They're Re-Releasing Barnacle Bay??

[Pam]

I'm confused, Play.com says it is an Expanson Pack?

That's got to be a mistake.  We all know Barnacle Bay has been out for months.  It doesn't have any new things that come with an expansion pack.  Even the description on Play.com is the same as when it was released months ago.  It's just a new town to play in, nothing more.  No new careers, abilities, traits, LTRs, LTWs, nothing that comes with expansion packs.  I think they just have it labeled incorrectly on their website.

[Carl]

Yeah, it's just a hard copy of something that's been around for months. I was confused a little when I saw it on gamespot a few weeks ago. The promotional tags are the same. Live the island life, and that bit about Hogan's Deep Sea Diner. They're likely trying to milk some more sales out of a product they paid to develop, but it's silly of them to cause such confusion. Unfortunately some people may go out and buy this thinking they're getting a full-fledged expansion, but it's just a town. A town that evidently costs as much as a stuff pack. Yikes.

As for the real expansion, I agree with the folks who say they're keeping a lid on the real release date so it won't compete with Medieval in gaming news.

EDIT: Our friends at Simprograms have a copy of the official EA Press Release

Edit 2... oh man. I just read on amazon (see reviews) that this thing comes with a code you use to download a copy from the Sims store. Not a hard copy! Let the EA bashing begin. Just kidding. But really, what were they thinking!

If they were going to do this, they should have done it along with the original release of BB. It's like one moment it just dawned on them that they never sold it in stores. But hey, if you didn't buy it before, you're not likely to now

[Pam]

It's actually about US$10.00 less than a real expansion pack.  And I paid 1,600 SimPoints for it, which is $16.00. 

I wonder if it's an actual CD when purchased in a brick and mortar store like Best Buy. 

[Carl]

Jud Hudson of Simprograms indicates that's a no. Have a look at that packaging.

[Hosfac]

oh man. I just read on amazon (see reviews) that this thing comes with a code you use to download a copy from the Sims store. Not a hard copy! Let the EA bashing begin. Just kidding. But really, what were they thinking!

If they were going to do this, they should have done it along with the original release of BB. It's like one moment it just dawned on them that they never sold it in stores. But hey, if you didn't buy it before, you're not likely to now

So you'd basically be buying two new staircases at $2 each?  No thanks! 

[KrispyNickyB]

Pam, actually I think it's more like I'm so stressed right now that EA was the next thing that stepped in my vision range and it was easier to scream a bit and feel better than to go bezerk. I actually just wanted to start a discussion on it to see what others thought about it. .

[Hosfac]

Since you put it that way, allow me to start that ball rolling.

At first, I thought it was a good idea.  Anything that would increase the revenue generated by the franchise is great, since it helps to ensure the longevity of continued support.  Having it in DVD format would help to encourage people who didn't buy it because of download speeds or fear of using a credit card online to spend a little more money on it.

However, after finding out that it's not in DVD format, I'm not totally sure I see the point of going through the trouble of adding a plastic package that's going to end up in a landfill somewhere.  It's not going to encourage too many new people to come on board.  If they didn't want it for $16, they're not going to want it for $20 even with the two extra staircases.  If it included a bunch of new furniture items, appliances or clothing that didn't already come with it, I would have probably bought it again just to get them.  But for 2 staircases?  Not a chance.

[KrispyNickyB]

Not to mention all the environmental factors because of releasing an empty package. That and empty packages with codes just bother me. Granted I enjoy Barnacle Bay but there's really not that much to it when you open it up. Also, none of the late night clubs are in it. Unless maybe they have been restyled to fit in the atmosphere of the town and are included? I can almost warrant re-buying it for that also. What little I added to Barnacle Bay sticks out like a sore thumb!

[Pam]

Pam, actually I think it's more like I'm so stressed right now that EA was the next thing that stepped in my vision range and it was easier to scream a bit and feel better than to go bezerk. I actually just wanted to start a discussion on it to see what others thought about it. .

I understand, Nicky.  Just remember that EA and this Forum are not to be used as punching bags when you're having a bad day.

[KrispyNickyB]

Oh I know and after re reading today I realized I should have re-worded what I said

[pallyndrome]

snooty said that the $20 includes not only Barnacle Bay and the staircases, but the Buccaneer's Bounty set, so that may explain the price. I don't think the Bounty set came with Barnacle Bay in the same price before now...?

[Hosfac]

snooty said that the $20 includes not only Barnacle Bay and the staircases, but the Buccaneer's Bounty set, so that may explain the price. I don't think the Bounty set came with Barnacle Bay in the same price before now...?

It would have had to.  A lot of objects in that set are used in the town, and there's at least one couple who have pirate outfits as their default everyday wear.  I know it came with mine, and I think I only paid 1,600 Sim Points for it, but I don't really remember now.

[gerrr00]

Buccaneer's Bounty set came out via shop mode before Barnacle Bay was released.  It was also offered at a discounted price.  Once it was available online in the Sims 3 store it was the regular price, same as it is now.  It was not included with the purchase of Barnacle Bay.  The re-release of it on the Sims 3 website is the Barnacle Bay bundle and has the Buccaneer's Bounty set and the 2 new staircases. 

[Pam]

Yeah, seems like now I remember that some items and clothing came with Barnacle Bay, but then the Buccaneer's Bounty set had a little more of both. 

[TheChronicR]

Originally, Barnacle Bay package included the town and 18 new items, now it includes 35 items, including the set and 2 new staircases. The only new things in this re-release are the staircases. Nothing else.