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If you buy your games at retail, you should open the game at the counter in front of a store employee and then exchange it if there is no online pass (or dlc code).
It seems like that's the only "safe" way to buy a game these days.
It seems like that's the only "safe" way to buy a game these days.
Mine was fine. After playing some of her I really don't see how she's optional - she's integral to the story.
It's unbelievable that paying customers aren't able to play the full game even after buying new!
It's unbelievable that paying customers aren't able to play the full game even after buying new!
@ Jim
Now I understand why I didn't get an Animated Series Batman Skin on Release but my cousin did! I didn't know this was going on! Thanks Jim for posting!
Now I understand why I didn't get an Animated Series Batman Skin on Release but my cousin did! I didn't know this was going on! Thanks Jim for posting!
Bahahaha. Oh sorry that really does suck for those who paid and got ripped off. Gotta admit its funny though.
@Jim: Do you know if its true that you can only get all the Riddler trophies if you play the Catwoman parts/levels? Which sucks if you're not feeding your console with some sweet internet.
I agree with the points made in this article fully...but problem is THERES NOT A GADDAM THING WE CAN DO ABOUT ANY OF IT!
I don't find this acceptable but not for the reasons you'd want me to. I remain unaffected by online passes in concept. I've still never actually used one but in concept it doesn't bother me. I objectively understand both sides and simply find myself on neither. (I wish used games retailers would simply pass a few bucks to the publisher to sate their blood lust but that's another debate.)
The reason I find it unacceptable is simply because I am adamant there must be a more elegant solution than stuffing shit in boxes. There's a fucking proof of purchase right on the back of the box! Why isn't that the default pass code? Why don't games cost $50 new with the online component an additional $10 online? Anyone lacking internet access isn't going to need that online component anyway.
Scraps of paper with codes is so last century.
The reason I find it unacceptable is simply because I am adamant there must be a more elegant solution than stuffing shit in boxes. There's a fucking proof of purchase right on the back of the box! Why isn't that the default pass code? Why don't games cost $50 new with the online component an additional $10 online? Anyone lacking internet access isn't going to need that online component anyway.
Scraps of paper with codes is so last century.
@ SirNinjaFace AND Magnalon
I know what you guys mean, Catwoman was MADE to be in the game, shes a huge part of the story! Even with trophies... Its very sad to see that people cant even play the damn game they paid for without the internet or stupid codes... (I feel that they should have fixed her controls though, I beat the game and her missions took me way longer than batman's because she gets around the city about as fast as someone in a wheel chair!)
I know what you guys mean, Catwoman was MADE to be in the game, shes a huge part of the story! Even with trophies... Its very sad to see that people cant even play the damn game they paid for without the internet or stupid codes... (I feel that they should have fixed her controls though, I beat the game and her missions took me way longer than batman's because she gets around the city about as fast as someone in a wheel chair!)
@Magnalon
That's EXACTLY what I was afraid of. I ended up canceling my pre-order because I was convinced that not being able to redeem the Catwoman content was going to be more than just a loss of "extras".
That's EXACTLY what I was afraid of. I ended up canceling my pre-order because I was convinced that not being able to redeem the Catwoman content was going to be more than just a loss of "extras".
It didn't affect me so it's not a problem herp derp!
Anyways, this is probably my thousandth comment on this whole arkham city debacle, so I guess I'll give it a rest for a while. Like I said earlier though, I am most likely going to buy this game used because 50 dollars is the absolute max amount I will pay for this game, because I can't actually play the catwoman missions, and obviously they value those missions at 10 dollars, so unless they drop the price very soon, they aren't getting my money.
Anyways, this is probably my thousandth comment on this whole arkham city debacle, so I guess I'll give it a rest for a while. Like I said earlier though, I am most likely going to buy this game used because 50 dollars is the absolute max amount I will pay for this game, because I can't actually play the catwoman missions, and obviously they value those missions at 10 dollars, so unless they drop the price very soon, they aren't getting my money.
I'm going to have to check this when I get home. I didn't actually start playing it because I'm still in the middle of RAGE. I noticed the game had three instruction manuals...(LOL languages) and there was a PSN insert tucked in there, I think. But I didn't look it over to see if the code was on there or anything. I'm sure this will get sorted for those who didn't get it...it better.
Okay, now let's pose the million dollar question: How much money will it cost the publisher to fix this problem? How much money did it actually cost to print out all these codes, and how much will it cost to do so again? I doubt anyone involved will want to answer this question, it might put them in a bad light.
@Ethan Jesse Frame
Unfortunately, the only thing that can be done about any game with unlock codes/online passes is to not have bought it in the first place, which is what will send the strongest message to ensure that these goddamned things disappear.
Unfortunately, the only thing that can be done about any game with unlock codes/online passes is to not have bought it in the first place, which is what will send the strongest message to ensure that these goddamned things disappear.
I have an off beat opinion here. With console gaming becoming more and more of a High luxury hobby due to cost, will this start to become the resurgence of arcades in this country?
Arcades have always been a low cost of entry way for people to play games and with the console industry doing everything in its power to alienate low income gamers, does anyone think this could spark a new arcade resurgence? Just a thought.
Arcades have always been a low cost of entry way for people to play games and with the console industry doing everything in its power to alienate low income gamers, does anyone think this could spark a new arcade resurgence? Just a thought.
The problem isn't the inclusion of the codes themselves, but how they're implemented. The fact of the matter is that the gaming industry is the only media industry where used sales can have a significant impact on new ones. The easiest way to combat that is to give incentives to buying new.
Publishers just need to learn how to implement it better. Let potential purchasers know as early as goddamn possible; don't tease exclusive stuff as integral to the game without context. Have the code be scratch-off on the back of the box itself, or on the shrink-wrap covering the box. That would be much better than having a code in the box, where it could get misplaced or stolen.
On the other hand, we as gamers need to realize the effect used game sales have on new ones. Especially in today's market when you can buy used games just about anywhere. Yesterday at my college bookstore, I bought a used copy of Bioshock 2.
...come to think of it, where DID GameStop get those codes?
Publishers just need to learn how to implement it better. Let potential purchasers know as early as goddamn possible; don't tease exclusive stuff as integral to the game without context. Have the code be scratch-off on the back of the box itself, or on the shrink-wrap covering the box. That would be much better than having a code in the box, where it could get misplaced or stolen.
On the other hand, we as gamers need to realize the effect used game sales have on new ones. Especially in today's market when you can buy used games just about anywhere. Yesterday at my college bookstore, I bought a used copy of Bioshock 2.
...come to think of it, where DID GameStop get those codes?
I have just stopped buying these games day 1. I will pick this up and all the DLC when either they release the game of the year edition, or the price drops by at least half.
I understand multiplayer games are different because you want to get on there and play with your friends and at least have a chance of competing online. However for a majority of these games, I never want to go online in the first place.
I understand multiplayer games are different because you want to get on there and play with your friends and at least have a chance of competing online. However for a majority of these games, I never want to go online in the first place.
@Ethan Jesse Frame
absolutely you can do something about it, stop buying games that ahve online passes. as a collective, which is what the gaming community should be viewing itself as, we totally have the power to make this all stop. BUT that means that you are not going to get to play this game.
how awesome would it be if we as a gaming hive-mind, decided that we would pirate any game that uses online passes. i am not for stealing or pirating usually, but i can get behind it if it is used as a tool to say to the developer/publisher "look, we want your game, we want what you are selling, but we are not going to be taken advantage of in order to get it."
absolutely you can do something about it, stop buying games that ahve online passes. as a collective, which is what the gaming community should be viewing itself as, we totally have the power to make this all stop. BUT that means that you are not going to get to play this game.
how awesome would it be if we as a gaming hive-mind, decided that we would pirate any game that uses online passes. i am not for stealing or pirating usually, but i can get behind it if it is used as a tool to say to the developer/publisher "look, we want your game, we want what you are selling, but we are not going to be taken advantage of in order to get it."
Or, the smartest solution these days, especially with big games...
Wait about six to twelve months and buy the inevitable "Game of the Year"/"Super"/"Ultimate" edition that includes every bit of DLC on the disc.
You know, the way games SHOULD be released? Completed? What a foreign concept in the modern game industry. Place has gone to hell in a ham sandwich.
Wait about six to twelve months and buy the inevitable "Game of the Year"/"Super"/"Ultimate" edition that includes every bit of DLC on the disc.
You know, the way games SHOULD be released? Completed? What a foreign concept in the modern game industry. Place has gone to hell in a ham sandwich.
Why can't they just say "hey, if you buy a new copy we'll give you this hat as a gift bonus for supporting us! :D" instead of doing this BS if they really wanna reward buy-new costumers? Geeze, just put the damn content in the disc, that way you don't have to deal with all these issues and have a good rep among your costumers.
Sounds like an employee or two have had the bright idea they can make a couple bucks selling the codes. So they've pulled some code slips before they could be packed into the cases replacing some of them with slips that haven't had codes printed on them yet. Now I've just got to find these chumps and beat the holy hell out of them.
BATMAN!
BATMAN!
@koehler83
I actually agree with most of what you said, although the obvious reason that they don't use the proof of purchase on the back of the box is so that people don't just write down those codes while at the store. That does give me an idea though to case out those gutted copies at gamestop...
I actually agree with most of what you said, although the obvious reason that they don't use the proof of purchase on the back of the box is so that people don't just write down those codes while at the store. That does give me an idea though to case out those gutted copies at gamestop...
@Saddham Dieveille
"The fact of the matter is that the gaming industry is the only media industry where used sales can have a significant impact on new ones.
On the other hand, we as gamers need to realize the effect used game sales have on new ones."
I think your comment best exemplifies how one sided most people see this issue. The fact that gaming has a prominent second hand market may mean it cannibalizes sales from the new market (there is, of course, no real proof of this), but it is also the only form of media where a consumer can easily get instant monetary value for their items. The overwhelming majority of that money is recycled back into the industry, which is another aspect of the gaming market that most other second hand markets do not enjoy. This all works in the favor of the consumer, which increases consumer buying power (to the tune of a whopping 12% of Gamestop's net sales, for example), which creates game sales, both used and, according to Gamestop's numbers anyway, more often times, new.
We do indeed need to understand how the second hand market effects new game sales. With the only available somewhat solid evidence pointing almost entirely in the "the used market benefits the consumer greatly, which does indeed benefit the industry at large" direction, I'm not sure how anyone could make a solid statement to the contrary.
"The fact of the matter is that the gaming industry is the only media industry where used sales can have a significant impact on new ones.
On the other hand, we as gamers need to realize the effect used game sales have on new ones."
I think your comment best exemplifies how one sided most people see this issue. The fact that gaming has a prominent second hand market may mean it cannibalizes sales from the new market (there is, of course, no real proof of this), but it is also the only form of media where a consumer can easily get instant monetary value for their items. The overwhelming majority of that money is recycled back into the industry, which is another aspect of the gaming market that most other second hand markets do not enjoy. This all works in the favor of the consumer, which increases consumer buying power (to the tune of a whopping 12% of Gamestop's net sales, for example), which creates game sales, both used and, according to Gamestop's numbers anyway, more often times, new.
We do indeed need to understand how the second hand market effects new game sales. With the only available somewhat solid evidence pointing almost entirely in the "the used market benefits the consumer greatly, which does indeed benefit the industry at large" direction, I'm not sure how anyone could make a solid statement to the contrary.
I got mine yesterday and stayed up all night beating it (because it's FUCKING AWESOME!!!). After playing all of the Catwoman missions minus the challenge rooms I can say that her missions suck and that if you download it before you start a new game it diminishes from the best opening I've ever seen it a video game.
That said it still is utter fucking bullshit that this is happening.
That said it still is utter fucking bullshit that this is happening.
Nice, I didn't buy the game yet but I'll pose as a CE owner to get the free codes (to use if I buy a used copy) when they publish their compensation solution, Hahaa!
I had no problems with all the codes. I got the SE and it came with Catwoman, Animated Batman Skin, Batman Returns skin, Ice level, and Carnival.
All the codes worked perfectly.
All the codes worked perfectly.
Hey captain bullshit-monger, you failed to mention that the devs already apologized for the mistake, and are simply going to unlock the Catwoman missions for everyone who bought the game. Guess you were too busy frothing yourself into a rage to pay attention to news that has been available since yesterday.
ooh, thats a cool feature. /sarcasm
Devs -"Everyone must buy new!"
Printing Press -"Uhhhh, we ran out of ink...and then we ran out of paper..."
Devs -"Everyone must buy new!"
Printing Press -"Uhhhh, we ran out of ink...and then we ran out of paper..."
Wow, they really flubbed this one up big time.
Luckily mine came with one, with a code printed on it, and the code worked. Considering I got mine through Amazon, I'm pretty happy I didn't get a skin if they're having problems with those too. Got a comicbook I could have read on the web (since it was originally released there) and $10 to put towards Christmas.
Any way, like I said I got mine through Amazon, is there any signs that point to certain copies going to certain retailers got screwed up, or is it an "across the board" sort of thing?
Luckily mine came with one, with a code printed on it, and the code worked. Considering I got mine through Amazon, I'm pretty happy I didn't get a skin if they're having problems with those too. Got a comicbook I could have read on the web (since it was originally released there) and $10 to put towards Christmas.
Any way, like I said I got mine through Amazon, is there any signs that point to certain copies going to certain retailers got screwed up, or is it an "across the board" sort of thing?
Okay, now this is fucking stupid. I've yet to pick up my copy and I'm willing to accept code input nonsense, but not spending the rest of the day being hassled by EA's customer service bullshit. Maybe there's better quality control on the collector's editions...
I hope there are updates on here for this issue. My Earth one Batman skin code kept coming up as not valid. My catwoman code worked fine, and the game was purchased brand new, with no tampering to the case. The skin isn't a huge deal, but I want to at least try the thing out!
@SepirothX
That is the most informed and relevant post on this subject that I have seen. It's the answer to this whole debate. Thank you. Now can we stop with the online pass articles?
That is the most informed and relevant post on this subject that I have seen. It's the answer to this whole debate. Thank you. Now can we stop with the online pass articles?
Yikes. This happened to me with Deus Ex. Luckily, my Arkham City codes were in tact and working. Catwoman seems a little forced, and to be honest, I'm liking Robin more. What's not to like about cracking skulls with a metal rod?
@Jim: Your penchant for firebrand rhetoric is getting the better of you. Manufacturing errors have little to do with redeemable codes. It's likely not WB or Rocksteady's fault, but the fault of the company charged with assembling all the copies.
@Jim: Your penchant for firebrand rhetoric is getting the better of you. Manufacturing errors have little to do with redeemable codes. It's likely not WB or Rocksteady's fault, but the fault of the company charged with assembling all the copies.
Man, I hope this doesn't happen to my Steam copy. Oh, wait... :P
Seriously, though, that's fucked. I don't care what their reasons are for having online passes, it's fucked, and here is just another reason why.
Seriously, though, that's fucked. I don't care what their reasons are for having online passes, it's fucked, and here is just another reason why.
I opened mine in the car before driving away and thankfully my Cat-code was there. My only problem was when the Gamestop guy highlighted the other codes on my receipt. The yellow faded the laser ink and I was like, dude. That would barely be visible to most people and I'm color-blind...
He wrote them down on a separate piece of paper and they worked fine though. So yay!
He wrote them down on a separate piece of paper and they worked fine though. So yay!
I've been having all sorts of problems with the catwoman DLC... And my code did work, but the game keeps not finding it
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