On Disc DLC & 12 New Characters
As you probably know, there are 12 new characters that will appear in the Playstation Vita version of the game, coming this Fall. Additionally, these characters will be released as DLC for the console versions around the same time. The fact that the information for the characters, alternate costumes and colors was discovered on the disc (by hackers), has brought up somewhat of a "conspiracy". On that note, I'd like to give my two cents on the matter. . .
Some gamers out there feel "cheated" that this content is already on the disc, because to access it, they will have to purchase a small file that will simply "unlock" it when it becomes available. They feel entitled to this content from the start, since they purchased and "own" the physical disc. However, Capcom has explained that the information is on the disc in order to "save hard drive space and to ensure for a smooth transition when the DLC is available". This format also allows people to play against the 12 new characters & see the alternate costumes when they're released if they choose not to purchase them. So... I don't know what's so hard to understand about the process, and personally, nothing about it bothers me at all. Naturally, some people have jumped the gun before knowing the facts.... Some gamers seem to have a false sense of entitlement and expectation.
SF X Tekken has 43 iconic characters from the start (PS3 version). That's well above the standard for a new fighting game. People who are complaining about not being able to use an additional 12 characters right off the bat (that may not be finished), are being a bit greedy I think. I do understand their "point of view," and they have a right to feel that way... but personally, I don't feel cheated. I'm glad that I won't have to buy a whole new disc-based "Super" version of SFXT later this year. It seems like Capcom can't win either way.... No matter how they release updates to their games, people will accuse them of "purposely ripping them off" (and perhaps in the past, Capcom has asked for it). However, I feel pretty damn lucky just to play this game (with this many characters from the start). To know that Capcom will continue supporting the game with 12 additional characters (excellent choices at that), only sweetens the deal.
In continuation, I think some of the "new" fighting game fans need some perspective. In the early 90's, I used to play Street Fighter 2 at arcades all the time... putting in 50 cents with each play to use a few of those 8-12 characters over and over again. Even after I bought several variations of the home versions of SF2, I still put money into those arcade machines. (And you know what, if you weren't a "good" player at your arcade, you had to pay MORE money... AND LIKE IT... or... you could go home as a sore loser and play your SNES or Genesis version by yourself and pretend to have friends.) YEAH... I SAID IT.
History has repeated itself many a time. Over the course of a decade, I must've spent 100's of dollars on MVC2 in the arcades. I bought the Dreamcast version for $50 when it came out, and guess what... I still put gas in my car, drove to the arcade, and put countless dollars into that MVC2 machine for many years after. I even traveled to far away arcades simply because they had better competition. So I guess that's why I can't relate to people who are complaining about an optional $8-$20 DLC that unlocks awesome new characters/content in the game. If Capcom overprices the DLC, then it would make sense for people to complain, but I'd say the prices are reasonable (and color packs will be FREE).
Ohh, and let's not forget about "time release characters" that both Namco and Capcom have used in arcade games like Tekken 2, Tekken 3 and MVC2. Many months after the original release of those games, additional characters became playable to keep the game fresh and exciting. It would appear that Capcom is aiming for that same suspense to build up, and they simply want players to first enjoy this "vanilla" version of the game. Besides, what's the fun of having everything unlocked at once? Are you really going to master 55 characters at once? No... you're not. So why don't you start with 2 or 3 and see where that takes you.
In closing, gamers of this generation are able to sit on their asses at home, play a quality fighting game with players all over the world (for free), and some of them have the audacity to sit behind their keyboards and complain about optional DLC that costs them around the same price as lunch? Uhh... to those people, I say go out and buy yourselves a damn Happy Meal, you cheap, cheap bastards... (& STFU). Just kidding. Open your minds people. Enjoy the game. Stay free. ~TFG Webmaster