iTWire - Xbox 360 Games on Demand way too pricey

Xbox 360 Games on Demand way too pricey

By Mike Bantick
Wednesday, 26 August 2009 05:58

Microsoft has released three new classics to the Xbox 360 Games on Demand service. Availability is per region (Details inside), but the new games are Burnout Revenge, FIFA 09 and Need For Speed ProStreet, but are the Microsoft pricing expectations just too high?

Microsoft has released another wave of Games On Demand, the Xbox 360 service allowing the download of full titles.

But it is becoming a somewhat controversial, as the pricing structure and availability various across the globe.

Case in point, is the Australian experience, with prices ranging from a whopping AU99.95 for Mass Effect through to the more palatable AU49.95 for Oblivion, AU$29.95 for Kameo and Viva Pinata, but even then, without too much effort these games can be picked up on disc for much cheaper.

It will be interesting to see how the service is picked up in Australia; right now the pricing structure for a public increasing expecting older download games to be relatively cheap seems out of kilter.

For now the details of the new releases are below:

Burnout Paradise: 4GB AU$49.95

Availability: North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Asia
Dash Text: (Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB) Download the manual for this game by locating the game on http://marketplace.xbox.com and selecting “See Game Manual". The Burnout experience is all about high-speed, high-intensity aggressive racing action. Introducing Live Revenge, now you can track and taunt players you tussle with on Xbox Live 360. Exclusive to this showcase high-definition version is the ability to save out your wildest Burnout moments and share them online. Be sure to check out ten all new custom designed crash junctions built for your destructive pleasure. Start your engines. There are no refunds for this item.

Need For Speed ProStreet: 5GB AU$49.95

Availability: Not available in Japan
Dash Text: (Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB) Download the manual for this game by locating the game on http://marketplace.xbox.com and selecting “See Game Manual". Compete at the highest level of street racing with Need for Speed ProStreet. It’s no longer good enough to simply rule your local neighborhood; you need to dominate on a global stage. Build the ultimate battle machine, take it to multi-disciplinary showdowns and pit your skills and reputation against the world’s best street racers. Every dent, every scratch and every crumpled body panel is a battle scar, proof of your commitment and competitive mettle. This is your chance to prove that you have what it takes to be crowned the next Street King. Need for Speed ProStreet is the realization of the raw power, visceral aggression and intense rivalry that embodies street racing culture.

FIFA 09

Availability: Not available in Australia, New Zealand, North America or the U.K.
Dash Text: Download the manual for this game by locating the game on http://marketplace.xbox.com and selecting “See Game Manual". Experience the revolution of football gaming. FIFA 09 brings you the most believable recreation of football yet seen for videogames blurring the boundaries between the virtual world and real life. Advanced physics and superlative visuals combine to realise the truest expression of the world's greatest sport.