Is this package cheap or what?

YC4B4U · March 12, 2003, 01:36

When I bought this game I was surprised to find that when I opened the package there was no CD case. I initially thought that perhaps they had forgotten to put the CD in the package!

Happily I found the CDs but was dismayed to find that they were only in paper envelopes with the clear plastic circle in the middle. I think this is rather cheap!

Similarly when I started looking through the manual (I decided it would be a good idea for this game) it looked as though it was printed on recycled paper, where they forgot to recycle the paper! Cheap No2!

Did everyone find their package a bit cheap or is this just an Australian thing!?

vmxa1 · March 12, 2003, 03:29

That is how they are here as well, but that is the norm nowadays, so I did nto give a second thought. I just grabbed two emtpy jewels and went on my way.

Jamski · March 12, 2003, 05:50

Ditto. Its basically what I expect to find these days. Luckily I always have a few empty case lying around, so its rarely a problem. You can buy them for a few cents, but I seem to just collect them somehow...

And recycled paper is good, right?

-Jam

MarkG · March 12, 2003, 06:04

if a product doesnt destroy the planet it's not worth my $ (sorry, my &euro) !!

Jamski · March 12, 2003, 06:08

Don't worrry Mark, the CD's are made of plastic. Evil evil plastic.

-Jam

The Templar · March 12, 2003, 11:00

Quote:

Originally posted by vmxa1
That is how they are here as well, but that is the norm nowadays, so I did nto give a second thought. I just grabbed two emtpy jewels and went on my way.

You should get the jewel boxes that hold two cds but are the same thickness as the boxes that hold one. I have a whole stack of them. Great way to reduce shelf space (holds either 1 2-disc game or 2 1-disc games).

Cookie Monster · March 12, 2003, 12:44

Considering how many delays Moo3 suffered and all the extra "work" QS put into making the game "playable"

I am not surprised that they decided to cut costs somehow and supply paper jewel cases for the 2 cd's.

This is where the "suckers" er I mean the consumer was expected to share in the development costs of Moo3!

The Templar · March 12, 2003, 13:32

Quote:

Originally posted by Haupt. Dietrich
Considering how many delays Moo3 suffered and all the extra "work" QS put into making the game "playable"

I am not surprised that they decided to cut costs somehow and supply paper jewel cases for the 2 cd's.

This is where the "suckers" er I mean the consumer was expected to share in the development costs of Moo3!

Nah, the paper slips are pretty much standard and there is no corresponding drop in the price of computer games. Just another way to pinch a penny in profit.

Maybe there is an iron triangle configuration of jewel box manufacturers, game publishers, and retailers to enhance profits by selling the boxes and games separately.

Cookie Monster · March 12, 2003, 13:45

Quote:

Originally posted by The Templar
Maybe there is an iron triangle configuration of jewel box manufacturers, game publishers, and retailers to enhance profits by selling the boxes and games separately.

That I will definately agree with

At least console games are sold with nice boxes to store the DVD/CD in.

Harry Seldon · March 12, 2003, 14:11

Microsoft's in the console game now, so get ready for the paper sleeves. Damn dirty apes...

Cookie Monster · March 12, 2003, 14:25

Quote:

Originally posted by Harry Seldon
Microsoft's in the console game now, so get ready for the paper sleeves. Damn dirty apes...

Boris Godunov · March 12, 2003, 14:26

I don't have a problem with minimal packaging to cut down on waste, but I insist on two things being in them: a comprehensive manual and a quick reference chart for keyboard commands (if applicable). I don't like this online manual crap. I don't want to have to alt-tab out of my game (which isn't an option more and more anyway) to look up something. I want it in the manual at my finger tips.

Sadly, most games are coming out with sorely inadequate manuals lately. HoI was nice for history, but didn't explain crap about how the game worked!

vmxa1 · March 12, 2003, 14:57

Quote:

Originally posted by The Templar
You should get the jewel boxes that hold two cds but are the same thickness as the boxes that hold one. I have a whole stack of them. Great way to reduce shelf space (holds either 1 2-disc game or 2 1-disc games).

I have so many that seem to not want to hold the cd in place that I gave up ont them. Anyway you only use one after the install.

Harry Seldon · March 12, 2003, 15:57

I just keep them in a CD binder so I don't lose them. Plus, it cuts down on space.

YC4B4U · March 12, 2003, 23:28

I don't want to give the impression that I am against recycled paper. What I am complaining about is the smudges and ink stains that indicate poor printing and make it look as though someone forgot to recycle the paper in the first place. It looks third rate.

At least I have found out that the standard is the same here as elsewhere. It is just a pity that it takes the gloss off my initial impressions. My ongoing impression of the game is that I hate it! It causes me to lose sleep because I play it too much

Crostoneman · March 13, 2003, 00:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Boris Godunov

Sadly, most games are coming out with sorely inadequate manuals lately. HoI was nice for history, but didn't explain crap about how the game worked!

Makes you want to add an extra course for an computer progamming degree. Manual 101, if you don't pass it, you won't be able to write a computer game.

Malleus · March 13, 2003, 01:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Boris Godunov

Sadly, most games are coming out with sorely inadequate manuals lately.

Lately? LATELY?!? Remember the BOOK you got with Colonization? The wonderfully clear explanations for Command and Conquer?

Now, you are lucky if you get 10% of the keyboard commands explained outside of a readme file....

M

mactbone · March 13, 2003, 13:21

Whoah - the problem isn't that game devolopers don't know how to write a manual, the problem is either they didn't hire a Technical Writer (or enough), the writer they hired sucks, or they didn't give the writer enough info.

They had three people write the manual - two of them were also heavily involved in the other writing tasks associated with the game. They may have been understaffed - but I can't be sure.