XBLM Deal of the Week: Bomberman Live

I second that, at 600 points I still have to rationalize the purchase. At 400 points it becomes an impulse, unless we are talking gamer pics and themes which are a rip off at any price but free.

Not really, but then I think that's what makes it so good - it doesn't bombard you with fancy power-ups or complicated gameplay, good simple fun that works (and it's great online too)

I love Bomberman, but I hate this version. I really can't stand the delay they introduced for the Remote det bombs and kicking bombs.

Even with the discount, I would have regretted my purchase.

I think it's decent. My friends and I still play it occasionally, even though we all bought it at release. I wish they'd have discounted the expansion packs, for those of us who already have the game.

It's easily one of the best versions out there (and cheapest). The customisation is fun, and it takes a while to unlock everything, and the power-ups are better balanced for online play. And if you feel some of them are still too cheap, such as the remote mines, you can turn them off.

The only real problem with the game is the lack of people playing online. I'd definitely recommend downloading the trial though.

Rock Band? More like "Cock Land!"

Also, the Jerk Store called and they're all out of you, etc. etc.

What's the difference? You're their all-time best seller.

Using points translates into more money for them, because there are no items that cost 1 point and you have people buying songs off the Zune marketplace for 79 points a piece. Charging 99 cents means the customer gets that 1 penny back, charging 79 points means MS usually gets to keep the penny. On a large scale, it's quite a bit of money.

On the brightside for consumers, a) points can't be taxed since they're not dollars - so as long as you can find yourself a tax-free outlet for point cards (read: the Internet), you don't have to pay tax for MS services, also b) various retailers sometimes have sales on point cards, i.e. offering 1600 point cards for $15, saving consumers money and something you wouldn't see if MS wanted dollars directly.

So I support the system - I don't have extra points because I buy everything off the XBL Marketplace in multiples of 50 or 100, and it's win-win for both sides.

I'd think the angle isn't to get that extra penny, but to remove the sense that you're spending money. '800 points' won't connect with some the same way 10 dollars would.

Also, the "cost" of these items can now be universal - 800 points is 800 points across the lands, the only thing that will vary is how much of your specific currency you have to pay to get the points.

Good point Delgado, much less cynical view and probably right more so, didn't even think of that.