Shameless advertising (because I love you)

EDIT: Just Cause 2 is no longer on promotion and is now being sold for the regular retail price of $29.79 on GMG. Hope you were able to act fast enough to take advantage. If not, the Blur and ozgameshop deal are still active. 

There are three deals that I've happened across in the last few hours that I have to share with you. Why? Because I love you all, that's why.

You have until April 6 to pick up the criminally-underrated racer, Blur for a fiver. One of the last releases from the shuttered studio, Bizarre Creations; Blur is essentially a kart racer with licensed cars. Be prepared for an abundance of colour, crashes and chaos in the rich man's version of Mario Kart. Much like Nintendo's signature racing game, you'll lose quite a few races cheaply. Unlike Mario Kart, you'll get seamless multiplayer and action that is perfectly set to Fucked Up's 2008 opus: Chemistry of Modern Life (note: album not included, but I highly recommend this aural accompaniment).

Next up is 2010's "Most Surprisingly Good Game" and also powerfully-underrated open world actioner, Just Cause 2. In retrospect, this is easily one of the best games released since I started writing and unlike Halo: Reach and Red Dead Redemption, I still play this game. Green Man Gaming are selling this gem for slightly more than a song ($7.49 USD to be exact). If you have a capable PC, I can't recommend this game highly enough. Take the plunge -- from a soaring fighter jet, from a helicopter, from a truck you've just driven off a cliff -- you won't regret it.

This is actually one of the more innocuous activities in Just Cause 2.

Finally, for Xbox 360 owners, a deal that is simply too good to be true. Online retailer of choice,  ozgameshop is selling a download code that gifts Gears of War 2, Halo: Reach and Fable III for $22.99 AUD. That's less than eight bucks a game; two of which are nothing short of essential, the other is a reasonably inoffensive Action RPG which may just be your cup of tea.

If you're on a small budget, there's three bargains that include three of the best games released in the last two years. If you've got a little bit more disposable income, stop reading and take advantage of these deals already!

On the Brink of insanity

Just a quick tip: Brink is going for a song on Steam this weekend. You can grab the game and all DLC for 7 US dollars. With the current exchange rate, that is just shy of insanity! On the brink, even.

If you're on the fence, you can even trial the full product game at no cost over the course of the weekend. It's by no means perfect, but it's easily worth seven bucks.

Don't miss your shot at a bargain!

The Price of Gas

Sorry that things have been a little quiet recently over here on Unbearable Dutch. Both Dawson and I took a break so that I could recharge (and dedicate the appropriate amount of time to Gears of War 3) while my counterpart tends to his growing flock.

For our respective hordes!

Before I got to spend untold hours closing out one of my favourite franchises, I spent a week in Thailand; and my oh my was it an eye-opener. Whether it was the close proximity of excess and poverty, the scenery, the traffic, the food, the people or the bargains: Thailand - Bangkok specifically - had me on my toes.

When I say bargains, I'm not talking about pirated games either: I'm talking about legitimate retail releases. Don't get me wrong, if you find the IT mall, there are enough shops and stalls selling bootlegged copies of the latest releases on PC for less than 200 Thai Baht (about 6 Australian dollars); but when you see how much it costs to buy the genuine article, you may not think it's worth compromising your Steam account for cut-price games. The average cost of an authentic PC game is about 800 Baht (roughly $24). Some cost a lot more - it turns out that Call of Duty: Black Ops is expensive, regardless of region - but most are offered for about seventy percent less than they are in Australia. Console games are also cheaper in Thailand, but not by as much. Price, however, is not the sole contributor of the shopping experience.

That being said, PlayStation 3 games (I didn't pick up any Xbox 360 games in case they were region-locked) were on sale for roughly half the Australian recommended retail price. I bought several new releases (FIFA 12, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, God of War: Origins Collection and The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection) and one relatively-recent release (Alice: Madness Returns) for just under 6000 Baht (about $200 AUD). Even by ozgameshop standards, that haul is pretty respectable. What made the above even better though, was the standard of service and the atmosphere found in some of these gaming retailers. Thai game retailers have comparatively smaller  shop spaces to work with, but they know their products, and they're not afraid for you to try them. I walked into one store where the proprietor booted up Dark Souls for a customer. The young man proceeded to play while I asked about the cost and the release date for the English Language version. I also enquired about several other titles and was told that "That has English voice-overs but the menus are in Japanese," and "Catherine's pretty popular here, we'll have some stock in soon." When money and product was exchanged, I was told "Thanks for your business. You can trade these in towards your next purchase if you'd like. See you soon." It was all so seamless.

I didn't hear lines like "Trade and save at Nadz," or "We buy your old games," as I made my through various games shops in the Digital Gateway mall. Customers could trial whatever games they wanted in some stores, and they knew the people behind the counter. I felt a sense of warmth in some of those shops that wasn't only due to my being in Bangkok (where it's really freaking hot.... everyday!). I should also clarify that Nadz was the name of one of the stores; I'm not taking the piss.

I promise you: THERE ARE GAMEZ IN THIS BAG!!!

Funny thing is, I haven't played a single game that I bought over there with the exception of a few heated exhibition matches in FIFA 12. I am engrossed in Gears 3, that's for sure.

I'd wager that Australian specialist games retailers could learn a lot from their Thai counterparts. More realistic prices would be great, but how about improving the quality of the shopping experience on the whole? Instead of the three-year old Guitar Hero setup in JB Hi-Fi, how about an open station where consumers can play whatever they're interested in? Instead of the push-inclined geekery from staff in Gametraders, how about some warmth, sincerity and some leave-me-the-fuck-alone? Instead of the apathetic, ignorant slogan slamming you get at EBGames, how about some product knowledge and some attention?

What have you been playing while I've been buying games in another country? Did you miss me?

Important, potentially heart-warming Dutch note: It is with great pleasure that I announce the arrival of my niece, Arabelle Johanna. Congratulations to Reuben and Danielle on a beautiful, healthy baby girl. Best wishes for the future, and you'd best believe I'll be the nerdy uncle that showers that kid in videogames and assorted geekery when she gets older. For now, she'll have to subsist on cuddles.

Portal is free on Steam until September 20!

Dear Readers,

Just a quick FYI - according to Gamespot, Portal will be available as a free download via the Steam Storefront until September 20.

I can't say for sure whether the offer is valid for Australians (as I've previously purchased the game), however, Kotaku AU has verfied the story.

If you haven't played the game before, I would urge you to take the plunge. It's not like it will cost you anything!

Have a good weekend. What are y'all playing?

Regards,

Dutch

The Grey Guide

Note: Some of these vendors employ region-specific pricing; so I can only vouch for the benefits that these sites provide for Australian consumers.

I buy a lot of games. For anyone who has been reading my work for a sustained amount of time, this may have been obvious: but I wanted to state for the record that a great deal of my income is spent on videogames and the odd peripheral. My loving wife has long been supportive of my habit, but when I pause and reflect on the last few years, it's almost scary to think how much cash that I've shelled out on anything from latest releases to dust-collecting consoles and peripherals (Wii and Kinect: I'm looking at you). New releases for consoles can cost three figure sums, and the price of collector's editions can be as much as a console!  

Thankfully, I discovered some legal means of reducing this expenditure; and by reduce, I mean save as much as half on each game that I buy. I'm not buying a smaller quantity of games, mind you: just getting more for about the same amount of money. Grey importing and online retail have allowed for me to enjoy all of the latest games - and in some case, tech - for a fraction of the price. I thought that I'd share a few sites that I swear by, as well as those that require some careful consideration before jumping in:

Winners

·    ozgameshop (www.ozgameshop.com): These guys have never done me wrong. Based in the UK, they offer games and peripherals for all current consoles and portables for a fraction of the Australian retail price. If you're happy to wait a few weeks or months after release, you can pick up some genuine bargains on collector's editions and other unnecessary - but somehow necessary - items. Orders usually take about two weeks to reach Australia, and their response to email queries is always prompt; so you'll never lose sleep wondering what happened to your hard-earned cash. Free postage is offered on all orders and prices are displayed in Australian dollars.

·    Steam (www.steampowered.com): Some speak of Steam as though it is a great evil than cannot be trusted. I look at Steam as a paid-for Christmas that arrives with daily, mid-week, weekend and seasonal promotions that can't be bested by any retailer on this list. Sure, you can moan about how the game is never truly yours, but twenty-seven dollars for all three Assassin's Creed games was enough for me to dismiss any argument against Valve's eCommerce monster. The only downside is the occasional - becoming frustratingly more frequent - instance of "region pricing," where publishers opt to charge a higher price to Australian users. Ninety-nine US dollars for Modern Warfare 3 is just plain greedy Activision: with or without the free copy of CoD4. All prices are displayed in US dollars.

·    Play Asia (www.play-asia.com): Another provider of great repute, Play Asia sell everything from consoles to action figures. They sell different region copies of each new release, so provided that you don't mind Chinese text on your box art, you'll often be able to save even more. If you're buying games for region-locked consoles, the individual product listings will advise whether games are compatible with your console (3DS  and Wii games are a no-go, AAA 360 releases are often region free). While you have to pay for postage, there are options for every budget and level of mania. By this I mean that I always shell out the extra dough for FedEx delivery (which takes about three days to reach you). Play-Asia's customer service team respond to enquiries quickly and amending/cancelling orders is easy as pie. All prices are displayed in US dollars.

·    Green Man Gaming (www.greenmangaming.com): This site offers Steam keys for PC games and - in some cases - also allow for games to be played via their own downloader, Capsule. They usually offer fifteen percent off pre-orders and also regularly distribute vouchers which can take as much as an additional twenty percent off their already low prices. For some older titles, there is even the ability to trade-in your digital copy. I've never used the system before, and the trade in values aren't great, but it is another way to save even more dosh. They don't have an expansive range, but they are signing up more publishers, and offering more games with each passing week. For Australian customers, all prices are displayed in US dollars.

·    The Hut (http://www.thehut.com/games.dept): Now I've only shopped once with this site, but the transaction was extraordinary. I ordered Dungeon Siege III (X360) for just over twenty bucks. My game didn't arrive within the designated timeframe, and all I had to do was notify their courteous team for a replacement to be sent out. No fuss, no extra conditions, no probing questions: better service than you'd receive at any brick-and-mortar store. They have regular specials and "two for" promos that are well worth checking out. I should note that they also sell brand name clothes, toys, DVDs and Blu-Rays as well. No charge for postage, and all prices are displayed in GBP.

Buyer Beware (but still worth a look)

·    CDKEYSHERE (http://www.cdkeyshere.com/): This site sells CD keys for Steam, Origin, GFWL and more at certifiably-insane prices. "How insane?" I hear you ask. How about Warhammer 40K: Space Marine for 25 US dollars? That crazy enough for you? It was batty enough for me to jump, grabbing Call of Duty: Black Ops for less than twenty bucks as well; but then I read the fine-print. No problems with Space Marine, but Black Ops was another kettle of fish. It was the Russian version, and if I wanted to redeem the key, I needed to have a Russian VPN, or give these guys my Steam login: neither was on the cards. Thankfully, after a minimum of fuss, they gave me a refund, but this served as a powerful lesson: read the fine-print!

·    G2Play (http://www.g2play.net/store/): I haven't used these guys yet, but it looks as though they are running a similar operation to CDKEYSHERE. Read the fine-print, people!

 

A quarter of the retail price? Surely you jest, my Lord.

Any vendors of choice that I may have missed? Do you buy online, or are you still a bricks-and-mortar player?

Important, potentially-heartwarming, Dutch note: Congratulations to regular Friday contributor, Dawson on his brand-new bundle of joy, Bradley David. Best wishes to Tim, Sherri, Libby and the newest addition to the Dawson family!

Battle of the Bargain Bulge: My wallet's retreat from Steam's Summer Camp Sale

There are two times in a calendar year that I've come to fear. Times when reason is discarded on the promise of unbeatable prices, on all but the most recent of releases. I'm talking of course about Steam's two major sales: one in summer, one for the Holiday season, both causing unspeakable damage to the budgets and resolves of all but the most frugal of gamers. Now these sales are particularly painful for me because I am undisciplined and anything but frugal. People talk about their "pile of shame," but most can rest easy in the knowledge that their towers will be eclipsed by my quarry of unplayed videogames. I wish I could say that it was just digital acquisitions, but my desire to consume has led to a tangible and intangible mass of gaming gluttony. A mass that is only set to grow in size after some of the unbelievable offers that I’ve seen in the first few days of the Summer Camp bonanza.

 Beware of adorable marketing material!

Some of the offers seem too good to be true. Most would lead many (myself included) to question their preference for console gaming. Sure, the initial investment required to purchase a capable machine would be greater than the purchase price of a console; but at this crazy time of year, games can be three or so times cheaper than the console equivalent. Take yesterday's ridiculous Battlefield Pack as an example: $9.99 USD for one of last year's best shooters, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and all available DLC. Compare that to the best price for a console version which is $29.95 AUD for the game, plus another $19.95 AUD for the Battlefield: Vietnam expansion (on PSN) and another $20 plus for the Onslaught and Spec Act packs. Now I own the game and all DLC on the Playstation 3 and I seriously considered buying it on PC. I wish I could explain the logic behind this impulsive purchase decision, but it took all of my self-control to remove the pack from my cart.

Best. Value. EVER!

Let's not forget about the publisher packs either. Some of these deals are so amazing that you had best bring some smelling salts or - at the very least - ensure that you are seated whilst perusing the Steam Store. The THQ Hit Collection is causing me the most headaches. Dawn of War II and each of its expansions (including the recently-released Retribution), the self-maligned Homefront, Darksiders, Red Faction: Guerilla and more for less than the recommended retail price of a Platinum game for the Playstation 3. To someone who has spent most of their time buying for and playing games on consoles, such a proposition is baffling, though irrevocably beautiful at the same time. What have I done to deserve such unbelievable prices, holy Steam?

I'm not just buying console ports either. The Summer sale will allow me to indulge in some smaller scale releases that I wouldn't normally purchase. Garshasp: The Monster Slayer and the Magicka Complete Pack will be my first indie acquisitions, but I'm also looking at picking up Jamestown and Terraria before this circus of value comes to a close.

Events like this will only serve to secure Steam's monopoly of the digital market. EA recently announced their "Biggest Sale Ever," via their Origin service (sale items also feature on the iOS App Store and Xbox Live Marketplace) which is not only exclusive to customers based in the US but also fails to offer anything anywhere near as enticing as Steam's near-fortnight of peerless savings. There are rare challenges to Steam’s ability to offer value for money. Recent examples include Good Old Games’ (gog.com) offer of extra store credit to Australian consumers who purchased The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings at the inflated Australian region price and perhaps also, their Interplay “Staycation,” which allowed gamers to pick up the first two installments of the Fallout franchise in addition to turn-based RPG spin-off, Fallout Tactics for just under three US dollars each. GamersGate are worth a look as well, for sure; but ultimately, nothing beats a good Steaming.

Have you been indulging in the sale? Do you cherish these times of the year, or, have you come to fear them like myself?