Advice on E:D tiers requested

[Pandamaniac]

I am a new backer of Elite: Dangerous (currently at the minimum level to receive the game) but I am unsure of what level is right for me, in terms of value. For a picture of me right now, see figure 1.

Figure 1: :S

Are lifelong expansions worth the upfront cost of the higher digital tiers (based on assumed pricing/frequency?) or is there a different tier with a better price to value ratio? I do want to contribute to Elite, but at the same time I am not made of money and I am looking to strike a balance.

If it makes a difference, I don't really value physical rewards (and they take away from the funding I contribute to develop E), and pure prestige rewards don't really appeal to me either (I don't care about being a founding member of "The Elite" or anything like that.)

Any help/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I understand that this is subjective, but I am hoping that Elite supporters more knowledgeable than myself could help put the rewards in perspective.

 

[Cmdr Eagleboy]

Are lifelong expansions worth the upfront cost of the higher digital tiers (based on assumed pricing/frequency?) or is there a different tier with a better price to value ratio? I do want to contribute to Elite, but at the same time I am not made of money and I am looking to strike a balance.

It's up to you to decide, but I can tell my reasons why I upgraded to digital downloads pack which includes lifelong pass for expansions - because David has explained what he wants to do in them (seamless landing on planets is my priority, it is must have, but in last Dev Diary as you have seen they already have early workings with avatars looking beyond initial release. Walking on ships, stations and at the end on planets - I dig that), and most importantly how he wants to them. He wants to deliver them as fully pledged expansions. They have said they provide this tier with loss to them and I believe them, because I have seen how much work they put into this game.

In nutshell, math is simple - digital download tier - 80 pounds which is game (30) + landing expansion (30) + walking expansion (30). And there FD have plans for at least five of them. It is quite simple decision, really.

Also digital downloads pack includes book, soundtrack (which promises to be high quality) and various starting choices. I think it is *ideal* tier to have for ED.

 

[roryscarlett]

Like you said a person's pledge is very subjective and there are so many considerations.

I have a few mates who I've been encouraging to pledge. I've told them to pledge at least £30 so they will get the game in March.

I think you have done the right thing and at least reserved your copy of the game. That will ensure you get to participate in the Gamma test phase from March and won't have to wait for the retail release, whenever that will be.

How much you want to pledge additionally will depend on so many things. Do you have a history as an Elite player? If you do then you may feel compelled to pledge higher as your interest in the game may be higher. Pledging up to the point where expansions are included would be a must in this scenario I think.
If you don't and you have never played an Elite game then you probably wouldn't want to pledge higher and at least get to play the game before spending more cash.

Hope this helps.

 

[Pandamaniac]

Thank you both for the input, it is extremely helpful. I will update this thread again with a more detailed explanation when I make a decision (actually donate more), but I expect to go with the Digital Download tier.

 

[DD_Crash]

Today I went for the Premium Boxed edition. It was only £10 more than the download pack and I get a map and T shirt

 

[Philip Coutts]

I'd echo the previous advice, it's worth what you are willing to pay. For me the tier that gives you all the updates is a bargain. It future proofs you for all the upcoming goodness from Frontier and who knows what king of stuff they will add on beyond planetary landings and walking about.......

 

[Patrick_68000]

I think. If you don't and you have never played an Elite game then you probably wouldn't want to pledge higher and at least get to play the game before spending more cash.

+1. Very clearly. There is, the desire to play a beautiful game of the space for the basic commitment, but there is also, love of Elite for the additional commitment

 

[Pandamaniac]

As an American, it was a jarring experience to see "international shipping" and know that it applies to me. So I had to go for the Digital Download, since I can't see myself dropping 20 pounds just to start in a different system.

Anyway, the deed is done. I really appreciate not only the help, but that there is nary a troll in sight. It is an almost surreal feeling.

 

[jan]

Welcome, any donation no matter the size is a welcoming addition to make this a uber game

 

[Susimetsa]

As an American, it was a jarring experience to see "international shipping" and know that it applies to me. So I had to go for the Digital Download, since I can't see myself dropping 20 pounds just to start in a different system.

You can always check the box that says that you do not wish to receive physical goods. But, yes, I agree that the international shipping is a bit jarring (applies to me too).

 

[FoxTwo]

I don't know why you guys are so worked up about "International Shipping". It always applies to me by default

It'll be jarring to me when "Domestic shipping" applies to me. Then I'd rather just pop down to the store and get it directly than wait couple of days for it to be delivered.

 

[atome]

Welcome to the community Panda!

 

[[VR] Mad Mike]

I don't know why you guys are so worked up about "International Shipping". It always applies to me by default

It'll be jarring to me when "Domestic shipping" applies to me. Then I'd rather just pop down to the store and get it directly than wait couple of days for it to be delivered.

I live a couple of miles from the frontier developments main office

wonder if i could pop over and pick up if I chose the £90 pledge?

PS related aside to this thread.

the T shirt, what sizes do they go up do? Do they have "Professional Darts player size" aka XXL?

 

[Pandamaniac]

I don't know why you guys are so worked up about "International Shipping". It always applies to me by default

It'll be jarring to me when "Domestic shipping" applies to me. Then I'd rather just pop down to the store and get it directly than wait couple of days for it to be delivered.

It isn't upsetting or anything, just not something I am used to. Almost everything sold in the US is shipped from within the US, international shipping having already been built into the price charged by the importer (if it wasn't made here).

And thanks for the warm welcome from everyone. That had as much to do with my pledge as the value offered for it. Nostalgia didn't do much for me, since I was 3 when Frontier: First Encounters was released, in diapers when Frontier: Elite II came out, and didn't exist for Elite.

Panda

 

[Jenner]

Wait, there are other countries besides the US? Where is Elite made again? I thought it was Cambridge Massachusetts.

 

[Kerrash]

Frontier: First Encounters[/I] was released, in diapers when Frontier: Elite II came out, and didn't exist for Elite.

Panda

No problem! It's great to have new commanders aboard!
...now your are making me feel old... LOL

 

[Greeboski]

Wait, there are other countries besides the US? Where is Elite made again? I thought it was Cambridge Massachusetts.

no not the ''knock off clone'' , the original cambridge