the PS3 version) since it's been available for pre-order.

EA have now announced the pricing.

In Europe you will have to buy the instrument pack and game separately, at a price of £130 & £50 respectively. Yes, that's a grand total of £180. That may not be a total rip-off but it's pretty expensive. What is particularly galling however is that the same kit costs $170 in the US. That is one hell of a price hike. I understand that the legal costs of releasing a game over here is more than the US but this seems to be a ridiculous hike.

This is on top of the fact that there is already more than six months between the US and Europe releases of the game. And to add insult to injury only the X-Box 360 version will be released at the end of May, with the other consoles and PC version not coming until some unspecified time later in the summer.

I think my  pre-order will be cancelled. If the do something reasonable about the prices then maybe I'll reconsider at a later date.

Comments

[bibliofile.livejournal.com]

I don't suppose that you could buy any of it when you come over for WisCon?

[bookzombie.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately the PS3 are region specific I believe (if anyone can correct me I'd be happy to hear it!) Export rules might be a bit of an issue as well!

[heathergalaxy.livejournal.com]

yeah, they are region specific. And then exporting would be an issue too, otherwise you could get a US PS3 and games and just get a transformer.

*le sigh* when I move I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my games. I have a gamecube and a ps2, but sinead doesn't have a tv and I don't think my ps2 has dual powering (my gamecube does) and I don't want to like, blow things up. sheesh.

[ecmyers.livejournal.com]

Actually, the games are region-free, but you may run into an issue with the video conversion unless you have an HD TV. (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/ps3-is-region-free-but-theres-a-hi-def-catch/) I also just found this encouraging article: http://www.thegamergene.com/feature/why-pal-ps3-users-should-import-rock-band/

[the-andy.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure the equipment is region specific, so it might be possible to save some money by getting the instrument pack in the US. On the other hand, it's not as if you could then toss it in your carry-on luggage; I imagine the shipping costs would quickly eat into any savings.

-Andy

[coalescent.livejournal.com]

That is one hell of a price hike.

Well, only if the standard of living is such that to a US person the equivalent number of dollars is a smaller expenditure. Is that really the case? It hasn't seemed to be when I've been to the US.