Pros: You get to see the artistry of a new game, feel the game play, find out that it works on your computer, talk about the game, create excitement for its release, find errors that we can let the developer know about in time for release, and decide you want to buy the game yourself.
Cons: You get to see the artistry of a new game, feel the game play, find out that it doesn't work on your computer, talk about the game, tell people you hated it, find errors that we still see once the game has been released, and decide that you aren't going to buy the game yourself.
So focus testing, betas, and trials can do a lot of good or a lot of harm to a game. It seems like it must be a double edged sword for game companies to release even a bit of their game early to some portion of the general public.
But should we necessarily make a decision on a game based solely on a 30-60 minute trial?
What games have you played the trial and disliked, were unsure of, or thought it wasn't worth the money but then later found out that it was a great game?
What games have you played the trial and immediately bought the game, only to be disappointed in your purchase?
I think it was a Mortimer Becket (but not sure) game that I played the trial of and then bought the game and then finished the game within minutes after purchasing it. I was sooooooo angry. That really annoyed me. So, after that, I began reading reviews of new games before purchasing, just to see what others' opinions were. I'm a big fan of reviews. I also know Casamir beta tests games and I truly value her opinion since we like so many of the same games and she's always right! We both love the HOG games.
I enjoyed the Cake Mania and Burger Island series so far, but I am always disappointed to buy a game and find out there is no Global High Score. I wanna see if I'm beating you guys or sucking wind, ya know?
I am with Roni, i can't think of the game i played the trial and then bought it and like second later the I had beaten it. I will have to go back to the games i have and think of it. I remember playing it and then saying that was it i spent 20 bucks for that. I enjoyed the game but it was like i bought it and it was over. O i wish i could think of it ...think , think....
