Discussion: NCsoft Expands with New Game Cards

BlueHeeler · 07-30-2008 11:55 AM

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Where did you find the ability to use Paypal to purchase game time? I'm looking, and not finding.

NVM, found it. You have to cancel your subscription (if you have one) to purchase time with Paypal.

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I could not locate this either.

Turgenev · 07-30-2008 11:58 AM

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Can you also ask about the hero gear kit stuff? Even if it doesn't include time, just a code to get the VIP badge and powerslide.

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IMO, it'd be for the badge, if you're a badger... that power slide just looks goofy. I find myself using the prestige Rush and Dash all the time these days for my travel FX. Different strokes, though...

@TURGENEV - Freedom Server / IRON / B.A.N.E / HORDE

Turg Fiction: Ghost in the Machine Acts III & IV coming 2012!
Turg Fiction: IX is now LIVE on Architect Entertainment!

McBoo · 07-30-2008 12:06 PM

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LH
I believe we understand the intent to bring in new customers. On that same note "The Community" has been asking for JETPACKS for several years now. We were given the jingle jet for the holidays which is one of the most popular items, then we were given the Raptor Pack with the safeguards / mayhem missions.

Now you are offering JETPACKS but not to your current customer base it may be considered an incentive to bring in new customers. I find it mildly insulting for you to say "We understand the interest in the jetpack..." Thats an understatement.

I was modeling it last night in Atlas park and it generated alot more than an interest, and that wasn't even during peak game time.

I would once again ask you to continue looking into JETPACKS for your current customer base in some fashion.
Nuff said.

Valor

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Agreed. While I'm not insulted by the response we've gotten so far I think that it's a fair solution to set up the new jet pack as a permanent addition to an existing player's account provided that they have paid for one of the new game cards. How we pay for our accounts shouldn't affect the items that we get in game.

I'm more than happy to purchase one of the new game cards and effectively pay a one time $5 charge for a new costume item/travel power that I can use in perpetuity. I am less inclined to do so if use of the new item/power means I'm paying an extra $5 per month for the privilege. The other thing to keep in mind is that eventually most of these unique items wind up being distributed as veteran rewards further down the line. Why not just beat the Christmas rush and offer them to us now?

It is easy to understand that the intent is to increase the customer base but I think that the existing player base should have the option to get the same benefit. Allowing existing players that purchase a game card to get the jet pack permanently isn't going to have any impact on whether or not the player base increases as a result of the new cards being available.

"I am a Tank. I am your first choice, I am your last hope." -- Rune Bull

"Durability is the quintessential super-power. " -- Sailboat

Andora · 07-30-2008 12:09 PM

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(And I'd love to see vets get a jinglejet at some point, just not with this degree of entitlement that I've been reading here.)

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Quoted for truth.

Jeez, I want a jetpack too, but telling the dev team (which works their butts off to give us awesome stuff) that it's an INSULT to give something cool to new customers? Really, no offense, but maybe we should re-examine our priorities. An insult is when someone calls you fat or stupid or slaps you across the face. Not when they use a neat marketing ploy to bring in NEW customers. New customers which will generate more income...which will give longterm players even cooler stuff than we already have.

Lighthouse has said he's passing the feedback along, so I'm sure that means he's letting the correct people know. After playing this game for 48 months, I feel pretty confident that NCNC is going to do what they can to make more options available for its current (and longterm) subscribers. But maybe instead of saying "Give it to me now because I pay 15 bucks a month, darn it," we could try "Hey, I really want this. Anyway to make it available permanently for vets?"

Honestly, I don't get this attitude that seems to exist on the boards that somehow NCSoft doesn't care about its players. Despte the mountain of evidence to the contrary.

Thraxis · 07-30-2008 12:10 PM

I want jet packs as a costume option, giving out a new shiney jetpack to new customers and not allowing people pkayign the game access to it is very annoying, I dont care how ya do it, make it like the wedding pack I'll gladly pay 10 bucks for access to a few jet pack costume options, some old and some new, preferably able to customize the colors, you guys are missing a cash boat here I have no idea what the hold up is.

UNLEASH JETPACKS NOW!

American_Valor · 07-30-2008 12:18 PM

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LH
I believe we understand the intent to bring in new customers. On that same note "The Community" has been asking for JETPACKS for several years now. We were given the jingle jet for the holidays which is one of the most popular items, then we were given the Raptor Pack with the safeguards / mayhem missions.

Now you are offering JETPACKS but not to your current customer base it may be considered an incentive to bring in new customers. I find it mildly insulting for you to say "We understand the interest in the jetpack..." Thats an understatement.

I was modeling it last night in Atlas park and it generated alot more than an interest, and that wasn't even during peak game time.

I would once again ask you to continue looking into JETPACKS for your current customer base in some fashion.
Nuff said.

Valor

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Get Fly.

Nuff said.

(And I'd love to see vets get a jinglejet at some point, just not with this degree of entitlement that I've been reading here.)

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weather or not I have fly is not the point of this discussion. This is about the new Game Card and the new temp power JetPack.

Its a great idea and I support it fully in the aspect they intend to use it to get new customers to replace the vets and others who eventually move to the next great thing. Some come back, some don't. I haven't left yet maybe I will someday, but until then I would like to enjoy the game the way I enjoy it without being a burden to you and your style of play.

At lvl 50 if I want a lvl1 character that flies out of the gate I have to be a PB. Or I have to wait until I get hover at 6, raptor from safeguard, or if during the holidays jingle jet, which I happen to think is a awesome holiday item, and would like it to remain so.

Why do you think It is linked to some type of entitlement. We as a community have been wanting a jetpack for our hero concepts weather with a temp fly power attached or a receipt like rocket boots for sometime.

Thanks for the bandwith
Valor

Quote:

by Star Ranger 4
WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT.
WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO!

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

BlueHeeler · 07-30-2008 12:27 PM

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Well, if you have a credit card to purchase something on the store, why not just use that to buy game time?

Well, I do use a credit card and buy in bundles its cheaper by far then the monthly card route. However to get this I have to pay more per month the the discounted package deals correct. So being a loyal customer 35 months straight and GvsE pack and wedding pack and arachnos helment code add ons why we can't just upgrade our accounts is kinda shocking.

I mean if its a new account or something I could see credit fraud that you speak of. But if I'm using my same card which I have used for almost 3 years now I don't see how you all would or could possible have any concerns.

I see you have brought this to others attentions and I guess I'll hang out and wait??? Do you think a response will be quick or is this something that will drag on a while???

Thanks for your info Lighthouse any thing else would really be keen.

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I'm not exactly sure what you are asking. Someone asked about buying Time Cards from the NC Soft Store site because they are hard to find. Lighthouse responded that if a person has a credit card to buy stuff from the NC Soft Store, then that person should just pay the subscription rather than buy timecard codes. He indicated that credit card fraud is a problem. Why? Since I know something about credit card fraud, I'll make a guess.

When you purchase a code, such as a time card code, it is an instantaneous transaction -- enter the information on your credit card, and boom, you have a code. It often takes time for the credit card company (MC or VISA) to advise a vendor (like NC Soft) that a card number is fraudulent. Therefore, there is no way to get back that code . . . I don't know if NC Soft has a way to track the code back to the transaction, but it wouldn't surprise me if they didn't. Those codes are probably generated using some kind of algorithm and verified with some kind of check-sum system.

When you subscribe for game time, your credit card information is linked to your account. If someone commits credit card fraud, then the account can be shut down as soon as it is discovered, or there is a chance that there might be a way to track down the person committing the fraud.

Lighthouse made a valid point: Why use your credit card to purchase a game time code, when you could simply use the credit card to purchase game time directly? Maybe if you are buying the card as a gift, but that's just about the only good reason.

(I don't consider someone's inability to manage their finances to be a good reason why that person can't use a credit card unless he doesn't have one -- in which case he can use a purchased Visa gift card or try to find the NC Soft game time cards -- not these new Game Cards which are supposed to be for new players.)

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Not that long ago many people were having billing problems with their COH accounts. It had something to do with U.S. banks having issues with NCSoft due to their billing taking place in Korea, where apparently much credit card fraud occurs.

These customers would discover that their automatic billing did not go through and would then be shut out of their account(s). They would then have to track down the dept at their bank that handles such issues and try to get it resolved, without it becoming a time consuming event.

I can understand why many people do not want to go though such hassles and would reather have a pay on demand service available.

Also, sometimes its not "someone's inability to manage their finances" that's a problem. Many times unforseen events occur that srew up your finances. Not that long ago the water heater in my mother's home broke, and I helped her out with that financially, which in turn throguh off my finances for a bit.

Luckily I had purshased 2 couple of months worth of time cards a few weeks before, otherwise I would have had not been able to pay when my autobilling came due.

BlueHeeler · 07-30-2008 12:33 PM

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LH
I believe we understand the intent to bring in new customers. On that same note "The Community" has been asking for JETPACKS for several years now. We were given the jingle jet for the holidays which is one of the most popular items, then we were given the Raptor Pack with the safeguards / mayhem missions.

Now you are offering JETPACKS but not to your current customer base it may be considered an incentive to bring in new customers. I find it mildly insulting for you to say "We understand the interest in the jetpack..." Thats an understatement.

I was modeling it last night in Atlas park and it generated alot more than an interest, and that wasn't even during peak game time.

I would once again ask you to continue looking into JETPACKS for your current customer base in some fashion.
Nuff said.

Valor

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Get Fly.

Nuff said.

(And I'd love to see vets get a jinglejet at some point, just not with this degree of entitlement that I've been reading here.)

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weather or not I have fly is not the point of this discussion. This is about the new Game Card and the new temp power JetPack.

Its a great idea and I support it fully in the aspect they intend to use it to get new customers to replace the vets and others who eventually move to the next great thing. Some come back, some don't. I haven't left yet maybe I will someday, but until then I would like to enjoy the game the way I enjoy it without being a burden to you and your style of play.

At lvl 50 if I want a lvl1 character that flies out of the gate I have to be a PB. Or I have to wait until I get hover at 6, raptor from safeguard, or if during the holidays jingle jet, which I happen to think is a awesome holiday item, and would like it to remain so.

Why do you think It is linked to some type of entitlement. We as a community have been wanting a jetpack for our hero concepts weather with a temp fly power attached or a receipt like rocket boots for sometime.

Thanks for the bandwith
Valor

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I'm not sure why we can't buy jetpacks or superjump packs from venders in game like you can at the arena, but I would think this would be a grat quality of life improvement. Zones like the Shadow Shards would benefit greatly from this ability.

The temp powers don't have to be anywhere close to the speed of the regular powers to be useful and fun.

MajorDecoy · 07-30-2008 12:38 PM

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I'm more than happy to purchase one of the new game cards and effectively pay a one time $5 charge for a new costume item/travel power that I can use in perpetuity. I am less inclined to do so if use of the new item/power means I'm paying an extra $5 per month for the privilege.

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I believe this is entirely the point. Not having to get a travel power frees up two power selections. That's a huge benefit. That's why it's 30 days real time instead of 30 days ingame time.

Veteran powers are nice, but not something that would free up power selection like that.

I mean, no one is going to get the Nemesis staff and decide "You know, I don't need to get any attacks now." (I'll agree, that they may skip one attack in favor of another, but at some point, most people fill up their attack chains enough so they stop using the veteran powers.) The "Gather the team" certainly won't work in place of Teleport (and it's not a good replacement for those who want team teleport either).

I don't think there should be the option of buying a permanent Jet Pack.

Yes, I want to see Jet Packs added as costume options. It'd be really cool too, if they animated when we used powers like Flight and Super Jump. Or a Backpack with a huge thruster that pointed directly backwards that animated with Super Speed.

I'd even be okay with those made into a pack like the Wedding pack (though I'd be much happier if they were just tacked on to one of the issues).

SeedyXX · 07-30-2008 01:37 PM

I think temp powers should be temporary. This pack is a nice gift for a new player just starting out that paid double what they could have got from a bargain bin. Then it's gone like their money, but hopefully the player will stay and use a real travel power.

No permanent temp powers!!! It's oxymoronic!

Jer

Chase_Arcanum · 07-30-2008 01:58 PM

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I think temp powers should be temporary. This pack is a nice gift for a new player just starting out that paid double what they could have got from a bargain bin. Then it's gone like their money, but hopefully the player will stay and use a real travel power.

No permanent temp powers!!! It's oxymoronic!

Jer

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technically, doesn't our permanent unslottable "origin" power appear as a temp?

Of course, I agree with you, but just sayin

Turgenev · 07-30-2008 02:10 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
LH
I believe we understand the intent to bring in new customers. On that same note "The Community" has been asking for JETPACKS for several years now. We were given the jingle jet for the holidays which is one of the most popular items, then we were given the Raptor Pack with the safeguards / mayhem missions.

Now you are offering JETPACKS but not to your current customer base it may be considered an incentive to bring in new customers. I find it mildly insulting for you to say "We understand the interest in the jetpack..." Thats an understatement.

I was modeling it last night in Atlas park and it generated alot more than an interest, and that wasn't even during peak game time.

I would once again ask you to continue looking into JETPACKS for your current customer base in some fashion.
Nuff said.

Valor

[/ QUOTE ]

Get Fly.

Nuff said.

(And I'd love to see vets get a jinglejet at some point, just not with this degree of entitlement that I've been reading here.)

[/ QUOTE ]

weather or not I have fly is not the point of this discussion. This is about the new Game Card and the new temp power JetPack.

Its a great idea and I support it fully in the aspect they intend to use it to get new customers to replace the vets and others who eventually move to the next great thing. Some come back, some don't. I haven't left yet maybe I will someday, but until then I would like to enjoy the game the way I enjoy it without being a burden to you and your style of play.

At lvl 50 if I want a lvl1 character that flies out of the gate I have to be a PB. Or I have to wait until I get hover at 6, raptor from safeguard, or if during the holidays jingle jet, which I happen to think is a awesome holiday item, and would like it to remain so.

Why do you think It is linked to some type of entitlement. We as a community have been wanting a jetpack for our hero concepts weather with a temp fly power attached or a receipt like rocket boots for sometime.

Thanks for the bandwith
Valor

[/ QUOTE ]

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Now you are offering JETPACKS but not to your current customer base it may be considered an incentive to bring in new customers. I find it mildly insulting for you to say "We understand the interest in the jetpack..." Thats an understatement.

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Entitlement.

Understand: I think jetpacks should be an additional backpack item, similar to wings and whatnot. NOT as a power, but as a costume item. I think it's a good idea. What I think is a POOR PRESENTATION of that idea is your post.

So, yeah. Entitlement.

@TURGENEV - Freedom Server / IRON / B.A.N.E / HORDE

Turg Fiction: Ghost in the Machine Acts III & IV coming 2012!
Turg Fiction: IX is now LIVE on Architect Entertainment!

SeedyXX · 07-30-2008 02:31 PM

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I think temp powers should be temporary. This pack is a nice gift for a new player just starting out that paid double what they could have got from a bargain bin. Then it's gone like their money, but hopefully the player will stay and use a real travel power.

No permanent temp powers!!! It's oxymoronic!

Jer

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technically, doesn't our permanent unslottable "origin" power appear as a temp?

Of course, I agree with you, but just sayin

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I'd be fine if it was gone at level 10 like originally designed. Someone probably cried about losing the ranged brawl damage, so now it's permanent.

To want every character one ever makes to be able to fly from level 1 through the tutorial to level 50 and forever is like asking for a pony and a pony NOW! Get over it.

All the jet packs should expire, unless they make it a custom costume piece tied in with taking flight and its prerequisite from the flight pool. Costume pieces are cool. Buying powers instead of earning them is lame.

Jer

Janlee · 07-30-2008 03:49 PM

I got the GameCard, and I am on a monthly credit card payment...I continue.

All my characters fly, so on my 50, the speed difference between fly and the jet-pack is 10 MPH.

The Jump-Jet add-on works with the jet-pack (just can't see it unless the flames come out of the jump-jet).

It sort of looks like the Goldbricker's jet-pack, but it is red, blue and grey without the antenna.

The pack does invis when you are invisible, but the flames are still visible.

It is on the account, so new characters on the account during the time get it at level 1. You don't even get to use the Pocket D teleport until level 3, but this is available at level 1 during the time you have it.

When I picked mine up at target, there was no tax charged, so all you need is a $20 (USD) bill to get one.

Yes, $15 (USD) is good for 30 days of game time, when you buy a time card, but this is a game-card.

The problem is, since there is no CD/DVD with the card, you have to download the client from the FTP site.

But it is credit card size, and depending on the store, are easily located.

Plus, come on, a flight pack that hardly anyone else has?

When I was in Pocket D, showing people what it looked like, I was asked if I was a dev.

It is a thrill.

Sometimes, I impress my boss. Sometimes, I impress myself. The rest of the time, I scare people. I can live with that.

McBoo · 07-30-2008 03:55 PM

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I think temp powers should be temporary. This pack is a nice gift for a new player just starting out that paid double what they could have got from a bargain bin. Then it's gone like their money, but hopefully the player will stay and use a real travel power.

No permanent temp powers!!! It's oxymoronic!

Jer

[/ QUOTE ]

technically, doesn't our permanent unslottable "origin" power appear as a temp?

Of course, I agree with you, but just sayin

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd be fine if it was gone at level 10 like originally designed. Someone probably cried about losing the ranged brawl damage, so now it's permanent.

To want every character one ever makes to be able to fly from level 1 through the tutorial to level 50 and forever is like asking for a pony and a pony NOW! Get over it.

All the jet packs should expire, unless they make it a custom costume piece tied in with taking flight and its prerequisite from the flight pool. Costume pieces are cool. Buying powers instead of earning them is lame.

Jer

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Buying powers like the St. Louis Slammer, Gabriel's Hammer, Revolver and Ethereal Shift? I'm in full support of having the new jet pack be a new costume item only. That would work just fine. New accounts get a temp power and existing accounts get a new costume item or both accounts get a temp power that eventually becomes a costume item after 30 days. Sign me up!

"I am a Tank. I am your first choice, I am your last hope." -- Rune Bull

"Durability is the quintessential super-power. " -- Sailboat

American_Valor · 07-30-2008 05:07 PM

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I think temp powers should be temporary. This pack is a nice gift for a new player just starting out that paid double what they could have got from a bargain bin. Then it's gone like their money, but hopefully the player will stay and use a real travel power.

No permanent temp powers!!! It's oxymoronic!

Jer

[/ QUOTE ]

technically, doesn't our permanent unslottable "origin" power appear as a temp?

Of course, I agree with you, but just sayin

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd be fine if it was gone at level 10 like originally designed. Someone probably cried about losing the ranged brawl damage, so now it's permanent.

To want every character one ever makes to be able to fly from level 1 through the tutorial to level 50 and forever is like asking for a pony and a pony NOW! Get over it.

All the jet packs should expire, unless they make it a custom costume piece tied in with taking flight and its prerequisite from the flight pool. Costume pieces are cool. Buying powers instead of earning them is lame.

Jer

[/ QUOTE ]

Buying powers like the St. Louis Slammer, Gabriel's Hammer, Revolver and Ethereal Shift? I'm in full support of having the new jet pack be a new costume item only. That would work just fine. New accounts get a temp power and existing accounts get a new costume item or both accounts get a temp power that eventually becomes a costume item after 30 days. Sign me up!

[/ QUOTE ]

QFT

Valor

Quote:

by Star Ranger 4
WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT.
WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO!

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Starhammer · 07-30-2008 06:23 PM

Since LH is passing on the feedback, I'll add my voice to the chorus. I may buy one of these game cards for the novelty of having the Britannia Pack for a month, or I may not. It is advantageous that I now have the option of paying for game time with my Target department store card.

However if we were offered a "Jet Pack Pack" on the NC Store, with a variety of customizable jetpacks as costume pieces, maybe free Rocket Boots, or possibly a new alternative rocket boot design, and either a either a 30 day real time or 2 hour game time temp power equivalent of Fly, or instead a permanent temp power of Hover (permanent free Fly would be too unbalancing, Hover is just a handy utility on the other hand), then I would definitely purchase it as immediately as possible, and would happily pay $5, $10, or even $20ish dollars for it.

I will point out that I still feel a little disappointed that the Wedding Pack didn't come with a token badge of some sort (and also the lack of a 3d lapel flower or two in chest options for jackets/over, but that's off topic) and would like to see some sort of "Rocketeer" like badge to go with such a pack.

EDIT: Ooh! and Rocket Gloves too. I want a set of Sky Raider gauntlets with a jet exhaust on the back for increased steering control while flying, and also for Rocket Assisted Uppercuts

Dear NCsoft, if you go through with this shutdown you've guaranteed you'll not see another dime from me on any project you put out, ever.

http://xx-starhammer-xx.deviantart.com/

Desi_Nova · 07-30-2008 09:09 PM

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Not that long ago many people were having billing problems with their COH accounts. It had something to do with U.S. banks having issues with NCSoft due to their billing taking place in Korea, where apparently much credit card fraud occurs.

Also, sometimes its not "someone's inability to manage their finances" that's a problem. Many times unforseen events occur that srew up your finances. Not that long ago the water heater in my mother's home broke, and I helped her out with that financially, which in turn throguh off my finances for a bit.

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I had a situation a while back where due to Server problems with my bank, the Debit card I was using showed an incorrect balance, If it weren't for having the cash to purchase a Game Time card I wouldnt be able to access the game (NCSOFT still won't take that card for Subscription even though it's a visa Logo'd Card

On Justice
Global @Desi Nova Twitter: @desi_nova Steam: Desi_nova. I don't do Xbox or PS3

Rajani Isa · 07-30-2008 09:40 PM

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I want jet packs as a costume option, giving out a new shiney jetpack to new customers and not allowing people pkayign the game access to it is very annoying, I dont care how ya do it, make it like the wedding pack I'll gladly pay 10 bucks for access to a few jet pack costume options, some old and some new, preferably able to customize the colors, you guys are missing a cash boat here I have no idea what the hold up is.

UNLEASH JETPACKS NOW!

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But it's not a costume option, it's a temp power.

Just bug Sexy Jay again for backpacks/jetpacks.