UNDECEMBER is 100% PAY TO WIN and 600% dead to me

Summary

The video discusses the disappointment with a new game that was previously highlighted for its promising gameplay. Despite initial excitement, the game's heavy monetization has sparked outrage. The creator explains how various in-game items and features are locked behind expensive paywalls, leading to a pay-to-win scenario. This has resulted in negative reviews on Steam. The video emphasizes the frustration with game studios continuing such practices despite past backlash from the gaming community. The creator vows to explore the game further without spending money and shares their intention to retract their previous recommendation.

Takeaways

• 😡 The game, previously featured in a Steam Nexfest demo, has disappointed the reviewer due to aggressive monetization tactics.
• 💰 The game uses two currencies: diamonds (the primary paid currency) and rubies (earnable or buyable). Items are overpriced and primarily require diamonds.
• 🛍️ There's a 1:1 conversion between diamonds and rubies, but many important items, especially convenience-related ones, require diamonds.
• 💎 Major monetized features include inventory expansion, stash upgrades, and specialized storage, all of which are extremely expensive.
• 🛑 Key items like the Stardust of Oblivion, which allows players to reset their character’s stats, cost $3 per use, with a limited grace period for free resets.
• 📦 Players must pay to expand their inventory and stash space, with full expansion costing up to $180, which is viewed as highly excessive.
• 🐾 Convenience features like auto-looting pets and Zodiac Walker abilities are locked behind paid tiers, with subscription-like structures.
• 👎 The game's pay-to-win elements are seen as unfair, as purchasing items gives players significant advantages over non-paying players.
• 💸 Auction house listings are also limited unless players spend real money to expand their listing capabilities, adding another monetized barrier.
• 😔 Despite the game's fun mechanics and potential, the reviewer can no longer recommend it due to the egregious monetization practices.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video focuses on the heavy monetization of a game that was previously highlighted by the creator as promising, similar to Diablo or Path of Exile. The game has implemented aggressive pay-to-win mechanics, which has disappointed the creator.

What was the creator's initial impression of the game?

The creator was initially impressed with the game's combat and thought it held a lot of promise, hoping it would be as successful as other indie games like Grim Dawn and Wolcen.

What is the main issue the creator has with the game?

The main issue is the extreme monetization of the game, where players are required to spend real money for various in-game advantages, including inventory expansions, currency exchanges, and stat changes.

What are the two in-game currencies mentioned in the video?

The two in-game currencies mentioned are diamonds and rubies. Diamonds are the base currency, while rubies can be used for certain purchases and may be earned through in-game activities.

What is 'Stardust of Oblivion' and why is it problematic?

Stardust of Oblivion is an in-game item that allows players to change their stats (such as strength, dexterity, intellect). The problem is that it costs $3 every time you want to change your stats, unless you do it within a six-hour grace period after purchasing the item.

How does the game limit inventory space, and what are the costs of expanding it?

The game starts players with 100 backpack slots, and additional storage must be purchased using real money. Expanding inventory costs $2.50 for every 5 additional slots, and fully expanding the bag would cost $75 in total.

What is the cost of expanding general storage and specific storage areas in the game?

Expanding general storage costs 500 diamonds, which is around $11. Expanding specific storage areas, such as Essence storage and Material storage, costs about $15 per area, with five areas available, totaling $75 for all expansions.

What is the 'pet ability' and 'Zodiac Walker' in the game?

The 'pet ability' allows a pet to auto-loot items for the player, and the 'Zodiac Walker' is essentially a membership that offers various boosts. Together, they cost around $12 USD for 28 days.

How much does it cost to change your character's name in the game?

Changing your character's name costs $22, which the creator finds extremely expensive and discourages making any mistakes when naming your character.

Why is the creator upset about the monetization of this game, especially in 2022?

The creator is frustrated that despite constant criticism from players about excessive monetization in games, studios still continue to implement such pay-to-win systems. The creator is particularly disappointed because the game is enjoyable, but the aggressive monetization ruins the experience.