Is spore worth the $50?

[The iKid]

I am most likely purchasing it tomorrow because it looks great but I'm questioning if it's worth it. What are some of the great things about it that helped you guys get it? In other words, why do you think it's worth it?

Thanks in advance,
Michael

[Dagless]

I wouldn't pay $50 for a rental.

[MacRumorUser]

I wouldn't pay $50 for a rental.

You can't rent PC games without breaking the EULA / Software License anyway. Shop's renting PC games are doing so illegally I believe in the UK & Ireland. ;) It is also the reason why proper game stores (not the dodgy off the main street kind) will not take PC games as Trade In as it too breaks the software license agreement.




Shop around. I got spore for £16 = $30

[tshakey]

I think that rental quote was with regard to EA's DRM actions with Spore. The fact that it allows you to install the game only 5 times (upped from 3) on different machines. The problem is still there, there are cracked versions about and now there is a new cost upon the honest buyer with EA's actions.

There is a problem but this install limit isn't the solution.

[Sdashiki]

Do you wanna play the game?

or

Do you wanna stand for whats right and not buy it in protest of EA's use of horrendous DRM?


Personally, I like games more than whining. :rolleyes:

[gamera~]

It's addictive, and quite fun, to settle into the game and imagine what kind of weird creature you can make. The creature creation tool and the meticulous care given to animation are the game's strengths. As for the game itself... not so interesting, from my impression, but not boring either (I'm only to the civilization stage.) Read the NYT review (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/arts/television/05spor.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Spore&st=cse&oref=slogin), I thought it was accurate. I don't think the game is a must-have.

That being said, I *did* buy it — my first game in a while — and I'm pretty happy with my purchase.

EDIT: Oh, and the DRM... while I am concerned on the behalf of others who get into trouble when they run out of authorizations... it isn't something that I notice and get frustrated about. You don't need the CD in to play, which for me is a big plus.

[dimme]

In a word... YES

[reflex]

It's fun to create a creature, but the game itself is not really. And creature creation is always the same after a few times.

[Manatee]

What are some of the great things about it that helped you guys get it? In other words, why do you think it's worth it?


I'm not typically a gamer, but I bought Spore because I was fascinated by the concept. I'm currently in the Tribal stage. I'm enjoying the game play so far. The "creator" tools are pretty cool -- where you can build creatures, vehicles, and buildings.

After I've played all the way through, I'm going to start over and play differently -- being a defector (agressive, destructive) instead of a cooperator (making friends and alliances). It will allow me to use a different set of tools and skills.

I think it is worth the price. A lot of work went into developing the different phases of the game. The "creator" tools alone are very interesting. You can employ different strategies and spend more or less time in each phase of the game, depending on the objectives (and attention span.) You can always come back to the game and find something new.

[Dagless]

Personally, I like games more than whining. :rolleyes:
Same, so I only play good games. Not overhyped minigame compilations.

Over everything though I dislike where PC gaming is going.

[MatchFrame]

I bought Spore and have enjoyed it thoroughly. Casual, stress-free fun. If you have a creative mind and aren't demanding extremely challenging gameplay, you'll definitely get your $50 worth.

[Sdashiki]

It's fun to create a creature, but the game itself is not really. And creature creation is always the same after a few times.

Then you have no imagination my friend.

Same, so I only play good games. Not overhyped minigame compilations.

Then you havent played the game, or if you did, you didnt play it all.


Im surprised no one has mentioned the #1 thing about spore:

Its all to do with the Space stage.

Cell-->Creature-->Tribe-->Civ-->Space

One prepares you for the next, so u understand how everything in the Universe works. Space IS the game, and its basically endless.

If you enjoy space exploration, trading, fighting games, where its none-to-complicated, its a good game.

[Keleko]

It sounds like it is worth the $50 if the class action suit against EA succeeds. Then maybe you'll get your money, or some of it, back. The suit is asking for damages of 3x the cost of the game per customer.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6198136.html

The game itself is fun enough (though not very deep) from what I'm hearing. It doesn't interest me, personally. Whether the DRM bothers you is really up to you. If SecuROM and how it works bothers you, though, don't get the game. On a PC it is rather unfriendly in how it gets installed and used. I'm not exactly sure how it works on a Mac, though.

[NATO]

You can't rent PC games without breaking the EULA / Software License anyway. Shop's renting PC games are doing so illegally I believe in the UK & Ireland. ;) It is also the reason why proper game stores (not the dodgy off the main street kind) will not take PC games as Trade In as it too breaks the software license agreement.

I believe it was a stab at the DRM system used by the game, not an encouragement to actually rent the game :p

[MacRumorUser]

I believe it was a stab at the DRM system used by the game, not an encouragement to actually rent the game :p

LOL! Oops....

Maybe it's because I have no issue with a software company looking to protect their work and in reality is anyone for any 'legitimate' reason installing this game on more than 5 computers ?

[joemama2413]

no, spore is terrible, probably the biggest let down of a game ever.

[Huntn]

I've suspected that Spore would not be a good fit for me as I wait for a playable demo. Currently having lots-o-fun playing Bloodlines. :D

[mobilehaathi]

I would buy it for $25 + no DRM. It just doesn't seem like a very compelling game, honestly.

Just MHO. :)

[eXan]

Not to me.

[Fogtripper]

I was excited about it when they had grand concepts and ideas a couple years ago. But no water creatures and watered down gameplay (such that I have read from many reviews) does not lend much compulsion to buy it.

I'll most likely stick to Civ.

[reflex]

Then you have no imagination my friend.

That's possible. Or I just notice that it's always the same few parts that you can use.

I'm not saying that I can't make creatures that look and act differently than others, but after the initial "wow", I got tired of it fairly quickly. As in, what's the point anyway?

Lots of games are the same all the time too, but most don't bore me quite so quickly.

Your mileage may vary.

Im surprised no one has mentioned the #1 thing about spore:

Its all to do with the Space stage.

I have to admit I haven't reached this yet (still in tribal stage). Maybe that will be more fun.

Until now it's been:
1. swim around and eat
2. walk around, eat and attack or sing/dance/...
3. walk around, ally or attack other villages, build new buildings

So it may be worth it at some point.

[cbrain]

I just got the Galactic Edition today, in the first 5 minutes of play I loved it! ;)

[Sdashiki]

That's possible. Or I just notice that it's always the same few parts that you can use.

I'm not saying that I can't make creatures that look and act differently than others, but after the initial "wow", I got tired of it fairly quickly. As in, what's the point anyway?

Lots of games are the same all the time too, but most don't bore me quite so quickly.

Your mileage may vary.


Have you seen the millions of creatures created by people? Im hard pressed at times to see what parts they actually used. Its a 3D modeling app, you can do whatever you want with the pieces they give you. Granted, you're not using meshes, but be more creative and you can certainly make whatever creature you want. be it a walking frozen turkey, or a floating head with 10 arms.

I have to admit I haven't reached this yet (still in tribal stage). Maybe that will be more fun.

Until now it's been:
1. swim around and eat
2. walk around, eat and attack or sing/dance/...
3. walk around, ally or attack other villages, build new buildings

So it may be worth it at some point.

Get to space as fast as you can, the point of the previous levels is to give you the ideas and tools you need to understand the space level.

May not be everyones cup of tea, but everything BUT the space level, is not Spore.

[kyrow123]

Definitely looks like a cool game with a great idea.

[elmateo487]

I would wait. It is getting terrible TERRIBLE reviews and a lot of flack for this whole rental thing.

Just wait. The price will drop, they will fix this problem, and release a patch allowing you to reinstall it.

I think the game might be a worthy play, but not 50 bucks for the communistic standpoint they are going with.

[MatchFrame]

I would wait. It is getting terrible TERRIBLE reviews and a lot of flack for this whole rental thing.

Just wait. The price will drop, they will fix this problem, and release a patch allowing you to reinstall it.

I think the game might be a worthy play, but not 50 bucks for the communistic standpoint they are going with.

People are making way, way, way, way too big a deal about the DRM on Spore. And it's not getting terrible reviews. It's gotten reviews that are mostly positive if a little let down by the hype.

It's worth the money. It's fun. Don't worry about anything else.

[Hydragoon]

Well, I formulated my opinion and wrote my own review, which you can read here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1034274/spore_review_was_spore_worth_the_wait.html?cat=19

Hopefully that helps!

Hydragoon