Four Player Co-op 02.01.12: Microsoft, BioShock Infinite, Mario Party 9, More

Posted by Stephen Randle on 02.01.2012

Does the idea of a "1999 Mode" in BioShock Infinite intrigue us? Are we happy to be seeing the potential end of the Microsoft Points system? Is there any interest left in the Mario Party franchise? The 411 Staff debates these topics and more in the latest 4PC!



Todd Vote has joined the game.
Dan Watson has joined the game.
Jeremy Thomas has joined the game.

Quizmaster

Greetings, and welcome to another edition of Four Player Co-op. I am the Quizmaster, feared and beloved overlord of this domain, where our players answer questions to the best of their abilities, and I decide if they're good enough. Fortunately, I have low standards.

Start the game!

QUESTION ONE: This sounds like a good idea: by the end of 2012, Microsoft may finally be doing away with their much-maligned Microsoft Points system that is currently the only way to buy downloadable content on X-Box Live (as well as several other Microsoft-related applications). The MS Points system has been derided for many reasons, including the confusing pricing structure ($1 does not equal 100 points, as is the case with Nintendo's points system) and the fact that it was very easy to have points left over that couldn't be used on anything. Word is that Microsoft will be converting to the use of real-world currency instead. Are we happy about this?

Todd Vote

Yes. I've come to a level of acceptance with points. What I mean to say is I have accepted the fact that to get something, I always have to buy more points than I need. For instance, if I want to rent two movies, it will cost 640 points. To get that I have to buy 800 points at $10. The good thing about this, is that I was always able to look at the points as ‘money I've already spent', which in turn would make it easier to spend the last 160 points or so on a music video or maybe something for my avatar. Having said that, I am completely ready to pay for what I get and get what I paid for. It will be nice not to have spend five dollars because I want to rent a $3 movie.

Dan Watson

You know, I really never minded the idea that 800 points weren't $8.00. In fact, after so many years I have grown accustomed to it. Why not just roll this change over to the next console? Does every company need to have uniform currency so that people cannot do simple math to find out how much something costs. Microsoft made it simple enough, content and games were 400 Microsoft points ($5.00) 800 mp ($10) 1200 mp ($15). Simple math tells you that 1MP costs 0.8 cents. 100 points is 80 cents. 200 points is 1.60, etc. In the end, I think we may have screwed ourselves by complaining. Now, it is going to cost more ( I am sure Microsoft isn't going to just convert its whole system to make things easier) than normal for content that should already be included most of the time in games. Are 4 map packs really worth $10 more? Shouldn't that be in the game already?

Jeremy Thomas

I am indeed. Granted, I don't have an Xbox so it doesn't do me a lick of good, but the benefits extend beyond the financial ones posed in the question. I always dislike it when currency is put in a cutesy, kid-friendly format because it doesn't give kids perspective on how much is being spent. 100 Microsoft Points; what does that even mean? If they know that an XBLA game or DLC pack costs $9.99 or $15.99 or whatever, they have a better perspective and a better handle on money period. And that can only be a good thing.

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Quizmaster

Wow, look how much Microsoft broke Todd's spirit. I guess it's only fair that he get 23 points. Which are only actually worth 17 points under the secret system I can't tell you about. Also, we have no 23 point cards, so Todd, you owe me 5 bucks for the 30 point card, but you can't use those last 7 points for anything.

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QUESTION TWO: It looks like with the demise of their controversial Qwikster idea, Netflix will not be going forward with plans to add video game rentals to their "rent by mail" service, bolstering beliefs that the online rental giant is looking to phase out the physical, disc-based side of their operation completely, relying only on online streaming and downloading. What do you think about their decision?

Todd Vote

I guess I don't follow here. How does not adding another disc based rental option in video games, mean they are trying to phase out the disc based rentals? I mean I don't discount that Netflix may be trying to phase out the disc rental, but I would chalk this up more to the fact that there are already several sites that offer game rentals, and probably are able to do it more efficiently than Netflix could do. I wouldn't say this is a sign of them wanting to end the disc service.

Dan Watson

This is a smart business decision. I don't think Redbox is killing it with their game rental program. I have a few friends that will rent games day one and not return them. There are two reasons this works. 1) You pay $2 up front and aren't charged for an additional 30 days. 2) The most they are going to charge you is $56 additional dollars because after the 28th day of rental, they automatically charge you. So you just saved money in the long run and it is cash flow positive. How many people are telling Gamefly and similar companies that the disc didn't make it. Netflix is smart to stay away. People are scam artists.

Jeremy Thomas

Lemme give you a bit of perspective as a former Netflix employee why I think this is a smart move. Netflix has always been strongest when it had one focus. Whenever they've started to turn their focus away from physical DVDs and streaming entertainment, things have gone drastically downhill. Netflix's line on video game rentals was always that they had no plans to do so because they wanted to focus on what they were best at. And as I said, when they lost focus (Qwikster and all that nonsense) the backlash was painful and resounding. Netflix is a good company and I didn't even mind the price increase, which I considered to be a fair bump for what we were getting from the company, but letting the video game side drop is smart. As to physical disc-based media, it will go away eventually but not for a while yet. While it's a smaller part of their subscriber base at this point than the streaming, the profit margin on the DVD side is much higher right now due to the costs of content licensing. They'll keep physical discs at least for the next couple years, if not further.

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Quizmaster

In case any of the proper authorities want to contact Dan about his complete knowledge of how to rip off Redbox, I have no idea where you can find him. Meanwhile, Jeremy gets 234 points for exposing the fact that there are actually Netflix employees. I thought the whole thing was run by robots.

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QUESTION THREE: So, if you thought there weren't any big games to come out for Wii, well, they've got at least one more, as a teaser trailer for Mario Party 9 has been released, and it is set to come out on the current generation console, not the Wii U. Some of you may remember Mario Party 8, which was a glorified Gamecube port that had motion controls added and was tossed onto shelves shortly after the Wii was released. It was not well received, and the Party franchise has been dormant until now. With all the many, many (, many, many) mini-game-based releases out there, especially on Wii, is the world going to be very accepting of another addition to the Mario Party franchise?

Todd Vote

Do you see the first word in the title of that game? What was it again? Mario? Well then of course it is going to sell, and sell and sell. Plus, Nintendo seems to be able to learn from their mistakes when they make games. You can bet your ass that they took all the criticisms of Mario Party 8, and will be making something far more appealing with the 9th game. Wow, is there really already 8 of them?

Dan Watson

Mario Party used to be a fun game that was different every year. Man has that changed. The boards are terrible, the game play is miserable, and worst of all its the same every year. Why aren't more people complaining about this like they do Madden? I am constantly disappointed and bored while playing the newer installments of this game. Part of the problem is Wii. Its only so fun for so long and then you realize you just look stupid. I don't think this will be any exception to the above stated.

Jeremy Thomas

I think the world will be wary of anything with a 9 at the end of the title. There's no way that a franchise can maintain originality and innovation that long and Mario Party is obviously no exception with what happened on MP 8. I think it's kind of silly to try and revamp a franchise on a console whose shelf life already has an expiration date, but then Nintendo isn't particularly known for its bright decisions in the last year or so, are they?

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Quizmaster

Dan and Jeremy are down on the franchise, but sadly Todd's going to win 4632 points because he's right, it's got "Mario" in the title, it'll be a big seller. We're so very predictable in that way.

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QUESTION FOUR: And to finish up, something interesting from the creators of Bioshock Infinite. They call it "1999 Mode", a homage to the System Shock game that ultimately led to Bioshock. Think of it as a "super hardcore mode", where your decisions could make the difference between progression and restarting the whole game, where you have to choose your weapon wisely, because you'll be locking yourself out of others, and where there just isn't enough ammo, health, or other items to be wasting any. Are you ready for that kind of high-pressure, nerves on edge, the next corner could be your death, type of gameplay?

Todd Vote

If that is what you are into, more power to you. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem playing a game on the hardest difficulty. Castlevania: Lords of Shadows was particularly difficult, and was quite the endurance test. But you know, they point of games for me, first and foremost, is to have fun, and use it as a way to unwind after a particularly grueling day at the office. There is a fine line between difficult, and controller breaking anger. This "1999 Mode" seems like it will be more the stuff that will cause me to break things than the type that will just offer more of a challenge. I might give the mode a shot, but I don't see it being something I stick with.

Dan Watson

This actually sounds pretty amazing if you ask me and you did. This game mode could be one of those industry changing type game modes. The idea that you can lose out on items just by picking a different item seems good enough without the idea of everything else being so limited and so challenging. This is going to make the game well worth it, I am sure. On top of all that, it is taking place within a game that is going to sell great anyways so it wasn't even needed.

Jeremy Thomas

As just an option instead of a necessary, sure. I always enjoy an option where it's do or die, and die is much more likely, as a diversion from the regular game grind. I always view the hardcore modes and such as ways to blow off steam and that would be no different for me. Of course, with my luck I'd find a way to get stuck in it and not be able to go back to normal mode, which would drive me insane but hey, whatever works.

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Quizmaster

Speaking as someone who doesn't even play "Hard" mode in games, I suspect this mode is not for me. The concept is intriguing, but like Todd (who gets 12843 points), I don't play games to frustrate the hell out of me. I have a job, pets, and Vince McMahon's inability to remember that he runs a wrestling organization, not a variety show, for that.

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BONUS QUESTION: I'm off to prepare for my annual watching of the Royal Rumble, find something to amuse the readers with, would you?

Todd Vote

I would like to encourage everyone to check out the new Top 5 Column when it goes live Thursday. Sean Garmer is stepping in to take over. His first week will be tackling the Top 5 Best Wii Games since the console was introduced. I'm not sure what changes he will be making to the format, but I'm sure he has some things lined up to make the column his own. Check it out, give Sean a chance, and remember to give him a few weeks to find his voice within the column.

Dan Watson

Well, I too watched the rumble and was not wowed by any means but also wasn't disappointed. The Rumble was a good representation of what wrestling has become. The commentators are too involved in the action and only water it down. The mid card is a joke and can only be used to make people laugh. And last but not least, the company is trying to push new talent down our throats but the new talent (minus a few shinning stars) is very plain and boring. I just hope that they get better soon.

Jeremy Thomas

To amuse the readers, I present...the Key of Awesome.

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Please wait…Host is calculating scores…

HIGH SCORE

SHEAMUS WINS
WELL, HE DID WIN THE RUMBLE
SO IT COUNTS
COME BACK NEXT WEEK TO TRY AGAIN

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