Destiny's Sony-Exclusive Content Detailed

[Steven Bogos]

Destiny's Sony-Exclusive Content Detailed

Destiny's PlayStation gamers will find themselves with a bunch of exclusive missions, weapons, ships, and maps.

During E3, Sony announced that Bungie's upcoming sci-fi FPS Destiny would be getting a bunch of exclusive content for its PS3 and PS4 versions, and now, it has detailed exactly what those exclusives will be. At launch, PS4 and PS3 owners will get exclusive access to a unique co-op mission located on Mars, an exclusive competitive map, and a slew of exclusive guns, gear, and ships.

The "Dust Palace Strike" is an exclusive three-player cooperative missionthat can be played online with friends or via matchmaking. In the mission, you'll track a Cabal extraction team through the husks of an ancient human skyscraper, the Dust Palace, buried in the shifting dunes of Mars and face a new enemy, the Psion Flayers.

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The "Exodus Blue" multiplayer map is a mid-sized Crucible arena that pairs perfectly with Control and Skirmish game modes. The Exodus Blue, a long-dead vessel, once brought hope and humanity to worlds beyond Earth.

Three pieces of gear: the Manifold Seeker armor, the Vanir and the Argus battle-wear, two weapons: the Monte Carlo assault rifle and the Hawkmoon hand canon, and three ship variants: the "Aurora Wake", "Crypt Hammer" and "Outrageous Fortune", round out the platform-exclusive bonuses.

Platform-exclusives like this are pretty much inevitable in this day and age, but it still sends a twinge of sadness through me to see publishers withhold content from players depending on their platform of choice, or even which store they chose to buy the game from.

Source: PlayStation Blog [http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/06/16/destinys-playstation-exclusive-content-detailed/]

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[DwRedux]

Fine print says "timed exclusive" http://www.gamerheadlines.com/2014/06/destiny-exclusive-content-for-the-playstation-are-timed/

 

[LordMonty]

Well was going to get the white PS4 and Destiny this xmas anyhow, didn't realise there was bonus content which is a bonus, so all in all i'm happy even if it is timed.

 

[marscentral]

I currently have this on preorder for my xbox. If Bungie's goal was to make me reconsider that and tell them to shove their game somewhere uncomfortable, well done.

I honestly don't know what they hope to achieve with this sort of thing. Is it really making playstation owners more likely to get Destiny than if both versions were equal? Is it convincing anyone on the fence over whether to get an xbox or a playstation to get a playstation? This sort of thing only hurts gamers, all gamers. Myself and other xbox owners in this instance, ps4 owners when Microsoft inevitably pays another developer to give them exclusive content on their next big game.

 

[Neurotic Void Melody]

Well im not getting this game for my 360 i guess. I wasnt really sure about it in the first place, now this has decided for me. Meh.
I would feel sorry for Ms if it was any other company whatsoever...except maybe EA

 

[gamegod25]

I currently have this on preorder for my xbox. If Bungie's goal was to make me reconsider that and tell them to shove their game somewhere uncomfortable, well done.

I honestly don't know what they hope to achieve with this sort of thing. Is it really making playstation owners more likely to get Destiny than if both versions were equal? Is it convincing anyone on the fence over whether to get an xbox or a playstation to get a playstation? This sort of thing only hurts gamers, all gamers. Myself and other xbox owners in this instance, ps4 owners when Microsoft inevitably pays another developer to give them exclusive content on their next big game.

Well it's a timed exclusive so eventually everyone will have a chance to get them, just Playstation gamers will get first dibs is all. And someone who already owns a PS3 and PS4, and already has Destiny preordered this is is just extra icing on a delicious cake.

As for hurting gamers I don't think so, certainly not as much as say a company that releases FIVE separate versions of a game *cough watch dogs cough* based on where its bought rather than just the system. As for MS paying for exclusive content of their own...go right ahead, MS needs anything it can get to justify buying overpriced cable box.

 

[Shadow-Phoenix]

Hey Xbox did this last gen and Sony's doing more of the same this gen, it;s totally fine though right =D?, you know because it's meant to be good guy Sony who's our bestest buddy more than MS/Sarcasm.

 

[Arawn]

This sort of thing only hurts gamers, all gamers. Myself and other xbox owners in this instance, ps4 owners when Microsoft inevitably pays another developer to give them exclusive content on their next big game.

You're not the only one I've heard say this. I don't find it any less confusing than the first time. If people find exclusive content that evil, what of exclusive games? What of those? While you can claim that it isn't fair, I don't think that's the case. Sony paid for the advanced access to the content (As noted there was a * on the website saying all the content was only timed exclusive) They did so to affect THEIR sales of the product. Did they shut out Microsoft in said deal? Maybe. Does MS still get the content abit later? Yes. So is their any harm? Not much. And since the two systems' players don't interact online it's not like the Sony buyers will flaunt their skins and weapons. Wasn't MS getting some timed exclusive maps for some of their games? (I can't recall if it was CoD or BF atm) There was no huge outcry from what I remember. Which makes this sound like sour grapes. If you pre-order some games you get additional content. Are you going to begrudge those people? Is it unfair that you can't have that same content because you didn't pre-order? Not really. Heck I recall a forum post on Bungie where people are demanding that Destiny be on PC. (I think only consoles get it atm)

*And yest I did pre-order the game on PS4. I'd still buy it without the added content. It's just a bonus at this point to a game I like.

 

[Evonisia]

So Bungie's basically trying to show off that Microsoft doesn't own them any more?

Just be honest and make Destiny 2 a PS4 exclusive. Call of Duty and Battlefield at least have the decency to release the content at a later date (usually a month).

 

[marscentral]

Snip

Well it's a timed exclusive so eventually everyone will have a chance to get them, just Playstation gamers will get first dibs is all. And someone who already owns a PS3 and PS4, and already has Destiny preordered this is is just extra icing on a delicious cake.

As for hurting gamers I don't think so, certainly not as much as say a company that releases FIVE separate versions of a game *cough watch dogs cough* based on where its bought rather than just the system. As for MS paying for exclusive content of their own...go right ahead, MS needs anything it can get to justify buying overpriced cable box.

I'm certainly not going to defend Watchdogs. I did over react in my initial post, I haven't cancelled my preorder, but I still think it's a crappy move on Sony and Bungie's part. The fact that other companies do worse things with their games doesn't negate that.

 

[marscentral]

This sort of thing only hurts gamers, all gamers. Myself and other xbox owners in this instance, ps4 owners when Microsoft inevitably pays another developer to give them exclusive content on their next big game.

You're not the only one I've heard say this. I don't find it any less confusing than the first time. If people find exclusive content that evil, what of exclusive games? What of those? While you can claim that it isn't fair, I don't think that's the case. Sony paid for the advanced access to the content (As noted there was a * on the website saying all the content was only timed exclusive) They did so to affect THEIR sales of the product. Did they shut out Microsoft in said deal? Maybe. Does MS still get the content abit later? Yes. So is their any harm? Not much. And since the two systems' players don't interact online it's not like the Sony buyers will flaunt their skins and weapons. Wasn't MS getting some timed exclusive maps for some of their games? (I can't recall if it was CoD or BF atm) There was no huge outcry from what I remember. Which makes this sound like sour grapes. If you pre-order some games you get additional content. Are you going to begrudge those people? Is it unfair that you can't have that same content because you didn't pre-order? Not really. Heck I recall a forum post on Bungie where people are demanding that Destiny be on PC. (I think only consoles get it atm)

*And yest I did pre-order the game on PS4. I'd still buy it without the added content. It's just a bonus at this point to a game I like.

I have noted my over reaction in a previous post. The difference between an exclusive game and exclusive content is that with an exclusive game the developer is only ever developing the game with that system in mind and only people who own that system and buy that game put money into it. Your exclusive games cost me nothing, my exclusive games cost you nothing.

With exclusive content on the other hand, the game is already being developed for both systems, but players of one are being treated as second class with content that has been created deliberately withheld and I'm pretty sure we'll still be paying the same price.

I heard that CoD players get stuff earlier on xbox than PS4 when this was brought up. I don't think that's right either and I think Playstation owners of the game are within their rights to be annoyed about that. I'm not even remotely interested in CoD, so I don't know what their player base thinks about that.

 

[Arawn]

apserd

I have noted my over reaction in a previous post. The difference between an exclusive game and exclusive content is that with an exclusive game the developer is only ever developing the game with that system in mind and only people who own that system and buy that game put money into it. Your exclusive games cost me nothing, my exclusive games cost you nothing.

With exclusive content on the other hand, the game is already being developed for both systems, but players of one are being treated as second class with content that has been created deliberately withheld and I'm pretty sure we'll still be paying the same price.

I heard that CoD players get stuff earlier on xbox than PS4 when this was brought up. I don't think that's right either and I think Playstation owners of the game are within their rights to be annoyed about that. I'm not even remotely interested in CoD, so I don't know what their player base thinks about that.

I'm glad you realized how absurd your first statement was, but it seems your second falls into the same category. Are you really being treated as second class? Bungie isn't snubbing the other players. You're still going to play Destiny they haven't locked parts of the game behind a paywall like those Free2Play games. Upon purchase you have access to the entirety of their work. The only part of this "exclusive" content I would think anyone would feel angry about is the extra Strike. The rest isn't as spectacular as you would think.

1)The armors. Everything I've read and heard about this game points at one thing; it's about getting loot. The popular term is "Borderlands meets Diablo with..." So with that in mind do you really think the extra gear granted will surpass anything you can obtain through normal gameplay? If so that's a major let down not to mention very boring. Imagine wearing/using the same weapon through the whole game. At best the armors will be afew levels better than starting gear. Something powerful, but not overpowered. So think of it as a crutch or training wheels until something better comes along.

2)The weapons. The same answer as the previous. Although I admit having a powerful weapon from the start is more helpful. Dying slower isn't much if you can't put down the foe during those extra seconds of life. The point stands this is boost to the early levels. Think anyone keeps the training sword once they leave the starting area of an MMO? The effectiveness dwindles the further you go.

3)Ships. Honestly I know nothing about how ships work. No clue if they do anything other than look cool. I know SWTOR has space battles. If Destiny does the same, I once again can confidently say that said ship would be outclassed against later vehicles.

4)Multiplayer map. One extra map. If this was 3-4 I'd understand why people are seeing red.(or green for that matter.) But no, a single new map to put in the mix. There are still many other maps and game modes to explore. Any place you can headshot your foes is as good as the other. In the end you'll favor certain maps more than others. Who's to say you won't hate the map? Variety is the spice of life, but you're not going to like every flavor. (nor hate them)

The reason I say the Strike is the only desirable is that when it comes to special and unique missions you usually expect special and unique rewards. Since it's a game about loot any extra missions is prime farming location. But once again this is only a timed exclusive. All the PS3/4 players get it first, but the Xbox 360/One players get is later at the same time. MS is still getting the same game, but the shiny comes later date. So even if Sony has the leg up on content everyone on Xbox will experience them together. Now the one thing I see might be worthy of angst is that if my points hold true those first 2 extras (guns and armors) will be very much useless then. Yes, I could be wrong about all of this, but looking at it logically it makes SOME sense.

*abit of a late reply I admit, but I tend to forget to look at messages.*

 

[marscentral]

*Snip*

I didn't say it was "absurd", I said I overreacted. I'm not going to go over each thing I'm not getting and evaluating it's usefulness or enjoyment, there clearly is some desirability otherwise there would be no point offering it. The point is that one group of players are clearly being given preferential treatment (despite not paying any extra money) in getting items and content early and that, by definition, is making those of us made to wait second class.

 

[sXeth]

1)The armors. Everything I've read and heard about this game points at one thing; it's about getting loot. The popular term is "Borderlands meets Diablo with..." So with that in mind do you really think the extra gear granted will surpass anything you can obtain through normal gameplay? If so that's a major let down not to mention very boring. Imagine wearing/using the same weapon through the whole game. At best the armors will be afew levels better than starting gear. Something powerful, but not overpowered. So think of it as a crutch or training wheels until something better comes along.

2)The weapons. The same answer as the previous. Although I admit having a powerful weapon from the start is more helpful. Dying slower isn't much if you can't put down the foe during those extra seconds of life. The point stands this is boost to the early levels. Think anyone keeps the training sword once they leave the starting area of an MMO? The effectiveness dwindles the further you go.

3)Ships. Honestly I know nothing about how ships work. No clue if they do anything other than look cool. I know SWTOR has space battles. If Destiny does the same, I once again can confidently say that said ship would be outclassed against later vehicles.

Ships are just your "Avatar" on the loading screen, far as anyone can tell.

For equipment loot though, the Uncommon/Rare/Legendary stuff can all be levelled up and upgraded, so these bonuses may carry for a decent chunk of the game if these bonus items have that option.

PSPlus letting me play the Alpha free for a week or so got my pre-order anyways (otherwise I probably would've waited for the LPers to show it off in september), the minor DLC available for 2-3 months or whatever just seems silly. An exclusive game can hypothetically sell systems as a killer app. I've never heard of anyone buying a system to play early Betas (Sony's seeming big thing of late), or to play a game a few weeks early or with a minor bonus of whatever.

The only insane pre-order bonus I remember in recent years was New Vegas infinite water canteen at gamestop, and that was only if you played on survival.

 

[Arawn]

Ships are just your "Avatar" on the loading screen, far as anyone can tell.

For equipment loot though, the Uncommon/Rare/Legendary stuff can all be levelled up and upgraded, so these bonuses may carry for a decent chunk of the game if these bonus items have that option.

PSPlus letting me play the Alpha free for a week or so got my pre-order anyways (otherwise I probably would've waited for the LPers to show it off in september), the minor DLC available for 2-3 months or whatever just seems silly. An exclusive game can hypothetically sell systems as a killer app. I've never heard of anyone buying a system to play early Betas (Sony's seeming big thing of late), or to play a game a few weeks early or with a minor bonus of whatever.

The only insane pre-order bonus I remember in recent years was New Vegas infinite water canteen at gamestop, and that was only if you played on survival.

I do think Sony would have liked to have Destiny as exclusive, but think Bungie not limit themselves. At this point people are still hanging on to their previous gen consoles. Overall there are fewer exclusives atm. One can make more money selling to everyone rather than half. Even with Sony ahead of Xbox in unit sales, they two are splitting ownership of several interesting games.

As for the previous poster, marscentral (strange that both of you have Marvin as avatars), seems to take this differential in content as a slight. I daresay it's almost as if it's personal attack and they are entitled to all content because they paid for the game. Yes they paid for the game, and you get the game. You are not buying an episode from TellTale. When you boot up the game you can play it to it's entirety. It's just that the other items aren't included in what you paid for. Don't get me wrong I despise first day DLC. It irks me that almost as soon as the game is out additional content is waiting to be purchased. Feels very slimy. But as I've been trying to point out; this isn't some grave injustice.Heck if you want to see an injustice look at the new Plants vs Zombies. It released on Xbox 360/One months ago(I think March), but PC is barely coming out this week. PS3/4 won't see the game til August. Delayed content is one thing, a delay on the whole game is another. The gap between the release of each is rather huge imho. Porting problems? Unlikely, but no real way to tell.

 

[Arawn]

I find it funny that a day later I find that one of my favorite Youtube channels had a vid on this very subject. After watching it afew times I can confidently say he sums up the matter perfectly. At this time I would like for you to disregard all my previous comments and instead watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA3ZEsWO84Q

*And to thank Mr Datto for his time send him a like or subscribe to his channel. He really does some decent videos on Destiny.