Amazon PCDD - Important Update New Community Manager Incoming!

[Amazon DVG Deals]

Hey CAGS,

I’ve got some news I’m both excited and sad to share with you at the same time. I’ll be leaving the Digital Video Games team in Mid-March to join the marketing team for Amazon.com’s Loyalty and Rewards program, Amazon Coins. My boss and I have talked extensively about how to maintain and continue our presence here and across the other communities we’ve created in the past couple of years. To that end I’d like to introduce you to Josh, who take over monitoring, updating, and responding to this thread. Josh will be ramping up over the next couple of weeks, he  will be posting shortly to introduce himself.

Now that the “what’s going on” part of the message is out of the way I want to tell you all how much I love CAG and the posters here. This was the first community I joined when I started this job (anyone still remember that first thread?) and all of you have had a huge hand in shaping how we think about and execute Community Development and Management here at Amazon, which has in turn shaped my career these last two and a half years.

I started to write out a section calling out the regular posters and realized the list would be both overly long and incomplete at the same time. Instead I’d like to thank you all again, you all have my deep and sincere gratitude. I’ll still be around and my gaming accounts aren’t going anywhere so feel free to hit me up anytime you want to chat. I’ll probably still hang out in the thread too .

Thanks again everyone, let me or Josh know if you have any questions!

The Indie Store has launched!
Amazon.com is launching a storefront dedicated to supporting and promoting PC/Mac/Web-based Indie Games. Our Digital Video Games team is a small group of passionate gamers and we’re all really excited to help Indie developers reach more customers quickly by providing a quick and simple process for bringing their games to market. Additionally we’ll be supporting the Indie Store with a ton of promotions, both at and after launch. Many of these promotions are designed to give the developer the opportunity to maximize their revenue. For example, Amazon is forfeiting all royalties from bundle sales and passing them along directly to the developer, we’ve also created an “Indie Spotlight” program to help customers learn more about the games and developers they love. We view the Indie developers as some of the most creative in the industry and we want to help them continue to create new and innovative experience for customers.

Why we are doing this:

• Allow customers to discover an entirely new category of games on Amazon.com
• Help developers reach new customers quickly. Our onboarding process is straightforward and we want to sell every Indie game available
• We want to leverage our strengths to support and help the developers who are driving forward innovation and creativity in the games industry

General Information

Hi CAGs,
I'll be posting deals we're running on Digital Games (PC/Mac, Free to Play, Sony/Microsoft Points/Subs).

I'm also here to answer questions you might have, get you closer to the developers by hosting Q&As, setting up podcasts, live streaming gameplay etc. If I don't respond to a question you have in thread please send me a PM. These ping my email address and make it more likely that I will see your question and respond more quickly.

Cheers,
Tony


FYI. EA Games sold by Amazon will not activate on Steam.
F.A.Q.S.:

1. Does the game I'm buying from Amazon Activate on Steam/Origin/Uplay? What DRM does the game use?

There are two places to identify DRM on a digital video game detail page:

At the top of the page, below the title:

In the "Product Description" section:

2. Note on Electronic Arts Games - For the most part, EA games sold on Amazon do not activate on Steam. Most activate on Origin.

3. Note on DRM with limited activations:

Our Policy



4. Sometimes I'll do giveaways.

5. I work with developers and publishers to get fun (or at least what I think is fun) content to share with you all. Here are some examples:

a. Check out the Pax Gameplay videos here: Xcom: Enemy Unknown I played Xcom with Jake, the Creative Director for the game, a few months before the game came out Also, on this page, check out the Q&A, also a community driven event.

b. Check out the interview on this page: Borderlands 2 we did this interview at E3 with Randy Pitchford this year.

c. We've partnered with the ++GoodGames Podcast to feature many of the games we carry. They talk to the developers about the game development process, how the games are conceptualized and managed, all kinds of fun stuff. I'm working on putting together full link list and will update when I have it.

What else do we sell?

Xbox Live Points and Subscriptions:

1600 Microsoft Live Points
4000 Microsoft Live Points
12 Month XBOX Live Subscription
3 Month XBOX Live Subscription]
12 Month + 1 XBOX Live Subscription

PSN+ Subscriptions and PSN Points:

$20 PSN Points
$50 PSN Points
12 Month PSN+ Subscription
3 Month PSN+ Subscription

We also have a Free-2-Play store supported by our GameConnect technology. Gameconnect allows you to link your Amazon.com account with free-2-play and MMO accounts so that you can buy things like in game currency, premium game time/subscriptions, in game items, etc. on Amazon.com using your Amazon.com payment options and have this content delivered directly into your game.

5. Price Matching notes: Generally we do not match international retailers (GMG, Gamersgate, etc) or physical retailers (Best Buy, Newegg.com, etc.)
To check out the Free-2-Play games we offer you can visit our storefront here: Free-2-Play Store

 

[spoderman]

I'm so mad they cancelled Leverage. That was one of the most awesome shows ever.
I know that this has nothing to do with anything going on in this thread, or the quoted post, but figured I can speak my mind too.

I don't like bubblegum.

Oh man, I didn't know Leverage was cancelled. That sucks.

y u not lyk bubblegum

 

[Daykain]

I finished installing and played for about an hour, liking it a lot so far. I only did the first mission from the base but it seems like sniping can be a viable tactic.

I'm still not sure how grouping works, but my character name is Gharad Zhax if that helps find me.

I also went ahead and set up a Steam group. If no one uses it, then oh well. Drabelincoln is probably right, but most of the friends I gamed with in college are too busy these days so I gotta look for other players were I can find them.

Here's the group:

http://steamcommunity.com/groups/cagmmo

It's invite only for now - I don't have a lot of experience with this kind of thing and I'm a little nervous that it might get spammed by people trying to sell ingame stuff. If that's too paranoid let me know and I'll open it up.

Otherwise, I'm not trying to have it exclusive in any way, I'll invite anyone who's interested. PM me with your steam details (if we're not friends already) or add me on steam (also crimsontribe).

Sorry if this is overly complicated, like I said I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing.

I would like an invite as well. I know a Trials Evolution group was created awhile ago, would appreciate an invite to that group too if it is being actively played still. I am DaykainD on Uplay. Thanks!

http://steamcommunity.com/id/daykain

 

[asheskitty]

I would like an invite as well. I know a Trials Evolution group was created awhile ago, would appreciate an invite to that group too if it is being actively played still. I am DaykainK on Uplay. Thanks!

There's no DaykainK on Uplay. There's Daykain & DaykainD.

 

[CheapLikeAFox]

I'm so pissed that I forgot that the playoffs had started and I missed the Chiefs/Colts game. They'll be talking about that game 20 years from now, and I missed it.

I know that this has nothing to do with anything going on in this thread. But I had to speak my mind.

There's this thing called the internet. They have stuff. You should ask it if it has that.

 

[Daykain]

There's no DaykainK on Uplay. There's Daykain & DaykainD.

Sorry DaykainK is GFWL, you are right it is DaykainD. I fixed my post.

 

[asheskitty]

Sorry DaykainK is GWFL, you are right it is DaykainD. I fixed my post.

Cool =) If you accept my steam friend invite, I can add you to the CAG MMO group. Pester Inmate or Spoder for CAG Trials.

 

[georgebot84]

Last time I played Defiance, I could not even find an option to group.

 

[Daykain]

Cool =) If you accept my steam friend invite, I can add you to the CAG MMO group. Pester Inmate or Spoder for CAG Trials.

Much appreciated, thank you.

 

[ZynK]

I'm so mad they cancelled Leverage. That was one of the most awesome shows ever.

Me too, Parker is a cutie.

 

[2wicked]

El Drepe stop being a buzz kill.

Don't worry Mooby your job is still safe in the steam thread.

 

[BigPopov]

if you sell cards + EC credit, Ace Patrol is about a quarter for 2 games.

 

[madjoki]

if you sell cards + EC credit, Ace Patrol is about a quarter for 2 games.

And games aren't even that bad...

Achievements suck thought... you only get those for difficulty you're playing (not for easier difficulties).

 

[Mooby]

Don't worry Mooby your job is still safe in the steam thread.

I will not take witty comebacks from dudes with anime avatars who average 10 posts a month~

 

[bubzers]

Adjusting my previous offer. I can help anyone with EC purchases, with two caveats: (1) Amazon GC only and (2) I have sales tax imposed on me (forgot about this - effective Jan 1, 2014). If you're OK with these PM me with what you want. I have 18 EC credits available - I hit my budget for purchases, so I can't use them.

 

[warreni]

anyone know if Amazon will give steam keys for Doctor Who: The Adventure Games? it was in a bundle forever ago, with a bunch of other adventure/casual games.

I'm asking since groupees has it for .50 cents at the moment and will be giving out steam keys once they become available, I don't really want to buy it from them if Amazon is going to give us steam keys.

Only Tony knows for sure, but my Magic 8-Ball says "no." I've never heard of Amazon giving keys for retroactive purchases unless there were two versions of an item and you bought the DRM-free download by mistake. I'm in the same boat (rounded out my collection with The Gunpowder Plot by picking up the Amazon pack), but I re-bought on Groupees because I like the idea of having them on Steam and maybe once Legacy gets them on Steam, the sales boost will prompt the BBC to fund new games.

I guess a new series would feature Capaldi and Louise-Coleman. That would be different.

 

[Thermopyle]

I'm so mad they cancelled Leverage. That was one of the most awesome shows ever.
I know that this has nothing to do with anything going on in this thread, or the quoted post, but figured I can speak my mind too.

I don't like bubblegum.

I still need to watch that last season.

And catch upon White Collar.

Me too, Parker is a cutie.

She was in a recent episode of Mentalist. I thought she was going to be staying on as a love interest for one of the characters, as there was that kind of vibe, but nope.

 

[Glomerate]

I'm sure this has been asked somewhere among this fast moving thread, but I don't see it in the OP.

I was looking at picking up Crysis 3 with my EC coupon but What is the difference between the download and instant access links? They both say Origin for the DRM, but I didn't see a difference listed between them. Thanks!

 

[60fps]

I'm sure this has been asked somewhere among this fast moving thread, but I don't see it in the OP.

I was looking at picking up Crysis 3 with my EC coupon but What is the difference between the download and instant access links? They both say Origin for the DRM, but I didn't see a difference listed between them. Thanks!

Origin is just the code. Instant access activates it directly to your Origin account after you link it with Amazon.

 

[iSerra]

Opera "O" is wider. ...Opera fan since 3.1...

I'm a Meyers-Briggs INTP. And you don't seem to understand introverts.

It must be tough when you are surrounded by a group of INTJ. $

It is the most popular birthday on steam.

http://www.thenobleeskimo.com/steamusers.html

A CAG actually wished me a sincere happy birthday on that day and I felt really bad about that. Lesson learned - do not use the dates for federal holidays when using a fake birthday.

 

[spoderman]

Hey Tony, can you end the Ace Patrol deal now so I can have less card competitors? Thanks.

Spoiler

 

[Motoki]

anyone know if Amazon will give steam keys for Doctor Who: The Adventure Games? it was in a bundle forever ago, with a bunch of other adventure/casual games.

I'm asking since groupees has it for .50 cents at the moment and will be giving out steam keys once they become available, I don't really want to buy it from them if Amazon is going to give us steam keys.

Only Tony knows for sure, but my Magic 8-Ball says "no." I've never heard of Amazon giving keys for retroactive purchases unless there were two versions of an item and you bought the DRM-free download by mistake. I'm in the same boat (rounded out my collection with The Gunpowder Plot by picking up the Amazon pack), but I re-bought on Groupees because I like the idea of having them on Steam and maybe once Legacy gets them on Steam, the sales boost will prompt the BBC to fund new games.

I guess a new series would feature Capaldi and Louise-Coleman. That would be different.

When those Dr. Who games got Greenlit I asked and asked again if those of us who bought it from Amazon could get Steam keys for it but I think it was pretty much ignored.

I agree with War that the chances are slim. I just ended up getting it from Groupees. Legacy Interactive might give you keys if you find the right contact person and email them your Amazon receipt but I really don't think Amazon going to make any effort in trying to get those keys whatsoever.

For 50 cents it's just not worth risking it for me.

 

[Palinn]

Hey Tony, can you end the Ace Patrol deal now so I can have less card competitors? Thanks.

Spoiler

I see you have finally gotten that much needed haircut.

 

[r333k0]

What I re

Only Tony knows for sure, but my Magic 8-Ball says "no." I've never heard of Amazon giving keys for retroactive purchases unless there were two versions of an item and you bought the DRM-free download by mistake. I'm in the same boat (rounded out my collection with The Gunpowder Plot by picking up the Amazon pack), but I re-bought on Groupees because I like the idea of having them on Steam and maybe once Legacy gets them on Steam, the sales boost will prompt the BBC to fund new games.

I guess a new series would feature Capaldi and Louise-Coleman. That would be different.

What I really would love is a sale on this Dr. Who game

http://store.steampowered.com/app/217080/

Never had one since it had a preorder deal.

 

[iSerra]

Since some CAGs bought Aliens: Colonial Marines from Amazon previously, I will post this here as well.

To get the complete set of DLC for Aliens: Colonial Marines, this is what you need to get from GMG.

25% off voucher code: GMG25-0YUM5-VKMVU

1. Aliens: Colonial Marines - Season Pass - $5.62 after 25% off
2. Aliens: Colonial Marines - Collectors Edition Pack - $0.93 after 25% off
3. Aliens: Colonial Marines - Limited Edition Pack - $0.89 after 25% off and $0.04 credit from previous purchases
4. Aliens: Colonial Marines - Sawed-off Double Barrel Shotgun - Free after 25% off and $0.18 credit from previous purchases
5. Aliens: Colonial Marines - Sharp Sticks - Free after 25% off and $0.18 credit from previous purchases

Total Cost = $7.44 and $0.10 credit left

 

[Glomerate]

Origin is just the code. Instant access activates it directly to your Origin account after you link it with Amazon.

Interesting, I didn't even know I could link my origin to amazon. Thanks!

 

[supermonster]

Thanks for the heads up, but not sure the Season Pass is worth anything close to $5.62.

 

[MysterD]

The real questions are:

Does anybody really need all of the Aliens: CM DLC?

Does anybody on the PC actually play the MP?

If yes - does anybody even play any of the MP DLC maps?

Does anybody want to spend way more on DLC than the actual base-game?

EDIT:

Thanks for the heads up, but not sure the Season Pass is worth anything close to $5.62.

I think the only DLC really maybe interesting me might be the Stasis Interrupted DLC (SP).

 

[MrRedrum]

The real questions are:

Does anybody really need all of the Aliens: CM DLC?

Does anybody on the PC actually play the MP?

If yes - does anybody even play any of the MP DLC maps?

Does anybody want to spend way more on DLC than the actual base-game?

EDIT:

I think the only DLC really maybe interesting me might be the Stasis Interrupted DLC (SP).

Stasis Interrupted is really the only DLC worth grabbing at this point in time. Bug Hunt might be worth it if you have some friends to play it with aside from that, the rest are pointless.

 

[T1BillionX]

I have a EC wish list. I didn't get a chance to get a few games during the sale.

Dust: An Elysian Tail

Blood Bowl: Chaos Edition

Alien Rage - Unlimited

XCOM Enemy Within at $9.99 post coupon maybe!

 

[tebowdragon15]

The real questions are:

Does anybody really need all of the Aliens: CM DLC?

Does anybody on the PC actually play the MP?

If yes - does anybody even play any of the MP DLC maps?

Does anybody want to spend way more on DLC than the actual base-game?

EDIT:

I think the only DLC really maybe interesting me might be the Stasis Interrupted DLC (SP).

bug hunt take season pass u bug hunt whore heh i do i have all of it and no i spend less combined than base bc preorder so suck it weakling

 

[gilby]

Actually I have no opinion on it other than, that guys looks ~creepy~

If you bought 10 copies of Pizza Dude, as some CAGs reported doing so, for $0.30 each to obtain an EC coupon... it makes very little sense to blow that EC for a $0.30 "savings" or less.

The things I miss out on due to travel during the big sales.

I totally would have grabbed a copy of that for 30 cents.

When those Dr. Who games got Greenlit I asked and asked again if those of us who bought it from Amazon could get Steam keys for it but I think it was pretty much ignored.

I agree with War that the chances are slim. I just ended up getting it from Groupees. Legacy Interactive might give you keys if you find the right contact person and email them your Amazon receipt but I really don't think Amazon going to make any effort in trying to get those keys whatsoever.

For 50 cents it's just not worth risking it for me.

[grumble]

Yeah, that's about what I came up with when I did the math, too.

 

[UcanSUKtheFAC]

The constant price-changing and price errors are exhausting. Makes it not worth bargain-hunting :/

 

[MrNinjaSquirrel]

The funny thing is, that's my actual birthday.

I thought Harvey Dent said that.

Cool =) If you accept my steam friend invite, I can add you to the CAG MMO group. Pester Inmate or Spoder for CAG Trials.

CAG Trials sounds like tribal initiation.

A CAG actually wished me a sincere happy birthday on that day and I felt really bad about that. Lesson learned - do not use the dates for federal holidays when using a fake birthday.

A CAG also wished me a happy birthday completely unexpectedly (I used my actual one though).

Have I told you, you guys are awesome!

I think the only DLC really maybe interesting me might be the Stasis Interrupted DLC (SP).

Really maybe. The phrase makes my head hurt, just buy it and keep on your hoarding way.

The constant price-changing and price errors are exhausting. Makes it not even worth bargain-hunting.

Yes, no more glitches, we all hate price glitches...

 

[SynGamer]

So, is The Secret World worth it at $6.99? It seems interesting, and I'm pretty sure my laptop can handle it. But I'm also eyeing Final Exam as well.

 

[cheaphuck]

These starting out games are not giving me much hope. And it is kind of ed to raise the price to the point even with the $5 coupon you are paying more than you would had you bought them earlier.

 

[Neuro5i5]

So, is The Secret World worth it at $6.99? It seems interesting, and I'm pretty sure my laptop can handle it.

Idiotekque's very detailed review...

 

[CrimsonTribe]

So, is The Secret World worth it at $6.99? It seems interesting, and I'm pretty sure my laptop can handle it. But I'm also eyeing Final Exam as well.

I think it's a very interesting game and most of the content can be soloed. If you'd like, there are people in this thread who can send you guest passes (like me), just send a PM with your email address.

 

[AnsonMyPants]

Has anyone played Final Exam or Defense Technica? Are they any good?

 

[KillingMachine]

Kind of want to check out The Bureau, but even with the EC coupon it's still about $5 more than I'm willing to gamble on it.

 

[UcanSUKtheFAC]

These starting out games are not giving me much hope. And it is kind of ed to raise the price to the point even with the $5 coupon you are paying more than you would had you bought them earlier.

this

it's a psychological game they play with impulse buyers - "well, I have the $5 coupon...better use it now!" it's telling that they even gave $5 coupons to people who have never even bought a PC game; it's an easy, simple way to get more people to dupe. And with those particular people being not too keen on the PC scene, they'll be even easier to dupe.

although there are maybe a few exceptions like crysis 3 and nba2k14. I say maybe because previously they have been $5 and $15 on Origin and Steam, respectively, and no expiration-imminent coupon needed

 

[MysterD]

Kind of want to check out The Bureau, but even with the EC coupon it's still about $5 more than I'm willing to gamble on it.

If The Bureau was $5 or less after coupon - yeah, I'd buy it.

Only thing is - Tony kind of set a precedent w/ so-called "bad games" like Aliens: CM + London 2012, junk-pricing those out at $2.

I'd certainly jump on Aliens: CM - Season Pass, if that hit $2.

 

[MrNinjaSquirrel]

this

it's a psychological game they play with impulse buyers - "well, I have the $5 coupon...better use it now!" it explains why they even gave $5 coupons to people who have never even bought a PC; simply more people to dupe.

although there are maybe a few exceptions like crysis 3 and nba2k14. I say maybe because previously they have been $5 and $15 on Origin and Steam, respectively.

This has been a known fact for a while now. Without price matching Steam the EC list prices are typically inflated to compensate for the coupon. There are a few exceptions to this however (like the Ace Patrol pack), which is where the deals are to be found.

If you thought it was a good price before then you ought to have bought it then. If not, well you probably don't want it as much as you think.

I don't know that anyone was expecting most of the EC list to be drastically cheaper than during the sale.

The reason they gave coupons to those that didn't buy PC games (ie. PSN codes) is because they are considered part of the digital store on amazon, and it would have been a lot more work to try and separate them for this promotion than simply include them. I don't think Amazon is trying to "dupe" anyone.

 

[UcanSUKtheFAC]

This has been a known fact for a while now. Without price matching Steam the EC list prices are typically inflated to compensate for the coupon. There are a few exceptions to this however (like the Ace Patrol pack), which is where the deals are to be found.

If you thought it was a good price before then you ought to have bought it then. If not, well you probably don't want it as much as you think.

I don't know that anyone was expecting most of the EC list to be drastically cheaper than during the sale.

The reason they gave coupons to those that didn't buy PC games (ie. PSN codes) is because they are considered part of the digital store on amazon, and it would have been a lot more work to try and separate them for this promotion than simply include them. I don't think Amazon is trying to "dupe" anyone.

it's naive to think that online stores like Amazon and Steam dont use psychological tactics to get people to think they're getting a better deal than they really are. I take college courses on this stuff. I'm an economics and finance major. Took a course all about consumer psychology, and we even covered Amazon's lightning deals as being the epitome of psychological-consumer warfare. Another example I can think of is how TRU switches between Buy 2 Save $20 and B1G1 40% off - it yields about the same savings, but many consumers look at each differently. This isn't some unfounded conspiracy theory.

"Dupe" may be for a lack of a better term, but my overall point remains.

when you make statements like "no one expects..." you seem to forget that us CAGGERS in the know are a very small minority compared to the average consumer. I'm mainly referring to those people. And many of those, who didn't know anything about the previous PC sale (or any), have nothing to compare this current promotion to. We pay attention daily, so of course we know.

"this has been a known fact for a while now"

uh...so? Lots of facts have been known for a while now; are you implying we're supposed to know everything, then? I fail to see how this changes everything. Its not like I'm playing it off like I made a great discovery.

 

[lostnumberwar]

I demand Guild Wars 2 on the EC list $15 before coupon.

 

[MysterD]

This has been a known fact for a while now. Without price matching Steam the EC list prices are typically inflated to compensate for the coupon. There are a few exceptions to this however (like the Ace Patrol pack), which is where the deals are to be found.

If you thought it was a good price before then you ought to have bought it then. If not, well you probably don't want it as much as you think.

I don't know that anyone was expecting most of the EC list to be drastically cheaper than during the sale.

The reason they gave coupons to those that didn't buy PC games (ie. PSN codes) is because they are considered part of the digital store on amazon, and it would have been a lot more work to try and separate them for this promotion than simply include them. I don't think Amazon is trying to "dupe" anyone.

The thing is - w/ the pricing after the $5 coupon applied, you will find there are those few worthwhile deals that'll blow everything else out of the water.

EDIT:

I demand Guild Wars 2 on the EC list $20 before coupon.

I'd prefer GW2 at $15 or less BEFORE coupon.

If it was an offline game - I could budge more on that, since it is a RPG (i.e. a long-winded time-sink of a game).

Plus, the GW2 Beta (there were No NDA's when I got in) was really good even in Beta - so, I could imagine how good & even more polished the game is now, after being officially out for quite some time.

 

[indef]

I'm not too bothered by dupes paying more than savvy consumers.

Then again, I usually view those crazy coupon ladies at the supermarket with derision.

Whoops.

Unrelated:  Hey Tony, are the Sims 3 expansions/stuff going to go on sale the same day you have the Sims 3 Starter pack listed?  Back in your original EC post (on Dec 26thish), the newer ExpansionPacks were listed, but I haven't seen them on the dealz schedule yet.

 

[SynGamer]

I demand Guild Wars 2 on the EC list $15 before coupon.

That is something I can get behind. Though, I really only want 1 MMO, and I'm between TSW and GW2 right now.

 

[WolfmanASTN]

These starting out games are not giving me much hope. And it is kind of ed to raise the price to the point even with the $5 coupon you are paying more than you would had you bought them earlier.

If this were an actual sale then yeah it would be, but it's just a showcase for certain games either they, the community, or the publishers liked a lot.

 

[MysterD]

So, is The Secret World worth it at $6.99? It seems interesting, and I'm pretty sure my laptop can handle it. But I'm also eyeing Final Exam as well.

If you can run it - YES. Absolutely.

You should read Idiotekque's post on it - which Neuro linked some few posts up.

Be aware of this - prepare for a 39 GB download or so, though.

I talked about the controls & target-mode toggle in the Steam thread, yesterday.

So, you might wanna read that - might take some time to get used to the controls and/or find a control-setup you might actually like.

I also at the end of that post spoke of how much I really liked the dialogue, writing, and voice-acting - it's exceptional, which is pretty much what you'd expect from anytime Ragnar Tornquist is involved w/ a game, if you've played The Longest Journey and Dreamfall.

Questing has some usual MMO's stuff - find X enemies, kill X enemies, Kill X enemies in a very specific way (with a certain weapon, skill, whatever), find X NPC's, find X locations, get X items, etc etc. But, there's other stuff for questing, too. There are also stealth missions, too. Some quests are called " Investigative missions", which often feel puzzle-like - like they're right out of old-school adventure (like TLJ, Dreamfall, old LucasArts adventures, etc).

Class system is pretty open - so likely, as you play more, you're going to find yourself specializing in more than one thing. My character is a gunslinger (mostly w/ shotguns + pistols) and a magic-user.

 

[targetbsp]

If The Bureau was $5 or less after coupon - yeah, I'd buy it.

Only thing is - Tony kind of set a precedent w/ so-called "bad games" like Aliens: CM + London 2012, junk-pricing those out at $2.

I'd certainly jump on Aliens: CM - Season Pass, if that hit $2.

I have both and The Bureau is much, much better than Aliens CM.

It's £4 here including the pre-order DLC: http://www.simplycdkeys.com/steam/the-bureau-xcom-declassified

Not sure if they sell to the states or not?