Penny Arcade Adventures: Episode One hits XBLA
by Xav de Matos 
{ May 21st 2008 at 10:00AM }
And a good morning to you too sirs and/or madams. Now available on Xbox Live Arcade is Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness - Episode One for 1600 MS Points. Penny Arcade fans will appreciate the humor and art style, while detractors of the popular web comic duo will continue to unleash healthy doses of searing hate--with a side order of rage.
The most frequent comment we've read so far is based on price, is the game asking too much? In the scope of XBLA releases we understand how people may feel that the title asks for too much, however, the perception of Arcade being quick and cheap entertainment might not be suitable for PAA:OtR-SPoD-E1 (sorry, had to try that at least once).
The Xbox Live Arcade is the only name for downloadable games on the Xbox 360, whereas Sony's PSN service just releases titles without the marketing department-spun category, and we've gotten used to the average price-points for what we expect as smaller games. As an entire experience being a $20 title, in line with the price-point behind Half-Life 2 episodes, Penny Arcade Adventures promises to be worth your money. For a 7-10 hour experience, which is longer than most episodic releases, the title hopes to keep you entertained.
We're not defending it, we're just saying you should at least check it out before you sweep it under the rug. Because so far, we're really digging it.
If you're a fan of turn-based role-playing titles, Penny Arcade or obscene appliances then On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness might be for you.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
marauder800 @ May 21st 2008 10:12AM
We're not defending it, we're just saying you should at least check it out before you sweep it under the rug.
Thanks, but I will be sweeping this under the rug, sight unseen. $20 is ridiculous for 7 hours of DLC.
Kizzle @ May 21st 2008 10:35AM
Too expensive. If this was the full game the price would be understandable. This is a joke.
Valve has started a really fucking annoying trend.
Jcarpio @ May 21st 2008 12:12PM
so paying 60 bucks for 7 hrs on a retail disc is acceptable?
Content is content to me.
I tried it out this morning and thought it was fun. I'll wait until i get to the end of the demo before i make my buying decision
Gemini Ace @ May 21st 2008 10:14AM
Will all the episodes be $20? If so, that's beyond ridiculous.
Neuromancer @ May 21st 2008 11:26AM
Especially considering they are planning for episodes. If they keep the pricing the same for all you are looking at an $80 game.
Neuromancer @ May 21st 2008 11:27AM
for=four, sorry
Outinthedark @ May 21st 2008 10:15AM
Picked it up and finished off the first map area before work. Loving the ridiculous dialog. Interesting they have a complete the game without dieing achievement.
Britton @ May 21st 2008 10:17AM
No, $20 is a ridiculous price point for kids working at your local grocery store for minimum wage which this is not geared towards hence the M rating. So for someone slightly older, like myself, it is WELL worth it. I downloaded it early this morning (as I've been anticipating it for months now!) and am loving it to no end! I'm counting down the hours until I get to cease designing boring-as-hell instruction booklets and play some Penny Arcade Adventures!
PS: The character customization was a brilliant idea and the detail thus far is gorgeous!
SadisticHam @ May 21st 2008 10:23AM
It's a pity that awesome job of yours didn't come with a dose of intelligence, like knowing when you're being ripped off.
Not being taken for a ride doesn't make you poor or your wage packet minimum. Theres people that are good with there money and then theres people that throw it at anything they like.
Britton @ May 21st 2008 10:38AM
So you're telling me that despite the production value, content (depending on whether you're a fan or not), and length, $20 is too much for such a title? Allow me to illustrate something for you: I could decide to go to lunch this afternoon and then choose to go out to dinner with the lady tonight, assuming the current meal and gas prices that could run me up to about, say, $40 dollars. Instead, I chose to eat leftovers from home for lunch and will plan on eating something the girlfriend already has at her house. Also, couple in the fact that I will travel far less than it would've taken me to eat out throughout the day. So you see, SadisticHam (did Xbox Live generate that name for you?), I'm actually saving money and investing a portion of it into something I enjoy: Penny Arcade.
But hey, what do I know! I mean I'm clearly unintelligent on account of a single opinion...
Homer 918 @ May 21st 2008 11:25AM
I agree, it seems to me that the detractors are mostly younger people who wish they could afford the game and to offset their disappointment they are calling for blood.
How is $20 overpriced for 7-10 hours of gameplay??? So far the arguments I have seen are non-sensical, along the lines that because it is expensive compared to other XBLA games it automatically, without accounting for content, is over priced.
Isak? @ May 21st 2008 12:19PM
I really don't think you're any better than sadistic ham in this case man. You're calling people poor, and young because they don't want to pay exorbitant amounts of cash for something. There’s not much of an argument about the fact that this game costs more than most other XBLA games. There also isn’t an argument that some people like different types of games. I don’t think I need to spend 20 bucks on this game because I don’t really like the art direction on it. It isn’t because I can’t burn the cash, it’s that I can burn it on other stuff. You also seem to be drawing a line that because a game is rated M it is meant for only older people.
Your sentence was:
“So for someone slightly older, like myself, it is WELL worth it.”
but it really should have read:
“So for someone like myself it is worth it.”
I am slightly older. I’m sure many people are slightly older. Age does not have anything to do with whether they will like the game or not. Same thing to homer918. I don’t want to pay 20 bucks for this game because despite production values, content, and narrative, I just don’t like the graphics. But this is my opinion, same as both of yours. Age doesn’t have anything to do with whether this game is worth it. But age does seem to have an impact on your somewhat smug attitudes.
Homer 918 @ May 21st 2008 12:40PM
@Isak?:
I would think it was quite clear that I was not directing my comments towards those who have legitement complaints in regards to the game. If you don't like PA, RPG style games, etc. those are all perfectly valid reasons to not like this game. What I was trying to communicate was that I have witnessed that many of the people who are whining about the price seem to be younger. I could be wrong but I believe Britton was also not arguing with people in your position either.
Britton @ May 21st 2008 12:56PM
Isak, question mark, I think the real reason I'm noting the price and age variables is because of discussions past that were about age being a factor in game purchases. Whether you want to believe it or not, 15 year olds are going to find it increasingly difficult to purchase a slew of premium-priced games versus, say, a 22 year old.
Grimm @ May 21st 2008 1:10PM
I don't want to rag on you dude but you sound like a pretentious asshole. "Kids don't have any money so REAL people like me have no problem spending $20"...god your a whiny bitch. Your the type of person I just want to punch in the fucking face. Yeah, I'm sure you have a great job and can waste money on shit like this. To say that only kids won't buy this just because they can't afford it is the most ignorant comment I've heard in awhile. I'm fucking 22 and can't afford this shit. Your proclaiming that because it takes 7-10 hours to beat and has dialog that it's worth $20. Hmm...well I've played every arcade game I own for at least 5-10 hours and didn't pay more then $10 a game. You fucking spoiled kids just need your goddamn ass kicked.
Britton @ May 21st 2008 1:24PM
Grimm. Hi. Okay, so let me get this straight: you "don't want to rag on [me]" but I'm "a whiny bitch" who you want to "punch in the fucking face". Is that the correct synopsis of your mind-dribble? Cool. Moving on...
Grimm @ May 21st 2008 1:32PM
I clearly state "I don't want to rag on you" but that doesn't mean I'm not going to. I hate you to much to not rag on you...it's the only way I can show my appreciation. By the way good come back...your going to move on. Wow...hmm...I'm going to note that, file it under important, and get back to you on it at a further date.
Britton @ May 21st 2008 1:45PM
Actually, my "moving on" statement is neither a comeback nor a retort, it's a subtle poke at me not wanting to waste my words on you. Especially since you didn't even register what I was saying -- considering it was an opinion that I've gathered over several Penny Arcade Adventures-based posts not a sudden desire to pick on the younger crowd (I too am fairly young and was even younger at one point, believe it or not!). Also, noting, filing, and getting back to me? What is that? Like, is that some sort of Office Space-esque closing remark or something? It's ridiculous. Work on it.
Isak? @ May 22nd 2008 4:37AM
@ Homer, and Britton
Yeah, I can agree with you that perhaps
Isak? @ May 22nd 2008 4:47AM
@ Homer 918 and Britton
Yeah, I can agree with you that perhaps younger people are more vocal about a perceived over charging. This doesn’t mean that the price is outrageous to only specific age groups. It simply means that seem to be more vocal than other age groups. I would go so far as to say most 40 years wouldn’t waste their time posting vitriol on the intertubes, but really when your 16 not many people will listen to you debate things more exciting than price costs of video games. I’m happy that Britton admits that it’s all his opinion, , and one developed over a long time, but I find error in some of his statements. Most 15 year olds tend to have more disposable income than me. I make very good money at my job, but at age 15 I didn’t have 60k in student loans, and 400 a month for rent to pay off. Teens are the market advertisers shoot for simply because they have a ridiculous amount of disposable income.
I think in the end this isn’t about younger kids being cheap, or unable to afford the game, so much as their being much more vocal about not overpaying.
Oh, and I’m not throwing dickish moves at you, or posturing my e-peen, I’m simply targeting what I saw as an unfair assessment of a large undefended group. Grimm, you can’t win every argument with a “punch in the fucking face.” Thumbs up on using “pretentious” correctly though.
Joe @ May 21st 2008 10:19AM
Hate and rage? No good Sir, merely a sense of apathy in regardes to this "comic."
rockeranimefreak @ May 21st 2008 10:22AM
Meh... I've saving that $20 for better arcade stuff. Besides, I enjoy reading Crtl+Alt+Del and Megatokyo more anyways. I haven't read a Penny Arcade in ages, the last time I read it was in some magazine and it wasn't all that funny either. That being said I'll download the demo and try it out at least.
CharleyTony @ May 21st 2008 10:23AM
Played the Demo...
It looks like a really good and funny game...
Looked at the price...
1600 points...
Deleted the trial and moved on...
PennyArcade sure missed the ball here, make it 800 points, have everybody buy it, love it, wait to buy the second and 3rd episode.....
It was so simple that they did just the opposite...
its 1600 points because its a better game/value? then why did I like it and not buy it ???????
Xav de Matos @ May 21st 2008 10:28AM
I don't imagine that everyone will buy even if they enjoyed it. I did and I bought it, but there's no hard-fast rule of "it's long so the price is okay."
We're just trying to put some perspective on the subject is all. Not everyone will agree obviously.
s.tillings @ May 21st 2008 10:40AM
I had 7-10 hours of fun with Arkadian Warriors and that was 800 points. I will gladly replay that instead of paying $20 for this.
Homer 918 @ May 21st 2008 11:34AM
The difference being that PAA:OtR-SPoD-E1 is a directed experience where jokes and narrative had to be painstakingly laid out, whereas Arkadian Warriors although more complex engine-wise is more about the experience so all they really needed to do was build the parts and plop them down in front of you in different ways.
I'm willing to pay a premium for good narrative and humor since it is so scarce in video games.
Britton @ May 21st 2008 1:00PM
An insightful reason, Homer. +1.
Deezul @ May 21st 2008 10:41AM
Their rational for $20? - 7-10 hours of play. So Mass Effect and GTA IV, and heck, even Elder Scrolls IV are only 21-30 hours of play? Please. And yeah, folks only played UNO for 2-3 hours, tops. That's why its UNO still shows up in the top 15 Live games, almost two years after it's release?
Honestly, who is going to play this game over and over? Once, maybe twice to get the 'cheivees, then wait for Episode 2? Drop this to $10, and I'd probably pick it up. $20? I'll wait for it to be an "Arcade Hit."
Comparing it to number of hours of game play is a lousy comparison. Throw multiplayer into a game, ala Halo 3 and COD 4, and that game comes in at $1 an hour for some folks, most likely way less cost per hour.
James @ May 21st 2008 2:36PM
People don't buy their game time in $-per-minute like some kind of peep show booth. Some games are designed to have an excellent $-per-minute value -- I probably got tens of hours per dollar out of, say, the original Half-Life (when you count all its mods), while BioShock cost me 50 bucks and I've spent less than 20 hours with it all told. Does that mean I got ripped off for BioShock? We could argue about it, I guess, but I would drop another 50 in a heartbeat for a game half that good.
The question is, are you going to enjoy this game more than another game you would have spent 20 bucks on? For me, the answer is "probably" (I haven't gotten to DL the demo yet), especially since I like Tycho's writing style. For you, the answer is clearly "no" -- and you're free to not buy it.
Deezul @ May 21st 2008 10:33PM
I don't base my game purchasing decisions on amount of game play. But when the developers THEMSELVES use it as an argument to BUY the game, I will use it to say why it's NOT worth it.
If they had simply said, "You get a great game playing experience" without mentioning the time you get out of it, then I won't us it.
And guess what? I like Penny Arcade, and I won't buy this game at 1600 points! So again, their argument to purchase FAILS. Tycho and Gabe have said it themselves, "If you like Penny Arcade, you'll like this game." Opps.
EC @ May 21st 2008 10:42AM
While I guess the price is a bit high, it goes more into the subjective realm. If you love Penny Arcade and love a dose of RPG now and then, it will probably be worth it. If not then the price doesn't make sense.
I bought it, and love it. 20 dollars doesn't seem that high to me when DVD's are the same price usually and only offer 2 hours of entertainment. But that's just my opinion.
Benjamin09 @ May 21st 2008 10:54AM
Well I still am sitting on a PILE of MS points from when they were on sale at Circuit City. This game will be only $10 for me!
HazyCloud @ May 21st 2008 11:39AM
I got a bunch too and burned threw them like Tyrone Biggums at the 5 o'clock free crack giveaway.
I enjoyed the demo this morning and will be buying the full version when I get home. Just like EC put it, 20 bucks isn't bad when compared to other things you get for the same price.
HazyCloud @ May 21st 2008 11:43AM
@ HazyCloud
Threw? WTF? How about through? Man, it's just one of those days. Off to Mickey D's for an Iced Coffee.
Benjamin09 @ May 21st 2008 11:47AM
Where is this free crack?
Grimm @ May 21st 2008 1:12PM
You pay for movies? Newb...=)
Hunter @ May 21st 2008 10:55AM
The Sam and Max episodes are barely 3 or 4 hours long and they are $9. $20 for 7-10 hours doesn't seen that bad to me.
ccc @ May 21st 2008 11:07AM
This game is ok.
It would have been a great grab for 10 or even 15 dollars.
As it stands, it is most definatly NOT worth 20 dollars considering the plethera of great games I already have for the arcade at the 10 and 15 dollar price points (puzzle Quest, Ikaruga ect).
This is the first XBLA game to go beyond the 150 meg size limit and how well this game is recieved within the xbl community will be the deciding factor for how much we will be expected to pay for future arcade games.
If you want to pay 20 dollars for Soul Caliber, Quake 3 Arena, Castle Crashers and whatever else comes down the line for the arcade that MS has even an inkling of an idea that it is sought after, then by all means buy this game. You'll be fighting the good fight for developers and corporations that want deeper pockets.
The game itself like I said is alright but again, for 20 dollars its not worth it.
I am going through Final Fantasy 3 on the ds right now and it cost me 17 bucks for that game. Now thats a deal for the traditional rpg gamer not this.
Or how about the fact that my local Wal Mart is selling Blue Dragon for 19.99? Can anyone that is gunho about this honestly tell me this game deserves a fair comparassion with Blue Dragon at the same price point?
Tony @ May 21st 2008 11:14AM
The only reason Blue Dragon is that price is because no one (except apparently me) bought it at $60. It's definitely not what MS wanted to be making off of it outside of Japan lol. I don't know how fair of a comparison it is.
Personally I don't think this will have any bearing on other games that go over the 150 MB mark. We're not paying for size with any other games (N+ was like 20 MBs)... and Bionic Commando: Rearmed is $10. I think this is an exception and a decision made by Penny Arcade itself. I'm personally not very worried about it affecting other prices. I guess we'll see though.
Tony @ May 21st 2008 11:11AM
Length doesn't really equate with money going into a product or its production values. I don't think people can keep jumping on the only reason for this price point.
I think what makes it look like a huge rip off is its direct competition. Sam and Max is a somewhat similar game that basically showed everyone that the episodic "season" game could work. And yet each of those only cost $10. Granted, you're visiting the same areas many times over, but there's good production values (writing and voice acting, particularly) and so forth.
I haven't played the game. Maybe I'll be blown away and think it's worth it... Who knows. If they release 3 of these a year (which I'd probably guess would be their average), it adds up to a full $60 title anyway. It's no more expensive than anything else out there and at that point it'd be over 20 hours long.
EC @ May 21st 2008 11:17AM
I think while PAA doesn't quite reach the production values that Sam and Max has (It would be hard to reach that), I think it gets really close. The game is genuinely funny, as long as you think Penny Arcade is funny.
That, and you are getting double the length then one does with Sam and Max. So doesn't it make sense to double the price then?
OrionnoirO @ May 21st 2008 11:16AM
I personally feel the price is worth the content. I bought it a bit ago, and have enjoyed it and feel it was money well spent. I personally feel its a bit of a double-standard, on PC at 20.00 its fine, but on XBLA for 20.00 (1600 points) its not.
Outinthedark @ May 21st 2008 11:31AM
I'm not sure how that makes any sense. On PC it's a fiar price but on the XBLA it's not?
s.tillings @ May 21st 2008 11:23AM
If this is truly going to be episodic then shouldn't the first episode be cheaper to hook us. That's what my heroin dealer does...
ccc @ May 21st 2008 11:27AM
@ S. Tillings
You win the funny comment award for this post man.
@ Tony
I hope I am wrong Tony.
zombienutz @ May 21st 2008 11:33AM
I slapped down my hard earned money for the game this morning, and I do not regret it. Twenty-bucks may seem like a lot, but I think it was worth it, for me at least. I have a few complaints about the game functionality, but I am loving the hell out of the dialogue and story. If you are not a PA fan or turn based RPG fan, then no, you will not like this game. However, if you love you some PA, then I suggest you buy it.
Grimm @ May 21st 2008 1:17PM
Yeah I'd agree with you it's a game for PA fans only. Which easily falls under the realm of "terrible marketing decisions". You would think they would want to try to appeal to a wider range of gamers. Frankly I've never known anyone who prefers PA over Ctrl+Alt+Dlt.
Reduced Sodium @ May 21st 2008 11:40AM
I think OrionnoirO was on to something because if you saw this game on a gaming shelf at a store for $20, the price wouldn't seem as high. It seems like a matter of perception.
Personally, I like Penny Arcade and H.P. Lovecraftian tales, so I perceive the content being well worth it for only $20.
Deck @ May 21st 2008 11:40AM
People are complaining that there's only 7-10 hours of gameplay for 20 bucks? There are so many $60 games out there with less (single-player, there could be multi) hours of play.
This game is more, much more, than your average Arcade Title. If it wasn't coming out on XBLA and would be on store shelves instead for 20 bucks, I don't know if so many would be complaining.
I think the issue here is that people don't want to see XBLA titles go for much more than $10 bucks or so because its the perception of the arcade. But this game is much more than a basic little arcade game.
Though it isn't for everyone, I can understand that. I will be picking it up later this afternoon and have no regrets about it whatsoever.
Van Faulk @ May 21st 2008 11:45AM
7-10 hours is already longer than most retail games these days anyway. Remind me what price we pay for them?
I love this game. I just hate the fact that I'll have to wait for more of it. It's probably the best game on arcade right now.