I think it is worth remembering, that this game is developed by Eden Entertainment and published by Atari.
Let's give credit, where credit is due: Eden did a fabulous job with this game. Eden is continually giving the game life.
Atari is the middleman, and as such, should be eliminated from the process altogether.
Diablo. You have taken on one of the most thankless jobs in the world. I'm (As most of you know) a journalist by education. This means I have some training in Public Relations, and to be the person that has to explain why the company they work for has screwed something up through no fault of yours, is about as bad as it gets.
But, as someone once said, it's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it.
There are a lot of things, that can be excused, and which has to be excused. This last Hardcore thing cannot and should not be excused.
They are breaking marketing laws by saying one thing and doing another. And with the track-record they have for going back on what has been said, I think this is one of the things that seriously makes people doubt what the intentions are from Atari's side.
Don't get me wrong. I am not a fool. I know they are in it to make money. But this is just too dirty. First they claim you need the Xmas-pack, then they change their mind and let you get it, even if you don't ahve the pack, then they charge you for it. And 510 MS points.
Please... This screams to high heavens.
I was shocked when I saw the following replies from the Mods on the boards:
Tenebra stopped by to wrinkle her nose at the people who are actually pointing out that laws are being broken:
" All this for 80p???
Never damn happy, are you? First complaints for the mode being restricted, then complaints for the mode being open. Please."
Understudy made it perfectly clear what he thinks of Atari's customers:
HappySpaceInvdr..... lolblue:
Oh! The Irony.... :nuts:
And my favourite:
Bye then.. :salut2:
I can understand, that being an unpaid moderator for a company that has the track-record of the one of Atari can be a hard battle at times. However there is no excuse to belittle the people and abuse your status of moderator.
In fact the behaviour of Understudy would most likely get him fired from most PR-jobs I know of and Tenebras comment would most likely get her a warning.
It's difficult not to let it get to you. You are in a position, where you feel you have to defend the company you work for.
I think it is impressive, that Diablo at least takes the time to think about these things.
My hat off to you sir.
Also my hat off to Mole, who seems to understand that what has happened is in fact not the cleverest of moves, and that some sort of compensation is due.
Let's see what will happen.
But at least now, we have this little piece of heaven, where we can discuss the wonder that is Eden's product: Test Drive Unlimited.
Cheers Eden.