Topic: Retail games sold as download only titles

Lets say that a game sold at retail in Japan is too risky for a publisher to release at retail in America and Europe. Yet they are willing to release it on the eShop as if it were a full priced retail release as a download for $30 - $40.

Would this be acceptable to gamers? Or should full priced retail games only get sold at retail, never as download only, even if it means we miss out on several games we wouldn't see otherwise?

I rather have it in downloadable form than not at all.

As the old saying goes, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth".

Of course if digital was the only option then it'd be nice to have it (despite the numerous flaws).
The problem would be if some companies started to localise less games physically simply because they could just have them digital-only to save on costs/risk, and the new system simply led to less games getting physical copies out of Japan.

Yes, Unchained Blades, yes

If people are given more chances to play the games that they want to play, then I am not opposed.

If it means getting to play a game I wouldn't otherwise be able to play, then I'm fine with it.

Provided I get a nice demo to determine if I truly want it or not.

If that's the difference between playing a game I'm interested in and not playing it at all, of course I'll take it as a download title.

Digital-only release has become my sole (albeit increasingly slim, it would seem) venue of hope for playing Ace Attorney Investigations 2.

This, I suppose.

I don't think it's right to even oppose this. I mean, just because someone doesn't want to pay $30-$40 for a download game doesn't mean it should be denied to those who will. I generally prefer retail over digital but if a developer can't afford to localize a game in retail format, I'm just happy to get the game.

I would assume this conversation is sparked from the release of Unchained Blades. We should be happy we're even getting this game, as it could've been another title that never made it to the West.

A download-only option sounds nice, but I don't know if it'd do much in helping to bring story-heavy games from Japan to other countries

What I hope is for an import section on eShop and I'd DL from there even if it wasn't in english

It already has.

Nobody gave a damn about Riding Stables 3D? 2 weeks now without a Nintendolife review.

Also, it also depends on price including physical media and stuff. UB is okay since it likely would've ran 40 with a box.

But games like Order Up should be examples. Full retail titles for only $10? Score.

Absolutely agree.

No. It's not acceptable. For example, I never would have downloaded Monster World IV if it held onto its retail price of $50.

If they sell it for the same cost as physical media, I say no sale unless they add additional value in some way.

Technically a retail store could sell a used console that only has the download game on it

Well in all honesty of you look at bit trip, it shows 3rd parties reduce, so it's not too bad, besides most Nintendo titles are $40 new anyway, yes you can buy them used in store, but you can't buy a Used DLed version, so besides PWR I don't see the problem of charging $40 for NEW games