Lumines Live is lacking in modes

So we paid the 1200 MS points ($15) for Lumines Live, knowing we will later have to purchase the Advanced Pack (600 MS points) to complete the deal. We load it up and play a couple of rounds in basic mode (we're proud of our 27,000 high score). We know advanced mode won't work yet for aforementioned reasons.

We play mission mode ... for five levels. The rest will cost extra.

We play puzzle mode ... for five levels. The rest will cost extra.

We play VS CPU ... for ten levels. The rest will cost extra.

According to the obnoxious messages, XBLM will soon be home to a Mission/Puzzle pack and a VS CPU pack. Assuming those cost about as much as the Advanced Pack (600 MS points apiece), we're looking at a total package of 3,000 MS points ($37.50). For reference, the Lumines II for PSP and Lumines Plus for PS2 are only $29.99 each. The Xbox Live version, then, is only worth it if you have no interest whatsoever in two of the extra packs.

Microtransactions and a la carte gaming are the new business models (one that EA has embraced with open wallets), but we don't always have to like it. Make up your own mind if $7.50 more is worth the Xbox Live experience.

Reader Comments (60)

It's just a dumb puzzle game anyway. I never had any intention of buying it. I tried the demo for 5 minutes and fell asleep.

I kept my comments civil and to the point. I can't believe I was stupid enough to plunk down the cash on this when I got home last night, only to start laughing out loud when I got to play the "one" vs. CPU level..... WOW, I'll never be fooled again.

I am also seething with fire. The problem here is everyone was led to believe the FULL Version would be a comprehensive game.

It is not.

No matter how you swing it, this is the first game that cuts you out after 5 levels. Worst of all, they didn't even have the decency to put up a warningn message in the vs CPU mode after it cuts you off at 1 level but says there are "10". If you weren't duped into buying it on already, then buyer beware.

Everyone who is unsatisfied, please use the link the previous poster provided to file feedback to Q Entertainment.

If enough people complain constructively, they may be able to release addition packs to compensate for this horrendous "FULL VERSION". Personally I will ask them to lower the cost of the additional packs and/or release a free pack which will addresss the level cut-outs from the basic game.

While this is a really dumb pricing strategy, what's more irritating is how insulting said pricing strategy is to the end comsumer. $35? That's pretty crappy, but not nearly as crappy as making you pay $15 for five levels of play.

Methinks all the bean counters need to start having meetings with each other before stuff like this happens... either that, or someone(s) needs a severe reality check.

After playing the "trial" yesterday, I decided to shell out for the "full game" so that I would not only get access to the full "standard" mode, but more particularly the mission mode and vs. CPU mode.

I probably would not have bought the damn thing if I had known that none of those extra modes would be included. Maybe if the actual packs had been available at the same time as the "core", it would've been obvious that they were trying to rip you off... Unfortunately, none of those were available, and there was no indication anywhere on Live that these modes would cost extra OVER unlocking the full game.

Total BS. I like the game, but I'm considering trying to get a refund for this crap. The wrong message is being sent to all of these publishers with these microtransactions, and I'd like to send the right one.

I just had another thought.

Has anyone considered that this might actually be illegal? This seems like a standard bait and switch tactic, which if I'm not mistaken, is illegal in most, if not all, states. Any lawyers out there want to comment?

I wouldn't count on getting a refund or any free packs for that matter. Plain and simple, never give Q Entertainment another dime of your money. I'm not one to complain about the pricing on the marketplace, because for one if I know all I'm getting is horse armor for my purchase, than at least I don't feel deceived for my purchase, just stupid. In my message to Q I told them that I would've probably plunked down 3000 points for the complete real deal, no problem. But the news on the internet and the description on the marketplace appeared that this was the "full" game, without bonus content (skins, etc). The bonus content is now on the marketplace, I guess I should be happy this didn't come out yesterday where I probably would've blindly purchased the content as well (I planned on it).... not anymore.

I've decided that more than $20, $25 for a game and I EXPECT a box and manual. This is why I will be buying Lumines Plus on the PS2 instead :)

I bought this #@%^ game after downloading and playing the demo. i didn't realize that i was about to pay 1200 points for the ability to save. There is no difference from the demo version to the 1200 point game. And to top it all off i actually went to the store for more points to buy this game cause my balance was at 1100. What a letdown. I've already gone thru the first 5 on each section and now they want me to pony up more dough. Complete and total BULL !@$%.

Well, I was a little miffed that the basic game was incomplete, because after playing the demo it is inferred that you will get all of the functionality when the full game is purchased. This is a lie. However, I really enjoy Lumines and will probably get the puzzle pack anyway, I just wish they would have been up front about it.

Lumines Live is lacking in modes

Reader Comments (60)

Posted: Oct 19th 2006 9:00AM Hoffer said

Posted: Oct 19th 2006 9:58AM (Unverified) said

Posted: Oct 19th 2006 11:38AM (Unverified) said

Posted: Oct 19th 2006 12:36PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Oct 19th 2006 12:57PM leshrac55 said

Posted: Oct 19th 2006 1:28PM leshrac55 said

Posted: Oct 19th 2006 2:30PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Oct 19th 2006 4:10PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Nov 16th 2006 10:17PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Jan 28th 2007 7:49PM (Unverified) said

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