Why you shouldn't buy used Atlus games

[mrbakasan]

I just wanted to throw my two cents out there about why I think you should generally avoid buying Atlus games used and buy them new instead.

Whenever you buy a used game, the publisher/developer makes zero money off it. It is 100% profit for the game retailer. And while I have no problem supporting my local game store, I prefer to know that publisher is making their fair share of the profit from their games. With a company such as Atlus, that releases more odd and niche games than do most companies, we need to give them our full support. It may be an extra 5 bucks to buy a game new, but you know that with that five dollars 1) No one elses grubby hands have been all over your game (obviously) and 2) the more they sell new, the more likely it is that sequels, etc., will be released stateside.

I fully recognize that there are some Atlus games that you are only going to find used (and I'm not talking about those titles), but I just thought I'd throw this out there for anyone who doesn't realize that when you buy a game used, the people makin' the game make nothing off of it.

I hope this didn't come across as too preachy, but I figured it might be food for thought for anyone who hadn't thought about that aspect of the game industry.

[massaker]

Hmm,

The way I understand it is the game shops pay nearly full price, so the games are allready bought without customers even buying them. What needs to happen is them selling out so they have to get another delivery in or order a larger amount to begin with. Not saying buying new doesn't help, I allways buy new. Thats how it seems to happen here anyway, it's just what I've found out because I was interested in who gets my money. If thats all incorrect, thats fine with me. It might happen differently in the states.

Pre-ordering would be the most helpful. Your ordering one extra copy ontop of the copies they were allready ordering. Straight from the publisher.

Or something.

[Luna]

Haha, if it was possbile to buy the games new from atlus I wouldn't have a problem with that. Though, I doubt they plan on reprinting Persona 2 or anything.

Anywho, i'm cheep. So less money spent on one game means more money towards another thing.

[mrbakasan]

Hmm,

Pre-ordering would be the most helpful. Your ordering one extra copy ontop of the copies they were allready ordering. Straight from the publisher.

Or something.

This is totally true, yet there are unfortunately too many people who don't preorder. Preordering the game, from my understanding, is by very helpful to the publishers.

[Pibbman]

I order whichever way saves me money. In general Atlus I'll get their stuff new since they never last long, more specifically their SMT series. The rest I'll buy whatever saves me money.

I can't afford such luxuries especially in these rough economic times.

[jeffx]

did this thread really need to be made? this deserves a big fat CAPTAIN OBVIOUS animated GIF.

besides most used games tend to be icky. I'll only buy used if it's out of print, top condition and cheap as dirt. owning them is great but the hunt is half the fun.

PS :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[Fuyukaze]

They made their money on it the first time it sold, why should they make more each time it sells? It's not piracy, it's not P2P sharing, it's not even theft. My money, my rules. I dont see Atlus taking the stance twords it's customers.

[VMan]

As others have said, when you buy a game new, you are not directly generating a profit toward the publisher. Retailers buy stock from the publisher, mark up the price, then resell them to you.

The way publishers continue to make money is by retailers selling through their stock, prompting them to buy more from the publisher.

But also like others have said, I think at least most of us here are aware of the importance of good sales for publisher of niche games and you're probably preaching to the choir. That being said, in the big picture, secondhand markets exist in all major entertainment industries (and beyond) and they aren't going anywhere.

[mrbakasan]

did this thread really need to be made? this deserves a big fat CAPTAIN OBVIOUS animated GIF.


I think you be suprised what is and is not obvious to people. While you and I may have some rudimentary understanding of how the financial side of the gaming industry works, many people probably have never really thought about it.

They made their money on it the first time it sold, why should they make more each time it sells? It's not piracy, it's not P2P sharing, it's not even theft. My money, my rules. I dont see Atlus taking the stance twords it's customers.

I'm not suggesting that to buy used games is equivalent to piracy, but rather I'm arguing that people should realize who they are supporting when you spend your money. It makes no difference to me how you spend your money, but I think it is important to be an informed consumer and to think about the impact, of what you are buying, on you as a consumer. Less new unit sold = less sequels, etc.

As far as Atlus not taking a stance, I'm sure you are right; however, the industry in general has taken a stance. Game publishing companies and hardware developers have been trying to come up with ways to avoid having their games resold. Sony for one has started selling some games on PSN (i.e. Burnout/Warwak) because you can't resell what you don't have on a disc.

[mrbakasan]

That being said, in the big picture, secondhand markets exist in all major entertainment industries (and beyond) and they aren't going anywhere.

I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with the used game market (or any used medium market for that matter), but for a company like Atlus (which isn't the largest publishing company out there) it is smarter for us to avoid buying Atlus games used when one can because it helps support our collective obsession with non-mainstream titles.

[TheLD]

I order whichever way saves me money. In general Atlus I'll get their stuff new since they never last long, more specifically their SMT series. The rest I'll buy whatever saves me money.

I can't afford such luxuries especially in these rough economic times.

I completely agree. I pre-order Atlus games more so than other companies (besides for some pre-order bonuses) because they tend to run out of print fast.

I honestly dislike Gamestop's generalization theology which really kills the old Funco Land, comic book store feel (where the owners/employees actually cared and wanted to help you, I loved those guys as a kid). But I do buy their used games when they give me good deals since, like you said, its hard econmic times!

I can barely afford to eat let alone buy video games.

[Merid]

Out of curiousity, has anyone ever pre-ordered a game from a store and had the pre-order dropped due to lack of requests? This happened to me once many years ago and I didn't think twice about it then, but it sounds kinda shady when I think about it now...

[jeffx]

^ that's one hell of a crappy store. Stick to amazon, they're basically the official front for Atlus games nowadays anyway.

[Igor]

I have to agree with this in part because I really do spend a lot of my hard earned money trying to buy the games that I know I'll want brand new, but there are a few games that I never really know about.

Take Dual Hearts for example. At the time of its release I had a PS2, but the game didn't look like it was going to be all that interesting and so I quickly passed it up for some of the bigger games out at the time. (I'm thinking I got Ratchet and Clank instead) But when I finally got to play a demo of the game I really wanted to get my hands on the game and without the game being in print of course I had to buy used.

So the problem of course isn't the game quality, but it also depends on a persons situation at the time. If someone has more income and more cash to burn then sure they can pre-order all that they want, but when you're living on a fixed income with not much money you can't pre-order Ys, Resident Evil 5, Street Fighter IV, Dark Spire, Trackmania, Pokemon: Platinum, and Tokyo Beatdown all in one season. So sometimes people do need to make sacrifices and buy games used instead.

Generally I choose to buy Atlus produced or developed games used because I know that the people that sell them are usually people that take good care of their games because Atlus has such a devoted group of hardcore gamers that truly appreciate their games.

[fhqwhgads]

Sometimes buying used is just a matter of money. I know I buy used when I want several things, but I prefer new games, and have gravitated to preordering everything I can be bothered to buy. If I don't really want something, I'll buy it later used when it's cheaper.

[mrbakasan]

So the problem of course isn't the game quality, but it also depends on a persons situation at the time. If someone has more income and more cash to burn then sure they can pre-order all that they want, but when you're living on a fixed income with not much money you can't pre-order Ys, Resident Evil 5, Street Fighter IV, Dark Spire, Trackmania, Pokemon: Platinum, and Tokyo Beatdown all in one season. So sometimes people do need to make sacrifices and buy games used instead.


I certainly agree with your sentiment and took for granted that many people really cannot afford to necessarily buy new. However, I do know people that do extremely well for themselves and wouldn't buy a game new to save their life...because they are absurdly cheap, not unable to afford it.

I'm certianly not against the used game market (although I admittedly could live without GameStop). I just think that if an individual can afford it, and they are a big fan of Atlus, it is to their benefit to buy new for multiple reasons.

[Pibbman]

I order whichever way saves me money. In general Atlus I'll get their stuff new since they never last long, more specifically their SMT series. The rest I'll buy whatever saves me money.

I can't afford such luxuries especially in these rough economic times.

I completely agree. I pre-order Atlus games more so than other companies (besides for some pre-order bonuses) because they tend to run out of print fast.

I honestly dislike Gamestop's generalization theology which really kills the old Funco Land, comic book store feel (where the owners/employees actually cared and wanted to help you, I loved those guys as a kid). But I do buy their used games when they give me good deals since, like you said, its hard econmic times!

I can barely afford to eat let alone buy video games.


Oh man, I forgot about Funco Land, man that store was amazing.

[VMan]

I order whichever way saves me money. In general Atlus I'll get their stuff new since they never last long, more specifically their SMT series. The rest I'll buy whatever saves me money.

I can't afford such luxuries especially in these rough economic times.

I completely agree. I pre-order Atlus games more so than other companies (besides for some pre-order bonuses) because they tend to run out of print fast.

I honestly dislike Gamestop's generalization theology which really kills the old Funco Land, comic book store feel (where the owners/employees actually cared and wanted to help you, I loved those guys as a kid). But I do buy their used games when they give me good deals since, like you said, its hard econmic times!

I can barely afford to eat let alone buy video games.


Oh man, I forgot about Funco Land, man that store was amazing.

I remember it being overpriced...

[Igor]

I certainly agree with your sentiment and took for granted that many people really cannot afford to necessarily buy new. However, I do know people that do extremely well for themselves and wouldn't buy a game new to save their life...because they are absurdly cheap, not unable to afford it.

I'm certianly not against the used game market (although I admittedly could live without GameStop). I just think that if an individual can afford it, and they are a big fan of Atlus, it is to their benefit to buy new for multiple reasons.
Living without GameStop would be nice, but there are too many casual gamers on the market and too many of them are purchasing used games from gamestop because they don't know about the smaller ma & pa shops in the area or have experience with eBay, Goozex, or other sites dedicated to swapping video games.

[slayn]

eBay, Goozex, or other sites dedicated to swapping video games.

For the purposes of this thread, none of these are any better than Gamestop.

[hibiki_takami]

My take on it is that I would gladly pay full price for Atlus games... but there are some of us that are slow (i.e. me) and have only just recognized that some of the earlier Atlus games as golden.

So yea, I would've loved it if I was able to buy Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2 and SMT: Nocturne from Atlus - but they're so rare right now that my best bet was to buy them used.

My recommendation? Have an Atlus store where you can order these wonderful goodies! I'd be glad to pay Atlus directly for all these wonderful games!

[Kakizaki]

^At one time there was an Atlus store, but for whatever reason, it no longer exists.

[hibiki_takami]

^At one time there was an Atlus store, but for whatever reason, it no longer exists.

I was going to suggest since Atlus has Amazon links that link to their games maybe they can make an aStore that has just atlus games and just link it from the main page? But that's too bad... probably the upkeep was too much.

[Demonis]

Don't most people know how used games work? I wanted to buy Persona 2 but because it got sapped up in 5 minutes last time they reprinted, I was deprived the ability to give atlus more money, now... I face punks selling it for insane numbers.

[DevilRy]

It's kind of insane how cheap imported 3rd thru 5th generation consoles and games are going for nowadays.

Given the tenor of this thread though, I feel like it would be a great time to sell off my NA SMT games. :D

[TheLD]

Oh man, I forgot about Funco Land, man that store was amazing.

I remember it being overpriced...
It was sometimes, but when it was an imported Saturn game back when there was no play-asia for that kinda stuff, it was well worth the hiked price. WELL WORTH IT (love my Saturn, only if I didn't have import every good game). Not to mention the best store employees I've ever met, they even recommended me Final Fantasy VI (FFIII at the time) since I was trying to get into RPGs. Oh yeah, best piece of advice ever.

I loved that store, too bad it was absorbed.

Don't most people know how used games work? I wanted to buy Persona 2 but because it got sapped up in 5 minutes last time they reprinted, I was deprived the ability to give atlus more money, now... I face punks selling it for insane numbers.
****ing hate that, still trying to get Tactics Ogre...still...



Anyway I get what you mean Mr.Bakasan and trust me, I'd REALLY prefer to get new games (but like someone said above, Atlus games are usually well kept) and help out Atlus vs. Gamestop, sometimes I just can't!

[Kakizaki]

It was sometimes, but when it was an imported Saturn game back when there was no play-asia for that kinda stuff, it was well worth the hiked price. WELL WORTH IT (love my Saturn, only if I didn't have import every good game).There may have not been PA, but there was NCSX, Videogamedepot, Lik Sang, Game Cave, Cart Mart, or any number of over the phone places. The prices Funco had listed for some of that stuff were ridiculous -- hardly any of them ever had import Saturn games in stock anyway.

You can credit EB's partnership with Tommo for even being able to find some of that stuff at mainstream game retailers anyway.

[Daroki]

I guess the long and the short of it is that it's up to the game companies to create experiences that I *don't* want to get rid of. There seems to be three major themes that this is taking shape of:

1) Create a game experience so good that the player doesn't want to let go of it.

2) Print a reasonable amount of physical copies of the game or use downloadable services such as XBox Live, The Playstation Store, or Steam to limit accessibility to the game.

3) Use downloadable content to expand your game world and continually make it fresh. The less effort needed the better.

If your game has any one of these things, the less likely it's going to show up used. If it has multiples, you're golden. I don't see many used SMT games unless they're being sold at a premium. I don't see many used copies of Burnout Paradise floating around. You're not going to see a PS1 version of Suikoden for less then you'll pay the Playstation Store for the ROM.

Given the option of buying new versus buying used, if a game is going to have two of these things going for it, I'll buy new. (Take Persona or especially DDS2, it had a great story that I was looking forward to completing and it was going to have a smaller print run since as a sequel it would be capped by DDS1's sales. Was that preordered and a Day 1 purchase? Yes.) If it has one, then it'd have to be in a dead zone where there's no better options out there. (I owned a copy of Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, did I need Afternoon? Only when it started becoming scarce around my area did I pick it up.) If it has none of these things going for it, I'll let it hit the bargain bin if I even want to spend my time on it. (I was bored, and Trapt was $8. I liked the deception series so I picked it up.)

Atlus fortunately usually hits two of the three topics (they create good game experiences and print a reasonable amount of copies of their games). Therefore, they get preorders from me and the money on day 1. Other companies... not so much.

[slayn]

****ing hate that, still trying to get Tactics Ogre...still...!

It's not particularly hard to find, you just have to be willing to pony up about a hundred bucks.

[Igor]

For the purposes of this thread, none of these are any better than Gamestop.
I think you may have misread my post by a bit, while there is no doubt in my mind that they are bad for atlus I was simply mentioning that they were a better way to find the games you want at a more reasonable price than giving your hard earned money to EB or Gamestop.

LD & Demonis: I hate when that happens. When a game is released as more people play it the prices should go down, but certain Atlus games almost always retain or even grow in their price. Look at even stuff that most people who wanted them have them like Digital Devil Saga. Just the first one alone still runs about 45-50 USD.

[TheLD]

It was sometimes, but when it was an imported Saturn game back when there was no play-asia for that kinda stuff, it was well worth the hiked price. WELL WORTH IT (love my Saturn, only if I didn't have import every good game).There may have not been PA, but there was NCSX, Videogamedepot, Lik Sang, Game Cave, Cart Mart, or any number of over the phone places. The prices Funco had listed for some of that stuff were ridiculous -- hardly any of them ever had import Saturn games in stock anyway.

You can credit EB's partnership with Tommo for even being able to find some of that stuff at mainstream game retailers anyway.

Really? I didn't have a computer (let alone internet) till 2000 so I didn't know that there was really anything like that back then (my story took place in 1997).

Honestly I had no bad experiences or extreme prices with my Funco. Land, but I live in a low income zone so that might've made some difference and apparently stores back then weren't always the same even with the same name.

It's not particularly hard to find, you just have to be willing to pony up about a hundred bucks.
That's what I meant, people jackking up the prices, and that that its not even THAT rare like Team Buddies (need) or something. I don't have that kinda money just to dump on one game, no matter how good it is, I just can't.


LD & Demonis: I hate when that happens. When a game is released as more people play it the prices should go down, but certain Atlus games almost always retain or even grow in their price. Look at even stuff that most people who wanted them have them like Digital Devil Saga. Just the first one alone still runs about 45-50 USD.
I understand there's demand, but that's just plain greedy. Especially because these games didn't have such low print runs as the prices would make you think. Its just plain greed, and it pisses the hell outta me. I constantly curse the prices of Atlus' PS1 releases that I never picked up since, "It'll go down". *smacks face*

[Decept]

I keep saying the same thing "Those prices will go down." I am beginning to disbelieve since so many of us are trying to grab those "rare" titles.

[slayn]

That's what I meant, people jackking up the prices, and that that its not even THAT rare like Team Buddies (need) or something. I don't have that kinda money just to dump on one game, no matter how good it is, I just can't.

Tactics Ogre is pretty damned rare.

[Ido]

You're right though, the more the people buy used games the less the company makes also it creates the same type of economic crisis that we're having right one creating an inflation within the market, that can go up to creating less copy of the game, cutting workers off the company, etc.

However, it doesn't affect them that much and I really did exagerate my exemples, since that would be what would happen in a really really rare/extreme event. Those kind of events dangerous to the game company are unrelated to what happens once the game is sold once.

Now the real problem is before the game is sold. I read amongst the post here some things such as, "Pre-ordering a game really helps the company", which I totally agree with. Reasons are simple, Atlus receives calls for their new game and can be assured that they will be sold and can adjust their prints' quantity. That way they make money and lose nothing from them. Afterward it's just about advertising. Talking about the games in good terms with friends, on forums, etc, helps a lot too.

Now I'm not saying it doesn't cost any problems to anyone to buy used games. It does not help anyone else than the customer who's buying and the store. The person that it may cause problems to is the previous game owner. I mean he gets paid peanuts for a game's that's gonna be grossly overpriced. It's one of the main reasons I can't stand buying used games. If you think about it, most used games are not even in good shape. ALSO one very important note, is that any old cartridge games are useless as it gets older, since a lot of them used batteries and they can run out, therefore it only becomes a novelty...

So basicly all that this post meant was, support the companies by talking about their games when they're good. Pre-ordering is good and helps any company. Buying used is up to you but you end up getting the shorter end of the stick anyways and it doesn't really affect the game company.

[VMan]

The person that it may cause problems to is the previous game owner. I mean he gets paid peanuts for a game's that's gonna be grossly overpriced. It's one of the main reasons I can't stand buying used games.

I just wanna say, I have zero sympathy for the person who actually goes to Gamestop and allows themselves to get ripped off HARD by their (I agree) peanut trade-in values. The reason why they are peanut values, BTW, is precisely because they're trying to profit as much off your lack of value for your own stuff as they can. Their entire business is based very much on that. That is a FACT. The people that sell to them know exactly what they're doing, but they probably don't either realize the extent of which they're being taken advantage of or don't care. However, you should realize those types of resellers are but a subset among the people who take a much smarter route and directly sell their games themselves.

[Kakizaki]

Really? I didn't have a computer (let alone internet) till 2000 so I didn't know that there was really anything like that back then (my story took place in 1997).

Yeah really. ;) EGM was littered with adds for Diehard Game Club (eventually became GameFan magazine) in the very, very early 90s along with other import places.

I'm pretty certain Funco didn't start advertising imports in their price guide until '99.

[TheLD]

I keep saying the same thing "Those prices will go down." I am beginning to disbelieve since so many of us are trying to grab those "rare" titles.

It depends on the game, but jeesh, sometimes I just mentally stab myself for not buying it then and there and still regretting it all these years. Though sometimes (especially nowadays) it seems that games you wouldn't expect start shooting up in price?

Tactics Ogre is pretty damned rare.
Actually its rarity level is considered 5, which is starting to get rare, but not quite yet. Unlike more truly rare games like Psychic Detective, Team Buddies, Rakugaki Showtime, Fox Hunt, etc.

[dunno001]

Actually its rarity level is considered 5, which is starting to get rare, but not quite yet. Unlike more truly rare games like Psychic Detective, Team Buddies, Rakugaki Showtime, Fox Hunt, etc.

May I ask what site it is that has the PS1 game rarities? I tried Googling for it, but to no success. I recall seeing an Atari 2600 site years ago, but...

[Kain Mare]

I've always been a pre-order gal since I got my first launch PS2. (I'm still a young-tart, don't mind me.) A lot of my games came from my parents, who did get me interesting games. But that's another tale for another time. Atlus is my main company to pre-order from. As soon as I know a title that I think I will enjoy is out, I get the pre-order. Same with Square, Konami, and a few others. The GameStops near me (about 5 in a 25 mile radius) all suck. You HAVE to pre-order to get the titles you want, or they get one copy to sell (if the employees don't get it first.)

I regret not doing pre-orders when I had a PS1. Then again, I never knew there were places like EB, GameStop, Funco. Land, etc. I always thought the cames came from my parents, BlockBuster and Walmart (The very first game I ever bought was, Kartia, from Walmart. 40 bucks it was, and I never regretted the purchase. I think I was 11-12 at the time). I was a kid then. How the feck was I suppose to know? So now, I look for used at pawn shops and online.

To me, there isn't much of a difference to me when purchasing a new/used game. New, you're the first to play it. Used; second, third or forth gamer to play, with a bit of character added to the game. Character is always nice for a game. It means it was played a lot. Of course, finding a mint condition used game is always a good thing. I've found a few that are in prime condition when I bought them used. :P Besides, I love to hunt for rare titles. Makes the hunt all the more enjoyable.

[Kakizaki]

@dunno

^Probably Digital Press rarity guide.

I think a better idea would be to distinguish rarity from price. Yeah, TO on domestic PSX may not be the most rare game, but its quality, the fact that it is in demand, and its retention level more than drive up the price.

[slayn]

Actually its rarity level is considered 5, which is starting to get rare, but not quite yet. Unlike more truly rare games like Psychic Detective, Team Buddies, Rakugaki Showtime, Fox Hunt, etc.

They key difference between those games and games like Tactics Ogre is, as Kaki hinted at, no one (outside of hardcore collectors) wants those games, but a fairly substantial number of people want games like Tactics Ogre.

Always keep in mind that an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. People are consistently buying Tactics Ogre at ~$100, so...

[Kakizaki]

^Yeah, same kind of thing for Radiant Silvergun (not super common, but not rare either) and Drac X on SCD. I've heard from a pretty reliable source that Drac X is pretty common in Japan but shop owners know people will pay what they pay it.

[Fuyukaze]

Rarity and demand rarely go hand in hand. TO has a number of things going for it that makes it expensive.
1.IT'S GOOD
2.It's Atlus
3.It's semi-hard to find

There's plenty of games just as rare that dont fetch half as much and there are even a number of games that are less rare that fetch more. FFVII is a GH title that reguardless of it's availability still fetches a premium. Castlevania SotN not all that long ago could pull down $100+ prices for the non GH and over 50 for the GH release. Sealed coppies were going for insane amounts as well. I wish I could sell some of my rare stuff for a premium, PoyPoy just isnt fun.

[DamageCity]

I personally tea bag every game I trade in, so when you buy games used just remember that.

[The Liztress]

The person that it may cause problems to is the previous game owner. I mean he gets paid peanuts for a game's that's gonna be grossly overpriced. It's one of the main reasons I can't stand buying used games.

I just wanna say, I have zero sympathy for the person who actually goes to Gamestop and allows themselves to get ripped off HARD by their (I agree) peanut trade-in values. The reason why they are peanut values, BTW, is precisely because they're trying to profit as much off your lack of value for your own stuff as they can. Their entire business is based very much on that. That is a FACT. The people that sell to them know exactly what they're doing, but they probably don't either realize the extent of which they're being taken advantage of or don't care. However, you should realize those types of resellers are but a subset among the people who take a much smarter route and directly sell their games themselves.

Honestly, they aren't the only kinds of people who sell a game to GameStop. There might be a good reason why they have to get the cash right then instead of waiting a few days. With the economy being the way it is, people need every little bit they can get.



But on this subject, I have no problem buying a used copy of an Atlus game as long as it is still in the original case and has the booklet and no scratches on it. Most of their older games can only be bought this way at a pay people can afford. Now, if it's a newer game, I rather get it new.

[Constraint]

I can hardly find any new atlus titles, mainly because I don't buy them from release. The only way I can enjoy atlus titles is if somebody trades in their copy of an Atlus game so that I don't have to drive 2 miles to the next gamestop for just a new copy of an atlus game.

Such examples include the Digital Devil Saga games. I cannot find these ants anywhere.
and no, I don't shop online.

[slayn]

You're complaining about having to drive an extra two miles?

[mrbakasan]

Such examples include the Digital Devil Saga games. I cannot find these ants anywhere.
and no, I don't shop online.

I hope you do find them at some point because, next to SMT: Nocturne, they are IMO two of the best games Atlus has to offer.

[jeffx]

You're complaining about having to drive an extra two miles?

Seriously eh? Wow.

[Kakizaki]

You're complaining about having to drive an extra two miles?


lol, no doubt. I have to drive 30 miles just to get to any type of retailer.

[The Liztress]

Closest place that sells only video games is 20 miles from my house. I don't count Wal-Mart or Kmart as they only sell mainstream titles and even then, it's kiddy games here.

[False]

I've always had to order my games online when it comes to Atlus. The last time that didn't have to happen was a long time ago when I bought, oddly enough, Tactics Ogre. Which I still totally have.

But anyway, the price-jacking is just something that comes with limited releases, I suppose.

[Tatsuya]

The ironic thing is if your lucky, you can find rare games easy on e-bay, for instance, i saw soul hackers for the saturn at 15$ buy it now a few weeks back.

That said, if i can find new, i always buy new.

[King Frost]

Soul Hackers as well as the first Devil Summoner for Saturn seems to be dirt common in Japan. I bought each of them for 5$ in good condition.

[elfarcmaster]

Haha, if it was possbile to buy the games new from atlus I wouldn't have a problem with that. Though, I doubt they plan on reprinting Persona 2 or anything.

Anywho, i'm cheep. So less money spent on one game means more money towards another thing.

i agree with you here, icluding the fact that with the money you save from used games might get you enough to buy urself a brand new game from atlus :D:D:tongue::D:D

[Churchill]

I'll buy them, gleefully for 1/5 the price as some of these games are not worth $60. No, I can honestly say that of the 5 or so games I bought not a sinlge one of them is worth $25 of more.

If atlus were smart they'd lower the price that way I wouldn't have to wait till it hits the used shelves before I pick it up. I don't mind springing $40 or less for a game, but $60 for Spectral force? No way.

[Divals]

I'll buy them, gleefully for 1/5 the price as some of these games are not worth $60. No, I can honestly say that of the 5 or so games I bought not a sinlge one of them is worth $25 of more.

If atlus were smart they'd lower the price that way I wouldn't have to wait till it hits the used shelves before I pick it up. I don't mind springing $40 or less for a game, but $60 for Spectral force? No way.

Umm...

So.. Atlus - which already charges less for a game than most companies - should lower the prices on their niche low-print-run titles... because you don't want to pay full price? *sigh*

[reason1313]

I fall into the extremely rare category when it comes to buying used games. I refuse to trade them in with the only exception of trading in 5 games for Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth.

My used game purchases i can probably count on one hand, and that's because they were must have games that i didn't have a chance to purchase at their release.

None of the used games were Atlus games.

[The God of Summons]

Everyone who's really interested in videogames would buy the brand new games, the most basic way of supporting the industry, but at least for me, it gets really difficult to get the games so I have to download them. Now before you all come down to me in flames, let me explain the situation, as you may know, nor sony microsfot or nintendo bring their games to south america, so what we get here is a game that's been brought or bought by a store who then sells it to the public. Thing is, when you buy something online you have to pay for the shipping, that's about 10 dollars from the USA to my country, so if the game costs 25 dollars then we have to add 10 more, to make it profitable for the shop, they would have to at least sell it at 50 dollars, but since there arent so many shops selling games around, they raise it to 70.
This is obviously expensive, since our currencies tend to lose value when exchanged to the USA Dollar so one would say, why not save some money and buy like 10 or 15 games, well there's a tax here that says if you buy something over the internet that's over 50 dollars including shipping, you have to pay 50% of what you bought, so if you spent 200 dollars in games, you pay 300.
So yeah, I'd love to own brand new games, right now the industry it's not making it possible for me though.

[Zacewing]

I buy used games cause they're cheaper. 'Nuff said.

Atlus made money when the game was purchased the first time around, etc.

Also, I only trade in games if I know I'll never play them again.

[CoarseDragon]

I only buy new games. I don't trust used games.

[Zacewing]

I trust used games, because all of the game stores I buy used games from TEST the games before selling them.

[arromdee]

The market can work in strange ways that aren't so strange when you think about it.

If it's possible to sell a game once you're finished with it, buyers of new games will take that into account. They will be willing to pay more for a game that can be sold used than one which cannot, because they'll get money back at the end, so they really aren't paying more at all.

In effect, buying a used game *does* bring money to the publisher, though indirectly--by raising the market price of new games. (Although it may not be so much if it's filtered through Gamestop, since they don't pay much for used games.)

[Vicious1915]

Haha, if it was possbile to buy the games new from atlus I wouldn't have a problem with that. Though, I doubt they plan on reprinting Persona 2 or anything.

Anywho, i'm cheep. So less money spent on one game means more money towards another thing.

You know when they were about to release Persona 4 they did a limited reprint of Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, exclusive to Amazon.com. I hear it sold out in less than an hour...

I always buy new, if possible, and avoid used games. Places like Gamestop take games in the poorest of conditions and then retail them for average condition price. If I have to buy used, which is rare with online stores stocking factory sealed prints, then it must be in the original case, with manual, and there cannot be the slightest of wear on the packaging, nor any on the manual. I only play RPGs, and I collect them. I never sell my games and I take excellent care of them, so it must come into my care in the condition I would keep it in myself. My BF found a sealed, brand new copy of Digital Devil Saga 2 in his hometown game store for like 19.99. Needless to say he grabbed it, and after months of searching, I only found one online store through Amazon.com who carried Digital Devil Saga 1 Deluxe Edition with Art Box and Soundtrack, factory sealed, brand new ~ for 169.99. I finally sucked it up and bought it.

**Note to online shoppers**
~In 2005, I bought a near mint copy of Persona 2: Eternal Punishment on Ebay. The seller assured me of the games condition. and the pictures justified it. When I recieved my game, the package was stamped "Media Mail - Subject to Inspection." When I opened it, I saw the entire Jewel case had been crushed. The shards of the case were glossy and the manual and discs pristine. It was obvious the seller had sent it in the proper condition, but the U.S. mail service had destroyed my game. I've had my mail delivered torn and even burnt before, so I doubt not the seller. I also hadn't purchased insurance. From that day to this, when I order, I purchase insurance, and I felt the need to warn any other collectors of this possibility.~

P.S. Anyone know where I can order double-jewel cases for old Playstation games? I've always wanted to replace the case but I dunno where to find a replacement...

[Big Bob]

I try to only buy new games, though the second I see a copy of Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne in good condition for a reasonable price, I'm buying it.

[four_black_hearts]

Buy it used if you can't buy it new, but for gods sake don't buy it from GS. :(

[Ecclesiastes]

I bought my box set of the original P3 used at a Game Crazy for 30$. I was planning to get FES, but I went with my guy on it(the box was pretty!). I plan to get FES new, and the person who gave me P4 as a birthday gift respects the company enough to get a new copy.

I *did* buy my copy of Disgaea(my first Atlus game) used as well, but good luck finding a new copy in the fall of 2008.

[Teyania]

I'm not particularly fond of buying used games. I have had issues with them in the past, so I always try to find them new. I've managed to get brand new games from eBay which are not available in stores anymore, but it usually takes a while to find something trustworthy enough. In the end, I think it's up to people what they want to buy, but obviously, the more money Atlus makes, the more games we'll see.

[Son1x]

I try to find a new game. But I often buy older games which I buy used.

[narutolost]

Come now, when you buy the deed to a house from another owner do people complain that you're not paying the original contractor? They've already been paid. Most games don't go through 10 sweaty palms, and end up on a shelf eventually anyway. The fact that the game was purchased just once, already supports the publisher.
Thats common sense.

[falconzss]

i've pre-ordered every game in the last couple of years from atlus that i bought.
doesn't make sense to buy them later on. the prices for used games usually skyrocket (persona, persona 2...).
took me enough money to get my hands on these two games.
atlus is IMO the company that cares most about their fans so i am definitely going to support them as good as i can.

[Ark]

I usually buy whatever's cheaper without compromising on quality. In the case of SMT games, they are actually cheaper new, than buying used.

[Ark]

I bought my box set of the original P3 used at a Game Crazy for 30$. I was planning to get FES, but I went with my guy on it(the box was pretty!). I plan to get FES new, and the person who gave me P4 as a birthday gift respects the company enough to get a new copy.

I *did* buy my copy of Disgaea(my first Atlus game) used as well, but good luck finding a new copy in the fall of 2008.

Good choice, FES is now on sale for $14.99 at gamestop :tongue:

[Zacek]

But I hope Atlus re-re-release Persona 2 again. Please!

[Neveryll]

I buy new games whenever possible. However....

I will buy used games if the game is no longer in circulation. The way I look at it unless a game company is willing to keep rereleasing a game over and over again as demand calls for such, I have no other option than to buy it from third parties that already have it.

I would love to say that I am such a huge Atlus fan that I would rather not buy one of their games if its not coming from a first POS retailer. But I won't go that far.

I am as much of an Atlus fan to say that I won't ever sell one of my Atlus games as it stands. Whenever I buy a used game I like to think of it as "Well this is one more game that won't be in circulation..."

[Foobar]

I'm curious to know from the mighty elite here how we're supposed to get Atlus games that have not been reissued and if they are not available new. It either means buying it used or off Amazon new through some third party that sells to collectors.

I'd also like to hear your plans for keeping retailers open without used games in stock. Its how they stay open now. There is no profit made on selling consoles new and barely a profit on selling games new. Take away used and you wouldn't have anywhere but online stores to buy your physical copies from.

And with a successful, profitiable, and proven digital distribution standard that ensures the security of IPs still not in place, what motive do developers have to go this route?

I'd wager a portion of you villifying Mr. Amazon Seller here are stealing these games anyway via piracy, which is stealing from Atlus. I'm actually flabbergasted by the fact that the admin staff here puts up with subtle referencing to fansubbing and hacking - which help lead directly to piracy. I help admin a certain fansite and we don't even tolerate such discussion, not even hinting.

So basically, get off your high horse. I do my best to find my games new, but that is not always an option. I did buy all my Atlus PS2 and DS titles new, only going the used route if I had to repurchase them. I seek out new, factory sealed titles when I know I can get them

[Terash Cas]

I buy whatever I feel like getting. If I am in a used game store that has a 10 year old sealed game there is no point into thinking buying it will suport the company that made the game.

Most of my games are old as hell nowi'd say about half were original new purchase the rest from a few local stores and online... Lately most of the games I bought used were ou of print for years...

[Takara_Kitsune]

Well, I prefer my games new. I really hate buying used if I can avoid it.

However, I didn't have the proper consoles to get certain games until years after release, or I just overlooked some because of the sheer number of games on certain consoles.

So, I had to buy used on a few games... unfortunately they're not always in the condition I like, but it's just the nature of buying this way. By not in the condition I like, I mean that I'd love to get my used GBA games in the boxes still, and used disc-based games to have the instruction booklets still... but as they say, beggars can't be choosers. (And no way in hell am I spending $85 for something on Amazon or eBay just on the word from the seller that it's "Lightly used and containing all packaging" not after buying Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete that was allegedly in "Like New" condition, but was missing most of the Omake box...)

The true advantage to buying from a dealer like Gamestop on used items really comes from being able to see them before you buy.

I bought Super Robot Taisen Original Generation and Original Generation 2 used, at Gamestop. Thankfully, I bought them at Gamestop. Why? The Original Generation I bought was a counterfeit! I examined it after purchasing it and analyzed it, and then returned it, reporting it as what it was. Unfortunately, I don't know what Gamestop's corporate policy is on counterfeit trade-ins, but, I was able to obtain a legal copy elsewhere. The point is, I've seen the same type of counterfeits on eBay since seeing this fake copy. These copies are signified by both having an "E" rating on a "T" rated game, the boxart as the label, no "Banpresto" logo, "Licesed by Nintendo", and cartridge model AGB-033. (Real model number is AGB-002, for those that don't know). Internally, these carts are using a battery and some sort SRAM chip for everything... meaning that once the battery dies, the game data goes, too. (I'm not talking saves, I'm talking the whole game.)

Oh, well, besides straying off point, what my real point is, I avoid buying used if possible, even moreso if it's online.

[Candle Jack]

I buy my Atlus games new. But come now, I refuse to pay 50-75 bucks for console games, so I'll be buying SMT Nocturne and Digital Devil Sagas as cheap and used as I can.

[slayn]

I'm actually flabbergasted by the fact that the admin staff here puts up with subtle referencing to fansubbing and hacking - which help lead directly to piracy. I help admin a certain fansite and we don't even tolerate such discussion, not even hinting.

Perhaps you can follow your own advice?

So basically, get off your high horse.

[Ike.]

I'd wager a portion of you villifying Mr. Amazon Seller here are stealing these games anyway via piracy, which is stealing from Atlus. I'm actually flabbergasted by the fact that the admin staff here puts up with subtle referencing to fansubbing and hacking - which help lead directly to piracy. I help admin a certain fansite and we don't even tolerate such discussion, not even hinting.

Oh yes, I'm sure the P2 fan translation is going to just destroy Atlus' sales.

[Ike.]

P.S. Anyone know where I can order double-jewel cases for old Playstation games? I've always wanted to replace the case but I dunno where to find a replacement...

This post is way old and you probably won't see this, but double jewel cases are nothing more than the backsides of regular cases. If you have some regular PSX cases lying around, just pull off the front, open it up, replace the labels and snap it onto the black plastic holder. Easy.

[Nimbus]

If I were a millionaire, I would buy every single Atlus game new, the day it came out. Sadly, I can't afford to do that, so I usually end up getting my games used.

However, I definitely want to help out Atlus as much as I can! Unlike my other two favorite game companies (SquareEnix and Nintendo), Atlus actually cares what fans have to say. They don't come off as being a giant soulless corporation - instead they seem like real people who enjoy what they do. The Faithful newsletter is a perfect example of Atlus getting in touch with their fanbase, and because of that I truly wish to support them. :)

[Nephlabobo]

I'd wager a portion of you villifying Mr. Amazon Seller here are stealing these games anyway via piracy, which is stealing from Atlus. I'm actually flabbergasted by the fact that the admin staff here puts up with subtle referencing to fansubbing and hacking - which help lead directly to piracy. I help admin a certain fansite and we don't even tolerate such discussion, not even hinting.

A) You'd wager wrong.

B) This isn't your forum.