Grassroots consumer advocates exposing scam artists selling games for more than 99¢ [Archive]

steveballmer

06-01-2008, 11:38 AM

This thread is dedicated to All the geniuses of TA who think they know more about gaming market than the devs themselves.

You may not have made/sold a single game but you still believe you know how much any specific game should cost more than the devs who spent countless days/months of their lives on their game.

Let these greedy ******** know they cant charge more than 99cents for this junk. In fact, it should be FREE!!

Let them know they are DOOMED unless they agree to our, the Elite TA forum member's demands!!!

who am I? I'm proud to tell you I'm TA's very first spammer. They banned me looong time ago but I'm happy to see I'm not needed here anymore. Carry on my legacy young padawans!

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 03:29 PM

I saw Canabalt on the front page today, and I just finished playing the flash version online. For the few minutes I played the game, I had an absolute blast. The animation and sounds are fantastic! However, I'm a little worried about its replay value. Do any of you have Canabalt? Have you gotten tired of it? Is it worth $2.99?

UPDATE: No, I do not believe it is worth $2.99. It would probably be better to spend $10 on Mirror's Edge (http://toucharcade.com/2009/12/16/mirrors-edge-hands-on-preview-with-video/) than $3 on a stripped down clone of it.

5duc29

11-03-2009, 03:33 PM

I saw Canabalt on the front page today, and I just finished playing the flash version online. For the few minutes I played the game, I had an absolute blast. The animation and sounds are fantastic! However, I'm a little worried about its replay value. Do any of you have Canabalt? Have you gotten tired of it? Is it work $2.99?

The game is fun for a while (a week at most), but after that I regret buying it. I absolutely think it's worth a dollar. I know money is something devs need but the app store today have much better games than this- Canabalt.

arn

11-03-2009, 03:34 PM

I saw Canabalt on the front page today, and I just finished playing the flash version online. For the few minutes I played the game, I had an absolute blast. The animation and sounds are fantastic! However, I'm a little worried about its replay value. Do any of you have Canabalt? Have you gotten tired of it? Is it work $2.99?

well, the good news is that the game is pretty much exactly the flash version + twitter high score shoutouts. So you 100% know what you are getting.

The $2.99 price point has been a point of contention, so your mileage may vary, but we put it in the top list because we enjoyed playing it well beyond the first few days.

arn

robertf224

11-03-2009, 03:35 PM

If you enjoy the flash game then yeah. Aside from a small amount of framerate dip its the exact same game. The music is still killer and the jumping is still satisfying as hell.

DaveMc99

11-03-2009, 03:37 PM

but we put it in the top list because we enjoyed playing it well beyond the first few days.

That is a good standard. If a game is still being talked about in the threads and in the Top 100 games weeks after it was released then it is worth it to most people. :)

drelbs

11-03-2009, 03:40 PM

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss57/keller_s/not_this_crap_again.jpg

Backflip Studios

11-03-2009, 03:44 PM

This is really an outstanding game, one that I find myself coming back to again and again. Well worth $2.99 in my opinion.

freedog

11-03-2009, 03:50 PM

IMO it was not worth it. The gameplay content is really shallow and the only thing you are able to do in the game is tap to jump. Background scenery repeats itself over and over. The game has a cool presentation, the type that will make you say "wow this is awesome" when you first start playing and then 10 minutes later have you yawning and wanting more out of the game. Play Canabalt for 45 seconds and you've seen everything the game has to offer, no lie. The sad part is that over 90% of all $.99 games in the store have more content than the $3 Canabalt. Save your money.

Palfince

11-03-2009, 04:04 PM

Yes.

RiverOnFire

11-03-2009, 04:15 PM

No way. Check the other games at the same price point for comparison. I don't mind supporting indie devs but they have to be reasonable.

Bok Choy

11-03-2009, 04:16 PM

It's worth $1.99 or less. But at $3, I would have to say no. The week I got it, I played multiple times but after a while it gets boring.

PrivateJoker

11-03-2009, 04:21 PM

Is it fu**. I won't be touching it until it's a dollar.

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 04:28 PM

It's worth $1.99 or less. But at $3, I would have to say no.
That's exactly what I'm thinking.

Don't get me wrong, the effort that went into Canabalt is clearly evident, but for the same price you could get Soosis and have a lot more to do. Or something like Doodle Jump, which has the same kind of quick, simple, game play, but for 1/3 the price.

I've already spent about $60 in the app store, and I'm trying to cut down. I'll continue to try Canabalt online, but in the meantime I'm just going to get Doodle Jump.

Thank you for the replies everyone (except drelbs).

freedog

11-03-2009, 04:32 PM

robertf224

11-03-2009, 04:32 PM

No way. Check the other games at the same price point for comparison. I don't mind supporting indie devs but they have to be reasonable.

3 dollars is unreasonable?

Eli

11-03-2009, 04:37 PM

The dev had a bunch of his friends/supporters go in the original Canabalt thread to talk up the game. I've never seen so many devs under new screen names in a thread trying to promote a game. Anyone who got the game for free like website representatives will likely support the game as well, because they arent the ones who overpaid $3 for it.

First of all, here is my receipt for paying for Canabalt-

http://i.a-13.net/canabalt_receipt.jpg

Secondly, please stop with all the shill stuff. I checked out all your accusations in the previous thread and none of them turned up anything. Why is it so unbelievable to you that people enjoy the game?

freedog

11-03-2009, 04:39 PM

oh christ hodapp Im just pointing out what I noticed in the thread. Its obvious the only thing you care about is supporting devs even if they are shady.

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 04:40 PM

3 dollars is unreasonable?
You can get Hero of Sparta or Samurai: Way of the Warrior for 2 dollars.

I don't think 3 dollars is unreasonable at all for a game like this, but the developers have to consider the competition. For the same price, a customer can get more from another game.

robertf224

11-03-2009, 04:40 PM

oh christ hodapp Im just pointing out what I noticed in the thread. Its obvious the only thing you care about is supporting devs even if they are shady.

I think its a good game, and i paid for it

robertf224

11-03-2009, 04:44 PM

You can get Hero of Sparta or Samurai: Way of the Warrior for 2 dollars.

I don't think 3 dollars is unreasonable at all for a game like this, but the developers have to consider the competition. For the same price, a customer can get more from another game.

I absolutely understand where you're coming from in that you can get great experiences for less money, but those developers are just being way too reasonable. I get why some people pissed about paying this much, but when you think about it, it's still only 3 dollars and there is just something awesome about bringing your favorite time-waster on the go

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 04:46 PM

The dev had a bunch of his friends/supporters go in the original Canabalt thread to talk up the game. I've never seen so many devs under new screen names in a thread trying to promote a game. Anyone who got the game for free like website representatives will likely support the game as well, because they arent the ones who overpaid $3 for it.

I've never met Adam Saltsman, but I personally created 12 fake TA accounts, 23 fake iTunes accounts, and went on a door to door shilling campaign for CANABALT.

But honestly its only worth like 87.7527661 Russian rubles. :(

marshmonkey

11-03-2009, 04:50 PM

sam the lion

11-03-2009, 04:52 PM

I don't think 3 dollars is unreasonable at all for a game like this, but the developers have to consider the competition. For the same price, a customer can get more from another game.

I think that considering competition is really not mandatory in a strange market like the app store. Gameloft often puts some of their premium games at 99c, ngmoco gives away really nice stuff for free. Other devs are free to try other strategies. In the end, despite the price tag, canabalt sold well for a certain amount of time so the experiment was probably a success.

11-03-2009, 04:53 PM

i dont personally own the game, but yea ive played the flash version and when i saw the price tag i was like wow..this game is worth a dollar in my book. wont be buying it till if/when they drop the price. yay for cheapness ^^

diffusion8r

11-03-2009, 04:55 PM

This is like Cliffe as it hasvrally raw baic gameplay. But Cliffed has online multiplayer so justifies its price tag.

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 04:56 PM

This is some Bernie Madoff type of stuff going on here, it is obviously the work of a shady cabal of hooded shills whose life work is to trick freedog out of $2.99.

BEWARE PEOPLE, BEWARE THE SATTELITES OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL!
(that is how they watch you)

I swear that isn't me posting under another account! :cool:

I forgot to mention that Canabalt is a certified App Classic, #304! So its not just me who thinks its great and worth the money!

http://appclassics.com/cacheIcon.php?url=http%3A//a1.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/037/Purple/76/72/da/mzl.gyjrwdkl.100x100-75.jpg&l=2
http://appclassics.com/canabalt (http://appclassics.com/canabalt)

Big Albie

11-03-2009, 04:57 PM

Personally, the game didn't appeal to me whether it's free or $3. Value is in the eye of the beholder so if you want to pay 87 rubles for it, be my guest. My point is don't the blame devs for how they price the game...it's their prerogative. And if you like it, great. If you don't, then chalk it up to experience and do without a coke and candy bar for one day.

freedog

11-03-2009, 04:58 PM

Im just one person who doesnt believe the game was worth it, amongst many others. There are several one star reviews in the store from people who feel the same way. Why is it so hard for you to accept other people's opinions?

freedog

11-03-2009, 05:00 PM

seems like anyone expresses their opinion about this game here come Saltman supporters Eli Hodapp(expected) and Ian Marsh's 2 screenies.

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 05:03 PM

da shiz wiz 19

11-03-2009, 05:04 PM

All u do I the game is jump. At least that's what it is in the flash version.
I don't see how that's worth $3

marshmonkey

11-03-2009, 05:05 PM

Your opinion is worth just as much as anyone elses!
http://nimblebit.com/canabalt_ratings.jpg

typical Saltsman-ista propaganda. :mad:

freedog

11-03-2009, 05:06 PM

I didnt even bother to leave a rating for this game. A lot of those one star reviews were found helpful if you look.

Ian its obvious you are a Saltsman supporter/friend. From day one you were in the Canabalt thread promoting Canabalt for him, and defending. Not everyone has to have the same opinion about your friends game k?

da shiz wiz 19

11-03-2009, 05:07 PM

Your opinion is worth just as much as anyone elses!
http://nimblebit.com/canabalt_ratings.jpg
People who review in the app store are idiots. I have proof and I'll put it I the profile soon. First off, kijib's review of pocket god.

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 05:09 PM

I absolutely understand where you're coming from in that you can get great experiences for less money, but those developers are just being way too reasonable. I get why some people pissed about paying this much, but when you think about it, it's still only 3 dollars and there is just something awesome about bringing your favorite time-waster on the go
True. I'm doing 3 things right now: Finishing work, reading this thread, and switching my Firefox tab over to Canabalt to play another game. :D

If you don't, then chalk it up to experience and do without a coke and candy bar for one day.
Games in the Appstore are a bit under priced, aren't they? Canabalt is probably well worth the price of a coke and a candy bar, but I'm still on the fence about it, especially with such a limited spending budget. And I would hate to find 3 really good 99 cent games after buying Canabalt.

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 05:10 PM

marshmonkey

11-03-2009, 05:12 PM

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 05:13 PM

I just found this paparazzi shot of Ian Marsh and Adam Saltsman getting off the Semisecret (lol not much of a secret am i rite) private Jet. It's no secret those two are high fiving each other under the table if you get my drift.

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/461612/secret.jpg

I'm going to have to request that picture be removed, I did NOT give permission for that to be taken OR posted! :mad:

marshmonkey

11-03-2009, 05:14 PM

The truth is out there people

freedog

11-03-2009, 05:14 PM

No Ian the only thing you cant get past is the fact that people have different opinions about the game and the price for it. And its clear that you are a slatsman friend from day one of the games release. I respect other people's opinions, and I accept regular customers opinions who werent friends with the dev and promoting the game vigorously from day one.

Big Albie

11-03-2009, 05:20 PM

Games in the Appstore are a bit under priced, aren't they? Canabalt is probably well worth the price of a coke and a candy bar, but I'm still on the fence about it, especially with such a limited spending budget. And I would hate to find 3 really good 99 cent games after buying Canabalt.

Fair enough, and I know it's hard to manage what games to buy with a limited budget. You can only read what people are saying, and I don't necessarily mean the positives or negatives. I mean the concepts that are incorporated in the game. I usually use this as a starting point to determine I'm even remotely interested in a game. For example, if I like touch controls and the game only offers a d-pad, then chances are the game isn't going to fly with me. It's a subjective example, but it helps to narrow things down.

misfitskater6

11-03-2009, 05:31 PM

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 05:42 PM

I thought it was worth 3 bucks, just cuz I play it more than most games. Standing around at work, I don't have time to get into something deep, and Canabalt provides me with a quick and fun experience, much like Skee-Ball.

The artwork was what did it for me though, and that's what made it worth a measely 3 bucks. I don't regret my purchase.

Also this thread is funny.

I think you need to take some shill lessons from me. You should build up at least a few hundred posts before you start openly shilling for Saltsman, especially when detective freedog is on the case!

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 05:51 PM

Fair enough, and I know it's hard to manage what games to buy with a limited budget.
I told myself that I would only spend $20 on games this month. I've already spent $7 on Soosis and Earthwork Jim, and when Ravensword comes out, I'll likely spend another $7 on that (hoping that's the price, but if it's $10 I'll probably get it anyway). So, I'm basically left with 3 or 5 dollars to blow.

I thought it was worth 3 bucks, just cuz I play it more than most games. Standing around at work, I don't have time to get into something deep, and Canabalt provides me with a quick and fun experience, much like Skee-Ball.
Thanks for reminding me of Skee-Ball. I've been eying that one for the last week. I could get Skee-Ball, Doodle Jump, and Robocalypse for the price of Canabalt.

Matt Berry

11-03-2009, 06:43 PM

I played this game online today, and thought it was a fun game. Pulled it up on the app store to buy it and saw the 2.99 price tag and thought no way. Maybe 1.99 or less but not 2.99. I'm not a cheapskate, I've probably spent over 100 at the app store in the last 2 months. There just isn't enough to this game to warrant a price tag above 1.99. I will wait for a price drop before I'd purchase this.

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 06:51 PM

misfitskater6

11-03-2009, 06:59 PM

I think you need to take some shill lessons from me. You should build up at least a few hundred posts before you start openly shilling for Saltsman, especially when detective freedog is on the case!

Blast, my diabolical scheme is RUINED!! I should have known I could never have gotten away with posing as a person who actually thought the game is fun and was worth $3... :(

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 07:01 PM

Blast, my diabolical scheme is RUINED!! I should have known I could never have gotten away with posing as a person who actually thought the game is fun and was worth $3... :(

Seriously, on what planet would somebody believe THAT story? You obviously live just down the street from the developer and have him over for drinks on a regular basis like me.

freedog

11-03-2009, 07:02 PM

I'm just curious what you would need to be added to the game to increase it's worth another $1? Or would you not pay that extra dollar no mater what?

uh duh ian, freedog's not the only one??? The answer is how bout some more gameplay content, the ability to do more than tap to jump, more scenery, powerups anything.

Ian can you make it any clearer that your defending is motivated by friendship? lol

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 07:03 PM

I'm just curious what you would need to be added to the game to increase it's worth another $1? Or would you not pay that extra dollar no mater what?
Different levels, and different playing modes, like an endless endurance mode (like it has now), and a story mode.

sk8erdude50

11-03-2009, 07:04 PM

it depends what apps u have right now becuase for me it was totaly worth it since i have benn playing since it came out on the first day, but with that said, there are a couple of games that offer more bang for your buck, like kilathon and a couple more. but if u have all of the good 99cent apps that you want, then definately buy this.

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 07:24 PM

Different levels, and different playing modes like a story mode and an endless endurance mode.

Why stop there? For any game charging the premium price of two hundred and ninety nine cents I expect the following AT A MINIMUM:

- Awesome original sound track
- Beautiful art and animation
- High scores with Twitter, Facebook, Open Feint, AND Plus+ support
- Realtime online multiplayer over Wifi / 3G / Edge / Airplane Mode
- Must support every iPhone OS version (incl. jailbroken)
- Lifetime bug fixes
- Lifetime content updates with NO DLC (free)
- Personal communication with the developer (preferably 24/7)
- RPG story mode with dialogue trees and character customization
- Endless mode
- Mission mode
- Pocket God tie-ins
- Pocket God mode

Oh, who am I kidding... I would only pay $1.99 for those things AT MOST!

arn

11-03-2009, 07:34 PM

Why stop there? For any game charging the premium price of two hundred and ninety nine cents I expect the following AT A MINIMUM:
....
Oh, who am I kidding... I would only pay $1.99 for those things AT MOST!

Here's an amusing and relevant quote

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=18298120&postcount=13722

So Defender's Chronicle is alright, but probably would be better as a 1.99 or .99 game as opposed to a 3.99 game. 2nd best TD game I've played on the iPod Touch

davecazz

11-03-2009, 07:49 PM

Why stop there? For any game charging the premium price of two hundred and ninety nine cents I expect the following AT A MINIMUM:

- Awesome original sound track
- Beautiful art and animation
- High scores with Twitter, Facebook, Open Feint, AND Plus+ support
- Realtime online multiplayer over Wifi / 3G / Edge / Airplane Mode
- Must support every iPhone OS version (incl. jailbroken)
- Lifetime bug fixes
- Lifetime content updates with NO DLC (free)
- Personal communication with the developer (preferably 24/7)
- RPG story mode with dialogue trees and character customization
- Endless mode
- Mission mode
- Pocket God tie-ins
- Pocket God mode

Oh, who am I kidding... I would only pay $1.99 for those things AT MOST!

but we would at least get $0.19 of that because of the Pocket God tie-ins and Pocket God mode right?

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 07:55 PM

but we would at least get $0.19 of that because of the Pocket God tie-ins and Pocket God mode right?

Of course! And since you will be making buckets of money from PG tie-ins I hope you don't have the audacity to continue to charge 99 whole cents for Pocket God!

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 08:29 PM

Why stop there? For any game charging the premium price of two hundred and ninety nine cents I expect the following AT A MINIMUM:

[...]
You know what... My quote was a description of Samuari: Way of the Warriror. It has different levels, an endurance mode, and a story mode, and it's only $1.99.

We're not asking for much. We're just asking for a price that is proportionate with the other prices in the app store. And, like I said before, I could get Skee-Ball, Doodle Jump, and Robocalypse for the price of Canabalt.

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 08:41 PM

You know what... My quote was a description of Samuari: Way of the Warriror. It has different levels, an endurance mode, and a story mode, and it's only $1.99.

We're not asking for much. We're just asking for a price that is proportionate with the other prices in the app store. And, like I said before, I could get Skee-Ball, Doodle Jump, and Robocalypse for the price of Canabalt.

Why would you buy Skee-Ball, Doodle Jump, or Robocalypse when for the price of any one of them you could get:

Touch Pets, Eliminate, Real Racing GTI, Paper Toss, Hanoi, Tower Madness Zero, Tap Tap Revenge 2, Word Fu Plus, Dr. Awesome Plus, Topple, Topple 2 Plus, Dropship, Maze Finger Plus, Finger Foos, PapiJump, PapiRiver, PapiPole, PapiCatch, PapiMissle, JellyCar, and STILL have $0.99 left over?

Negamaki

11-03-2009, 08:43 PM

Why would you buy Skee-Ball, Doodle Jump, or Robocalypse when for the price of any one of them you could get:

Touch Pets, Eliminate, Real Racing GTI, Paper Toss, Hanoi, Tower Madness Zero, Tap Tap Revenge 2, Word Fu Plus, Dr. Awesome Plus, Topple, Topple 2 Plus, Dropship, Maze Finger Plus, Finger Foos, PapiJump, PapiRiver, PapiPole, PapiCatch, PapiMissle, JellyCar, and STILL have $0.99 left over?

lol o snap, thats a great deal Ian!

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 08:48 PM

Why would you buy Skee-Ball, Doodle Jump, or Robocalypse when for the price of any one of them you could get:

Touch Pets
Not my kind of game.

Eliminate
I heard you have to pay for energy packs or something.

Real Racing GTI, Paper Toss
Already have them.

Hanoi
Not my kind of game.

Tower Madness Zero, Tap Tap Revenge 2
I have enough tower defense.

Word Fu Plus, Dr. Awesome Plus
Not interested.

Topple, Topple 2 Plus
I already have them.

Dropship
Didn't like it.

Maze Finger Plus
Already have it.

Finger Foos, PapiJump, PapiRiver, PapiPole, PapiCatch, PapiMissle, JellyCar
Not interested.

and STILL have $0.99 left over?
I don't want to spend more than $20 on games this month. So far I've spent $7. That leaves me with $13 for Ravensword (when it comes out), and maybe a few other games.

FilthyCanadian

11-03-2009, 08:51 PM

What kind of a gaming budget is $20?

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 08:53 PM

What kind of a gaming budget is $20?
It's the game budget that I came up with after spending $60 on iPod games. I need to cut down. I have bills to pay. lol.

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 08:54 PM

It's the game budget that I came up with after spending $60 on iPod games. I need to cut down. I have bills to pay. lol.

Adam Seltzmon has bills to pay too :(

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 08:58 PM

Adam Seltzmon has bills to pay too :(
Well then, he should lower the price to $1.99 so that it can sell more.

And, to make one thing clear, I do plan on buying this game, eventually. I just can't get it this month because I'm on a tight budget. Next month I'll have another $20 to blow in the App Store, and Canabalt will probably be one of the games I get. But this month I'm saving my dimes for different game.

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 09:06 PM

Well then, he should lower the price to $1.99 so that it can sell more.

And, to make one thing clear, I do plan on buying this game, eventually. I just can't get it this month because I'm on a tight budget. Next month I'll have another $20 to blow in the App Store, and Canabalt will probably be one of the games I get. But this month I'm saving my dimes for different game.

You should PM the Ravensword developer and let him know he could make more money selling it at $1.99. Maybe he'll cut you a slice in return!

nodoctors

11-03-2009, 09:08 PM

You should PM the Ravensworld developer and let him know he could make more money selling it at $1.99. Maybe he'll cut you a slice in return!

right, because comparing a game that takes at least half a year to produce with complex coding algorithms involving multiple weapons/armor combinations, enemies, and locations presented in 3-D graphics to a one stage, one button, two week production is smart.

i'm aware that you're being sarcastic, and i enjoy canabalt as much as the next guy, but come on.

Nausicaa

11-03-2009, 09:09 PM

You know what... My quote was a description of Samuari: Way of the Warriror. It has different levels, an endurance mode, and a story mode, and it's only $1.99.

We're not asking for much. We're just asking for a price that is proportionate with the other prices in the app store. And, like I said before, I could get Skee-Ball, Doodle Jump, and Robocalypse for the price of Canabalt.

The only reason Samurai is $2 is because cheap people like you weren't willing to put down the original $5. It's not like the dev suddenly realized the error of his ways. He was forced to lower the price, and wasn't happy about doing so.

I can't believe people are really holding out on this game because it's $.99 too expensive :rolleyes:. The cost of a candy bar.

To answer the OPs question, yes it is absolutely worth $3. It's an incredibly polished experience and you can't help but admire its refined simplicity. It's one of the few apps I play almost every day. If you're like me, and mostly play iPhone games on the go, it's perfect because you can boot it up and play a few games in only a couple minutes and feel satisfied.

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 09:14 PM

You should PM the Ravensword developer and let him know he could make more money selling it at $1.99. Maybe he'll cut you a slice in return!
Have you seen the videos for Ravensword? I wouldn't have a problem at all spending $6.99, or even $9.99, for a game like that. You're getting your money's worth. It has a lot more than jumping...

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 09:16 PM

right, because comparing a game that takes at least half a year to produce with complex coding algorithms involving multiple weapons/armor combinations, enemies, and locations presented in 3-D graphics to a one stage, one button, two week production is smart.

i'm aware that you're being sarcastic, and i enjoy canabalt as much as the next guy, but come on.

Yeah, you're right. After running the numbers again I figure Ravensword is worth $5.99 AT MOST.

I mean it IS unfair to compare a game whose entire framework and engine was written by the developer (in 2 separate languages) to a game which uses a pre-existing 3D engine and scripting language.

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 09:19 PM

The only reason Samurai is $2 is because cheap people like you weren't willing to put down the original $5.
People like me? Are you sure about that? I bought Way of the Warrior shortly after it came out for $2.99 without any reservations.

I can't believe people are really holding out on this game because it's $.99 too expensive :rolleyes:. The cost of a candy bar.
I'm not going to spend a dollar more than I have to. If I were rich, I wouldn't care. But since I'm not, I'm staying on a strict budget. I'm not going to spend more than $20 a month on iPod games.

To answer the OPs question, yes it is absolutely worth $3. It's an incredibly polished experience and you can't help but admire its refined simplicity. It's one of the few apps I play almost every day. If you're like me, and mostly play iPhone games on the go, it's perfect because you can boot it up and play a few games in only a couple minutes and feel satisfied.
I'll definitely reconsider Canabalt next month.

nodoctors

11-03-2009, 09:41 PM

Yeah, you're right. After running the numbers again I figure Ravensword is worth $5.99 AT MOST.

I mean it IS unfair to compare a game whose entire framework and engine was written by the developer (in 2 separate languages) to a game which uses a pre-existing 3D engine and scripting language.

the amount of languages used to code a game becomes irrelevant when the game that was coded is this simple, and is loved for its simplicity. the creator himself admits to how fast he pumped the game out. it doesn't balance out to being as laborious as a game like ravensword, or even other 2.99 titles such as underworld. trying to compare a game with wholly repetitive but stylistically simple 2-D sprites for one stage with single touch controls to a game with a lot of 3-D character/enemy polygon art, and textures for multiple towns/dungeons, on top of coding in the inventory system and the way it affects battling, multitouch controls with different options and setups, as well as an actual story with more than a handful of missions is, again, all pretty foolish. but keep on keeping on.

and knocking a dollar off of the price of ravensword in comparison to canabalt is also a joke. a dollar difference in canabalt is a third of the price. a dollar off of ravensword is more like 15 percent. and yes, therein lies a difference. but by all means argue that "a dollar is still just a dollar!" you'll just show how you don't fully grasp how the average consumer mind thinks.

djflippy

11-03-2009, 09:47 PM

It is worth $2.99.

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 10:02 PM

the amount of languages used to code a game becomes irrelevant when the game that was coded is this simple, and is loved for its simplicity. the creator himself admits to how fast he pumped the game out. it doesn't balance out to being as laborious as a game like ravensword, or even other 2.99 titles such as underworld. trying to compare a game with wholly repetitive but stylistically simple 2-D sprites for one stage with single touch controls to a game with a lot of 3-D character/enemy polygon art, and textures for multiple towns/dungeons, on top of coding in the inventory system and the way it affects battling, multitouch controls with different options and setups, as well as an actual story with more than a handful of missions is, again, all pretty foolish. but keep on keeping on.

and knocking a dollar off of the price of ravensword in comparison to canabalt is also a joke. a dollar difference in canabalt is a third of the price. a dollar off of ravensword is more like 15 percent. and yes, therein lies a difference. but by all means argue that "a dollar is still just a dollar!" you'll just show how you don't fully grasp how the average consumer mind thinks.

I'm glad we have people like you with such insight into the world and business of game development to explain things to people as inexperienced as me.

RiverOnFire

11-03-2009, 10:05 PM

I see nothing wrong with a game going on sale to gain sales of people on the fence.

nodoctors

11-03-2009, 10:10 PM

I'm glad we have people like you with such insight into the world and business of game development to explain things to people as inexperienced as me.

i'm glad too. when someone throws out such half assed overly sarcastic remarks like you have, somebody has to step in.

eeenmachine

11-03-2009, 10:23 PM

i'm glad too. when someone throws out such half assed overly sarcastic remarks like you have, somebody has to step in.

I'm just trying to ensure that we have a definitive and exhaustive debate to get to the bottom of the age old question of whether Canabalt is worth $1.99 or $2.99. Do we want to be responsible for someone only able to play 14 new games this month instead of 12? I don't want that on my conscience.

cranker

11-03-2009, 10:37 PM

Yes it is but I was under the impression that there would be leaderboards by now (openfeint maybe ? )

Without leaderboards I won't play anymore..............Please add that option !

RiverOnFire

11-03-2009, 10:54 PM

The dev should just make a lite version but limit the game to just one level and get rid of the checkpoints and the powerups and stuff like that. Also for the lite he can get rid of the plus or openfeint or whatever the game has currently. Oh wait a minute...

tsharpfilm

11-03-2009, 10:55 PM

I'm just trying to ensure that we have a definitive and exhaustive debate to get to the bottom of the age old question of whether Canabalt is worth $1.99 or $2.99. Do we want to be responsible for someone only able to play 14 new games this month instead of 12? I don't want that on my conscience.
Read through the thread, and through the reviews in the app store. I'm not the only one who has an issue with Canabalt's price.

I don't mind spending money on apps that I really want. I spent $6.99 on Dungeon Hunter, $4.99 on Tetris, and another $6.99 on Fritz Chess. I wouldn't have a problem going a dollar or 2 above my budget if Canabalt was a "must get." However, after playing the flash version online throughout the evening, I don't think Canabalt is something that I'm willing to break my budget restrictions for.

I'll probably just wait for the price to drop to $1.99, or until I don't have any other games to choose from. Currently, there are still a lot of good $1 and $2 games that I would like to get.

The dev should just make a lite version but limit the game to just one level and get rid of the checkpoints and the powerups and stuff like that. Also for the lite he can get rid of the plus or openfeint or whatever the game has currently. Oh wait a minute...
Lmao!

Matt Berry

11-04-2009, 07:27 AM

Eeenmachine, I want to be clear on something, for some of us it isn't about only being able to buy 12 games vs 14 games. Last weekend alone, I downloaded 28 games, the price ranged from .99 - 2.99, I even bought 2 programs that could make panographic photos, why, I wanted to see which one was better and didn't have a problem spending the $5 to get the best one. I have bought a few games for between 4.99 - 6.99, and was happy to do that. I like command and conquer, but there is no way I'd spend 9.99 for it, kind of funny since I own most of the others in the series and spent 30-40 for the disc.

Anyways to get back to your original question why is Canabalt only worth 1.99 vs 2.99 to me, and would I spend the extra $1 or what ever. As noted above I have no trouble spending money on apps that are "worth" it. To me the gameplay of canabalt is worth 1.99 MAX, I don't know what could be done to improve the gameplay, it is what it is. To me this game is similar to say little runner which I bought for .99, and I'm saying this game is worth at least 2x that.

One question I have for you is why have this game for FREE on the internet, yet expect to get more then 1.99 off from the app store? If you say the other is ad supported, that doesn't do any good as most people use ad blocking software to eliminate banner ads, well at least I do.

Squirt Reynolds

11-04-2009, 08:37 AM

Where's Spungo Mcgee when you need him?

eeenmachine

11-04-2009, 10:40 AM

One question I have for you is why have this game for FREE on the internet, yet expect to get more then 1.99 off from the app store? If you say the other is ad supported, that doesn't do any good as most people use ad blocking software to eliminate banner ads, well at least I do.

Seems more like a question for the developer, but I'll give it a shot.

The game was originally developed in Flash (like many games on the App Store). Flash games are almost impossible to charge for directly, that is why they are all free to play on the web.

The iPhone isn't able to play any of these Flash games off of the web, they need to be ported to be a native application.

The developer, having needs like keeping a roof over their head, and procuring sustenance, would most likely choose to make money over not making money now that the option is available.

Edit: Look what my boyfriend Adam just tweeted: "making a bunch of new art for canabalt today, should be fun!". I think Canabalt just went up in worth to $2.14 on speculation!

thegamerocks06

11-04-2009, 11:06 AM

Edit: Look what my boyfriend Adam just tweeted: "making a bunch of new art for canabalt today, should be fun!". I think Canabalt just went up in worth to $2.14 on speculation!

A little offtopic, but what is Adam's twitter handle?
EDIT: nvm. found it myself. it's @adamatomic if anyone else cares!

eeenmachine

11-04-2009, 11:08 AM

a little offtopic, but what is adam's twitter handle?

@adamatomic

MaskU2See

11-04-2009, 11:17 AM

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss57/keller_s/not_this_crap_again.jpg

+ 1 !

Worth is very very subjective.

Yes!

jak56

11-04-2009, 11:25 AM

Dont buy it...*breathing noise*
it is your *breathing noise* destiny not to buy it...

Knight

11-04-2009, 11:35 AM

Bought it for $2.99. I play it when I am on the subway or waiting for something. One of the few games that I can play one handed. I like it.

tsharpfilm

11-04-2009, 12:14 PM

The developer, having needs like keeping a roof over their head, and procuring sustenance, would most likely choose to make money over not making money now that the option is available.
I would buy Canabalt right now if it was $1.99.

Edit: Look what my boyfriend Adam just tweeted: "making a bunch of new art for canabalt today, should be fun!". I think Canabalt just went up in worth to $2.14 on speculation!
Moto X Mayhem is yet another game that has more gameplay and levels than Canabalt, and it's only .99 cents.

ultimo

11-04-2009, 12:16 PM

No!
esp. when one can play it on the website... for FREE!

marshmonkey

11-04-2009, 12:40 PM

I would buy Canabalt right now if it was $1.99.

I would probably even buy 2 copies if it was $1.99, too good to pass up.

I only have 5 dollars left out of the $250 I limit myself to spending on the app store a month.... I can't see going with canabalt tho as I could stretch my last 5 bux by going with some other games.... sorry guys I have bills 2 pay u know, lol.

Matt Berry

11-04-2009, 02:00 PM

tsharpfilm

11-06-2009, 09:09 AM

I stumbled on another game that has similar Gameplay to Canabalt. Pig Rush - it was priced at 1.99 on release and is currently on sale for .99. I wouldn't buy it over canabalt because I like canabalts style/ over all look better.
Yeah, and it's in 3D. Thanks for the suggestion.

UPDATE: I bit the bullet and bought Canabalt. I kind of wish I had waited for the price to drop. There isn't even a return to menu button; you have to exit the game just to see the high scores. It's good, but it's not THAT good. :mad: I seriously feel conned.

Eternal0

11-06-2009, 06:50 PM

I wont get into the argument over if it is worth $3.00 or not. I will not be buying it untill the price goes down if I buy it at all. Why? I have a allowance of only $5 most weeks to spend in Itunes. No way can I spend over half of it on a single game that most people say they only play a few times. I am not just cheap eather. I have no problems saveing my $5 for 2 weeks to buy something that costs more but it has to have enough content to make it worh it. A recent example is Dungon Hunter that I saved for and still play daily. Anyway just my 2cents.

Kamazar

11-06-2009, 06:54 PM

Eternal0

11-06-2009, 06:59 PM

Yes it is and thats half of my total allowance $10 a week except for the summer when I mow some lawns for extra money. It gets me 2 or 3 games a week (when nothing big I really want is comeing out).

tsharpfilm

11-06-2009, 08:00 PM

$5 per week?!?!?! Jesus Christ, man, that's... low.
I don't think that's low at all. I've set the same restriction for myself after I got a little carried away on spending.

dannys95

11-11-2009, 01:58 PM

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/iphone-it-in-canabalt/

Even Joystiq likes it.

da shiz wiz 19

11-11-2009, 02:03 PM

$5 per week?!?!?! Jesus Christ, man, that's... low.
i spend $5 every month and half. Even though I have $20 sitting from a gift card in my account... Anyone know a way to transfer gift cards from one account to another, after you've alrady entered it in the first account?

iMario

11-11-2009, 02:09 PM

I don't regret buying it, although, it should be $0.99. It also shouldn't be free cause it's worth some money, but not $2.99.

CDubby94

11-11-2009, 02:16 PM

I like it personally. I play it multiple times a day and it's my go-to game when I have a few minutes.

MidianGTX

11-11-2009, 02:21 PM

Yeah it's worth it, as long as you're not ridiculously poor beyond all reason like some of the people in this topic.

iMario

11-11-2009, 02:27 PM

Yeah it's worth it, as long as you're not ridiculously poor beyond all reason like some of the people in this topic.

+1 *errrrNINJA*

Outkast1

11-11-2009, 02:36 PM

I haven't bought it or played it, even for free online, but keeping in mind the pricing of the appstore it does seem relatively overpriced for what it offers. All this is subjective and if we weren't used to getting really great games for $.99 or free, this discussion would be over, but I suspect this game will end up at 99 cents eventually.

cranker

11-11-2009, 03:14 PM

Online leaderboards...........................when ?

Come on guys............................It's ridiculous that this feature has nor been added yet :(

Symbolist

11-11-2009, 03:16 PM

Compared to some other games You can play for hours (or as long as the battery allows)? - No.
But than again... not compared to other games, judged only by it's style and fun - Yep! It's a game with character and style - and I'm playing it every day for a few minutes - just wouldn't choose this one for a lonely island.

Eli

11-11-2009, 03:23 PM

I just bought a bagel and some coffee for $4.67 and came home to play my premium $2.99 iPhone game.

Ahhh... this is livin'.

http://i.a-13.net/highroller.gif

11-11-2009, 03:25 PM

Lmao

Outkast1

11-11-2009, 03:26 PM

I just bought a bagel and some coffee for $4.67 and came home to play my premium $2.99 iPhone game.

Ahhh... this is livin'.

Holy crap $4.67 for a bagel and coffee?! wtf!

Guess he musta wanted some extra cream cheese or sumthin' :)

Dylan1696

11-11-2009, 03:30 PM

I just bought a bagel and some coffee for $4.67 and came home to play my premium $2.99 iPhone game.

Ahhh... this is livin'.

Did the bagel look like this??
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sCp9pYpBc60/SIF59KGyXkI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/1VFoyltcoSY/s320/bagel98.gif

tsharpfilm

11-11-2009, 04:48 PM

Yeah it's worth it, as long as you're not ridiculously poor beyond all reason like some of the people in this topic.
Not everyone in this thread is "ridiculously poor." Some of us like sticking to budgets so that our spending doesn't go overboard.

I haven't bought it or played it, even for free online, but keeping in mind the pricing of the appstore it does seem relatively overpriced for what it offers. All this is subjective and if we weren't used to getting really great games for $.99 or free, this discussion would be over, but I suspect this game will end up at 99 cents eventually.
This is my point, exactly.

Personally, I think Doodle Jump is a lot more fun to play. It gives you more to do, it's less repetitive, the app is updated frequently with new features, there are online scoreboards, a challenge mode, an options menu, and it's only $0.99. And what does Canabalt have? Some birds and a lot of jumping... for 3 times the price...

Eli

11-11-2009, 05:12 PM

Freedog you need to add BoingBoing to the Canabalt shill list too- http://www.boingboing.net/2009/11/11/the-running-man-behi.html

tsharpfilm

11-11-2009, 06:40 PM

Freedog you need to add BoingBoing to the Canabalt shill list too- http://www.boingboing.net/2009/11/11/the-running-man-behi.html
I guess some game reviewers like the "style" so much that they completely overlook the lack of substance. I bit the bullet and bought this game because I thought it would change after reaching a certain score, or get better over time, or something, but it doesn't... Birds and jumping, birds and jumping, with the occasional box and chunk of fallen debris... Good times for the combined price of Skee-ball, Doodle Jump, and F.A.S.T...

Eli

11-11-2009, 06:44 PM

If you could play the entire game for free at Canabalt.com, what in the world would make you think the iPhone version is any different?

11-11-2009, 06:46 PM

I guess some game reviewers like the "style" so much that they completely overlook the lack of substance. I bit the bullet and bought this game because I thought it would change after reaching a certain score, or get better over time, or something, but it doesn't... Birds and jumping, birds and jumping, with the occasional box and chunk of fallen debris... Good times for the combined price of Skee-ball, Doodle Jump, and F.A.S.T...
That's why I'm waiting for the $1 sale to come [someday] :p

spidey146

11-11-2009, 06:49 PM

i had a promo for it so im happy with the game but before i got it i was debating whether to buy it or not, i probably would have but i may not have been satisfied

tsharpfilm

11-11-2009, 06:49 PM

If you could play the entire game for free at Canabalt.com, what in the world would make you think the iPhone version is any different?
Maybe because it costs $2.99...

I was only able to get to 7500 on the online version. I enjoyed it, and thought that the gameplay would probably change after I reached a certain point like it does in most games (Minigore, Doodle Jump, etc). I was wrong.

tukun

11-11-2009, 08:51 PM

this is one of those game that u play alot then keep coming back again once in awhile. im not sure because its fun or i dont want to waste 2.99. dont get me wrong its very fun while it last but compare to other games i dotn think its worth that price tag

your personal robot

11-11-2009, 08:57 PM

Besides Doodle Jum, this is the game I've been playing the most.
So, it is worth even more.
I just remember a Terminator, which was pricy and over very soon.
Measured by this, Canabalt could cost 10 bucks or more....
In terms of addiction, this game is a drug. A cheap drug :)

Kepa

11-11-2009, 09:23 PM

I just bought a bagel and some coffee for $4.67 and came home to play my premium $2.99 iPhone game.

Ahhh... this is livin'.

http://i.a-13.net/highroller.gif

REAL MATURE.

Anyway, I like the idea of the Canabalt developers making lots of money. They're indie developers, the guy behind it does a lot for other indie developers via his Flixel framework for Flash, they're interested in making new gameplay experiences, and they used an Out of This World reminiscent art style that I've always loved and plan to use in the future.

My guess is that they made a quick 50 grand or more, at least.

sic

11-14-2009, 03:23 AM

If you could play the entire game for free at Canabalt.com, what in the world would make you think the iPhone version is any different?

on the go. simple as that.

Eli

11-14-2009, 03:27 AM

i like this game but i don not like how the developer's attitude towards customers and press people. not very freindly of him whoever he was. im still gonna give this fair review and nothing of a personal take.

What attitude?

sic

11-14-2009, 05:29 AM

What attitude?

not friendly.

dannys95

11-14-2009, 08:57 AM

not friendly.

:confused:

Eli

11-14-2009, 12:31 PM

not friendly.

What?

DaveMc99

11-14-2009, 12:33 PM

What?

Guess if you charge more than 99 cents you are not friendly :p

Squirt Reynolds

11-14-2009, 12:46 PM

not friendly.

http://rlv.zcache.com/if_you_think_im_mean_then_youre_probably_acti_tshi rt-p235388768698440720cfho_400.jpg

arn

11-14-2009, 01:10 PM

not friendly.

you do realize the Canabalt developer has not participated in this thread?

arn

RankoSao

11-14-2009, 01:45 PM

you do realize the Canabalt developer has not participated in this thread?

arn

That may be the point. I think people are spoiled by those devs who do participate in threads. In my day we NEVER talked directly to the game makers, the closest we ever got was calling the hint lines or writing a letter to Nintendo Power >_>

thegamerocks06

11-14-2009, 01:51 PM

Eli

11-14-2009, 02:23 PM

That may be the point. I think people are spoiled by those devs who do participate in threads. In my day we NEVER talked directly to the game makers, the closest we ever got was calling the hint lines or writing a letter to Nintendo Power >_>

If I had released a successful iPhone game that tons of people had bought and enjoyed for $3, I wouldn't have much motivation to come rationalize my pricing structure to people who have quite literally spent the last month complaining over two dollars.

Essentially this is what the argument comes down to.

Developer: "I am pricing this game for $3, because that's that I think it's worth."
TouchArcade Users: "You are wrong."

It's kind of like when you sell something on Craigslist and you list it at what you feel is a fair price you'd like to sell it for. You just ignore the people telling you that they'll give you $8.75 and their old electric guitar.

DaveMc99

11-14-2009, 02:26 PM

Game is back in the Top 100. http://www.topappcharts.com/333180061/app-details-canabalt.php

RankoSao

11-14-2009, 03:16 PM

If I had released a successful iPhone game that tons of people had bought and enjoyed for $3, I wouldn't have much motivation to come rationalize my pricing structure to people who have quite literally spent the last month complaining over two dollars.

Essentially this is what the argument comes down to.

Developer: "I am pricing this game for $3, because that's that I think it's worth."
TouchArcade Users: "You are wrong."

It's kind of like when you sell something on Craigslist and you list it at what you feel is a fair price you'd like to sell it for. You just ignore the people telling you that they'll give you $8.75 and their old electric guitar.

this is the IPHONE. Look around you and see what you find. Most games are 99 cents, 2.99 is mid-range, and the higher end is 5.99. Anything above that is super-expensive. Your problem is your comparing these games to normal games. This isn't Gamestop, this is App Store.. different price range, different expectations. Canabalt is a very simple game, the kind that should be on the lower end of the price range. I think that is the point people are trying to make here..

Squirt Reynolds

11-14-2009, 04:18 PM

DaveMc99

11-14-2009, 04:23 PM

Canabalt is a very simple game, the kind that should be on the lower end of the price range.

With thousands of game choices out there this game is still on the Top 100
http://appshopper.com/bestsellers/games/grossing
A game is worth what people are willing to pay for it. The people have spoken.

RankoSao

11-14-2009, 04:34 PM

With thousands of game choices out there this game is still on the Top 100
http://appshopper.com/bestsellers/games/grossing
A game is worth what people are willing to pay for it. The people have spoken.

Well, i guess that's true.. ;)

tsharpfilm

11-14-2009, 05:52 PM

Developer: "I am pricing this game for $3, because that's that I think it's worth."
TouchArcade Users: "You are wrong."
Some of us just think that the pricing of Canabalt is disproportionate with the pricing of the other games in the app store.

Let's pretend for a moment that you'd never heard of Canabalt or Meteor Blitz.

Someone sends you these 2 videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjFsbn-kZSg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTILjc2sOJM

And they ask you to guess which game costs more.

Which game would you choose? :p

Meteor Blitz is a dollar less than Canabalt....

With thousands of game choices out there this game is still on the Top 100
http://appshopper.com/bestsellers/games/grossing
A game is worth what people are willing to pay for it. The people have spoken.
Yeah, they were probably sucked in by the hype and positive reviews like I was; I respect the options and recommendations of the staff here. You guys have a bigger game budget than I do, though. I seriously want my $3 back so that I can spend it on something better like Jet Car Stunts or Auditorium.

Eli

11-14-2009, 06:47 PM

So wait, you think the 176 4 and 5 star reviews on iTunes for Canabalt were people who were sucked in to the hype? Seriously?

How is anyone suckered in to buying this game out of hype when you can play the full version of the game online for free? This isn't some kind of bait and switch here. Nearly every review I've read of the game links to canabalt.com and mentions the game is the same.

If that doesn't allow you to make an informed purchasing decision, I honestly don't know what will.

tsharpfilm

11-14-2009, 07:26 PM

So wait, you think the 176 4 and 5 star reviews on iTunes for Canabalt were people who were sucked in to the hype? Seriously?
Maybe they like the soundtrack? Or maybe they like the style so much that they completely overlook the lack of substance? The same people who like this game probably watch Michael Bay movies. :p But in all seriousness, Canabalt is a fun game, but I don't think that it's worth more than Meteor Blitz. Look at the videos. The fact that Canabalt costs a dollar more is almost laughable.

How is anyone suckered in to buying this game out of hype when you can play the full version of the game online for free?
As I've said before, I was only able to get to 7500 on the online version. I enjoyed it, and thought that the gameplay would change after I reached a certain point like it does in most games (Minigore, Doodle Jump, etc). I was wrong. Once you get good at jumping over stuff, there really isn't much else to do.

FilthyCanadian

11-14-2009, 08:05 PM

Please explain what you are ranting about, I'm having a hard time believing you are honestly spending such an insane amount of time talking about this. Please, explain.

dannys95

11-14-2009, 08:08 PM

Please explain what you are ranting about, I'm having a hard time believing you are honestly spending such an insane amount of time talking about this. Please, explain.

+1....

da shiz wiz 19

11-14-2009, 08:08 PM

Please explain what you are ranting about, I'm having a hard time believing you are honestly spending such an insane amount of time talking about this. Please, explain.
he's right (in my opinion) , I dont think the game is worth 2.99 either. For that I could get galcon, aqua globs, and one of the other hundreds of great 99 cent games. But you can enjoy it w/e I dont really care. I'd rather just get actionheroes for free and play the first chapter, which is just like canabalt

tsharpfilm

11-14-2009, 08:13 PM

Please explain what you are ranting about, I'm having a hard time believing you are honestly spending such an insane amount of time talking about this. Please, explain.
Are you referring to me? If so, I'm not "ranting" about anything. When I see a question directed towards me, or a comment that I don't agree with (like yours), I respond to it. It's as simple as that.

dannys95

11-14-2009, 08:21 PM

As I've said before, I was only able to get to 7500 on the online version. I enjoyed it, and thought that the gameplay would change after I reached a certain point like it does in most games (Minigore, Doodle Jump, etc). I was wrong. Once you get good at jumping over stuff, there really isn't much else to do.

In those games.....the gameplay gets harder, just like in Canabalt. Your argument is invalid.

tsharpfilm

11-14-2009, 08:24 PM

In those games.....the gameplay gets harder, just like in Canabalt. Your argument is invalid.
When does the gameplay in Canabalt get harder? I've played up to 10252m and I barely saw a difference.

arn

11-14-2009, 08:25 PM

In those games.....the gameplay gets harder, just like in Canabalt. Your argument is invalid.

not only that, you can't really blame anyone else because you assumed there was more to the game. It's been said over and over again: The Flash version is pretty much exactly the iPhone version.

I can buy the arguments that pricing is relative and there is such a thing as being relatively expensive in any market. But, of all games, there is no way you can blame anyone else that you were somehow bait/switched on this game.

arn

dannys95

11-14-2009, 08:26 PM

When does the gameplay in Canabalt get harder? I've played up to 10252m and I barely saw a difference.

You go faster.

tsharpfilm

11-14-2009, 08:43 PM

not only that, you can't really blame anyone else because you assumed there was more to the game. It's been said over and over again: The Flash version is pretty much exactly the iPhone version.
Let me explain my thought process.

I started this thread because I really liked the online version, and I thought Canabalt would be a fun game to play on my iPod. After some discussion and debate, and after playing the online version for about 3 days (20 minutes each day), I bought it.

Because of work, I'm usually on the move during the week, and I don't have time to thoroughly test games on my desktop. I was hoping Canabalt would follow the tradition that most games of this type follow, and throw in couple of surprises or gameplay changes after I reached a certain score, but I didn't, and this is why I complain.

I admit, my disappointment is my own fault. I should have read more reviews, or tested it more.

TouchGene

11-14-2009, 10:18 PM

I don't see what all the hubbub is about. I played the flash version, and it didn't take long to figure out what the game was all about. It was only once I couldn't stop thinking about playing the game when I was no where near a computer, that I realized that I was gonna pay whatever they charged.

I, for one, am glad that the price remained the same, so I don't have to feel that I should have waited for a price drop.

A well made quality game, no matter how simple the premise, is just that (a quality game), let's treat it as such. Play the flash version, if you like it enough, you'll buy it anyway. I would hate to see anyone miss out on this gem because someone didn't think they got their money's worth. I would like to thank toucharcade.com for not letting this game slip by (but you guys are usually on top of things, so, no surprise)!

Guise

11-15-2009, 06:30 PM

So, any word about those online leaderboards?

It's been a while.

DaveMc99

11-15-2009, 06:33 PM

http://capndesign.com/canabalt/

TouchGene

11-15-2009, 08:14 PM

When does the gameplay in Canabalt get harder? I've played up to 10252m and I barely saw a difference.

You go faster as long as you don't hit any boxes. Hitting boxes, however, is essential to the game, so as not to go too fast. The difficulty in Canabalt consists of having to constantly anticipate variations in the environment (not to mention the falling satellites).

Some building gaps require a long leap, while others need to be hopped over or even fallen over without jumping as is the case with some window-equipped buildings (but you probably already knew that). So the challenge is really to simply be able to keep going and not committing a potentially "fatal" mistake.

Again, this is probably things that you already know, but in case anyone was interested in a fuller explanation. Just keep running...

webman2k

11-15-2009, 08:57 PM

Holy crap - I just spent 30 minutes reading this thread.

I can only imagine how much time some of the contributors have spent reading and writing to it. Some of them complaining about spending $3 on a cell phone game. To those people I ask, how much is your time worth to you?

Allow me to state the truth, which has been stated time and time again, on countless threads no doubt:

1. Developers have the right to determine what their game should cost.
2. Customers have a right to determine if such a price is worth it for the experience they will get from the game.

That said, the only thing I can deduce from all of the complaining here is that some of you think that the price is too high for this game. So, if the price was lower, say $1, you would not be complaining, and might have bought the game yourself.

To those individuals who own an iPhone, I say...

Are you F******** ****** ******* kidding me????!!!! You paid $200-$300 for a phone, and locked into a $60+ a month rate plan, and you think $3 is too high, but $1-2 is OK? Really??!!!

To those individuals who own an iPod Touch, same as above - but take out the bit about the rate plan.

Sorry for the rant folks, but the pricing complaints I read on these boards aggravate me so much. You don't think a game is worth it, don't buy it.

As for my feelings about Canabalt? Played the flash version, loved it. Figured $3 was very reasonable for a fun, random game that I can play anywhere, anytime for a few seconds. Bought it launch day - still play it about once every day.

Will090

11-15-2009, 09:00 PM

Yes it is worth it. End of story

tsharpfilm

11-15-2009, 09:38 PM

To those individuals who own an iPhone, I say...

Are you F******** ****** ******* kidding me????!!!! You paid $200-$300 for a phone, and locked into a $60+ a month rate plan, and you think $3 is too high, but $1-2 is OK? Really??!!!

To those individuals who own an iPod Touch, same as above - but take out the bit about the rate plan.
As I've said before, I used to get very carried away with spending, so, to stop this from continuing, I made a strict budget for myself. Yes, I have been complaining about $3, but not because I couldn't spare it, but because I could have used the money on other games, and gotten more bang for my buck. But whatever... It's really not that big of a deal. Some like the game, and others don't, and think it's overpriced.

To each his/her own.

webman2k

11-16-2009, 04:38 AM

As I've said before, I used to get very carried away with spending, so, to stop this from continuing, I made a strict budget for myself. Yes, I have been complaining about $3, but not because I couldn't spare it, but because I could have used the money on other games, and gotten more bang for my buck. But whatever... It's really not that big of a deal. Some like the game, and others don't, and think it's overpriced.

To each his/her own.

And that makes perfect sense. What doesn't make sense is why you've spent so much time reading and writing to this thread trying to drive that home. If you think the game is overpriced, don't buy it. There are many people who thought it was worth it. Really, end of story. as you've said, to each his/her own. I'm just trying to rationalize the amount of time that you and others have spent going back and forth on this topic, instead of playing the games you have, doing something else worth doing, etc.

tsharpfilm

11-16-2009, 08:38 AM

And that makes perfect sense. What doesn't make sense is why you've spent so much time reading and writing to this thread trying to drive that home.
Because lovely people like yourself keep giving me something to reply to. :)

I'm just trying to rationalize the amount of time that you and others have spent going back and forth on this topic, instead of playing the games you have, doing something else worth doing, etc.
It takes me between less than a minute, to 2 minutes tops, to reply to a post.

Eli

11-16-2009, 12:17 PM

Minimum wage in IL is $8.00 an hour. You've posted in this thread 26 times so far. Given your average posting time of 1:30 per post, you could have made $5.20-- Easily enough to pay for Canabalt, even after withholding for state and federal taxes.

...Not to mention over half your posts since registering here have been exclusively dedicated to complaining about the price of a flash game you could have played for eternity without paying a cent before determining whether or not it was worth $2.99.

I just... wow.

dannys95

11-16-2009, 12:21 PM

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/2882/owned9wz.jpg

dogmeat

11-16-2009, 12:22 PM

Its worth it only since I know Adam Atomic and I think his efforts are worth the price. It's also a pretty cool game.

tsharpfilm

11-16-2009, 01:09 PM

Minimum wage in IL is $8.00 an hour. You've posted in this thread 26 times so far. Given your average posting time of 1:30 per post, you could have made $5.20-- Easily enough to pay for Canabalt, even after withholding for state and federal taxes.
I spent $100 on getting my $800 laptop fixed last week. I'm not a cheap person. I just don't believe a simple jumping game with EGA graphics is worth a $1 more than Meteor Blitz.

...Not to mention over half your posts since registering here have been exclusively dedicated to complaining about the price of a flash game you could have played for eternity without paying a cent before determining whether or not it was worth $2.99.
I haven't been complaining. For the last 15 or so posts I've only been replying. Take your post, for example. If you hadn't made it, I wouldn't have replied to it.

And like I said a few times now...

- I was only able to get to 7500 on the online version. I enjoyed it, and thought that the gameplay would change after I reached a certain point like it does in most games (Minigore, Doodle Jump, etc). I was wrong. Once you get good at jumping over stuff, there really isn't much else to do.

If you read through this thread, you'll see that I'm not the only one who thinks this game is over priced. Even some of the people who give Canabalt 5 stars in the app store think it's overpriced.

cranker

11-16-2009, 01:13 PM

If anyone thinks it's overpriced, then don't buy it. Simple :)

End of story.

Squirt Reynolds

11-16-2009, 01:24 PM

If you read through this thread, you'll see that I'm not the only one who thinks this game is over priced. Even some of the people who give Canabalt 5 stars in the app store think it's overpriced.

But you are the only one (here) still complaining about it. You're also the only one who has dedicated more than half his posts to complaining about it.

tsharpfilm

11-16-2009, 01:28 PM

But you are the only one (here) still complaining about it. You're also the only one who has dedicated more than half his posts to complaining about it.
If you don't reply, I won't have anything to reply to.

It's that simple.

It's kind of odd how some of you have issue with me replying to your posts. It's not like I'm sitting here talking to myself. lol. Every one of my posts in this thread has been a response.

Eli

11-16-2009, 02:16 PM

dannys95

11-16-2009, 02:55 PM

tsharpfilm

11-16-2009, 03:55 PM

Best App for Stylish Noir (and Blanc) Gameplay - http://iphoneapps.oreilly.com/2009/11/stylish-noir-action-game.html

Canabalt: The Perfect Platformer? - http://resolution-magazine.co.uk/content/indie-canabalt-the-perfect-platformer/

"In other words, it’s the perfect platformer. Congratulations Adam and Danny, you’ve won the genre."
"But the game’s entire sensibility is classic, too, its retro black and white graphics conjuring a noirish science-fiction fantasy."
-- iphoneapps.oreilly.com

lol. So, this reviewer is basically allowing the simplistic graphics to "conjure" images into his mind. For $2.99, I shouldn't have to use my imagination to fill in the blanks. With today's tech, there's no reason why we need to make a game look like it came from the 80s. And if you do make a so-called "retro" game, it should be priced accordingly.

"In other words, it’s the perfect platformer."
-- resolution-magazine.co.uk

Really? Better than Soosiz? Ninja please...

"Game is really fun, music is perfect, graphics are smooth considering 8bit black and white. Knocked off one star because it should be 99 cents."
-- Charlie B!!! (average Joe from the app store)

I agree. Or $1.99 because of the original soundtrack.

Eli

11-16-2009, 04:14 PM

For $2.99, I shouldn't have to use my imagination to fill in the blanks.

I'd love to see you in a book store.

dannys95

11-16-2009, 04:16 PM

I'd love to see you in a book store.

This book has no holograms, I have to READ it?!?!??!?!??!?!?! :mad: :mad:

tsharpfilm

11-16-2009, 04:26 PM

I'd love to see you in a book store.
Two days ago I bought Scholar Warrior by Ming-dao Deng. Very good book. If you're into Eastern philosophy, I highly recommend it.

I don't mind using my imagination at all. I just don't believe this game is worth more than Tap Tap Revenge 3 (to name another example).

Why can't we agree to disagree and leave it at that? Why do you have to keep poking and prodding in this thread?

str1f3

11-16-2009, 04:36 PM

Those are shill reviews, paid off, just like TA.

I think you're wrong. I was a little taken aback by the price myself and thought it was initially overpriced. After playing it for a month, it is my most frequently played game and I now find it well worth the price. This is coming from someone who has a ton of games and virtually every popular title on the iPhone.

As of right now it's one of the best games of the year on this platform, if not the best.

tsharpfilm

11-16-2009, 05:08 PM

Here's my top 10.

Soosiz
Doodle Jump
geoDefense Swarm
Earthworm Jim
Fritz Chess
Dungeon Hunter
Robocalypse
Meteor Blitz
Alive 4 Ever
Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor

str1f3

11-16-2009, 05:45 PM

"But the game’s entire sensibility is classic, too, its retro black and white graphics conjuring a noirish science-fiction fantasy."
-- iphoneapps.oreilly.com

lol. So, this reviewer is basically allowing the simplistic graphics to "conjure" images into his mind. For $2.99, I shouldn't have to use my imagination to fill in the blanks. With today's tech, there's no reason why we need to make a game look like it came from the 80s. And if you do make a so-called "retro" game, it should be priced accordingly.

While your next two paragraphs are Much more reasonable, I think this is a poor statement. Yes there are many who don't need a dev to fill in every blank just like every movie doesn't need to have a resolved ending. Sometimes, things are better off when they are sometimes left to the imagination.

As for the retro feel, that is part of its appeal. There is something slick about the 8-bit graphic look and the stripped down minimalistic b&w and noir type feeling. Maybe I have a preference to it since I go back to those Atari/C64 days.

"In other words, it’s the perfect platformer."
-- resolution-magazine.co.uk

Really? Better than Soosiz? Ninja please...

Soosiz looks like a really good game and I might pick it up.

"Game is really fun, music is perfect, graphics are smooth considering 8bit black and white. Knocked off one star because it should be 99 cents."
-- Charlie B!!! (average Joe from the app store)

I agree. Or $1.99 because of the original soundtrack.

So you're haggling over $0.99? Fair enough but I would say if that is the case then there are many other games out there that charge a lot of money for very little content (like Call of Duty) and/or games that aren't very good at all which deserve your ire.

dannys95

11-16-2009, 05:47 PM

I think you're wrong. I was a little taken aback by the price myself and thought it was initially overpriced. After playing it for a month, it is my most frequently played game and I now find it well worth the price. This is coming from someone who has a ton of games and virtually every popular title on the iPhone.

As of right now it's one of the best games of the year on this platform, if not the best.

It was just a joke dude.......

tsharpfilm

11-16-2009, 06:03 PM

While your next two paragraphs are Much more reasonable, I think this is a poor statement. Yes there are many who don't need a dev to fill in every blank just like every movie doesn't need to have a resolved ending. Sometimes, things are better off when they are sometimes left to the imagination.
I agree.

Here's my point in a nutshell: I was expecting more for $2.99. All of the other games that I have for $1.99 and over surprised me in some way except for this one. Oh well. I should have tested the free online version more. My disappointment is my own fault.

As for the retro feel, that is part of its appeal. There is something slick about the 8-bit graphic look and the stripped down minimalistic b&w and noir type feeling. Maybe I have a preference to it since I go back to those Atari/C64 days.
Same here. I have nothing against retro games. One of the reasons why I love geoDefense Swarm is because of its slick, simplistic, design. But even that game, with its complex particle animations, multiple levels, Open Feint feature, and menus is a dollar less than Canabalt.

Soosiz looks like a really good game and I might pick it up.
Soosiz is a gorgeous game; worth every penny.

So you're haggling over $0.99?
lol. Not really. At this point I'm just answering posts.

Fair enough but I would say if that is the case then there are many other games out there that charge a lot of money for very little content (like Call of Duty) and/or games that aren't very good at all which deserve your ire.
Yeah, for $9.99, Call of Duty needs more maps.

dannys95

11-17-2009, 10:53 AM

Why don't you make a whole series of these threads tsharp?

tsharpfilm

11-17-2009, 11:47 AM

Why don't you make a whole series of these threads tsharp?
lol. Nah. I'm done complaining for awhile. :p

Oh, and I just bought Ravensword. Excellent game so far. Worth every penny.

EDIT: Oh my god! I just found a game called Action Heroes. There are 3 eipisodes, and 1st episode is like Canabalt but only better. Not only can you jump, but you can also roll, and there's blood. lol. The controls aren't as responsive, but it's still a good time. It's currently free in the app store. Very stylish.

drelbs

11-17-2009, 12:25 PM

EDIT: Oh my god! I just found a game called Action Heroes. There are 3 eipisodes, and 1st episode is like Canabalt but only better. Not only can you jump, but you can also roll, and there's blood. lol. The controls aren't as responsive, but it's still a good time. It's currently free in the app store. Very stylish.

I was going to stay out of this thread, but while Action Heroes is a bargain for the price (free) I think it's embarrassing that you think it's better than Canabalt... (from a purely gameplay perspective.)

Then again, I have Action Heroes (and got the 12-in-1 Gamepack when it was $0.99) and don't have Canabalt (but I've really enjoyed the flash version.)

//waffle?

tsharpfilm

11-17-2009, 01:22 PM

I was going to stay out of this thread, but while Action Heroes is a bargain for the price (free) I think it's embarrassing that you think it's better than Canabalt... (from a purely gameplay perspective.)
In my opinion, which is only an opinion, it is. Canabalt has a nicer design, and the controls are a bit faster, but I honestly find Action Heroes more fun to play because there's more variety in the gameplay. I like switching back and forth between the jumping and sliding.

drelbs

11-17-2009, 01:27 PM

In my opinion, which is only an opinion, it is. Canabalt has a nicer design, and the controls are a bit faster, but I honestly find Action Heroes more fun to play because there's more variety in the gameplay. I like switching back and forth between the jumping and sliding.

Fair enough. AH does have more variety, in particular I like the third level.

Now only if they would roll all this into the Gamebox so I wouldn't have to keep them both on...

Eli

12-05-2009, 12:20 PM

Attn Freedog, shills have infiltrated even the most popular gaming blogs: http://kotaku.com/5419098/canabalt-micro+review-up-on-the-rooftop-tap-tap-tap

freedog

12-05-2009, 01:30 PM

It doesn't surprise me to read about more phony Adam Saltsman support to help market the experimental 5 day long hard work loaded with content project called Canabalt. lol. Instead of working with or asking customers on what kind of content should be added into the game(like almost every other dev does) and being active in the forums he just stayed away and feistily insisted to his friends about his choice of price.

Wtg Saltsman, Was just checkin out the poll: "Hook Champ or Canabalt?"
The results...
Hook Champ 47
Canabalt 13

I wonder why

eeenmachine

12-05-2009, 01:55 PM

Harpgliss

12-05-2009, 02:00 PM

Hi,

I'll throw my two cents into the fray.

This game, or any app really, is worth what someone will pay for it.

This varies greatly from each individual.

Do I think this is worth the price being asked, yes.

Have I bought it yet, no.

frankly, I have been waiting to see if it will go on sale but am not complaining on the price.

If I wanna buy it and I get an itch for it, I will buy it.

Why? because it will be worth the three dollars for me to have it.

Really surprised to see such a long thread going on whether this game is worth three dollars.

Been less complaining about the pricier games that offer no more playability than this appears to.

O.K. back to the fighting again.

David

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 02:04 PM

Was just checkin out the poll: "Hook Champ or Canabalt?"
The results...
Hook Champ 47
Canabalt 13

I wonder why

...'cause 99% of consumers wants to destroy the app store with cheap prices and lower quality games.

diffusion8r

12-05-2009, 02:06 PM

...'cause 99% of consumers wants to destroy the app store with cheap prices and lower quality games.

Even though I agree against the people defending Canabalt, this time I will not. Have you played Hook Champ, because it is of better quality than Canabalt, definately. So your statement fails, sorry, but even though Canabalt is good and worth $3 Hook Champ is worth more than that.

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 02:09 PM

Even though I agree against the people defending Canabalt, this time I will not. Have you played Hook Champ, because it is of better quality than Canabalt, definately. So your statement fails, sorry, but even though Canabalt is good and worth $3 Hook Champ is worth more than that.

Yes I have, I prefer Canabalt.

Although... that's not the point at all. People are getting confused about the true worth of games because of the store's ridiculous set up. Hook Champ is vastly under-priced.

diffusion8r

12-05-2009, 02:23 PM

Ah, I see your point.

freedog

12-05-2009, 02:37 PM

Yes I have, I prefer Canabalt.

Although... that's not the point at all. People are getting confused about the true worth of games because of the store's ridiculous set up. Hook Champ is vastly under-priced.

I don't see any other $3 priced games being complained about as much as this one. Its just this one. Its about the amount of content included which is about 30 seconds worth.

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 02:43 PM

I don't see any other $3 priced games being complained about as much as this one, in fact I don't see any. Its just this one. Its about the amount of content included which is about 30 seconds worth.

I'd say the same about Tetris. Hell, I'd personally say the same about most real life sports, watch one guy throw a ball, watch another swing a bat... that's all I'm gonna get from that.

I'd be happy enough if they made $2.99 the minimum price on the App Store. The complainers can screw themselves, the addicts will save money due to the reduced temptation to grab everything that's going for $1.99 or under, and the developers can concentrate on making real games.

arn

12-05-2009, 02:46 PM

I don't see any other $3 priced games being complained about as much as this one. Its just this one. Its about the amount of content included which is about 30 seconds worth.

The reason people are complaining about this one is that people really like the game and actually want it.

Are you suggesting that there are no games with a worse gameplay to price ratio than Canabalt?

http://appshopper.com/games/xmas-pud is far worse a game and $1.99 much worse spent than the $2.99 on canabalt, but since there isn't a complaint thread about it, it must be a better value I suppose.

arn

CioCio

12-05-2009, 02:46 PM

The problem I have with the side in favor of more expensive pricing is that I haven't seen an example of one of these so-called super games that isn't basically a small time remake of a familiar game formula. Like MC: Sandstorm; it's a great game and I enjoy the hell out of playing it, but that formula has already been done better many times before on other systems. From what I've seen, that aforementioned side has been in favor of similar stuff from Gameloft and similar companies who have bigger budgets. Thus far I've seen little more from those companies than flooding the market with games from every already familiar genre. A dungeon RPG, an Oblivion-style RPG, a fighting game, a GTA clone, etc. So what? Where's a "super game" that takes advantage of the iPhone's unique features like the accelerometer and the super intuitive touch features? I have no problems with the games because of this, but the cheap-o games usually involve game formulas, however simple, that you can't play on other systems. Canabalt and its ilk is hardly an original game but I'd rather play simple games like it because it's more fitting for me on this platform.

freedog

12-05-2009, 02:49 PM

More content= more money = fair

funkynubman

12-05-2009, 03:00 PM

It is the most addicting game on my ipod touch. It is comparable to doodle jump- the best game ever created- but people still complain it is too repetitive. In doodle jump, all you do is jump up and down. In Canabalt, you run and jump across buildings. Canabalt actually has better graphics though. But i can see why people dont think its worth 3bucks

eeenmachine

12-05-2009, 03:10 PM

http://eeenmachine.com/freedog_protest.jpg

Eli

12-05-2009, 03:10 PM

So here's something I've been thinking about, largely spurred by Jim Sterling over at Destructoid rating Assassin's Creed 2 a 4.5/10 and 3/4 of the internet forming an angry mob to tar and feather him- Gamers everywhere are always clamoring for "honest and fair" reviews. We looked at Canabalt, loved it, and ended up giving it five stars for the month. This seems to have really upset some people around here, especially amateur app store economists.

So this raises the question: Would you rather have the media provide honest reviews like the universal accolade Canabalt has received from nearly all members of the gaming review scene and even from outside of the gamer circles... Or would you rather we lie to you, and just parrot your opinion?

If you'd rather have us lie to you, what's the point of reviews at all? Why even bother reading them? Just think whatever you want to think and pretend everyone else does as well.

In the instance of Freedog's beliefs that the entire internet is governed by some shadow illuminati chaired by the sinister Adam Saltsman, which is more realistic: That everyone who has said they enjoyed the game actually enjoyed it, or Semi Secret Software made some pact with the devil to form this underground cabal which includes the entire gaming media and several non-gaming outlets to promote his game?

Our enjoyment of Canabalt has nothing to do with the amount of content included. There are tons of games out there that I've paid many times more for that have been very short that I consider among the best games I've ever played. Portal costs $20 and you can beat it inside of two hours, yet I don't think I could ever honestly come up with a top ten games of all time list that doesn't include that game somewhere near the top regardless of the fact that it doesn't include 80 hours of gameplay, feature 18 player coop, online deathmatch with 128 players, full facebook support and online scoring, etc.

I guess I just can't decide if it's amazingly hilarious or remarkably depressing that any iPhone game can be considered "overpriced" when the vast majority of them cost less than a cup of coffee, which you will just end up peeing out inside of a few hours.

acidshaman

12-05-2009, 03:12 PM

i think that 1.99 is a more reasonable price, atho it seems more like a 1.25 game... it does get old, but I go back to it now and again... its a bit too gray to keep me interested for extended periods tho

freedog

12-05-2009, 03:14 PM

Edit

Eli

12-05-2009, 03:17 PM

well Hodie its not the first time you kissed up to a dev we all know that much. You keep trying to play it off like its just me who doesn't think this game is worth it? lol This is the most complained about $3 game in the forum, that doesn't tell you anything. So while you may not care about getting content for amount of money, most people do.

And every other media outlet on the internet who has positively reviewed Canabalt also are just doing it to kiss up to a two-man game development company run out of a basement? How does that even begin to make sense? Do you honestly think TouchArcade, Kotaku, MacWorld, BoingBoing, and all the other big sites out there who have positively reviewed Canabalt are willing to put their reputation on the lines so they get a Christmas card from the Saltsman family?

Honestly?

If you believe that, you should get yourself a set of these rings and become immortal: http://www.alexchiu.com/

da shiz wiz 19

12-05-2009, 03:20 PM

If you believe that, you should get yourself a set of these rings and become immortal: http://www.alexchiu.com/

psh, those rings are overrated. I got the gorgeous pills instead :p

freedog

12-05-2009, 03:21 PM

Hodapp would you argue the fact that a ton of people are complaining about this game more than any other game?

Eli

12-05-2009, 03:23 PM

Hodapp would you argue the fact that a ton of people are complaining about this game more than any other game?

I'm not sure if you've noticed but it's not entirely uncommon around here to complain about the price of any game that isn't 99¢ or free.

freedog

12-05-2009, 03:27 PM

I'm not sure if you've noticed but it's not entirely uncommon around here to complain about the price of any game that isn't 99¢ or free.

its just about the amount of content included. I hope this dev releases a content update so these threads wont be made anymore. Thats really all it would take.

eeenmachine

12-05-2009, 03:35 PM

its just about the amount of content included. I hope this dev releases a content update so these threads wont be made anymore. Thats really all it would take.

He's been tweeting about the Canabalt update he's working on for awhile, and its been mentioned there is an update coming in the threads.

Of course I'm not sure if Adam has filed his TA-42 Intent to Update form with Freedog: Shill Hunter yet.

freedog

12-05-2009, 03:39 PM

He's been tweeting about the Canabalt update he's working on for awhile, and its been mentioned there is an update coming in the threads.

Of course I'm not sure if Adam has filed his TA-42 Intent to Update form with Freedog: Shill Hunter yet.

What a surprise to see you here Ian. Dont get all worked up now marketing man. If you wanna fight just go get your other screen name and talk it up after you make another 200 posts about how Canabalt is the greatest

eeenmachine

12-05-2009, 03:40 PM

What a surprise to see you here Ian. Dont get all worked up now marketing man. If you wanna fight just go get your other screen name and talk it up after you make another 200 posts about how Canabalt is the greatest

I've already admitted to being Adam's conjoined twin, what more do you want?

freedog

12-05-2009, 03:42 PM

I've already admitted to being Adam's conjoined twin, what more do you want?

to know how much he's paying you

Eli

12-05-2009, 03:44 PM

Freedog please answer the following three questions:

Would you rather have the media provide honest reviews like the universal accolade Canabalt has received from nearly all members of the gaming review scene and even from outside of the gamer circles... Or would you rather we lie to you, and just parrot your opinion?

Which is more realistic: That everyone who has said they enjoyed the game actually enjoyed it, or Semi Secret Software made some pact with the devil to form this underground cabal which includes the entire gaming media and several non-gaming outlets to promote his game?

Do you honestly think TouchArcade, Kotaku, MacWorld, BoingBoing, and all the other big sites out there who have positively reviewed Canabalt are willing to put their reputation on the lines so they get a Christmas card from the Saltsman family?

eeenmachine

12-05-2009, 03:51 PM

to know how much he's paying you

I guess the jig is up for all of us Canabalt fans, here are the records of how much we have paid so far to con app store suckers into buying this $2.99 game.

$50
Canabalt is pure genius." necessarygames.com

$250
"It's going to be quite some time before you find something so simple so thrilling again." Offworld

$1,000
"Canabalt is a fun diversion and sports slick, black and white pixel graphics." IGN

$500
"This "daring escape" platformer is simply beautiful and beautifully simple." Kotaku

$225
"Perhaps I long to luxuriate in the luscious pixel art. Perhaps I'm desperate to beat my own high scores. Perhaps I'm just in love with the game's pacing." Destructoid

$400
"Canabalt is actually much more intense than you'd assume of a game which requires a single finger to play." GameSpy

$100
"It's all very lovely and full of poignant subtext. And awesomeness. Canabalt is a prime example of a simple idea executed extremely well." JayIsGames

$75
"I have never seen a concept so richly and successfully realized in such a simple yet stunningly complete form. Canabalt represents the power and potential of small independent games." gameinmind.com

$50
"Music is another component that is just perfect - it enhances the strange and unsettling setting of the game and also gives a sense of speed with a hint of hope that quick feet might be the salvation to the horror." bartsnews.net

$200
"It's the ultimate quick play twitch game and serves to prove the argument that iPhone isn't a game system that provides the console-like experience of the PSP. It proves iPhone can take bite-sized distractions and explode them into gaming heroin." PocketGamer

1 Lap Dance
"Fast load times combined with short (yet exciting) game sessions really make for an attractive game to play on a mobile device." TouchArcade

$7.50 / hour
"Canabalt is worth $2.99" eeenmachine

freedog

12-05-2009, 04:01 PM

Hodapp here's how I look at Canabalt ok. The dev admitted in an interview it was an experimental project with simple gameplay that took 5 days to complete. It has great music (the iphone version sounds like crap without headphones) and a cool presentation (which wears off quickly once you realize that after playing for 30-40 seconds you've seen everything there is to see in the game). The first couple games I played I loved it. After that I asked myself questions like does the background even change? is there anything else to to besides tap to jump with the character automatically moving with the background? Its just a game that is a good start (fine for a free flash game) that would become much better with more content or additional modes. When you talk about price, I'm not cheap I've spent over $600 on iphone cards already and I own a ton of games. When most of the
$.99 games I've played have more content than the $3 Canabalt, that tells me that the game doesn't have enough content for the price. Had this game been released a year ago on the idevices nobody woulda complained at all. But since its all about competition and comparing now (including content amount) for the price, many people including myself feel the game is overpriced.

As far as the websites go, who knows. Most of them get the games for free anyway.

Eli

12-05-2009, 04:01 PM

Freedog please answer the following three questions:

^^^^

eeenmachine

12-05-2009, 04:05 PM

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 04:09 PM

I guess the jig is up for all of us Canabalt fans, here are the records of how much we have paid so far to con app store suckers into buying this $2.99 game...

Too big to quote, but that was awesome.

freedog

12-05-2009, 04:09 PM

^^^^

the people who didn't think Canabalt was worth it aren't hacking on the people who liked it. So your post doesn't make sense. Some of the people who feel it was worth it like you are trying to play it off like all the people who didn't think it was worth it are somehow wrong. So I guess you want your opinion of "the game is worth it" to override all the other opinions that the game wasn't. Don't you wish you were president Hodapp.

DaveMc99

12-05-2009, 04:11 PM

Ok added a poll.. should have done that months ago :P

eeenmachine

12-05-2009, 04:13 PM

Eli

12-05-2009, 04:16 PM

the people who didn't think Canabalt was worth it aren't hacking on the people who liked it. So your post doesn't make sense. Some of the people who feel it was worth it like you are trying to play it off like all the people who didn't think it was worth it are somehow wrong. So I guess you want your opinion of "the game is worth it" to override all the other opinions that the game wasn't. Don't you wish you were president Hodapp.

OK here I will make this easier-

1. On the subject of game reviews I prefer:
a) Reviews to be honest and reflect the opinion of the person playing the game.
b) Game reviews to lie to me if the person playing the game's opinion differs from mine.

2. The overwhelmingly positive reception of Canabalt in the gaming and mass-market media is because:
a) People who play the game enjoy it.
b) The same shadow cabal responsible for chemtrails, water fluoridation, and the 2012 apocalypse had some spare time and decided to use their influence to promote canabalt.

3. The reputations of TouchArcade, Kotaku, Boing Boing, IGN, OffWorld, Gamespy, and Pocket Gamer are worth so little to the editorial staff of each of these sites they'd be willing to throw it all away for a Christmas card from the Saltsman family:
a) True.
b) False.

freedog

12-05-2009, 04:16 PM

the people who think Canabalt was worth it aren't hacking on the people who disliked it. So your post doesn't make sense. Some of the people who feel it wasn't worth it like you are trying to play it off like all the people who think it was worth it are somehow wrong. So I guess you want your opinion of "the game isn't worth it" to override all the other opinions that the game was. Don't you wish you were president freedog.

No Ian. I just wish you graduated Middle school

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 04:19 PM

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'd burn $2.99 at the request of people on this forum. So to aquire a game as epicly poetic and surprisingly thrilling to play as Canabalt in exchange for this small pile of ashes is definitely "worth it".

eeenmachine

12-05-2009, 04:20 PM

No Ian. I just wish you graduated Middle school

I have some extra Scantrons if you need them :D

arn

12-05-2009, 04:22 PM

the people who didn't think Canabalt was worth it aren't hacking on the people who liked it

Freedog. Frankly people aren't raging against people who didn't like it. The reason people are reacting so strongly is because of your conspiracy-theorist man-didn't-land-on-the-moon type attitude to it all.

Many people have said they didn't like the game or didn't think that it was worth it. That's fine.

But you keep acting like people who do like it are either in a conspiracy, paid off by the original team, or otherwise shills.

arn

eeenmachine

12-05-2009, 04:27 PM

Actually everyone posting in the thread is shilling for Adam because each time the thread gets bumped it probably sells a few extra copies of Canabalt! :eek:

freedog

12-05-2009, 04:32 PM

Freedog. Frankly people aren't raging against people who didn't like it. The reason people are reacting so strongly is because of your conspiracy-theorist man-didn't-land-on-the-moon type attitude to it all.

Many people have said they didn't like the game or didn't think that it was worth it. That's fine.

But you keep acting like people who do like it are either in a conspiracy, paid off by the original team, or otherwise shills.

arn

Lol Ian is a friend of Saltman here to promote, talk up and defend Canabalt as a friend of the dev. Its obvious I didnt even need to point it out so sorry. I didnt say that he was a shill using that term, the dictionary might say that it fits the definition but I didnt in any of my posts here use that term for him.

Arn, look in the Canabalt threads. There are many people who have nothing to do with me that dont feel the game is worth it. Whats this conspiracy bs? The game just doesnt have enough content how bout that?

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 04:35 PM

There are many people who have nothing to do with me that dont feel the game is worth it. Whats this conspiracy bs? The game just doesnt have enough content how bout that?

Those people are either:

a) jobless,
b) homeless,
c) brainless, or
d) all of the above.

...or it could just be that we get way too many kids around here who think that having $2.99 in the first place makes them rich.

eeenmachine

12-05-2009, 04:42 PM

Lol Ian is a friend of Saltman here to promote, talk up and defend Canabalt as a friend of the dev. Its obvious I didnt even need to point it out so sorry. I didnt say that he was a shill using that term, the dictionary might say that it fits the definition but I didnt in any of my posts here use that term for him.

Arn, look in the Canabalt threads. There are many people who have nothing to do with me that dont feel the game is worth it. Whats this conspiracy bs? The game just doesnt have enough content how bout that?

Ok, I'm going to suspend the sarcasm for a brief moment to repeat something you've refused to accept when I've explained in the past:

I have never met Adam Saltsman.

I had contact with him and some other developers when I participated in a week-long word game promotion a while ago.

He is a fellow indie developer whom I have respect for, but I judge his games as I would anyone else's.

I only have one TA forum account which I'm posting from right now.

arn

12-05-2009, 04:42 PM

Lol Ian is a friend of Saltman here to promote, talk up and defend Canabalt as a friend of the dev. Its obvious I didnt even need to point it out so sorry. I didnt say that he was a shill using that term,

oh c'mon you accused hodapp as well and anyone with less than 100 post being an account made by Ian or the dev themselves (they're not).

And see above for ian's relationship to the dev

arn

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 04:44 PM

Ok added a poll.. should have done that months ago :P

Should have let us see who voted!

freedog

12-05-2009, 04:44 PM

Those people are either:

a) jobless,
b) homeless,
c) brainless, or
d) all of the above.

...or it could just be that we get way too many kids around here who think that having $2.99 in the first place makes them rich.

If I go into a grocery store and don't want to spend $9 on a bag of chips because I dont think its worth it, does that mean I don't have the money, or that I'm cheap or poor?

DaveMc99

12-05-2009, 04:47 PM

If I go into a grocery store and don't want to spend $9 on a bag of chips because I dont think its worth it, does that mean I don't have the money, or that I'm cheap or poor?

Freedog show me a link where chips cost $9
There are 944 games in the store that cost $2.99
http://148apps.biz/app-store-metrics/?mpage=appprice

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 04:47 PM

If I go into a grocery store and don't want to spend $9 on a bag of chips because I dont think its worth it, does that mean I don't have the money, or that I'm cheap or poor?

I think both are equally possible, but I'm more interested in these $9 chips 'cause there's nothing that expensive over here.

zamansimba

12-05-2009, 04:52 PM

i dont think its worth 2.99

but i got it when it was free, and the game is not in the list of my favorites from the over 90 games in my pod

DaveMc99

12-05-2009, 04:53 PM

i dont think its worth 2.99
but i got it when it was free

Canabalt was never free.. are you thinking of the right game?

freedog

12-05-2009, 04:53 PM

Freedog show me a link where chips cost $9
There are 944 games in the store that cost $2.99
http://148apps.biz/app-store-metrics/?mpage=appprice

Thats my point exactly. You wanna compare the market for chips but you dont wanna compare the iphone market. Most bags of chips are about $3 not x3. So when you look at the iphone market which wasnt decided by one person, and you look at the fact that most $.99 games have more content than the $3 Canabalt. Thats why many people dont think it was worth it. Amount of content compared to price compared to the market.

DaveMc99

12-05-2009, 04:55 PM

You wanna compare the market for chips but you dont wanna compare the iphone market.

There are 944 games in the store that cost $2.99

Did you miss that?

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 04:57 PM

I think this is the first time I've seen two admins and a mod so passionately opposed to one members point of view :)

freedog

12-05-2009, 04:57 PM

There are 944 games in the store that cost $2.99

Did you miss that?

And none of them are being complained about by many people as much as Canabalt. Did you miss that?
Could it have something to do with the fact that most of them have more content than Canabalt? Hmmm

DaveMc99

12-05-2009, 04:58 PM

And none of them are being complained about by many people as much as Canabalt. Did you miss that?
Could it have something to do with the fact that most of them have more content than Canabalt? Hmmm

You seriously believe most of the other games for $2.99 are a better value and more fun than Canabalt?

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 04:59 PM

You seriously believe most of the other games for $2.99 are a better value and more fun than Canabalt?

Is there an easy way to view them?

freedog

12-05-2009, 05:01 PM

There are 944 games in the store that cost $2.99

Did you miss that?

You seriously believe most of the other games for $2.99 are a better value and more fun than Canabalt?

To be honest. YES Having the right amount of content is important when factoring in price.

Adam Atomic

12-05-2009, 05:01 PM

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 05:04 PM

To be honest. YES Having the right amount of content is important when factoring in price.

http://a1.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/026/Purple/17/91/41/mzl.bfexoigb.320x480-75.jpg

It's in the top 100 so somehow you're actually sorta correct :eek:

DaveMc99

12-05-2009, 05:05 PM

Is there an easy way to view them?

View over 900 games? No. The store has 749 ratings.. less than 100 gave it a 1 or 2 star. It has a 4.5 average. Much better than most games. There are a few people on TA that care this game is $2.99 but most people don't.

freedog

12-05-2009, 05:07 PM

dear freedog,

my wife and i think you are hilarious. we would like to send you a christmas card for your relentless dedication at keeping this thread alive even months after release. you have done more to keep our game visible on these forums than anyone else on earth. we will be sure to include your shill stipend with the card, so please provide your legal mailing address asap. best email it to me as I never read these forums and am too busy paying for reviews,

<3

adam & bekah

I will send you a happy hanukah card or an xmas I got no problem with that. In the meantime how bout adding some game content to Canabalt. If it took freedog to make you appear in the forums again then I must be a hero, its only something everyone else has been trying to do for over a month.

MidianGTX

12-05-2009, 05:07 PM

View over 900 games? No. The store rating has 749 ratings.. less than 100 gave it a 1 or 2 star. It has a 4.5 average. Much better than most games. There are a few people on TA that care this game is $2.99 but most people don't.

I thought maybe AppShopper would have a way to list only $2.99 games or something. I didn't wanna see the reviews or ratings.

Adam Atomic

12-05-2009, 05:11 PM

I will send you a happy hanukah card or an xmas I got no problem with that. In the meantime how bout adding some game content to Canabalt. If it took freedog to make you appear in the forums again then I must be a hero, its only something everyone else has been trying to do for over a month.

that is a really long weird address bro

EDIT - LMFAO the poll has TWELVE RESPONSES in a thread with almost 250 replies this is so amazing