Feelings on Bemani Backups

CatchyPhraseOwen · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2003 3:19 pm Post subject: Feelings on Bemani Backups

Hey, I know this may sound stupid to some, but I wanted to get people's HONEST opinions on the topic, if possible. The big news in Bemani recently has been a possible release of IIDX 7th Style (or simply another IIDX CS game), and it was mentioned in the survey on their site about the game that "IIDX does not sell well enough to be anything but a Konamistyle.com exclusive", or something along those lines when translated. This got me thinking about sales, and why they were low. For IIDX, I think it's mainly due to the popularity of the game, but something like DDRMAX2, I figure is still relativly popular, and may have sold like 500 or so units less than it could have due to bootlegged copies, and I was kind of curious about what your guys feelings were on downloading or buying "backup" copies of these games. I've included several options since I wanted to do a poll (but I couldn't figure out how to in this forum...), but feel free to write up a full on essay about it. I am using this 100% for my own personal interest, simply because I'd like to know what others feel about the matter.

You may be asking yourself, "Why does anyone even care? This is a worthless topic, lock it". However, I feel as though it's quite interesting, and almost asks "How faithful are you to Konami as a company?". Illegal copies of Bemani games are not easily found; I know that copies off DDR are relativly common, but anything aside from that is generally hard to come by. I've seen IIDX games for sale before, but almost no one seems to sell them (don't ask...). I simply want to know your feelings about getting them if they were available, so please think about the topic at hand before complaining about how "thIs TOpiC SUX!!1" or "iz WAYY illEGl!". Thanks, now on to the poll!

BTW, this poll (and my opinions) are 100% theoretical, and don't necessarily mean anything. All of your opinions are also "theoretical", so don't accuse me or anyone else of anything for something I or anyone else may merely imply.

"If you were able to purchase Backup or Illegal copies of Bemani games for your Playstation/2/Dreamcast, would you do so?"

A) Yes, if they were available, I would purchase them without any issue. I do or do not realize that this is in fact illegal and is hurting (Konami's) bottom line.

B) Yes, but I would probably think about it first. I may not buy illegal copies of certain titles, though.

C) I would, but I cannot play them. I would be moderatly to very interested though.

D) Probably not. I'd consider it for certain titles possibly though, for various reasons.

E) I would, but I'm not sure it's right. I'd only do it because of price restraints/compatibility/other reason, though.

F) No, but I do/would purchase backups of other games, or No, but I do own a MODDED system.

G) No, I do not purchase backups of any sort, but I don't really care what others do.

H) No, and I am greatly opposed to anyone who does so.

I) Other.

Again, please feel to write up what you think about it, I'd love to read some opinions.

I'll type up a responce to this as well, tonight, but I gotta do homework for now

. Thanks, hope I get some replies.

(Pollinated for your convieniance~ CStar)

cmcm · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2003 11:40 pm Post subject:

Of the Bemani games I own, these are the games I have original copies of:

IIDX 3rd-6th
Gitadora! (GF4/DM3)
DDRMAX JAP
DDRMAX2 USA

And for backup copies:

Pop'n Music 2-8
DDRMAX USA
DDRMAX2 JAP
Numerous PSX DDR & BM games

I'm not saying my reasons are justified but this is how I see it: I'm more than willing to spend the money on a Bemani game if I feel it is worth the price I'm paying for it and/or it is too rare of a find to download. I feel this way on the IIDX games because I am an avid IIDX player, and didn't feel like waiting until I could find the games for download. At the time I purchased these I didn't have a DVD burner either, so any of the ripped versions I wouldn't have wanted because I wanted the movies. Gitadora, I had the extra money to spend at the time, was also a rare find to download, and I felt justified in spending the $70 for the game considering the quality of the game. DDRMAX JAP I purchased the day it came out, simple because I love DDRMAX so much. DDRMAX2 USA the same, because I was having trouble finding a download link and because I feel that with the movies it's worth getting at least the full DVD image, so $40 for an original copy with a manual and a real game isn't too expensive as far as Bemani goes.

My reasons for having the backups are as follows. With the Pop'n Music games, I do own a controller but I don't play the game often enough to warrant having purchased any specific Pop'n Music game, in my opinion. I play DDR and IIDX much more than Pop'n. I also found the Pop'n Music CD and DVD images for download very easily. DDRMAX USA I didn't feel was worth the $40 purchase for the game, nothing about it seemed too special. DDRMAX2 JAP, same reason. The PSX and DDR games, didn't have enough $ to spend on any of them at the time, and more than likely would have never purchased them in the first place, considering I wouldn't have gotten any extra performace out of them over a backup copy (knowing the condition of my PS1 at the time).

If IIDX 7th or any new IIDX CS were to be released, the only reason I would get that for download is if I'm waiting for my original copy to be shipped to me first. I support IIDX enough to pay for any game they release (assuming it's not -complete- trash). I base my DDR purchases nowadays mainly on if I think the game will keep me playing it over and over or just a few times, and a little bit on availability for download. Pop'n, unless I get into it a little more (doubtful) will continue to be a download for me. Guitar Freaks and Drummania seems to have halted. I do want a copy of the original DM and a GF3/DM2, but if I can find either of those for download (DVD only) then I would probably go ahead and just burn them instead of purchasing, considering I don't play GF or DM enough to warrant shelling out another $50-$70.

Having a DVD burner can be nice nowadays, but it's my personal opinion that if you like a game enough, you should purchase an original copy of it.
_________________

COLD ROCK A PARTY.

djp -bemanistyle- · Trick Member Joined: 15 Aug 2002 Location: Anaheim, CA

I have a 2 dvd burners and a cd burner and have the ability to download all ISOs but I still buy the originals. Why? Because of all the cool extra stuff that comes with them. The booklets look nice, the cases and covers, and the discs all do as well. I see it as being more than enough of a reason to buy the original product.
_________________

[BMS RED (sevenpointzero)] Progress - 85%

LazyMofo · Trick Member Joined: 13 Nov 2002

AlphaConqerer · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 8:02 am Post subject:

Hehe, its like how I don't like buying used copies of games because you don't always get the instruction manuals and box art and such...only not.

But in any case, I admit that the majority of my bemani-owned stuff is a "backup" so to speak. I own MAXUS and MAX2US, so I do believe in supporting what Bemani IS released here (I'd buy Konamix but its still like $30). The arcade I go to has all legal Bemani cabinets, and I do frequent that a lot.

The only thing is the price of the soundtracks. I own GF7th/DM6th, but then I think that's a Hong Kong ripoff^_^;;; I actually DO own legitimate copies of DDR4thMix and DDR5thMix soundtracks, mainly cuz they were an "acceptable" price.

Hmm, so I don't know if this answers your question. Cuz I do make effort to buy what I can justifiably afford (and I'll admit, I'm long overdue for purchasing a soundtrack...but I think I'm gonna buy the GuitarFreaks/Drummania Instrumental collection, since the songlist is awesome), but CD prices can get a bit ridiculous on imports, and I'm still working on making sure I have enough for this or that (long story).

And maybe I'm focusing too much on soundtracks and not the actual games, but yeah-I mean, if there is music I really wanna listen to and I do not have the financial means to do so-the rest is explanatory. However, every couple of months or so I purchase one of the original soundtracks to try to make up for that. Now, if Konami didn't release so many good tunes, I would eventually catch up, but nooo.....

^_^;;;

~Chris

P.S> Pretty covers and songbooklets!~

Poochy · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2003 7:35 pm Post subject:

(i.e. DDR 1st Mix PSX). I personally don't own any backups, and I don't want anything to do with them. I'm mainly against others owning backups, except for when it's not practical to purchase the game for money/rarity/other reasons. IIDX, on the other hand, is a big exception. If I catch anyone pirating IIDX for ANY reason, I'd like to practice MaxX Unlimited Heavy, wearing hiking boots, on their spine.

Also, I've seen others use backups. DDR 3rd Mix is hardly playable, and 2nd ReMix skips like a first grader who's been fed ten gallons of triple expresso.

_________________

Math problems? Call 1-800-[(10x)(13i)^2]-[sin(xy)/2.362x].

Don't make me mad, I know karate!
(Not to mention a bunch of other Japanese words.)

CatchyPhraseOwen · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2003 8:16 pm Post subject:

I dunno how I feel on it... I own backups of just about every game out there minus maybe one or two, but I'm starting to feel a bit guilty. On the other hand, I'd probably never buy the stuff anyway, so I don't feel god awful. Especially with PSX games, since they're pretty much obsolete. If a new IIDX CS comes out, I'd definitly buy an official copy. However, if Konami made Para Para Paradise 2nd Mix, I'd probably buy a backup, simply because I wouldn't really use the other... It's kinda a hard choise. I really regret that games cost $50+ a piece, which is the main reason I don't buy more. Who wants to pay 5 weeks allowance for something you may use for an hour or two? Not me...

kch · Trick Member Joined: 21 Jul 2002 Location: houston/austin

i would bootleg bemani on ONE very specific condition - if they released a new iidx cs and i was unable to get ahold of a legitimate copy. i would use the backup to tide me over while i waited to acquire a real copy of my own.
_________________
Dutch Forum

davidbrit2 · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 1:25 pm Post subject:

Purchase bootlegs? Hell no. But efnet is an entirely different story. ;-) And I always buy US stuff. Take it from a guy that owns a copy of Disney Mix. Heh.
_________________
Cosmetic Surgery Forum
________
Buy bubblers

theimperialorder · Trick Member Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Location: new york, ny

spoonsman · Trick Member Joined: 01 Dec 2002

If it was released in America, I'll buy legit. If it was released in Japan, I'll burn a disc. Mainly cause I don't like getting royally screwed pricewise importing. If I ever see a reasonably priced import I would buy it, but that's pretty rare.

I also own a legit copy of Disney Mix

zdemigoth · Trick Member Joined: 05 Oct 2002

EMAGDNIM · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2003 7:37 am Post subject:

All the Bemani games I own are REAL (From PPP to IIDX)...I don't have my system modded (I've got a Japanese PS2). I like the fact that I can read/look the manuals and box art.
_________________

Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust, I may be taken away in a body bag but, never in cuffs...

Gwok Dash · Trick Member Joined: 05 Aug 2002 Location: Somewhere

I'm not reviving an old topic, am I...?

I'm all about originals. All Guitar Freaks (controller and games), IIDX (ditto), and Keyboardmania (ditto) stuff I own are all legit and official. Why? Simply put I want Konami to make their money and crank out more.
_________________

Coming up with another one...

Sexual Chocolate! · Trick Member Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Location: Wilmington, DE

On one hand, I agree with Gwok Gwok...but at the same time, I dont really feel guilty about burning something that isnt released in the US. Also, if a title is insanely difficult to find, I'd rather burn it as well. As for reference, I own legit copies of Pop'n 5-8 just because I really like the series and figured "why the heck not? I play the games MORE than enough to justify import costs and I like owning the packaging and all...oh, and screw scrapped videos." . I also own Guitadora (I still want 3rd mix...but good luck with that). And dont even get me started on the PS2 US and PS1 US games that I officially own...your heads would spin.

Bottom line? I buy whats US released. I buy what I REALLY want. Everything else? Well, I'd burn it if I feel like it. As for everyone else? Well, what they burn is their business, but if another release doesnt come out, and revenue is the reason, they would be amongst the crowds that should keep their mouths shut.
_________________

Love will save us all...awww baby!

... only in Delaware...

davidbrit2 · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2003 4:39 am Post subject:

yyr · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2003 6:41 am Post subject:

Just to clarify my vote of "Other:"

I have a few backups, mostly of some old 5-key beatmania versions and some old DDR games I can't find any more. But only two of those were purchased (and that a long time ago, because I had no way to find them elsewhere at the time). The rest of them were not purchased but obtained through other means that I'm sure you all know about.

I will not ever purchase backups again. It's one thing to rip someone off, but it's another to actually make money in the process.

~yyr
_________________

My GameFAQs reviews
Play Snake360 today!

Trylan (Another) · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2003 12:19 pm Post subject:

mattman412 · Trick Member Joined: 06 Feb 2002 Location: Tempe, AZ

I now back up every game I buy. This is because my little brother was playing around in my room, jumped off my bed and landed on a cd case. The cd inside was my brand new BM 6th Mix+Core which cost me all together $70 plus it was my first BM game. The disk popped out of the case partially because when he was playing around in my room the game fell from the shelf and then when he landed on it it snapped into two peices.
So that is what happens when you go out for a day and your little brother goes into your room. I was unable to play any BM, even though I had an offical IIDX controller until 5 months later when I bought Best Hits.

Tsuri · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2003 8:44 am Post subject:

No I would not purchase a backup, I don't need a backup of a game because my originals are all intact. But in the case of an event where they don't sell a game anymore (usually for PSX or DC) I would consider downloading an ISO and making a backup myself... but that wouldn't be paying some cheap fool off the internet for his cheesy copies of an ISO...