The mass-distributed demo and console games

[kaedesdisciple]

Am I the only one that's happy to have easy-to-obtain demos on their consoles now? The ability to download trial games has really helped my game buying choices as I have to be quite selective about where I put my money these days.

It seems to be a double-edged sword, though, as I see games I wouldn't have seen otherwise and I want them too lol.

How do you guys feel about your consoles and the downloading of demos?

[sisko]

I definitely like the ability, and it has helped influence many of my buying decisions.

My only concern is that this will speed up the popularity of downloadble content, forcing the inevitable of actual downloadable games.

I like to hold something tangible in my hands after dropping $60 on it...

[heybtbm]

Game demos on Xbox Live or the Playstation Store are usually a great way to gauge if a game is decent or not...but are not always a true representation of the full version (obviously).

One huge example was the demo for Just Cause. It played terribly and represented the game as mediocre at best. This (combined with the average reviews) made me hold off buying it until the recent $16.96 CC clearance. When I finally sat down with the full version of Just Cause, it was apparent that (while flawed) it was an excellent title that was easily worth full price. The game was essentially an next-gen version of "Mercenaries-lite". The demo was a dud...the actual game was anything but. Since then, I haven't let demo's be the major factor in deciding what titles I buy.

I should add however, that the demos for some XBLA games have been the sole reason I haven't purchased the full versions. I never buy an XBLA game without playing the demo first...no matter how familiar I think I am with the game.

[studvicious]

I'm still waiting for the Wii >> DS demo downloads. Nintendo, we know you can do it!!!!! So do it!

:)

[Apollo]

Free downloadable demo's?

I love 'em.

[FantasiaWHT]

Downloadable demos has been one of the only reasons I've had any loyalty at all to PC gaming... now that consoles are starting to do it too... my desktop might quietly be put in storage.

[ProgrammingAce]

Game demos on Xbox Live or the Playstation Store are usually a great way to gauge if a game is decent or not...but are not always a true representation of the full version (obviously).

The way i look at it, if a developer isn't skilled enough to make a good demo from a good game then they don't get my money.

Devs know it's better to have no demo then a bad demo. Any time i see a crappy demo, i think it's safe to assume the game isn't any good either.

[Poofta!]

i think its hte best thing about this generation. i really do. the only games ive bought are ones ive played demos of and liked. as such i only have 3 xbox games, but am content with it. (there are a couple i really wanna get but waiting on a price drop.)

[Dangerboy]

It makes collecting a lot easier....no variants. >_>

[FoxyGamer]

I love demos; they make my ability to choose good titles much easier, and cut out the jerk at random video game store telling me "Enter the Matrix" is "awesome".

I do understand the worry about downloadable content, however- it seems that it will be the future no matter what we collectors might think.

[notoriusvig]

All I've got is a Wii so I haven't been able to enjoy the benefit of demos. Nintendo won't even put out demo discs like normal companies.

[heybtbm]

All I've got is a Wii so I haven't been able to enjoy the benefit of demos. Nintendo won't even put out demo discs like normal companies.

There were several compilation Gamecube demo discs, so there's some hope.

I think the main problem with downloading demos from the Wii store would be a total lack of space on the Wii itself. One step forward, two steps back...it's the official Nintendo way!

[notoriusvig]

There were several compilation Gamecube demo discs, so there's some hope.

I think the main problem with downloading demos from the Wii store would be a total lack of space on the Wii itself. One step forward, two steps back...it's the official Nintendo way!

Yea, I knew about the GC demos but you'd think Nintendo would include an official monthly demo disc with Nintendo Power or something. Throw us a bone here or something. $50 games, no demos, expensive controllers equals no Wii playing for me, not to rant or anything.

[Dangerboy]

**$50 games, no demos**
Rent.

**expensive controllers**

Wow....$10 more than PS3 or 360 wireless but you saved $100 to $300 on the system purchase.

9_9

[FantasiaWHT]

There were several compilation Gamecube demo discs, so there's some hope.

I think the main problem with downloading demos from the Wii store would be a total lack of space on the Wii itself. One step forward, two steps back...it's the official Nintendo way!

1) Weren't all those demo discs store demos?

2) Agreed, hopefully Nintendo releases some extra storage... wouldn't take too long to fill the damn thing up with VC games if you went a bit gonzo, either.